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comment by user-inactivated
user-inactivated  ·  3633 days ago  ·  link  ·    ·  parent  ·  post: "SAVE A LIFE, KILL A COP" flyers distributed in Albuquerque newspapers

Obviously satire. I think most anarchist agree that cops are part of the working class. They are infested with terrible people, due to the structure of their organization and it's relation to the state.

As an anarchist, I'd postulate that groups like the police are useful in some aspects. Trained to respond to emergency situations and violence. Quick response (depending on the area's wealth...), well-versed in rights and freedoms (ideally...).

They should be organized democratically at a grassroots level, represent the community, and work toward empowering the community rather than enforcing bullshit laws.





DioSoze  ·  3620 days ago  ·  link  ·  

Law enforcement is not a part of the working class. Law enforcement actually represents a very distinct class that does not fall easily into the capitalist/worker paradigm.

They are guaranteed economic security, due to state privilege, state employment, police unions and pensions. They are also given special legal status that gives them privilege in respect to acting violently.

They don't own the means of production. They do, however, own the means of enforcement on claims of capital. That is a product or service that they have a full monopoly on. And they use it primarily to protect the elite, the state and the individuals at the top of the hierarchy.

Panopticon  ·  3632 days ago  ·  link  ·  

The relation of an organisation to the state defines whether it is working class or not, and the police exist to suppress the consciousness of the working class. They terrorise minorities and infiltrate leftist groups. Any "anarchist" who supports the police is likely a middle class white man that has never been in close contact with them.

user-inactivated  ·  3630 days ago  ·  link  ·  

"support" is too far, but they clearly don't own the means of production.

Panopticon  ·  3629 days ago  ·  link  ·  

Neither do clergymen. I suppose the priest is the natural ally of the socialist?

user-inactivated  ·  3628 days ago  ·  link  ·  

there is a decent history of liberation theology

Panopticon  ·  3627 days ago  ·  link  ·  

A history of liberation theologians being persecuted by the mainstream of the Catholic church, yes.

user-inactivated  ·  3633 days ago  ·  link  ·  

Any anarchist that tries to convince an abuse survivor to not contact the police is a terrible person. Protecting your physical safety and that safety of others isn't "narcing".