August 22, 1968
by Amy
There are a number of organizations - ours included - that plan on organizing the McCarthy kids. We know that they're going to be good and pissed by the time the convention is done. We have to get to them before they throw their arms up and go home, only to do God know what. Probably nothing.
I hate our system. Really. What are the losers supposed to do? We all know that the Hawks are violent by nature. If they don't get their way by popular vote, then they'll crack heads and bones. Intimidation and the rest. We all know that, don't we? So they get their way. It doesn't matter.
Coleman's quibble with nonviolence is that life is, by nature, survival of the fittest. If that's the case, then the violent ones win. The violent ones have no humanity. The system is a *thing* and therefore, has no reason. I believe, strongly, that this is a dangerous philosophy. The system, as it stands, is backed by humans. Humans have feelings and families. When you deny someone's humanity, it gives you the right to do all sorts of terrible deeds.
He says that nonviolence will never stand up against violence. It just won't work.
As I write this, I can't believe that I'm even having this discussion. This is exactly why I put distance between myself and Coleman. It's the same damn conversation I've had with him, and it eventually ends with the idea that I'm an idealist and he's a passionate revolutionary.
He says he has things stockpiled "just in case." He, like others I presume. I don't know how many others. I do know that we're doing everything we can to make sure those others aren't involved in any of the actions that we're planning this week. Violence can be someone else's thing, not ours.
