#indyref: good commentary from Chomsky: Voting Yes is not a solution in itself, nor is it an absolute prelude to a solution... the struggle against global corporate control, our own continuing ruling elites, militarism, austerity, complicity in mass murder (Palestine, Iraq, Afghanistan, etc), only continues after a Yes vote... perhaps it continues with more autonomy, but it is up to us the people, and not the political and business class, to determine this. The ruling elite in Scotland can take full advantage of a Yes vote and turn it toward another neoliberal state-machine for their own ends - have no illusions here - THEY have the power. All we achieve with a Yes vote is the momentary peppered sting in the eyes of the Westminster class that allows us the opportunity to prepare for a good solid strike... but we need the punch to land, and this will not be easy because: all of the flash photography (the media, the marvel, the myth) will blind us; our promoters (the SNP and their acolytes) are already plotting how to exploit our future careers; the referee is firmly in the pocket of our opponents; and moreover we are the underdogs and this is our first championship fight against a consistently formidable world champion. But then at least we are here... at least we can almost grasp this *fleeting* opportunity... Getting over the line is important, but do not sell the argument falsely, for it is to play the political game to do so. We must play the human game, the struggle of honesty over conceit. Finally, smash any nationalism you see and hear in support of a Yes vote. This is NOT about being Scottish, this is not about not being British - these are fictitious identities which only serve to divide us among ourselves so that our elites can better manage us. This is not about creating a new border, or a new state - although these will be unfortunate and regressive outcomes - this is about the partial dismantling of one of the most totemic state apparatus in world history, this is about politicisation of the people who live here in order that we can build stronger and more persistent networks of resilience, resistance, and solidarity from now on, inclusive of any and all who come to join us living here in the future. #voteYes or #voteNo, but dont sell the vote in the name of Scotland or Britain or any other pishy illusory notion of self-identification.
Posted on: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 11:06:40 +0000