community-based, non-corporate, participatory media
call to action: reclaim the streets april 6. erie, pa
by roots action group
Wednesday, Mar. 19, 2003 at 1:42 AM
rag@mutualaid.org
reclaim the streets party, sunday april 6. erie, pa. meet at perry square (6th and state streets). 2:00 pm.
RECLAIM THE STEETS of ERIE, PA
It's about reclaiming the streets as public inclusive space from the private exclusive use of the car. But we believe in this as a broader principle, taking back those things which have been enclosed within capitalist circulation and returning them to collective use as a commons.
For too long have our voices been marginalized out of society's earshot, as if we have nothing to say. But for at least this one day, our voice will be heard clear: THIS IS OUR CITY, THESE ARE OUR STREETS! WE DEMAND A SPACE FOR OURSELVES-- THE PEOPLE OF ERIE, THE YOUTH OF ERIE. YOU CAN TELL US WHAT TO DO ONLY INSOFAR AS WE ALLOW. FUCK THE PLUTOCRACY, WE ARE THE POWER!
We have the voice to pronounce our opposition to corporate america's agenda. We have a voice to oppose fighting wars for corporate interests. We have a voice to oppose the degrading advertising that promotes worthless products. We have a voice to oppose the continued destruction of our communities and our integrity. We have a voice to oppose working at worthless, pointless, near slave-wage jobs! We have the voice to proclaim our independence!
For the city, the streets are the commons, but in the hands of industry and power brokers the streets have become mere conduits for commerce and consumption - the economic hero of which is, of course, the car. A symbol and a symptom of the social and ecological nightmare that state and capitalism create, the car which promises individual freedom ends up guaranteeing noise, destruction and pollution for all. With a metal river on one side and endless windows of consumerism on the other, the street's true purpose: social interaction, becomes an uneconomic diversion. In its place the corporate - controlled one-way media of newspapers, radio and television become "the community". Their interpretation our reality. In this sense the streets are the alternative and subversive form of the mass media. Where authentic communication, immediate and reciprocal, takes place.
To "reclaim the streets" is to act in defence of and for common ground. To tear down the fence of enclosure that profit-making demands. And the Street Party - far from being just anti-car - is an explosion of our suppressed potential, a celebration of our diversity and a chorus of voices in solidarity.
A festival of resistance!
Come join the festivities! Bring your instruments (DRUMS!!), banners, puppets, and wear your costumes!
If you are in a band and would like to perform an (at this point) acoustic set, contact us at rag@mutualaid.org.
![[masthead]](/images/masthead_140.png)