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Nonetheless, we, the radical left, find ourselves in confusing times, especially as anarchists. Consider how in the anarchist spectrum alone there are confusing developments, from anarcho-capitalists (a bad joke) to apparently also anarcho-conspiracynuts (a frightening mix). From both I have to distance myself. Such rifts are not all that new, though. When one reads the biographies of the old anarchists it becomes clear that already around the 1900s there were important differences and discussions between individualistic and communal strands of anarchy. In addition, groups with an affinity for conspiracies such as We Are Change and Zeitgeist tried to infiltrate anarchist circles as early as 2011 during the Occupy movement.

In any case, I am convinced that such differences must be worked out and named so that some form of cooperation is possible again, even if only by setting boundaries. Signs, even of such fundamental differences, can often be subtle, it took me 5 months to finally fully understand them. I don't want to discourage anyone, but anyone who plans to get involved in organising Anarchy2023 should at least know with whom/what they are getting into. Ditto for those attending the July meeting.

For me personally, it is very clear that I cannot work with people who took part in demonstrations against the Covid19 protective measures. I need to set a boundary towards people who want me dead. Just as anarchy today takes a stand against racism, sexism, queer- and transphobia, it should also position itself against ableism (and ageism). Anarchist groups, that do not protect their disabled and chronically ill comrades, or even exclude them from participation, are not actually anarchists.

Everyone hopes that the pandemic will be over soon. And at this point in time in the absurd nation state called Switzerland the numbers are looking pretty good. But viruses do not respect borders, so an international meeting could remain a risk. In addition, things can start up here again any time, and we should be prepared for such scenarios. The more people or groups that remain cautious by their own volition, the better the perspective. For many of us, the risk simply is too great.

So this is why unfortunately i had to write this text, as a warning, so that people know what they are getting themselves into.

Once again: As of today, both the meeting itself and the organisation of the meeting are not planned in a covid-safe manner, which excludes all people who still need or want to protect themselves from COVID-19. This, by definition, is ableism. If, like me, you disagree with this strategy, please contact info@anarchy.org. Please help out that anarchy can not be reinterpreted in an immature fashion (no rules or we throw a tantrum) or goes down the conspiratorial rabid hole. If all else fails, warn your international contacts if they plan to attend this meeting.

It is true. I dream of an anarchist meeting for everyone. But anarcho-conspiracynuts want a meeting without people like me, because we would restrict their "freedom". Unfortunately, this (tolerance) paradox cannot be resolved.

Anarchy2023 - Free of conspiracy nuts!

#Anarchy2023 #Anarchy #Ableism