The world today cries out for radical, fundamental change.
We live on a planet where tens of millions of people died in the two world wars in the 20th century, and in other wars since then…and where large parts of humanity today continue to be caught up in brutal and destructive wars, resulting in massive loss of life and incalculable agony.
We live in a world where millions die from easily preventable diseases…and still more face hunger as a daily fact of life. We are locked inside a worldwide economic system that dispenses crumbs and extends privileges to a relatively small number, while forcing billions to seek desperately for work that more often than not numbs the mind, crushes the spirit and destroys the body…an economic system which has devastated and despoiled nature itself and now has put the future of human life into question.
We walk through our days in a world where the lives of countless children are ground up and destroyed, some as child laborers and even outright slaves, others as the victims of poverty and humiliation…their potential crushed, or their lives cut short. And everywhere, women—one half of humanity!—still face the gauntlet of rape and abuse, and the continual oppression and hostility that comes in forms both traditional and “modern.”
People whose sexual orientation or identity is different from the dominant norms in society—and this is particularly and acutely so where this in some significant way conflicts with the prevailing patriarchal sexual relations—are discriminated against and persecuted, and many are subjected to brutal, even murderous attacks.
Tens of millions of people in this country face a life of grinding exploitation and bitter desperation. Many have been driven here from countries which have been plundered by U.S. capital, only to find themselves dubbed “illegal” and forced into the shadows by Gestapo-like persecution. Especially among Black people, as well as other peoples of color and oppressed nationalities, great masses of people have been cast aside because they can no longer be profitably exploited. Instead of recognizing their humanity and unleashing their potential, this system has criminalized them—with one in nine young Black men locked down in prison, and with Black and Latino youth having to face harassment, brutality, and the constant threat of death at the hands of the police whenever they walk out the door. Meanwhile the apple-pie racism of America festers and often boils over, in forms old and new.
On top of all that, this economic and social system forces everyone to look at, and to treat, everyone else as potential competitors and antagonists. “Dog eat dog” and “look out for number one” are the true commandments of this society. Those who try to make things better, within the confines of this system, find their efforts constantly frustrated, unable to get at the underlying problems.
As a result of all this, alienation and despair run rampant, and people feel as if their lives are empty and meaningless. And for relief? Either the mindless chase after ever more commodities, or the false fantasies and consolation of religion.
But the cruelest fact of all is this: IT DOES NOT HAVE TO BE THIS WAY! For here is the glaring contradiction: in today’s world the production of things, and the distribution of the things produced, is overwhelmingly carried out by large numbers of people who work collectively and are organized in highly coordinated networks. At the foundation of this whole process is the proletariat, an international class which owns nothing, yet has created and works these massive socialized productive forces. These tremendous productive powers could enable humanity to not only meet the basic needs of every person on the planet, but to build a new society, with a whole different set of social relations and values…a society where all people could truly and fully flourish together.
Promo to raise funds for ‘Occasioned by BAsics: A Celebration of Revolution and the Vision of a New World.’ A film about a cultural event where people felt a door opened to the potential for a whole new world… a different way to think, feel and be. Contribute to this film, help this take further flight.
I’m trying something different this year: this Sunday, May 15th, is my birthday. Most of you, probably even those who are my closest friends, don’t even know that, because its usually one of the hardest days of the year for me, and I try to just survive through the day without anyone know it or having to confront it publicly. But I’ve decided to try to change that this year.
Despite the very difficult political prosecution and imprisonment I’ve faced this last year, I’ve actually met and had the opportunity to get to know many of you – and many of you more deeply – through the course of the struggle to defeat this political prosecution I’m facing (and in case you’ve somehow missed that little detail of my recent life, check out more info about it at my defense committee’s website, www.dropthecharges.net). I’m constantly amazed at how many wonderful relationships I have developed through the course of this battle. And even more broadly, I’m amazed at the places I’ve been and the people I’ve met in the course of being engaged in the revolutionary struggle to bring into being a liberated future for all humanity that my life has been dedicated to since my release from prison a mere four-and-a-half years ago.
Although your friendship and support is far more precious to me than anything I could ever asked for, I’ve probably never asked you for a birthday gift. This year, aside from probably for the first time welcoming your warm birthday regards, I’m asking that you help my friends in the band Outernational fund their debut album.
With a sound that busts straight through the drab and degrading commodified cultural confines that encircle us on all sides, Outernational inspires with a liberating vision of a whole other future for humanity – “No borders or banks, no wars or tanks, no nations!” Kick-ass righteous revolutionary future rock that shakes the foundation of this oppressive system we live under. If you dream of a radically different way of living and you don’t wanna hear the same old sound, then you need to check out and support Outernational.
As Miles Solay, vocalist for Outernational, said recently: “We need a whole new culture that doesn’t degrade people or put women down, but shows a whole other way we could live. An inspiring culture that lifts people’s sights and their hope to change the world.”
Outernational is funding their debut album through Kickstarter:
“We are thrilled to announce the recording of OUTERNATIONAL’S DEBUT FULL LENGTH ALBUM! Basic tracking is underway and 13 new songs are in progress for Outernational’s first LP and declaration to the world. Teaming up with the band on this important new recording are drummer Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), co-producer Tom Morello, and engineer Jim Scott.
This album is being driven by a radical vision for the future: a world without borders, a new hope for young people, and a rejuvenated spirit of resistance and creation in these dark days of 2011. There’s no other band like Outernational and no other record like this being made now. We are making revolutionary culture, songs and art for a new generation of kids, bands, dreamers and trouble-makers. And to do it, WE NEED YOU.
$20,000 needs to be raised in 4 weeks to finish the record and we are relying on you to make sure this happens. Kickstarter is ‘all or nothing’ and we will only be funded if we reach 100% of the goal. Rewards for your pledges include vinyls and artwork, clothing designed by the band, and even autographed instruments used in the recording! But the number one reward for your support is Outernational itself – enabling this band to step out in 2011.”
They need to reach $20,000 of funding before May 15th – so I’m personally asking that you help ensure that they reach that goal. Plus you can get some really cool gifts from the band for donating. But most importantly, you’ll be helping ensure that music with purpose and a radical and revolutionary culture and vision for the future has the chance to break out into society, lift people’s sights and inspire the world.
I hope you’ll contribute, and I deeply thank you for your friendship and support.
