Anarchists plan to disrupt delegates at Pepsi Center
Ryan Sabalow, Rocky Mountain News
Published August 26, 2008 at 1:36 p.m.
Updated August 26, 2008 at 3:13 p.m.
PEPSI CENTER — The same anarchist protesters who Monday night blocked off a downtown street and clashed with officers in riot gear say on their Web site that they plan a similar disruption tonight at the Pepsi Center aimed at stopping delegates from reaching the arena.
The Web site of DNC Disruption 08 says that protesters are to take two different tactics tonight — "snake marches" and blockades.
"Two snake marches will leave from two locations north and south of the Pepsi Center, making their way through downtown in a raucous, festive manner (bring your noise makers!) to delegate entrances at the Pepsi Center," the site reads. "Should one or both of the marches not reach the security perimeter, the marches will fall back to secondary goals."
The time and exact locations were not revealed. As of midafternoon, the area around the arena was mostly calm. Shortly after 2:30 a small group of protesters approached the Pepsi Center perimeter, but members were pushed back by police.
The site says the group Unconventional Denver is calling out to other uncommitted "affinity groups" for help.
"With our goal of blockading delegates and holding space, we need affinity groups to decide what roles they can fill to meet this goal," the site says. "Start planning with your affinity group now about what you are able to do."
Interested protesters are urged to send out e-mails from anonymous addresses to contact other potential members.
"With this action, there are many different levels of success," the site says. "First and foremost, the complete abolition of the state (Unconventional Denver will foot the bill on the after-party) is our goal. Barring that, we are seeking to disrupt the convention."
On Monday night, about 100 protesters were arrested following an unpermitted march that began around in or near Civic Center and ended at a wall of officers in riot gear on 15th Street at the intersection of Court Place.
The DNC Disruption 08 Web site says in an entry for Monday that those interested in being a part of the protest were to gather at 6 p.m. at Civic Center in downtown.
The says to look for "spritely (sic) elves" in orange bandannas who will be giving out "top secret" information on a couple of the choicest fundraisers and parties in Denver.
Folks were encouraged to come play "direct-action games," and "get some last-minute training before going into action," the site says.
"When they least expect it, at the appointed time Monday night, we’ll emerge from the shadows to reconvene in downtown and get down and dirty," the site said.
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August 26, 2008
1:55 p.m.
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Devil_Dog writes:
So how do you get a permit for a Parade of Morons?
August 26, 2008
1:59 p.m.
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temurlan writes:
When did the RMN start advertising for an anarchist group? Are they hoping for a bigger story?
August 26, 2008
2:16 p.m.
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riosmom6 writes:
This is one big, flippin' freak show. Lord, help us all.
August 26, 2008
2:21 p.m.
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cjlocorado writes:
For sure! Grow up & get a life...
August 26, 2008
2:24 p.m.
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Craig writes:
Despite what these groups claim as their objective, I suspect their main goal is to provoke a spectacle to be beamed around the world. Broadcast news can perform a real public service by showing restraint in what images they show.
August 26, 2008
2:24 p.m.
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NMBronco writes:
Can an anarchists have a plan?
August 26, 2008
2:30 p.m.
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LingLingfor_prez writes:
Anarchists belong in a raft in the middle of the pacific. They can make all the trouble they want out there.
August 26, 2008
2:31 p.m.
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JB writes:
For the love! Seriously. Protesting is great and all...if it has, I don't know, a purpose...I know call me crazy. But honestly, these people sound like a bunch of little brats who think this is Mardi Gras or something...
August 26, 2008
2:34 p.m.
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Miss_Kitty_Kat_Girl writes:
So this group is going to stomp on the civil rights of DNC delegates in order to what?
So much for peaceful groups protesting peacefully.
August 26, 2008
2:37 p.m.
kevin3 writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
August 26, 2008
2:51 p.m.
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peter303 writes:
I guess authorities may use the "Beijing method": waits for arraignment that coincidentally take until the rest of the convention. No bail until then. Colorado law requires arraignment within 72 hours.
August 26, 2008
3:10 p.m.
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rmnreader writes:
Well then tonight again they will be getting arrested - not for doing something to help a cause but for getting in the way & being stupid. Their parent must be so proud!
August 26, 2008
3:19 p.m.
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freedomfighter1 writes:
I hope it wasn't a secret
August 26, 2008
3:19 p.m.
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ifyem writes:
Where's TheDenverB when you need him? I told him about a month ago that these groups stood for nothing at all..Where are you at now buddy?? Oh yeah, that was probably your mug on the news getting pepper sprayed last night..Hope it tasted good buddy!!!
August 26, 2008
3:27 p.m.
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davies writes:
Aw heck everybody; they just want to have some good old fashioned 1960s fun. They probably got the idea this summer while watching 'Across the Universe' on DVD; then when they saw all those cameras flashing on the news last night... well hoo boy, it's like I remember my first date; lemme tell ya this girl could have been the inspiration for "You Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet!"
August 26, 2008
3:27 p.m.
Suggest removal
denverrma writes:
So if this "Disrupt DNC 08" 'anarchy' group is trying to abolish the state, who do they think will carry out all of the duties that the state and corporations provide? Trash collection, utility supplies, education... without this stuff our society will collapse in a heap and everyone (including the anarchy groups) will fester and die of some horrible disease brought on by unsanitary conditions!
I think these groups are better off NOT protesting and just keep leaching off of the rest of the civilized world.
So they are really not protesting anything of importance; the war, taxes, racial issues, the energy crisis. They are just looking to make a mess of things. Nice. Get a life.
August 26, 2008
3:37 p.m.
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LadyBird112 writes:
These little kiddies were at my school trying to recruit people. I tell ya, if I was stopped by them, I'd be more entertained than intimidated.
August 26, 2008
3:39 p.m.
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GuyFawkes writes:
At what point did all of you people lose your minds?
Protest is the highest expression of patriotism. Try doing it in China or Russia. That is what makes America so great. That freedom is what we are trying to export to Middle East. Those who protest should not be condemned by you, they should be exalted.
And when did your economic status make you ineligible to protest? Who cares if these are children of the rich or children of the poor? I am a former Marine. I make six-figures a year. I am a very conservative Republican. And I would join these protesters in their legal protests against the tyranny of the government, but I am stuck having to work to pay the taxes that are financing this farce of political openness called the DNC. Have any of you thought about how much money, both tax and corporate, is being spent on each of these 4,000 delegates in order to arrive at a preordained selection for the Democrats' Presidential candidate? $50 million in federal taxes is just the start of it. These delegates have become the new ruling class, the new aristocracy and their convention is nothing more than a coronation and a four-day made-for-television campaign advertisement.
Stop emoting your superiority through insults. Rather than attack those who are more patriotic than you, open your eyes and ask yourself what you value about living in the U.S.A. and then look to see how close you are to having that right taken away. Gun ownership rights; privacy; freedom of thought, religion, private property ownership? These are all on the cutting room floor for those of you who have slept through the past 20 years of this power grab. It doesn't matter if you are a Republican or a Democrat, you have become nothing more than a sheep to the master. Your vote is for sale to the candidate with the prettiest wife and the most television ads. Whether it is Obama or McCain, America will still lose in January.
Take back your country you armchair patriots!
August 26, 2008
3:47 p.m.
Suggest removal
Boarder22 writes:
These people are a waste of space...they talk about disrupting everything and then cry about being peppersprayed. Get a job and get a life...and take a shower for God's sake. It's too bad fools like these ruin it for sane people who actually have a rational protest about something important. Why give them any press?
August 26, 2008
3:50 p.m.
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Boarder22 writes:
and GuyFawkes....stop smoking whatever it is your smoking, grow up, and start living in the real world.
August 26, 2008
3:58 p.m.
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WhadUsay writes:
Guy Fawkes:
Just remember - what's happening here this week will be happening in Minnesota next week so please get off your high horse about the DNC - the RNC is just as bad and got the same 50 million for security. It is "preordained" who the republican candidate will be as well.
I believe in protests but I do not believe in a free for all. There are still rules - sorry but there are - follow them and protest all you want - try to break them - go to jail.
Your right to protest is not allowed to trample all over my rights to live in peace and walk down the street. Remember - while the right to protest exists - reasonable limitations for safety can be enforced. Reasonable is in the eye of the beholder and it's for the courts to sort out when people get arrested. See, that's the system - that's how it works.
Our founding fathers (notice no founding mothers) would be amazed to see that their system is still working - and for all its flaws and foibles - it's working pretty well. Sure there's room for improvement but working within the system always seems to get better results than working outside the system.
Don't go telling me about "that's how this country was formed" because it is 2008 not 1770 - some things have passed their usefulness. Violent protests are one of them. Trying to wreck havoc just for the sake of wrecking havoc has no place in a civilized society.
Grow up!
August 26, 2008
3:58 p.m.
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riosmom6 writes:
I'd be inclined to agree with you, Guy, if these people were actually protesting for anything you've mentioned. I don't believe even they know what they're protesting for. From my point of view, they are bent primarily on disrupting and then looking for an excuse to sue.
Thank you for your service, but you're not the only Marine in the world. Both my husband and my son have served proudly, and while I do believe that they've done so for everyone's right to free speech, I think that free speech itself should be carried out in as civilized a manner as possible.
August 26, 2008
4 p.m.
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ActualThinker writes:
Guy, I dont see one person complaining about them protesting, you are right it is a high form of patriotism. The problem is they are protesting about NOTHING. They want to cause a disruption they aren't protesting for anything real at all. When you drop the cause from your protest you are just a bunch of losers trying to cause trouble.
August 26, 2008
4:02 p.m.
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missmilehi writes:
Insert multiple, colorful expletives here.
August 26, 2008
4:08 p.m.
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GuyFawkes writes:
Boarder22 was kind enough to write:
and GuyFawkes....stop smoking whatever it is your smoking, grow up, and start living in the real world.
What world is that Boarder?
I have nothing in common with these young liberals that are protesting. I am grown, raise a family, pay more in taxes each year than the average American makes, and yet, I find that I have a government that little appreciates all of those sacrifices I make. The second amendment and fourth amendments are optional where the government that you are obviously so proud of is concerned. Search and seizure has become the status quo.
It is bureaucrats like you that are causing the real problems with this country. Now stop posting your insults and return to watching what MSNBC, FOX and CNN want to mesmerize you with.
And to think that protecting the rights of ignorant and judgmental people who would rather insinuate that a handful of hooligans is all that is wrong with this country while their government has blindly stolen almost all of the rights that the constitution has to give is why I served in the Marines? And yet I am pleased that because of me, America is still safe for you to spew your rhetorical attacks Boarder, no matter how ill-founded they may be.
America was founded by those brave enough to stand before the troops and toss tea. Now, I doubt many of you could go a day without your Starbucks.
August 26, 2008
4:13 p.m.
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Andy writes:
Good in depth reporting there, Ryan! It's not just anybody who can type a URL into a browser.
August 26, 2008
4:18 p.m.
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JCRiggle writes:
I'm confused. They are anarchists right? They call themselves anarchists and according to their signs they are against capitalism. So who's going to provide them with food and shelter and education and drugs? Do they provide that stuff for themselves? Do they expect the state to disolve away and what will be left is a perfectly functioning commune?
Wait, I think I heard this somewhere else. I think it was a man named Carl Marks, I'm not sure though. But wasn't his theories, when put to the test, the exact opposite of anarchy?
August 26, 2008
4:19 p.m.
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riosmom6 writes:
Per their own quote, this group's main focus is complete abolition of the state. What state is that? My state? Colorado. Do we want them to abolish our state? GO HOME.
August 26, 2008
4:34 p.m.
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M2 writes:
So... what's the point of these kids/children stalling someone from getting to their destination? What is the logic? What are you trying to accomplish? Why don't you do something constructive? Are you all republicans... oh wait... you must be too cool for labels. Grow up and take a shower!
August 26, 2008
4:35 p.m.
Suggest removal
elmysterio writes:
GuyFawkes: You are absolutely right in your assessments. Unfortunately, the brainwashed reactionary-right will fight for their right to live in their totalitarian police-state, even if it kills them. They've been brainwashed too badly.
August 26, 2008
4:39 p.m.
Suggest removal
GILPINMAN writes:
"WHAT EVER HAPENED TO PROTESTING ON SATURDAY BECAUSE IT'S SATURDAY AND WE HAVE NOTHING ELSE TO DO" Violent Fems. One of my favorite lines from a song in the 80's seems fitting doesn't it?
August 26, 2008
4:42 p.m.
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elmysterio writes:
JCRiggle said: "I think it was a man named Carl Marks, I'm not sure though"
Actually, it was Karl Marx. But Marxism and anarchism are two completely different things. You've just been conditioned by the state to believe that capitalism is the end all, be all and everything else is crap. This is hardly the case. Any system that puts profits before people is inherently evil. Now, it is completely possible to be capitalist, while being ethical and respecting the needs of society and the planet. Unfortunately, the form of capitalism embraced in the United States is highly predatory and places value on profits and perpetual growth before everything else. It elevates the all-mighty dollar to a status above even the ability of the planet to support life. Considering we live in a finite environment, requiring infinite growth is a self-defeating. Something dysfunctional about that don't you think?
August 26, 2008
4:47 p.m.
Suggest removal
GuyFawkes writes:
elmysterio this is not about right or left, this is about the Republic that was constitutionally founded to allow both spectrums of political thought to exist and protect the rights of the people from the tyranny of their government. These same rights have been trampled equally by the right and the left.
August 26, 2008
4:48 p.m.
Suggest removal
davies writes:
Guy: C'mon, it's not that bad, is it? Search and seizure has become the status quo? Who is searching and seizing what?
August 26, 2008
4:55 p.m.
Devil_Dog writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
August 26, 2008
4:55 p.m.
Suggest removal
DBCooper writes:
Anarchists to disrupt the convention? Hell, looks to me like anarchists are running the convention. I really didn't think that even the democrats couldn't blow this one! They're working 24/7 to prove me wrong!
August 26, 2008
5:03 p.m.
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elmysterio writes:
GuyFawkes: Agreed that both the so called Right and Left are equally guilty of usurping the republic. The reason why I mentioned the reactionary-right in my comment to you, is that is what we're dealing with when trying to engage people here at the rockymountainnews website.
The sad fact remains that the duopoly that claims to be democracy, isn't. Both parties are equally guilty of gutting the Constitution and the bill of rights. These are dangerous times we are living in, and those on both sides of the political spectrum must come together to defeat our common enemy. That enemy is the neo-conservative movement, the M.I.C. and the international bankers who have stolen the country via the federal reserve system.
I personally, find myself on the social-libertarian side of the political spectrum. More and more though, I am finding common ground with fiscal conservatives when it comes to the threat to everyone's liberty. We need to put aside the artificial left/right.
August 26, 2008
5:03 p.m.
Suggest removal
h8r writes:
You all are so snowed-remember the big recreate68 march on Sunday, the one where 1500 people showed up? And the march where 100 people were arrested? How about the story regarding Tent State camping out in the "free speech zone," where there were 20 people camping?Or the big action at the denver mint, where 70 people showed up?
Nothing is going to happen because there is no one to take any action of any sort, save a few dozen kids. R68 managed to scare everyone away from Denver that might have shown up, and now r68 cannot do what they wanted to do because they don't have the numbers. All they can do is issue more ridiculous press releases about how they are going to "take back the streets."
August 26, 2008
5:11 p.m.
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afireinside21 writes:
Being the curious little bunny that I am, I had to go down there and see all this stuff for myself, as an objective observer. (Not to mention, my school and my job were shut down because of the DNC, and I live a stone's throw away from Civic Center...and I have little else to do this week.)
Many of the people protesting in the park do have a message. There were plenty there that were not actually affiliated with Recreate 68. Plenty of demonstrating has been going on. It seems that they are favoring Civic Center park over protesting/demonstrating at the "freedom cage" by the Pepsi Center (because over there, they are pretty far from the building and a media tent is blocking the view of the arena, and the arena's view of the protesters). Some of them actually do have a message they want people to hear, not just to mess with the police and the DNC. (Some of them had a very...entertaining...message. Like the pro-communist group handing out literature on the Broadway sidewalk.)
August 26, 2008
5:12 p.m.
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elmysterio writes:
Aliverer said: "NEITHER party gives a rat's patoot about some middle class white guy"
You're right there. The ruling class seeks to destroy the middle class. Over the past 200 or so years, the middle class has been content to feed off the scraps thrown to them by their political masters. The ruling class has always been a little resentful of having to share. They think themselves better than us. You need not look any further than Speaker Pelosi to see the distain the rulers have for the people. A majority of the people wish to see an investigation into the crimes of the Bush administration, yet she consistently says "it's off the table"... Or VP Cheney responding to the comment by an interviewer that the American public are turning against the war. He responded "So?"... there you have it folks, your leaders don't care one iota about what you think!
More and more though, the transfer of wealth from the middle to the upper classes has accelerated significantly. This has the unfortunate effect of decimating the middle class. A large middle class is a sign of a healthy society and the disappearance of the middle class shows an inherent inequity in the society.
And if you think things are tough for a "middle-class white guy", just imagine being born into an environment of poverty and limited economic opportunities. Life then becomes quite hellish. The so-called "American dream" where everyone can carve out their piece of the pie has all but vanished. The game is stacked against us.
August 26, 2008
5:17 p.m.
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elmysterio writes:
afireinside21: Yes, not ALL the protesters are meaningless anarchists who want nothing but to disrupt the DNC... The majority of the people protesting are protesting against the steady erosion of liberty, the illegal wars, and the massive corruption and illegal actions of the Bush administration. They are also protesting against the complicity of the Democratic party in the crimes of the Bush administration.
Now the important thing to remember is that the media is in bed with the government and will ONLY report what they're allowed to. They're not going to show the legitimate protests, or the message they're espousing. They are only going to show the fringe lunatics to make the rest of the opposition look stupid. Don't believe what you see on TV or read in the corporate owned "newspapers".
August 26, 2008
5:34 p.m.
Suggest removal
elmysterio writes:
Interesting... check this out people: http://newsproject.org/
Here's indynews footage of last night's "riot".
August 26, 2008
5:34 p.m.
Suggest removal
JCRiggle writes:
elmysterio,
I assume you are supportive of the self proclaimed anarchists and their positions. I won't say you are an anarchists yourself, but their viewpoints and your's when translated into public policy requires strict (some could even say opressive) government regulations. Isn't that the exact opposite of anarchy? So lets call them what they really are: communists, socialists, marxist, environmentalist, take your pick.
You claim that the United States puts the economy above all else and thus completely ignores all other issues like the protection of the environment. I'd have to disagree, but my point is that you seem to put the environment or economic fairness above everything and will completely sacrifice the standard of living that we enjoy here to see that your pet issues are resolved.
It is not either or, its a balancing act and a difficult one at that. And I believe the U.S. does quite a good job of it. But I won't convince you of that.
August 26, 2008
5:47 p.m.
Suggest removal
elmysterio writes:
JCRiggles: "supportive of the self proclaimed anarchists "
Nope. not at all. Nothing good for society in anarchism.
"the United States puts the economy above all else and thus completely ignores all other issues like the protection of the environment."
I wouldn't say the economy as such, but more the needs and wants of the corporations. Otherwise, why else would the US government be the number 1 opponent of addressing climate change? Or why would the government enact laws the benefit the corporations over the people?
I'm also not against capitalism itself, but the predatory form being implemented is both unethical and detrimental to society as a whole.
If you really think that the country is on the right track, I'm afraid you haven't been paying attention.
August 26, 2008
5:52 p.m.
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elmysterio writes:
Also, JCRiggles, the policy I'd like to see implemented is not repressive in any way... in fact, it would be much more liberating to the country as a whole.
What would be best for the country is this:
- Abolish both political parties
- Establish a congress and senate that consist of CITIZEN representatives with no party affiliation. The parties are a huge part of the problem.
- Establish term limits for congressmen and senators to prevent corrupt career politicians.
- Abolish paid lobbying and corporate financing.
- Establish a FAIR tax system with appropriate services in return.
- Eliminate the Federal reserve system
- Bring all the troops stationed overseas home. The US has bases in 130 different countries. Completely unnecessary.
August 26, 2008
6:10 p.m.
Suggest removal
wow writes:
Hmm...the whole thing might work better if the disrupt website wasn't jammed and impossible to get a look at.
Also might work better if this was Monday.
"When they least expect it, at the appointed time Monday night, we’ll emerge from the shadows to reconvene in downtown and get down and dirty," the site said.
This is Tuesday.
The sprightly elves probably already did their thing.
There is no action listed for tonight on Re-create's web site, other than the usual 6:30 meeting at the veteran's memorial @ Civic Center. These events have been touch and go....the big show by Public Enemy scheduled for 2 pm today, didn't happen. I'm thinking these posers really are all talk. Disappointing to say the least, but probably for the best. I'd rather Denver not be embarrased any worse than she has to be.
I'm not holding my breath for the big "blockade".
August 26, 2008
6:33 p.m.
Suggest removal
wow writes:
Nevermind that.
I just watched the footage provided in the link from elmysterio.
sheesh.....
They should do it tonight and every night.
Proof we shouldn't always believe every thing we read, especially in the RMN.
http://link.brightcove.com/services/l...
August 26, 2008
10:33 p.m.
Suggest removal
afireinside21 writes:
elmysterio: You're absolutely correct about the media not reporting the whole story, which is why I had to go see and hear things for myself. I've been keeping up with the pre-DNC articles on RMN for the past few months, and seen so many opinions posted. Some of the discussions that I had with activists today were more civil than the comments I've seen on this website. While I barely identify with the protesters, I think some of them are really trying to get what they believe is a legitimate message out. Whether or not I agree with the messages, I absolutely agree with the right to assemble and make it heard.
August 27, 2008
1:54 p.m.
Suggest removal
BigSky182 writes:
Ya know, it's kind of funny....
Logically, I know the word is "an-ar-chist"... but everytime I see it written, my brain first sees "an-ti-christ" and I am automatically biased against them without even knowing for sure who they are or what they are about. Must be left-overs from my strict religous upbringing in which anything that wasn't in line with the CHURCH was a direct sin against God.
I'm going to need to work on that.