Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ was last updated in September 2002, right before the People's Strike. During the following months, the ACC decided to stop meeting, and members of the ACC moved on to other anti-capitalist projects and local activism in DC. Although the DC ACC no longer meets, a group of us are keeping this website active to provide a resource for anti-capitalists in the DC area.
What is the Anti-Capitalist Convergence?
The Washington DC Anti-Capitalist Convergence is a coalition of anti-capitalist activists organizing locally, nationally and internationally, under the Principles of Unity to put an end to the oppressive and destructive capitalist system. We are currently organizing a People's Strike, a day of non-compliance and resistance on September 27, 2002. We intend to show a strong and beautiful resistance to the World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other institutions which facilitate capitalism's promotion of poverty, racism, sexism, environmental destruction, and the concentration of power and wealth in the hands of a few.
We are calling for people from all over the world to converge on Washington DC from September 25 - 27.
The ACC encourages other groups and individuals to organize autonomously. We can help by laying the ground work for those plans to be carried through. We welcome anyone who agrees with the principles of unity to join us in helping build this resistance!
How is the ACC funded?
The Anti-Capitalist Convergence, like most of the global anti-capitalist movement, is funded out of the pockets of participating activists, as well as generous donations from supporters. If you'd like to contribute to our work, please consider donating. You can contact us at info@abolishthebank.org, 703-276-9768 ext 7, or P.O. Box 21674, Washington DC, 20009-9997. The Anti-Capitalist Convergence is NOT funded by NGO money or grants from nonprofits. We really don't have much money--we usually raise funds by passing the hat at meetings or having benefit shows. The anti- capitalists who travel to our protests usually finance their travel out of pocket.
What is neoliberalism?
"Neoliberalism is a variation on the classical liberalism of the nineteenth century, when Britain and other imperialist powers used the ideology of competition and 'free trade' to justify their own colonialisms. Anticolonial revolt ended the empires, and worker revolt in the 1930s ended classical liberalism but was contained by Keynesianism: government management of the wage, the welfare state. and 'development.' An international cycle of worker, student, peasant, woman, and pro-ecology revolt in the 1960s eroded Keynesian economics, and it was replaced by neoliberalism-designed, pushed, and implemented by some of the biggest, most powerful institutions in the world, such as the International Monetary Fund and the World bank. Think tanks, university departments, and government agencies house an international army of neoliberal architects, planners, and apologists--backed up by the armed might of the state in all its forms. This history suggests that defeating neoliberalism will not be enough; we must go beyond reformism to defeat all forms of capitalism."
"Neoliberalism is both an ideology and a strategy. Like so many evils, it has many aliases: 'Reaganomics,' 'Thatcherism,' 'supply-side economics,' 'monetariasm,' 'new classical economics,' and 'structural adjustment.' Neoliberalism subordinates all economic actors, including government and individuals, to the demands of the market. Its strategy includes privatization, reduced social expenditures, union busting, land enclosure, lower rages, higher profits, free trade, free capital mobility, and the accelerated commodification of natural resources." -- found in Our word is our weapon: selected writings of Subcomandante Marcos (Seven Stories)
What is the relationship between the ACC and the Mobilization for Global Justice?
The Mobilization for Global Justice is the parallel coalition to the Anti-Capitalist Convergence. The Mobilization for Global Justice is organizing a convergence and protest against the IMF and World Bank from September 25-29, 2002. The two coalitions are not in competition with each other, in fact, there is some cooperation between the two coalitions. Neither coalition is the umbrella group for the other.
Which coalition includes the anarchists?
There are many anarchists in both the Mobilization for Global Justice and the Anti-Capitalist Convergence, although you'll find more anarchists working with the Anti-Capitalist Convergence because of its strong stand against capitalism. Given that a third of the anti-corporate globalization movement is comprised of anarchists, you'll find them working everywhere in both coalitions.
Is there potential for violence at the protests?
As is often the case at large convergences, the police may commit violence against protestors. There are protestors coming to the strike who are willing to defend themselves from police violence. Many of these people, who include anarchists, anti-capitalists, and trade unionists, have no reservations about protecting themselves from police batons, tear gas, pepper spray, rubber and real bullets, attack dogs and whatever else the police bring. There are many angry people coming to Washington, DC, especially those who are angered by the police murder of anti-corporate globalization protestors around the globe, violent institutions such as the World Bank and IMF (thousands of dead children each day) and the capitalist system which is rapidly destroying the planet.
Is the Anti-Capitalist Convergence the Black Bloc?
No. The Anti-Capitalist Convergence is a network/organization of anti- capitalist groups, individuals, affinity groups, and blocs. Anarchists and anti- authoritarians who participate in the black bloc tactic are members of the Anti- Capitalist Convergence, but the people who participate in the ACC will be involved in a wide range of activities during the People's Strike.
What can I do when I get to Washington?
Once you get to Washington, be prepared to help out. The anti-capitalist movements are about participation, solidarity and the Do-It-Yourself ethic. We don't want any protest "consumers" to come to the protests. There are many things that you can help out with, including childcare, food preparation, puppet and banner-making, media relations, IMC journalism, trainings, comms, medical, community outreach and agitation, scenario prep, and much, much more.
updated 9/1/02
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