Mutual Aid and Anarchism

Mutual aid is an important concept for anarchists. Basically, mutual aid is when one person voluntarily helps another person by providing them with needed goods or services -- and then the person who was aided returns the favor. Here is a link to an anarchist collective called Rock Dove Collective [LINK]. Read about them and what they're about.

Here are two questions to consider. Have you ever voluntarily helped another person by providing them with goods or services they needed? Have you ever accepted the voluntary help of someone?

Tell us about your experiences.

Everyday Anarchy

Anarchism as a political philosophy values voluntary action. A person should be able to organize their life without being coerced or forced by anybody, especially the government. I've pointed to a number of examples where in our everyday lives we organize ourselves without being forced. One example we talked about in class is the Pan Tram bus -- people generally gather at the bus stops and orderly board the bus without being coerced. There are many other possible examples.

Think about your own life. Describe an example of anarchism in everyday life. When do you organize yourself without being coerced or forced?

Politics & Government, Spring 2014

Hello Classes

This semester this blog is a way to get you participating and thinking about politics and government. Two Politics and Government classes will all be using this blog and commenting on posts. With nearly 60 students participating, there should be ample opportunity for everyone to have something worthwhile to say in response to my original post or another students' post.

Please be THOUGHTFUL and RESPECTFUL with those posts that you disagree with. There should be no personal attacks or name calling. This is the space to make reasoned arguments about political struggle and governmental order.

Enjoy the semester!