The internet has been a flood lately with discussions on what anarchists, anti-authoritarians and others should do on January 20th.

On one side of the debate is the website hopefrompeople.com, who put out a call to form a "Celebrate People’s History and Build Popular Power" bloc. Signed by many high-profile figures, including Noam Chomsky and Howard Zinn, the site states:

As people striving toward a non hierarchical society, yes, we can—and should—be rigorously critical of Barack Obama. […]But not all heads of state are alike, and if we fail to recognize both the historical meaning and power of this particular moment, we will ensure our own irrelevance.

Perhaps, as people working to build a world from below without electoralism or statecraft, we also need to listen on January 20. It is neither the time nor the place to critique hope or excitement on the part of people who have engaged in grassroots struggles in so many ways and won a substantial victory.

Many strongly disagree with this idea though. On DC indymedia, an anonymous author posted a critique of the call

The quickest way for anyone to ensure their own irrelevance, especially in the face of seminal historical events such as this one, is to renege on one’s responsibility to offer true and honest analysis of the situation, as one sees it through one’s own eyes.

Is it a "victory" to be "celebrated" when we get our half a loaf? Or is it a set-back? If the sole motivation for being given half a loaf is to dissuade us from revolution, to restore our faith in the supposedly “representative” nature of liberal democracy, aren’t we dutifully serving the interests of the ruling class we purport to oppose by acting as agents of conduit for the very lies they seek to spread?

The discussion continued on many rochester email lists and face-to-face conversations (post 1, post 2). It seems the radical community is split on how to respond to the this historic election.

So what do you think? How should people respond to Obama's inauguration? What plans do you have for the 20th? Click the link below, and let's discuss.

(Gates, NY) - Employees of Westgate Nursing Home delayed their planned picketing this morning while union and management met to hammer out a settlement of the multi-year labor dispute. When no agreement was reached by 1 pm, the workers took to the street and marched in front of the facility on Beahan Road. In a dramatic turn of events, less than two hours later, union officials announced that a tentative agreement had been reached. The picket stopped.

"I am very glad that we have won our first union contract." said Michelle Lane, a certified nursing assistant. "I thank my coworkers for sticking together and I thank the community for their support."

Details of the final settlement will be released after Westgate workers have voted on the proposed contract, their first ever. No date for the vote has yet been set.

Additional Information: Nursing Home Workers with SEIU/1199 Educational Picket Monday 12/15 | 1199 SEIU

The sit-in and plant occupation at Chicago's Republic Windows and Doors ended in victory late Wednesday night, when the union announced that more than 200 workers and members of UE Local 1110 voted unanimously to accept a $1.75 million settlement that includes eight weeks of back pay, two months of continued health coverage, and compensation for unused vacation time.

According to UE, over the five days of the Republic plant occupation, messages of solidarity poured in from around the world. Individual workers, organizations, labor unions and federations sent emails and letters of solidarity. Protests against the Bank of America were also organized across the U.S. as word of the Republic occupation spread. [ 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 ]

The effort also laid the basis for future initiatives — including the creation of a new foundation dedicated to reopening the plant. That effort will be initiated with seed money from the UE national union and the thousands of dollars in donations to the Solidarity Fund that have poured in from around the world in recent days. Workers chose the name themselves: the Window of Opportunity Fund. "The fund will be open to receive donations from all friends of the Republic workers and supporters of their struggle," said Local 1110's Melvin Maclin in the union's official statement.

Accounts on Chicago IMC newswire: [1 | 2 | 3 ] Photos: [ 1 ]

Frank Lopez, creator of submedia.tv and the show "Its the End of the World As We Know It and I Feel Fine" joins us on Indy TV this week to explain what his show is about, how he's been able to pull it off, and some of his future projects.

Frank explains his show:
"The name is inspired by the song by R.E.M. with the same title. Its end of the world news, lots of natural disasters, high oil prices, food riots. But also news from the front lines of the resistance, people who do eco-activism, people who go to protests, people who do direct action."

The show includes regular music segments and interviews with inspiring thinkers and activists involved in resistance work.

If you have not yet seen "The end of the world as we know it", you are in for a video adventure. You won’t want to miss the chance for a look behind the boxes with the Stim.
When: Tuesday, Dec 2nd 2008, 6pm
Where: 310 Arnett Blvd. (Arnett Branch of the Rochester Public Library)
Free admission, donations accepted, refreshments provided
More info:submedia.tv
Sponsored by Rochester Indymedia

Frank Lopez the mastermind, writer and editor of this "better than vegan chocolate" and "awesome is an understatement" video montage production is on a limited tour in the US. He will show highlights of his program and talk about his new collaborative documentary, "Ground Noise and Static," a video report from both the 2008 Democratic and Republican National Conventions.
"Submedia tackles a range of subjects from environmentalists being attacked by paid counter protesters in British Columbia, to the torching of some "McMansoions" near Seattle, to issues of media activists signing big book contracts. The Stimulator looks at the world with a sharp tongue and sharper perspective."