Here’s to a new year

Here’s a piece originating from a while back but still very true for today.

So goodbye 2012 you were a tome of badness! Well, you weren’t really but politically you were redundant. I wrote my first fanzine in 1984 and had pieces in it about capitalism being the wrong choice for the people. 28 years and a lot of mileage later we should be recreating those zines of yesteryear. We need a different slant to the anti-gang though. We now need to be the pro-gang. Don’t be anti-state, be PRO change. Reclaim our world and reclaim our words.

With that in mind here’s my new year revolutions

1) Keep listening to uplifting music. It may only need three chords, sometimes a lot less but music has the power to do so much more than entertain. Entertainment is good, it’s a start. We can use our music to spread knowledge and inspiration.

2) Support local business. Whether you are anarchist, capitalist or a pain in the ist you use money at some stage. This can pay rent, keep you warm or whatever but it is a chain we are cogs in. You can be a good cog and try and grease that chain.

Anytime you think of something that you feel would be a shame if it ceased then support it. In Dublin it was local shops. Let’s support those worth supporting.

3) All talk is cheap, talk Politics! Don’t be afraid to voice a reasoned opinion. let’s get dialogue going again. How can we get out of this mess? How can we assist each other through this (see point 2). Let’s have debates, let’s have fun, let’s be optimistic and let’s DO!

4) Don’t rely on elected individuals. Whilst I have no doubt that most people believe they can change the world, those that feel elections are the only avenue are misleading the rest. We can work within our communities to affect change. Sure, politicians can enforce decisions that effect us all but lets start local and in the meantime try and get those who might assist the people to be the ones in power.

5) Communities are the key. That could be punk rock community, residents community or work community we can work together to make our surroundings better. Help your trade union, help your local charity, help your neighbour. BE!

6) This one I have given a lot of thought to, let’s help our neighbours out. Invite them in for that cup of tea, car pool, food pool, work together. A group of parents hang out? why not swop babysitting sessions. Gonna go out for a meal? why not dine in and invite your friends. Organise some pot lucks (preferably vegan). Let’s work together and be in it for EACH other.

7) Henry sang it, I’ve said it but the words ring true Don’t talk about it, DO IT
With that in mind my pledge for this year. Remember it is not about what we are against anymore, it is about what we are FOR