This communique is a response to online criticism of Jane’s Revenge and their Action vs Wisconsin Family Action. We were especially motivated to issue a statement after anon madison anarchists posted their critique of Jane’s Revenge (“What Form Does the Struggle for Bodily Autonomy Assume Next”). That statement used broad language that could give the impression that they speak for madison anarchists in general, and UAC in particular, we therefore feel especially compelled to issue this communique. We speak for no-one but ourselves.
The Unnamed Autonomous Collective (UAC)
Since the attack on Wisconsin Family Action on May 8th 2022, there have been countless articles, posts, statements and tweets, discussing it from every possible viewpoint. As an autonomous group of madison anarchists ourselves, we want to make our own position clear.
Especially online, or in insular leftist spaces, talk, chatter and gossip can feel very consequential. Popular opinions trending on twitter can, even when we know better, seem to embody reality or a consensus of our community.
In truth, the attack was effective whether or not every leftist on twitter is 100% convinced it was a false-flag. It was effective, even in the alternate universe where Socialist Alternative was the largest socialist group in the US and people actually cared about their opinion. The longest theoretical essay picking apart the action will fail to have even a fraction of the impact of the action itself.
The message of the action was conveyed in a language that, for those it was directed against, cannot be diluted by second-guessing, blunted by fed-jacketing, or erased with a viral tweet. This action, and others like it, bring the consequences of the fascists’ actions back to their doorstep. It assesses a real monetary and psychological cost for their ongoing campaign of violence and serves to inspire others who are ready to Act. The language of material consequence speaks far louder than any other.
We, a group of madison anarchists, joyously support militant Action that targets the ability of fascists to organize, lobby or enact their violence. Prisons exist because the ruling class want to keep the horizon of terror in view, reminding us what happens if we step out of line. Militant Action, like that taken against Wisconsin Family Action, projects a similar horizon back against authoritarians. It makes the price of not conceding apparent to even the most insulated political operatives. And you cannot have a concession-based theory of politics, without also having a consequence for a failure to concede. Success in the struggle against authoritarianism requires material Action – the failure of the last 30+ years of american activism validates this simple fact.
Again, we hope that Jane’s Revenge are taking care, and laying low. We are friends to all who Act against authoritarianism.
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