Greeting Terrorists,

I am writing you as a form of outreach. I’d like to introduce myself as an activist artist living in the United States. For years know I too have been working to end the exploitative system of Western Imperialism. Can we agree on a mutual dislike of capitalism?


I first became aware of your activities on Sept. 11th of this year. Where as your methods of closing the stock markets and ceasing the Pentagons war operations differ from my own, I am non-the-less impressed with your tactics efficacy. Us radicals in the U.S. work through consensus in an affinity group structure. This allows individual collectives leeway in deciding on their own methods of protest. Some of us practice direct action; others Ghandian non violence, still others of us may choose to just lobby our representatives. So, I hope we could work together if we can agree to disagree.

In this regard, while you seem to be firm in your approach you might find that working with us may expand your own “tool kit”. I myself have written very touching leaflets which I handed out to individual American military personnel describing the consequences of their actions in the third world.

One of the reasons I am writing to you today is to personally introduce myself to you. I can understand your use of property destruction however my respect for it falls off when it involves harm to any living being. Though tactically effective, your indiscriminate use of violence may get a bit messy (in my eyes it really distracts from getting your message across). Add to this the fact that I am concerned about getting caught in the crossfire. So to end all confusion - you can recognize my comrades and me by our clothing. Generally we wear dark clothing, but sometimes (and especially at a dance) we may be quite colorful in appearance. This should clear that matter up.

I am sure we can find space for a meaningful collaboration, and I look forward to working with you.





Il Lucha Continua,

Robert Herbst

i sympathize with the article. But; doesn't anarchism preach "smash the state?" so if it's not anarchism that the author and many on indymedia represent, then what is it?

In my opinion, it is political naivity. Violence is inevitable. Our enemies know that better than we do. Clearly, you are wasting your time.

"Terrorism", or extremism is reality, just as our enemies are extremists and understand this fact all too well.

One last point. This web site is filled with right wingers and conservatives (net cops) pretending to be 'one of us' but preaching non-violence as it is non-violence which is no threat to capitalism.

Our enemies are extremists. If you don't fight, you will be anniliated. That is why your tactics will never create a revolution.

(We're here. And always will be here)

I sympathize with the above comment. I am an anarchist as well. I can scream the slogan "smash the state" as well as any other crustie.

But who are you to speak for "us". I am tired of people claiming the identity "anarchist"- to justify a narrow political position. Why does anarchist mean violent militancy? I am sure that you (PERSON) would agree that the rigid structure of a military campaign against "the state" would require one of the most un-anarchistic organizations there is - ie:fascism.

Also since when does anarchy PREACH anything. If I am not mistaken the term anarchy is derived from a latin meaning ana (against) Archists (folks who where the keepers of the rigid structure of the church, much like the Pharasies- ya know the bankers who were scarred shitless by the barefoot dude who turned water into wine and told folks to love one another). Hence anarchists are against buerocrats who preach singular truths.

You claim that "we here and always will be here" But I don't believe you. I beleive that their are people like yourself (Person) and the the author of the original post- who are commited anti-capitalists. Whoever I have yet to see an "anarchist" action in the States which is inspired by the terrorist violence made visible sept. 11th. Where are these anarchist shock troops ready to kill the pig ? Where are the masked mad men tossing molotov cocktails into the homes of the bourgiosie?

What I have seen in the past years (and continue to see) are activists of all stripes trying in many different ways to stop captilism by an means possible (how wonderfly anarchic). This seems to me what this "letter to Terrorists" is about, offering the freedom fighters of the third world a system of mutual aid.

(However I personally do not see all terrorists as freedom fighters).

In all actuallity Person, you read like a conservitive "net cop", claiming authority to speak for all anarchists- than making retorical statements that support murderious action- which you yourself would never carry out. (and please don't try to prove me wrong).

This is art? Seems pretty fucking lame and self indulgent to me.This piece makes me think more about the violence against one's artistic sensibility and aesthetic by poorly curated bad "political" art than about violence against property.