Reaction to LA Weekly Article on Killradio.org

My first reaction to the article on killradio.org in this weeks

LA Weekly was a bit of a shock, but also a healthy reminder what

mainstream press is all about. It's certainly a powerful medium to

get ideas across to so many people, but at what price?



I am aware that editorial decisions were made to cut the piece down

from an analysis and background of independent media to more of a

fluff piece on the station and its personalities. This was *very*

unfortunate in my opinion as it left readers with a sense of

individualism in killradio and not a collective response to a very

large and growing problem; namely, the conglomeration of media

outlets in this country. There is a massive movement around the

world where people are struggling just to have a voice in the

affairs that affect them directly, and in some cases, the dangers

of this are very high. By focusing on us as individuals, it loses

a lot of the bigger picture. I understand the author made this attempt,

but it was overlooked by the editors, so even though it came through

a bit, it was largely overshadowed.



Also, I personally was shocked to see a very *sarcastic* comment i

made in the midst of describing our financial problems appear

alongside a description of my political beliefs; specifically,

my deep commitment to certain principles of anarchism

(mutual aid, solidarity, respect, and empowerment). The problem

is that most people do not have a history of the very positive

role that anarchists have contributed to society, including,

but not limited to, women's rights, labor organizing, personal

and sexual freedoms, art, etc, and so, many folks believe,

including some so-called anarchists, that these people are about

'fuckin shit up' rather than building positive sustainable

institutions. When a large media organization makes that kind

of relationship, out of context, they should be held responsible

and be accountable. It could have damaging consequences, not

just for me, but for others.



Furthermore, law enforcement in this country does not take jokes

lightly. For a quick review of the history of the FBI's

COINTELPRO tactics, please look at the following link:



http://www.thirdworldtraveler.com/FBI/WarAtHome_page.html



Finally, it so disturbing that this type of media is one-way,

meaning that the likelihood of participation is narrow. All i

can say is thank god for www.indymedia.org where people can have

a voice, and respond to misinterpretations, etc.



Sincerely,



Chris Burnett



ps. check out www.indymedia.org, www.la.indymedia.org, www.radio4all.org,

www.schoolsnotjails.com, www.microradio.net, www.infoshop.org, www.akpress.org

for some alternatives!