by Tim Wise

[Most WIP readers are well aware of the recent and on-going targeting of our community by a neo-Nazi hate group called the National Socialist Movement. Various affinity groups in the community are organizing around this issue and we anticipate that related actions and projects will be announced as they unfold. In the meantime, in response to advice contained in "Points to Remember When Responding to Hate Groups," (see below) we are printing, with permission, this recent article by Tim Wise (2/3/2006).

Reprinted from “When Hate Groups Come to Town: A Handbook of Effective Community Responses”, published by the Center for Democratic Renewal, Atlanta, 1992.

Avoid a divisive First Amendment debate on the rights of hate groups.

When community groups consider the problems posed by hate group demonstrations and parades, they often become embroiled in a debate over the free speech guarantees of the First Amendment. A Coalition may find itself increasingly divided, with some of its members arguing that restrictions aimed at limiting the public activities of the hate groups should be adopted while . . .

by Ron Jacobs

In a time when it seems that religious justifications for the excesses of both revolutionary and reactionary impulses are the standard, Haymarket Books' republication of Paul Siegel's The Meek and the Militant is a useful resource for the individual looking for a rational analysis of the relationship between religion and power. The book, which was originally published in 1986, provides a historical overview of the world's five great religions and takes a look at their relationship to power both inside and outside of government and capital. Although Siegel utilizes a . . .

by Drew Hendricks

I believe that a spider I pick up has the right to bite me if I start to crush her, or if she thinks I might want to do her harm. I believe that I have that same right if someone is attacking me, or attacking my community.

I understand that some want to undertake a dharma that involves much more sacrifice than my own path, and stake out a "moral high ground." I leave these people to do what they do. I have my own path, and I think it is important to share that with you. It differs from many of you, and you will better understand me, and understand my tactics, if you . . .

Compiled and edited by Drew Hendricks

Olympia has one of the richest media environments of any small community in the United States. The latest addition to the constellation of self-publishing web sites is known as Olyblog.net. Here's their blurb, in their own words: About OlyBlog.net

OlyBlog is a site for news and discussion specifically about Olympia, Washington. OlyBlog was founded by Rick McKinnon, a long-time OlyWa resident.

by Abid Aslam

Water, water everywhere and we are duped into buying it bottled.

Consumers spend a collective $100 billion every year on bottled water in the belief--often mistaken, as it happens--that this is better for us than what flows from our taps, according to environmental think tank the Earth Policy Institute (EPI).

For a fraction of that sum, everyone on the planet could have safe drinking water and proper sanitation, the Washington, D.C.-based organization said this week.