To many, my damnations of powerful institutions (like the Democratic Party, European Union, ASEAN) must seem dogmatic, intolerant, unrealistic. Since we live in the barbaric phase of capitalism, I see damnation more as a form of hard-nosed love in the time of cholera, environmental devastation, genocide, & rising fascism. There are many who want to work ‘within the system’ but I don’t like the class of people there or the compromises one has to make. That’s why my politics involve organizing independent of the power structure where we don’t have to bargain or compromise on principles. Principles matter in politics if you want to keep a steady course & not be blown about by fashion or social pressure. That may sound old-fashioned in these times but there’s nothing more sorry-assed than a rebel who ends up chasing saviors rather than fighting for the oppressed.