How Do Most of You Live?

[R_P_A_S]

I was just wondering since the mayority of people here are either Communist, Anarchist, Socialist, and whatever else. If you live in the United States. How do you practices and live among those beliefs, or guideliness, etc. in a country who is pretty much capitalist.

What are some ways to go along with your beliefs, etc?

[Nachie]

Hmmm well in my case it changes pretty frequently - at least once a year if not once every 2-3 months.

Right now I am crashing at a friend's (constant revleft access!) to work on a book. For the first couple months of 2006 I was backpacking around Venezuela and before that I was waiting on a lease (:angry:) to end back here in the US.

Other than my bike and maybe a box of old clothes somewhere at my mom's, everything I own fits in a military backpack so I stay very mobile and the only things I ever really spend money on are transportation and food, and those only when I really need to be somewhere (no time to hitch-hike) or there are no juicy dumpsters around. Precisely because the USA is so capitalist it opens enough privilege in which to do a good deal of "margin living", from within which a lot of time opens up for community organizing if you're not just sitting on your ass and being a lifestylist about it.

My trip to Venezuela as well as everything I'm living off now was saved up over about 5 months working in a kitchen. Because I have significantly disciplined and curbed my consumption, I can always save up much more money than I spend and as a result only need a full-time job for part of the year. I recently got offered a fire-fighting job in Alaska that might be something like $10,000+ for as many months, and with something like that I could live very VERY comfortably for years without having to sell my labor.

Health care... yeah, just gotta drink a lot of OJ and try to stay in shape. I'm looking into saving enough (long term) to take an EMT class and maybe some other things that will help me take care of myself as best as I can for the future. But just trying to be healthy right now is the most important thing.

Rent is the big problem. The cheapest I've ever had is like $500, which at my accustomed $8 or so/hour means half of each month's income, which is absurd. But I also tend to kick around the East Coast and if I wanted to go inland a bit I could pay rent on a nice place for like $100. The RAAN network I participate in also has a pretty well-developed culture of mutual aid and if I wanted to move to any other town where there were already RAANistas I would definitely get all sorts of help, just as I would give to any of them.

Also the big bonus is that in the summer you can sleep outside or in a more-or-less unsealed structure and be very comfortable.

EDIT: Hmm I might have misread this question. Anyway that's how I "live" with my beliefs, but I guess what you wanted to know more was what kind of organizing we're involved in from day-to-day? Lemme know...

[chimx]

$500 a month? holy crappa!

[Nachie]

Exactly. If I moved to Montana and got pretty much any kind of job, I could live like a king and go shooting in the woods.

[R_P_A_S]

off topic: how was your trip in Venezuela? what did you learn and can you share your experience?

[Nachie]

Originally posted by [email protected] 13 2006, 05:22 PM
off topic: how was your trip in Venezuela?
It was the bomb shizzle f'rizzle


what did you learn
Una vaina arrecha, chamo!


and can you share your experience?
That's actually the subject of the book I mentioned, all of which other than the conclusion is now drafted and undergoing peer review at the top secret RAAN World Headquarters. We will definitely make it available to read via revleft when it's done ;)

[Don't Change Your Name]

Originally posted by [email protected] 13 2006, 01:05 PM
I was just wondering since the mayority of people here are either Communist, Anarchist, Socialist, and whatever else. If you live in the United States. How do you practices and live among those beliefs, or guideliness, etc. in a country who is pretty much capitalist.

What are some ways to go along with your beliefs, etc?
This is not a goddamn religion!

[LoneRed]

just because he said beliefs, doesnt mean its a religion, settle down, you whipper snapper.

Well I pretty Much go to as many actions as I can, Organizing people, spreading the word. But here In college with the shit tons of work, its hard to do so much, but im working with SEIU 88 on some project they have going.

If anybodys interested in the actions ive been in just ask, but lately I went to the NY 4-29 event and the May 1st chicago event.

[Enragé]

Originally posted by El Infiltr(A)do+May 13 2006, 06:22 PM--> (El Infiltr(A)do @ May 13 2006, 06:22 PM)
[email protected] 13 2006, 01:05 PM
I was just wondering since the mayority of people here are either Communist, Anarchist, Socialist, and whatever else. If you live in the United States. How do you practices and live among those beliefs, or guideliness, etc. in a country who is pretty much capitalist.

What are some ways to go along with your beliefs, etc?
This is not a goddamn religion! [/b]
dont be an ass

anyway how i live with my ideals?

well im vocal about them, and plan on doing something in the future. At the moment its kinda hard because where i live its pretty fucking quiet politically.

Oh and im looking for a job, they didnt want me in 2 places already...i think its cuz my hair is long and i dont look like the average corporate stooge ;)

[KomradeRikhi]

I like to just voice my "beliefs" to friends and some family, I also enjoy having arguments between communisim vs. capitalism with "friends"(not all crazy cappies though :P), in fact I just finished one up with an anarcho-capitalist

[farleft]

Im not prepared to throw myself into poverty so that I can say "arnt I a good communist"

Communism is a step forward, not a step back, we would all have a better standard of living not a worse one so why the fuck should I eat out of bins and doss at someone elses house?

Sorry for getting of the topic, in answer to your question, I am currently in the middle of planning a pretty good left-wing project, set to hit the streets of London later this year.
Be sure that when it does happen you will all be notified of whats going on.

[RebelDog]

Originally posted by [email protected] 13 2006, 02:06 PM
I was just wondering since the mayority of people here are either Communist, Anarchist, Socialist, and whatever else. If you live in the United States. How do you practices and live among those beliefs, or guideliness, etc. in a country who is pretty much capitalist.

What are some ways to go along with your beliefs, etc?
I languish in a dead end manual job, existing, waiting, longing for the revolution.

[Socialist_Smurf]

I live as the cliched college student socialist...taking tests, working menial jobs, activism here and there. I don't long for a revolution, because it won't come unless people make it come. There has been talk of this grand revolution for years, decades even.

[OneBrickOneVoice]

I'm still a student. Work at the family business during vactions.

[black magick hustla]

ghettoized armchair socialist :(

[Orange Juche]

Originally posted by [email protected] 13 2006, 10:06 AM
What are some ways to go along with your beliefs, etc?
Well, I buy clothing at the Salvation Army. Rather than supporting sweatshop labor, I support an organization that helps the disenfranchised of society.

[bcbm]

I party non-stop and steal everything I got.

[Nachie]

Originally posted by black banner black [email protected] 8 2006, 06:25 AM
I party non-stop and steal everything I got.
Close the thread - that post wins.

[An archist]

For me it's not really a problem yet, I'm still studying, so I rely on my parents to buy me food etc.
Next year however I'm going to start looking for an empty house to occupywith some friends. As for money: I don't spend a lot, most of what I wear I find or get from friends/family.

[Hegemonicretribution]

I try and buy as ethically as possible in most cases, buy fairtrade products direct instead of at hiked up prices etc. I live one door down from the main fair trade shop on my island, and my old next door neighbour used to be a fairtrade salesperson, even if it was through ChristianAid.

Apart from that, I am fairly fanatical about dripping taps, light etc...and always try and live out for a few months a year. I have stopped my squatting and moving around as much over the last year because of college :( But as soon as move to the UK in the fall it shall resume ;)

Although it doesn't make too much difference I am a pretty fanatical boycoter, and and fairly aggressive when it comes to litter etc (never littered knowingly in my life).

Aside from awoiding buying stuff where possible, and avoiding the worst offenders when I have to buy something I guess the rest of what you do is about actual activism...

[Orange Juche]

Originally posted by black banner black [email protected] 8 2006, 02:25 AM
I party non-stop and steal everything I got.
you have haha. Sorry, the only part of me thats fascist is when it comes to grammar :-P.

That sounds like a fucking plan though.

[OkaCrisis]

How Do Most of You Live?, under a capitalist country...

Poorly.
(Though very well in comparison to many; from a white, (lower) middle-class background, being priveleged enough to be able to be steadily employed/employable (even though I'm young, I'm fairly well-trained), and to go to university.)

I've been renting apartments since I was 18 (crashing for free for a year before that), and working like a dog since I was legally allowed. I have no savings, or assets, and I haven't left the city that I live in for over 2 years. The last place I went was Montreal, and that was for work.

I work in kitchens, and am now trying to 'move up' in the industry (beyond the world of cold-prep) so that I may make more money than 'industry standard' (read: kitchen minimum wage), which is $10.00 in Toronto. I work full time all summer long so that I can go to school full time all winter, while only working part time. I live off of my savings from summer all year, because the money I make in winter is insignificant. I'm usually out of money by May (which, thank goodness, is when I start working full time again, and the cylce continues...).

As for my beliefs, anyone who knows me well (family, co-workers, friends) knows that I am a communist/anarchist. There's just no hiding it. Even those who don't know me very well know that I have an opinion on everything, and it's usually pretty 'extreme'. Anyway, I'm very open about my beliefs, and I call everything on everyone. If I hear something I don't agree with, it's on.

Lastly, I don't buy very much very often, mostly 'consumables'. I get what I can for free (clothes, furniture), and buy anything new on sale. I'm a cyclist/pedestrian too, so transport costs are next to nothing.

All that being said though, I'm pretty happy. I guess I need a busy lifestyle to feel 'fulfilled'. But man, I need a vacation and a tan. I spend far too much time under flourescent lighting... (not to mention I live in a basement!)

[An archist]

Originally posted by [email protected] 16 2006, 05:22 AM
As for my beliefs, anyone who knows me well (family, co-workers, friends) knows that I am a communist/anarchist. There's just no hiding it. Even those who don't know me very well know that I have an opinion on everything, and it's usually pretty 'extreme'. Anyway, I'm very open about my beliefs, and I call everything on everyone. If I hear something I don't agree with, it's on.

hehe, I'm like that too, (much more anarchist then commie though) when I go to a friends place for a party or something, we allways end up drunk and discussing all sorts of things. :lol:

[Donnie]

Well I was a pain in the arse with my old boss hence the reason I'm unemployed. I'm currently going to be moving into a house In September with some mates.
Just doing some work for the Federation at university & home.

I don't live in a Potato sack if thats what you mean by living outside capitalism.

[ahab]

well most of the time I try and stay under the radar, with small acts such as graffitiing, talking and informing people on my beliefs and explaining on how life could be better, going to shows and partying. There isnt to much activity as far as protests and rally's because i live in a predominatly mormon society and most mormons are hardcore right-wing cappies which sux, but its also good because the one demonstration i did do got a lot of attention. I would like to travel to a more leftist community or just travel (especially to south america).

[vansavage]

I live in a quite tense area mainly as the orange men would have parades on the road close where i live,i've been wanting to get a job at the local music venue(its called the magnet) as i could get help with my guitar practice and do some shows.Art wise i do quite alot but its under comics and such,in most of my course work i draw little hammer and sickles in the picture just to screw with my teachers :P

[Red Menace]

Originally posted by [email protected] 19 2006, 09:18 AM
well most of the time I try and stay under the radar, with small acts such as graffitiing, talking and informing people on my beliefs and explaining on how life could be better, going to shows and partying. There isnt to much activity as far as protests and rally's because i live in a predominatly mormon society and most mormons are hardcore right-wing cappies which sux, but its also good because the one demonstration i did do got a lot of attention. I would like to travel to a more leftist community or just travel (especially to south america).
so you live in salt lake
thats rough man

[Ander]

I live a more capitalistic lifestyle than I wish I did but at my age and living with my family it's harder to avoid that. I live in a nice house in Brasilia with my mom (diplomat) and my brother and I go to a pretty expensive private school, all of which the embassy pays for.

I spend my money mostly on food and entertainment (movies, etc) but I never buy clothes. Having a gf brings my money supply down alot so by the end of each month I try avoiding going out altogether. Currently I have a job with the Canadian embassy which is paying nicely but I am saving this so I can visit my gf when she moves to New York this summer.

I don't participate in any political actions here because I am still learning Portuguese and I am just not in the know. I'm sure that political groups are more active in cities such as Rio or Sao Paulo because I haven't heard of anything here. However, I do some volunteer work here and there, for orphanages, embassy, or school. I figure the least I can do is help out the community. I also influence my gf and friends politically a lot; I have gotten her to open her eyes about events going on around the world and here in Brazil.

I have one more year of high school before I go to university and I will most likely head off to Canada. I'm sure that there I will be MUCH more active politically, in actions and whatnot. I plan to support the NDP somehow and have also been thinking about doing some volunteer work overseas (greatly inspired by the Volunteering in Africa thread.)

Many times I feel terrible about the way that I live...I constantly wish I could do more for people or my beliefs. I feel like a hypocrite sometimes and I plan to change it when I move.

[ahab]

Originally posted by Defy+Jun 20 2006, 04:50 AM--> (Defy @ Jun 20 2006, 04:50 AM)
[email protected] 19 2006, 09:18 AM
well most of the time I try and stay under the radar, with small acts such as graffitiing, talking and informing people on my beliefs and explaining on how life could be better, going to shows and partying. There isnt to much activity as far as protests and rally's because i live in a predominatly mormon society and most mormons are hardcore right-wing cappies which sux, but its also good because the one demonstration i did do got a lot of attention. I would like to travel to a more leftist community or just travel (especially to south america).
so you live in salt lake
thats rough man [/b]
no bro MORE morman, I'm half an hour away in a town called orem right next to provo which is where BYU is and that means mormon college town its like 90% there or pretty damn close but w/e the mormons are nice so i cant hate on em, they're just to closed minded, as most christian churches are.

[rebelworker]

I dont really go for the "lifestyle" changes, but I do do a few things that help keep me in shape.

I dont eart too much meat(this has alot to do with the cost) and Montreal is very good for public recycling pickup.

I ride my bike during the months that are warm enough(this also has alot to do with transport costs).

I try and talk politics at work alot, even worked as an organizer with SEIU for a while.

I do "how to organise a union" workshops, and am vert active in building the local anarchist communist federation. Right now I work too much to be very active, but I do search out interesting people that I work with and take them to political events or show them good books/movies.

I also make sure the "Cause Commune", free nefac newspaper, is available at local buisy spots like the pharmacy, music shop and burger joint.

[rebelworker]

I dont really go for the "lifestyle" changes, but I do do a few things that help keep me in shape.

I dont eart too much meat(this has alot to do with the cost) and Montreal is very good for public recycling pickup.

I ride my bike during the months that are warm enough(this also has alot to do with transport costs).

I try and talk politics at work alot, even worked as an organizer with SEIU for a while.

I do "how to organise a union" workshops, and am vert active in building the local anarchist communist federation. Right now I work too much to be very active, but I do search out interesting people that I work with and take them to political events or show them good books/movies.

I also make sure the "Cause Commune", free nefac newspaper, is available at local buisy spots like the pharmacy, music shop and burger joint.

[rebelworker]

I dont really go for the "lifestyle" changes, but I do do a few things that help keep me in shape.

I dont eart too much meat(this has alot to do with the cost) and Montreal is very good for public recycling pickup.

I ride my bike during the months that are warm enough(this also has alot to do with transport costs).

I try and talk politics at work alot, even worked as an organizer with SEIU for a while.

I do "how to organise a union" workshops, and am vert active in building the local anarchist communist federation. Right now I work too much to be very active, but I do search out interesting people that I work with and take them to political events or show them good books/movies.

I also make sure the "Cause Commune", free nefac newspaper, is available at local buisy spots like the pharmacy, music shop and burger joint.

[Comrade Don]

I live at home currently in relatively modest conditions, Will be moving into a Bachloers apartment come August so even then Iam still living a modest life, Definately not rich lol, But not in poverty, Just surviving.

[Comrade Don]

I live at home currently in relatively modest conditions, Will be moving into a Bachloers apartment come August so even then Iam still living a modest life, Definately not rich lol, But not in poverty, Just surviving.

[Comrade Don]

I live at home currently in relatively modest conditions, Will be moving into a Bachloers apartment come August so even then Iam still living a modest life, Definately not rich lol, But not in poverty, Just surviving.

[which doctor]

My local organic foods store doesn't have a dumpster out back. That fucking sucks.

Everytime I open a dumpster I close it immediately to cover my nose anyways.

[which doctor]

My local organic foods store doesn't have a dumpster out back. That fucking sucks.

Everytime I open a dumpster I close it immediately to cover my nose anyways.

[which doctor]

My local organic foods store doesn't have a dumpster out back. That fucking sucks.

Everytime I open a dumpster I close it immediately to cover my nose anyways.

[RNK]

I exist by selling my labour for a commission wage.

[Guest]

I live lightly and quickly, roaming the United States in search of a group of people willing to organize a criminal syndicate. I've had a few friends interested in little gigs, but nothing big. Eventually complacency, fear of God, and laziness overwhelms them...and they quit.

I am capable of averaging forty to sixty grand a year if I worked...but the circumstances I don't like, so I don't ever obligate myself to a "career." I work when I need money...then I get out.

If I could snap my fingers and suddenly find myself in a communist guerrila training camp...I'd do it.

[Epoche]

That was me. Forgot to log in.

[Inti]

Atm in Mexico city, but I will have to go back to Norway in a couple of days, though thinking of going back to Mexico to study in a uni later.

[*[email protected]*]

I buy my food at the local markets or eat what I grow in my house rather then go to super markets or eat fastfood.
I dont feel the need to buy anything that isnt needed (ie. Xbox, Ipods and other electronics.), and I give what I can to the Salvation Army.

So I do my best not to be a slave to the capatalists.

[DPCC2002]

1. Practice voluntary simplicity
2. Submiss yourself into solidarity with those fighting for our beliefs
3. Get involved locally
4. Talk

[piet11111]

well i live on social security cuz there are no jobs that i can handle also having no job experience or something that qualify's as a desireable education im pretty much fucked.

most of the time i just read or play some games aswell as other computer stuff.
im currently trying to save up some money to buy some black market stuff but since the end of the month bills are rolling in im right down on my credit limit.
i usually make sure i get cash from the bank the second i can get some credit otherwise its gone when the bills come.

i cant wait for the revolution to come i want to live already free from all this shit.
this must be like what a racing horse feels before they can finally race.

[afrikaNOW]

I'm a senior in college about to finish with that. Involved in and on the executive board of some political and social organizations on campus. About to get involved in community projects in my town and in a socialist party that i deeply interested in. I put together alot of programs, events and lectures. Big things this year gonna happen this year. Keep your eye open feds and friends alike.:)

[Raisa]

I go to work and pay my damn bills. Then I come home and open a can of beans and feed my face.
I give all the family members money who need it because my main beleif is integrity. Then I take the wrest and get soap, and food and go to the good will and get a skirt or something.

[RNK]

I work as a tattoo artist. Most of my money goes to bills. Sometimes I have enough to get something nice, like a pair of pants or shoes. In my free time (which I have very little of as I work 9-10 hours Mon-Fri and 6 hours on Saturday) I like to either drown myself in computer games or plot the overthrow of the imperialistic world.