As my darling bunnypip has already mentioned[*], you are quite right. Resuming my activism to the level it was at in the States could indeed put me at risk for being deported. Especially if I got arrested. This would also result in cheshcat being removed from the United Kingdom, as her visa is explicitly dependent on mine.
I feel a bit embarrassed that this is even a consideration. After all, the threat of deportation didn't silence Alexander Berkman or Emma Goldman, did it? Nor did the threat of prison keep them from doing their work. For that matter, did the threat of death keep Albert Parsons, August Spies, Adolph Fischer, George Engel, and Louis Lingg from the streets? Did the threat of being bulldozed to death cause Rachel Corrie to stand aside? Closer to home, home many of our comrades have we worked with who are now in prison?
Despite the fact that, in the past, I have risked arrest and serious injury to do the right ring, I am highly ashamed to admit that the threat to my visa is indeed a current consideration. Apologies for that to you and all the Anarchists I have ever worked with. For now, the thing to do is probably to start looking at low-risk activity that I could get involved with to make some level of difference, rather than continuing on entirely as a lifestylist.
By the way, and in case it is not obvious: You, my old friend, are also quite an inspiration! In many ways, I see you as the backbone, heart, and soul of the Phoenix Anarchist Coalition. Many people, myself included, have come and gone over the [almost] decade that PAC has been around... but you are steadfastly there and reliably active. My metaphorical hat is off to you, comrade!
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I feel a bit embarrassed that this is even a consideration. After all, the threat of deportation didn't silence Alexander Berkman or Emma Goldman, did it? Nor did the threat of prison keep them from doing their work. For that matter, did the threat of death keep Albert Parsons, August Spies, Adolph Fischer, George Engel, and Louis Lingg from the streets? Did the threat of being bulldozed to death cause Rachel Corrie to stand aside? Closer to home, home many of our comrades have we worked with who are now in prison?
Despite the fact that, in the past, I have risked arrest and serious injury to do the right ring, I am highly ashamed to admit that the threat to my visa is indeed a current consideration. Apologies for that to you and all the Anarchists I have ever worked with. For now, the thing to do is probably to start looking at low-risk activity that I could get involved with to make some level of difference, rather than continuing on entirely as a lifestylist.
By the way, and in case it is not obvious: You, my old friend, are also quite an inspiration! In many ways, I see you as the backbone, heart, and soul of the Phoenix Anarchist Coalition. Many people, myself included, have come and gone over the [almost] decade that PAC has been around... but you are steadfastly there and reliably active. My metaphorical hat is off to you, comrade!
[*] What can I say? She's quick!