This allows them to more easily obscure our message, come across as anti-violence themselves. Disciplined, militant, creative, non-violent tactics, in contrast, make it much more likely that our basic message will not be as distorted. We will gain more sympathy from neutral observers who will want to learn more as they see us being willing to face tear gas, pepper spray, water cannons, plastic bullets, arrests, beatings, dogs, horses or whatever else the rulers decide to use. Less militant and partial allies will be emboldened to speak up and take stronger action themselves. We need to separate our personal friendships with individuals within this sector of our movement from our strategic and tactical views of what is necessary if we are to be ultimately effective in our objectives.
Families have internal differences, even fights, and they still stay together.
They work out arrangements. Quebec City was a victory for our movement. It could have been a bigger victory, but it was a victory. Bush, Cretien, Fox and their ilk were on the defensive because of the hard work of thousands of people and the depth of support for our basic message. But this was only one battle in an on-going war.