I do not believe that monkeywrenching addresses the heart of a conflict. You cannot monkeywrench patriarchy. Secondly, when deciding what action to take, I am very interested in the political effectiveness of the strategy and tactics. However, while sharing that anger, I am also concerned to make certain that my anger is expressed in politically effective ways. I simply do not believe that sabotage in any form is politically effective.
Sabotage distracts people from the real issues.
Thirdly, I am vitally interested in the question of campaign focus. Fourthly, I would like to clarify that I do not regard painting as a form of monkeywrenching. I have been involved in several painting actions myself - including the painting of rainforest murals on rainforest timber ships. In my view, however, particularly if the action is undertaken in the context outlined below, painting does not functionally undermine the dynamics of nonviolent action. The rainforest murals were well received and a long way from the public perception of 'vandalism'.