After speeches about political prisoners and a rappin' radical puppet show, Paul Krassner took the stage to indulge in an interminable monologue about his role in the events of 68. A more lucid and grandfatherly Dave Dellinger spoke next, but seemed equally unable to connect with the younger crowd. Active Resistance seems to have thoroughly absorbed. That is, in building cross-continental networks, examining their own dynamics, and talking about how exactly to create the kind of world they want to live in. Still, some of these warm nights The Ballroom's atmosphere undergoes a change.
Volunteers clear a huge patch of floor and someone sets up a righteous sound system.
The anarchists are nearby but sequestered away, bouncing and slamming and flipping cartwheels to beats of the Pogues or Hindi house music. They plan to be a part of the revolution, so tonight they're damned well going to dance. This news alert issued by CounterMedia, a coalition of political organizations, media groups and individuals dedicated to providing alternative coverage of the Democratic National Convention and community struggle in Chicago.