Last Year was a Blast
Last year near and during the conferences, many people came and stayed in Acapulco for several months. I made many friends I hold dearly in my heart. We saw each other almost every day. Going on motorcycle rides, parties, the beach, having bonfires & howling at sunsets. It was one the best few months of my life. So I moved to Bonfii where most of the fun took place and I paid 6 months in advance, hoping to recreate my past experiences.
Community Cracks
There had been grumblings from last year about a few of the community members and their behavior towards others. Two in particular who had violated multiple people and one who beat their partner into a coma (their relationship may have had larger problems but the drug use and violence were very extreme, community members were worried for others). Their behavior had been so bad it had a few of us calling for disassociation. Which means, if these “violators” are your friends, you are not my friend. The community started talking about what to do just after I got here. It was a very heated online debate. Some of the communication in the debate was viewed very aggressive and didn’t see it as a passionate plea to protect community members & newcomers. At this point, there is a lot of anger because of individual perceptions. Sadly, the bigger picture was lost in the debate. What to do in an anarchist community when “anarchists” violate other people?
This still hasn’t been settled. Some of the community is angry and will continue their CURRENT relationship with the defendants as is. This doesn’t make them friends but it doesn’t say that they will disassociate them either. Even though one of the violators continues to harass and threaten every day to some of the community members. He has bad intentions and he wants to hurt people.
What I Think About This Situation
I admire the humanity of some in the community but maybe they are overlooking the responsibility of freedom. If people advocate for freedom, I think those people should conduct & hold themselves to a higher standard than the rest of society. I'm sure people can poke holes in my thoughts but, this is the very best I can do if I look at myself in the mirror and I be completely honest with myself.
What Should I Have Done Differently?
Now that the community seems to have split over communication, I wish I wouldn’t have locked myself into 6 months here in Bonfil. I wish I could move somewhere else and start where people LIVE by the principles of freedom. I also wish I was a stronger voice and the first one to call for disassociation. I think it might have sounded better coming from me.
What I Want You to Know About Me
Even when I am mad, I value all people. The “anarchists” who have violated other people, I value them as individuals. I think they have rights. I feel they should face punishment for their actions but by the community and not vigilante justice.