Anarchy comes to FHSU
Thursday February 1, 2007

Brandon Clark
The University Leader (Fort Hays State)

When one thinks of anarchy, the literal interpretation may come to mind;
a system without government. “Most people think anarchy is about savages
eating each other, but I don’t think there’s any cannibalism involved,”
said Andrew Duscher, sophomore. The concept of having no authority
undoubtedly stirs up the aforementioned images of chaos. But students
who would like more insight can find answers at the inaugural meeting of
the Anarchy Club, which will take place tonight at 8 p.m. in Picken Hall
room 110.

Diverse viewpoints are welcome and encouraged to participate in what
host Bill Shanahan says will be a free exchange of ideas.

To set an itinerary for the meeting would go against anarchist
philosophy. Instead, the group plans on picking up whatever topic comes
to the table and everyone agrees upon. And that is anarchy in a
nutshell; the group decides as each situation arises. Shanahan says
anarchy is similar to direct democracy, where everyone’s input is
respected, and consensus outweighs central power.

Shanahan says, “Anarchy is not an end state, but a process, an ethical
way of being in the world that does not operate from fixed hierarchies
and the tyranny of the majority, but rather attempts to fashion
solutions, which are just and open to negotiation by all, not just the
monied, propertied, and powerful.”

Few understand how anarchy works, but to get an idea, think about a
system run by barter and trade. An individual’s contribution to society
determines their worth. For example, jobs we may currently see as lowly
or disgusting would receive the highest praise and compensation. Imagine
being proud to say you are a sewer cleaner.

Historically, the image of anarchy has been shaped by isolated events.
In 1901, President William McKinley was shot and killed by an anarchist
named Leon Czolgosz. More recently, anarchists who broke store windows
were blamed for instigating a riot during protests against the World
Trade Organization, International Monetary Fund and the World Bank in
Seattle, Washington in 1999.

Shanahan admits the violent revolutionary roots of anarchy are there,
but says his concept is much different. He says The Anarchy Club was
formed to open up a forum for individuals who would like to do something
about problems they see in the status quo.

Duscher, a founding member, says the meeting is also intended to
“introduce people to a new school of thought. One they might not
otherwise hear about.”

Some may ask what would a group of anarchists be doing on a state
campus? “I think that’s the beauty of it,” said Shanahan, reveling in
the use of state resources for anarchist discussion.

www.fhsu.edu/leader/2007/02/01/AnarchycomestoFHSU