Well, I'm all for an honest assessment, but it seems to me that you're asking the wrong questions to get it rolling.

I think our turnout, while fine militancy-wise and much improved composition-wise, was still way too low. I don't care if other cities didn't do as well.

We have to work harder and smarter at this.

My main concern is to multiply our numbers in the streets by double, triple or even a factor of ten. That means for most of the newcomers, it will be their first action.

If you can convincingly show us how 'increased militancy' or 'resistance' is going get us there most effectively and quickly, then sign me up for your plan.

If you can't, then let's get some serious strategic and tactical thinking together that can.

But from someone who actually coined the term, 'from protest to resistance' back in the 1960s, along with '10 Days to shake the empire', and popularized the notions of 'exemplary action' and 'affinity groups' that went with it, I've been there and done that, and it's not all it's romanticized to be.

These notions have a role to play, but when all is said and done, they are not the main thing.

The main thing is building antiwar organization and activism at the base among people who don't agree with you, who are upset with the war, who are probably to the right of you politically on many other issues, but have yet to take action.

It's a big mistake for radicals to leave this task to liberals, while they give primacy to a quest for more militancy, but with shrinking or stagnant wider circles.

If you want to address this, great. Others will be doing so for sure...

I suggest helping out at 'Camp Bring'em Home' at Emanuel's office all this week or developing a project proposal or workshop for the statewide conference in Champaign April 1.

Go to anti-warmajority.org