THE GHOST IN THE MACHINE
'By anarchist spirit I mean that deeply human sentiment, which aims at the good of all, freedom and justice for all, solidarity and love among the people; which is not an exclusive characteristic only of self-declared anarchists, but inspires all people who have a generous heart and an open mind... ’ * *Errico Malatesta Umanita Nova (13 April 1922) ‘ Never follow leaders ’ Bob Dylan I have been doing battle with bureaucracy , involved in a dispute with contractors and ultimately the housing association of which I am a tenant. It has been an interesting exercise and unfortunately an exercise in re-learning what I have long known, that most officials can handle no end of anger and even abuse, since the latter immediately puts the complainant in the wrong and enables your average jobsworth to retain the high moral ground. What they cannot handle is mockery, to have their pomposity pricked and their self importance subject to ridicule. In the face of such a reaction there ...