[CMI-CM] Where Is Everyone?

[Ellen Knutson]

Molly,

I'll add my two cents to you're two cents, which I guess means we're up to 
four cents!!

At any rate I think the ride it's self in inherently political in addition to 
being fun. And the bigger the group the more of statement it makes. If there 
is a group of 50-100 people riding in mass, carrying signs and chanting, 
making the drivers take notice of bicyclists right to road I think it is 
absolutely political. Also, the monthly ride can be a sort of mobile 
organizing meeting if people are interest in acting as a group to address 
issues at city council or something. I think the "aversion to anything 
political" as you put it is for making everyone who rides in the Mass have to 
sign on to something, but if activists want to use the Mass as a group of 
people to try mobilize to take action on a particular issue, I don't think it 
is an issue, especially if it as done as group of concerned people who also 
happen to ride in Critical Mass, and not "In the name of Critical Mass".

Also, where I am it incredibly busy as well and can't commit to anymore time 
than the monthly ride. I'll just reiterate that the ride itself is political 
and making a statement, AND the more people in the Mass the louder the 
statement is. Also there's always been talk of trying to include small bits of 
street theater in with the ride to emphasize the statement, but that 
definitely requires MORE PEOPLE IN THE MASS.

And one last reminder, the Mass has done special rides in conjunction with 
other environmental activities (such as Earth Day and World Car Free Day)but 
for them to be truly successful they to need a Mass of people.

So there's my two cents..

Cheers,
Ellen

>===== Original Message From Molly Stentz <molly at clamcenter.org> =====
>I know where I am and it's too busy! I participate in things when I feel
>there is a compelling reason to. I would participate, as I've mentioned
>previously, if I felt it were linked to political action, ie there would
>be some consequence as a result of our actions. Otherwise it is just a fun
>ride and one I don't usually think about. I know people have expressed an
>aversion to anything political in the past, but I imagine other activist
>folk might feel the same way as I do - ? Just my 2 cents since you asked!
>
>-Molly
>
>
>
>On Thu, 26 Jul 2001, Paul Riismandel wrote:
>
>> Hey, there are still 68 people subscribed to this list, and at the last few
>> rides we've been lucky to see 10 folks.
>>
>> Where is everybody?
>>
>> How can we be Critical Mass without the Mass?
>>
>> It works and it's fun when YOU show up.  It's even more fun when you bring
>> FRIENDS.
>>
>> If there's something you think would make the ride better or more fun, then
>> please suggest it or do it!
>>
>> Please someone correct me if I'm wrong, but as it looks now I'm afraid
>> there just isn't much interest.  It's become more critical than mass.
>>
>> a fellow bicyclist,
>>
>> Paul
>>
>> At 08:18 PM 7/26/2001 -0500, Arun Bhalla wrote:
>>
>> >It's been a quiet month on this list, but I'd like to remind you that 
there
>> >is a ride this Friday, July 27, at 5:15pm, starting, as usual, from
>> >Alma Mater (at the SE corner of Green & Wright, Urbana).
>> >
>> >Bring a bike, bring your friends, and I encourage someone to think of
>> >a route.
>> >
>> >
>> >cheers,
>> >Arun
>> >
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>>
>>
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>
>--
>Molly Stentz
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