Raven
Raven Anarcho
In this issue, my one year anniversary of playing erepublik, I'll recap some of the music and legends of the month.I'll also give a short bio of myself. I noticed some time ago that many players let everyone know a little about themselves. I decided to put it off until now, my 50th article.
THE MUSIC AND THE LEGENDS
8. Poison Girls– Persons Unknown
9.
10. Cock Sparrer – Take em All
11. Elektroduendes – Salgo a la Calle
12. The Pogues – Sunny Side of the Street
13. The Briggs – Charge into the Sun
14. Forgotten Rebels – In love with the System
15. Angelic Upstarts – I’m an Upstart
16. Butt Trumpet – Kill Yourself
17. Screeching Weasel – My Brain Hurts
18. Dead Milkmen – Moron
19. Mischief Brew – Roll Me Through the Gates of Hell.
20. Eskorbuto – Historia Triste
21. Operation Ivy – Jaded
22. 4 Past Midnight – Fuck Them All
23. Dead Boys – Sonic Reducer
24. The Humpers – Up Yer Heart
25. Flema – Nunca Sere Policia
26. Youth Brigade – Sink With California
27. Balzac – Wall
28. Cock Sparrer – We’re Coming Back
29. The Adicts – You’ll Never Walk Alone
30. Defiance – No Future, No Hope
31. Dead Kennedys – Kill the Poor
32. The Valves – It Don’t Mean Nothing At All
33. Leftover Crack – Gang Control
34. The Vines – Factory
35. The Wolfe-Tones – Some Say the Devil Is Dead
36. The Misfits – Hybrid Moments
37. Attaque 77 – El Cielo Puede Esperar
38. The Forgotten Rebels – England Keep Yer Stars
39. NOFX – Linoleum
40. Angelic Upstarts – Solidarity
41. Across the Border – Reclaim Our Needs
42. Eire Og – Bring Them Home
43. Youth Brigade – Sink with California
44. The Mob – Our Life, Our World
45. Colera – Adolescente
46. The Clash – Pressure Drop
47. Commandantes – Bandiera Rossa
48. Kathleen Largey – Only Our Rivers Run Free
49. Across the Border - Loyalty
50. Dead Milkmen - Big Lizard in my Backyard
Legend of the Months:
February: Jon Riley – Irish
March: Emma Goldman – Russian
April: Grutte Pier – Dutch
May: Buenaventura Durruti – Spanish
June: Albert Parsons – American
July: Rosa Luxemburg - Polish
RAVEN
For starters, I'm 24 and live in the US. I was born in the south, an only child. I never knew my father, lost my mother when I was 9, and ended up living with my biological grandparents shortly before I started highschool. In highschool I was involved in theatre, chorus, and was an avid chess player. At the time, I wanted to major in Musical Theatre one day, while minoring in business management because it was a safe backup plan.
I was a small kid and an only child.
My sophomore year I picked up a book that held short biographies on all of the Soviet leaders. I had never been interested in history much, but felt strongly moved by Vladimir Lenin's life. I particularly respected the way he had turned his hatred and anger into something hopeful and just, and through it attempted to better mankind. Many debate on his and Trotsky's methods used, or any secret motives but due to his early death, he left his dream unfinished; a mystery of what could have been. It was this book that really started my interest in academics all together, and history, particularly radical history.
I had considered myself, both before and after reading about Lenin, simply a liberal. Before highschool I never thought much of politics. I was raised religious and as a child said a prayer every night, however my prayer on the morning of my mother's death remained unanswered, and became my last. In highschool I never knew what religion, or lack of religion, i belonged to. I often took to the sidelines when the few intelligent students at my school would debate athiesm and religion. Eventually I decided that I was neither, and have been agnostic to this day.
Me being an annoying liberal and debating in highschool.
I joined the military shortly after highschool. I joined for travel and financial aid for college. It was a decision that I would not make again, however still bettered me. While in, I had a Top Secret security clearance and worked primarily with computers and communications. My first two years I was stationed in Italy. Aside from different Italian cities, Paris was the only other city in Europe I visitited. I did, however, visit my friend in Seoul, South Korea, who was teaching english. I always say that if I had extra money to travel, I'd go to places I haven't been yet. South Korea, however, is the only place I enjoyed to the point that i'd pay to travel back to. It was incredible.
I spent my next two years on a ship. It was an annoying and stressful experience to say the least. In Italy, I saw the money being wasted by the military, while the rest of America was in a deep recession. I knew shortly after joining that I would not reenlist. Eventually dealing with the arrogant and egotistic leaders in the military became too much. I began to despise the art of doing things one way simply because "it's the way it's always been done". I found that traditionalism changes when people stop celebrating it and start enforcing it. I could list over 30 reasons why I didn't re-enlist. However I'm irritated at even mentioning the dysfunction of the military , so I'll move on.
An average day for me in the military.
Eventually, while still in the service, I decided to read about anarchism. This is of course when Emma Goldman and more so Albert Parsons became huge impacts on my life. Beforehand I had hated anarchists and thought them to be naive. Eventually I realized, however, that many of them fought more so for the principles behind anarchism than the implementation of it. For example, they fought for workers rights, womens rights, and civil rights, long before the majority of citizens had evolved to support their causes. I came to see that although anarchy couldn't be achieved by this generation, due to the lack of social maturity of the human race, it could be achieved far in the future. I hold on to my beliefs that capitalism inevitably leads to socialism, and socialism leads mankind to a more anarchistic government, if not to the abolishment of government all together.
Right now I'm studying business in college. I've decided that to truly make a difference in this world and country, you have to be an artist or a businessman. Politicians are simply pawns in the pockets of the rich. I hope to own my own business chain some day, a vegetarian restaurant perhaps, where most of the profits go to rebuilding neighborhoods and helping those in need. I'd like to open the eyes of Americans to just how much money could be spent to better this world, yet politicians and businesses do little more than can be written off their taxes. Hypocritical no doubt, but i've accepted that i'll leave behind a legacy as either a hypocrite or a legend. I'm content with the risk.
Me yelling at the water.
I don't want kids, nor do I wish to be married. These things will only hold me back or slow me down, which given only 40 more years of an active life, I can't afford. Not to mention I feel that humans are capable of achieving much more in life, but we are raised as the lower classes to feel that reproduction is the primary function of our existence. I would, however, be more willing to adopt some day if my finances would allow it. Fortunately, the girl I'm seeing right now doesn't wish for marriage or children either, so I'm happy as it is.
In my spare time, I play a handful of online games. I've played Guild Wars 2, DC Online, SWTOR, WoW, Aion, and many other smaller MMORPGs. Console wise, i only watch netflix, replays of soccer games on ESPN, and sometimes sports games, such as FiFA or Madden. I'm a huge soccer fan, which started when I was in Italy during the last world cup. Although not fond of nationalism government wise, I pull for the US, South Korea, and Ireland Internationally. Club wise, I like Seattle Sounders.
When I joined erepublik, I was finishing my last couple months in the service. I joined out of the US, but immediately assumed (incorrectly) that they were led by the same types of morons that lead the US in RL. I was wrong, however decided to move after only playing a day or two. I chose Ireland because I'm Irish and Scottish on my mother's side of the family. (Dutch and German on my father's) It's tough to choose which heritage I'm more proud of because both the Scottish and Irish have led proud existences of rebelling against tyranny. Being that Scottland is a part of one of those tyrants in game, I chose Ireland. I must say playing in Ireland and meeting players here has sparked a huge interest in Irish history for me. I'd only go back to Europe with the intention to visit Ireland.
So I've been playing on here, while working two jobs and going to school full time. That's my life for the most part right now. I've been on my own for a while, but hopefully I'll have my upcoming roommate, a friend of mine, start playing here soon. I'll be playing this game for a while, that much I'm sure. I won't settle until Ireland becomes one of the strongest nations in the game. Till next time. o/
MY CURRENT MISSION
I'm still fighting against TWO at every chance, for the most part. I've been working on a babyboom operation behind the scenes, but I need more interested volunteers. I have a festival targeted next year, so if anyone is good at designing, I need a design for an ad and a t-shirt. Pm me if you are interested.
-R.A.
Dead Milkmen - Big Lizard in my Backyard
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5k68Uz3w3x8
"If men cease to believe that they will one day become gods then they will surely become worms." - Henry Miller
The Irish Radical issue #50
Comments
Very great article, feel I know you a little better. Funny - I started in eUS, embrace my Scottish heritage but chose eIreland cuz I dislike England that much (and we all know UK/eUK is Anglo-centric), and since moving here I've learned A LOT about Irish history, particularly over the years I've studied modern Irish history (from the late 1800s till now).
Five stars
Good article. You should rethink not having any kids, they bring a lot of joy into your life.
I didn't bring my parents much joy..
LOL!
Being a parent isn't for everyone. I love my kids, but don't like being a dad. Yes they bring joy (when they are not fighting and crying) BUT all other forms of joy are gone. I don't do anything but to try to make my kids happy and they don't even like me. Maybe I am doing it wrong.
The joy I get from my kids is when they play by themselves and give me a little time to enjoy a beer at night.
Hardest job ever is being a parent. Best one too.
what he said
Magnificent 🙂
As State Prior and Cleric of The Word i bless this agnositc article with a holy vote....
"If men cease to believe that they will one day become gods then they will surely become worms."
For some of them is too late i fear....and even enjoying being worms...
Don't take this as a put down mate, but I wouldn't recommend putting your life story on the internet...
not taken as a put down.
My lawyer forbid me to put my life story coz it could be used against me on court.
Aparently today's laws do not approve serial k.......nothing.....
Also i hear society do not look kindly on sex offe....fck.....
I didn't write this...my account has hacked by conway.....and i will stick to this story...
I believe if you don't give great detail, like your exact city or your full name or personal secrets than it is quite nice to learn a little more about the person behind the avatar. But I recognize your concern as well.
Yes..for example i am on interpol wanted list....and on interpol website is even reward for me with my pic.......shut up you bastard!
u told everyone your a lawyer , your irish. i would guess dublin by your general attitude and opinion of yourself. you probably life in a medium income neighbourhood, your dogs name is scott and your son is called ian?hell its not like he gave all his info i once had a woman share so much info with me i could walk into her office at her job and pat her on the head.
How old do you think I am? Kids? Waaay too young mate.
sorry your dog is named ian your cat is scott and your son is called fido.
Brave decision to give your life story to that extent, though interesting to see more about the people we play with.
My life story started 1200 years ago when my space ship crashed on this planet.
Since you humans were not developed in technology i had to wait all this years, and i still wait until you reach star trek level so i can PTO a space craft and get the hell out of here.
Problem, i calculated that balkan area will be fastest in technology development and also the most peacefull democratic region from all places in the world.....
I think i fcked few numbers during calculation...
Ahh. The Balkans. Best place in the world. Every generation went to war since...well hell, since time started. You gotta love it.
Let me quote one of Ravens "southern boys". "It is well that war is so terrible, otherwise we should grow too fond of it.".
your dog name is hamilton, your cat is named Mary your son is named Garfield and your daughter peanut. Your other son is called mad max.
Ah Raven. How can you attach a value to life and understand it without children? Still, the decision is yours and yours alone.
Life has value because we are mortal. If that isn't valuable enough, I find that a little arrogant.
People without children can't appreciate life? That's a bit of a fucked up view.
Our biological nature is to procreate. Therefore the emotive feelings we have strongest are those that are associated with the protection of our offspring. You can choose to attach a higher value to other states of mind, intellect over subconscious for example, but you cannot overcome the raw value of love and protection a parent has over their child. We have free choice of course, hence the decision is yours and I am entitled to my opinion thank you.
Studies show that people who do not feel the need to procreate tend to have less children (or none at all) have higher IQ's. In this day in age there is no need to procreate, in fact we've done too much creating that world hunger and widespread poverty is a problem.
Now people are trying to outlaw abortion, how irresponsible. If anything, if we don't change our patterns we will need to make abortions mandatory and I am against that on certain levels...but would deem it necessary. Survival of the species, through intelligence not primitive instincts.
Haha, we have free choice but we can't overcome evolution's instincts.
The former is subordinate to the latter, methinks.
I only have heard of 7 of those bands. lol
Nice article.
Dude, don't listen to them. You have your entire life to procreate. Enjoy your life while you can. You'll eventually have a child, and when you do, you will change. Put it off as long as possible. You're not missing anything.
Also, you're in your twenties; kids are for your thirties
@ almost everyone: As I said, I don't intend to ever have kids. When I'm in my 30's or 40's, have moved closer to my goals, and can financially support it, i'd be willing to adopt. There are far more reasons than I care to talk about. For those who have found enjoyment and content in becoming parents, good for you. I just don't care for it.
I share your views on this, and I get a lot of grief about it from (well-meaning but incredibly arrogant) people too. Normally, I just print this off for them 😉
http://tinyurl.com/this-be-for-raven
Very nice "self-interview" 🙂.
Voted!
voted
all i can say about the kid stuff is condoms is fallible, people get drunk and... as one gets older fantasies surprise you in the weirdest places. and dont have kids my ex just got 500 squids the maintenance is killing me boo hoo hoo send gold donations to my account.
You're a very interesting man Raven, and certainly an aspiration to be like in an eLife.
Thank you for sharing this story. whether you feel it or not but you've shown a sense of vulnerability (as B.😎 said) by putting it up for complete strangers to see and I have respect for that. Not to recommend anything or direct your life but if you ever get the chance, do come to RL Ireland. We may not be exactly what you'd expect but we are at least good craic.
I'd certainly raise a pint with you, and indeed most of the non-trolls on this eLittle Isle.
This article reminds me a bit about Snowden.
Go straight to Venezuela mate.
Great article. I only know 5 of the bands and 1 of the legends. You seem to have had a very interesting life so far. Keep up the good work of actively living life. On the kids thing, if there won't be anarchy in this generation then you are going to need future generations to get the social change you are looking for...that means kids, yours or someone else's. Don't get me wrong, I am not the poster boy for standard married with kids life - 23 years going out with the same girl and we have no kids. I imagine/think that children could certainly enrich your life, give you new perspectives, possibly make you a less self-centred person, but not everyone has to have kids. As Shadowfang said I would be happy to have a pint with you.
Sorry in case of possible misunderstanding I was not calling you self-centred, I was using it as a generalisation - people in general.
Interesting article. We're pretty much opposite on politics and many ways of thought, but I welcome an articulate person with a differing point of view. The more intelligent people we have expressing themselves in a reasonable manner, the better off everyone is.
I'm a proud parent of two, with over 10 years as a single parent, but I don't recommend it for everyone. Making the decision that you are comfortable with is the way to go, in my opinion.
Please keep the articles coming, I look forward to each one of them. Now to teach you to like country music 😃
I actually like older country, I just don't have room for it on my Ipod. XD Mostly from the 80's and 90's. (Keith, Strait, Brooks, ect.) No new stuff. To me it's much like new rap and holds very little substance and meaning, unless you venture further than the mainstream artists.
I agree with you on the new stuff. I do like groups like Moccasin Creek and Big Smo, but they are definitely on the country fringe, lol. The older "outlaw" country I like a lot. David Allen Coe, Hank Williams, Jr. and such.
Let's hoist a beer to good music, good friends, and friendly ladies 🙂
Great read, other people's lives always sound more interesting than my own 😛
I'll have to comb through your music later on, looks like you have good taste.
Great article Raven. Enjoyed every word. I like when people are honest about who they are.
Wish you the best!
Great story and I enjoyed the read.
Thanks
You should become a libertarian. We need more of them in the Republican party.
Of course, I would prefer a moderate like myself, but that seems to be impossible to ask of people.
essentially anarchists are neo-libertarians. I just don't believe in the American political system, which is why I no longer consider myself a Democrat or Republican. Voting for congress is the only vote that matters unless you are a member of the electoral college. Not to mention, even the voting for congress is mildly meaningless when there's no accountability for congressmen who go against their promises once elected. (primarily due to lobbyist influence) I just stay away from our political system.
No offense, but staying away from the political system is the exact opposite of realizing whatever change you want in this country. If you are fine with that, then you are on the right path.
I thought like that when I considered myself a democrat. "How can you complain when you don't vote?." Simple: Your vote means nothing The system is flawed and has been for some time now. The change I want is the abolishment of this mirage of democracy; the abolishment of this government. I have no expectations that the people will abolish it however. I'm very certain in my lifetime the government will collapse, abolishing itself.
Only the electoral college has a say in the presidency. I'm positive that the more time goes on, eventually there will be a strong difference in the popular vote and electoral vote, much like there was in Bush's term. When this difference becomes common and more marginal, more will realize the system needs changing.