I'm not a fan of violent actions. That's not to say I'm never violent, but I try to teach myself and others of the long-term futility of violence. Many LVIMC readers feel differently and we're each entitled to our own beliefs, that's great. But when I ask the question about the Paris uprising happening in Las Vegas, I don't ask that question as if I'd like people to burn cars and violently fight back against the police in Las Vegas, rather I ask the question because I think popular actions are important for those of us living in Las Vegas to think about. Do we need to force current leaders out of leadership positions? Yes. Do we need to use violence to do that? My answer is ... no.

But, this article is not about violence or nonviolence or anything inbetween. It's about what happened at Circle Park yesterday, November 6, 2005. Unfortunately, I wasn't present the entire time and cannot give a complete account of what happened. However, I can let everyone know about what I *did* see.

Driving south of Charleston on Maryland Parkway, coming up on the park, the first thing I thought to myself was, "Wow, there are lots of people here." I guess I was only expecting a handful of people, but there were easily over 50 people just hanging out, eating, talking, and courageously confronting the police. It reminded me of gatherings in San Fransisco and Washington D.C. The story is that a woman living nearby began lecturing folks on using profanity in front of children and that started some verbal altercations. Soon, the police were called. At least, that's what I was able to pick up about the situation.

When we parked the car, one police car was blocking the exit. From the car, I could see some familiar faces engaging the police in discussion. I only saw two police officers the whole time. Many people continued to eat and socialize around the two police officers, who were obviously uncomfortable. I got out of the car and started talking to some of the people I knew, familiar faces were linking people who *needed things* with people who *have things* together, and overall spirits were high with love.

So, what could this possibly have to do with the uprising in Paris? In Las Vegas, Henderson, and North Las Vegas combined in 1999, there were between 17 and 22 full-time police officers for every 10000 people. That's about 2 officers per 1000 people (click here for stats). And that was in 1999. However, assuming that it's about the same or even higher, let's say double ... 4 police officers per 1000 people in 2005, we can see that the only people stopping an uprising in Las Vegas are the people of Las Vegas themselves.

Reports from Paris suggest that the police cannot regain control and they'll have to use other means, such as negotiation and discussion, in order to help facilitate peace. In Las Vegas, yesterday, those fifty or so people decided they didn't have to listen to the police, didn't have to acknowledge the police presence, didn't have to live their lives in fear of these police officers and instead went about their business as if the police weren't even there. At least, that's what I saw. In both cities, Las Vegas and Paris, it's clear that uprisings were taking place yesterday and continue to take place today.

In Las Vegas, the uprising is still in its infant stages. In Paris, the uprising is in its teens. And if we look at popular uprisings in the past, those uprisings that dramatically and suddenly changed the political landscape of the world, we see that the momentum for all of them started from small gatherings in parks and on streets. What happened in Circle Park yesterday is a sign of Las Vegas growing up and learning to fight back. But, it's not the first sign. In Las Vegas and Paris, people are fighting back against oppression, exploitation, and domination on a daily basis. This fight is taking place right now as I write and right now as you read. Sudden, unplanned popular uprisings are possible and take place more often than most of us are aware. Yesterday, at Circle Park, that was one of them. The uprising in Paris, France, that's another one. We are active participants in these uprisings and can choose how we want to participate, whether that's burning cars or serving food.

All talk and writing aside, what's really important to think about regarding Las Vegas and Paris is this: What are you doing to end oppression, exploitation, and domination? Volunteer with Food Not Bombs every Sunday at 2:00 p.m. at Circle Park just south of Charleston on Maryland Parkway. And don't just show up empty handed, bring something to share.