I’m new to Humboldt politics and heard some folks describe you as an Anarchist. Is that true? If so, could you explain moreso what it means to be an Anarchist?

— Someone new to Humboldt politics

Response

G. Mario Fernandez

I am — and more! I am also a registered Democrat (chair of the local party), a member of the Humboldt Progressive Democrats, and a member of the Humboldt Democratic Socials of America.

I would presume that when folks hear the words “anarchy” or “anarchist” they conjure images from films like The Purge or Talladega Nights. In a sense, it’s entertaining albeit also a distorted fabrication of political thought and and political belief. 

For me, when I discuss anarchism, it’s about personal autonomy and agency without infringing on others’ rights or autonomy. I believe our role in the service of people through government is to help people and communities become their best — develop and offer the services needed for the people in your community to be successful and contribute.

There’s a quote from Mikhail Bakunin, anarchist and political philosopher I enjoy:

“To be free … means to be acknowledged and treated as such by all his fellowmen. The liberty of every individual is only the reflection of his own humanity, or his human right through the conscience of all free men, his brothers and his equals… I am not myself free or human until or unless I recognize the freedom and humanity of all my fellowmen.”

This doesn’t mean that you or I have complete freedom from our actions rather Society compels us to recognize the freedom within each of us.

Society—our local community—can be beneficent and/or injurious. If people are struggling in our community, I choose beneficence before limiting their autonomy or agency and adding to their struggle..

 

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