Our Right to Resist,
Free Karpatica,
12 July, 2010
"We ask only for the obedience of these unruly taxpayers. Look not to the streets for Patriotism, for it is found at the surface our riot shield, and the striking end of our baton." - Iulian Ovidiu, Candidate for Mareşalul a Justiţie (Marshall of Justice)Free Karpatica,
12 July, 2010
Startling bursts sent a pair of gas canisters bolting through the polluted atmosphere, with a violent thump and consequential crack, the first canister detonated against a protesters bare chest. Rousing a tempestuous backlash, a horde like mob pressed on at a loping pace, even as the second canister emitted its intended payload of tear gas. While most detached from the mob, a courageous minority continued to muster strength from a deep place within the soul.
Not a radical fringe of modern revolutionaries, their cause was nearly two centuries old, recycled from the 1818-25 Wars of Assertion that staked Životinje's claim to independence. A resistance all too similar of Živo was not only forced to pay, but fight for the Empire of Miedzymorze and its Crimson King. Figureheads were altered, painted different colors in the case of Kościałkowsky (White Emperor of Greater Sarmatia, in rounds of reform, restriction, and taxation on businesses in country, while two questionably popular wars required increased enlistment from the Živo population.
"RESIST. .RESIST!" the vanguard of protesters roared, summarizing their cause to resist Market reform in Životinje, and the momentous redefinition of the 'Union Way'. "RETURN . . RETURN" livid riot police replied, forming a defensive line in preparation for bombardment from these aggressive demonstrators.
At the corner of Livich and Gabil Avenue, the rebellious cabal and firm unit of order clashed in to combat. Protesters snatched away riot shields only to be thrashed fiercely with batons, but a salvo of bricks and debris caused the right flank to halt its forward advance entirely. Hysteria took hold of young folk in Karpatica like a virus, retaliation born from their partiality for a capitalist formula in the Union market. Shockingly, chaos reigned on the Southeast side before high noon, with an enduring day of destructive rallies planned to start their unemployed work week.
"I would not be setting fire to our current establishment unless I was not absolutely certain an immovable foundation of iron was being forged beneath. Our Union may falter, but it always rebuilds." - Henio Ujvári, Candidate for Civilă Mareşalul (Civil Marshal)
Assembling upon NE Livich Avenue was a third faction, well represented by variations of light blue or black and white stripe dressing attire. Their formations equipped robustly with clubs, knives, and pipes; brick carriers conducted to the rear by vociferous ringleaders. These loudspeakers appeared astute and aware of the complexities of the situation in contrast to their foot soldiers, who while well formed - appeared wild and untamed in the eye.
On this sweltering day, the Riot Control and Tax protesters felt the effects of dehydration, but the methodical vigilantes from Northeast Livich were distributing bottles of water with foresight to future fallouts. Improvised Ambulatory services began escorting injured policemen, while not taking away from their own mob as it poised to attack.
"FORWARD . . FORWARD" Captains of the truculent band howled, mounting in to up-armored vans to follow those advancing on foot. Alterations and maneuver orders brought their movements together in perfect unison.
Where the other factions had entrenched on the corners of Livich and Gabil, the intimidating force of 'Progresişti' sounded ear shattering bull horns, followed by a chillingly practiced volley of falling bricks. Periodically a brick might hit a policeman, but tax protesters were recipients of their projectiles more often then not. That, until forward advance parties of footmen ran headlong in to the protesters, plainly indicating where their aggression was aimed.
"FORM UP . . FORM UP" a Police Sergeant ordered, utilizing time bought by the Progresişti arrival. Where the left flank had failed, these late arrivers superseded their presence with unrestricted punches of lawless savagery. Gas canisters rung out once more, sending the dumbfounded resistance in to a scattering retreat. Not one amongst them, strangely enough, was arrested or restrained.
By Mareşal edict, that of Dionis Huszar, incarceration was not an option for members of this resistance. He wanted them disarmed and demobilized, sent home or at least running. To imprison tax resistors for doing as they had threatened, might only strengthen their resolve. Pacifying those violent few, then providing the democratic option as an alternative for their catastrophic discontent. Defenders of the peace would send the resistance running, paramedics and coroners picked up the rest.