My Journey into Vonuanism and the Reality of Anarchism: A Personal Account
From the moment I decided to step away from the life I knew in Chicago, my journey was one of seeking true freedom—freedom from coercion, from the state, from all forms of imposed governance. My name is Jason Henza, and part of my story, as depicted in HBO's "The Anarchists," is one of personal transformation, ideological shift, and a stark confrontation with reality.
Just six months before a life-altering event, I embraced vonuanism, a philosophy that emphasizes personal freedom through evasion, rather than confrontation, of state control. I let go of the collectivist ideas of rallying people to a political cause, realizing that coercion in any form wasn't the path to true liberty. My goal became to subvert coercion, to live a life where my interactions were consensual, free, and driven by mutual benefit rather than mandate.
In the vibrant, tumultuous city of Acapulco, Mexico, I found an environment where these ideals could be tested. I was drawn here by stories of John Galton and Lily Forester, anarchists who had seemingly found a way to live beyond the reach of the law. Their narrative on Steemit, a platform that thrived on the free exchange of ideas, inspired me. I convinced my wife at the time to join me for what was supposed to be a liberating retreat at Anarchapulco, but it ended with our marriage dissolving, as she found a connection she wasn't willing to leave behind.
Returning to Acapulco alone, I immersed myself in the community. The air was thick with talks of cryptocurrency, self-governance, and the dream of a stateless society. Here, I met many who shared my vision, but also those who lived in stark contrast to it. The news articles about me, particularly one from Voluntaryist News Week, described me as someone whose mind got "really, really clear" when I was injured, suggesting that the clarity brought by trauma helped me discern the steps I wanted to take in life.
The article also highlighted my thoughts on the documentary itself, where I praised the directors, Todd Schramke and sound mixer Kym Kylland, for their fair portrayal and genuine care towards the subjects, including myself. I was quoted saying, "They didn’t just move in and use us. They had been with us for about six years," acknowledging the depth of their engagement with our community.
However, the shooting at John and Lily's place in 2019 was a brutal awakening. It wasn't just a physical assault; it was an attack on the very ideals we were trying to live by. I was shot three times, and while I survived, the incident left me with more than just physical scars. The news reports varied, with some questioning the authenticity of my injuries, but those close to me saw the real impact. As one article sarcastically noted, I looked "good" for someone who had just undergone surgery after being shot, but the truth was far from glamorous.
This event forced me to reevaluate everything. The shooting was not just a personal tragedy but a community one, revealing the fragility of our utopian dreams when faced with the violence that can thrive in the absence of conventional governance. It brought to light the dark side of humanity, as described by the news, where my world, and that of others, was turned upside down in all imaginable ways.
After the event, I continued to advocate for a life free from coercion, but with a deeper understanding. I've learned that freedom and security are not always mutually exclusive but can be balanced through personal responsibility, community, and mutual aid. My philosophy has shifted from pure anarcho-capitalism to a more nuanced voluntaryism combined with Vonu, where the focus is on personal freedom without the need to rally masses or challenge the state head-on. I choose to subvert intrusive forms of coercion instead. I'm freer now than I was when politically active.
Today, I live in Mexico, still committed to my ideals but with a more pragmatic approach. I share my story not to deter others from seeking freedom but to highlight the complexities and personal costs of such a journey. My tale, as portrayed in "The Anarchists," is a testament to the human spirit's resilience and the continuous quest for a life aligned with one's deepest beliefs.
In sharing this, I hope to inspire thought on how we can each find our version of freedom, understanding that it often comes with its own set of challenges and lessons.
I'll be posting in my free time as I'm now focusing on my new family and we're in the process of building our home. If you'd like to encourage me to post more, like, share, comment or reach out to me on telegram @TheHenza. Type HIVE in your message so I know you're not spam.
Feel free to ask questions here or on telegram. It will help me create more content & hopefully put some food on the table.
