The struggle could begin with just three or four focos (small revolutionary groupings as described by Che Guevara) establishing permanent camps in the swampiest, most isolated parts of the Everglades—areas seldom penetrated by tourists. This would not be difficult. For shelter, the revolutionaries could use small, semi-submerged boats camouflaged with sticks, leaves, and mud. Each group could be as small as four people (though larger sizes would be ideal). Two fighters would maintain a constant presence at the base, and the other two would maintain lives in the outside world. To raise money to fund the base, they would take jobs or sell scrap metal, ideally in the surrounding area. They would travel to the camp regularly and keep their comrades stocked with food, weapons, and other important supplies. On a frugal budget, these outposts could be maintained on less than two thousand dollars a month.
Excerpt from Towards a Protracted People’s War in the Florida Everglades
“The guerrilla must move amongst the people as a fish swims in the sea”
—Mao Zedong
Once the bases were fully operational, the groupings would begin their political work. It is vital that our guerilla forces not become isolated in their camps. For any chance of victory, a revolutionary force must move swiftly to build a firm relationship with the masses, in both the cities and the countryside. Without strong support from the workers and peasants, a people’s army becomes impotent and highly vulnerable to imperialist repression.
To achieve this end, the first task of a people’s army is to make its presence known to the masses. Our Everglades focos would accomplish this by planting red flags all over the wetlands, clearly marking the area as their territory. They could also install loudspeakers at strategic locations and blast propaganda that could be heard for miles. Modern renditions of songs from the Cultural Revolution could be played on the loudspeakers 24/7, which would do a great deal to raise class consciousness. Titles could include “Without the Communist Party, There Would Be No New Florida” and “The East Coast is Red.”
