multitude

The multitude, as power, is not a figure that is homologous and opposed to the power of exception of modern sovereignty. The constituent power of the multitude is something different, it is not only a political exception but also a historical exception, it is the product of a radical temporal discontinuity, and it is ontological metamorphosis. Then, the multitude presents itself as a powerful singularity that cannot be flattened in the Bergsonian alternative of a possible and repetitive vitalistic function; neither can it be attracted to its pressing opponent, i.e. sovereignty, because the multitude, by existing, concretely dissolves the concept of sovereignty. This existence of the multitude, does not seek a foundation outside of itself, but only in its own genealogy. In fact, there is no longer a pure or naked foundation or an outside: these are illusions. --Antonio Negri

It would probably be a stretch to suggest that today's uncritical mass came anywhere close to Negri's conception of the multitude. But still, it appears to have been a huge success. I'm not good at estimating numbers, but there must have been over 500 people there. A long, snake-like and essentially differentiated collection of singularities pulsing and undulating its way toward City Hall. And maybe its fair to say that sovereign power was suspended for just a moment. A fleeting interruption of the time of empire by some other temporality and its alternative concept of power. Or maybe it's just that I haven't seen that many people at City Hall since the Bombers won the Grey Cup in the mid-80s. Good turnout by FGBC and friends.