Anarchy – it’s a term often associated with pandemonium, craziness, mass hysteria. After all, how can society survive without the protections of the state? Well, as it turns out, the state can leave much to be desired, as evidenced by the fact our roads are falling to pieces before our eyes. As such, a group of Portland anarchists have taken it upon themselves to fill in the gaps – literally.

As reported by local news outlet The Oregonian, an anonymous group dubbed “Portland Anarchist Road Care” has decided to take the initiative in fixing the city’s mangled streets. The group reportedly repaired potholes on Southeast Salmon Street last month, and plan further repairs in the near future.

“By creating structures to serve the same purpose as state structures, such as our organization, we have the ability to show that government is not necessary for society to function, that we can have a truly free and liberated society,” a group representative stated in an email to The Oregonian.

City officials warn that while there is no explicit law forbidding the repairs, there could be issues with liability if the repairs are not done properly.

The Oregonian

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Why is the Portland Anarchist Road Care doing what it’s doing? According to the group’s Facebook page, “Because we believe in building community solutions to the issues we face, outside of the state. Because society portrays anarchists as only breaking windows and blocking roads. Because when faced with anarchism as a political theory, statist often ask ‘But who will fix the roads.’ Because the city of Portland refuses to adequately repair roads in a timely manner.”

Political opinions aside, it’s nice to see some attention being paid to keeping our roads drivable. For anyone frustrated by the apparent lack of attention our infrastructure has received over the past several years, stories like this are a bit of a bright spot.