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POG Call to action: Padded bloc this Nov in Miami
by POG
Sunday, Jun. 22, 2003 at 8:51 PM
Call to action for the FTAA meetings this November in miami! As a part of what is sure to be a multitude of tactics, POG is sending out this call specifically for a padded contingent. We envision a total shutdown of the meetings through the combination of diverse tactics.
First Draft- Call to action from Pittsburgh Organizing Group.
"Call for a Padded Bloc this November in Miami
Shutdown the FTAA!
This November over 100,000 people will travel to Miami, Florida for one of the most important global justice protests since the WTO meetings of 1999. The Free Trade Area of the Americas is a proposed �treaty� that will bind the hands of all people striving for a more just world. It is �NAFTA on crack,� and its repercussions -- the commodification of every aspect of life, the smashing of unions, and a corporate bill of rights superceding all else -- are intolerable.
We refuse to accept this agreement and invite anyone who chooses strong and healthy democracy over corporate control to resist the FTAA.
What form will our resistance take in November? After long discussion and careful deliberation among assorted affinity groups, we have come to the conclusion that the best chance of materially disrupting the summit lies in a Padded Bloc. (A Padded Bloc is a contingent of people protected from police violence through the use of padding, shields, banners, and/or other materials.)
Our purpose in sending this out is to state what our group (and allies) are thinking, and that we have reached consensus to be a padded contingent in Miami. This padded contingent would take action with a determination to take our protest to the doorsteps of those in power, protecting our bodies from the forces of state repression. While we have decided on this course, a key determinant of success will be a critical mass of properly equipped participants.
The goal of the global justice movement in Miami must be to materially disrupt the summit to such a degree that it is impossible to continue any negotiation. While many of us are willing to risk the wrath of state power, we do not seek repression nor will we risk it unless to do so will advance our goal of a complete summit shutdown.
What form can our resistance take in November? What will it take to stop the summit? How can we create the needed space for diverse tactics to work in tandem? If a shutdown is accomplished how can we use that to open up room for a multiplicity of voices to present their stories of and reasons for resistance? These are the questions we�re asking ourselves. The situation we�re facing in Miami is significantly different then past summits. The majority of delegates are staying in the meeting site hotels, which will be closed off with some type of security perimeter (as in
Quebec City). There is no chance of stopping the meetings through blockades nor trapping delegates in the meeting site once the summit has begun. Trashing all of corporate Miami will not stop the meetings, disrupting the lives of local residents already hostile to us will not stop the meetings, nor will a march of 100,000 people. The state would
like nothing more then for this movement to fall into the predictable roles being played lately.
An enormous amount of work and discussion must take place before the details of this padded bloc are finalized, and we are eager to begin discussion with other affinity groups about possible participation. We realize it is important that affinity groups autonomously form and decide their role in the larger strategy. We also realize that it is equally important that larger clusters, capable of initiating mass actions, form as well.
As a part of what is sure to be a multitude of tactics, POG is sending out this call specifically for a padded contingent. We envision a total shutdown of the meetings through the combination of diverse tactics. We feel a well-organized padded bloc will be a critical contribution to whatever overall framework is created.
We must not allow the inevitable disinformation campaign of the State and Media to divert energy from shutting down the summit. The forces of the status quo will use every means possible to discourage people from disrupting the ministerial meetings in Miami. We must also be mindful that the key confrontation between the forces of civil society and corporate power will take place in Miami. Local solidarity events should become important components only after we�ve expended every effort possible to get the maximum number of people to the summit itself.
From Seattle, RNC, DNC, Quebec City, to S29 we�ve seen how far the state will go to advance the neo-liberal agenda. Through it all we�ve seen in small and large ways how the actions and determination of ordinary folks can make a difference. Fences and barricades fall, powerful grips of authority figures are broken, and through it all our determination to create a new system out of the shell of this world increases.
August 29-31st a consulta will take place in Pittsburgh, which will continue the discussion among groups on what we can to prepare for Miami.
No matter what forms our strategies take, we must be organized and prepared, and we must obtain the training and materials necessary to make it a success. Solidarity is needed in Miami.
This November we�ll see you in the streets, rivers, skies, sewers, and high-rises.
In solidarity,
Pittsburgh Organizing Group
http://www.organizepittsburgh.org
pog@mutualaid.org
P.O. Box 10215 Pittsburgh, PA 15224
We are actively seeking endorsement of this call. If you are interested in doing so please contact us.
shield resources
by ---
Sunday, Jun. 22, 2003 at 8:52 PM
Resources for shields and other protection
http://www.devo.com/sarin/shieldbook.pdf
we're looking for a confrontation?
by ...
Wednesday, Jun. 25, 2003 at 3:23 PM
Maybe you should look into what the FTAA is doing! Talk about looking for a confrontation, they are attacking everyone in the frickin Hemisphere.
Yes, folks are going there with the intent to disrupt the meetings. There is no other choice at this point.
of course were looking for confrontation
by John-RPGH
Wednesday, Jun. 25, 2003 at 9:38 PM
Of course we're looking for confrontation, without confontation theres no way to shut down these greed filled capitalists from raping millions upon millions more of their lives.
I'd love to be in florida with you guys, but theres just no way...good luck, shut those bastards down.
..post isnt showing...
by RPGH
Wednesday, Jun. 25, 2003 at 9:43 PM
is indymedia just slow or is my post messed up?
What the FTAA is doing.
by gwen
Thursday, Jun. 26, 2003 at 2:33 AM
gwen@nvnsvch.org
In defense of the FTAA:
Official FTAA website
USTR on the FTAA
SICE's overview of the FTAA
NAFTA/ITA on FTAA
In offense of the FTAA:
Stop the FTAA!!
Global Exchange on the FTAA
IndyMedia (main)'s FTAA Coverage
Resist the FTAA: links to articles on the subject
Public Citizen on the FTAA
Is your position so bad..
by 2 beers
Thursday, Jun. 26, 2003 at 7:14 AM
John RPGH, that you can only effect change through the use of confrontation and violence? You will NEVER have any shred of credibility outside of your anti-social ignorant leftist clique with that approach to problem solving. Make sure you pack lot's of Neosporin to put on those scrapes you will have after they blast you with the water cannon. Who knows what kind of stuff is sitting around on the streets of Miami.
No Violence
by Sam
Thursday, Jun. 26, 2003 at 11:53 AM
What we're advocating isn't violence. We're advocating nonviolent civil disobedience. The shields and padded outfits are intended to protect us from police violent while engaged in those acts.
BTW, it's ridiculous to suggest that anyone who breaks any law deserves to have hir "butt kicked". Do you really think that the next time you get pulled over for speeding, the cops should beat the hell out of you?
...non-violence
by John-RGPH
Thursday, Jun. 26, 2003 at 12:04 PM
2 beers, you should obviously look over what a padded bloc is. Its definately not violence, its a bloc of SHEILDS for christs sake.
Shields to protect what
by 2 beers
Thursday, Jun. 26, 2003 at 12:17 PM
The shields are there, hiding behind the cloak of the non-violent farce, to protect adn facilitate the violence of those that stand just behind this "padded bloc." For the love of Allah, I think you need a padded cell if you beleive that each of these "blocs" is so disconnected to not be part of the bad acts that result from the aggregation of the various "blocs."
Hey 2beers
by ...
Thursday, Jun. 26, 2003 at 5:14 PM
Go have a couple of more beers and stop trolling. Or, better yet, do something productive with your life.
Productive...like..
by 2 beers
Thursday, Jun. 26, 2003 at 5:22 PM
maybe stop bathing and go to a protest to bitch about everything while offering solutions for nothing. OOOHHH that would be real productive. I think it would be more productive to sign on with the Miami Riot Squad and keep your smelly selves from cluttering up the streets and interferring with the productive lives of the good citizens of Miami.
wow, you're not too bright
by -
Thursday, Jun. 26, 2003 at 5:33 PM
I think that call to action specifically says that disrupting residents lives won't accomplish anything. This is focused direct action. The only ones affecting are those making this messed up decisions and the people paid to protect them. Seems okay to me.
Then why do you need ...
by 2 beers
Thursday, Jun. 26, 2003 at 5:54 PM
a padded bloc of protectors if there is not going to be any violence? The presence of a padded bloc fosters the environment of violence by demonstrating a preparaion for confrontation. The Rev. Martin Luther King knew this and marched to Selma without any black block of masked defenders, without any shield wielding ranters taunting those that would want to attack by showing that they are ready for the fight. So the lipservice to non-violent purposes is exposed by the failure of logic that it presents when considered in the context of the event that is being organized.
what a bad argument
by -
Thursday, Jun. 26, 2003 at 6:10 PM
ya, maybe that would make sense if the "state" was playing fair by any stretch of the imagination.
trouble is they will hunt you down, they will track you, they will arrest you without cause, they will lock you up. they will use violence against you. it's better to protect yourself and not be arrested. disrupt?, of course, what choice do we have, democracy is not what it used to be in this country. dollar is king. and please discuss things in the current climate instead of resorting to "historical" examples from days long past where examples can be found justifying doing just about anything. this is not 1963.
Oh, I'm sorry ...
by 2 beers
Thursday, Jun. 26, 2003 at 11:12 PM
I didn't realize you were from some leftist controlled third world despotic regime where people had no civil rights or liberties, no constitution like in America, no right to a trial or an independent judiciary. Of course then you must believe that disruption and violence are your only means of effecting a positive change for hte greater common good of all. Of course disruption of civil activity is what you must do. Of course peaceable protests would not work at all. All of those dated historical references to the peaceful protests of Martin Luter King or Ghandi. Of course the Reverend Ian Paisley is probably more your style. I am certian that your protest will succeed only by following the examples of such succesful disruptive protests as those of Reverend Paisley and others like him.
But of course the government will hunt you down and arrest you ..... especially if you are a criminal. But that is little price to pay for a good disruptive melee that, of course, will coherently present your case to the masses. That will help you reach out and educate the world about your cause and concern. Of course people will not look at you like a criminal out to disrupt their lives or someone that they should otherwise be fearful of (lest they find themselves on the disruptive end of your message).
You rant about respect for all people and society, but you follow a course of conduct that is nothing but disrespectful of the people and society that you say you are trying to save. You are likely to just disrupt yorself right into some sensibilty adminstered at the end of a billy club (if we are lucky).
actually
by ARA dude
Friday, Jun. 27, 2003 at 10:50 AM
On many of King's marches there was a group called the Deacons for Self-Defense. They were armed with rifles and acted as MLK's body guards. King understood that while he himself advocated non violence (well, for awhile he carred a gun too, but i need to remember that you are white washing him) there was a need for different tactics for different people in different situations. If the padded bloc is at the same rally where others do more aggressive tactics i dont think that compromises the padded folks at all. You can name no nonviolent movements that didnt have significant portions who didn't believe in the ethic of nonviolence or who at least interpreted it differently.
non of this really matters though because i honestly dont think you are interested in actually debating issues with us.
is "2 beers' ignorant of history?
by pr0t3s7
Sunday, Jun. 29, 2003 at 12:49 AM
2 beers, you have presented such a plethora of logical fallacies that i must comment on a few of your imbecilic remarks.
"The presence of a padded bloc fosters the environment of violence by demonstrating a preparaion for confrontation. The Rev. Martin Luther King knew this and marched to Selma without any black block of masked defenders, without any shield wielding ranters taunting those that would want to attack by showing that they are ready for the fight."
the fact that many of the individuals who marched with martin luther king were not prepared to defend themselves from the violence of the state never thwarted instances of violent police repression. we have all seen the images of peaceful demonstrators being brutalized by truncheons and frigid water spewed from firehoses. Simply stated, a lack of padding didnt protect any civil rights demonstrators who found themselves asphyxiating on the crimson that spilled from gaping wounds on their forheads.
"a padded bloc of protectors if there is not going to be any violence?"
I would not insult you by implying that there will be no violence at the miami demonstration. From brooklyn to fayette county we have seen the violent behavior of unaccountable police forces, and we would be fools to decline to come prepared.
"Of course peaceable protests would not work at all. All of those dated historical references to the peaceful protests of Martin Luter King or Ghandi"
Perhaps you are starting to understand. Of course you are aware that the state only pretended to cater to some of Martin Luther King's requests because there existed a much more violent and militant radical movement (the black panthers, the weather underground, disciples of Malcom X). And, naturally you know that Ghandi won concessions only because the British feared the guerilla tactics of the violent, insurrectionary Indian Independence Movement. Militant factions tend to be so radical that they shift the political spectrum in a manner that makes more moderate perspectives (like that of King and Ghandi) seem unthreatening and acceptable to the state.
We have seen countless instances of violence perpetuated by the state. To claim that we, as dissidents, should refuse to protect ourselves is to facilitate a type of inexscusable ignorance, a statement professed on the basis of some nonexistant moral high ground. I can't believe that you are so idiotic as to bring into discussion specific issues that, in fact, provide sufficient material to formulate a thorough argument against your ludicrous perspective.
You appear to possess this comically construed opinion that people who suffer from the violence of the police deserve the repression that they recieve. To propose a simple question, i ask you if the freedom riders deserved to see their blood roll along the cracks of the hot summer sidewalk.
Your arguments are ill-concieved, outdated, and utterly hilarious. Please respond when you learn to think for yourself. :-)
About Gandhi and King
by Sam
Monday, Jun. 30, 2003 at 3:06 PM
Gandhi and King were not pacifists and the bourgeois sense, so quit trying to rewrite history. Gandhi condoned property destruction as an act of nonviolent civil disobedience (for example, leading a long march to the sea where he and his comrades disposed of British salt), and King participated in marches that were unpermitted.
nonviolence
by none
Tuesday, Jul. 01, 2003 at 6:19 AM
thank you sam!
it is an unfortunate product of our time that people think that non-permitted marches are 'violent' or that anything illegal is violent.
Bullshit.
ghandi, the prototypical ' pacifist very much condoned property damage. for gods sake, haven't you heard off the boston tea party?
someone old enough to know
by old hippie
Friday, Jul. 04, 2003 at 10:10 PM
I was around in 1963 and '65' and 68 and 73....
I will say this, people hold up Martin Luther King out of historical context. They tend to forget that the alternative was Malcolm X. Many historians will tell you that were it not for the the threat of America falling into another civil war no one would have listened to the more moderate MLK.... He'd have simply been another black southern preacher who no doubt would have been lynched.
Diversity of tactics is vital now as it was then. Marches are pass� and everyone with half a brain knows that.
Wake the hell up!
by anonymous
Tuesday, Aug. 05, 2003 at 6:16 AM
Well done! You are a great defender of global capitalism. Now, you just keep licking their ass and shining their shoes ok. You like it a lot.
Fucking jerk off!!!!
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