IAWM admits secret Shannon direct action plan

by no, not required Wed Feb 26, 2003 14:28

The name 'Irish Anti-War Movement' is easily confused with, well, the Irish anti-war movement. Most people use the term 'Irish anti-war movement' in a generic way, and not just to refer to the IAWM (the group)

The IAWM (i.e. the group) is yet another front for the SWP, a la Globalise Resistance, etc. RBB is the head and most local groups are dominated by SWM members. Of course, this time, by hijacking a name, they think they've hijacked the whole movement and the revolution has come at last. But, of course, it hasn't.

Mary Harney has a point about the hijacking of the Irish anti-war movement (i.e.,. the movement, not the group) by the Irish Anti-War Movement (i.e. the group, not the movement). However, along with the SWP, she is overestimating the influence of the comrades. Most people don't have much time for paroted Marxist drivel and their motivation is genuine concern about the war.

That's not to say that SWP people are not genuinely concerned about the war - and they are right to do something about it. It's their undemocratic and manipulative way of operating that is annoying.

by Non SWP Wed Feb 26, 2003 14:31

You're talking a load of shite 'no, not required' (previous comment).

by Ciaran O Reilly CW5 Wed Feb 26, 2003 14:35

We have had the events of the past few daze beamed to us in prison through the questionable prism of Rupert Murdock’s Sky and Fox networks. This dodgy diet has been supplemented by steady support of hope and resistance for peace. the pluralism of the million plus London peace march-cultures, ages, faith, styles, humour-was a joy to behold, even through the medium of the Skyline feed. The march in Dublin surpassed all expectations-100,000 strong. Congradulations to all those who made these manifestations.
The next day the U.S administration had not missed a war drum beat. National Security honcho Condoleeza Rice laid out the game plan, U.S. troop deployments to Turkey escalated with out Turkey's permission, the N.A.T.O. hiccup being cured by George Robertson. The British Labour administration spinning like crazy-Blair playing the hurt victim, John Reed playing the tough cop, no apologies, power on. The Irish government falls back on the only damage control tactic they know-keep your head down, ass covered and mouth shut.
If truth be told,
What put the issue of Irish complicity in this U.S. war on the front burner was largely a number of solo efforts (Tim's planespotting, Eosin’s one man/one spray can/one barrister engagement of a Hercules and an Irish High Court, Mary’s spontaneous disarmament of a U.S. navy plane) and a couple of fragile collective efforts (the 4-week Shannon Peace Camp and us the "Pit Stop Ploughshares" lightening striking twice on the very same/recently repaired/security guaranteed U.S. navy plane). This is not to ignore the grassroots education and rallying work by S.W.P/I.A.W.M/Grassroots Network/W.S.M/Local peace groups-but it was really these acts of direct nonviolence resistance that took the game to the government. Surprise, surprise-none of these resisters were allowed to address the crowd at Saturdays rally in Dublin. The specter’s platform was grid locked by opportunists, careerists, church and political bureaucrats desperately attempting to lead/hijack the movement. We have created the space for these bureaucrats to operate, colonize the space and sell us out. The scripture (John 10: 12) refers to these folks as the "Hirelings”, their job is to control and manage dissent-channel it, contain it and kill it on behalf of the wolf.
The demonisation of our Ploughshares community by the state and attempted marginalisation of imprisoned resisters by the movement bureaucrats is a result of us breaking a "gentleman’s agreement” between the state and these "legitimate voices of dissent”. The Irish state decrees that” you can have your protests as long as we can have our war!” When we disarmed the U.S. navy plane at Shannon we moved from protest to resistance, breaking this agreement. The response (as predicted in mark13: 9) was arrest, criminalisation, prison, lies, slander, troop deployment, Air Rianta civil injunction, denunciation of friends, warm friends cooling and apparently censorship from the platform at Saturdays Dublin peace rally.
This isn’t a whinge, it's a political analysis of the dynamics between the state-radicals-moderates/liberal........just the way it is/has always been, acknowledge it, shed false expectations of solidarity from such quarters, celebrate the solidarity flowing our way form decent folks who see the war as something to resist rather than some kind of marketing opportunity...and move on! Move on to what? Solidarity and resistance!
We must not be seduced into slumber by the self-congratulatory rhetoric of those who wish to contain our movement...with nonviolent resistance the movement must always maintain the initiative. As a movement we must move rapidly from protest to nonviolent resistance joining 2,000 folks in England who have signed a "Pledge of Resistance" committed to direct action, the leader of the British Railway Union suggesting a general strike, the Austrian closure of borders to U.S. troop deployment, 3 Dominican nuns Ardeth Platte, Carol Gilbert and Jackie Hudson who in October disarmed a Minuteman III nuclear missile silo in Colorado, the Australian navy personnel sent home for refusing anthrax injections, Barbara Smadema who last week disabled 3 satellite dishes at a N.A.T.O. airbase in the southern Netherlands........The hits keep coming.
This war against the Iraqi people and for Iraqi resources has spanned over two decades from sponsoring Sadam to the -91 Gulf massacre to 13 years of sanctions to present U.S. plans to invade, conquer and occupy. It has a cost over two million Iraqi lives. We are 2 weeks out from a major escalation of this war by the most dangerous U.S. administration in history. When questioned about our brothers and sisters who have travelled to Iraq to stand in nonviolent solidarity, a U.S. state department. bureaucrat responded "You might as well ask me why moths fly in to a flame !"They will be slain along with the Iraqis.
Two weeks out from this major military escalation we must directly resist U.S. troop and munition movements through Ireland. We should be doing this or offering proactive, practical solidarity to those who step forward to resist
March 1st at Shannon Airport.
Much Peace
Ciaron O Reilly

by Pat C Wed Feb 26, 2003 14:36

Is there no end to the opportunism of these people? They dissociate themselfs from DA & then try to take the credit for the results which were gained by DA.

Its not just the SWP, the SP are also involved in this. They have also condemned DA- because it might lead to job losses at Shannon!

Shucks Huck, if the USAF stop using Shannon then then job losses MIGHT result. We have to be honest about this. We cant guarantee that alternative business will be provided to make up for the loss.

Do the SP & SWP want to see US military planes PERMANENTLY barred from Shannon?

by random one Wed Feb 26, 2003 17:10

MORE FUCKIN TROLLS

by Brian Cahill - Socialist Party Wed Feb 26, 2003 17:20

The Socialist Party have not and will not condemn non violent direct action as Pat C well knows.

by How about this then Wed Feb 26, 2003 17:35

This type of 'direct action'. Wrong type, wrong time.
by doheochai - Socialist Party

by pat c Wed Feb 26, 2003 17:36

You use weasel words as usual. Why wont you support DA on Sat?

Come clean: Do the SP want to see the USAF PERMANENTLY stopped from using Shannon?

by Jester - Laughing Tears Wed Feb 26, 2003 17:42

[IMC, Dublin, Feb 27th] Press Release
The Irish Anti War Movement announced a change in name in order to reflect its priorities more accurately. We shall henceforth be known as the Irish War Movement.

Our objective is simple. We seek to complain about what the government does and promise to do the opposite if we are elected. We shall completely avoid any behaviour that is likely to force a change in the government's policies because that would set a dangerous precedent for when we're the government.

Above all we must wait until "the time is right". (Some have referred to this as the Worker's Dawn).

Currently we seek to protest the war in concert with other opportunists such as liberals (from Labour and the Greens ) and we are glad to announce the the SP and SWP are (as one would expect from fellow Trotskyists) completely in agreement on a complete lack of effective action.

It is important that we proclaim very loudly that black-is-white and that direct action has been ineffective even though several airlines have pulled out now.

It is also very important to position ourselves somewhere or other that is important to our own secretive and duplicitous politics.

Long live the War and our Noble and Principled Opposition to Oceania! Watch out for Goldstein! For a Worker's Paradise (Some Day, but Not Now because the Time Is Not Right, Wait for the Objective Conditions!)

by pat c Wed Feb 26, 2003 17:56

"by doheochai - Socialsit Party Tue, Feb 25 2003, 8:19pmWe have spoken to several workers who have told us that their boss has said if the planes pull out of the airport then their jobs are gone. It takes time and events to counteract these attitudes and the “direct action” activities recently have played straight into the hands of those wishing to undermine the support for the anti-war campaign among Airport workers and in Shannon. This is FACT and cannot be ignored.2

what is the above supposed to mean? If the SP want toi get USAF planes out of Shannon then of course there is a risk of job losses. YOU CANNOT GUARANTEE OTHERWISE.

The fact also remains that the US airlines wre driven out of Shannon by DA, not by the strike action of SP supporters.

". by doheochai - Socialist Party Tue, Feb 25 2003, 10:I am against THIS TACTIC AT THIS TIME because, in my opinion, it will be counter-productive. This is despite the fact that two airlines pulled out of Shannon tonight (a decision which I welcome). The workers in the Airport are and will continue to be the most vital component in stopping Shannon being used as a military airbase. "

So despite the fact that zero workers have taken strike action, they are still more important than the DA which has driven 3 US airlines from Shannon!

It is quite obvious that the SP are opposed to DA despite all their bluster.

by Magneto Wed Feb 26, 2003 18:19

The SP must not be allowed to claim credit for stopping planes at Shannon. Let everyone you know at home abd abroad that it was direct action which was crucial, not ritual calls for a General Strike.

Let people know that the Socialist Party are opposed to direct action.

by doheochai - Socialist Party Wed Feb 26, 2003 20:41

If people are going to quote my comments please do so in context.

The Socialist Party is not opposed to "direct action" (whatever your understanding of these words are).

I have serious doubts about the implications of the proposed action for Shannon on Saturday. I believe it is ill thought out and potentially a serious mistake.

I have also said that I hope I am wrong. I hope it is a success and US military planes will no longer land at Shannon. I will be the first to congratulate the GG if this is the case. However, if this protest turns out to be the mistake that I fear it will be, will those advocating "direct action" accept responsibility and admit their mistake?

(As an aside, indicating that medical and legal support will be available if volunteers come forward, is an abdication of responsibility by GG)

Finally in relation to the Airport workers.... The only way of guaranteeing the removal of US planes through Shannon is through the conscious act of the workers in the Airport. Planes can land at any time and the GG cannot be there continuously. Remember Bush and the US administration are talking about a 50 year war on terrorism.

The claim has been peddled here that those opposed to "direct action" are pro-war (lies). The impression is given that "direct action" is the only practical tactic that will stop planes landing (again lies and seriously consequences by implication). No one is suggesting that nothing should be done. Has the GG made any effort to talk to the workers in the Airport, talk to Trade Union representatives or even written to trade unions asking for support? Those supporting this action all suggest that the SP should do this, WELL WE ARE!! Unfortunately actions like that proposed for Saturday make it more difficult. Remember there is support among Airport workers for the anti-war campaign. Turning that support into action is not as easy a task as some people here would like to imply. In fact there is a degree of comtempt being displayed towards these workers and the stiuation they find themselves in. Again this is something that is unhelpful. None of the "direct action" advocates is being asked to put their job and livelihood on the line. It will take time but I am confident it will happen. And, in my opinion, it will be a lot more effective than the "direct action" being proposed on Saturday.

I urge the GG to re-consider their intentions. If you decide not to (which I expect) then I hope your actions will be successful and I will be the first to congratulate you. I do not want to be saying "I told you so" on Sunday.

by doheochai - Socialist Party Wed Feb 26, 2003 20:44

your contempt for workers has been adequately documented on this board

by Pat J. O'Sullivan Wed Feb 26, 2003 22:39

When a fat, parasitical bureaucrat like Des Geraghty is allowed address the anti-war rally while the real activists rot in jail, then we are back to the old story.. the opportunists making political hay on the sacrifices of others. We have had too much of 'on another man's wound' in this country. Or another woman's wound for that matter.

by pat c Thu Feb 27, 2003 11:43

"For Pat C.
by doheochai - Socialist Party Wed, Feb 26 2003, 7:44pm

your contempt for workers has been adequately documented on this board"

What is it about the SP that turns them into pathological liars?

i have shown no contempt for workers. I have pointed out that DA has forced 3 airlines out of Shannon. No strike action has taken place & none seems likely.

How is that showing contempt for workers?

I do have contempt for the Airport "Police". No doubt the SP see them as "workers in uniform" but to me these "pretend gardai" have shown themselves to be solidly on the side of war. They have harrassed journalists and activists & have gone way beyond anything their job description requires.

Huck should be apologising to me rather than demanding an apology from Chekov.

Why dont the SP tell the truth to the Airport Worklers? If the USAF stops using Shannon then job losses are possible!

To pretend otherwise is to treat those workers like fools. If the workers had taken strike action to stop the USAF use of Shannon then it would have been possible to organise solidarity action against any job cuts.

However if (as now seems likely) it is DA which totally drives the USAF out of Shannon then there will hardly be any groundswell of sympathy for the Shannon workers.

DO THE SP WANT TO PERMANENTLY STOP THE USAF FROM USING SHANNON?

Why not answer that question instead of slandering me?

by pat c Thu Feb 27, 2003 12:47

"Claim credit, accept responsibility
by doheochai - Socialist Party Wed, Feb 26 2003, 7:41pm

If people are going to quote my comments please do so in context."

How was it out of context? you were opposing DA.

"The Socialist Party is not opposed to "direct action" (whatever your understanding of these words are). "

Yes you are, & no weasal words will help you to escape this.

"I have serious doubts about the implications of the proposed action for Shannon on Saturday. I believe it is ill thought out and potentially a serious mistake."

But your calls for a strike which so far have had nil results is the way forward? Despite the fact that DA has driven 3 airlines out of Shannon! God bless your imagination!

"I have also said that I hope I am wrong. I hope it is a success and US military planes will no longer land at Shannon. I will be the first to congratulate the GG if this is the case. However, if this protest turns out to be the mistake that I fear it will be, will those advocating "direct action" accept responsibility and admit their mistake?"

Unlike the SP & CWI in their guises over the years those who make up GNAW have always admitted mistakes. WE'll wait & see.

"(As an aside, indicating that medical and legal support will be available if volunteers come forward, is an abdication of responsibility by GG)"

You are a pathological liar! do the sp send you on training courses for this? incidentally when did the SP ever provide medical support at a demo?

"Finally in relation to the Airport workers.... The only way of guaranteeing the removal of US planes through Shannon is through the conscious act of the workers in the Airport."

Wrong! 3 airlines have been driven out by DA NOT BY THE POSSIBLE STRIKE ACTION WHICH ONLY SEEMS TO EXIST IN YOUR MIND.

" Planes can land at any time and the GG cannot be there continuously. Remember Bush and the US administration are talking about a 50 year war on terrorism."

YEs but if security cannot be guaranteed at the airport then ALL USAF planes & support airlines will be diverted.

"The claim has been peddled here that those opposed to "direct action" are pro-war (lies). "

Who said this?

"The impression is given that "direct action" is the only practical tactic that will stop planes landing (again lies and seriously consequences by implication)."

What lies? 3 airlines have been diverted by DA! Where is your strike action?

"No one is suggesting that nothing should be done. Has the GG made any effort to talk to the workers in the Airport, talk to Trade Union representatives or even written to trade unions asking for support? Those supporting this action all suggest that the SP should do this, WELL WE ARE!! "

You havent got them to take strike action though. DA has worked!

"Unfortunately actions like that proposed for Saturday make it more difficult."

So action that drives US airlines out of Shannon makes it more difficult to get action intended to drive US planes out of Shannon!

What kind of codswallop is that?

"Remember there is support among Airport workers for the anti-war campaign. Turning that support into action is not as easy a task as some people here would like to imply. "

There is little evidence of this.

"In fact there is a degree of comtempt being displayed towards these workers and the stiuation they find themselves in. Again this is something that is unhelpful."

No contempt is being shown to workers. I do have contempt for the Templemore Rejects in the Airport "Police". These (as the sp would put it)workers in uniform have harrased activists & independent jopurnalists & have gone way beyond anything their duty might require.

I have yet to hear the sp condemn the actions of the Airport "Police".

"None of the "direct action" advocates is being asked to put their job and livelihood on the line. "

They are putting their physical safety & liberty on the line.

"It will take time but I am confident it will happen. And, in my opinion, it will be a lot more effective than the "direct action" being proposed on Saturday."

DA have already driven 3 airlines away. No amount of weasel words from the sp can negate this.

by Conor (wsm personal capacity) Thu Feb 27, 2003 13:55

What?
by Brian Cahill - Socialist Party Wed, Feb 26 2003, 4:20pm

The Socialist Party have not and will not condemn non violent direct action as Pat C well knows.

me: well that theoretical non condemnation ain't worth a hill of beans

No they will just (via the Irish Anti War Movement)

Attempt to isolate and condemn all those who advocate it.

Support a position of complete non dialogue with the Grass Roots people
(agreed IAWM committee decision as of Monday)

EVEN move their Dublin buses to a different location in case of cross contamination !!!

Of course if the action is sucessful

they "supported" it after all

and after a few months they "organised it" !

we've seen it ALL before comrades for far far too long

d: have also said that I hope I am wrong. I hope it is a success and US military planes will no longer land at Shannon. I will be the first to congratulate the GG if this is the case. However, if this protest turns out to be the mistake that I fear it will be, will those advocating "direct action" accept responsibility and admit their mistake?

Fair play

- If the numbers aren't right then obviously we aren't going to play games - it will need hundreds for this to be effective

- and it has to be added at least the SP are prepared to publically debate this and not under assumed names
- for this I would say well done

d: The impression is given that "direct action" is the only practical tactic that will stop planes landing (again lies and seriously consequences by implication). No one is suggesting that nothing should be done.

No its one of many where have we said its the ONLY tactic
- which of OUR posters doesn't clearly advertise the peaceful IAWM protest AS WELL as our own action?

- DA has had success up to now but in a context of a growing anti war movement !

Both are important its wrong to contrast the two tactics -

we haven't done it - you keep doing it !

why?

Has the GG made any effort to talk to the workers in the Airport, talk to Trade Union representatives or even written to trade unions asking for support? Those supporting this action all suggest that the SP should do this, WELL WE ARE!!

All I know is that some Limerick grass roots people have

- I'm glad to hear you have!
- move it forward beyond abstract appeals to practical solidarity

I will repeat my view that the only workers SERIOUSLY PISSED OFF are the air port cops but if you have other evidence (without giving any names or anything !!) of negative opinions amongst ordinary workers - spill !

d: In fact there is a degree of comtempt being displayed towards these workers and the stiuation they find themselves in.

I don't see where this is the case in fact to say that people are automativcally alienated by mass peaceful direct action DAES show contempt

- they have to know that the anti war movement is serious -
they have to know its not just a trip around dublin for an afternoon
- why should THEY show any commitment if we're afraid to put anything on the line?

d: None of the "direct action" advocates is being asked to put their job and livelihood on the line.

well some of them are putting their freedom on the line - I could see Ciaron O Reily facing a long prision term - how could that not be respected !

- mind you the economic worth of the stop over at 9 million euros means very few jobs any way in my opinion
- its up to people with union contacts to start looking at backing the workers and backing them strongly
I think the SP is one group that could have a major role there

Conor

by pat c Thu Feb 27, 2003 14:01

I'm putting this here about the Legal Observors:

"Legal observer briefing for March 1st Direct Action
by Joe - Grassroots network against war Thu, Feb 27 2003, 10:39am
Contrary to the disinformation being spread by some left GNAW are preparing a legal observer team for March 1st. We have a few observers already but as with every other aspect of the protest more volunteers would be useful. You can apply to be an observer and read the briefing for Legal Observers at http://www.gluaiseacht.org/legal/

related link: www.gluaiseacht.org/legal/
"

by Magneto - Labour hack Thu Feb 27, 2003 15:47

Ever notice how long it takes to get a reply from some SPers. Could it be that they have to contact a Spindoctor to work out a response?

Go on Brian give DHeochai a hand.

by Historian Mon Jul 25, 2005 12:30

‘The fact that the police was originally recruited in large numbers from among Social Democratic workers is absolutely meaningless.
Consciousness is determined by environment even in this instance. The worker who becomes a policeman in the service of the capitalist state, is a bourgeois cop, not a worker. Of late years these policemen have had to do much more fighting with revolutionary workers than with Nazi students. Such training does not fail to leave its effects. And above all: every policeman knows that though governments may change, the police remain.’

Trotsky, ‘Vital Questions For The German Proletariat’,