The fence this Saturday

by Joe Fri Feb 28, 2003 12:26

Hi Angela,

we don't want to give out every single tiny detail in advance but we have discussed what will happen if Gardai are in front of the fence and we have a non-violent response to this. It should also be said that we have decided that if on the day we don't have the numbers to carry through the action then we won't - we are not intending to get into scuffles in order to 'prove' anything to those who have attacked the direct action in advance and will be delighted to gloat afterwards if we don't have the numbers.

There is an enormous amount of collective experience of direct action between those organising the demonstration. We are aware of how things can develop and lots of discussions have taken place about this in the local groups. The bottom line is that we either have the numbers on the day or we do not to carry this through in a non-violent manner. If we don't have the numbers we will accept that and start building for the next time.

by Chekov Fri Feb 28, 2003 12:41

We really want this to be a peaceful, non-aggressive action and therefore I think that it would be good if people try hard to defuse any tension. A few things to consider:

If you don't want your ma or boss to see you on the news in the protest, wear face paint or a comic mask - looks better than a black bloc look and even the guards may hesitate before bashing a clown! On our previous protests we've had camels, clowns, etc, so be imaginative. Also smile at cops and laugh rather than getting aggressive.

Bring a clothes line to attach to the fence to help pull it down.

No matter how much you may dislike other elements in the anti-war movement, try to avoid confrontation. We really want to downplay any spin that the media wants to create of splits. So bite your tongue!

by Angela McGee Fri Feb 28, 2003 12:59

Joe, are you willing to fill the rest of us in on the alternatvies?
Chekov, not too keen on your comment about some hesitation before hitting a clown.
Don't get me wrong if there is violence it will be from the 'forces of peace and law and order' but from witnessing heads bouncing off batons, not too keen myself.
I will be on the IAWM march and respect your efforts, I hope everyone can respect everyone elses choices.

by Joe Fri Feb 28, 2003 13:13

Angela, the problem is that if everything is explained in advance of the day then there are easy counter measures the Gardai can take. On the day everything will be explained to those taking part in the action before anything happens. Our approach will at all time be non-violent.

by hows it goin - none Fri Feb 28, 2003 13:18

i have no problem with people tearing down the fence but will be taking part in the peaceful iawm protest. Presumably therre is different meeting points, entirely seperate, for the two protests. This would help to avoid confusion and everybody could be givena clear choice on the day.

by Joe Fri Feb 28, 2003 13:25

As far as I'm aware both organisations are meeting at the same point (Shannon shopping centre). However GNAW intend to briefly explain what is happening and then heading for the airport well before the IAWM rally at the shopping centre ends so it should be very, very easy to distinguish between the two groups.

GNAW will be identified there by white flags (for those taking part in the action) and pink flags (for the solidarity observers). That should make us easy to spot.

by Shelta Fri Feb 28, 2003 16:34

Don't worry. The police will stand back and allow the fence to be pulled down. Also the army will not take action. They're just there for show. The people who control the police and the army do so in the people's interest and will facilitate the direct action, .. and my name is King Farouk

by Top Cop Fri Feb 28, 2003 17:10

A senior garda officer said last night: "It is almost impossible to secure a seven-mile perimeter fence but we are taking measures to ensure that the protest does not get out of control," he added.

The same report reveals that there will be around 500 Gardai on duty. Will the media scare stories mean people are scared away and we don't have enough people for a significant number to avaid these 500 and get to the fence? Or will they mean a lot of people who were luke warm will say, OK now I'm pissed off and now I'm going out of solidarity if nothing else.

by Intransigent Sat Mar 01, 2003 01:19

Gardai outside the fence!
Army inside the fence!
Couple of idiot autonomous elitist direct actionisters!
Snatch Squads around the outsides to get ring leaders! (generally heads of organisations. yes they know us!)
Couple of batons! (remeber RTS!)
Do you guys really believe that now is the time to throw the guantlet down to the state?
All that is happening is that you are splitting the nti war movement.
Soldiers hate anarchists!
It's a simple fact.
Do you know why?
How many anarchists are you going to find in Finglas or Cabra?
Now how many anarchists are you going to find in Foxrock and Donnybrook?
You may not like what I have to say but it's what the soldiers believe.
They can't wait to kick the shit out of you guys.
Your fucking stupid elitist action is going to get us nowhere!
You either wait till there is a mass movement and then engage in mass direct action...
Or do what your great anarchist heroes of the past did...
Assassinate ministers!
Is that elitist enough?
Well done on giving the state ammo for their arsenal. How easy it was to split the movement.
Maybe I'm happy all the liberal wankers are gone.
But a bunch of kids with facemasks taking on the state just amuses me!
You're fucking everything up!
Remember Kronstadt!