Report of Anarchism vs Militarism Public Meeting

by Davy Carlin Fri May 12, 2006 13:44

Quote -

'The anti-war movement must be built on the basis of democratic participation and respect for diversity of tactics. we cannot allow ourselves to go back down the road of infighting and undermining as happened previously. It is unlikely that in the short term that one big organisation that can claim the allegiance of all anti-war activists can emerge and maybe this is not particularly desireable. What is important is that we work together respect each other and not undermine one anothers work.'

Spot - on

by The Class Fri May 12, 2006 13:56

"1 Solidarity with people before the courts
2 A clear direct action strand to the movement
3 Large Public events, meetings, marches etc. as part of the process of rebuilding
4 Support for initiatives underway
5 Building a public profile leaflets, badges etc. "

Good that ye had a meeting, and its positive that there wasa good turnout. However: why does your plan of action seem to miss out on the idea of making it a class issue, on bringing it to the heart of the trade union movement. Protesting and wearing badges, as you know, will get you know where. Direct action by a few without the support of the broad movement will only alienate the struggle. What is needed is that, as this issue grows again it is dealt with properly, yes protests, but using them as a spring board. Establishing groups, bringing it up in the unions, trying to flesh out an anti-war moement and within the forums discuss and debate when are the best times to use the tactic of mass direct ction at shannon etc.

by CSOS participant - n.a. Fri May 12, 2006 14:11

Good to hear of the Cork meeting. And really heartening to read the commentary re: the Alliance and our forthcoming 3rd Plenary. Well spotted DC. Next one in Cork? And the one after that in Belfast or Derry?

Some food for thought below

Proposals arising from the Coordination / Structures/Organisation Subgroup (CSOS) of the Alliance

A wide-ranging and constructive dialogue occurred at the CSOS during our two meetings on April 27th and May 4th. The discussion focussed on how we might structure the network/alliance that we are trying to create between the various anti-war groups….structures that will facilitate co-ordination and organisation.
Our thoughts and proposals outlined below are put forward for the consideration and decision of all participants of the forthcoming IIIrd Plenary Meeting due to take place on Saturday May 13th
A consensus gradually emerged in the CSOS that the best way forward is to build on the existing structure. In other words, the current open plenary meetings should continue, but with a tighter agenda and an emphasis on practical co-operation. The intention is to facilitate greater communication and co-operation between the various anti-war groups. It is not intended to create a centralised umbrella body that would formally, or otherwise, direct its constituent parts. All discussion should be respectful of the diversity of the movement as a number of participating groups have diverse strategies and histories. At the same time, concerted efforts should be made to invite all anti-war groups nationally to participate and engage in working together and developing gradually a unified strategy. A unified strategy with diversity in tactics could be considered as a guiding principle in this respect.
More specifically, the CSOS wishes to put forward the following proposals:
1. To achieve this, plenary coordination meetings should be held on a regular basis. While we consider the regularity paramount, the frequency of the plenaries can be decided upon on a case-by-case basis. The date of the subsequent meeting can be decided at the conclusion of each plenary meeting. We believe that it is also extremely important that these regular plenaries be moved around the country so as to build a national alliance and network.
2. The plenary meetings will be open to all, be they anti-war activists or not and all anti-war groups should ensure that representatives attend. However, we propose that the alliance formalises a 'base line' of agreement for participation. Very simply put this could be opposition to the use of Shannon and Baldonnel by the US and other military and an end to war and occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan. While the issue of Palestine was raised in this context, we believe this is best left to the plenary to discuss following concrete proposals.
3. The primary purpose of the plenary meetings is to facilitate communication, coordination and cooperation between all anti-war groups in Ireland. The concept of a ‘clearing – house’ was introduced and we consider it to be a helpful tool in conceptualising what we are building.
4. The plenary meetings should include reports from each group, particularly with regard to recent actions (evaluation) and forthcoming activities (proposals). Plenary meetings, in this way, serve as a forum to discuss present and future strategies and tactics of the broad anti-war movement.
5. The plenary meetings can decide to work to mobilise support for forthcoming anti-war activities. For example, if the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign, which has now joined the alliance, indicates at a plenary meeting that it intends to mount a particular protest, those present may decide to collectively support and build for that action.
6. A plenary meeting may also decide to initiate an activity itself – this needs further discussion and clarification.
7. It can be decided to focus certain plenary meetings on particular issues or themes, for example US warmongering on Iran, or the making the anti-war stance an election issue. A decision for such a focus must occur in advance and be taken at a plenary meeting. Such a decision can also be taken on the day by consensus.
8. Sub-groups to discuss or probe particular topics can be established by plenary meetings. These groups are to report back to the subsequent plenary meeting, or at a date set when the sub-group is established. As the CSOS has completed its initial task and is now planning to disband, it is proposed that we set up a media/communications sub group. We propose that we consider the establishment of a general anti-war website that will facilitate discussion (via a discussion board) and advertise forthcoming events (via a listings thread and a calendar). Using the Black Shamrock website seems like a good idea, assuming the Black Shamrocks approve the extensions this will involve. As far as we understand, the underlying software is identical to that used for Indymedia.ie, so it is very flexible and familiar to most of us. A common email bulletin could also be created that is regularly sent to subscribers containing news and information from all the anti-war groups.
9. An agenda should be circulated by email at least three days in advance of the meeting and a report of the main proceedings of a plenary meeting should be posted on the web within a week of the event.

by dunk Fri May 12, 2006 14:34

was there much discussion in cork about bringing more colour/ creativity / "culture" into it - direct action with support of theatre, rts, music, etc - making the point on the streets aswell as DA at places:

remembering 2 tunes:
War by bob marley:

"That until that day
The dream of lasting peace, world citizenship
Rule of international morality
Will remain in but a fleeting illusion
To be pursued, but never attained
Now everywhere is war, war"

http://www.bobmarley.com/songs/songs.cgi?war

and
"We need to find courage, overcome
Inaction is a weapon of mass destruction"

from Weapons of mass destruction by faitless :
lyrics - http://quasar.physik.unibas.ch/~aste/faithless.html
interview and video - http://www.internetdj.com/article.php?storyid=453

related example -
the unmanageables, great to see their positive inclussive celebrational and positive actions - well done to them
The Unmanageables: http://theunmanageables.blogspot.com/
The Unmanageables: Honouring the Woman of 1916 - http://www.indymedia.ie/article/75488
The Unmanageables: 'Comely maidens dancing at the crossroads' - http://www.indymedia.ie/article/75786

eg of theatre action when Bush came - black blanket die in @ number 23 armored vehicle - http://www.indymedia.ie/article/65270#comment80308

by w. - wsm - anarchist youth Fri May 12, 2006 15:54

The 4 people arrested in baldonnel have all been processed through the courts now and there are around 1200 euro in fines owed. A benefit night or cash donation would be great from those who can afford it.

by Seán Ryan Fri May 12, 2006 20:39

The folks who rip public notices off lampposts etc on behalf of DCC are unionised.

I'd like to see this ban discussed by unions.

Seems I missed a good meeting.

by Coilín Sun May 14, 2006 01:53 086 060 3818

Thanks for the report on this promising initiative - and for the encouragement to support the new network.

A few practical points for ongoing work:

1. At the meeting of the network in Dublin today, we agreed that the second-next meeting should be held outside Dublin, e.g. in Belfast, Shannon or Cork, and that those based in Dublin should get on a bus to go and meet the people around the country. Any offers of a venue in Cork in about 7-8 weeks' time?

2. Please be sure to bring proposals for future meetings, demos and events to the meetings in the Peace Network, where support and encouragement are to be had. Next meeting is in the Teacher's Club, 36 Parnell Square, Dublin, on 10 June. Also, would some WSM members like to attend each meeting so as to facilitate mutual support and coordination? (Not sure whether there were any at the meeting today, as some people arrived after the introductions.)

3. Please provide bank details and/or a postal address for donations to the Baldonnel fund? We'll soon have that EUR 1200 paid off.

4. Finally, Ed Horgan is looking for details of **everybody** - i.e. every-every-everybody - who has been arrested at Shannon in connection with any anti-war demo (or other action) in recent years. This is valuable in connection with submissions to the Council of Europe and the like, in order to document the extent to which the Irish state has harrassed and intimidated those who have protested against our involvement in the so-called war on terror (SCWOT), particularly as it relates to the programme of extraordinary renditions for torture.

Anybody who has information about such arrests, please contact [email protected], or myself at the address below.

Good luck with all your efforts.

Coilín.

by Coilín Sun May 14, 2006 01:57 aat2004 at mail dot dk

i.e. above!