The (It’s The Judiciary Committee Stupid) Tool Box Work Page
"Knowledge Is Power In The Right Hands"
(STREET TACTICS) Street Manual
“I will force my body to be my weapon and my statement so...”
-The Stranglers, “Death & Night & Blood”
Introduction Shields, Walls and Other Useful Tricks
Technology has changed the street protest. In centuries past, a mass of people wishing to express themselves could only be silenced by live gunfire. But the advent of riot armor, lachrymatory gases and “less-lethal” projectiles has allowed ruling establishments to squelch the voice of protesters with great ease, and even better PR.
It is the interest of this booklet to help preserve our freedoms of speech and public movement in expressing ourselves. The objective is not to ‘up the ante’ or encourage street battles. No one sets out to engage the police or the army. We are on the streets to be seen and heard, but find it ever more difficult as arrests and injuries from policing forces aim to shut our voices out of the general equation.
One benefit of our modern and wasteful mass consumption society is that it allows us to protect ourselves from these forces. We have the material and the means to defend our protests and to keep the police at a distance.
Our method is self-defense. We march with a mission and should those in power order others to stop us, we have a right to defend our bodies as much as our message.
This book was written to help preserve the freedom of movement and assembly. Most of this book was heavily inspired to the White Overalls movements in Europe who have a much longer history of effecting change through powerful demonstrations. We owe our thanks to them and hope that we in the Americas can also find such strength in our voices.
Planning Direct Actions
A direct action is a technique for directly intervening to change reality. It is about stopping/changing/starting an activity in the real world. Stopping a ship from dumping hazardous waste in the sea is direct action. Protesting outside a parliament against the
same dumping would be direct communication.
Effective and successful direct actions depend on many factors. The following is intended as a general guide to assist with planning.
1. Does the proposed action fit into your campaign strategy?
2. What is the target?
3. What do you want to achieve by taking action against the target?
4. Have you spent time considering how the action will end? Be prepared for the situation to change…know how you will end your activity and plan some contingencies in case it doesn't work out the way you thought it would. What back up plans are there if the action s 'foiled'?
5. Are all participants aware of the legal and/or health consequences?
6. What dangers are there and what safety precautions have been taken for personnel (i.e. equipment and training)?
7. What are the lines of communication?
8. What considerations/allowances have been made of the local response, e.g. workers at factory, etc?
9. Has legal support been arranged?
10. Is video/photo coverage necessary for safety reasons? If so, what arrangements have
been made?
11. Who is going to be responsible for internal communication (i.e. informing the group and supporters about the progress of the action)?
12. Do all activists involved share the ethic of non-violence?
13. Have you/your group budgeted for the action?
14. Who is the action co-ordinator?
15. Who is the legal liaison?
Briefing Before The Action
It is a good idea to come together before the event to discuss the campaign strategy, the target (what/why), the objective of action, the campaign messages, logistics (what happens on the day), safety issues, legal issues, media release and arrangements for media on the day.
Safety
Always prepare a list of everyone involved and their next of kin/contact phone numbers in case of mishap. Encourage activists to work in teams of two or more (do not go into a potentially difficult situation alone). Have people in your group with first-aid skills. The action co-coordinator should always know where everyone is at any stage during the action and be able to communicate with them should the need arise.
Ending The Action
This is without doubt the most difficult component of action planning. You can go into an action situation with clearly defined objectives and demands, yet as soon as the action starts various other factors come into play which forces you into situations where your objectives and demands may no longer be realistic. In deciding on a particular action you must be flexible enough to accommodate any outside influences beyond your control, and change your tactics accordingly. You should build into the action plan contingencies for situations that may arise.
Know Your Rights In The Streets!
The Nation Is On A Knife’s Edge!
The Democratic Party Is Far From Having A Lock On The 2008 Election
World Can’t Wait is endorsing the ReCreate 68 coalition, and forming our own working group for Denver.
http://dncdisruption08.org/?p=74
http://www.unconventionalaction.org/
http://www.unconventionalaction.org/strategies/strategies.html
http://inthemiddleofthewhirlwind.wordpress.com/an-interview-with-unconventional-action/
Denver, Colorado: Unconventional Action Camp July 12-18 , we have published a zine
http://dncdisruption08.org/?p=91 Pepper Weapons and Plastic Bullets
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 Denver police are stocking up on guns that fire a pepper spray-like substance instead of bullets - a less-lethal weapon used to disperse crowds - in advance of the Democratic National Convention.
The department recently ordered 88 Mark IV launchers and projectiles at a cost “in the low six figures,” the company that makes the weapons stated in a news release Monday.
The request was for delivery in advance of the DNC, according to Louisville- based Security With Advanced Technology Inc.
The convention, scheduled for Aug. 25 to 28 at the Pepsi Center, is expected to draw thousands of protesters to sites throughout Denver.
The city received a $50 million federal grant for security. A senior adviser to Mayor John Hickenlooper has said the city plans to spend up to half that amount on equipment, with the rest going to pay officers.
But the city has refused to disclose how it is spending the money, prompting the American Civil Liberties Union last month to file a civil lawsuit.
The court filing alleges the city is violating the Colorado Open Records Act.
City officials say releasing the information is “contrary to the public interest” because it could disclose important tactical information, potentially jeopardizing security.
A city spokesperson could not be reached for comment Monday. Meanwhile, speculation about what the city is buying has run rampant.
Some organizers of protest groups believe police are buying extended-range Tasers and weapons that incapacitate people with high-intensity sound.
The Mark IV weapons the city ordered recently fire plastic balls filled with powder that’s “like a combination of cayenne pepper and baby powder,” the manufacturer said.
It can be fired from up to 100 feet away, said Ben Cook, director of Veritas, a subsidiary of Security With Advanced Technology.
The balls burst open on impact. While the powder will incapacitate a person like pepper spray, it doesn’t cause some of the more severe reactions, Cook said.
Anarchists Stalk Democratic Convention Published: January 24, 2008
Unconventional Action hopes to see the largest gathering of anarchists in American history in Denver in August. The group that may be the most prepared for the 2008 Democratic National Convention is also the least likely to be prepared. It doesn't represent labor unions or mainstream progressives, but anarchists. A loose coalition of anti-authoritarian factions from across the nation have formed an outfit called Unconventional Action, with the express goal of disrupting and shutting down the DNC and RNC. Activists say that anarchists in this country have never planned such a large-scale action so far in advance of a specific event, and certainly not with such openness and strategy.
The stylized website www.unconventionalaction.org includes mission statements, how-to guides and downloadable posters, maps and zines. "Only direct action will stop the war," reads one flier. "Start organizing to smash the conventions," says another. Resources includes a printable map of downtown Denver, with the Pepsi Center and hotels where delegates will be staying clearly marked, as well as such other potential targets as the offices of Halliburton, Northrop Grumman and Newmont Mining. In Minneapolis/St. Paul, where the RNC will be held, anarchists operating as the RNC Welcoming Committee are compiling maps, photographs of the city and timetables of political events where they may stage such disturbances as blockades, infiltrations and other actions.
American anarchists regard both Democrats and Republicans as enforcers of the same imperialist system, and their drive this time is fueled by disappointment with the 2004 convention protests. Though tens of thousands of demonstrators filled the streets of New York and Boston, many radicals felt the actions led by large liberal groups like ANSWER and United for Peace and Justice had little impact. So this election cycle, affinity groups such as the Black Bloc and Crimethinc are spurring the radical movement to take the lead.
"There's nothing better than the convention to encapsulate the essence of the Democratic Party and the two-party system," says Clayton Dewey, an organizer for Denver's Unconventional Action. "It is a sham democracy. The candidates have been chosen, the platform has essentially been chosen by the party leaders. They bring in some delegates, and really, all they do is cheer lead for these scripted events. The media fawns over it. It's a multi million-dollar party at the expense of taxpayers and Denver residents."
Chapters have been formed in San Francisco, New York and at least a dozen other cities. Since last August, planning conferences called "consultas" have taken place in St. Paul and Denver. Along with building a "horizontal, inclusive framework for protests," groups have even begun fundraising. Organizers estimate that each city will need $50,000 for convergence centers, legal costs and other expenses.
(A Comprehensive Link Below)
"We are not going to let the Democrats have a free ride," says Dewey.
Their theme: Anarchists Arise!”
Anarchists and Anti-Authoritarians: join us in Denver, Colorado, August 24th-28th as we engage in coordinated Direct Actions against the Democratic National Convention, its corporate sponsors, and the military/police occupation of public space. Respecting diverse tactics and the autonomy of affinity groups and individuals, Unconventional Action has created the following framework to maximize our impact as we disrupt the DNC.
Unconventional Action’s strategy at the Democratic National Convention will hold the Democratic Party accountable for promoting unjust policies: environmental degradation, the enforcement of arbitrary borders, attacks on the poor, complacency in war, and racist policing. We will expose to the nation that the Democrats and Republicans are two sides of the same coin, both parties funded by the same corporations and upholding the same unjust political system which fails to meet the needs of the vast majority of people. Anarchists and Anti-Authoritarians are urged to engage in a broad variety of tactics to disrupt fundraising events and prevent Democratic delegates from voting for no-choice candidates. Unconventional Action will honor and support autonomous actions while coordinating a highly publicized assault on the pageantry, violence, and abuses of the Democrats and the two-party capitalist system.
Unconventional Action will target a variety of the 1,500 proposed fundraisers, countless delegate hotels, and designated institutions perpetuating global injustice. Using space reclamation, street theatre, direct confrontation, positive action, and a broad array of other tactics, we will force the national media to question the Democratic Party’s failures, hold Democratic candidates accountable for their abuses of power, and engage in direct actions that reflect our ultimate goals of joy and liberation through creativity and confrontation.
Asked whether the Recreate ’68 will bring a repeat of the rioting and violence that gripped Chicago during the ’68 convention, Spagnuolo said:
"That will be up to the Denver Police Department. Any violence would be at the hands of the Denver Police Department."
Hey all you R-68ers, time for our “Do It In Denver!” e-news flash update about the
historic events that will be taking place at the DNC in Denver come this August! As the event comes closer, it will become more difficult to send out updates, so please begin to check the website regularly, which, yes, will be updated and be easier to navigate.
Remember to help us out by forwarding and posting this e-news flash to all of your
cyber-friends and activist lists you are aware of!
Topics for today’s e-news flash:
1. Legal update
2. National call-out to end the war!
3. R-68’s 12-step program to organize for the DNC
4. R-68 film series
5. Shirt designs
6. Activists networking tool for R-68
7. Tables/Training opportunities at the Festival of Democracy
8. “Come Up to Denver” video and website
9. Events
10. How to get involved
1. Legal Update:
As some of you are aware, R-68, with the help of the ACLU of Colorado and cooperating attorneys Steven Zansberg and Chris Neall, have filed a Federal Lawsuit against the City of Denver and the U.S. Secret Service.
In response to part 1 of our legal battle, the City of Denver has released their proposed parade route for the Convention. The City’s proposed route ends far away from being in sight and sound of the Pepsi Center (the location of the convention).
There are also many other problems with their proposed security plans for the convention. We will be back in Federal Court on June 30th. We are fortunate to have the services of some of the best attorneys in the nation protecting our civil liberties and freedoms. We need to show these defenders of freedom our support and solidarity.
Please make the time (sick days & vacations days from work can help) to attend the June 30th hearing. Location and time are listed below, in addition to a link to the ACLU site with additional information.
Judge Marcia Krieger,
Araj Federal Courthouse,
1929 Stout, 9th Floor, 8:30 am, June 30.
http://www.aclu-co.org/dnc/dnc.htm
2. National call-out to end the war!
R-68, Troops Out Now!, F.I.S.T. (Fighting Imperialism Standing Together) and over 100 other Peace and Justice groups across the country are putting out a national call for an Anti-war/End the Occupations March and Rally to take place on Sunday August 24Th to kick-off the week of events at the convention.
So plan on being a part of the largest march of its kind in Denver’s history as we march to end all illegal imperialist occupations in Iraq, Palestine, Afghanistan, Puerto Rico, Haiti, Hawaii, North America, and others. The Dems have the power to put an end to the United States’ illegal colonizing occupations and wars, but they will not without pressure from the people.
Join us as we create that pressure and say: NO MORE! NOT IN OUR NAME! BRING THE
TROOPS HOME NOW!
Below is a link to a flyer for the event.
3. R-68’s 12-step program to organize for the DNC
R-68 receives e-mail requests from across the nation from groups who are planning to come to the Convention. Many individuals and groups request information on what they can be doing to prepare. R-68’s Organizing Committee has developed a very basic Twelve Step Program for your assistance. If you need more specialized information, you can contact us at info@recreate68.org.
Twelve Steps to Prepare:
1. Find a location and time for a meeting. Put out a call--with email, phone calls, flyers, etc.--for people who are interested in going to the DNC to attend the meeting.
2. See who's really committed to going to Denver. Get firm commitments. Then plan Transportation. Consider car pooling, renting a bus or other ways of spreading the cost.
3. When you have firm numbers, email R68 about housing needs and any other special
Help you may need. We will have an event calendar, maps, bus schedules and other
Information that you'll need when you get here.
4. Schedule regular meetings to discuss your group’s plans for when you do get to Denver. Check the website for logistic information to help you plan your trip.
5. Look at the events being planned by R68 and other groups like Unconventional Action. Decide how you want plug in to those events.
6. Raise funds for group for your trip to Denver--for transportation, food en route and while you're here, your creative actions, etc.
7. If you can, raise funds for R68 (for food, music, health clinic, legal collective, etc.). Hold various events--anything from a garage sale to a concert by local bands, use your imagination--and hit up your family and friends who can't go for money.
8. Organize yourselves in affinity groups--small groups of people who know and trust each other--to work together and look after each other while you're in Denver (if you're not familiar with the concept, just Google "affinity group” or go to our resource section of our website).
9. Make sure people at home know when you're going and when you expect to be back. Keep in touch with them regularly by phone and/or email.
10.If there are people in your area who can do "Know your Rights" trainings (to familiarize you with your Constitutional rights as protesters) and/or "Health and Safety for Protesters" trainings, (about how to take care of yourselves in a protest situation), take advantage of them.
If not, look for information on the Internet, and, if you can be here even a couple of days before the events start, let R68 know and we can arrange trainings when you get here. For travel cost, R-68 would be willing to come to your community and speak on the issues and provide trainings.
11.Make props and visual aids with anti-war and other messages to bring to make your participation in marches and rallies in Denver more effective. Anything that will get media attention is great: signs, banners, costumes, art objects, and big puppets. There's information on the Internet about that stuff. Also plan autonomous actions that will highlight some of the issues you care about. The more creative an action planned, the better (FYI, we have a pretty good legal team).
12. Check the R68 website regularly for updates. HAVE FUN!! Remember Emma Goldman: "If I can't dance, I don't want to be part of your revolution."
4. R-68 film series
Recreate 68 will be hosting a series of film screenings every Tuesday in July at 7pm at Hooked on Colfax, 3215 E. Colfax. The films will cover a variety of issues that will be the subject of actions during the DNC. Many films will be followed by a community conversation on the issue, usually facilitated by a special guest knowledgeable on the topic. For more information please e-mail planetofslums@gmail.com.
5. Shirt designs
The revolution is a shirt design away! Help R-68 design the T-shirts that will be made available for the protests. There’s nothing like seeing your design on hundreds of shirts that will be worn across the country to commemorate this important and memorable event in our nation’s history. Please send all designs to info@recreate68.org or better yet, bring them to the next R-68 meeting this Thursday at 6:30pm at the Gypsy House Café in Denver. Designs will be decided by June 22. If you think you have a killa’design that will not be finished by that date, e-mail us and we will try to make it work. If you have additional questions about your creative assistance, you can e-mail gspagnuolo@recreate68.org.
6. Activists networking tool for R-68
R-68 members have developed an activists networking tool for use leading up to, and
after, the convention. One of the best ways to get in touch with what is happening, aside
from going to our weekly working meetings and the website, is to go to http://www.mypopuli.com and get connected. Join today and be apart of our virtual
community.
7. Tables/Training opportunities at the Festival of Democracy
The Festival of Democracy will be a five-day event running in conjunction with the DNC
Convention. The Festival will include free music and performing arts, free food and free
institution building and political training. The purpose of the Festival of Democracy will be to share some fun and to work towards the development of programs and networks that will address our community problems, created by the people, without relying on the two-party capitalist system. If you are interested in tabling, please let us know. We are in serious need of groups willing to hold seminars/teach-ins on the issues that concern you. We are very interested in teach-ins that will assist other community members with knowledge that will aid them in their work as community organizers when they return home. In addition, we are open to bands with a political message. If you or your group is interested in being a part of this event you can e-mail info@recreate68.org.
8. “Come Up to Denver” video and website
“Come Up to Denver” is a project created by a member of R-68. Please check it out.
http://www.comeuptodenver.org
Graham Nash let us re-record his song "Chicago" that he wrote about the 1968
Democratic National Convention. This version, "Come Up to Denver" is a call to action
for citizens all over the country to converge on Denver to demonstrate for positive social
change and an end to war.
On the 40th Anniversary of the 1968 DNC in Chicago, it is a sad sign of the times that we
didn't have to change one word of Graham's song, except for the place.
As in 1968, we have a war to stop, and it is only the Power of the People that can do it.
Come Up to Denver!!! With strength in numbers, we can end the war and show the world how to live in peace!
9. Reminder of additional events
Below is listed some, but not all, of the events taking place at the Convention. This is a
solidarity movement so please plan on attending all of the events for maximum numbers. Additional actions are being organized by a group we whole-heartedly endorse and support, Unconventional Action, which can be found at http://www.dncdisruption08.org
Denver's Largest Anti-war Protest, Sunday August 24:
http://recreate68.org/album1_dnc_003.htm
Prisoner Rights March and Rally, Monday August 25:
http://recreate68.org/album1_dnc_007.htm
Poor People's "Shake Your Money Maker" event,Monday August 25: http://recreate68.org/album1_dnc_006.htm
Immigration Rally and March Tuesday August 26: Link to come soon.
"Doc's Place" Free Health Clinic: http://recreate68.org/album1_dnc_033.htm
Free Public Feeds: http://recreate68.org/album1_dnc_035.htm
The Festival of Democracy: http://recreate68.org/album1_dnc_004.htm
Housing for out-of-town activists (If you are able to help with space please let us know): housing@recreate68.org
There is no reason not to be involved. If you do not have the time, drop a dime and help with the fundraising!
10. How to get involved
The best way to get involved is to join us for one of our weekly planning meetings. Meet people who are volunteering on different committees and join a work group. All community members who attend have an equal voice, so come by and get involved. If you have an interest in becoming a Legal Observer, please email mcohen@recreate68.org and we can assist you with the necessary training.
R-68 “Working Meetings” every Thursday night at 6:30
Gypsy House Café
1290 Marion Street, Denver
It is important for all of us to make what contributions we can afford to this effort. We will be feeding, housing and providing medical care for a whole community, not to mention the protest and the Festival of Democracy. Anything you can spare would help.
Just skip a coffee for a day and send the spare cash to R-68. Listed below is the P.O. Box to send donations and a donation letter you can use to show friends in order to convince them to donate. This task is all of our responsibility.
Please Send Donations To:
P.O. Box:
Recreate 68
PO Box 6444, Denver, CO 80206
Prospective Donor:
Why Re-create 68? Re-create 68's mission is to restore real democracy in this country, by "re-creating" the spirit of mass political participation, and the ability of mass movements to bring about progressive social change, that existed in the 60s. A spirit of democracy that brought about profound changes in this country, changes that made it possible now for the leading candidates for the Democratic presidential nomination to be a white woman and a black man-something unimaginable in, say, 1958.
That spirit has been lost in recent decades, as the Right has tried to roll back the gains of the 60s. But the illegal invasion and occupation of Iraq, and the disastrous economic
policies of the Bush administration, have raised awareness and opened new space for the recreation of a mass movement for positive change.
Recognizing this opportunity, Re-create 68 came together at the beginning of 2007 in anticipation of Denver being awarded the Democratic National Convention. The members of the group, all longtime activists in the Denver community, will use this national event as a catalyst to bring new people into existing social change organizations, and to involve more people in mass political activism.
Re-create 68 will sponsor and support mass demonstrations during the Convention, demonstrations calling for an end to the occupation of Iraq, for immigrant rights, for prisoner's rights, for combating global warming, for an affordable health care system and for real educational reform. We will also provide housing and other support services for people coming from out of town for these demonstrations.
But we will devote equal energy to creating a five-day Festival of Democracy, during which workshops, trainings, demonstrations, teach-ins and networking activities will help people create community-based alternatives to a failed two-party system, that will last well beyond the event.
During the festival, R68 will provide a free food program for the homeless, free entertainment, including national and local music groups and speakers, a free 24/7 health clinic for economically disadvantaged community members, legal support and a "Know Your Rights" legal clinic for oppressed communities and widespread coverage of the festival through alternative media. The other events at the Festival will be created and led by community-based organizations.
The experience of participating in democracy together for this major event will carry over past the Convention to allow these organizations to work together, and support each other, in the coming years. R68 will continue to work with these organizations to carry this work forward. We will also haveevaluation forms, on line and hard copy, for people to give feedback on the Festival and projects that come out of it. Groups who create community-run institutions will be invited back to Denver in a year's time to share their experiences.
Among the projects that will come out of this event, in Denver and other cities, are community health clinics, alternative schooling options, after-school activities, free breakfast programs for youth, alternative media opportunities, community centers focused on social justice issues, among others.
To accomplish these goals, R68 has:
• Helped train and create a team of street medics, and Doc's Place, a free 24/7-health clinics
• Worked with the National Lawyers Guild to create the People's Law Project, to provide legal observers and legal support during and after the DNC, and to challenge restrictions on First Amendment rights, in addition to creating a "Know Your Rights" legal clinic to help educate the public.
• Worked with Free Speech TV and other independent media to revitalize independent media in Denver and Colorado
• Held community meetings, coordinated with community-based groups throughout the metro area and nationally as well, and formed R68 groups in other Front Range communities and other cities around the country to mobilize for the convention and the Festival.
• Won endorsement and support from United for Peace and Justice, Code Pink, School of the Americas Watch, Troops Out Now and other national organizations. In keeping with its goals, R68 operates on the basis of participatory democracy. Committees work on specific projects, but report back to the larger group on a regular basis. A core-organizing group carries out day-to-day work, guided by the decisions of the larger group. R68 is incorporated as Colorado non-profit, but has no paid staff; all work is carried out by volunteers.
The energy, enthusiasm and time to create a successful event all exist. The remaining ingredient is, of course, money. We hope you will support Recreate 68 in moving forward a vision of real democracy in America.
Solidarity with a vision,
The R68 Organizing Committee
Until next time R-68ers, Hasta La Victoria Siempre! And remember “Do It In
Denver!!!!”
"Knowledge Is Power In The Right Hands"
(STREET TACTICS)
It is not a matter of no one being aware of a build up of protest elements in Denver, Minneapolis and across the country; it’s more a function of people not paying attention, more of the “it can’t happen ostrich syndrome: and simple damn dumb denial. It really doesn’t matter that within the protest elements and organizations that there has been a sifting out of those dedicated to non-violence from those either inclined to confrontation or violence, or at least suspected of that inclination, because when is all said and done, it’s a matter of over 100,000 people in the streets with a multiplicity of concerns, grievances and advocacies in the rarified Denver atmosphere, the heat of August and pent up frustrations of trying to gain access to exercise free speech, and whatever it is that folks have in mind.
There are elements of the far left and far right that will be close contact, police powers dealing with a situation that they have no experience with. All it takes is one mistake one flash and you have hell to pay. No reason or rationale for calm and preserving the victory that Democrats thirst for matters; some of these folks just don’t care; some of them want a revolutionary change within our party, and some are willing to allow, or even cause things to get worse in the hope that the inevitable reaction will usher in the paradigm shift in American politics that will truly right the ship of state.
There are too many accumulated issues, political, social, economic, philosophic, world-versioned and local all in the stew pot. That can make for a bad brew. I have said so often that such confrontations are the result of multiple movements and ferment coming together. We are there. Chicago “68” was labeled a police riot. It is so easy to drag that label and vitriol back out. Any act of resistance and arrest can suddenly became “police brutality” in the streets and the mob move into action!
See You In Denver (Ed.)
Footnote: The Group calling themselves “Resistance 08”continues to be closely guarded, close knit, independent furtive operation that I have little success in researching. I know after a 15 minute contact in a parking lot in Denver that they guard their anonymity and trust only their own. That does not include me…that was made forcefully clear…but I will continue listening and looking.
End Post....
