First they ignore you………

“First they ignore you, then they laugh at you,

then they fight you, then you win.”

Mahatma Gandhi

I wanted to pen down some thoughts on yesterday’s very successful Occupy May action yesterday in the City of London.

The authorities will use every available weapon in their armory to fight us.  They will use the press, they will use violence.  They will initiate their ‘£10’ touts to cause conflict, spread vicious rumors and create a general atmosphere of paranoia within groups and organizations.

When any of that doesn’t work, they will resort to violence and draconian bail conditions.  I have been the victim of all of the above.

On two occasions SO15 Counter Terrorism Command have told me, I could be shot, should I climb on another designated building.  They were even stupid enough to write it on my bail sheet.  I have also been banned from London, in fact the whole of the M25.

I have been accused of being a cop by dubious people who I caught going through my blackberry.  That person went on to make more serious allegations about me.  I have been the victim of gossiping, other people’s paranoia and general bullshit at times.

I have no doubt that this pressure was brought to bear because I was effective in my actions, having twice breached security in Parliament in as many months.  I have watched occupy going through similar situations, yesterday it was great to see them set that all aside and work together in solidarity.

Today Occupy Activists are being released under strict bail conditions.  When I had strict police bail conditions imposed on me, I didn’t adhere to any of them.  I was once told by the police themselves, that police bail is a toothless tiger, another opportunity to break those conditions on mass.

An opportunity to force them into court and justify their behavior both on the streets and in the stations.

Solidarity comrades

We are winning.

Total Policing and Paranoia

I feel compelled to pen a blog tonight; it has been a busy few days.  May Day, The Big Six Energy Bash and now the news tonight that the encampment at Parliament Square has been finally removed, after Maria from Peace Strike lost her right to appeal and Simon Moore’s ASBO has been upheld by Westminster Magistrates Court.

I first came to London two years ago on the 30^th of April.  I wanted to attend my first May Day rally in London.  The precious night I had slept at the Eco-Village at Kew Bridge with many of my comrades.  Little did I know at the time what adventures we would have together, among those Simon and Maria, who I was to meet for the first time, during my time at Democracy Village.

Maria and I have been arrested together four times in the last 2 years.  Those actions were amazing.  The day Gordon Brown resigned we were on top of St Margaret’s Chapel, the official chapel of the House of Commons.   During the first debate on the Afghanistan war in Parliament, we were there at the front, having squatted there for a total of 26 hours, just so we could remind those going in to take part in the debate that innocent people were dying in an unjust and illegal war.

It hasn’t all been sunshine and great actions, like many areas of activism in London; a dark shadow has hung over Parliament Square.  Maria like myself has been the focus of accusations of being an  Agent Provocateur

This cancerous behaviour that plagues the activist world is soul destroying and energy sapping.  Even today while attending the #Big6Bash a well known activist within Climate Camp asked me if I was with the “MET BLOC”.   Paranoia is contagious; it needs to be nipped in the bud.  Those experienced amongst us need to be a forefront of challenging it when it gets out of hand.   I know this has been a thorn in the side of the peace strike campaign, unfortunate that more people didn’t stand up and challenge it.

At no time have I ever suspected more than I suspected everyone else that Maria was anything other than someone with good and just intentions.

I have a sense of sadness that the encampment has been removed.  So much was planned in that peace box, right under the noses of the police at Parliament.

Another comrade Simon has been the first to receive an ASBO, banning him from occupations and any protests directed towards the Olympic Games, These ASBO’s are being handed out with the threat of 5 years imprisonment, should they be broken.  Simon decided to defend himself and the judge upheld the interim ASBO.  I am currently expecting one myself, it is clear that all areas of activism are feeling the pressure from total policing and the oppression being brought to bear on us all because of the Olympics.  It seems at this time in the UK the powers that be are no longer even trying to uphold the illusion of democracy.

I for one will not be intimidated. I will continue to protest, the struggle goes on

Long live Democracy Village, Long Live Peace Strike and RIP Brian Haw. 

Suggested methods for blockading a Petrol Station

If you have decided to take part in this action here are some suggestions on closing the station.  Its important that you think about security.  For example allow one person from your affinity group to know the location of the station.   Do not discuss the action online or via mobile phones.  Its best to discuss face to face.  Think about how you will get your message out? Have you identified members of your group to take pictures and get the message out online?

ACTION CALL OUT FOR 8th OF FEB

So now you have identified your target. Find a local station near you

1) Do a recce prior to the action, get pictures.  Look at possible ways onto the roof.  Most Shell Petrol Stations are built in exactly the same style.  A small ladder will help you access the roof, sometimes this isn’t neede

2)             How long do you plan to stay there?  If you are staying overnight make sure that you have enough supplies and warm clothes.  Think also about shelter a small pop up tent can be helpful in this scenario.

3)             Make banners here are some examples of banners

4)             Remember to always mask up, there is no doubt that this action will be under surveillance from the MET police or the local police of the area your action is taking place.  Do not allow yourself to be recorded in any way by the police.

 

5)             Arrest is possible for aggravated trespass, therefore think about this before taking part, if you do then decide to take part, I would suggest writing the name of a good solicitor on your arm in permanent marker.  I use HODGE ALLEN AND JONES. 07659 111 192

6)             Consider how you will resist any attempts to remove you.  Will you use lock ons or D Locks? Maybe even a tripod.

 

Lastly, do have fun and see you all on the streets, if you want to be involved with a London protest, please email occupyoil@riseup.net

Read about the Shell to Sea Campaign here

To End War – people must strike

“TO END WAR – THE PEOPLE MUST GO ON STRIKE

Peacestrike.org

30th NOVEMBER 2011…

3 Day continuous international strike..

“TO END WAR – THE PEOPLE MUST GO ON STRIKE”

From Midnight Thursday 29th November – 12 Noon Saturday 3rd December 2011

Across the UK and internationally, people will be striking to highlight the severe financial cuts our Government has imposed on the people of our country, as a direct result of our on-going illegal wars of aggression against the people of Afghanistan.

Education, Health Care, Civil Liberties, Pensions, Employment, Legal Aid, Libraries, Housing,

the list goes on…….

Meanwhile, we are expected to find money to pay the EU bankers for the financial crisis created by their own greed and incompetence.

WE PAY THEIR BILLS !

WILL THEY PAY OURS?……..NO!……THEY SEND THE BAILIFFS!

The on-going war in Afghanistan has cost BILLIONS. Soldiers, civilians, women and children have been killed and seriously wounded. WHAT FOR?

…..Because endless global wars are HUGELY PROFITABLE.

Why then, do we all go along with it? We know it’s wrong, yet we submit like sheep everyday !

Sorry, but by complying, we allow our Government to wage illegal, immoral wars of aggression.

If we really want to address the situation and deliver justice to the people of Afghanistan, if we really want to regain our self respect as a nation and as a people, then we must unite and stand together to DEMAND that our Government stops hostilities and orders the troops home. Some will have to stay for humanitarian reasons.

We don’t need a world full of armies opposing each other. We need to feed the hungry, tend to the sick, and clothe and shelter the poor. That is the duty of humankind, whether we like it or not.

It’s not rocket science!

Reality check- Let’s all unite and go on strike together for all the reasons mentioned, with the aim of actually achieving our objective.

10 years of protesting, marching, campaigning and lobbying has simply not been enough!

We have NOT STOPPED ANY WAR……….THEREFORE….

“TO END WAR – THE PEOPLE MUST GO ON STRIKE”

We now need to SHUT DOWN for 3 Days in order for our strike to be effective.

By collectively being on “Peace Strike” together, we – the ordinary people – become the most powerful that we can be. We will send a clear message to our government that we will not support any acts of aggression towards innocent citizens of any country… we will not be deceived into waging wars for ‘Global Corporate’ greed and power.

“INTERNATIONAL STRIKE FOR PEACE”

Including pensioners, housewives, students, claimants, the disabled, families, etc., joining together in solidarity for peace.

*Note This does not include emergency workers and carers, whose work and travel we support. Police, Fire Service, Nurses, Doctors, Ambulance Crews, Carers, and Emergency Utility Workers.

*WITHDRAW LABOUR* No Work

*NO SHOPPING* Boycott all shops & supermarkets

*SHUTDOWN* Nurseries, Schools, Colleges, Universities

*DO NOT BUY PETROL* Boycott all petrol stations

*NO TRANSPORT* Except emergency & essential workers

*NO TV* Boycott the TV networks – they sensationalise war

Forward Plan:

Prepare for the strike days in advance so that we are organised and have enough food, drink and medical supplies to carry us over a week to facilitate any disruption our action may cause us.

Make sure we have enough provisions for children and the elderly, our families,not forgetting any pets.

Let people in your area know, including older and vulnerable people, so they have time to prepare.

Enjoy your time off to relax and reflect; spend precious time with family and friends. Treat it like you would an extended Christmas break.

* If necessary, we will continue to call follow-up strikes, in order to make our Government comply with the wishes 0f the people -who elected them- and whom they serve.

Under international law it is a criminal offence to assist in a crime against humanity, a crime against peace and a crime of genocide. Therefore to go ‘ON STRIKE FOR PEACE’ to save life can only be a moral duty and not an offence in law.

(Source: Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, Article 25)

(c) For the purpose of facilitating the commission of such a crime, aid, abet or otherwise assist in its commission or its attempted commission, including providing the means for its commission

We ask all people to be united in peaceful non-violent inaction.

Pass the message on, nationally and internationally.

Peace Strike operates a 24-hour on-going ‘Peace Picket’ at Parliament Square, London, UK.

mail@peacestrike.org.uk

Contact 07907 233 861

Facebook Peace Strike Parliament Square

War on the horizon, we must act now, while we can!

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/02/uk-military-iran-attack-nuclear