Fairview Against the War supports Cork analysis of IAWM

by Anonymous Thu Feb 26, 2004 11:41

Whilst I can perfectly understand the reasons why groups are realigning themselves away from the IAWM - I urge all groups and individuals to continue to work with one another on anti-war activity where ever possible - and not to be harboring feelings of hatred or animosity towards one another.

To have any chance, which is extremely slim anyhow, of defeating the government on this issue, and helping to save thousands of innocent lives, we will have to work with one another (though not necessarily under the one organization).

by no 6 Thu Feb 26, 2004 13:52

that postive "can do" attitude of yours is really beginning to grate.

Instead of wandering around this site offering trite messages of solidarity and support, would you mind terribly getting your thumb out and doing something.

You add nothing to debate, and aside from trite platitutes offer no real ideas or suggestions, except bland messages of "why can't we all get along" or "we must work together". You give no helpful suggestions to how this will actually work.

Shut up and do something.

by IAWMer? Thu Feb 26, 2004 13:53

interesting tactic hear.

The SWP faction on the committee won't reply directly to any criticism. (but they will spread lies in internal SWP bulletins and put words in people's ears.
The steering committee meetings are not open to scrutiny.

If they were, one would see that it is NOT the policy of the prevailing faction to work with anybody on anything radical, effective or that carries a risk of harsh criticism for an otherwise 'moderate respectable' -and electable bunch. (there's two SC members seeking election this summer)

The IAWM did not give any support Eoin Dubsky, Mary Kelly, the Catholic Workers, the peace camp or the court cases against the government. They bad-mouthed direct action groups and were very selective about how could share a platform -no radicals, no anarchists.
Sure, by saying nothing in public, and bashing activists in private, and watching them leave, the IAWM will call everyone else 'divisive splitters'

by got it Thu Feb 26, 2004 14:35

I think the SWP have got what they wanted out of IAWM = a brand name, a phone number the capitalis ptress calls wehn it wants a comment on the isues of war and peace...a media profile.

They don't want a mass movement of local self-activating groups that mightn't tow the party line. The SWP are a moderate group like Amnesty, Greenpeace etc. they want a passive membership that donates and they can speak on behalf of...they won't be too concerned about losing these branches

by ec Thu Feb 26, 2004 15:29

No credit for source of course.

by R Isible Thu Feb 26, 2004 17:07

Is it an individual lazy, dishonest journalist pretending that someone else's work is his/hers? Or is it that they're afraid to mention indymedia.ie?

Credit the source ya bums.

by R Isible Thu Feb 26, 2004 17:09

"Pulling together is the aim of despotism and tyranny. Free men pull in all kinds of directions."
Terry Pratchett - The Truth

by LOKI Thu Feb 26, 2004 17:15

Wadda de say? Do the SP back Michael O'Brien in his vote to purge the dissidents from the IAWM? Would Stephen Boyd please put it on the record?

by Anonymous Thu Feb 26, 2004 19:17

(We have had this argument before)

Sorry No. 6 - I don't see anything wrong with a positive, can do attitude. Nor do I see anything wrong with solidarity & support. I will be doing what I can on a practical level to keep things together.

I have argued in the past for complete unity but the Swp seem to have out done themselves this time and seem to have proved themselves unworkable with. While this may be the case I think it is important for other anti war groups not now to completely distance themselves from the Swp, but rather, where possible, to continue to work together where possible e.g. organizing a demonstration or whatever.

The Left in Ireland historically has been notorious for divisions and this has long been seen as a serious weakness within it. Its no wonder we have the most right wing policies in the western world outside the U.S.

So I don't think the importance of unity or at least working together on some level can ever be understated or said enough.

What are your own suggestions and opinions on how you think the, general, anti-war movement should move on from here?? I cant remember seeing any of your suggestions on the any of the many recent debates.

Solidarity,

by David C. Thu Feb 26, 2004 19:18

...anti-war activism is all about YOU!!!

by No 6 Thu Feb 26, 2004 19:38

shove your Solidarity.

What EXACTLY are you doing to on a pratical level. I'm dying to know, because I suspect someone so imaginative that they can't pick a screen name does S.F.A. aside from wandering behind the SWP at marchs.

You haven't argued for unity, you've twittered on about the concept but haven't bothered your arse talking about how to achieve it.

You blithely wander around the site blathering on with shows of support and mouthing platitutes of encouragement, which means fuck all from someone who won't even bother creating a screen name never mind sign their real name.

Sod your anaylize, I doubt you've ever experienced the frustration of trying to work with the SWP or SP on anything because you don't involve yourself in any real way.

Sod orgainsing demos with the SWP does that achieve anything other making you feel "involved" by marching up and down O'Connell st and listening to the same old tired speakers trotting out the same.

You don't contribute anything, you don't add anything, aside from the general level of poor debate and anaylise on this site.

Remember your twittering "Claire short you genius".

If anything is going to happen it's going to happen by getting a small group who aren't motivated by politics or political ambition and working hard, effectively and not getting bogged down pandering to the SWP and people like you twittering about unity.

Seriously go away......

by Anonymous Thu Feb 26, 2004 19:46

Sorry No. 6, we' ll have to agree to disagree on this one. You can handle someone disagreeing with your opinion can't you.

Take it easy.

by no 6 Thu Feb 26, 2004 20:12

just rather you shutting the hell up or at least adding something to articles other then your ineffective "support" and "solidarity"

by David C. Thu Feb 26, 2004 21:06

...you're such a grumpy pants!!! I bet your uncompromising anger makes you very effective!!!

♫ ♪ ♫ "always look on the bright side of life! Dum - dee dum - dee dum dee dum dee dum,!" ♫ ♪ ♫

by John Thu Feb 26, 2004 22:17

The number of resignees from the IAWM steering committee continues to grow. Number gone now is six out of sixteen (including 2 expelled): Fintan Lane, Tim Hourigan, Harry Browne, Laurence Vize, Kirsten Foy, Mick O'Sullivan. All non-party. I'd say it's safe to assume more resignations are forthcoming.

Why would anybody stay to prop up an SWP front?

by WD - None Fri Feb 27, 2004 04:58

The SWP looks really, really bad as a result of their behaviour in the IAWM (anybody see the latest edition of the Phoenix??) but the question is, have they learned anything?

Unfortunately, probably not. The IAWM is collapsing around them because they didn't have the skills or cop-on to be able to work fraternally with people from a diverse movement, and still they act as if its everybody else's fault. I've never seen such arrogance. They need to examine their behaviour and learn something from this, or nobody will ever work with them again.

Meanwhile, what about the Socialist Party? Are they going to continue to prop up this farce? Michael O'Brien should resign. The IAWM is completely discredited. Don't support the corruption of the SWP - they are behaving no different from Fianna Fail in terms of corrupt behaviour. No socialist should behave as they have.

Yours etc.
WD