Report on anti-war march to HMS Ocean

by young and restless Sat Jul 01, 2006 13:52

Surely if we want to progress we have to have not just good tactics but amazing tactics, we're fighting against a very real war where people are dying all the time. Why did we march for over a mile to stand in the middle of nowhere in the rain only talking to ourselves? What is the point of that?

There were thousands of people in the city centre shopping and commuting who had no idea about this ship surely it would make sense to use our numbers (200 people?) to let them know. I thought I'd give the IAWM a fifth or sixth chance but as usual they did not deliver the goods, terrible planning for the march means no support for the march beyond our own tiny circles and until we start planning properly and organising seriously we don't deserve support. Direct action could sink that ship, mass action could sink fianna fail, inaction perpetuates boyd barrott as chairman for life in the IAWM - off him now!

by rubbish Sat Jul 01, 2006 13:27

"Pat c. You should know that journalists write what they think their editors will print. So, the IT would never quote from an anarchist (unless it was in relation to a riot...got to get your stereotypes in order) and only ever quotes RBB or Roger Cole in relation to anti-war events - not their fault, just they're the only ones IT journos bother with. Similarly, the Daily Ireland takes most of its quotes from SF people and the Indo takes most of its quotes from pro-war people. Let's not get paranoid about things there's no point in getting paranoid about."

as anyone following the threads about this visit knows, Richard Boyd Barret, Greens, Fintan Lane (i THINK), Ed Horgan, Roger Cole and Shinners were quoted by D Ireland about this, more than just SF.

by Pit Stop Ploughshares Sat Jul 01, 2006 08:38 At Large! 087 918 4552

Pit Stop Ploughshares will continue their anti-war vigil 12noon-2pm outside the GPO today (Sat.), Mon & Tues!

Drop by for a chat and connect before their trial starting Wed July 5th. Some mebers of the group will also attend the 2.30 pm Anti-War Network meeting at the Teachers Club today (Sat.)

by Ciaron - Catholic Worker/ Pit Stop Ploughshares (personal capacity) Sat Jul 01, 2006 00:19

Well Mike mate, it really depends what turns you on. I personally find your appeals to cynicism & appeals for inaction in the face of your Government's complicity in ongoing war crimes quite tiresome (I try my best not to get sick & tired).

I met one Iraqi during the week who must have known where Ireland is, because he made it to the GPO! He stood looking at the name of an Iraqi child killed at age 6 by the U.S. war machine at Shannon & the name of one of the 2,500 U.S. dead (most whose last port of call was Shannon Airport) U.S. troops killed in Iraq. The two names and a candle constituted a temporary shrine we had built for daily peace vigil at the GPO. He stood still as folks hurried by. I offered him a leaflet and said "Where you from!".
He said "Baghdad!"
I said "I'm sorry for your loss"
He nodded sadly and shook hands.
We shook hands again as we packed at the end of our two hour vigil

Thursday's effort was a helluva lot better than no response to the HMS Ocean docking in Dublin to win hearts, minds, school tours & NGO blessings - than no response at all. Met a guy with green paint stained hands at our midday GPO peace vigil who had returned from a heroic but failed effort to redecorate the Ocean with paint filled baloons.

The Famine Memorial was a great place to start, to remind us that we too were once victims of this British war machine. Maybe those who know more about local weather could have suggested we make the speeches there before we set off. But set off we did. I was a bit surprised to find myself in the vanguard position rather than the usual guard van position. But there I was marching along having a great chat with Eduardo on the other end of the Peace banner and getting gratefully pulled up for the pace we were setting (Eduardo & I couldn't wait to get there!) But we had folks with prams and walking sticks so slow down we did.

It is always good to see these killing machines close up and connect them to the lives lost & threatened. Logisitically (without the elemnt of surprise) it was hard to get close but we could see the HMS Ocean that had killed so many Iraqi children with sanctions & bombs. And the rains came down during the speeches in that dead end street.

Warship visits are always important to confront. In Aotearoa/New Zealand there was wonderful movement in the '70's that banished nuclear weapons from the country with nonviolent direct action against such visits. Auckland is a harbour town (ask Greenpeace & French Intelligence) & a boatie town, all sorts of folks have a boat of some shape & size. They blockaded nuke ship visits & had such popular support that the Labor Party elected in '84 had to ban all nuke ship visits. The Americans who "refuse to confirm or deny the presence of nuclear weapons" responded by sending no ships at all, put economic, political & cultural pressure on the Kiwis and the Australian Labor Party govrnement joined in by suspending all joint military exercises with New Zealand. The Kiwis & Prime Minister David Lange (now deceased) became a symbol of opposition to the crazy nuclear first strike stand off by refusing to co-operate with it. Kiwis refused to be bullied!

Now Kiwis may have 40 million more sheep than Ireland, but it's a pretty similar population size and a lot more economiclly isolated (no EEC!) They made a moral stand that rippled around the world and as a nation and have emerged as more maturer nation for it. Meanwhile, Ireland continues its Mexican hat dance netween the expectations of the US, England &EEC. Ireland underestimates the dynamism of the effect it would have on the diaspora in England, U.S. & Australia (3 countries involved in this illegal war on Iraq) if it would take a moral stand on this war. So there we remain as a nation, infantile. Foreign policy set from London.

In terms of other possibilities for future warship visits there are many.....

eg. set up an urban peace camp for the period the ship is in town at the dock, with a roster of activists to maintain it and open to folks when it suits them to visit NGO's & others doing workshops, trad musicians performing, school groups touring, Catholics celebrating peace masses, Buddhists chanting, Pagans incanting.

-on board actions if there are public tours (lock ons, citizens arrests of the Cap'n, exorcisms, graffitti, people jumpng off the ship, "dial-a-sailor" leaflets with politicians phone numbers promising visiting sailors a "good time", blockading the crew as they disembark have all been experimented with in my experience), if an NGO gets invited on board accept and so some NVDA (my friend Frank got an invitation to the White House & did this)

Mike, cynicism remains the 5th. column of the Establishment.

by MichaelY - iawm (per cap this time) Fri Jun 30, 2006 20:11

The link between the anti-war activity in the country and the forthcoming elections in the 26 Counties (as well as the 6 Counties if there were to be a recourse to the polls) is an open one - and under debate at the moment in a variety of levels.

1. In the Anti- War Network Plenary tomorrow, for example, we'll be discussing a Cosantoiri proposal to carry out specific work around the elections in marginal constituencies.
2. The IAWM and PANA, in their meeting last Saturday, agreed in principle to work out a specific strategy on the elections in the 26 Counties. This would involve approaching the leadership of all the parties and seeking out their position on the issue of Shannon and the war.....and moving from there to individual candidates in specific constituencies. The IAWM agreed position is that the war MUST be made an ELECTION issue.
3. A number of activists who have met over the last while with a view of developing a strategy and, if possible, an alternative progressive ticket of independent candidates nationally, are also in the process of considering whether the issue of the war constitutes one of the basic baselines of agreement.

All three threads are in the process of debate and development. I think it would be a great idea if this excellent gig called Indymedia is used effectively to put forward our arguments and listen to all contributions on the subject. Making the war an election issue and abstentionism/boycott , for example, in certain constitutencies is not, as far as I am concerned, a contradiction. It's a tenable strategy....
Hope the above answer some of the questions posed....the more responses the merrier.

by Seán Ryan Fri Jun 30, 2006 18:47

I have an election point to make.

I'm not supporting anyone.

When the elections are due and the usual suspects begin their scraping and bowing (canvassing), I'll be following them around with a megaphone, proclaiming their virtues.

I'll be doing Limerick City, my home town. We're a bit excitable down here, so it might be an idea for the likes of Willie O'Dea etc., to arrange some Garda protection. I'm not threatening Willie, I'm just pointing out that the truth sometimes hurts.

Roll on the good times.

Well done on an excellent action folks. My apologies that I couldn't attend.

by pat c Fri Jun 30, 2006 18:34

c'mon, this happens all the time. It might be because journalists get handy handouts with quotes from RBB. I'm sure that no one would ever suggest there is any connection between the SWP and IT journos. But any way , RBB is in a compromised position. He cannot be allowed to use his position as chair to raise his profile as an SWP candidate.

Surely after 5 years its time for the position to be rotated.

by ? Fri Jun 30, 2006 18:25

Pat c. You should know that journalists write what they think their editors will print. So, the IT would never quote from an anarchist (unless it was in relation to a riot...got to get your stereotypes in order) and only ever quotes RBB or Roger Cole in relation to anti-war events - not their fault, just they're the only ones IT journos bother with. Similarly, the Daily Ireland takes most of its quotes from SF people and the Indo takes most of its quotes from pro-war people. Let's not get paranoid about things there's no point in getting paranoid about.

by Davy Carlin Fri Jun 30, 2006 17:40

Pat C

Quote -

'But seriously folks I have no problem with linking in with International events. Lets have events here as well'.

Sound and likewise-

You also make other some other good points,

- also as I had stated above, and amongst the other issues I raised, -, still seeking clarity on Michael's election point.

by pat c Fri Jun 30, 2006 16:39

The idea that Ciaron is groomed is defamatory!

But seriously folks I have no problem with linking in with International events. Lets have events here as well.

But careful about the election thing. Different people will support different parties, some will support none. RBB is a candidate for the SWP/PBPA in the next elections, to ensure that there are no misunderstandings he should step down as chair of the IAWM and the position should be taken up by someone who is not a candidate. Otherwise there is a danger that the IAWM will be seen as being an SWP front. Some might even think that RBB is using the position to raise his own profile. Such nasty sectarians will only be confirmed in their belief by the report of the protest in todays it; the only person named was RBB. The only organisation named was the IAWM.

RBB has been chair of the IAWM for 5 years now. Time for a change.

by josie - n/a Fri Jun 30, 2006 16:25

again I have to say I don't know the history of all the differences/squabbles but a demonstration was announced and that some how translates to we're all being groomed????
Groomed for what?
Ok call me naiive but what I took away from that is that ok there's this thing happening and we have to tell as many people as possible so that people can take to the streets and shout out loud to all who can hear. No No No!
I mean the issue here is war isn't it? There is an illegal occupation in Iraq, people are still dying in Afghanistan, Israeli troops are about to cross the border into Palestine, Shannon is being used by the CIA and we're fighting over who made and announcement and where and why
I'm beginning to see why people become cynical

by Ciaron Fri Jun 30, 2006 16:16

Wow, I've never been accused of being groomed before!

by Davy Carlin Fri Jun 30, 2006 16:04

A step forward, but only a step.

Sound

Michael u talk of a march on 23rd that has already been called, and ‘our attempt to get people on the street – is this an IAWM or an Anti War Alliance, called demo.,

And on your point’

Quote -

‘to make our protest and insert the anti-war movement into the electoral campaigns due to follow.

Putting aside the many who don’t partake in elections, you should make it clear that either u are speaking in regard to a specific electoral campaign or u you are referring to all that took part, from SF, through to the SWP, and those who would vote SP through to Labour, - and so as for them to ensure that the Anti war Movement message is carried throughout their various electoral platforms.

On specific, I mean the peoples profit alliance thing of the of the SWP, you have written about before

Fintan Quotes –

‘I think the range of speakers at yesterday's rally reflects, to a degree, the progress that has been made in the past few months, via the Anti-War Network {AWN}meetings in the Teachers' Club, to create better goodwill, cooperation and mutuality among the different sections of the broad anti-war movement’

Spot on

- - 'Although,

I would,

'state -

'watch out for those who 'may attempt to set up Phantom groups – such as AWN local groups – more though through words than actually deed - u know - those with a history of attempting such actions, deeds and false promises – those who may find it hard to break away from such a mindset.

Indeed,

I may go into such, in part, in my Diary which I will update briefly in 'Sep - if such materialises,

If i have the time

{as I am working on a few other articles for the Blanket presently - as well as research on other important isues}

if not, as stated, Diary updated in Nov.

But for now, and on the demo

Fair play to all! D

by gg Fri Jun 30, 2006 16:01

To tell you the truth Josie when I think of the WSM and Ciaran O'Reilly being allowed to speak (very unusually) at an iawm rally and then we immediately have calls to build for some march on sept 23rd that nobody has heard of before and, worse, there is a call on us to prepare for the elections, then the word that comes into my head is 'grooming'.

We're being groomed.

by josie - n/a Fri Jun 30, 2006 15:52

just when things were looking a bit more positive, with the different anti-war groups engaging in amicable dialogue (even on Indymedia!) someone had to get personal and negative. As an outsider I have to say I find it all REALLY boring. Can people not stick to NEWS and COMMENT without slagging. Whatever happened to solidarity!
As far as I know the demonstation on September 23rd is an INTERNATIONAL day of action against war and it was called by The European Social Forum in Greece earlier this year.
Anti-war activists all around the world will be demonstrating and should the Irish sit at home?

And what's wrong with forcing politicians to put Shannon on the agenda. Its about time they take it seriously, don't you think?

by JJ Fri Jun 30, 2006 15:40

The International day of Action that Michael says has been called is in fact a STWC (British SWP front) national demonstration to coincide with the British Labour Party annual conference. He's out protesting against a British warship last night and all of a sudden we are supposed to partake in British national demonstrations. He may move in the orbit of a British influenced organisation but I'll be damned if I will.

by Anon Fri Jun 30, 2006 15:10

MichaelY: "insert the anti-war movement into the electoral campaigns due to follow."

Oh no, no way are we becoming cannon fodder for the electoral ambitions of the SWP or anybody else! If the IAWM want to get involved in "electoral campaigns" fine bur don't expect others to. Not me anyway. No way.

by me Fri Jun 30, 2006 15:02

What "big march on Sept 23rd" are you on about MichaelY? Not another bloody march for the sake of it, surely? Where did this come from? Are the IAWM still on automatic when it comes to these marches? Two marches a year, for no obvious reason. Yawn.

by pat c Fri Jun 30, 2006 14:42

a good demo last night. but i was too clever by half and decided i knew a short cut back. i ended up in fairview.

lets make the Jeb Bush demo a big one as well, he deserves a céad míle fáilte.

oh & btw, please dont use the term UK. some of us are sensitive about that. why not use: occupied ireland, occupied wales, occupied scotland, occupied cornwall and england. ;)

by hold the press Fri Jun 30, 2006 14:36

Good story in the Daily Ireland.

In the 'brief' section of the Mirror and Irish Times.

No sign in Star.

by MichaelY - iawm Fri Jun 30, 2006 14:29

An International Day of Action Against the war - Against the Invasion/Occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan. Major mobilisations in the US and UK.....and all over.
Our attempt to have all of us together in the streets....to make our protest and insert the anti-war movement into the electoral campaigns due to follow.

by B Fri Jun 30, 2006 14:24

What's on September 23rd..

by MichaelY - iawm Fri Jun 30, 2006 14:08

Just want to add a few remarks to the two very positive messages above:

I agree fully that s o m e of the ice that had formed between various components of the anti-war movement is beginning to melt. It was heart warming to see RBB from the IAWM introduce Ciaron from the Ploughshares and Alan from the WSM. It was also great to see older heads like Brendan from the NGO Alliance, Roger from PANA , R from RAR and GK from the IAWM mix it with much younger activists. I saw Spanish, Breton, Dutch, Iranian and German activists joining the march - may have missed other nationalities. I spoke to two Councillors, Joan and Mick, and Patricia McKenna with John Gormley were there. Great to see also an Ogra SF and older SF comrades. Anti-War Ireland and Cosantoiri were also represented.
The Anti-War Network, which is having its Plenary this Saturday July 1st in the Teachers Ckub at 2.30 has contributed a good deal...but also influential has been our collective understanding that if we are to stop the collaboration of our status quo with the Empire we need to combine our forces and work together while mainitaining our autonomy.
The forthcoming trial of the activists on July 5th and the planned visit of Jeb Bush on July 21st will be two key events where this co-operation must continue and extend. And then will come the big March on Sept. 23rd....lots to do.

by Fintan Lane - Anti-War Ireland Fri Jun 30, 2006 13:31

I think the range of speakers at yesterday's rally reflects, to a degree, the progress that has been made in the past few months, via the Anti-War Network meetings in the Teachers' Club, to create better goodwill, cooperation and mutuality among the different sections of the broad anti-war movement. Real progress has been made and I believe the 'unity is strength' motto is particularly appliciable here. Moreover, I think the goodwill generated has encouraged a slight upturn in anti-war activism.

That said, the movement remains heterogeneous in its composition, and that won't change because activists and groups do hold varying views on strategy and tactics. The important thing is to see this diversity as a strength. Respect for this diversity of views and tactics is crucial if we are to move forward in unity. We won't agree on everything all of the time, but we agree on the important things - such as the need to dislodge the US war machine from this country.

Anti-War Ireland, which believes in deploying a diversity of tactics from demonstrations to civil disobedience and beyond, will certainly continue to work through the Anti-War Network to extend unity and cooperation within the broad anti-war movement.