BAWM Public Meeting

by anon Mon Sep 04, 2006 16:27

While antiwar activists down south - from the IAWM to AWI - are encouraging people to travel to the Dublin antiwar demo on Sept 23rd, the Belfast Antiwar Movement (SWP basically) is mobilising people to go to the f**king BRITISH Labour Party conference.

What's with this partitionist bullshit? The same thing happened a few weeks ago when, rather than travel a few miles down the road to a IPSC demo in Dundalk, our partitionist chums in Belfast chose to organise a separate demo of their own.

The SWP in belfast seem particularly wedded to their mother organisation in London but, for God's sake, this is ridiculous - they want Irish antiwar activists to focus on some demo outside a British Labour Party shindig.

Belfast antiwar activists should travel to Dublin on Sept 23rd. Enough of this partitionism and UKism!

by AWIer Mon Sep 04, 2006 16:39

The more anti-war public meetings held in Belfast, the better.

Next Tuesday, 12th September, at 8pm, Anti-War Ireland will hold a public meeting in Belfast with the following three speakers:

*DEIRDRE CLANCY (Recently acquitted Pitstop Ploughshares activist and Anti-War Ireland member)

*CIARON O'REILLY (Recently acquitted Pitstop Ploughshares activist)

*COLM BREATHNACH (Anti-War Ireland)

The meeting will focus on the campaign to demilitarise Shannon airport and on ending Irish complicity with the US and British war machines.

Venue: Jury's Inn, Great Victoria St., Belfast.

A meeting to kick off a branch of Anti-War Ireland in Belfast will take place in the unemployed centre in the city centre on the following Saturday. Come to the meeting for details.

by anon Tue Sep 05, 2006 09:37

Sure, the more anti-war meetings in Belfast the better, but meetings are not enough. If AWI is to have any relevance, it needs to be part of anti war activity in Belfast. BAWM has managed to broaden out considerably over the last year or so. The chair now is a Sinn Fein member and the organising committee dominated by people like David Morrison who has a lot of respect across the world for his research on Iran. The SWP is now very much a minority in BAWM, so there should be no problem about united action.

by anon2 Tue Sep 05, 2006 10:28

That's great about BAWM having an SF chair, but tell us why you are pushing for people to go to a demo in Britain rather than the one in Dublin?

by AWI Tue Sep 05, 2006 11:59 info at antiwarireland dot org

Anti-War Ireland members in Belfast ARE involved in anti-war activity! They have organised pickets of the Irish Tourist Board in solidarity with the Pitstop Ploughshares (while they were on trial) and leafletted the city centre several times about the trial in Dublin and, later, with leaflets against the Israeli assault on Lebanon. They've also attended anti-war public meetings and events, and are now organising their own public meeting. Isn't all of this anti-war activity, or do you think that membership of BAWM (who have been almost invisible for long periods) is the only thing that constitutes anti-war activity?

At the end of the day, AWI in Belfast is its early stages, but is working towards getting a solid branch off the ground. On the Saturday after the public meeting next Tuesday, an organisng meeting will be held in the unemployed centre for those interested in joining an AWI branch in Belfast.

AWI is a broad-based, non-party anti-imperialist organisation that believes that the antiwar movement should deploy a diversity of tactics from mass demonstrations and rallies to civil disobedience and direct action. We are strongly anti-imperialst, but do not believe that my enemy's enemy is necessarily my friend; for example, while utterly opposed to US threats against Iraq, we recognise the Iranian regime as repressive, and support the Iranian people, rather than the government, against US imperialism. We have a particular focus on the campaign to end Irish complicity with the US war machine and the expulsion of the US military from Shannon airport.

With regard to other anti-war groups, we believe in cooperation NOT competition. This isn't a game. We might disagree on tactics at times, or on other things, but the various anti-war groups in Ireland have much more in common than they have dividing them. In Belfast, as elsewhere, AWI will strive to work constructively with other groups and activists, and I'm sure that attitude will be reciprocated.

Pax.

by Davy Carlin Tue Sep 05, 2006 15:15

Good to see all meetings on this issue - I will soon be writing part three of the BAWM, This from its collapse 8 weeks or so into the beginnings of the ARN – through to how and whom had then pushed to revitalise it at the time {all correspondence of that time both to the PC of the SWP and to others will be provided on that matter} - then it will deal with the BAWM inaction during the ARN’s main era through to calls a year or so ago by the SWP organiser to then re vitalise it

Again issues of democracy accountability {correspondence replies and lack of – will again be provided} - this right up to recent time when I was told by a key spokesperson of the BAWM when I had asked { yet again} how do activists get involved in the decision making process and meetings of the BAWM - to which the rely was that they are QUOTE - 'Closed meetings and they are only for people we invite’ {it seems therefore SF have been invited} although this is not strange in itself.

The thread of the article will be about democracy and accountability - as it will be of the issue of those who wish to take on such issues far away while doing literally nothing NOW as an organisation in relation to many similar injustices here.

Indeed some one raise the issue of London ‘influence

Indeed when the BSWP was kicking of in Belfast it was GR then when I had left in was then Global Justice {GJ} that they had tried to set up {but flopped} again with the initial help of the Shiners -

Yet in between that time {GR to GJ} there where those who had argued for and where at the forefront of pushing and lending solidarity with and to others, on such local issues from racism to supporting Political prisoners from many political hues, or regularly marching and picketing against police brutality here or on banning plastic bullet or against Collusion, cover up, state brutality and demilitarisation - interment etc and much more

Yet in the last two years it has all went back to the 'far away Socialism' of far of war and repression and Globalise this and Global that, and any mobilisation that is to take place was not onto Belfast streets but to mobilise against War and Poverty elsewhere

- while this in itself is not wrong the fact is that virtually all such calls from the SWP in Belfast is for that ‘ far way Socialism to address the ‘Global issue or to march on Global issues locally –
-
- Indeed there no longer is any of that core issue of ‘local and {Coal face} solidarity on such essential issues which was once at the Corner stone of the once BAWM, - For many they can take what they want out of that.

- { apart from the ARN LMHR gigs – although all recent mobilisations and meeting etc have been done or hosted primarily by WARN}}

As stated I will write part three soon of the History of the Belfast Anti War Movement –

On the ARN{to compliment Part 1 and two} I will also put up a link to Indymedia and the Networks of the TV documentary of the first such march and rally against racism ever seen in Belfast ‘the ARN NO Excuses documentary’, if activists wish it can be shown at local anti racism events etc

Then I will write the local history of the MPH movement in the North from our first meeting through to the mobilising of thousands and mobilising hundreds more to our upcoming rally in Botanic gardens

I do all from the stand point of a founding member, organiser, spokesperson or Chair of all such – both to record and to stand against any future revisionism and so lesions can be learnt and drawn} and I will do so also with the help of correspondences, e-mails, diary inputs, interviews and all such taken or written at the exact times of the Movements in action}

For oneself it is important that campaigns, movements and activists learn, and know the history of such, but as importantly to learn all lessons of both the victories and the failures.

More especially that of democracy and accountability.

Whether or not the BAWM - IAWM will move forward depends on such – but it is a fact that most of those organisations and individuals have since left due to the lack of such –

My own recent experience does not bode well for such in the future as it seems little has been learnt

Nevertheless I believe that all such Anti War action and mobilisations should be supported as I have done in recent times from AWI – BAWM from SY to peace people etc.

At the end of the day some are just not going to change therefore they can be ignored, sidestepped or ‘moved into action if so needed.

As stated I will be writing all such in the coming times, and people can read and make up their own minds on such

NOTE - I am not long after an eye operation and can only use computer very limited time presently

So folks if interested you can read Part three of the BAWM, watch that magnificent ARN march and Rally which was shown on NVTV and read the local history of the MPH movement in the North.

In doing so – as always - then one can then make up their own minds – ATB D

I will as long stated will be coming back one more time also in my online diary in November – indeed all change - before maybe starting a new one

by Davy Carlin Tue Sep 05, 2006 18:23

The MPH NI is now CCAP Northern Coalition - MPH had also mobilised 100's to Scotland and our GCAP rally event will take place on Oct 15th

GCAP in the North brings together the Combined Voluntary Sector, ICTU, the leading NGO's, grassroots activists, and many more from around society.
- and is part of an International action

t

by anti-war irelander Tue Sep 05, 2006 21:02

(The following comments are in response of a troll who impersonated another contributor to attack Anti-War Ireland -ed)

Do you say that to PANA, the NGO Peace Alliance, Galway Alliance Against War, the Unmanageables, Cosantoiri Siochana, etc. etc., as well??? If an anti-war activist is not in YOUR group - the IAWM - he/she is deemed a 'splitter'? Is that how it works? Well, in that case, most anti-war activists in Ireland are splitters.

by confused Tue Sep 05, 2006 21:29

The AWI isn't a split from the IAWM. It's an entirely separate initiative. What is PaddyK on about? And even in terms of Belfast, there are lots of different groups active against the war - it wasn't the BAWM (IAWM) that called the recent march about Lebanon, it was a Stop the War Coalition comprising many different groups. BAWM, which has only reappeared on the scene after a long period of inactivity, is only one group among many. Anti-War Ireland is as entitled as anybody else to set up a branch of its organisation in Belfast. I believe PANA set up a branch quite recently - did BAWM members object to that? Be fair and less of this sectarianism.

by AWI supporter Wed Sep 06, 2006 01:55

AWI had it on good authority, from a variety of frustrated activists in Belfast (and not just from anarchist backgrounds, but socialist and republican too), that there was no meaningfully active anti-war group there. It's strange to accuse AWI of being splitters because they took some initiative. AWI did not have to persuade people in Belfast to set up a branch there - there was actually a pre-existing desire for a good anti-war group there that welcomed diverse tactics. AWI has no interest in defining itself in opposition to other anti-war groups; that's been made clear to me by many of its members. As an ordinary anti-war activist (as opposed to an organiser), I find it a very democratic organisation, tolerant of diversity and - most important of all - democratic in its way of going about things.

by Rory - Campaign for good communication Wed Sep 06, 2006 10:53

Acronyms are a curse. Using them in fora like Indymedia is fine if you only wish to speak to another person with equal knowledge of what is being debated. However, if you wish to make a point that will be understood by the uninitiated I suggest you try to minimise their useage. In the posts above Davy's is a somewhat typical example of a communication that reads like 'double dutch' to the 'dogs on the street' like me.

ARN = ?
BSWP =?
GR = ?
LMHR = ?
WARN = ?
MPH = ?
NVTV = ?
ATB D = ?
CCAP = ?

So what do the 'codes' above actually mean? I consider myself fairly 'well up#' on the left in Ireland and I regularly visit indymedia but i have to admit, I'm flummoxed. I will take a wild guess that BSWP is the Belfast SWP but the rest are bewildering to me and I'm sure many other readers. I would urge users of indymedia to realise that many of the readership wouldn't have the lingo so explain what yis are talking about and stay away from acronyms - Please!

by Fintan Lane - Anti-War Ireland Wed Sep 06, 2006 11:32 info at antiwarireland dot org

Now that the bail conditions on the Raytheon Nine have been relaxed, it is important that those who participated travel about and speak at as many meetings as possible to explain why they felt compelled to take the fully justified action that they did. Well done to BAWM for organising this meeting! While the importance of marches and mass rallies cannot be overstated, AWI has always argued for a diversity of tactics that includes civil disobedience and direct action. The Raytheon action was a wonderful example of direct action in motion.

With regard to some of the comments on this thread, the IAWM and Anti-War Ireland are part of a broad anti-war movement that includes organisations such as PANA, the NGO Peace Alliance, INNATE, Cosantoiri Siochana and Afri. Diversity is a healthy thing as long as activists understand the need for cooperation and some level of coordination. Petty sectarianism and silly rivalries damage the anti-war cause and AWI is certainly not interested in travelling that road. There may be important tactical, strategic and organisational differences between particular anti-war groups, but ultimately we have much in common and we need to find ways of working together.

I hope Belfast anti-war activists make it to both the BAWM meeting tonight and the AWI meeting next week.

Care/act

by MichaelY - iawm Wed Sep 06, 2006 11:48

It's nice to read some sanity based on a rational understanding of where we are in the anti-war movement in Ireland. Two meetings in Belfast coming up - that's a great development and gives all participants the opportunity to voice their concerns both about what the Blair but also the FF/PD Governments are doing at the moment.

Anti War Ireland - Dublin are having a meeting tomorrow Thursday with Deirdre and Ciaron from the Ploughshares and Harry Browne as speakers. That's another opportunity for many of us to join hands and discuss our strategy re: Shannon.

The Irish Palestine Solidarity Campaign will launch its national BOYCOTT ISRAELI GOODS campaign on Saturday 16th....and the following week the IAWM are organising a debate on Lebanon. Finally all of us, every organisation, will call for a national anti-war march on Saturday 23rd.

As far as I am concerned, these are signs of a healthy and united movement - with diverse and autonomous components within it. I join Fintan's thinking above in asking for maturity and respect for all political currents provided we share an anti-war perspective....let us debate the things that unite us as well as our differences - but lets act together!

That way we can move forward.

by Davy Carlin Wed Sep 06, 2006 12:01

As stated I will go into the BAWM in the fullest of detail shortly

But briefly, when I had moved to setting up the ARN only one other SWP member came with me into attempting to establish an anti racism campaign while the rest of the BSWP remained in the BAWM and other such campaigns - {I believed it essential that while of course showing solidarity on issues abroad people were HERE also being attacked, beaten, brutalised and eventually murdered because of the colour of their skin and difference of their ‘Culture}

Yet within 8 or so weeks though of moving across the BAWM had in effect collapsed. I had written various correspondences at this time then to the SWP PC {outlining both this and other concerns that had become more overt}

Indeed although I did not ‘officially leave the SWP until the following year I had in effect started the real ‘drift away 18 months before that official leaving}

Indeed although starting to be involved heavily in the ARN it was I who had though at that time pushed and argued for the still BAWM to keep going as it had collapsed {correspondence on this provided in BAWM part 3}

{And so due to my interventions the BAWM was re vitalise briefly, but as already stated in my diary I had decided that I was not going back to then jumping between SWP branches and campaigns to resuscitate them as I had did in the past}

Therefore while the ARN starting mobilising thousands and many different actions as recorded else where -the BAWM in effect again collapsed {this time though I had made up my own mind where I was to concentrate my priorities on – and that was the ARN}

Then a long long time later and when I had moved on from the SWP the SWP organiser sought to then kick start the BAWM as there was little else on offer and they of course would have the BAWM name, as with the ARN had {in those early days} created respect.

Then over time the BAWM started holding meetings with key speakers provided by London [they could not mobilise though as activists where aware of what was going on}

This brings me on to above ‘ANON’ who quotes ‘If AWI is to have any relevance; it needs to be part of anti war activity in Belfast’

The reality though is much different as the only activists within that year or so to actually mobilise onto the streets of Belfast against war and in Solidarity was AWI, SY and the peace people – the BAWM did not.

Which brings me up to date to the recent mobilisations, the BBC was primarily Shinner -IPSC, the 1st march was in effect a West Belfast march and the left, the next Trocaire {with collective representation} and the next StWC ‘Called {initially} then ICTU organised.

In effect the BAWM uses still the name but cannot mobilise independently without putting and seeking those whose names can actually mobilise their activists {that is the reality – and will go into in greater depth with all such correspondence in the time ahead}

The BAWM {SWP} in my recent experience have attempted to close the door to those who they think may be a disturbing influence to their undemocratic manoeuvrings and seek instead to embrace those who they believe will offer little words against such.

Therefore for me whether or not the BAWM involves the Shinners or not is irrelevant as to me democracy I believe is paramount.

Therefore I will go along to the AWI meeting to see what they have to say, it matters little to me if there is but a handful in the room, as such can, will and has been built before into substantial movements and campaigns, but the democratic structures are paramount.

I can understand in the immediacy of things at times that things are not as good as they should be, but when organisations deliberately move to exclude genuine activists for their own interests then that is another thing all together.

Indeed one cannot effect change within such if excluded from that. And although such can be moved from the outside on occasion such need also the specifics from within.

Therefore genuine activists will find no other alternative but to move on, while of course offering support for anti war calls

Yet ,and indeed those organisations within such if they know about it are as much part of it as those who forward it,

Therefore that is why part three 3 of the History of the BAWM will also record that and why, in part, I am to attend the AWI meeting in Belfast.

AND MEANINGS –

ARN Anti Racism Network, Globalise Resistance, Love Music Hate Racism, West {Belfast] Against Racism, Make Poverty History Northern Visions Television, All the Best {Davy}, Global call to action against poverty

by awi Wed Sep 06, 2006 16:34

i see the bawm have put the AWI meeting on their website. i think thats quite ggod
www.bawm.org

by Kamenev Wed Sep 06, 2006 16:38

It wont be on the site for long. RBB will have it removed pronto. Whichever SWP apparachik put it up will be sent to Siberia (Derry).

by Fintan Lane - Anti-War Ireland Wed Sep 06, 2006 17:18 info at antiwarireland dot org

BAWM have indeed listed the AWI meeting on their website, which is very much appreciated. Such mutuality is great to see. AWI has worked jointly with the IAWM branch in Cork and we have excellent working relationships with other anti-war groups in Dublin and elsewhere. Cooperation, whether formal or informal, is essential if the anti-war movement is to develop and expand.

by observer Wed Sep 06, 2006 17:38

AWI advertised the BAWM event in a bulletin they sent out yesterday, so good vibes all round. Peaceful co-existence.

by Davy Carlin - Organise! Thu Sep 07, 2006 15:25

As per this very important meeting below, it is planned that a new Belfast branch of AWI is to be set up the following Saturday.

It will be broad and democratic, so those who wish to get involved in such an open and democratic Anti War campaign where ALL can have a say in the decision making process please circulate and attend

AWI has various branches around Ireland set up on that basis.

Hope to see you there

Meeting -

Recently acquitted Pitstop Ploughshares activists to speak in Belfast

Two of the Pitstop Ploughshares, recently acquitted for their decommissioning of a US warplane at Shannon, will speak in Belfast on Tuesday, 12th September.

The five Pitstop Ploughshares disabled a US Navy warplane in February 2003 in an effort to protect life in Iraq. A few weeks ago, following three trials, a jury in Dublin's Four Courts sensationally found the five not guilty of any offence. It was a unanimous verdict by the 12 jurors.

Belfast anti-war meeting on 12th September

The meeting in Belfast city centre will be addressed by Deirdre Clancy (Pitstop Ploughshares and Anti-War Ireland), Ciaron O'Reilly (Pitstop Ploughshares) and a speaker from Anti-War Ireland.

When: 8pm, Tuesday, 12th September

Venue: Jury's Inn, Great Victoria Street, Belfast.

All welcome.

Organised by Anti-War Ireland

Related Link: http://www.antiwarireland.org