515 Crew

as some of you know, the Democratic and Republican National Conventions are drawing near, which means, it's time for another mass summit protest to symbolically challenge the ruling class and the inequities of capitalism, right?

not quite. this time around, large anti-authoritarian organizing bodies have devised tactical/strategic approaches to shutting down the whole damn thing. why? the togetherness, visibility, and conflict with the forces of law and order that many experience at these demonstrations are real enough for some; others find it a good place to make contacts to help build stronger networks. whatever the cause, there will be a common theme running through the streets of Denver and St. Paul this year: CRASH THE CONVENTIONS!

for those interested in these strategies, there have been three tiers set up(RNC only):

Tier One: Establish 15-20 blockades, utilizing a diversity of tactics, creating an inner and outer ring around St. Paul’s Excel Center, where the RNC is to take place.

Tier Two: Immobilize the delegates’ transportation infrastructure, including the busses that are to convey them.

Tier Three: Block the five western bridges connecting the Twin Cities.

here's a press release that details what sections of the city still need to be taken:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=magUBVXrgiQ


more info can be found:

http://www.rncwelcomingcommittee.org
http://www.unconventionalaction.org

scott beibin expects some kid to get killed at this!

I always enjoy a good puppet show, thanks.


I still think you fagz are gonna get gooned though.

This sounds like alot of work for really no pay off. Republicans are still gonna hate minorities and want tax cuts for their upper class friends. No care ever.

These plans will go smoothly now that they are on the internet.




I'm both excited for the DNC, and dreading what it's going to do to the city. I'm in the lottery for tickets to the acceptance speech. The Minutemen are going to be demonstrating (for a few days, with a stage) in the park South of my neighborhood. Protesters are going to be camping in the park two blocks North of my house.



I'm going to be fixing a lot of progressive bloggers' computers over the next few weeks. I'll let you guys know if Markos comes in.

i obviously didn't expect a lot of enthusiasm for this here, but i do think it could be interesting for folks to, at the very least, keep updated on this strategy while the conventions are happening. the media won't be covering this, unless a few windows get smashed, and it might provide good examples of what a few hunderd(thousand?) individuals can accomplish together.

also, this is the first time something like this has been organized publicly. all of the strategies are online and anyone can plug into them.

the welcoming committee in Minneapolis has spent months going door to door, to city council meetings, networking with folks from all over the political spectrum to make this as effective as possible.

whether or not we succeed in shutting the whole thing down, there is a lot that can/will be learned.

robdigi wrote:These plans will go smoothly now that they are on the internet.

the 3 tier strategy is a framework and provides very little info about what will be happening. affinity groups from all over the country have "adopted" 7 different sectors of the city and have their own plans which only they are privy to. the idea is that all of these groups working together, yet with their own agendas, can potentially be successful.

i don't think you have much to worry about in Denver. things weren't organized very well there and the primary focus is on the RNC.

good luck with the lottery, though there's still time if you want to join the other side: http://www.dncdisruption08.org

here's a look at how the city is split up:

Why do they say the convention is happening in Minneapolis when it's all in St Paul?

Fuck St. Paul... do as you please.

robdigi wrote:Why do they say the convention is happening in Minneapolis when it's all in St Paul?

some of the events are happening in Minneapolis, as far as the strategy goes. but yeah, the excel center is in St. Paul.

For those of you who want to symbolically shut down the RNC (not physically), there's the "Rally for the Republic".

jnice wrote:For those of you who want to symbolically shut down the RNC (not physically), there's the "Rally for the Republic".

is that the ron paul thing?

for those of you who attend ron paul's thing, you will be awarded a special treat. . .that's right, Rockie Lynn is performing!





a more detailed look at the sector map here: http://www.unconventionalaction.org/dow ... ul_map.pdf

@nonymous wrote:
for those of you who attend ron paul's thing, you will be awarded a special treat. . .that's right, Rockie Lynn is performing!

I think you guys are going to be in for a special treat as well.












...and do visit the Walker and MIA while you're in the Twin Cities. Lovely museums.

that can go both ways:

@nonymous wrote:that can go both ways:

True, but when it comes down to the riot squad vs. some limp-wristed anarchists, I think I'd put my money on the riot squad.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMsgIGLqZOQ

Edit: If you guys were from Argentina, Eastern Europe or somewhere else with extensive dealings with the riot squad, I'd place your odds a little higher... but you're not.

we'll see. . .

Lol at "Clobberin' time". I like how all the the old school hardcore dudes talk like cliche' cabbies.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkJKdWCg ... re=related

Cock Sparrer "Riot Squad".




Anyways, I am kicking around the idea of going up for the Ron Paul thing.


I also expect a complete after-action report from the left on their activities surrounding the Republican Convention.

This thread is just part of the misinformation campaign!!

forgot to mention, in supposed effort to take away public concerns of police brutality, St. Paul authorities have announced that this year will be different, with only 3500 police on duty and no riot gear--that has been accused of provoking tension and violence(though the gear will be in the "trunks of their cars just in case").

3500? for real? they'll be half that many anarchists there alone, not to mention 10,000 other demonstrators. should be interesting.

here's a couple links regarding this:

http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/myfox/pa ... geId=3.2.1
http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/myfox/pa ... 1.1&sflg=1
http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/myfox/pa ... geId=1.1.1

this just in:

On April 1, 2008, anarchists broke into the RNC Host Committee office and stole a video tour guide meant for RNC delegates. It was handed over to the RNC Welcoming Committee. In August 2008, they released it. This is that video.

click here

that video definitely failed to bring the lolz.

lol, no shit. Way to be clever............................................not


I'll be in town- might have to make it up there to bust some skullz.


MAKE PEACE, NOT SENSE.

Varg wrote:lol, no shit. Way to be clever............................................not

woah, varg with the sick burn!

Thanks brah, I mean- it's no MAKE PEACE, NOT SENSE....but thx

preemptive force(anticipated by many) has begun in the Twin Cities.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/08/30/ ... index.html

it escalated this morning with raids on four more houses, including four arrests. charges range from code violations to conspiracy to riot.

here's a transcript of the warrant: http://www.minnesotaindependent.com/618 ... razor-wire

this is exactly the kind of behavior by the authorities that does little to prevent violent acts and more to provoke everyone involved in this demonstration--not just anarchists.

good luck St. Paul PD.

here's an informative video on the raids, provided by the Stimulator: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSljIwGsFJI&eurl

statement from Ramsey County Sheriff's Dept. on raids:

Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher stated, “This investigation pertains to actions of the RNC Welcoming Committee. The “Welcoming Committee” is a criminal enterprise made up of 35 self- described anarchists who are intent on committing criminal acts before and during the Republican National Convention. These acts include tactics to blockade and disable delegate buses, breaching venue security and injuring police officers. They have recruited assistance in their criminal conspiracy from other anarchists groups throughout the country. Through their plans and actions they have exhibited a blatant disregard for the law and the safety of others.”

@nonymous wrote:we'll see. . .

Not looking good so far.

good luck!

When I was stationed at Fort Lewis during the WTO bullshit, my friends and I went up to Seattle and beat the living shit out of a whole bunch of anarchist faggots.

If I had a way of putting video tape into a digital media, I would upload a video of myself dragging this douche bag i had just sprayed with mace and blasted with brass knuckles to one of those shacks in a privately owned parking lot that pay attendant sits in and takes the money, and slamming the door several times on his head. Good times.

Sometimes I miss being a violent asshole to people I don't agree with politically, now I just don't care.