Media |
Apr 04
2009
|
The Battle of StrasbourgPosted by Kate Hudson in Untagged   |
|
This evening I read media coverage of today's events in Strasbourg which said that anti-NATO protesters attacked the police. That is rubbish. Anti-NATO protesters held a peaceful, political rally and peaceful political demonstration, aimed against NATO and why we want to see it dissolved.
The people who attacked the police were the so-called 'Black Block'. In what sense were their actions anti-NATO? As well as attacking the police, they burned down buildings, attacked factories, destroyed bus stops and phone booths, and massively vandalised a post office. And that is only what I personally saw. They have attacked and destroyed public property which will only hurt and inconvenience ordinary people and make their everyday lives harder and more difficult - never mind the cost which the ordinary people will have to pay for.
But more than that, this 'Black Block' hid behind the ordinary, peaceful, political marchers. As we marched down the backstreets allocated to us by the uncooperative police, they came with us. They used us as a shield from behind which to attack the police. Their provocations and attacks on the police from within our numbers meant that the police rained down endless CS gas attacks upon us. And when the riot police with their shields and gas firing guns finally attacked us, as we stood cornered in a dead end of the docks, they took off their black clothes and merged back into our ranks.
I cannot think of a more despicable piece of rank cowardice. If they want to attack the police let them go and do it on their own. Let them fight the police and take the response upon themselves, not inflict it on people who have chosen the peaceful path of resistance. These people are no part of our movement. They are an obstacle to effective resistance and must be isolated and recognised for what they are: wreckers whose actions turn the mass of the people against our campaigns. In this they serve the interests of the state not of the people.
Comments (20)
...
written by Sabrina Qureshi, April 15, 2009
I agree with what you write about what took place but I appeal to those who joined 'black block' to use the anger you feel to empower the peace movement. Lay down your choice to use physical violence as a means to gain peace and stop letting the power intent on spreading fear and violence to capture your hearts. I feel your rage but give peace a chance and believe in your energy enough that you can protect and fight without laying a finger. Love is the toughest lesson and a true belief in it will bring peace. The personal is political and if you cannot feel peace in your soul or in your hearts how can you manifest it for the world . We are interconnected and we need you now more than ever. You too were infiltrated and exploited. Don't let violence destroy your grandchildren's future. It was great that you prepared yourselves for the onslaught of tear gas that choked the unprepared, uncovered civilian peace protestors. You were like an army just like any other.You and the police must have felt very hard with all that gear on. I just could't get the image out of my head. Ninja turtles to the left. Balaclaverd ninjas to the right. Peace stuck in the middle giving birth. Under extreme pressure and provocation we made friends and allies. Black is the colour of the void where dreams are manifested. Don't use it to create violence and perpetuate the already existing myth that black causes violence and is destruction and honour black as the all powerful life-giver, peaceful and forgiving. Enough is Enough. Black and white must unite not fight. Men, I implore you to step up and take your real role in ending violence against women in the home, through the media, through education and through war. Stop ignoring women's human rights be she in France , Italy , Germany, London , Greece, Afganistan , Sauda, Ireland, Pakistan or the Congo. I won't go on but men in Afganistan stop. Men in France stop. Nato stop. Black Block stop and the small minority of women who support them stop because you have done enough damage.
I was there with a young woman from Million Women Rise London wanting to join the thousands of peaceful protesters in particular a women's block made up of the Women in Black , World March of Women and many other peaceful women's groups against war from Europe but was sabotaged by violence from both the police and the 'black block'. Public transport to the rally and meeting points for the peaceful march were suspended and road blocks erected . Myself and four other women walked miles and for hours for peace with our purple and white World March of Women flags to be part of a movement of peace for everyone. We were tear gassed within half hour of reaching the rally as Bianca Jagger was trying to speak. Everyone was distracted by the fumes and smoke from the blazing fires. Thick, black smoke. I felt like I was in a war zone. Helicopters, which seemed to be letting off tear gas, started flying above us. And at the same time, there were bright colours, rainbow flags and flags with the CND symbols for peace of doves. There were elderly people and children. It was my first time at a demonstration like this. What happened was an attempt to discredit the peace movement. People had come in their droves from all over Europe for PEACE. We are strong together and we live to learn from the experience. I for one feel empowered by the experience and believe more than ever that peaceful resistance is the answer. We have to peacefully resist the police, black block and Nato. My deepest respect goes to the Women in Black and WILPF and all those who came to demonstrate for peace.
To the French President I want to say that you lied to the public when you stated that the demonstration was over and those who remained were intent on fighting the police. That was not true. I was there with men and women peaceful protestors who had been tear gassed and hit by shrapnel including one woman from Women in Black who was 78 years old. The truth is that the police imprisioned us in the middle of nowhere and we were denied our right to peaceful protest. As Gandhi said when he was asked about western democracy 'That would be a good idea'.
one love
In sisterhood and solidarity
sabrina qureshi
Founder Million Women Rise and member of World March Women.
Inspired by Women In Black
06/04/2009
written by Sabrina Qureshi, April 15, 2009
I agree with what you write about what took place but I appeal to those who joined 'black block' to use the anger you feel to empower the peace movement. Lay down your choice to use physical violence as a means to gain peace and stop letting the power intent on spreading fear and violence to capture your hearts. I feel your rage but give peace a chance and believe in your energy enough that you can protect and fight without laying a finger. Love is the toughest lesson and a true belief in it will bring peace. The personal is political and if you cannot feel peace in your soul or in your hearts how can you manifest it for the world . We are interconnected and we need you now more than ever. You too were infiltrated and exploited. Don't let violence destroy your grandchildren's future. It was great that you prepared yourselves for the onslaught of tear gas that choked the unprepared, uncovered civilian peace protestors. You were like an army just like any other.You and the police must have felt very hard with all that gear on. I just could't get the image out of my head. Ninja turtles to the left. Balaclaverd ninjas to the right. Peace stuck in the middle giving birth. Under extreme pressure and provocation we made friends and allies. Black is the colour of the void where dreams are manifested. Don't use it to create violence and perpetuate the already existing myth that black causes violence and is destruction and honour black as the all powerful life-giver, peaceful and forgiving. Enough is Enough. Black and white must unite not fight. Men, I implore you to step up and take your real role in ending violence against women in the home, through the media, through education and through war. Stop ignoring women's human rights be she in France , Italy , Germany, London , Greece, Afganistan , Sauda, Ireland, Pakistan or the Congo. I won't go on but men in Afganistan stop. Men in France stop. Nato stop. Black Block stop and the small minority of women who support them stop because you have done enough damage.
I was there with a young woman from Million Women Rise London wanting to join the thousands of peaceful protesters in particular a women's block made up of the Women in Black , World March of Women and many other peaceful women's groups against war from Europe but was sabotaged by violence from both the police and the 'black block'. Public transport to the rally and meeting points for the peaceful march were suspended and road blocks erected . Myself and four other women walked miles and for hours for peace with our purple and white World March of Women flags to be part of a movement of peace for everyone. We were tear gassed within half hour of reaching the rally as Bianca Jagger was trying to speak. Everyone was distracted by the fumes and smoke from the blazing fires. Thick, black smoke. I felt like I was in a war zone. Helicopters, which seemed to be letting off tear gas, started flying above us. And at the same time, there were bright colours, rainbow flags and flags with the CND symbols for peace of doves. There were elderly people and children. It was my first time at a demonstration like this. What happened was an attempt to discredit the peace movement. People had come in their droves from all over Europe for PEACE. We are strong together and we live to learn from the experience. I for one feel empowered by the experience and believe more than ever that peaceful resistance is the answer. We have to peacefully resist the police, black block and Nato. My deepest respect goes to the Women in Black and WILPF and all those who came to demonstrate for peace.
To the French President I want to say that you lied to the public when you stated that the demonstration was over and those who remained were intent on fighting the police. That was not true. I was there with men and women peaceful protestors who had been tear gassed and hit by shrapnel including one woman from Women in Black who was 78 years old. The truth is that the police imprisioned us in the middle of nowhere and we were denied our right to peaceful protest. As Gandhi said when he was asked about western democracy 'That would be a good idea'.
one love
In sisterhood and solidarity
sabrina qureshi
Founder Million Women Rise and member of World March Women.
Inspired by Women In Black
06/04/2009
-
- +1
-
-
...
written by Michael Moutoussis, April 16, 2009
written by Michael Moutoussis, April 16, 2009
Your description of the 'black block' is very familiar to those of us who have participated in marches and protests in various capitals of Europe. I am far from being an expert on their ideology, but they are not simply 'despicable cowards'. As far as I understand, they believe that our peaceful, lawful protests are almost entirely ineffectual anyway, so damaging our cause and making us media fodder is not, for them, a problem. Again as far as I understand, they'd say something like 'if lawful protest could seriously challenge the system, it would be outlawed'. I also think that they do not regard violence as a taboo or a bad thing, if it creates a problem for those in power. This is pretty much as far as my understanding goes; my personal experience as a pacifist is that I have been regarded with some contempt for my 'spinelessness' by people from that political subculture.
Neither Sabrina nor Kate say much about what the peaceful protesters did about the situation; my impression from what you say (please correct me if I'm wrong) is that you were somewhat surprised. What we've done in the past in similar situations is to march in blocks ourselves, with people firmly holding hands along the rim of the block, a few rows deep, so that the black block boys couldn't run in and out of our blocks for cover. This was done in self-organised way in the protests that I've been to; for major protests one could put a lot more thought into it. There are also self-protection measures that one can work for both before and during the events. We need to demand not only that the black block doesn't abuse us and use us as human shields, but also that the police ABSOLUTELY ABSTAIN from ANY aggression or violence that may hurt peaceful demonstrators. THE POLICE ARE NOT EXCUSED by the actions of the black block to use tear gas etc. in the vicinity of peaceful demonstators. It is their (the police's) responsibility to find other ways with dealing with what is their problem.
There is part of the journalistic establishment that is 'for us', i.e. very much supports the right to gather, to protest, to go wherever one wants to and to say whatever one wants. We need to make the best use of them to safeguard our right to protest and to march where and when WE feel it can make a difference. We need to shout out loud before such protests that we expect the black block guys to be there and to try to burn the place up, that we deeply disagree with their methods BUT WE UNDERSTAND THEIR ANGER.
We need to make it abundantly and repeatedly clear to the press that the violence of the black block and similar groups is not our embarassment, is not our problem, but - much like terrorism itself - it's where they push the young and angry when they don't listen to our cries for peace and justice for so long.
I therefore totally agree with Sabrina's closing comments - the black block provoke, but it is the authorities who emasculate [ ;-) ] our protests and who abuse us in the end.
Michael Moutoussis
Member of the Greek Association of Conscientious Objectors (and CND, and Conscience, and ...)
Neither Sabrina nor Kate say much about what the peaceful protesters did about the situation; my impression from what you say (please correct me if I'm wrong) is that you were somewhat surprised. What we've done in the past in similar situations is to march in blocks ourselves, with people firmly holding hands along the rim of the block, a few rows deep, so that the black block boys couldn't run in and out of our blocks for cover. This was done in self-organised way in the protests that I've been to; for major protests one could put a lot more thought into it. There are also self-protection measures that one can work for both before and during the events. We need to demand not only that the black block doesn't abuse us and use us as human shields, but also that the police ABSOLUTELY ABSTAIN from ANY aggression or violence that may hurt peaceful demonstrators. THE POLICE ARE NOT EXCUSED by the actions of the black block to use tear gas etc. in the vicinity of peaceful demonstators. It is their (the police's) responsibility to find other ways with dealing with what is their problem.
There is part of the journalistic establishment that is 'for us', i.e. very much supports the right to gather, to protest, to go wherever one wants to and to say whatever one wants. We need to make the best use of them to safeguard our right to protest and to march where and when WE feel it can make a difference. We need to shout out loud before such protests that we expect the black block guys to be there and to try to burn the place up, that we deeply disagree with their methods BUT WE UNDERSTAND THEIR ANGER.
We need to make it abundantly and repeatedly clear to the press that the violence of the black block and similar groups is not our embarassment, is not our problem, but - much like terrorism itself - it's where they push the young and angry when they don't listen to our cries for peace and justice for so long.
I therefore totally agree with Sabrina's closing comments - the black block provoke, but it is the authorities who emasculate [ ;-) ] our protests and who abuse us in the end.
Michael Moutoussis
Member of the Greek Association of Conscientious Objectors (and CND, and Conscience, and ...)
-
- +0
-
-
...
written by Zarina Bhatia, April 30, 2009
written by Zarina Bhatia, April 30, 2009
This is yet another example of the media coverage getting it wrong! There is perhaps a hidden agenda in doing so as NATO continues to justify itself with attack on Kosovo and Iraq that has caused so many deaths of the innocent. The world should be made aware of this and not get the media manipulate NATO's interest of imperialistic aims.
-
- +0
-
-
...
written by zenghui, July 16, 2009
written by zenghui, July 16, 2009
People taking theghd stairs instead of elevator hair straightenersat work can expectghd uk to live longer, according ghd straightenersto a Swiss studyghd hair styler released on Monday.
Regularlyghd hair straighteners walking from floor toed hardy floor in an office buildinged hardy clothing decreased mortalityed hardy caps risk by 15 percent,ed hardy discounts said Dr. Philippe Meyer,ed hardy online the main author of theed hardy tshirts study, which was done ed hardy womenat the University HospitalCheap GHD of Geneva.
Banning the use of liftsGHD pure and escalators led to better fitness,GHD kiss less body fat, trimmer waistlines and a dropGHD MK4 Black in blood pressure, the study found.
Using the stairs GHD MK4 Pinkimproves fitness, body composition,GHD MK4 Gold blood pressure and lipid profiles, Meyer was quoted as GHD Purplesaying by the Swissinfo news website.
"The challenge remains to develop Tiffany Necklacessuccessful population-based interventions, which promote physical activitiesTiffany Ring that can be easily integrated Tiffany Bangleinto everyday life," he said.
For the study, 77 employees from GenevaDiscount Tiffany University with a sedentary lifestyle were recruited to take only the stairs over aTiffany 1837 three-month period, Swissinfo reported.
Results showed an increase Tiffany Atlasin aerobic capacity, a decline in waist circumference, Tiffany Watchweight, fat mass, blood pressure and cholesterol.
"This suggests that stair Tiffany Paloma Picassoclimbing can have major public health implications." Meyer said.
Professor Adam Timmis,Tiffany Brooch consultant cardiologist at The London NHS Trust, said: "It's a small study but valuableTiffany Cuff Links because it provides a practical way for busy working people to increase Tiffany Key Ringtheir exercise capacity.
"Although the amount of exercise appears small, the benefits were clear in improving physical fitness and reducing body fat and blood pressure."
Regularlyghd hair straighteners walking from floor toed hardy floor in an office buildinged hardy clothing decreased mortalityed hardy caps risk by 15 percent,ed hardy discounts said Dr. Philippe Meyer,ed hardy online the main author of theed hardy tshirts study, which was done ed hardy womenat the University HospitalCheap GHD of Geneva.
Banning the use of liftsGHD pure and escalators led to better fitness,GHD kiss less body fat, trimmer waistlines and a dropGHD MK4 Black in blood pressure, the study found.
Using the stairs GHD MK4 Pinkimproves fitness, body composition,GHD MK4 Gold blood pressure and lipid profiles, Meyer was quoted as GHD Purplesaying by the Swissinfo news website.
"The challenge remains to develop Tiffany Necklacessuccessful population-based interventions, which promote physical activitiesTiffany Ring that can be easily integrated Tiffany Bangleinto everyday life," he said.
For the study, 77 employees from GenevaDiscount Tiffany University with a sedentary lifestyle were recruited to take only the stairs over aTiffany 1837 three-month period, Swissinfo reported.
Results showed an increase Tiffany Atlasin aerobic capacity, a decline in waist circumference, Tiffany Watchweight, fat mass, blood pressure and cholesterol.
"This suggests that stair Tiffany Paloma Picassoclimbing can have major public health implications." Meyer said.
Professor Adam Timmis,Tiffany Brooch consultant cardiologist at The London NHS Trust, said: "It's a small study but valuableTiffany Cuff Links because it provides a practical way for busy working people to increase Tiffany Key Ringtheir exercise capacity.
"Although the amount of exercise appears small, the benefits were clear in improving physical fitness and reducing body fat and blood pressure."
-
- +0
-
-
...
written by chi hair straightener, January 04, 2010
written by chi hair straightener, January 04, 2010
Save 60% off chi hair straighteners,we offer best Chi Camo Blue Ceramic Flat Iron ,Pink CHI Flat Iron in the market and 100% Quality Guarantee.
-
- +0
-
-
...
written by Christian Louboutin Sale, February 11, 2010
written by Christian Louboutin Sale, February 11, 2010
2010 New Christian Louboutin Shoes Arrived! you can
buy christian
louboutin pumps ,lacoste men shoes and timberland shoes sale Lowest Price,free shipping!
buy christian
louboutin pumps ,lacoste men shoes and timberland shoes sale Lowest Price,free shipping!
-
- +0
-
-
...
written by ghd straighteners, February 11, 2010
written by ghd straighteners, February 11, 2010
ghd purple Sale - More than 1200 customers have got lacoste shoes sale from us.you can buy ghd iv mk4 gold and ghd iv pink styler
-
- +0
-
-
...
written by Herve Leger Dress, February 11, 2010
written by Herve Leger Dress, February 11, 2010
The Best herve leger dresses online Store sale cheap herve bandage dress , Herve Leger Sale Specialises in superior Leger Dress, Discount timberland roll top boots,Fast Delivery!
-
- +0
-
-
...
written by Martial Heroes money, February 21, 2010
written by Martial Heroes money, February 21, 2010
More http://www.buymhgold.com they own, more items they can buy in game. While we provide you http://www.buymhgold.com, surely you can get them at cheap prices.
-
- +0
-
-
...
written by ghd hair straightener, March 03, 2010
written by ghd hair straightener, March 03, 2010
Truely a nice blog and thanks for your great work. By the way,welcome to our websites: http://www.fashionhairfu.com
-
- +0
-
-
...
written by mbt shoes, March 31, 2010
written by mbt shoes, March 31, 2010
By now, the MBT shoes is the best online shop with good reputation, all cheap MBT shoes at wholesale price. MBT shoesis the first physiological footwear that has a positive effect on the whole body. It is really a good chance for shopping.
-
- +0
-
-
...
written by christian louboutin, April 01, 2010
written by christian louboutin, April 01, 2010
yes ,well ,so nice post .ghd mk4 ,ghd precious gift set ,it is here can provide the cheapest but high quality guarantee.such a chi product beautiful cost you few money ,aren't you moved ?then ,MBT sales ,you know ,the best shoes for our health.i would like to say ,christian louboutin sale will be the lady round,make women amazing ,can to be the focus around the people wearing the christian loutoutin shoes .
-
- +0
-
-
...
written by ChaseEssie26, April 05, 2010
written by ChaseEssie26, April 05, 2010
If you are willing to buy a car, you would have to get the personal loans. Moreover, my father all the time uses a student loan, which seems to be really firm.
-
- +0
-
-
...
written by Michael air Jordan, April 14, 2010
written by Michael air Jordan, April 14, 2010
Good, i am attracted by you words,thanks!You make some good points. I like your post,thank you for taking the time to post this.
6 rings Jordan
6 rings Jordan
-
- +0
-
-
...
written by Michael air Jordan, April 14, 2010
written by Michael air Jordan, April 14, 2010
Good, i am attracted by you words,thanks!You make some good points. I like your post,thank you for taking the time to post this.
http://www.airjordans.cc/jordan-6-rings-37/
6 rings Jordan
http://www.airjordans.cc/jordan-6-rings-37/
6 rings Jordan
-
- +0
-
-
...
written by ESO Gold, April 30, 2010
written by ESO Gold, April 30, 2010
Do you want to make more http://www.esogolds.com, now listen to me carefully. As long as you have time, play the game Dungeon Fighter Online.
-
- +0
-
-
...
written by http://www.vibram-store.com/, August 20, 2010
written by http://www.vibram-store.com/, August 20, 2010
http://www.cheap-louboutin-shoes.com/ IS VERY GOOD
-
- +0
-
-
...
written by p90x, August 24, 2010
written by p90x, August 24, 2010
Swiss Replica Watches
Cartier Watches
Chopard Watches
ChronoSwiss Watches
Ferrari Watches
Glashutte Watch
Graham Watches
Hamilton Watches
Hublot Watches
IWC Watches
TAG Heuer Watches
P90X Workout DVDs
P90X Workout
P90X
P90x reviews
Cartier Watches
Chopard Watches
ChronoSwiss Watches
Ferrari Watches
Glashutte Watch
Graham Watches
Hamilton Watches
Hublot Watches
IWC Watches
TAG Heuer Watches
P90X Workout DVDs
P90X Workout
P90X
P90x reviews
-
- +0
-
-
...
written by look4wholesaler, August 26, 2010
[url = http://www.airjordan4sale.com ]wholesale gucci clothing[/url]
[url = http://www.airjordan4sale.com ]wholesale gucci shoes[/url]
[url = http://www.airjordan4sale.com ]wholesale nike air max[/url]
[url = http://www.airjordan4sale.com ]wholesale ed hardy t shirts[/url]
[url = http://www.airjordan4sale.com ]wholesale prada shoes[/url]
[url = http://www.airjordan4sale.com ]wholesale coogi clothing[/url]
[url = http://www.airjordan4sale.com ]wholesale docle gabbana t shirts[/url]
[url = http://www.airjordan4sale.com ]wholesale gucci handbags[/url]
[url = http://www.airjordan4sale.com ]wholesale jordan shoes[/url]
written by look4wholesaler, August 26, 2010
[url = http://www.airjordan4sale.com ]wholesale gucci clothing[/url]
[url = http://www.airjordan4sale.com ]wholesale gucci shoes[/url]
[url = http://www.airjordan4sale.com ]wholesale nike air max[/url]
[url = http://www.airjordan4sale.com ]wholesale ed hardy t shirts[/url]
[url = http://www.airjordan4sale.com ]wholesale prada shoes[/url]
[url = http://www.airjordan4sale.com ]wholesale coogi clothing[/url]
[url = http://www.airjordan4sale.com ]wholesale docle gabbana t shirts[/url]
[url = http://www.airjordan4sale.com ]wholesale gucci handbags[/url]
[url = http://www.airjordan4sale.com ]wholesale jordan shoes[/url]
-
- +0
-
-
Write comment
Franz, Munich, http://amazonas.the-dot.de