A-Infos (en) US, Boston, Anarchist journal BAAM #13 - An Anti-War Resurgence? by Sublett

Toward the end of his 2007 essay The Shock of Victory, David Graeber points out 
that the US government has taken extraordinary steps to protest-proof the wars 
in Iraq and Afghanistan. Among other measures, the Pentagon forbids 
photographers from taking pictures of soldiers' coffins returning to the US 
Military tactics are designed more to avoid US casualties than to win battles. 
Even in the face of excruciating labor shortages, with some soldiers returning 
for their fourth tour of duty, there has been no discussion of reinstating the 
draft, because even George W. Bush realizes that such a move would touch off 
massive demonstrations all over the country.

The corporate media have done their part to squelch any public
dissent. They have down played and ignored any protest
that has occurred far more than in Boston Anarchis the Vietnam
years. protest the war A 10,000 strong anti-war march in
Boston last October was hidden in the middle
of the Boston Globe's metro section. Even
the enormous protests in Washington, DC and
elsewhere during the run-up to the Iraq inva-
sion were buried in the press by an avalanche
of pro-war cheer.
    Well-funded mainstream "progressive" or-
ganizations, such as MoveOn.org and United
for Peace and Justice, have aided and abet-
ted the marginalization of protest. By forc-
ing their followers to adopt watered-down,
"non-violent" demonstration tactics that the
establishment has long since learned how to
deal with, the leaders of these groups have
increased their influence in the Democratic
Party at the price of any chance of actually
shortening the war. Not surprisingly, many
activists have become discouraged with this
situation and left the anti-war movement.
    Yet in recent months there have been signs
of resurgence. Protesters shut down down-
town Washington, DC on this year's anni-
versary of the Iraq invasion with a diverse
mixture of tactics that included street the-
ater, music, blockades, reclamation of public
space and more. The Winter Soldier hearings
held by Iraq Veterans Against the War were
distributed widely on the internet (although
they were of course ignored by the capitalist
media). Anarchist-driven actions in Portland,
Oregon and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, among
other places, have shown the world that non-
violent tactics don't have to be legal.
    More broadly, even some liberals seem
to be recognizing the futility of permitted
marches. The organizers of the mainstream
protests at the recent Republican National
Convention in Saint Paul, Minnesota en-
dorsed a diversity of tactics and made a truce
with local anarchists.
    Even here in Boston there has been a recent
up tick in anti-war activity. On Friday, August
2nd, upward of 100 protesters gathered for a
rally at the recruiting center on Tremont Street
across from Boston Common. The rally was
part of a nation-wide mobilization to prevent
war with Iran. An incomplete list of organi-
zations taking part includes the International
Socialist Organization, Iraq Veterans Against
the War, Raging Grannies, Veterans for Peace
and the UMASS Campus Anti-War Network.
After rallying in front of the recruiting sta-
tion for nearly two hours, protesters gathered
on the Common for speeches, followed by a
small march through downtown. Police pres-
ence consisted of about 30 cops on bikes and
motorcycles, who made no arrests.
    While this action was unremarkable in
terms of immediate effectiveness, a few posi-
tive signs could be detected. Two union lead-
ers, representing the United Steelworkers and
a hotel workers union, made brief speeches
expressing solidarity against the wars. While
their rank and file was not much in evidence,
any mainstream union involvement in anti-
war activism is encouraging. Also, the Army
closed down the recruiting center for the day
in anticipation of the protest. This was prob-
ably an overreaction on their part, but it does
demonstrate how the paranoia of the ruling
class can be profitably exploited.
    But most of all, the energy and enthusi-
asm shown by all those present indicated the
level of anti-war sentiment that permeates the
country. Even as protests have dwindled, the
war has grown
more unpopu-
lar, to the point
that 70% of the
population now
thinks it is a bad
idea, accord-
ing to recent
polls. Anger at
the war and the
economy can
be channeled
into far more
effective tactics
than marching
in circles and
chanting slo-
gans. The time
is ripe for activ-
ists and orga-
nizers to seize
the opportunity
at hand and ig-
nite a storm of
protest that will make the anti-war movement
impossible to ignore.
   This October 11th, the sixth anniversary
of Congress' authorization to invade Iraq,
major anti-war protests will be held in cities
across the US. In Boston, there will be a rally
on Boston Common at noon, followed by yet
another march with signs and slogans. These
protests are unlikely to have any more impact
than their predecessors, but they may at least
provide an opportunity for activists to reach
out to those who are ready to do more than
just march and chant. More information is
available at: www.oct11boston.org.

-----------------------------
See also:
http://baamboston.org (not allways avilable)
Email: wordup (nospam) riseup.net
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