Forum/Conference/Educational Event
FightBack! News | Iran in the Crosshairs: ‘Stop the march to war’
Posted on October 20, 2012 by Fight Back! News
by staff
Minneapolis, MN – More than 175 people came to the event “Iran in the Crosshairs” on Oct. 19 to hear from anti-war activists and Congressman Keith Ellison (Fifth Congressional District of Minnesota) about how to stop the U.S. march to war.
Representative Keith Ellison speaking at October 19 forum on Iran. (Fight Back! News/Staff)
Margaret Sarfehjooy with Women Against Military Madness laid out the context of U.S. war threats and sanctions on Iran. “Our crippling sanctions on Iran have already resulted in deaths caused by lack of medicine, according to an official from the Tehran Thalassemia Association. The Iranian Hemophilia Society announced in August that ‘the lives of tens of thousands of children are being endangered by the lack of proper drugs caused by international economic sanctions.’”
Representative Keith Ellison spoke about the atmosphere of war in the U.S. Congress and about the pressure he is under to support war. He explained that anyone who proposes a sanctions bill gets a hearing and that everyone in Congress is pressured to vote for any kind of sanctions.
Ellison has voted against sanctions on Iran twice and he explained his votes. He didn’t promise to vote against sanctions on Iran in the future, but he did say, “It’s easier to vote no if you know you have the backing of your community.” He did promise, “I’m not going to vote for sanctions that will make it harder for the U.S. to talk.”
Ellison concluded that he thinks the U.S. is on a path to war with Iran and that he sees pushing sanctions as leading the U.S. to war.
Meredith Aby of the Anti-War Committee concluded the event with an impassioned appeal for action, “We need to be a voice for peace and justice. We cannot be passive. We cannot assume that our leaders will do the right thing. The threat of war and the impact of sanctions already in place on Iran are very real. When we are silent we send a message that the status quo is acceptable and we know that there is a real possibility of war and we can’t be quiet about this. We need to raise the demand of no war with Iran on the national and state level.”
The Minnesota Peace Project, the Twin Cities Peace Campaign and Women Against Military Madness sponsored the event.
FightBack! News | Minneapolis forum on NATO and the wars and interventions of the 1%
Posted on April 8, 2012 by Fight Back! News
Meredith Aby introduces speakers at forum on role of NATO. (Fight Back! News/Staff)
Minneapolis, MN – Speaking to a standing room only crowd at May Day Book Store, April 7, leaders of the Twin Cities anti-war movement denounced NATO as an aggressive alliance of western imperialism and urged listeners to join them at the massive protest planned for the NATO Summit. The protest will coincide the Summit’s opening, May 20.
Presenters included April Knutson of Woman Against Military Madness (WAMM), who spoke on the history of NATO, including its imperialist beginnings; Sarah Martin, also of WAMM, who spoke on the role of NATO in the war on Yugoslavia; Jess Sundin, Anti-War Committee, who talked about NATO’s role in the war on Afghanistan; and Mary Beaudoin of WAMM, who spoke on the new stage of NATO in its war on Libya and its potential new targets, such as Syria.
Beaudoin said, “The two most powerful organizations in the world – one that divides up the wealth and the other the enforcer – roam the world stealing and killing with impunity. Growing ever larger, blazing new trails of death and destruction, they decide who eats and who doesn’t, who lives and who dies. The G8 holds the economic strings. NATO provides the military might to ensure the decisions of the G8 are enforced. Both are spearheaded by the U.S. The two sociopathic entities hide behind lies about humanitarian intervention and the ‘right to protect’ and are sustained by complicit institutional systems worldwide. Profit and power are their gods and anyone and anything, no matter how old or young, ancient or new, sacred or profane can be mowed down in their path.”
Sarah Martin analyzed NATO’s war on Yugoslavia stating, “This brutal bombing campaign aimed to destroy the economy of Yugoslavia by targeting its infrastructure – bridges, factories, power plants, the state TV station and the Chinese embassy. The bombing of Kosovo drove thousands from the country, making them refugees, and was strangely accepted by U.S. and European citizens as a humanitarian intervention. A precedent was set and we – or rather the people of Yugoslavia, Afghanistan, Libya – have been living and dying with the consequences ever since.”
Martin continued, “And so on its 50th birthday in 1999 NATO had successfully morphed from an anti-Soviet alliance to the hired guns of the 1% with the U.S. firmly in control. It had grown enormously and there were now bases in Croatia, Bosnia, Hungary and the enormous camp Bondsteel in Kosovo. And Yugoslavia is the gift that keeps on giving and is held up as the shining example of humanitarian intervention. In reality a country was torn apart, people that live in the areas where there was bombing, live with the effects of DU [depleted uranium]. In Kosovo, ethnic cleansing really happened and only a handful of Serbians who live with the threat of harassment from the majority.”
Jess Sundin, of the Anti-War Committee stated, “Afghanistan is a test for the NATO, and especially for the US. If they become the first successful foreign occupiers in the history of Afghanistan, it would be a huge blow not only to the people of Afghanistan, but to all the peace-loving peoples of the world.
“There are some barriers to that success. First and foremost, the people of Afghanistan, who have refused to accept the twin evils of a brutal military occupation and the corrupt puppet government of Hamid Karzai. The Afghan people, like any occupied people, have a right to resist. And resist they have. The incidents I described earlier – the killing of civilians, the dishonoring of the bodies of the dead, the desecration of the Koran – these were each answered with acts of resistance. Afghan people have protested and they have fought back. Their resistance is why U.S. troops are dying in greater numbers every year,” said Sundin.
Sundin also talked about FBI repression that is being directed at anti-war activists and urged support for Carlos Montes, who will soon go on trial in Los Angeles.
The event was organized by the Anti-War Committee, the Minnesota Peace Action Coalition and Women Against Military Madness. For more info on the protest in Chicago go to cang8.org. For more info on the buses from Minneapolis visit antiwarcommittee.org.
FightBack! News | Twin Cites anti-war leader speaks out against U.S. threats against Iran
Jess Sundin of the Anti War Committee (Fight Back! News/Staff)
Posted on January 15, 2012 by FightBack! News
By Mick Kelly
Minneapolis, MN – Jess Sundin, a leader of the Twin Cities-based Anti-War Committee, condemned U.S. war moves towards Iran, Jan. 15
“The anti-war movement needs to take U.S. threats against Iran very seriously,” said Sundin.
“Over the past several months we have seen more military deployments of U.S. forces into the Persian Gulf, a new round of U.S. sanctions – with more threatened from Europe – and the murder of Iranian scientists. The situation is looking a lot like the run-ups to the U.S. wars on Iraq,” continued Sundin.
“In and of themselves, the U.S. sanctions on Iran are an act of war. The sanctions are designed to harm Iran’s economy and cause human suffering on a mass scale,” said Sundin, who urged anti-war activists to join protests against the war moves.
Jess Sundin is one of the anti-war and international solidarity activists who was raided by the FBI on Sept. 24, 2010 and who is being targeted by a Chicago grand jury.
When asked about the FBI repression, Sundin said, “As peace activists, we need to continue to speak out against all U.S. wars and we need to condemn government repression directed against the anti-war movement, like the attack on Carlos Montes in Los Angeles. He is a veteran leader of the Chicano movement, who speaks out against U.S. intervention abroad. The government wants to put him in jail, and we say drop the charges.”
Sundin also stated, “People in this country can’t afford to let the government pick our ‘enemies.’ The State Department is trying to demonize Iran and pave the way towards another war. We have to speak out and say, ‘Hands off Iran.’”
Potluck & Politics: Dinner Discussion on G8/NATO & Why We Should Protest Them
Saturday, January 14th @ 4pm @ May Day Books @ 301 Cedar Ave. S. (below Midwest Mountaineering) Minneapolis, MN
View Calendar
The Anti-War Committee is organizing a bus to go to the protest of the G8/NATO joint summit meeting in May. We believe Martin Luther King Jr. would support the protests that demand an end to these organizations’ agendas of poverty and war across the globe. Honor King’s legacy and take some time during MLK weekend to eat and discuss with others who the G8 and NATO are and what their impact is across the globe. We will have fun games and food to share.
Organized by the Anti-War Committee.
Report-back from National Committee to Stop FBI Repression conference
Thursday, Dec. 15 @ 7:00 p.m.Walker Community Methodist Church 3104 16th Ave S, Minneapolis
Stop ALL Witch Hunts! EVEN NOW, Bush and Obama’s “Justice Departments” are investigating, subpoenaing, indicting, torturing, sentencing and imprisoning people for:
- Providing Humanitarian Aid
- International Union Solidarity
- National Liberation Struggles
- Anti-War Activism
- Immigrant Rights and Immigration Legal Assistance
- International Solidarity Work
- Being Arab or Muslim
- “Thought Crimes” (Really.)
We met with these people. We are these people. Serious and sobering information and updates were presented at the Nov. 5 conference in Chicago. We also formed new bonds for solidarity and resistance with Puerto Rican, Palestinian, Arab and Muslim fighters for justice, as well as other folks caught up in the U.S. criminal injustice system. Come to this important report-back from the conference to hear about imprisoned activists and the dangerous issues we all face for exercising what we thought were our rights. Please join us as we share legal, prison, legislative and organizing updates. It will take a movement to turn this around, before more get hurt. FFI: stopfbi.net
AWC Video | Human Rights vs. the IN-Justice System
Mark International Human Rights day with a discussion of the criminalization of human rights work and other activism. The community has rallied around the AWC as our members are investigated for charges of “material support to terrorism.” These charges are an attempt to silence voices against US policies of war and militarism, while also making it illegal to extend the hand of friendship to people in countries of conflict.
This same strategy is evident in the recent conviction of two Somali women, for the crime of sending $8600 in humanitarian aid to Somalia, where they are from. We also see it in the government’s threats to bring charges against participants in last summer’s Gaza Flotilla, which was carrying letters – messages of solidarity and friendship – to deliver to Palestinians living in Gaza.
Our discussion will include several other legal cases attacking human rights: The death penalty – Troy Davis, and Mumia Abu Jamal (now incarcerated for 30 years); Private Bradley Manning – imprisoned while awaiting charges related to the WikiLeaks release of classified documents exposing war crimes in Iraq, among others. Come hear about the important work being done to fight these legal attacks on our rights and our movements!
Children welcome. The library has a wonderful children’s book selection. Let us know if you would like an AWC volunteer to accompany your child there while you enjoy the program. Lunch will be provided – featuring soups home-made by our fantastic AWC chefs! Donations requested, no one turned away.
Organized by the Anti-War Committee | www.antiwarcommittee.org | 612-379-3899
When the G-8 Meets: Economic Crisis, Austerity, Wars and Interventions
Committee to Stop FBI Repression National Conference
Chicago, IL on Saturday, November 5, 2011 | 8:30 – 5:00
Dear Friends and Supporters,
The Committee to Stop FBI Repression is organizing a national conference at Kent Law School in Chicago on Saturday, November 5, 2011.
We are gathering to organize a broad front against FBI and U.S. government repression of activists and movements both at home and abroad. We know it is the people’s movements that deliver the goods — that bring equality, peace and justice.
While the White House lectures Arab and Muslim leaders in the Middle East about democracy and the treatment of their citizens, we experience FBI raids, grand jury investigations and outrageous criminal charges. Big business cheers and politicians smirk at police abuse of Occupy Wall Street activists, but people are growing angrier as thousands across the country are arrested for democratic protests. We are not alone in this struggle. We are together and growing stronger.
We hope you will come to hear Carlos Montes and offer solidarity as he faces a trial and possible imprisonment. We hope you can show support to the anti-war and international solidarity activists whose homes were turned upside down by the FBI, whose families are shaken by grand jury subpoenas and who are still facing multiple indictments, according to the U.S. Attorney.
We need to educate ourselves and then act upon the outrageous mistreatment of Arab and Muslim-American people and leaders in our country. We can fight back and make positive changes like movements of the past. Unjust laws like the Patriot Act can be overturned and civil liberties expanded. We can organize and we can win.
You can make a difference by attending the CSFR Conference at Kent Law School in Chicago. Take your new knowledge back to the groups and movements you are part of. We hope to see you on Saturday, November 5th. Please register today using the form below.
Support Carlos Montes! Drop the charges!
Tom Burke, for the Committee to Stop FBI Repression
CSFR Conference Agenda
8:30 Registration
9:00 Welcome
I. Drop the Charges, End Political Repression
Carlos Montes, Chicano leader, anti-war and immigrant rights activist, whose home was raided and ransacked by the FBI. Carlos awaits trial for charges reaching back 40 years.
II. Update On Anti-war and International Solidarity Activists targeted for repression by U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald
Speakers are Jim Fennerty of the National Lawyers Guild and Jess Sundin of the Anti-War Committee in Minneapolis. Introduced by Prexy Nesbit, Africa solidarity leader.
III. Speak Out Against Repression — Morning Panel
- Alejandro Molina on Puerto Rican Movement, National Boricua Human Rights Ntwk
- Ali Al-Arian on the case of his father Dr. Sami Al-Arian
- Sharmin Sadequee on the case of her brother Shifa Sadequee
- Noor Elashi on the case of her father Ghassan Elashi and the Holy Land Five
- Hatem Abudayyeh on Palestine Solidarity
- Speakers invited from Irvine 11 and the case of Dr. Ashqar
IV. Workshops/Groups Session I
- Labor sector solidarity
- Palestine Solidarity
- Student sector solidarity
- Legislative Action
Lunch
Salute to Jacques Rivera, wrongfully convicted in Chicago, Illinois, freed from prison.
V. Understanding FBI Repression, Grand Juries, and Pre-emptive Prosecution — Afternoon Panel
- Michael Deutsch, People’s Law Office, on grand juries and conspiracy charges
- Steve Downs, Project Salam, on pre-emptive prosecutions and thought crimes
- Shahid Buttar, Bill of Rights Defense Committee, on the material support standard, ending the Patriot Act, and local civil rights defense
- Meredith Aby, Committee to Stop FBI Repression, building a broad front against repression.
VI. Workshops/Groups Session II
- Mapping the Landscape for Struggle — with BORDC leaders George Friday andShahid Buttar
- Organizing To Protest G8/NATO in Chicago and Republican National Convention-Tampa Protests – Joe Iosbaker of Coalition Against Nato/G8 War and Poverty Agenda CAN-G8, and Fernando Figueroa with Coalition to March on the RNC
- Immigrant Rights
- To be defined
VII. Stop FBI and U.S. Government Political Repression – Plenary for organizing and plans for action
VIII. Closing
Facilitators include **Steff Yorek, Jeff Mackler, Abayomi Azikiwe, others
Please write to info@stopfbi.net with questions.
Help distribute flyers for the conference
If you can, please print out some of the flyers for the conference and distribute them where you live.
CSFR National Conference, November 5 in Chicago, IL
Join us for a national conference of the Committee to Stop FBI Repression in Chicago, IL on Saturday, November 5, 2011.
Featuring
Carlos Montes, Chicano leader and immigrant rights activist, facing trial after FBI directed LA Sheriffs raid on his home.
Midwest Grand Jury Resisters – 23 anti-war and international solidarity activists subpoenaed to U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald’s Grand Jury in Chicago, the FBI raided seven homes in Chicago and Minneapolis on September 24, 2010.
Steve Downs of Project Salam will speak along with family members and activist leaders from Arab, Muslim, anti-war, labor, and other groups. Topics include: civil rights, civil liberties, the law, and organizing against war and occupations.
More information coming soon! Please write to info@stopfbi.net with questions.
Afghanistan and the Arab Spring: A Public Talk by Kathy Kelly
Kathy will draw on her experiences in Afghanistan and Pakistan to discuss the wave of uprisings in the Middle East. Sponsored by: Macalester Plymouth United Church, Twin Cities Peace Campaign and Women Against Military Madness.
Donate to the AWC
Updated CSFR Flyer
