defiantspirit
Issue Two 2011
of the IWW General
Defense Committee
FEATURES:
•Letters from Prisoners
•How to Handle Police Interviewing
•Direct Action Blotter
•Steering Committee speaks out against SFPD’s secret contract with the FBI
•Beginner tips for pickets and protests
•Prisoner? Get sponsored!
AND MORE!
Persistence
is
Power
CONTENT
2
Contact and Contents
3
Letter from the CST
4
How to handle police interrogation
5
Letters from Prisoners
9
Beginner Tips for Pickets and
Protests (from an ABC ‘zine, updated, edited,
11
Direct Action Blotter
12
Steering Committee speaks out
against SFPD’s secret contract with
the FBI
13
“Help I’m getting arrested!” Android
application review
16
GDC Motions Passed
17
GDC Statement to the police, the
press and the public regarding
Occupy Wall Street police violence
The General Defense Committee is the defense wing of
the IWW. We exist to provide legal and moral support to
prisoners of the Class War.
D E F E N S E
C O M M I T T E E ’ s
Q U A R T E R L Y
and added to by editor)
G E N E R A L
The Views and Opinions expressed in the Defiant Spirit
do not necessarily reflect the views of the IWW, the
GDC, or their respective members. However, everything
within these pages are something we’ve deemed worthy
of sharing. Most of it is reprinted without permission. In
the same spirit, you can use and reprint anything in the
Defiant Spirit as long as it is for personal and/or not-forprofit use. All photographs and linked-to videos, and
anything else that can be used as evidence have been
edited , changed, tampered with and doctored.
T H E
Electronic Subscriptions are free with membership which
is $5 per quarter, paper subscriptions are $20 per year and
proceeds benefit the GDC. Paper subscriptions are and
always will be free for the incarcerated.
Learn more at http://GDC.IWW.org
Editor: x356829/CST
Steering Committee:
Marie Mason
Chuck Bailey
FW Sparrow
CST:
Eric Zenke (Temporary)
SEND YOUR SUBMISSIONS
defiantspirit
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Chicago, IL
60618
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Mail to:
2
IWW/GDC
PO Box 180195
Chicago, IL
60618
LETTER FROM THE Central Secretary-Treasurer
The hardship and injustices the workers of the world
have come to face are, for many, unavoidable. Though being
replaced by the G20 as the worlds main economic forum,
the G8 (circa 1975 as the G6) has been disenfranchising the
poorest people of the world for decades. The oppressive
vicissitude of world markets, which is reflective of the
insustainability of the capitalist system, is bringing that
calamity closer to home for many in Europe and North
America.
These sentiments are echoed with movements like
Occupy Wall Street beginning to emerge. Just as well, we
T H E
can continue to witness the disenfranchising of the working
masses through the aggressive treatment of dissenters by the
D E F I A N T
police-state and the shady actions of the richest of the rich
on Wall Street, and elsewhere.
Globalization is a disease, even if only a symptom of
every other economic powerhouse around the world and
the individuals involved are responsible for the continued
the ones who profit most from the disparity of workers
would do everything possible to continue their conquest of
expropriating our wealth?
With the G8 coming to Chicago, Illinois (U.S.) in May
that power is the only tool we have to utilize to get our
organizers and fellow workers out of jail.
It is imperative that we grow this organization, each
one of us as individuals, to build a strong defense. We must
swell the ranks of the GDC with all members of the working
class and our supporters.
2012, there will no doubt be an increase of unwarranted FBI
attention among radicals in the US and Canada. In addition
It is up to us, each and every member of the GDC, to
to USA PATRIOT ACT approved surveillance, and no doubt
ensure the building of this unbreakable foundation that must
raids and other federally sanctioned forms of police-state
be laid for which to establish our new world upon.
repression, there are over 130,000 police officers currently
being trained by the Chicago Police to repress resistance
If your area doesn’t have a delegate, your delegate
during the G8. While the GDC neither condemns or
is unavailable, or you are not a delegate, consider carrying
condones actions against the G8 summit, we unconditionally membership applications with stamped, addressed
envelopes so FW’s can join through GDC Central.
condemn the use of force and incarceration as a method of
silencing dissent.
With state-oppression not unlike this unraveling
daily around the globe, building a strong and unwavering
Out here for them, in there for us,
Eric “AntiFa” Zenke
Temporary CST 2011
resistance to the States’ unjust tactics for quelling dissent is
something that needs to be founded in an unshakable
3
http : / / G D C . I W W . O R G
who continue to produce their wealth. Is it a surprise that
until the working people of the world are banded together,
-
disempowerment of the billions of individuals, you and I,
defense. In a capitalist society, money is power. At times, and
S P I R I T
Capitalism. Wall Street, the Fed, G8, WTO, every central bank,
how to handle police interviewing
by Poacher
(originally published as “Both Sides of the Story” in 2600
magazine Autumn 2011)
“Because of what appears to be a lawful command on the surface,
many citizens, because of respect for th law, are cunningly coerced
into waiving their rights due to ignorance.” - U.S. Supreme Court
opinion, U.S. v. Minker
T H E
G E N E R A L
D E F E N S E
C O M M I T T E E ’ s
Q U A R T E R L Y
In the dime store novel that’s been my life, I consider it (with
hindsight) to be my good fortune to have been on both sides of
the bars (at last temporarily). I’ve sat at both sides of the interview
dsk. I’ve put people in jail and had people try to put me in jail.
But if you live by the sword...
The police interview is a subject close to my heart. I’ve made
a study of it, and there are some excellent books out there to
prepare you, if you’re willing to take the time to study. And don’t
for a second think that just because you have done nothing wrong
that you have nothing to fear.
There is nothing so dangerous as being an innocent person in
police custody. It mans you hav nothing to gain and everything to
lose. Nothing and no on to give up or trade, and usually no real
clue as to why you are really there. This I learned through hard
gained experience.
This isn’t a get out of jail free guide. If you’ve done wrong and
been found out, your best bet is to get a good lawyer and get
a plea bargain to get out of the worst of it. However, we’re all
supposed to be innocent until proven guilty, so anyone, and I
mean anyone, can find themselves on the wrong side of the bars.
Rule Number Two: Be Civil and Polite
That dosn’t mean cave in and roll over. You can be firam, but be as
pleasant as you can. No matter what provocation. If you are nice,
they will tend to be. At the very worst, even if they aren’t nice
back, you are not adding any further charges like resisting arrest
to your worries. You must act cooperative, even when you are
being uncooperative. The phrase here is “Passive resistance.”
Just keep in mind, no one there is your friend. One of the most
common techniques is for an interrogator to try and establish a
connection with you. One of th tenets of social engineering is
the desire to please. Interview techniques play on this. Many
people also have a strange burning desire to confess. People love
to unburden themselves on sympathetic strangers. Don’t be so
foolish. A lot of these ideas you can also us and turn against them.
But be subtle. If you are nice, polite, cooperative, and meek, then
the people dealing with you will be tempted by the impulse to
desire to please, and may make slips that are favorable to your
position.
Rule Number Three: Get Lawyered Up
If you are in a country that provides a free lawyer, or you can
afford one, get one. It may delay things, but hey, you got all day
and all night; you are not going anywhere. Good or bad, a lawyer
will know the local law. They will normally also know the local law
enforcement personnel. Just remember that a lawyer is there to
advise you. It’s advice and you don’t have to take it.
Therefore, based upon my experiencs on both sides, here is my
survival guide.
These are other advantages to a lawyer. In certain legal systems,
they will be given a lot of information that you won’t get on
your own. They can ask questions to people that you can’t. The
other big advantage of a lawyer is that hopefully you hav got an
independant witness to everything that is going on.
Ruler Number One: Say Nothing
Rule Number Four: Say Nothing.
In the initial stages, the drama of the events will be overwhelming.
In military circles, this is referred to as “shock of capture.” There
is a great temptation at the start to attempt to de-escalate the
situation and try to talk your way out of it. It’s human nature.
Fight it. Say nothing. Use the time to observe and remember
everything that is happening. A lot of convictions are helped
along by thing the soon to be - or recently arrested - person blurts
out, in a misguided attempt to help themselves. *So keep it
zipped.*
This is so important that it’s worth covering twice. If you have
a right to silence, use it. You can still talk with your captors, but
keep it to small talk. Say nothing about anything you could have
been arrested for. If you feel (or your lawyer advises) that you
have to answer certain questions, then keep it brief and to the
point. Answer always in a way that closs the conversation. Don’t
leave a sentence hanging that invites further follow-up questions.
At first, your only priority is to try and gauge what exactly you
have been accused of and what evidence is being used against
you. You are nevr going to be told that last bit until it’s too late,
however, by observing what they are looking for and accssing
the qustions you are being asked, you can get a very good idea of
what they know and don’t know and what information they have
and where it might have come from.
You need to get into the mindset that what is happening is
happening. Nothing you can do will stop it, slow it down, or speed
it up. They are following guidelines, laws, and protocols that they
can’t vary. You are on a roller coaster and you can’t get off until
the end. So don’t fight it. Don’t fight them. Try and enjoy it if you
can. In the words of The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, “Don’t
panic.”
a
4
The more information you give, the deeper the hole you are
digging for yourself. Keep things short and factual, and never give
an opinion. If you don’t remember somthing, then say so. No one
has a perfect memory.
What you are aiming for here primarily is to avoid intentionally
or accidentally incriminating yourself. Secondly, you are making
them work for every piece of information from you. By being
polite, calm, and answering each question in a way that shuts
down that topic, you are interrupting the flow of the conversation
and breaking the interrogators train of thought.
Don’t ever get emotional. One thing I have learned is that when
either the interrogator or the suspect gets emotional, then the
game is up. Anger is the worst enemy, but any emotion will be
your downfall. Distance yourself emotionally from everything that
is happening and take nothing personally. The moment you do,
(continued on page 11)
LETTERS from Prisoners
Class Warfare: Obama Administration
Targets Federal Prisoners
On June 20, 2011, the US Federal Bureau of Prisons
(BOP) began implementing new rule changes that
substantially revamp federal regulations governing
inmate discipline and Special Housing Units.
The fine provisions are of questionable legal
validity. First, it is far from clear whether the BOP
possess the statutory authority from Congress
to impose fines of any sort. The most relevant
statutory provision merely authorizes the BOP to
provide for “the discipline” of federal prisoners (see
18 USC 4042). Like all federal agencies, the BOP
may only take those actions within the scope of
authority expressly endowed by the Constitution or
the Congress.
S P I R I T
http : / / G D C . I W W . O R G
A second contentious provision surrounds new
authority to impose monetary fines as sanctions
for disciplinary offenses. The regulations do not
D E F I A N T
The most controversial provisions surround new
and extended sanctions. The maximum duration
of disciplinary segregation as a sanction has
increased dramatically, from an already draconian
60 days to 18 months. Currently, most prisoners
fail to psychologically survive the 60 days duration
unharmed. The impact of disciplinary segregation
in stretches as long as 18 months (or longer in the
case of multiple disciplinary offense convictions) is
sure to prove the death knell to the psychological
stability of many prisoners destined to such torture.
Ironically, it is psychological illnesses that are
responsible for many of the disciplinary infractions
committed by prisoners in the first instance. To
punish such infractions with further psychologically
destructive sanctions is beyond cruel, regardless of
how usual in practice.
“Greatest” severity offenses permit a fine of up to
$600, or 75% of the prisoners commissary account
balance; “high” severity offenses up to $300 or
50% of account balance; “moderate” offenses up to
$100 or 25%; and “low” offenses $50 or 12.5%. The
Obama administration has not identified how these
proceeds will be used.
T H E
The new rules, codified at Title 28, CFR Part 541
(accessible at regulations.gov), add several new
prohibited acts, including a ban on circulating
petitions, and moves several pre-existing
prohibited acts into more severely sanctionable
categories. The changes maintain the distinction
between “administrative detention” (non-punitive
segregation) and “disciplinary segregation”
(punitive segregation) in name only, removing
the mandatory requirement that prisoners in
administrative detention be provided with access
to radios and to those privileges afforded general
population prisoners unless inconsistent with unit
safety and security.
prescribe any fiscal scale, maximum or minimum
amounts, but the revised BOP “Program Statement,”
a policy document through which the new
regulations are implemented, provide a sliding
scale that increases with the categorical severity of
the alleged offense.
Second, even if some broad grant of statutory
authority might be arguably identified, absent
something more specific to include use authority,
the fine provisions appear to constitute taxation
absent representation, and, concomitantly, may
offend the Constitution’s “Takings Clause.”
Third, the procedural process provided for in the
regulatory scheme is aimed at meeting no more
than the minimum due process requirements
mandated by the Supreme Court in Wolff vs
McDonn for the dis-allowance or withdrawal of
prisoners’ good time credits. It would appear that
disciplinary sanctions that include monetary fines
are outside of the sentence imposed and therefore
requires greater procedural process under the Fifth
Amendment’s Due Process Clause, such as a right to
counsel, to access and prevent evidence
5
LETTERS FROM PRISONERS(Con’t)
and witnesses, higher evidentiary standards and
burdens, etc...
Q U A R T E R L Y
The rule changes were initially proposed by the
Bush administration, and believed abandoned
with the 2010 administration change. Progressives
and those in the (prison) abolitionist movement
were only marginally surprised that the Obama
administration would finalize the rule making.
C O M M I T T E E ’ s
As with all US “laws”, this one can be accurately
understood through the dialectical lenses of class
warfare. The mass austerity hype has left many
governmental agencies seeking funding from
anyplace possible. As a general rule, the agency
cares not from whence its funding derive, although
those placed in charge of the agencies often do.
G E N E R A L
D E F E N S E
Tens of billions of dollars are generated annually
by a plethora of corporate entities and individuals
profiting from the Prison Industrial Complex,
present today in the United States through mass
imprisonment of almost exclusively lower-caste
citizenry and immigrants. This mass imprisonment
is, of course, the result of laws and policy, in turn
the conspiratorial product of elected officials and
the corporate lobbyists and profits that control
them.
T H E
Given this plutocratic state of government, it is
simply irrational to expect Congress or the Obama
administration – note the upcoming elections
– to dare tax those corporations and individuals
profiting from the horrors of the Prison Industrial
Complex to keep the BOP flush in needed funds.
Such a scheme would be self-defeating.
Sadly, the solution embraced by the Obama
administration was to impose a tax under the guise
of fines against the very victims of that Prison
Industrial Complex, the prisoners themselves
and by proxy their families and loved ones who
financially provide for them.
This tactic is all too illustrative of the capitalist “new
6
deal”, a deal with global corporations a deal to
further consolidate power and wealth and enrich
the elite at the expense, enslavement (economic
and otherwise), and often deaths of the lower class.
It is the capitalist version of bottom-up economics:
bleed them from the bottom up.
Indeed on June 20, 2011, the new rules effective
date, BOP staff throughout the country conducted
mass shakedowns of prisoner populations seeking
unauthorized items as bases for issuance of
misconduct reports. Staff at the US Penitentiary
in Lewisburg, PA admit to the establishment of
informal quotas on the number of misconduct
reports that must be issued prisoners. Prisoners
better off financially and others with savings on
their commissary accounts are rushing to deplete
these funds – funds many prisoners were saving to
assist in community transition upon release – for
fear that they will be targeted for fines under the
new rules.
IWW/GDC members incarcerated in the BOP and
subjected to disciplinary fines under the new rules
may write to the GDC (mailing address is on the
cover of this Defiant Spirit) requesting a copy of
a draft informational exploring legal strategies
for arguing against and challenging the legalities
of the rules. Those prisoners contemplating a
legal challenge to any disciplinary action against
them in Federal court are required by the Prison
Litigation Reform Act to first exhaust all available
administrative remedies prior to proceeding to
Federal court (see 42 USC 1997(e)). In the Federal
BOP this means filing a Regional Administrative
Remedy Appeal, BP-10 form, within 20 days of
receiving the Discipline Hearing Officers Report,
and then further appealing from any denial of the
Regional Director to the BOP General Counsel via a
Central Office Administrative Remedy Appeal, via a
BP-11 form (see 28 CFR 542.14(d)(z) – 542.15). The
BP-10 and BP-11 forms are available from Unit team
staff.
Mark Jordan, USP Lewisburg
August 21, 2010
To: Industrial Workers of the World
Dear Comrades:
I am an inmate/prisoner of the Federal Bureau
of Prisons, imprisoned at Allenwood Low S.C.I.
in Pennsylvania. While I was “free” I had been a
militant in worker movements and an anarchosyndicalist. I would love to receive copies of your
newspaper and any free literature you might be
willing to send me. I am planning to start a studygroup here among inmates.
As you possibly know, my current circumstances
limit what I can do to participate in the IWW.
However, one must start somewhere and not allow
confining factors be a deterrent in taking steps
onto a path.
Any help with this will be greatly appreciated.
Whether putting me in touch with Fellow Workers
on the GDC, sending literature about the GDC, or
suggesting advice. I thank you for your time, help,
Respectfully,
Michael L. G.
(Release date: 2120)
6 Sep 11
Dear Steve,
Greetings from the Texas gulag! I received your kind
note, the pamphlet Think It Over, and the IW newspaper, and I thoroughly enjoyed each.
http : / / G D C . I W W . O R G
At the same time, I’m seeking to obtain a deeper
understanding of the GDC. What it is pursuing,
strategies, goals, and how I may be able to
participate. I want this so that I can contribute to
the GDC and IWW in the best manner possible; now
and upon my release from prison.
The purpose for me writing is to request to be a
member. I am in prison and without sufficient funds
to pay the dues.
-
My name is Phillip R., I’m a Fellow Worker (x371601),
a Wobista and yes, a prisoner in one of the many
Neo-Gulags. I am very interested in becoming
actively involved and engaged with the GDC.
6-12-2011
General Defense Committee,
S P I R I T
Salutations. An abundance of Respect
Wholeheartedly Conveyed. This letter is written
as a request for information about the General
Defense Committee.
PS: The road is known, but the way is learned.
D E F I A N T
7-12-11
To Whom it may concern;
In Solidarity,
FW Phillip R. #V91301
T H E
In Solidarity:
RUBEN A. M.
(Release date: 2024)
and I anticipate your response.
In my opinion the review of Upton Sinclair’s book The
Goslings, which deals with governments love affair
with indoctrination - which it intentionally mislabels
“education” - and its use of the school system to condition youth to be unthinking cogs is worth the entire
paper. I’m reminded of a pin I saw years ago which
read “My boss must think I’m a mushroom. He keeps
me in the dark and feeds me bullshit!”
It’s tempting to blame capitalism because it’s so
predatory; and it’s equally tempting to blam government in total, because it’s only natural for a ruling
body to promote it’s own ideology, but I view government as a tool and its methodology dependent on
the values of those who wield it. A government can
value analysis!
In Cuba right now the youth, who have lost touch
with revolutionary values if they ever had them, are
disenchanted with the government because they see
all the glittery crap people in the capitalist north have
access to - via illegal cable TV - and they’re drinking
the consumer kool-aid: more stuff will make you more
7
LETTERS FROM PRISONERS (con’t)
happy; while the Cuban government can’t even keep
its people in necessities due to a variety of reasons,
not least of which is the collapse of Soviet Russia and
the US Embargo.
Q U A R T E R L Y
In India they trap monkeys by anchoring a coconut to
the ground, boring a hole in it, and putting in candies.
When a monkey comes along it sees the candy in the
coconut, squeezes its hand through the small opening and grabs onto the candy. The problem for the
monkey is, so long as it grasps onto the candy its fist
won’t fit through the hole, but it lacks the intellect to
recognize its desire for luxury is costing it its freedom
and even its life.
C O M M I T T E E ’ s
The sad fact is many people are on a level with those
unfortunate monkeys. If left to their own devices,
they would cast off their freedom & independence
to become mindless consumer/slaves, owing their
souls to Mastercard - “master” indeed! - and avoiding
suicide by a diet of antidepressants and booze.
D E F E N S E
Is a government obligated to at least try to educate
and thereby rescue its people, even if from themselves? If 51% majority elects to stick its collective
hand in the coconut - then what is to be done?
T H E
G E N E R A L
Henry David Thoreau said in his essay On the Duty of
Civil Disobedience (quoting Thomas Jefferson I believe and I paraphrase for convenience): If that which
governs least governs best, then that which governs
not at all is better still, and that’s the kind of government we’ll have when we’re ready for it. In the mean
time, I’d settle for a better government that truly
serves the interests of the people.
Even though I have “Enemy of the State” tattooed
across my breastbone (this no doubt helped get me
into superseg!) I actually endorse this spirit wholeheartedly; and it seems to me even a union is a form
of self-government, or a “dictatorship of the proletariat” by another name.
I’ve enclosed a Revolution to check out. I’m an ideological heretic but I have a copy of Basics, and Bob
Avakian seems to really “tell it like it is” on a par with
Noam Chomsky. You should get a copy of the book
for scholarship sake.
8
I just received a stack of subversive books from a
books-for-prisoners place: I got Emma Goldman’s Living My Life, volume 1 & 2; a book on dialectical and
historical materialism; and anarchism & anarchasyndiscalism by Marx, Engls, and Lenin. I’m in heaven! :)
Emma Goldman is on of my heroes, so I’ll be busy for
a while reading about her exploits.
Thank you again for the subscription. I’ve got nothing
now but I intend to prey on the predators and help
to support the kind pople who supported me and
subsidized my revolutionary education upon release
in December 2014.
Peace!
Richard O.
PS: Please forgive me if I’ve rambled
TIPS FOR BEGINNERS on pickets and protests FROM THE FRONT LINES
Smartphone users: check out applications such as
Redphone and TextSecure for encrypted (wiretap-proof ) talk
and text transmissions, and OTR for applications like Pidgin/
AIM, etc.
DON’T FORGET YOUR LEGAL SUPPORT NUMBER:
write down the number of your local NLG hotline or legal
defense hotline in PERMANENT MARKER someplace that
isn’t immediately visible.
LOCK YOUR CELL-PHONE: while cell-phones and social
network outreach, like twittering, can be useful during demos,
be sure to use a passcode or other authentication method to
protect personal data on your phone. Thanks to the USA PATRIOT
ACT, police don’t need a warrant to look through any of your
personals, especially electronics. Make sure your password is
difficult to crack and EASY TO “FORGET.”
9
9
http : / / G D C . I W W . O R G
people may have reasons for not wanting their identities known to
the authorities, in today’s age of “terrorism,” you can be held for longer
periods of time and are subject to different treatment and charges
than if you give your name. IF ANY, THIS IS THE ONLY INFORMATION
YOU SHOULD GIVE TO THE STATE (THE POLICE, ETC) WITHOUT A
LAWYER PRESENT.
-
REMEMBER: YOU DO NOT EVER HAVE TO ANSWER THE POLICE
DURING QUESTIONING. STAY RESPECTFUL WHILE IN CUSTODY,
AND REQUEST A LAWYER UPON QUESTIONING. While some
S P I R I T
Don’t bring this stuff
Drugs/Alcohol: never bring drugs or alcohol to a protest. They
can get you in a lot more trouble and get folks around you in
more trouble. Stay sober before and during the protest
Piercings and Loose Items: things like earrings and long hair can
be pulled by cops to incapacitate you. Loose clothing can
make it harder to run, and easier for the police to grab you.
Contact Lenses: in case of chemical attacks, contact lenses can
trap chemicals under the lens and cause severe eye damage.
Wear glasses if necessary. If you must wear contacts, get
goggles.
Organizers/Address Books: if the cops get these they will use
them to hurt your friends and other activists you might have
written in them. Keep all personal info away from cops.
Fear: don’t listen to rumors unless they can be verified and
always stay strong. The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.
Authoritarian Attitude: leaders don’t help situations and people
feeling like they are being told what to do will turn them off.
We can easily be a leaderless movement and run things on
consensus. Being leaderless also confuses cops and allows us
to act as one.
DO:
Always stick together and stay calm. Be aware of your
surroundings and know your limits.
if you have time prior to the demonstration, try to practice/
study/organize/participate in trainings on topics such as street
medic training and basic first-aid, direct action, police tactics,
marching, picketing, occupation and self defense.
Prepare for the protest:
get your mind and body all ready for the protest/action. eat a
healthy fruit/veggie/whole grain filled breakfast, exercise and
get plenty of sleep and if possible take a shower to remove
excess oil from your skin that many chemical irritants rely on.
D E F I A N T
Affinity Group:
an affinity group is a small group of friends (3-15) you know
and trust very, very much that can fill various roles and help support
each other and keep each other safe and together. If you plan on doing
more risky actions make sure to keep ALL information between those
involved in the action. Loose lips sink ships, and bragging WILL land
your ass in jail. Create a name for your group that is something obscure
and unrelated to people involved, if you hear people shouting this name
- find them. If you need to be found, shout out the name of your affinity
group.
Medic: someone with some medical training or basic first-aid training
and some basic medic supplies or better yet an actual trained certified
medic (street or otherwise.) Butterfly stitches, band-aids, L.A.W., and
dressings for broken arms and legs can be very useful.
Legal: someone who has some basic knowledge of the laws or at least
someone who can deal with police if your friends get arrested and can
observe and record what police are doing and violations of peoples
rights. Always maintain a professional and respectable attitude with
police, ESPECIALLY once in custody. Concerted action in jail is different,
but when you’re alone and under arrest your ass is theirs until you get
your lawyer.
Jail Support: someone who is non-arrestable who
has their groups contact info and will contact and work with the legal
defense teams for the demonstration.
“Vibes” Watcher: someone who keeps an eye on everyone in
the Affinity Group and people in the area. This is the person
who keeps an eye on the police and analyzes police actions,
movements, and attitudes.
Arrestables: those who plan on getting arrested or who can
get arrested if the situation arises. Make sure legal or jail
support has info for you.
Buddy: if you don’t have an affinity group at least find a buddy
and watch out for each other, make sure you know each
others comfort levels and keep an eye on the police.
T H E
What to Bring
Water: preferably filtered water in your own bottle rather than bottled
water and make sure to bring plenty of it regardless of weather. Your
body needs water especially after long days of occupation or protest.
Food: try to start your day with a full, healthy meal. It may be a while
until you get lunch or dinner, especially if you get arrested. Bring snacks!
Dried fruits and nuts help give you energy and keep you going as well as
provide some nutrients.
Proper Clothes: dress properly for the weather and make sure your clothes
are not going to trap chemicals easily. Avoid loose, synthetic clothing. Also
make sure you are not identifiable by what you wear, no patches or pins
and have extra clothes in your bag in case you need to make an exit into
or out of a crowd or change from contaminated garments. Keep them in
a sealed plastic bag in case of chemical attack.
Bandanna/Balaclava: helps protect your face and it provides anonymity
and potential unity. When soaked in apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
it can help against chemical attacks - including mace, pepperspray, and
teargas. Balaclava are best for anonymity and bandannas are best for
chemicals. Vinegar soaked bandanas can be kept in ziplock bags until
needed.
Goggles: they can help keep chemical weapons out of your eyes just
make sure they are shatter proof and tight fitting. Ensure no liquids or
chemicals can get inside of them and you can see easily. Swim goggles
work and are easily available.
Medicines: if you require insulin or an inhaler or other medicines make
sure to bring them and have them in the bottle they came in case of
arrest plus have a doctors note and keep medicines on you in case of
arrest (cops don’t allow unmarked medicines).
Saline Solution: good to have if you get hit in the face chemically it will
help flush out your eyes (do so from the inner eye outwards) it can also
be good for cleaning small open wounds.
L.A.W. Solution: a common solution of water and Maalox (or other liquid
antacid) in a 1:1 ratio used by many medics to help treat pepper spray.
Tilt back the victims head and have them hold their eyes open, one at a
time. Pour the solution so that it rinses over and out of the eye, from the
inner eye outward. Rinse with purified water if needed.
Non Oil Based Sunscreen: water or alcohol based sunscreens help protect
against sunburn and don’t trap chemicals if you do get attacked.
Menstrual Pads: when at a protest it is possible you won’t be able to
change your tampon, due to arrest or other situation and having a
tampon in for 4+ hours can cause Toxic Shock Syndrome. Cloth pads are
best and can be bought or hand made.
Knowledge of The Action: know what you are protesting against and
why. Also know any march routes or action plans, weather, the nature
of the cops in the city or jurisdiction you are taking action in and other
important information. It’s always smart to know a way out. Be prepared,
know as much as you can about your surroundings.
DIRECT ACTION BLOTTER
EDITORS NOTE:
All stories are received
anonymously or stolen
from the internet.
Sept., 17th:
Palestinians and allies
march on White House
for UN statehood
recognition
C O M M I T T E E ’ s
Q U A R T E R L Y
The UN is expected
to vote in recognition
of Palestine as a state
as soon as Sept. 20th.
Here in DC, Palestinians
marched from the
State Department
to the White
House demanding
noninterference
and NO VETO of full
membership from the
US.
G E N E R A L
D E F E N S E
The September 15
march was the same
day as the Palestinian
march on the UN’s
headquarters in New
York-a march that I saw
promoted on websites
from Palestine as long
ago as late June or early
July.
T H E
One chant at the
march was “no justice,
no peace,” there has
been speculation
by some other news
commentators that if
recognition of Palestine
as a state is blocked in
the UN, that could force
the Abbas to step down
and the entire PA to
resign. After all, if they
are not a government
of a nation, that would
leave them as enforcers
of occupation, a role
that they could not long
survive in and might
not be willing to accept
10
anyway.
That, in turn, some
say could force Israel
to attempt another
full-scale invasions of
both the West Bank
and Gaza, this time
with an energized Arab
world watching-and
reacting. They would be
attempting to replace
the PA with direct Israeli
government, a steppedup occupation on
steroids and in the open,
with no further attempts
to pretend they are not
occupying Palestine.
If that happens, the
consequences could be
anything from a third
Intifada to a regional
war.
Needless to say,
anything that prevents
the PA from being
recognized as a state
will bring this about,
so any US Veto in the
Security Council of full
membership in the UN
for Palestine is risking
war. The PA has tried
the “Peace Process”
but gotten only 20
years more settlement
construction. Now they
are trying a bid for
statehood. If that fails
too, look out!
The last time I saw
this sort of situation,
people in Palestine had
become fed up with the
increasing invasion by
settlers, there was a late
2000 or 2001 (I forget
which) deadline-and the
Second Intifada erupted
shortly thereafter. It was
so powerful it forced
Israel to abandon and
forcibly remove all
settlements from Gaza.
The last decade has
brought war and siege
to Palestine, and Israel
has faced rockets and
bombs, all because
Israel foolishly insisted
on talking peace while
planting more and more
far-right, land-grabbing,
armed settlers in the
West Bank.
Shortly before all that
erupted, I still remember
a giant Palestinian rally
in front of the White
House that marched
in from Freedom
Plaza, complete with
Jumbotron coverage of
speakers and massive
prayer sessions.
Now we have another
deadline, another
decision to be made,
and another worldwide
series of Palestinian
marches of which this is
just one.
Keep an eye on this
one folks, I think we are
about to see history in
the making here!
(from DC Direct Action
News)
not highly aggressive
manner.
The US Supreme Court
can at this point be
regarded as a nine-pack
of crackers waiting to
crumble. George W
Bush, known as the
“Texacutioner” at one
time, managed while in
office to pack the court
with reactionaries, and
this may have had a
hand in the permission
given to another group
of crackers in Georgia to
murder Troy Davis.
Yes, we are in town, and
yes, we are watching!
Send us your stories!
Send
us
news
clippings,
admissions of guilt, claims of
responsibility, articles about direct
action, blurbs about actions, links
to news articles, photographs,
and anything else you feel like
sharing. Anonymity is welcomed,
and prefered.
SEND SUBMISSIONS TO:
OR
IWW/GDC
PO BOX 180195
Chicago, IL
60618
Sept. 21:
Late night on
September 21, after Troy
Email us at [email protected]
Davis was murdered
with permission from
the US Supreme Court,
anarchists assembled on
U st and marched from
there to the US Supreme
Court.
Cops at the Supreme
court objected
strenuously to anyone
“protesting” on the steps
of the building and
behaved in a somewhat
inconsistent though
how to handle police interviewing(cont’d)
you will not be able to think clearly and will be playing
yourself in a state where you are highly likely to talk to
much.
It’s quite fun if you have the ability and opportunity to gt
your interrogator to lose their temper. However, I seriously wouldn’t recommend going down that route, unless
you are either vrey confident or very experienced in being
interviewed. A ploy like that is extremely likely to involve
you investing emotion into the interview and thus falling
into that trap.
-
To sum up, prepare for the possibility of arrest if you can,
then...
S P I R I T
In the worst case scenario that you are arrested in a country that doesn’t have the fundamental guarentees on
freedom, like a right to silence and a right to an attorney
and, heaven forbid, may even use physical or mental
torture, then my personal advice is to just tell them what
they want. Confessions obtained under duress are morally
reprehensible and would not be valid to any sane court.
D E F I A N T
http : / / G D C . I W W . O R G
If you’re unlucky enough to be arrested somewhere that
doesn’t have a right to silence, then you are going to have
to give some kind of account. Here, as earlir, keep it simple, keep it factual, and keep it short. If you’ve already told
them somthing and then you are asked the same thing a
second time, just politely refer them to your original answer. Don’t get drawn into expanding upon answer you’ve
already given. A very good technique if you are going to
give an account is to prepare a written statement. This is
best done with a lawyer. Outsid eof the pressure of the
interview, you can carefully write down your statement.
Then, in the interview, refer all questions to your written
statement and answer nothing else.
As a final point, laws differ the world over. If you are engaged in activities that mean you are likely to receive som
unwelcome attention from the authorities, take the time
to do a little study of local laws and criminal procedures. If
you know what things are likely to happen to you and you
know the rules the law enforcement people have to follow,
if any, you will be a lot more calm and able to focus on
getting yourself out of the situation. It may even be worth
doing a bit of checking for local lawyers and finding out
any who spcialize in the fields of law that may be of use
to you, as well as learning what their reputations are like.
Once you’ve found a good lawyer, get a business card from
them or memorize the phone number so you can call them
at your hour of need.
T H E
Staying calm is really the key to it all. Arrest and interview
are by their very nature stressful. As is potentially losing
your liberty. It is worth learning (if you haven’t already)
some breathing and visualization excersises that you can
then employ in the interview to get your pulse rate down
and your head claer.
in your mind.
-Say Nothing
-Be civil and polite
-Get a lawyer
-Say nothing
One the interrogation is over and the tapes stop
turning, say nothing more in relation to the case.
Don’t let the relief of it being over tempt you into
opening up. Their chance to question you is over.
Unless they convene another interview, they have
had their opportunity. Just because the tapes have
stopped doesn’t mean they can’t use anything else
you say against you.
Whether you get bail or they keep you in lockup,
say nothing more to anyone about the case. Even
in a cell or an office, there could well be hidden
recording equipmeny or someone who isn’t who
they appear to be.
If you get released, try to obtain copies of all records you’re entitled to. If you can get a copy of the
interrogation, then do so. If you can’t, then go and
write it down as soon as you can, whil it’s still fresh
11
FW Sparrow Addresses Secret SFPD & FBI Contract
Representing both the IWW General Defense (GDC)
Steering Committee and the International Solidarity
Committee - Northern California (NorCal ISM), I did my
two minutes of fame before the San Francisco Police
Commission October 5th to give a statement supporting
the SFPD severing ties with the FBI [http://thetender.
us/2011/10/04/help-stop-racial-profiling/]
Q U A R T E R L Y
In response to SFPD feeding files on legal organizations
to the Anti-Defamation League [http://www.
foodnotbombs.net/Antifa%20Info-Bulletin.html] ,
restrictions were put on the SFPD’s infiltration and
reporting on organizations who have no illegal activity
manifested.
C O M M I T T E E ’ s
A recently released FOIA file showed that SFPD had
signed a secret contract with the FBI that circumvented
oversight of the SFPD by the Police Commission Board
which had no knowledge of this contract [http://ca.cair.
com/sfba/news/sfpd_officers_working_with_fbi_given_
more_leeway].
Testimony (Obviously with only two minutes, I had to
restrict my comments drastically):
G E N E R A L
D E F E N S E
My name is sparrow and I am representing the
International Solidarity Movement - Northern California
and the IWW General Defense Steering Committee. I am
also an active member of the California State Bar with
experience in asylum law representing Palestinians,
Iranians, and Central Americans.
T H E
The primary reasons to sever ties with the FBI are, (1)
Lack of Accountability, (2) Lack of Oversight, and (3) Star
Chamber Secrecy. You must reassert your limitations
of SFPD actions – limits that have been secretly
circumvented by the FBI. I wish to incorporate into the
record by reference a recent article from the New York
Times. [article submitted]
The following speech was delivered over 30 years ago in
this same City Hall;
‘:...A lot of people ...question why a City and County
concerns itself with the international affairs of the
nation. In response, I think it is of the... utmost concern
of this city what takes place at the international level.
... this nation ignored ...the War in Vietnam..., hoping that
leadership would come out of the White House...
Finally, after... not seeing the leadership out of the White
12
house, the people of this nation themselves took the
leadership and themselves exerted the pressure upward
to finally force Washington to carry out what the people
themselves wanted.
Once again I find ...where the people of the country
seem to find something taking place very offensive
and asking the White House and Congress to take
the leadership. Lacking that leadership, once again...
the people of this nation have decided to demand
something,...
the government in Washington must hear the people
since they apparently have deaf ears themselves.
...strong legislation, strong statements from the cities
and states to Washington, apparently is the way they get
the message.
sometimes the voice of the people can come up with
having an effect on Washington.’”
Those remarks were made by Supervisor Harvey Milk
in 1978. I have no doubts that Harvey Milk would fully
support the severing of the SFPD from the FBI Terrorism
Program.’
Harvey Milk’s remarks were given in March of 1978
at the start of public testimony before the SF Board
of Supervisors on the removal of the South African
Consulate from San Francisco. I was present when he
gave his speech and I taped it.
In terms of their relevance now, his remarks are doubly
poignant. Once because the struggle then against
South African Apartheid and occupation of Namibia has
become our current struggle against Israeli Apartheid
and occupation of Palestine.
And second, because shortly after delivering those
remarks both Harvey Milk and SF Mayor Moscone
were assassinated in November, 1978. Harvey’s fellow
supervisor became San Francisco’s next Mayor and was
subsequently propelled into the United States Senate
where she is a leading advocate of Israeli Apartheid and
a major proponent of the repressive Patriot Act and its
draconian expansion of FBI powers.
fw sparrow,
GDC Steering Committee
Delegate Number 2011 0005
Help, “I’m getting arrested!”
by Jaymar Cabebe October 12, 2011 5:17 PM PDT Follow @jaymarcabebe
(originally published @ http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-19736_7-20119537-251/help-im-getting-arrested/)
Imagine you’re in New York (or perhaps another major metropolitan city) peacefully protesting.
Your cause? Let’s say, to curb excessive influence of big business and the wealthiest 1 percent of Americans on U.S.
laws and policy. You’re holding up a sign declaring your heartfelt beliefs and chanting a bit with some of your fellow
demonstrators when, all of a sudden--bam! The cops slap the cuffs on you, with the intention of carting you off to
the nearest police station. Meanwhile, your friends and family are at home completely clueless about your situation.
T H E
Enter I’m Getting Arrested, a creative Android app that, according to developer Quadrant 2, was inspired by a similar
incident. It lets you quickly notify your family, friends, and crack legal team (if you have one) of your situation with a
single tap of your finger. Just initially enter a custom message and some SMS-ready numbers to contact in the event
of your arrest. Then, as you’re about to be corralled into the back of a squad car, fire the app up and long-press the
bull’s-eye for 2 seconds. From there, you can rest assured that your message will be sent to the appropriate contacts.
D E F I A N T
S P I R I T
From what we’ve seen, I’m Getting Arrested is straightforward and works exactly as described. Our only
question is, why no Twitter or Facebook support? Considering we’re talking about a grassroots movement
here, it just makes sense, no? Built-in social media would not only expand the app’s reach to potentially
large numbers of friends and loved ones, but it would also serve as a bullhorn for rallying support after
every arrest.
I’m Getting Arrested is available for free download now in the Android Market. And for supporters of the
Occupy Wall Street movement, you might want to download it before October 15. Just saying.
http : / / G D C . I W W . O R G
13
Motions of the G.D.C. Steering Committee
The following contains the passed and pending
motions of the GDC’s Steering Committee and
Central Secretary Treasurer.
EZ-2011-04
I move that the General Defense Committee of the
Industrial Workers of the World formally endorse the
International July 31 Day of Action Against Fascism and
Racism.
Solidarity,
Eric
G E N E R A L
D E F E N S E
C O M M I T T E E ’ s
Q U A R T E R L Y
On July 31, 2010, militants and organizers across
the U.S., Canada, and Europe participated in the
International Day of Action Against Fascism and Racism.
Please join us on July 31, 2011, as we collaborate again
to struggle against white supremacists organizing in
our communities.
Who: Revolutionaries everywhere!
What: Organizing events and actions against fascism
and white supremacy!
When: July 31, 2011! Where: Wherever you are!
Why: To clean up the streets and take out the trash!
On March 27, 2010, Luke Querner was shot while
exiting a bar in downtown Portland, Oregon. While
police investigation and local reporters initially played
this off as gang-related violence, friends, family, and
community members spoke up to let the truth be
known: Luke was an anti-racist skinhead that organized
against white supremacists in his community, and was
in turn attacked by white supremacists in an effort to
silence and intimidate anti-racist/anti-fascist organizers.
Luke survived the shooting, which left him partially
paralyzed.
In response to the shooting, anti-fascists organized the
July 31 Day of Action Against Fascism and Racism to
publicly fight back. This occurred in the midst of a rise
of racist far-right activity in the U.S., including Arizona’s
racist SB1070 immigrant bill, Tea Party tax protests, and
vigilante border patrols by neo-Nazis.
We have chosen to put out a call to action again this
year as a means of coordinating anti-fascist struggles.
In 2010, we saw a variety of actions and efforts that
reflected the diversity of the participating organizations,
which included benefit shows, public events, protests,
and public outings of white supremacists. Only by
organizing against white supremacists and fascists can
we protect ourselves from their violent attacks, and not
by putting faith in the police and legal systems that
enforce borders and criminalize People of Color.
On July 31, 2011, join together with radical anti-fascists
to take it to the streets and oppose racism and fascism
in our communities.
List of Endorsers
Circle City Anti-Racist Action
Four Star Anarchist Organization
Gay Liberation Network
South Side Chicago Anti-Racist Action
Central Texas ABC
Dirty Hands(Durango, CO)
Arch City ARA
General Defense Committee of the IWW
PASSED - CB Y EZ Y SA Y
T H E
EZ-2011-05
Withdrawn
EZ-2011-06
The General Defense Committee of the Industrial
Workers of the World stand in solidarity with our
brave brothers and sisters at Occupy Wall Street. We
denounce and detest the intimidation, harassment, and
brutality exhibited by the New York Police. The actions
of the police lay bare the true nature of Wall Street and
Capitalism.
We call on all those that still retain a sense of humanity
to show their support of the working class by refusing
to engage in the brutal silencing of dissent. The only
individuals who remain unaffected by the volatility
of capitalism, globalization, and the stock market
are those who are getting richer from furthering the
disparity of all workers through calculated economic
calamity. We support all of our brave fellow workers on
the front lines of this occupation throughout the United
States, and those like it across the world.
We recognize that the true occupying forces are the
wealthy ruling classes, their institutions, and the States
that legitimize their power. The police and military
forces that protect their masters wealth and power are
just as guilty as their masters. Only by uniting as workers
and standing together as a class, can we take back our
streets and our workplaces. To find more information and join the IWW and GDC
visit www.iww.org
Donations can also be made to the General Defense
14
Committee at http://store.iww.org/gdc-donations.html.
Solidarity Forever!
Passed - CB Y EZ Y FS Y
CB-2011-07 Approve new GDC delegate report
passed - CB Y EZ Y SA Y
CB-2011-08
Application
Approve
new
GDC
Local
Charter
PASSED - CB Y EZ Y SA Y
CB-2011-09
Global Feminist Petition: Take Strauss-Kahn charges
seriously
Feminists Demand Freedom from Sexual Assault and
Harassment
We agree:
Rape is always about power and domination; it is
sexualized violence.
Rape and sexual harassment of women are pervasive
at all strata of society and in all corners of the globe.
Women will never be fully free and able to enjoy
equality with men until this ends. As
feminists, we see the arrest of former International
Monetary Fund director Dominique Strauss-Kahn on
sexual assault charges as an opportunity to increase
public awareness and as a wake-up call to renew action
against sexual violence, not only in the US where his
arrest occurred and in France, where media and many
public figures are portraying him as the victim, but
around the world.
We join French feminists in saying that just as StraussKahn is
innocent until proven guilty, his accuser must also be
respected and believed to be credible unless proven
false. We commend her employer, Sofitel, and the action
of the NYC Police for taking her complaint seriously.
We call for feminists around the world to join with her
union (New York Hotel and Motel Trades Council Local
6) in collecting funds for legal and daily expenses, as
her work is now curbed and life circumstances vastly
altered. Contributions can be sent to Judson Memorial
Church (attention Women’s Fund) 55 Washington
Square South, New York, NY 10012-1018.
We also share French feminist indignation at the
deliberate and
opportunistic confusion of seduction and sexual
violence, from
Strauss-Kahn’s declaration that he “loves women,” to
the journalists and politicians who rally behind this
“Great Seducer.” It is outrageous that the allegation of
attempted rape during the course of a housekeeper’s
work day raises issues about any woman’s life story
and sexual history. And portraying powerful StraussKahn as “too civilized” to commit a violent crime plays
upon colonial and racist stereotypes vis-à-vis an African
immigrant woman.
We adamantly oppose all harassment, sexual violence
and rape, and we know that when there is a large
discrepancy between the power, the wealth and racial
hierarchy of the parties involved, justice is even harder
to come by. All rapists and harassers believe they are
entitled, and often when they are part of the power
elite they assume that influence will outweigh the
legal protection and freedom from coercion all women
should enjoy. Feminists around the world demand that
justice be done.
Women of all countries, unite!
The Bylaws Reform committee will accept
recommendations from the membership, but will have
final say on its recommendations.
The recommendations from the Bylaws Reform
committee will goto referendum to be voted on by the
members of the General Defense Committee.
SA-2011-05 Close Metro Lighting Defense Fund
WHERE AS Metro Lighting was a campaign in the
Bay Area, that the GeneralDefense Committee is still
holding a Defense account for,
WHERE AS Metro Lighting ceased to be a campaign in
2008
BE IT RESOLVED that the remaining $20(USD) in the
Metro Lighting Fund be transfered to the Central Fund.
PASSED - CB Y EZ Y SA Y
SA-2011-06 Close October 22nd Defense Fund
WHERE AS THE GDC has collected donations for The
October 22nd Coalition to Stop Police Brutality,
WHERE AS there is still $6(USD) in this fund,
WHERE AS The October 22nd Coalition to Stop Police
Brutality is unable to be reaches, as there email address
([email protected]) bounces, and there phone
number (1-888-662-7882) goes immediately to a
message “Thank You for Calling, Good Bye!”
BE IT RESOLVED that the remaining funds in The
October 22nd Coalition to Stop Police Brutality, be
deposited into the Central Fund,
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all assessments sold
in the future which were originally intended for The
October 22nd Coalition to Stop Police Brutality, also be
deposited into the Central Fund.
passed - CB Y EZ Y SA Y
SA-2011-07 Close Andrew Nellis Defense Fund
WHERE AS Andrew Nellis is not a member is good
standing, and has not been for over a year,
WHERE AS the GDC has maintained a Defense Fund
which contains $13 (USD),
BE IT RESOLVED that the GDC close the Andrew Nellis
Defense Fund and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the remaining $13 (USD)
be transfered to the Central Defense Fund.
passed - CB Y EZ Y SA Y
SA-2011-08 Close All Defense Funds that are NOT
Mason, Kappas, and Svoboda
WHERE AS the only Defense Cases that have report to
the CST are, Kappas, Mason, and Svoboda
WHERE AS there are no funds earmarked for any
defense fund excluding the one list above
BE IT RESOLVED that the GDC official close all other
Defense Cases that are not Kappas, Mason, and Svoboda
passed - CB Y EZ Y SA Y
SA-2011-09 Disperse Andrew Nellis Defense Funds
WHERE AS the Andrew Nellis Defense Fund had
$13(USD)
WHERE AS Ottawa GDC Local 6 is still working on FW
Nellis’s Defense
BE IT RESOLVED that GDC Central Disperse $13(USD)
to Ottawa GDC Local 6 for the purpose of the Andrew
Nellis Defense Fund.
passed - CB Y EZ Y SA Y
CB-2011-10
Sttement against AFTRA members appearing in Target’s
anti-union video
SA-2011-10 Resolution to Convention
BE IT RESOLVED that the following statement be sent to
General
Convention for ratification by the membership via
referendum.
All members of the Industrial Workers of the World, who
are financially capable, should join the General Defense
Committee.
PASSED - CB Y EZ Y SA Y
passed - CB Y EZ Y SA Y
PASSED - CB Y EZ Y SA Y
CB-2011-11 GDC
Huffington Post
PENDING
Endorse
NWU
Boycott
of
SA-2011-04 Formation of a Bylaws Reform
Committee
WHERE AS the bylaws of the General Defense
Committee are out date, e.g. mentions of General
Assembly
BE IT RESOLVED that the General Defense Steering
Committee form a bylaws reform committee, to consist
of three to five members, none of whom may be part
of the Central Administration, to be appointed by the
Central Administration.
SA-2011-11 Remove from IWW Constitution Article III
Section 5(h)
WHERE AS the IWW Constitution Article III Section 5(h)
conflict with IWW Bylaws Article II Section 4(c)
BE IT RESOLVED that the General Defense Steering
Committee Official petition the General Executive
Board to send an amendment to General Convention to
strike from the Constitution Article II Section 5(h) in its
entirety to resolve this conflict.
passed - CB Y EZ Y SA Y
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