What happens on September 12?

That's really the key question. 

 Our national representatives don't give a fig about marches or protests or sit-ins or die-ins or lock-downs or peace-outs or anything else, because they all go away in a day.

A "General Strike" means no one works until demands are met.  Is that what's coming?  If so, I say "Solidarity forever!" 

How many AFL-CIO or ChangeToWin unions have signed on for this General Strike?  You'll certainly need the Teamsters, and it would be good to have the Brotherhood of Raliroad Workers.  NATCA would be good.  Hard to land a plane without an air traffic controller.

Please keep us up to date.

by Bob Kincaid (4 articles, 0 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 43 comments) on Monday, August 13, 2007 at 8:33:30 AM
 

I'm the messanger, not the organizer.

I hope all of those groups join up and the civil rights groups as well.

The article describes the "viral" nature of the organizing. Citizens and groups emerge and become involved. A lot of this is being done through IndyMedia but since it's ground up, right now you don't get an update from me because I don't know more than what you see since I submitted this at 8-9 am today. More will come up and it will get reported by me and others.

by Michael Collins (96 articles, 16 quicklinks, 5 diaries, 344 comments) on Monday, August 13, 2007 at 4:07:26 PM
 

GENERAL STRIKE

dear Mr. Collins
Have you heard that some peace activists--including HOWARD ZINN, DANIEL BERRIGAN and here in Minneapolis MARV DAVIDOV have propsoed a GE3NERAL STRIKE for SEPT 21st to stop the war---followed by INCREASING THE DAYS OF GENERAL STRIKE/NO SHOPPINFG in OCTOBER for 2 days, NOVEMBER for 3 days.

Your opEd News piec3 was the first I heard about a 9/112 general strike.
Lydia Howell, Minneapolis,MN

by Lydia Howell (16 articles, 0 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 8 comments) on Monday, August 13, 2007 at 9:19:48 AM
 

Hey Lydia. Check this out

Google the strike.

Indy Media sites, Craigslist, social networking sites like Stumbleupon, MeetUp, and Facebook. Blogs large and small. Discussion forms from Ed Shultz to Progressive Independent.

by Kathlyn Stone (42 articles, 220 quicklinks, 26 diaries, 638 comments) on Monday, August 13, 2007 at 10:01:44 AM
 

Glad to bring you something new.

Replacing this government will take more than one general strike; day, week, month of commercial containment.

I'm reporting on this and offering an editorial opinion. I'm not an organizer. I would have revealed that in the article, were it the case.

My experience with demonstraitons lately is a heirarchical approach with "leaders" controlling the agenda; putting on relatively low key, sometimes boring programs; and segregating the agenda, "stove piping" is the term I believe.

What I like about this approach is that it's new, it's dependent on bottom up initiative by those who see it on the Internet. Of great importance is the union of three separate groups - antiwar, impeachment, and 911 Truth.  That's an example for the left throughout the country.  If it comes off, it will be sans big egos and name brand leaders. It will be a true people's strike.

We'll see how it works out.

by Michael Collins (96 articles, 16 quicklinks, 5 diaries, 344 comments) on Monday, August 13, 2007 at 4:15:39 PM
 

INFO;SEPT 21 GENERAL STRIKE

lOOKS LIKE WORKING AT CROSS PURPOSES (WHY is the US Left SO DAMN ineffective????)
Hre's the info on SEPT 21 GENERAL STRIKE:

SEPTEMBER 21, 2007 ;GENERAL STRIKE FOR PEACE
DON'T WORK! DON'T SPEND!!!!

If Congress cannot or will not stop the war, the people must. Strike for
peace on 21 September 2007. On 21 September 2007 we will not work and we
will not spend. We will demonstrate against war. Join us. Show your
support for peace. Don’t work. Don’t spend.


The general strike is the most powerful action we can take to show
our opposition to the actions of those in charge of the war machine.
Much, if not all, of their power derives from the economic engine we
fuel with our labor and with our consumption. Every bit of labor we
withhold and every reduction in our consumption is power we retain from
them. That is why George Bush’s advice to us in response to the 911
tragedy was to go out and spend.
He and the rest of the masters of war know that a portion of every
dollar you spend and every dollar you earn is siphoned out of the
economy to finance war and to provide profits to the merchants of death.
You have the power to keep this money from the masters of war. While it
is obvious that you must work and you must spend in order to survive,
you can for a day or part of a day withhold your labor and refuse to
spend any or some of the money you have earned.

*****************SUPPORTERS**************************************************
*denotes national organizing committee member

Noam Chomsky, MIT Cambridge MA
Howard Zinn, Historian, MA
Roz Zinn, Artist, MA
Margaret Randall, Writer. Albuquerque, NM
Dr. Neal Blumenfeld, Psychiatrist. Berkeley, CA
Utah Phillips, Folksinger, CA
Father Dan Berrigan, Writer. NY
Liz McAllister, Jonah House. Baltimore, MD
Jerry Berrigan, Catholic Worker. Kalamazoo, MI
Brad Lyttle, Chicago Peace Activist
Dave Rovics, Folksinger
Ken Tilsen, Attorney, Hudson, WI
Staughton Lynd, Historian, Lawyer. Niles, Ohio see his paper on general
strikes lynd.pdf
Marv Davidov, Founder - Honeywell Project; 1961 Freedom Rider,
Minneapolis, MN
Vernon Bellecourt, American Indian Movement.
Minneapolis, MN
Mel Duncan, Human Rights Activist. St. Paul, MN
Polly Mann, Co-founder, WAMM, Mpls., MN
Barbara Mishler, Co-founder, Minneapolis War Resisters League. Mpls., MN
Wanda Brown, Business Woman. Wisconsin Peace Activist
Phyllis Goldin, Psychiatrist. Wisconsin Peace Activist
Robert Bly, Minnesota Poet
Mahmoud El Kati, Historian, Teacher. St. Paul, MN
Phil Berrigan, called for general strike before he died; see his article
berrigan.pdf
Sr. Megan Rice, Nevada Desert Experience
Sister Rita Steinhagen Chapter of War Resisters League
National Lawyers Guild - Minnesota Chapter
Larry Long, Troubadour, Educator, Minnesota
Medea Benjamin, Co-founder Code Pink and Global Exchange, San Francisco, CA
Jeritt Lovell, Professor of Criminal Justice - Cal State Fullerton;
Peace and Justice Activist, CA
Dan Ellsberg, Pentagon Papers, Berkeley, CA
Kathy Kelly, Voices for Creative Non-violence, Chicago, IL
Jeff Leys, Voices for Creative Non-violence, Chicago, IL
Harvey Wasserman, Historian - Environmentalist, Columbus, OH
Wisconsin Network for Peace and Justice
John LaForge, Nukewatch, Luck. WI
Michele Naar-Obed, Plowshare activist and Catholic Worker, Duluth, MN
Loaves and Fishes Catholic Worker Community, Duluth , MN
Dr. Michael Uhl, Veterans for Peace, Toledo, OH
Becky Lourey, Former Minnesota State Representative, Senator and
candidate for governor, Kerrick, MN
Winona LaDuke, Founder, White Earth Land Recovery Project, White Earth, MN
Peter Rachleff, Professor of Labor History, Macalester College, St. Paul, MN
Matilda Paxton, Author of How To Peace, Communications Co-chair, SEMN
Alliance of Peacemakers, Pine Island, MN
People for Peace and Goodwill, Northfield, MN
Annie Young, Community Activist and Elected Officeholder, Mpls., MN
Dean Zimmerman, Peace Activist, Freedom Summer/Civil Rights Activist,
Environmental Activist, FCI Englewood, Littlton, CO
Jenny Heiser, Lifelong Activist for social, human, and economic justice,
Mpls., MN
Tonya Sneed, First Grade Teacher and Peace Activist, Peoria, IL
Anathoth Community, Luck, WI
October Fifteenth Anarchist Collective, Toledo, OH
Holly Brewer and M@, Activists and Co-creators of HUMANWINE, Boston, MA
Freda Berrigan, Weapons Analyst, New York City, NY
Martin Goff, Union Organizer, Mpls., MN
Prince Myshkins, Singers, Actors, Madison, WI
Nukewatch, Luck, WI
Colleen Ryan, Peace Activist, Austin, TX

by Lydia Howell (16 articles, 0 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 8 comments) on Monday, August 13, 2007 at 9:58:25 AM
 

I don't see it as being "at cross purposes"

The goals are similar. It doesn't matter who is behind it, just so something happens!

I heard of the September 21 strike months ago but have not seen it widely discussed on the Internet sites mentioned above. Big names don't necessarily mean big play. Why isn't the message on 9/21 getting out there? Gatekeepers? Is the message too complex?

A strike on the anniversary of  9/11 carries added meaning for many people.

We need wide discussion of the strike topic in order to get people thinking about it. It will take more than one attempt.

by Kathlyn Stone (42 articles, 220 quicklinks, 26 diaries, 638 comments) on Monday, August 13, 2007 at 10:27:59 AM
 

Complaining and snarking...

I'm not organizing this.  I'm just reporting.  But I'll tell you one thing - I'm sick and tired of "leaders" who supposedly tell us what we're supposed to thing about the issues and how we're supposed to fall in line behind a particular agenda.  One thing about this effort is that it's leaderless at the top; it emerges form the interest and commitment of the people who take hold of the idea.

Another two points.  First, this is a union of three groups.  Good for them.  They rose above their particular interests and recognized a higher purpose.  Second, this effort talks about ending all war.  When do you hear that?  It's "end Viet Nam," "end Iraq."  Terrific ideas but what about ending all war?  That's the goal.  Why do we have an anti Iraq War movement, to date (at least as it's presented to the public), instead of an anti war, anti violence movement.  The 911 effort is just that.

God forbid we have two successful demonstrations; or maybe a series of successful demonstrations.  The "leaders" can share the spotlight with the people. 

by Michael Collins (96 articles, 16 quicklinks, 5 diaries, 344 comments) on Monday, August 13, 2007 at 4:23:26 PM
 

General Strike

If a handful of people around the country stay home from work and skip school, this will amount to nothing. On the other hand, if the NYPD and NYFD strike for just one day, it would bring New York City to its knees and it would HAVE to be reported in the corporate media. Think of the ramifications if a spokesperson for one of these two organizations stated on live TV that 9-11 was an inside job. The floodgates could open with other prominent celebrities "piling on" in support. This is the type of action that must be carefully orchestrated if this event is to be successful.

by Bill Cain (2 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 287 comments) on Monday, August 13, 2007 at 10:26:11 AM
 

You are totally correct. It's pretty hard to be a whiltle

blower.  Look what happened to Tice, who revealed the ATT snooping with NSA.  That guy was hounded; it seems, to the point of isolation.  He is a brave man.  You're hope is correct - one of the organizations involved needs to speak out with organizational unity.  It would be a bad idea to harass any NYPD spokesman or whistle blower with the force behind her or him.   The Firemen's union did this with Rudy G to noticeable effect.

There are two demonstrations.  The one I wrote about is on 9/11.

by Michael Collins (96 articles, 16 quicklinks, 5 diaries, 344 comments) on Monday, August 13, 2007 at 4:28:44 PM
 

General Strike

Which is it - Sept. 11 or 21? Not a good sign if there are two movements operating independantly of the other.

by Bill Cain (2 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 287 comments) on Monday, August 13, 2007 at 10:40:31 AM
 

Who cares? Pick one! Or do both.

Start with 9/11 and repeat.

by Kathlyn Stone (42 articles, 220 quicklinks, 26 diaries, 638 comments) on Monday, August 13, 2007 at 10:54:39 AM
 

Who Cares?

There there is something else being planned by the impeachment group on Sept. 15. Maybe I'll just plan to take a two week vacation.

Who cares, you say? Do you care if the effort to take this country back is splintered into three events that are supposed to take place within 10 days of each other - none of which individually will have the impact of ONE HUGE EVENT that emcompasses everyone's outrage, and that might actually get the national attention it deserves to make a difference?

Splintered dissent and resistance is exactly what those in control would like to see.

by Bill Cain (2 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 287 comments) on Monday, August 13, 2007 at 11:47:16 AM
 

a splintered movement is not exactly new, is it?

Supposing you had to pick one, which of these rally/marches planned in DC for this fall would you endorse? I already know which one I'll attend.

Troops Out Now

ANSWER

UFP&J

by Kathlyn Stone (42 articles, 220 quicklinks, 26 diaries, 638 comments) on Monday, August 13, 2007 at 12:29:35 PM
 

billcain

How can you have a splintered movement when there's no movement.  If you want to see a real movement, check out the picture of the March demonstration, 500,000 people, in LA.  It was a Latino/Latina led effort, a loose coalition that emerged.  Did you notice an officially designated "leader" for that demonstration and the subsequent efforts leading up to the glorious May Day 2006 statement by that community - we're not going to let a bunch of bigoted Congressmen/women turn us into felons and restrict our right of association.

We've got little to nothing now except the familiar demonstration groups and leaders.  Lets see how this works.

I do very much like your idea of taking a couple of weeks off;)  Maybe we'll hit the same turf to some noticeable effect.  Let's hope and keep on moving forward.

by Michael Collins (96 articles, 16 quicklinks, 5 diaries, 344 comments) on Monday, August 13, 2007 at 4:35:21 PM
 

Splintered dissent = A not so United States

by Munich (0 articles, 67 quicklinks, 12 diaries, 831 comments) on Monday, August 13, 2007 at 9:17:07 PM
 

Many days starts with one day. This is a point in time.

It may or may not work.

I'm not "wordsmithing" - I'm just reporting on this. I happen to like the idea because we're bereft. I looked at that list of luminaries at the 9/25 rally, which I hope is a HUGE success. My first thought was, how many of those people wangled themselves on the program to "show the flag" of their group. How boring is the whole affair going to be. Plus I hate movement folk singers. Hasn't been one worth anything since Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger. Those two were kick-ass leftists. I wasn't there mind you, a bit pre natal for Woody and to young for a Pete rally, but I remember seeing Seeger on TV and he was great.

I AGREE with this statement of your whole heartedly, very deeply

"And it is these same media whores who continuously allow this prevaricating, despot cardboard cowboy to spew all of the fear and all of mendacity that he deems necessary, when ever and where ever he chooses! "

Nobody I talked to sees this as one day, it's a reach, a huge one, to kickstart things. Lets hope that NYC works. That would be great. Seattle too. But people have to get off their asses and show up.

I'm seeing the Rove departure as a sign of weakness and desparation. He may be indicted, they think, so move him out. But they're so greedy, they want to use his dirty tricks in behalf of Mr. Clean, Mitt the enemy of man's best friend.

This is totally screwed up, we've been betrayed, it's time to just keep going. If this is our version of the Easter Rebellion, non violent version, then we win because we demonstrate that people will show up.   

Maybe we'll catch a break, something will happen, this will be a start. I'm a lot more comfortable with a movement that rises up than with one where those with staying power end up inheriting the mantle...no more snooze alarms.

Pete Seeger “Solidarity Forever” http://tinyurl.com/2hz4mn

by Michael Collins (96 articles, 16 quicklinks, 5 diaries, 344 comments) on Wednesday, August 15, 2007 at 5:35:59 PM
 

It might be better if we pick one

I chooose 9/11 because the sooner the better.

And even if it's only for one day - it could be a great show of force - for a change putting fear into our enemies and giving us (myself included) a needed confidence boost, and more... Let's do it!

So Count me in. And if all those in here who were calling for "Unity" with no squabbling/disagreement - if they will hurry up and join us - then opednews can really become a huge help with getting this going. But of course, they will and they must because they are not deceptive hypocrites. How could they be - they are opednews members!

Anyhoo, I for one and going to offer some proof that I really-really mean what I say (because I really do think we need to unify, and just in general because bullshitters disgust me. Later tonight, when I get back in from work (or in the morn if I am absolutely too zonked), I will post this information and a graphic on the front page of the rcg site, and on my blog. I will also pledge to strike on 9/11. {Hey can someone more graphically inclined make a strike pledge button for strikers to put up and to show solidarity? It would be great to start seeing these all over the net.)

Now how bout you "unifiers" what will you do? "Are you with us or agin us?" ;-)

by RCG (3 articles, 0 quicklinks, 3 diaries, 348 comments) on Monday, August 13, 2007 at 11:59:57 AM
 

Good for you

We all do this tired, fatigued from two or three jobs - work to pay "the rent," other jobs which often include contributing to a sane world where mutual respect is the norm not the exception.

I hope you fund a button maker.  Don't forget to check ouit the page with the "flyers."  They're terrific. 

by Michael Collins (96 articles, 16 quicklinks, 5 diaries, 344 comments) on Monday, August 13, 2007 at 4:39:17 PM
 

People please!

It's a start! General Strikes are effective, whether they be one day or indefinitely.

If just 5% go on strike on the 11th it will have an effect. You loss 5% productivity even for a day corporations take notice and it's the corporations that run this government. We get 10% on the 21st, even better.

I just don't understand anyone not supporting this. Nothing else is working. The so-called representatives of the people don't listen to our calls, letters, emails, protest marches or votes. Maybe they'll listen when their wallets are effected.

A centralized web-site for future GS would be great. Prolonged boycotting of GE products, Home Depot and other war supporting companies will have move impact than all the other forms of protest put together.

Post signs - make flyer's - talk to everyone you know. We have the power. They don't. MAKE THAT POWER BE HEARD! Freedom survives when the governments fear the people, not the other way around.

And I don't want to hear any of the whining about how you can't afford to take one day off for a chance to take your country back. If things keep going the way they are your job will be the last thing you will have to worry about.

by Mr M (4 articles, 0 quicklinks, 12 diaries, 1436 comments) on Monday, August 13, 2007 at 4:15:26 PM
 

If nothing else

a 9/11 GS can be for 'practice'!  :-D 

See what happens -- if we don't get real results we do it again -- and again -- and again. (Yes, it will most likely take more than one one-day thing.) It's true that in other countries people keep striking until they get the results, but Americans are just 'kindergartners' at democracy and need to work up to it, maybe. General Washington had to train his troops to be effective, and so does General Strike? ;-)

by Blue Pilgrim (0 articles, 3 quicklinks, 2 diaries, 997 comments) on Monday, August 13, 2007 at 9:51:11 PM
 

Thank you...

We've had nothing from the "leaders" and "the party," nothing, zip.  So why not take a shot at this.  I'm not working on the strike committee, I'm just going to do it on 9/11 - even if it's a flop and I end up putting posters out in DC.  Who else is doing anything.  The good thing about this 9/11/2007 general strike idea is it has people talking.  It's one day and there are many days to follow, many of which need to involve citizen resistance on multiple levels.  We can do it.  We're now to this democracy stuff as you point out but at it longer than most.  We just aren't as organized as they Europeans seem to be.  In 2002, there was a general strike in Spain because the union rank and file decided that their leaders were fat and happy.  Perfect organization nation wide.  We can't/won't but probably "can't" do that now.  So we'll have fits and starts.  The Easter Rebellion at the start of the Irish revolution was a botched job, a series of sad errors.  What happened?  The Irish people got the message - they can resist and to do so is a statement.  After that it was all out and they kickekd the British out. 

We need to kick Bush & Cheney out.  But that's just the start.  All the creepy judges that they put in place, all the fake populist right wing Senators, all the absurd regulatory appointments  -  they all have to go.

Peace

by Michael Collins (96 articles, 16 quicklinks, 5 diaries, 344 comments) on Wednesday, August 15, 2007 at 5:16:23 PM