Saturday, March 06, 2010
CANADIAN ANARCHIST MOVEMENT-VANCOUVER:
VANCOUVER MARCH AGAINST POLICE BRUTALITY:
Seems like the Vancouver based Olympic Resistance Network is still out there and resisting, even though the Olympics have ended. Here's a communique from them about the upcoming International day Against Police Brutality and their endorsement of a march for this day.
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March 15th - International Day Against Police Brutality:
---------------------------- Original Message ----------------------------
---------------------------- Original Message ----------------------------
March 15th - International Day Against Police Brutality
Community Not Cops!!!
March 15th, 6pm, Broadway and Clark (skate park on the south side)
A March will begin from Creekside Park (Clark & Broadway) at 6pm on Monday March 15th. Come show your opposition to police repression and the gentrification of our communities!
Resist Police Control!!!
Fight For Freedom!!!!
Labels: anarchism, canadian anarchist movement, demonstrations, events, International Day Against Police Brutality, Olympic Resistance Network, police brutality., Vancouver
Saturday, February 27, 2010
CANADIAN POLITICS-VANCOUVER:
DEMONSTRATIONS TO RING OUT THE OLYMPICS:
The great Olympics party will soon be drawing to a close, and it's sure that the hangover will follow close behind as the taxpayers find out how much they will have to cough up. Public funding for the athletes will shrink until the nest needed boost for political optics. The opposition to the Games, however, plans to have some closing ceremonies of their own on the final day. Here, from the Olympic Resistance Network, is the line-up for tomorrow. You pick where these will sit on the podium.
VOVOVOVOVOVOVOVO
Feb 28: Three events
North side of the Vancouver Art Gallery
North side of the Vancouver Art Gallery
9 am Sunday the 28th of February
Resistance bike ride! Bikes are green! Olympics are NOT green!
In resistance to these Olympics on stolen native land, to imperialism, hegemony, environmental destruction, criminalization of poverty... we'll ride to support real people in the streets! Come meet us at the VAG to leave very shortly after 9 am!
We will not let the oppressions of the world flow smoothly and be celebrated as a success! Afterward we'll party in the streets to show them that they're gonna to leave, but we're all stayin'!
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[ please post far and wide - sorry for cross postings ]
Games Over! Resistance Lives!
*Celebrating Unity & Solidarity*
*Sunday FEB 28th, 2010 at 1:00 PM
Smithe and Cambie Followed by celebration at 4:30 pm of 2 weeks of dignity, hope and freedom at Olympic Tent Village. *[ more information on tent village here: olympictentvillage.wordpress.com ]
Bring the NOISE! Pots, pans, drums and noisemakers welcome! Join us in a noisy public festival to celebrate our communities and our resistance. Just because the IOC says the games are over doesn't mean it's over.
Our struggles for justice as indigenous, migrant, poor, working class and queer communities existed before the Olympic and Paralympic games and will exist after. The games have also provided a spark that we hope will inspire all effected communities to bind together in our coming struggles to attain justice.
These were not the greenest games - they were the corporate greenwash games. They were not the socially responsible games - homelessness tripled as billions were spent on highways and convention centers for the rich. And these games occurred on un-ceded territories where the indigenous communities continue to be on the front lines defending lands from industrial expansion.
In the coming budget BC residents will likely see massive cuts to healthcare, education, affordable housing, public transit, sports and recreation, and other priorities. While the IOC, VANOC and the ableist games will be gone, we are still here!
Join us after the rally at the Olympic Tent Village to celebrate 2 weeks of dignity, hope and freedom. The festivities start at 4:30pm at58 West Hastings.
Meal, drummers and entertainment.
All welcome!
*Solidarity & Unity!
The resistance will continue!
Join us and let's make some NOISE!
* For more information contact: 2010gamesover@gmail.com +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
(Statement to media released earlier this week, also for public distribution)
Labels: 2010 Winter Olympics, anti-olympics, Canadian politics, demonstrations, events, Olympic Resistance Network, olympics, Vancouver
Monday, February 22, 2010
CANADIAN POLITICS-VANCOUVER:
TENT VILLAGE NEEDS YOUR HELP:
The Winter Olympics continue. The clown show of the 'Black Block' is over and done with as the participants slink back to their holes, congratulating themselves about how "brave" they were and how much they accomplished by smashing a few windows and running like hell from the cops. The real protests against the Winter Games, however, continue, and one of these is the "tent village" set up to protest homelessness while billions are thrown at the spectacle of the Olympics. The Village is looking for your support. Here, from the Olympic Resistance Network, is the story and appeal.
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Olympic Tent Village Enters Week 2,
Needs Your Ongoing Support:
OLYMPIC TENT VILLAGE ENTERS WEEK 2,
OLYMPIC TENT VILLAGE ENTERS WEEK 2,
NEEDS YOUR ONGOING SUPPORT!
Since Feb 15, 2010 the Olympic Tent Village has been set up at 58 West Hastings, an empty lot owned by notorious condo developer Concord Pacific, currently being leased by VANOC as a parking lot for the Olympics. The first few days at the Olympic Tent Village have gone strongly and smoothly, thanks to the community effort to support and defend it. Hundreds have gathered during the evening and through the night, especially DTES residents, homeless people, and youth.
* Read Issue 1 of Tent Village Voice:
* Watch videos of DTES residents and homeless people residing at Tent Village: http://olympictentvillage.wordpress.com/2010/02/17/media/
Over the next week, we are calling on all supporters to continue to defend the Olympic Tent Village and to support the residents. We need:
- Volunteers to help cook at the Tent Village anytime drop-in starting at 8 am till 8 pm.
- Supporters to be present during the day 8 am to 4 pm and overnight 6 pm to 6 am.
- Independent media, legal observers and others with cameras in case of emergencies (please note, due to privacy concerns, there is no recording in the Tent Village otherwise)
- On site medic support especially overnight from 6 pm to 6 am.
- Donations of non perishable food items, tarps, tents, blankets, sleeping bags.
The 2010 Winter Olympics has escalated the homelessness crisis in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside - Canada's poorest postal code - and the Greater Vancouver area. Since the Olympic bid, homelessness has nearly tripled in the GVRD, while real estate and condominium development in the Downtown Eastside is outpacing social housing by a rate of 3:1.
Meanwhile, a heightened police presence has further criminalized those living in extreme material poverty in the poorest postal code in Canada. With the eyes of the world on Vancouver, residents of the Downtown Eastside and our supporters of the Olympic Tent Village want:
1. Real action to end homelessness now
2. End condo development and displacement in the Downtown Eastside
3. End discriminatory ticketing, police harassment, and all forms of criminalization of poverty.
The Olympic Tent Village has been an inspiring action to take over public space and empty lots, a powerful testament to the building of community, and a reclamation of dignity and freedom amidst daily systemic poverty and injustice.
For updates, articles, video, photos, and further information on how to support: http://olympictentvillage.wordpress.com/
VVVVVVVVVVVVVVV
Molly Note:
Don't worry. I'll eventually get to my usual denunciation of those who hide their personal psychology under the guise of "anarchism" and "politics". Until then, however, i merely have to mention the obvious, obvious to anyone who isn't bound by the ideology of a subculture. If you represent the political views of a minority, and a very small minority at that, you just might want to represent yourself (and actually be whatever you have been taught by post-modernist professors) as having the "moral high ground". The action of the "tent village", in my mind, serves this purpose very well in that it is exemplary in its non-violence, and any violence towards it by the state will rebound to the odium of the state. This is in stark contrast to those who want to pretend to the anarchist idea of "direct action" by doing the 'symbolic action" of , as I said, minor vandalism and running as fast as they can. The people at the "tent village", whether they carry it out or not, have made their intention to stand their ground in a non-violent way and accept the consequences very plain. Let's take bets. Which way is more useful when you want to speak to the "unconvinced" ? Oh, I forgot, the "heroes" of the overturned mailbox think that the "unconvinced" are irretrievably deluded, and their joy is merely to insult them while doing the "real politics" of running away from the cops as fast as they can.
Ooops, I've started on what I promised to leave until later. so be it. Definitely more later.
Labels: 2010 Winter Olympics, black block, Canadian politics, direct action, fools, Olympic Resistance Network, sports, tactics, Vancouver
Sunday, February 14, 2010
CANADIAN POLITICS-VANCOUVER:
ANTI-OLYMPIC DEMONSTRATIONS IN THE OPENING DAYS:
The 2010 Winter Olympics have begun, and so have a series of demonstrations, each with different locals, goals and tactics. The one that has garnered the most media attention is, predictably, the one on Saturday morning where there was some minor property damage and where several arrest took place. This was graced with the term "violent" and luridly portrayed as such across the world. All that I can say, from watching it on the tube, is that it was a pretty piss poor excuse for a riot if that was what the participants intended. What with the ritualized dancing and all in front of the police line. These things, of course, are more than slightly mere ritualized combat, with the participants on both sides are suffering from more than a slight share of delusion. The trouble is that their happenings can be worked up into some fantastical symbolic myths, once again by both sides, but with the mainstream media as the main offender in creating the greatest fantasy. Should side A (let's call them "the anarchists") seem unwilling to play their part of violent threat to a sufficient degree there are (always ?) police agents sent to stir them up. The following article mentions one such individual. In their appeal for "jail support" the Olympic Resistance Network uses the term "several" when referring to provocateurs. sadly it often doesn't take too much of a push for 'Side A' to do exactly what the police want them to.
Here's what happened on Saturday according to one observer. The following is originally from Rabble.ca . It came to Molly's attention via the No2010 website. Note the appendix of photos and videos from the event.
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2010 Heart Attack: Riot 2010 Becomes a Reality:
2010 Heart Attack: Vancouver Olympics Opening Day
By Scott Harris February 14, 2010, Council of Canadians Blog
http://rabble.ca/blogs/bloggers/council-canadians/2010/02/2010-heart-attack-vancouver-olympics-opening-day
The major mobilization on Saturday, dubbed the "2010 Heart Attack" began in the early hours of the morning, with around 300 activists gathering at Thornton Park under a heavy police presence to march through the streets of Vancouver in an attempt to disrupt "business as usual" on the opening day of competition of the 2010 Games.
The march departed from Thornton Park just after 9:00 am, with the goal of reaching the intersection of Denman and Georgia, where buses destined for the Whistler venues have to pass.
Police on bicycles ringed the march as it snaked its way through the streets towards the upscale downtown, turning up Hastings Street and moving into the heart of the city, nearly abandoned streets giving way to larger crowds as it progressed.
Early on an apparent agent provocateur moved into the crowd, pushing and taunting marchers before darting to the sidewalk, at times stopping to talk with police before running forward to taunt the crowd again. As the protest moved through the streets, some participants overturned mailboxes and newspaper boxes, pulling them into the street in an attempt to block traffic.
Minor property damage occurred along that march, and as demonstrators reached the shopping district of Georgia Street, a group of protesters broke one of the display windows of the Hudson's Bay building, one of the national sponsors of the Games, and one which has come under criticism for both its long history of colonialism and its sourcing of Olympics sweaters from China rather than the Cowichan nation. A ball of red paint was also thrown at the window. Despite a heavy presence at the scene, no arrests were made.
As the march continued through the downtown, with chants of "No justice, no peace" and "Whose streets? Our streets!" echoing through the buildings, the police presence intensified.
Vans full of police in full riot gear descended on the march, and the number of police on bicycles increased markedly. With those on bicycles forcing onlookers and some of the marchers to the sidewalk, the riot police moved in from behind the marchers, with numerous police cars and wagons following closely behind. There were scuffles as the police moved to isolate the main body of the march from legal observers and onlookers who were filming, and one woman was arrested after being wrestled to the ground by a number of officers.
The marchers were eventually surrounded by riot police, some of whom were armed with automatic weapons while others brandished plexiglass shields and batons. After police on bicycles stopped a group of onlookers from proceeding, separating them from the march by about half a block, police moved in and made a number of arrests. Some in the crowd fought back or attempted to "un-arrest" those targeted by the police. Both riot police and police on bicycles forced observers and legal teams to the sidewalks as they put those arrested into wagons. As the police moved in and divided the crowd by creating wedges between different groups of protesters, some smaller groups split from the main march, some of them pursued by groups of police.
Smaller groups spread throughout the downtown core were split off by police and surrounded by riot police at a number of locations. One group of about 30 people, which included a marching band and a number of dancers, were surrounded on all sides by riot police as supporters were kept at a distance by heavily armed police and police on bicycles. The crowd, which was forced to the sidewalk by police by threats of arrest chanted "Let them go!" as those surrounded by the police held their hands in peace signs and attempted to negotiate their way to the sidewalk. As the standoff between trumpets and truncheons continued, some in the crowd turned to chants of "This is weird. Let them go." After being surrounded for over half an hour and prevented from leaving, the police eventually allowed the band and its supporters to disperse.
In all a total of 13 arrests were reported by the legal support team, and five are being held and may be charged. Protesters have begun jail support at the police station at 222 Main in support of those arrested.
By 4:00 pm, the most heavily damaged window at Hudson's Bay Co. had been replaced.
Scott Harris is the Prairies Regional Organizer for the Council of Canadians
Video from VMChttp://vancouver.mediacoop.ca/video/2743
Photos fro VMChttp://vancouver.mediacoop.ca/photo/2741
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Here, from the CBC is a report of an earlier protest in Vancouver, one that got far less general media coverage because it was as spectacularly confrontational as the one described above. I've decided to leave the comment link in because it may give the reader a feel about how the general population of Vancouver is reacting to the protests.
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Police clash with anti-Olympics protesters:
Last Updated: Friday, February 12, 2010 9:27 PM PT Comments773
Anti-Olympics protesters clashed with police in downtown Vancouver on Friday night as the marchers tried to approach BC Place, where opening ceremonies for the 2010 Games were underway.
Some protesters sprayed vinegar in officers' eyes, threw sticks, and spit on officers, police said.
Two officers were injured with flying objects and one was sent to hospital with a shoulder injury but was treated and released, said Const. Lindsey Houghton.
The 125 officers assembled in two rows, along with six police officials on horseback and managed to hold back the crowd, estimated at 1,500.
No protesters were injured.
One man was taken into custody and is facing a charge of assault, Houghton said.
Protesters got as far as the corner of Robson and Beatty streets before being stopped at the police lines, about 200 metres from BC Place stadium.
The protesters rallied outside the Vancouver Art Gallery at 3 p.m. before starting their seven-block walk to the stadium. They marched along West Georgia Street to Homer Street, where they turned south then east on Robson toward BC Place, where the ceremonies began at 6 p.m. local time.
Placards carried by the demonstrators suggested many disagreed with spending taxpayer money on the Games instead of targeting social problems.
Organizers said they wanted the protest to remain peaceful.
About 200 protesters forced organizers to reroute the Olympic torch relay twice early Friday as the runners made their way through the Downtown Eastside.
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Molly Note:
The first article above speaks of one police provocateur. In emails sent out to their supporters by the Olympic Resistance Network they speak of several at the second demonstration described in the first article. This may or may not be the case. It certainly has happened before here in Canada, and the most recently proven instance of police agents intercepted while they were trying to provoke violence was at the Montibello summit outside of Ottawa. This is neither here no there. I mention it because there is a congratulatory description of the events at demo #2 now making the rounds on the 'anarcho-net'. The interesting thing about that is that it makes no mention of such a possibility, even though it is apparently quite the buzz out in Vancouver (and not just amongst supporters of the protests). It also paints an incredibly rosy picture of how other protesters viewed the actions of demo #2. I seriously doubt that others are all entirely pleased with what happened.
Labels: 2010 Winter Olympics, agents, anarchism, canadian anarchist movement, Canadian politics, No 2010, Olympic Resistance Network, olympics, protests, Vancouver
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
CANADIAN POLITICS-VANCOUVER:
OLYMPICS AND ANTI-OLYMPICS BEGIN:
Hang onto your hats kiddies. this is going to be a long one. We're two days away from the opening ceremonies, and already it's major party time out there in "rainyland". Watching the weather reports with forecasts of 4 to 10 degrees above zero at the various event locations one can only wonder how they're going to hold any outdoor events at all. Water skies maybe ???
The weather, however, hasn't put a damper on the party atmosphere. I heard a radio report today saying that "six police" and "four soldiers" had been sent packing "for disciplinary reasons". I found that somehow hard to believe. So I looked it up when I got home from work, and I found more believable numbers in an article from today's Vancouver Sun. It turns out that 16 police officers, out of a total of about 6,000 and 50 soldiers out of a total of about 4,000 were sent on their way.
In the case of the police a spokesman claimed that 14 of the 16 were sent home for "compassionate reasons" and only two for "disciplinary reasons unrelated to alcohol". Well...maybe no relation other than by marriage. A spokesman for the military refused to give a breakdown of the reasons for returning the 50 soldiers to their bases. One wonders why.
Now those sort of numbers I find much more believable. My faith in the Canadian military, nurtured by long experience, has been restored. I couldn't believe that the cops could outdrink the grunts. No, no, no, there was something wrong there. Now, unless you believe that soldiers are 4.69 times as likely to fall ill (with something other than a hangover ) or have a close relative or spouse in said condition than police officers are, then you can come up with an easy explanation of why the spokesman for the military refused to comment on the reasons for shipping the soldiers.
What can I say other than "laissez les bons temps rouler" ? One other little question arises as I have fun with these figures. According to the numbers given in the Sun the military is so far short 1.25% of its personnel. How many more will they have to send back as the party goes on and on and on. It seems to me that, by the end of the games, a lot of guys in the service will be pulling double shifts to fill the empty slots.
Ohhhhhhh, I know what's going on here. The whole scenario of using the military for Games security is actually an Al Queda plot to destroy the Canadian Army. This is obviously the work of a devious sleeper cell. When all the brown stuff settles down after being blown around by the fan look for the CIA to book a one way ticket to the 'Damascus Hilton' for those evil conspirators Stockwell "Abdullah" Day and Steven "Ali" Harper.
But on to the serious stuff. The anti-Olympic Convergence, held by opponents of the Games, has already begun. Here's a couple of press releases put out by the Olympic Resistance Newtwork in advance of the Games. Don't look to see them reported very much in the mainstream media.
OROROROROROROR
MEDIA ADVISORY
ATTENTION: ALL NEWS EDITORS
OLYMPIC RESISTANCE NETWORK DENOUNCES UNFAIR AND TARGETED PROFILING OF ANTI-OLYMPIC PROTESTORS AND INDEPENDENT JOURNALISTS:
The Olympic Resistance Network is receiving news of a growing number of anti-Olympic protestors and Independent Journalists being denied entry at the Canadian border.
On Tues Feb 9, U.S. journalist John Weston Osburn was detained by US Homeland Security after being twice denied by Canadian Border Officials on his way into Canada to cover the 2010 Olympic protests. Martin Macias Jr., an independent media reporter from Chicago, was rejected by Canadian border agents and held without outside contact on Saturday Feb 6. At least two delegates, arriving from California, to the Indigenous Peoples Assembly in Secwepemc Territories were denied entry into Canada. Other anti-Olympic protestors report extensive laptop and cell phone searches as well as hours-long interrogations.
In anticipation of the unfair targeting by the Canadian Border Services Agency of those viewed as Olympic dissidents, the Olympic ResistanceNetwork has set up an Immigration and Border Legal Support Line. Lawyers and legal professsionals taking these calls are deeply concerned by the pattern of arbitrary turn-backs without cause, as well as the lack of due process in allowing those who are rejected at the border to appeal the decision.
According to the Olympic Resistance Network, the series of border hassles, interrorgations, searches, and refusal are the latest in a long-standing pattern of suppressing the growing movement of dissent and opposition to the Olympic Games.
MEDIA CONTACT: Mac Scott (Olympic Resistance Network Border/ImmigrationLegal Support) at 416 999 6885
For an interview with John Weston Osburn, email westonslc@gmail.com ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
MEDIA ADVISORY
ATTENTION: ALL NEWS EDITORS
OLYMPIC RESISTANCE NETWORK PANEL EVENT AND MEDIA BRIEFINGS:
The Olympic Resistance Network invites media to a panel discussion on Indigenous resistance and the 2010 Vancouver Olympics on Wednedsday February 10th at 7 pm at the Wise Hall, 1882 Adanac Street.
The panel discussion is a part of a 2-day Olympic Resistance Summit for activists to come together to organize, prepare, learn and unite as a part of the convergence against the 2010 Olympic Games. While the rest of the Olympic Resistance Summit will be closed to all media, all media are invited to attend this panel on Indigenous resistance featuring Carol Martin (Nisga'a/Gitanyow and member of Downtown Eastside Elders Council), Arthur Manuel (Secwepemc Nation, spokesperson for the Indigenous Networkon Economies and Trade), Gord Hill (Kwakwakaawakw Nation, member of the Olympic Resistance Network and maintains No2010.com), and Kanahus Pelkey (Secwepemc and Ktunaxa First Nations, Native Youth Movement).
The Olympic Resistance Network will also be holding three media briefings in the coming week - in conjunction with grassroots Indigenous land defenders and activists from across Canada - to discuss reasons for opposing the Games, upcoming resistance plans, and to provide reports on protests.
- Thursday Feb 11 at 3 pm outside 706 Clarke Drive. "Resistance Groups Converge in Vancouver". Represenatives from Olympic Resistance Network,Native Youth Movement, AWOL-Kitchener, Indigenous Environmental Network, and No Games Chicago.
- Friday Feb 12 at 11 am at Pigeon Park, Carrall and Hastings, Downtown Eastside. "No Justice on Stolen Land" with grassroots Indigenous land defenders from Athabasca Fort Chipewan, Six Nations, Statimc Nation, Secwepemc Nation, and Wetsuweten Nation.
- Saturday Feb 13 at 3 pm at Pigeon Park, Carrall and Hastings, Downtown Eastside. Representatives from the Olympic Resistance Network and 2010 Welcoming Committee.
- 30 -
==> For a schedule of events:
==> For a media press package and extensive media availabilites:
MEDIA LIASONS: Harsha Walia: 778 885 0040; Gurb Gill: 604-436-0366.
For more information on the Indigenous resistance panel, contact Alex Mah at 604.715.6990 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
For Immediate Release
February 9, 2010
'Green games' are really a greenwash:
Environmental justice organizations, First Nations communities challenge green games claim.
Major social and environmental justice organizations and First Nations grassroots leaders from across Western Canada will be hosting a press conference to address the environmental impacts of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver and Whistler.
Despite claims by the BC government and the Vancouver Organizing Committee (VANOC) that the 2010 Olympics will be "the greenest games ever," these organizations have serious concerns related to the direct environmental impacts of the games in BC,the environmental records of the Game's host governments, and the environmental practices of a number of the Game's high-profile corporate sponsors, most notably those involved in extraction and transportation of tar sands bitumen from northern Alberta.
*When:*
Thursday, February 11, 2010
10:00 am
*Where:*
706 Clark Drive (corner of Clark Drive and East Georgia St.)
Vancouver, BC
*Who:*
Clayton Thomas-Muller -- Indigenous Environmental Network
Eriel Deranger - Rainforest Action Network
Pina Belpario - Council of Canadians
Lionel Lepine - Member of Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation
Kanahus Pelkey - Secwepemc and Ktunaxa First Nations, Native Youth Movement
-30-
Media Contact:Harjap Grewal - Council of Canadians: 604.340.2455 /
OROROROROROROR
Meanwhile the protests have already begun. Last Sunday, February 7, the 'Poverty Olympics' (a takeoff of the Olympic Games) were held in Vancouver. Here's a report, originally published in The Province ,and reprinted at the No2010 website.
OROROROROROROR
Poverty Olympics Draws 600-700 People:
February 9, 2010 - 04:48 — no2010
Activists stage Poverty Olympics in Downtown Eastside
February 9, 2010 - 04:48 — no2010
Activists stage Poverty Olympics in Downtown Eastside
The Province, February 8, 2010
Anti-poverty activists staged a successful Poverty Olympics in Vancouver's poverty-stricken Downtown Eastside on Sunday afternoon.
"If the money that was spent on the Olympics had been spent to end poverty and homelessness it could have been done by now," said organizer Jean Swanson.
She said 600 to 700 spectators took in the Games -- three skits titled The Housing Hurdles, The Broken Promise Slalom and Wrestling for Community and a mock hockey game between the Pigeon Park Eagles and the VANOC Predators. "The ref was totally in favour of the VANOC Predators, but the Pigeon Park folks won any way," chuckled Swanson.
She said the most popular skit featured four local children wrestling with "the evil developer" for control of the community. "The kids won. They ended up sitting on the developer with their hands in the air in victory," said Swanson. "The audience was cheering and cheering."
The fun and games began when the Poverty Olympics torch arrived after a one-week, 100-kilometre route through Greater Vancouver. The torch, weighing 200 pounds and standing 12 feet tall, held a sign reading, "End the Poverty." It was pushed around on a hospital gurney.
The crowd overwhelmed the site -- the Japanese Hall in the 400-block Alexander Street. "For a while we had to keep people from coming in because it was too packed," said Swanson. She said international media from Britain, France and Germany joined U.S. journalists from the Wall Street Journal and USA Today at the events.
Short Video footage from Vancouver Media Coop on Poverty Olympics
OROROROROROROR
Meanwhile the Olympic Resistance Summit has begun. Here's the notice of events from the Olympic Resistance Network.
OROROROROROROR
Feb 10-11: Olympic Resistance Summit:
http://olympicresistance.net/content/convergence-summit-schedule-feb-10-11
http://olympicresistance.net/content/convergence-summit-schedule-feb-10-11
Kick off the Convergence week at the 2010 Olympic Resistance Summit! ******************************
February 10th and 11th, noon to 10pm East Vancouver, Unceded Coast Salish Territories. The 2010 Olympics Resistance SUMMIT is a space for all anti-capitalist, indigenous, housing rights, labour, migrant justice, environmental, anti-war, community-loving, anti-poverty, civil libertarian, and anticolonial activists to come together to confront this two-week circus and the oppression it represents. During these 2 days we will organize, prepare, learn and unite to create a convergence against the 2010 Olympic Games! The schedule of workshops, panels, and other activities is posted below.
************************************************
Tabling space: If your organization would like to have an information table set up at the Wise Hall during the conference, please email olympicresistance@riseup.net .
Accessibility information: Please note that lunch and dinner will be provided. The Wise Hall is wheelchair accessible, but the Center for Socialist Education is not. On site childcare will be provided at the Center for Socialist Education.
For more information: call 604.723.1206 or email olympicresistance@riseup.net
DAY 1 : Wed Feb 10th The Centre for Socialist Education - 706 Clark
12:00 - 1:00 Welcoming and Lunch
1:00 - 2:00 Creative Resistance Workshop
2:00 – 4:00 Open Creative Space The Wise Hall - 1882 Adanac
1:30- 2:30 Know Your Rights Workshop
2:45- 3:45 Corporate Resistance Workshop
4:00-5:30 Defending the Land Teach-in
5:45 – 6:45 Dinner
7:00 –9:00 Panel: Indigenous Resistance and the 2010 Olympics
DAY 2 : Thurs Feb 11th The Centre for Socialist Education -706 Clark
12:00 - 1:00 Welcoming and Lunch
1:00-2:30 Medics Training
2:30 - 4:00 Medics Logistics Meeting The Wise Hall -1882 Adanac
1:30- 2:45 Post-Convergence Movement Building
3:00- 4:30 IOC and Global Anti-Olympics Movement : Sochi and Chicago
4:45- 7:00 Convergence Planning
7:00 – 8:00 Dinner
8:15–10:00 Caucus Group Discussions
OROROROROROROR
A few days before this the No2010Victoria held their own "welcome party" for the Olympics in the provincial capital across the straight. Here's their press release. Once more don't expect to see much of this in the mainstream press.
OROROROROROROR
Victoria Protest and Mock Eviction of Vanoc Offices:
February 8, 2010 - 05:09 — no2010
VICTORIA TAKES TO THE STREETS FOR “THE OLYMPIC PARTY'S ALMOST OVER”
February 8, 2010 - 05:09 — no2010
VICTORIA TAKES TO THE STREETS FOR “THE OLYMPIC PARTY'S ALMOST OVER”
Press Release
Demonstration and street feast mark opposition to Olympic overspending and escalating poverty
February 6th, 2010 - Coast Salish Territories - Victoria B.C.
Demonstration and street feast mark opposition to Olympic overspending and escalating poverty
February 6th, 2010 - Coast Salish Territories - Victoria B.C.
- The Victoria Coalition Against Poverty (VCAP) and No2010 Victoria organized a loud and colourful rally that wound through downtown Victoria this afternoon. The demonstration began at Bastion Square with a peoples' eviction of the 2010 Winter Games Secretariat office.
“The Secretariat is VANOC's partner and oversees B.C.'s financial commitment to the Games”, said organizer Shannon Lucy. “We evicted the Secretariat because we should not be spending billions on the Games in the midst of massive cutbacks to housing, essential services and other basic human needs.”
The march continued on to the downtown branch of the Royal Bank of Canada for a “sound-off”. “RBC is an Olympic sponsor and major investor in the tar sands”, said organizer Mik Turje. “The tar sands have led to pollution and high cancer rates in the Fort Chipewyan First Nation located downstream. We went to let RBC customers know what their bank is really about.”
The march stopped at the tragedy-laden corner of Pandora and Quadra to highlight critical poverty rates in Victoria. “The Olympics have cost twice as much as it would take to bring everyone in province above poverty line”, said organizer Shane Calder. “It only takes $2.8. billion to bring everyone in B.C. up to the poverty line, but the Olympics have cost us at least $6 billion. Unless we get services and supports to the levels we need, we can expect more tragedy on this corner”.
The march ended at Centennial Square with a street feast. “This afternoon's rally is an indication that the people of British Columbia will not continue to stand by as the Liberals gut the Province's social services in order to boost corporate profits”, stated organizer Tamara Herman. “We'll be in Vancouver next week to make sure our message is heard.”
The Victoria Coalition Against Poverty (VCAP) is a coalition of grassroots organizations that together are demanding an immediate end to poverty.No2010 Victoria is a local collective opposed to the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games.
Email: viccoalitionagainstpoverty@gmail.com and no2010victoria@gmail.com
Two YouTube Videos
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Here's a couple more events that have just been added to the ever busy anti-Olympics schedule by the Olympic Resistance Network.
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New Additions! to the Calender of Events:
Vancouver Call to Action Against 2014 Sochi Olympics on the Land of Circassian Genocide:
Vancouver Call to Action Against 2014 Sochi Olympics on the Land of Circassian Genocide:
Saturday, the 13th – Demonstrations will be held in front of the Russian “Sochi House” at Science World between 12-5pm at Thornton Park.
Join the No Sochi 2014 Committee!
After the five ring circus of the Vancouver Games, the next Winter Olympics will be held in Sochi, Russia in 2014.
• The Circassian Genocide claimed the lives of 1.5 million men, women and children- over 50% of the entire Circassian population .
• Sochi, once Circassia’s capital, was the point of exile for over one million Circassians.
• Circassians have no rights, no freedom and no justice on the land they have lived on for over 5,000 years
• Russia today is still responsible for multiple human rights abuses, environmental destruction and international provocation
Thirty Circassian organizations worldwide as well as millions of Circassians resist these games because they will occur on the greatest tragedy in their history on the site of the Circassian genocide.
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- please forward widely
- No More Empty Talk, No More Empty Lots.:
* February 15th, noon at Pigeon Park (Carrall and Hastings, Downtown Eastside of Vancouver, Coast Salish Territories).
Rally with all our neighbours and supporters.
Organized by DTES Women Centre Power of Women Group.
Food will be served. For information, email project@dewc.ca or call 778 885 0040.
* Support the Olympic Tent Village!
Endorsed by Streams of Justice.
Stay the evening, night, and/or morning after the rally to protect the Tent Village, especially the first 24-72 hours. To find out how to support,visit http://olympictentvillage.wordpress.com/ or email streamsofjustice@gmail.com or call 604-253-1782.
The upcoming 2010 Winter Olympics has escalated the homelessness crisis in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside and the Greater Vancouver area. Since the Olympic bid, homelessness has nearly tripled in the GVRD, while real estate and condominium development in the Downtown Eastside is outpacing social housing by a rate of 3:1. Meanwhile, a heightened police presence has further criminalized those living in extreme material poverty in the poorest postal code in Canada.
With the eyes of the world on Vancouver, residents of the Downtown Eastside and our supporters will be taking the streets to affirm our call for justice and dignity.
We want:
1. Real action to end homelessness now
2. End condo development and displacement in the Downtown Eastside
3. End discriminatory ticketing, police harassment, and all forms of criminalization of poverty. No more empty talk and no more empty lots.
Rally endorsed by: (take a deep breath-Molly )Carnegie Community Action Project, DTES Elders Council, Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users, Impact on Communities Coalition, Streams of Justice, Vancouver Action, Walk 4 Justice, Community Advocates for Little Mountain, Anti Poverty Committee, DTES Community Arts Network, Indigenous Action Movement, Citywide Housing Coalition, Association of Chinese Canadians for Equality and Solidarity Society, Solidarity Notes Labour Choir, No One Is Illegal – Vancouver, Food Not Bombs, Vancouver Status of Women, Indigenous Environmental Network, Organizing Centre for Social and Economic Justice, Bus Riders Union, Alliance for People's Health, Women Elders in Action, Canadian Union of Postal Workers –National Representative, UBC Students for a Democratic Society, East Van Abolitionists, Gatewaysucks.org, Justice for Girls, W2 Community Media Arts Society, Submedia, Vancouver Catholic Worker, Pivot Legal Society, UBC Centre for Race, Autobiography, Gender, Siraat Collective, The Rational Coop-Radio, Bulland Awaaz- Coop-Radio, Pink Resistance, CIPO–Vancouver (Popular Council of Indigenous Nations of Oaxaca in Vancouver), Rhizome Cafe, Native Youth Movement, Network of Sri Lankan Law Students, Oxfam Canada, Whistler Watch, no2010.com, Warrior Publications, Workless Party, Teaching Support Staff Union, 2010 Welcoming Committee, Latin America Connexions Collective, Servants Vancouver, Building Bridges Human Rights-Vancouver, Check Your Head, SFU Interfaith Institute for Justice,Peace and Social Movements, Stopwar.ca, Headlines Theatre, Student Christian Movement-UBC, Community Olympics Watch, Rain Zine, Industrial Workers of the World, The Press Release Collective, Simon Fraser University Public Interest Research Group, 2010 Homelessness Hunger Strike Relay, Friends of Women in the Middle East Society, Iran Solidarity-Vancouver, Federation of Iranian Refugees, Wake Up With Co-Opat CFRO, UBC Colour Connected Against Racism, Women Against ViolenceAgainst Women. ( Uh, can we say they have a few sponsors ???-Molly )
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Let's end this post with an interesting article from the Vancouver Sun on native resistance to the Games. Don't worry, I'll be back later with more from Vancouver and the anti-Olympics movement. For now, however, it should be noted that the Canadian government has made Herculean efforts to have us many public "sign-ons" from the Canadian aboriginal community as is humanly possible. This is no doubt a very conscious decision, given that the facts of Cnada's treatment of its native population are the dirtiest of Canada's dirty linen, and it was no doubt identified long ago that airing these scandals would likely be the greatest possible public embarassment during the hosting of the Olympics.
Well, the federal Conservayives, being, after all the federal Conservatives(and doubtless advised by their corporate friends), judged that it would be far cheaper (in many ways) to hold a massive public relations exercise rather than actually doing anything substantial about the problem. Hence the numerous trips to reserves of the Olympic Flame and the equally numerous public statements (encouraged ?) of native leaders in support of the Games.
Unfortunately for the Cons not all aboriginals have taken the bait. While the campaign has been more of less successful there is still a substantial minority of native leaders who are willing to publically express their doubts. In British Columbia this minority is particularily visible. The following article explores the questions that some aboriginals have raised. In the great post-games hangover it is entirely possible that the opinions of these dissidents will carry even more weight.
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Not All Native Band Councils in BC Support Olympics:
Aboriginal groups divided on whether to support Olympics80 of B.C.'s 203 bands refuse to participate because government and Vanoc ignore 'horrific levels of poverty,' their leader says.
Aboriginal groups divided on whether to support Olympics80 of B.C.'s 203 bands refuse to participate because government and Vanoc ignore 'horrific levels of poverty,' their leader says.
By Kim Pemberton, Vancouver Sun, February 6, 2010
http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/2010wintergames/Aboriginal%20groups%2...
The head of the Four Host First Nations, Tewanee Joseph, has been criss-crossing the country since 2003 selling the Olympics to first nations communities. He's achieved signed agreements with more than a dozen provincial and national aboriginal groups setting out their involvement with the 2010 Olympic Games. (Is it possible that we may one day say "Senator Joseph" if the Conservatives end up with amajority government ?-Molly )
The head of the Four Host First Nations, Tewanee Joseph, has been criss-crossing the country since 2003 selling the Olympics to first nations communities. He's achieved signed agreements with more than a dozen provincial and national aboriginal groups setting out their involvement with the 2010 Olympic Games. (Is it possible that we may one day say "Senator Joseph" if the Conservatives end up with amajority government ?-Molly )
But despite his efforts, aboriginal groups are divided.
No where is that more noticeable than here at home with the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs, representing 80 of the 203 bands in the province, refusing to participate in the games.
The union's longtime president Chief Stewart Phillip said he will not be at Monday's opening ceremony for the Aboriginal Pavilion nor at any of the Olympic 2010 sponsored events.
Instead, his goal is to make a political statement.
He arrived in Vancouver on Thursday to meet with organizers of the 19th annual Feb. 14 Memorial March to commemorate women murdered or missing on the Downtown Eastside and the Highway of Tears in northwest B.C.
"I can't stand alongside the premier and John Furlong [Vanoc director] at the grand opening ceremony and give the impression that everything is okay. It's a moral decision. I'd much rather stand with the people who have to endure the tragic dimensions of the poverty imposed on the aboriginal people in this province and the tragic dimensions of that poverty in terms of our high suicide rates and homicides," said Phillip.
"We're deeply concerned about the concerted and aggressive marketing campaign advanced by Vanoc which suggests the indigenous people of B.C.and Canada enjoy a very comfortable and high standard of living. The Disneyesque promotional materials suggests a cosy relationship between aboriginal people of the province with all levels of government and it completely ignores the horrific levels of poverty our people endure on a daily basis."
Phillip added the Olympics will come and go "in a blink of an eye" and aboriginal communities will still be dealing with massive unemployment, epidemic youth suicides, terrible health care and massive housing shortages, to name a few of the problems.
"If government would act on our constitutional rights, human rights, land use we'd be directly involved and in a position to address these appalling conditions of our people."
He said native groups throughout B.C. and Canada are divided on whether to support the games.
And while he doesn't take issue with the Four Host First Nations going into partnership with the International Olympic Committee and Vanoc, and benefiting economically from the event, he is concerned with how the "government is absolutely consumed with the Olympics" and ignoring the harsh conditions experienced in most aboriginal communities.
Joseph said the Four Host First Nations has never denied problems exists in aboriginal communities and he's also heard the comment the Four Host First Nations are "corporate sellouts."
His response to that is a world event is coming to their traditional territory and "do we really want to be on the outside looking in?"
"We've all been poor. We've lived these issues ourselves. We come from the same place," said Joseph. "There has been over 100 years of shameful treatment, anger, conflict, tragedy. My late grandmother said understand the past but don't dwell in it."
He added their message to all aboriginal groups is they can tell their story at the Olympics. But he cautions "if you had one minute to tell the story of your people worldwide, what would the picture be?"
Among the aboriginal groups who did sign partnership agreements with the Four Host First Nations to be part of the Olympics celebration are the First Nation Summit, which represents 106 aboriginal bands in B.C. and the Yukon involved in the treaty process, Treaty 6, Treaty 7 and Treaty 8 in Alberta, the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nation, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, Chiefs of Ontario, Grand Council of Cree, the Atlantic Policy Congress, the Dene Nation, the Council of Yukon First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Metis National Council, the Metis Nation of B.C., the Assembly of First Nations, Nisga'a Nation, Sto: lo Nation and Tsawwassen Nation.
Metis Nation of B.C. president Bruce Dumont said their organization is excited to be part of a theme day on Feb. 15 called "Metis Day" at the Aboriginal Pavilion in downtown Vancouver.
Labels: 2010 Winter Olympics, aboriginal, anarchism, canadian anarchist movement, Canadian politics, demonstrations, Olympic Resistance Network, olympics, protests, sports, Vancouver, Victoria
Sunday, February 07, 2010
CANADIAN POLITICS-VANCOUVER:
NO REPORTERS PLEASE:
According to the Olympic Resistance Network an independent reporter from the USA was barred from entering Canada as he to be covering the opposition to the 2010 Winter Olympics: Here's the story.
Reporter rejected at border:
For immediate release – Saturday, February 6, 2010
For immediate release – Saturday, February 6, 2010
Independent media reporter rejected at border, detained by border agents and denied outside contact.
Martin Macias Jr., an independent media reporter from Chicago travelling to cover the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver BC, has been rejected by Canadian border agents and held without outside contact for at least 7 hours (as of 9pm) today.
Macias arrived in Vancouver from Chicago (via Minneapolis) on a 11:30 am Delta Airlines flight on Saturday, February 6, 2010. He was detained for hours by Canada Border Services agents in the Vancouver International Airport and questioned about his plans during the Olympics. Ultimately he was refused entry to Canada. He was then put on an Alaskan Airlines flight to the Seattle / Tacoma Airport (departing at 2:40pm). As of 9 pm he had not been able to contact legal counsel or his travelling companion since before his rejection at the border. The information on his rejection was only made available through the US Consulate. It is routine for people rejected at the border to be interrogated by both Canadian and US border agents; he may well still be detained for questioning in the USA at this point.
Although he is entitled to a phone call and legal counsel, nothing has been heard from Macias since about 2 pm when he still expected to be able to enter Canada as planned.
Martin was travelling to Vancouver for political events during the Olympic Resistance Network anti-Olympic convergence and to document the effects of the Winter Olympics on the communities of Vancouver. He was to leave Vancouver for the USA on Feb. 11. He was travelling with political organizer Bob Quellos of No Games Chicago, who was allowed to enter Canada. They were both to be picked up by Chris Shaw, a member of the Olympic Resistance Network, local Olympic critic, and author of ‘The Five Ring Circus’ who himself has been questioned and detained when travelling to a sports conference in the UK and repeatedly approached by members of the Vancouver 2010 Integrated Security Unit (Olympic policing body) regarding his political activities.
Canadian border agents, police, and intelligence units have been actively surveilling, questioning and harassing opponents of the Olympic Games (and their associates and families) for years. Media, such as Amy Goodman of Democracy Now, have been subject to questioning and increased scrutiny as well.
Macias (20 years old) was a leading member of No Games Chicago - which successfully opposed Chicago's bid for the 2016 Summer Olympics. He is a youth organizer for the Chicago Environmental Justice Coalition, and Comite 10 de marzo, an immigrant rights organization. He is also a media reform activist with community radio station Radio Arte where he serves as the host/producer of First Voice, a radio news zine. He has covered the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver, Power Shift 2009 in Washington D.C., and local social justice issues in his community. He currently chairs the Peace Committee at the National Museum of Mexican Art.
Macias can normally be reached through reclaimtheearth@gmail.com . Independent media, activists and opponents of the Olympics are gathering in Vancouver for the Feb. 10-15 anti-Olympic convergence organized by the Olympic Resistance Network. It begins with a two-day conference (Feb.10-11) and a mass protest and march on the day of the opening ceremonies(‘Take Back Our City,’ 3pm Friday, Feb. 12 beginning at the Vancouver Art Gallery) organized by the 2010 Welcoming Committee, and continues with three days of political events and demonstrations.
Visitors have been subject to interrogations, detention, and rejection at the Canadian border repeatedly and members of the Olympic Resistance Network have been interrogated at the US border and denied entry to the USA for speaking tours.
Media Contacts:
Bob Quellos: 773-531-2341
Chris Shaw: 604-710-8291
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Here's some valuable information for you to know if you plan to travel from the USA to attend the Anti-Olympic Convergence.
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Updated Legal & Border Support Info
** LEGAL PHONE NUMBERS ***
** LEGAL PHONE NUMBERS ***
BCCLA Arrest line (if you are arrested): 604-689-9540
BCCLA Support line (friends and families missing someone): 604-689-9547
BCCLA Tip line (to report misconduct): 1-866-610-0385
Immigration/border line: 1-877-823-2010 or 604-630-7502
* Updated Border Crossing Information and what to do if you are stopped:
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The Olympic Resistance Network is still looking for people to help out during the coming convergence. Here's what they would like.
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Updated ORN Wish List:
Call-out for supplies and support
Call-out for supplies and support
The Olympics Resistance Network (http://olympicresistance.net/) is seeking support and supplies!
In addition to building ongoing educational and resistance efforts, the Olympics Resistance Network is hosting and coordinating logistics for an anti-2010 convergence, between Feb 10th-15th 2010. You can help by providing:
1. Housing for out-of-town activists: If you have a couch or extra floor space, please help us out by providing sleep space for out of town activists. Fill out the housing form at: http://olympicresistance.net/content/2010-convergence-billeting-form
2. We are seeking volunteers to make the Convergence happen! We need everyone who is able to please take on shifts to staff the Welcoming Centre, help prepare food, provide childcare, and more. Please contact 604-723-1206 with your name, when you are available, what you are willing to do, and your contact information.
3. Safe spaces: There will be many people from out of town arriving in Vancouver for the anti-Olympic convergence and we are looking for allies who are willing to be listed in our Welcoming Package as safe spaces.These will not be places for anti-Olympic organizing, just a place to stop by and hang out. If your business, community centre, or other physical space is willing to explore the idea of being listed as a space sympathetic to the Anti-Olympic Convergence please let us know and we are happy to work with you in a way that most suits you.
4. Food and cooking supplies: coffee cream fresh veggies and fruit tea bread cups sugar non-perishable food (beans, rice, etc.) cutlery water bottles dish soap towels/clothes yoghurt containers crock pots garbage bags cooking utensils
5. Communications equipment: walkie-talkies working cell phones megaphones generators speakers/sound system
6. Other Supplies: tarps awnings/tents pens/paper childcare supplies duct tape banner-making materials blankets rain jackets/sweaters bungee cords ropes bikes flip charts/markers/tape chairs cots desks
6. Clinic Furniture/Materials:Folding cots, massage table, blankets, lots of spare clothes, chairs, folding tables, shelving, rubber maid containers, racks of various kinds and sizes.
7. Transportation: Contact us if you have a car or bike trailer and are willing to transport supplies during the anti-olympics convergence. We also need Bicycle donations - used, working and those needing minor repairs.
8. Please donate! Hosting this convergence requires significant funds, including legal defence funds. You can donate securely through PayPal on our website: http://olympicresistance.net/content/send-us-money
or cheques can be made out to Olympic Resistance Network and mailed to ORN, 6 - 1857 Kitchener St, Vancouver, BC, V5L 2W5.
Email ornfundraise@riseup.net to arrange direct deposits or other queries.
Drop-off points: If you would like to drop off donations, you can do so at:
1. Baaad Anna's: - 2667 East Hastings St., Vancouver. Monday - Sunday (11 am to 6 pm). 604-255-2577
2. Rhizome Café: 317 East Broadway, Vancouver. Tuesday - Sunday (11 am to 9 pm).
3. For pick-up in the Downtown Eastside, East Vancouver or Burnaby, call: 604-773-9057. Or contact us at: 604-723-1206
Labels: 2010 Winter Olympics, anarchism, anti-olympics, borders., canadian anarchist movement, Canadian politics, demonstrations, events, Martin Macias, Olympic Resistance Network, sports, Vancouver
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
CANADIAN POLITICS-VANCOUVER:
BUILDING TO THE ANTI-OLYMPIC CONVERGENCE:
The 2010 Vancouver/Whistler Winter Olympics are almost upon us. Out there on the west coast they are desperately trying to find snow for many of the events, and the population is gearing up for the mother of all traffic jams as road after road is closed to local traffic. The Games will be held (frozen precipitation permitting) from February 12 to 28. Meanwhile the anti-olympic forces are gearing up for their own party. From February 10 to 15 there will be an 'Anti-Olympic Convergence' . Here's a checklist of details from the Olympic Resistance Network.
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Updates on Feb Anti Olympic Convergence
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FEBRUARY ANTI OLYMPIC CONVERGENCE
COAST SALISH TERRITORIES, VANCOUVER
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* SCHEDULE:
* KNOW YOUR RIGHTS LEGAL INFO:
* CROSSING THE BORDER:
* NEED HOUSING:
* CAN YOU PROVIDE HOUSING:
* ORN WISH LIST AND CALL FOR SUPPORT:
* FLYERS, POSTERS, AND OTHER OUTREACH MATERIALS:
http://olympicresistance.net/content/convergence-2010-promotional-materials * FACTSHEETS, BACKGROUND MATERIAL, AND VIDEOS:
* SIGN UP TO OUR LIST FOR UPDATES:
* PLEASE DONATE:
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WEBSITE: olympicresistance.net or no2010.com
EMAIL: olympicresistance@riseup.net (preferred)
PHONE: 604-723-1206 (no voice mail, and not for media inquiries)
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Here's some more info on some events that have been added to the calender of anti-olympic efforts.
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Actions added to Calender
Please make note of updated schedule (details below)
Please make note of updated schedule (details below)
1) Feb 13th - 2010 Heart Attack
2) Feb 15 (ONGOING): Rally for Homes and Support an Olympic Tent Village
3) Feb 15 - Anti War and Anti Militarization Moving Spectacle Full Convergence update at the bottom.
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2010 Heart Attack!
You are invited to a March on Saturday, February 13th at 8:30am in Thornton Park. This demonstration will respect the diversity of tactics and aims to disturb "business as unusual" on the first day of the Games!
What do you mean by diversity of tactics?
Diversity of tactics means support for each others' chosen method of resistance while not threatening the lives of those around us. It is a way by which we hope to create space for the realization of tension, uncertainty, action, humour and beauty as we strive for new ways to engage with each other and against a common enemy. While we may practice one tactic or action, we do not chose yours. As participants we agree to leave the policing of tactics to our oppressors, not our comrades; we will not attack each other for using methods that are not our own. Through a diversity of tactics we are stronger and more cohesive towards our goal of giving Capitalism a massive coronary.
What should we bring?
* A Nalgene or bottle of water
* Sharpies
* Band aids
* Money to take a cab
Do you have an affinity group ?
Then you should register to attend the spokescouncil:
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- please forward widely -
No More Empty Talk, No More Empty Lots.
* February 15th, noon at Pigeon Park (Carrall and Hastings, Downtown Eastside of Vancouver, Coast Salish Territories).
Large and inclusive rally of all our neighbours and supporters.
Organizedby DTES Power of Women Group with the DTES Justice for All Network. Visit:http://dtesjustice.wordpress.com/
* Support the "Olympic Tent Village". Endorsed by Streams of Justice.
The upcoming 2010 Winter Olympics has escalated the homelessness crisis in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside and the Greater Vancouver area. Since the Olympic bid, homelessness has nearly tripled in the GVRD, while real estate and condominium development in the Downtown Eastside is outpacing social housing by a rate of 3:1. Meanwhile, a heightened police presence has further criminalized those living in extreme material povertyin the poorest postal code in Canada.
With the eyes of the world on Vancouver, residents of the Downtown Eastside and our supporters will be taking the streets to affirm our call for justice and dignity.
We want:
1. Real action to end homelessness now!
2. End condo development and displacement in the Downtown Eastside
3. End discriminatory ticketing, police harassment, and all forms of criminalization of poverty. No more empty talk and no more empty lots.
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February 15th, 2010
*DO YOU BELIEVE IN TORTURE, WAR, AND OCCUPATION? THEFT OF INDIGENOUS LAND?
THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT DOES!
*Come out and be part of an anti-war and anti-militarization moving spectacle. This event is a festive and creative demand for the Canadian government to respect and uphold human-rights, international law, the right to self-determination and civil rights. This event will also feature Gold Medal Award ceremonies for human rights violations, war mongering, and police brutality. *Meeting Point:*
Vancouver Art Gallery, Georgia side.
*When: * Monday February 15th, 2010 Gathering at 6:00pm and leaving at 6:30pm
The 2010 Winter Olympic Games reveal the same consistent, predictable and historical pattern of militarization and anti-democratic acts as they have everywhere that they are hosted. StopWar is especially concerned with the militarization of Vancouver and Whistler during the Games, with its accompanying restrictions on the democracy and safety of our community.
Enormous resources, including one billion dollars of spending, considerable military personnel and equipment, and countless thousands of police and private security personnel are being deployed. The Games are accompanied by the largest domestic military and security operation in Canadian military history. Featured among the identified “threats” to the Games are domestic protest.
The Olympic Truce movement has similarly revealed the hypocritical and rhetorical commitment of the Canadian government to peace that is contradicted by action. Despite Canada being in its 9th year of waging war on the people of Afghanistan, the Canadian Olympic Truce is calling on the world community “to cease hostilities during the Games and promote the ideals of peace through sport”, however, Canada has no plans to cease causing death and destruction in Afghan society. In an ironic twist of history, we remember that the 1980 Olympic Games hosted by the Soviet Union were boycotted by over 60 countries, including Canada, in protest of the Soviet occupation and war in Afghanistan that had begun a year earlier in 1979.
Bring your costumes, signs, banners and musical instruments! Join us in calling attention to the Canadian governments disregard of human rights, international law, the right to self-determination and civil rights.
We call on the Canadian government to end the occupation, war crimes, and human rights violations from Afghanistan to BC, to sign the UN Declaration of Indigenous Rights, and to abide by International law. To bring aid not militarization to Haiti. To bring equity not militarization within Canadian communities. Sponsored by: Stopwar.caFor more information contact: Stopwar@resist.ca
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Here's a special volunteer appeal for people living in the lower mainland out west way. The organizers of the anti-Olympic convergence need more billeting space. If you live out there help out of you can.
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We need more billeting offers!
***PLEASE DISTRIBUTE TO TRUSTED NETWORKS*****
***PLEASE DISTRIBUTE TO TRUSTED NETWORKS*****
Hello,
With just over a week to go spaces are still needed to house visitors coming to Vancouver to partake in anti-olympics protest and action. So, if you have a couch, or a floor, or a backyard, if you live in a co-op and you have common rooms, or know of church basements or other faith-related spaces, studios, gyms, warehouse spaces, offices, schools, rec centres, etc. please get in touch. Either send an email to: orn_logistics@resist.ca or call: 604-723-1206. Our form is available at:
Visitors have been informed that they will need to bring all their own sleeping gear. Any other requirements, needs, concerns or questions please get in contact. Thank you
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Coming up from the States for the Convergence ? Here's some essential border information that the Olympic resistance Network would like to share with you. Gotta do it; the joke mandate is demanding to be heard.
*For an American tourist in Canada forewarned is not forearmed.
*American border guards may beat the living crap out of you while calling you every possible foul name. Canadian border guards may beat the living crap out of you, but they will call you "sir" or "ma'am" all the way through it.
*American border guards may threaten to take away your first born in the name of 'Jeesas'. Canadian border guards may threaten to take away your first born in the name of multiculturalism. Doesn't that make you much happier ?
*Don't drink the water in Mexico. Don't drink the beer in Canada. Both are more than you can handle. Speaking about things you can't handle take your first taste of BC Bud in small doses.
*If you get into a bar fight in Canada remember to say "excuse me" before you hit the other guy, not after.
*Don't try out your incredibly bad French in Calgary. Don't go anywhere near Calgary for that matter. This goes double for Regina. Hit the gas pedal on the bypass.
*Bring tire chains. It actually might snow in the mountains in BC. On the other hand it probably won't at the Olympic venues where they want it.
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Border Information for entering Canada from the US:
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Border Information for those entering Canada from the U.S.
Prepared by the Olympic Resistance Network, Jan. 2010
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As the Olympics approach, American and Canadian Border Services Agencies (Homeland Security and CBSA) have teamed up to tighten what they call "security," particularly along the BC/Washington border. This means not only an increased level of militarization at border crossings, but also an intensification in the profiling of "suspicious persons." Border agencies are working hard to expand their range of targets from migrants, people of colour and indigenous people, to political dissidents at large.
Unfortunately, the Olympic Resistance Network (ORN) cannot predict exactly what kind of security measures will be in place at the border in February. This communique is an effort to offer as much guidance as possible to those needing to cross the border in order to attend the Anti-Olympic Convergencefrom February 10-15. While you may very well get through with no problem at all, do bear in mind that the border is a militarized zone, so people with sensitive personal histories, documentation issues, or health needs should assess the risk to themselves and act accordingly. Please be in touch with any questions to olympicresistance@riseup.net or contact us at 604-723-1206. Good luck and see you in February! *****************************************************
Information from the CANADIAN BORDER SERVICES AGENCY
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1. Required documentation for crossing Canada Customs:
(a) "When you enter Canada, a border services officer may ask to see your passport and a valid visa (if you are arriving from a country from which one is required).
*If you are a U.S. citizen, you do not need a passport to enter Canada; however, you should carry proof of your citizenship such as a birth certificate, a certificate of citizenship or naturalization or a Certificate of Indian Status, as well as a [government issued] photo ID.
* If you are a permanent resident of the United States, you must bring your permanent resident card (i.e. green card) with you. For more information on admissibility into Canada, read the fact sheet called Managing Access to Canada: http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/media/facts-faits/037-eng.html."
(b) "Canadian law requires that all persons entering Canada carry both proof of citizenship and proof of identity. A valid U.S. passport, passport card or NEXUS card (see below) satisfies these requirements for U.S. citizens. If U.S. citizen travelers to Canada do not have a passport, passport card or approved alternate document such as a NEXUS card, they must show a government-issued photo ID (e.g.Driver's License) and proof of U.S. citizenship such as a U.S. birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or expired U.S. passport."
From U.S. Department of State. Bureau ofConsular Affairs. Canada -- Country Specific Information
2. Reasons the CBSA can refuse a person entry - in particular note criminal records: http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/media/facts-faits/037-eng.html
3. CBSA's "Olympics" page:
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/events-evenements/2010/menu-eng.html *******************************************************
Information from the ORN (disclaimer: this is not legal advice)*******************************************************
*Things to bring:
* 1. You cannot go through Canadian customs with only a driver’s license. Bring a valid passport, green card, Status card or government-issued photo ID plus birth certificate (see CBSA guidelines above).
2. Return travel tickets (if not traveling by car).
3. Relevant vehicle documentation (if going by car).
4. Contact information for where you are staying. You may be asked for this at the border, so confirm with your host whether it's ok to give their address out. If you are receiving housing through the ORN, you are asked NOT to give out the address you will be staying at *unless* you have the express permission of your host to do so. Please see a list of hostels (in appendix below) whose addresses you can provide instead.
5. Proof of ties to your country of origin: This can include contact info for your place of employment, if any, or documents like a housing lease. However, be advised that appearing "too prepared" can sometimes attract more attention!
6. Travel insurance, if any.
*Medications & Traveling with Minors:*
1. If bringing prescription drugs of any kind, they must be in the original bottle with a valid prescription printed on it. Avoid any things that will bring extra scrutiny to you, such as vitamins, especially those in gelatin capsules - they may be seized or cause a thorough and time-delaying search.
2. Minors also need to present ID (Birth certificate sufficient). Even if accompanied by one parent or guardian, minors must have a letter from absent guardian(s) stating that it is alright for the minor to travel, specifically across the international border into Canada, and listing who they are travelling with. Otherwise, the minor will be turned away at the border.
*Things NOT to bring:*
1. Don't bring any restricted items, such as fruit, soil, drugs (see CBSA site for details).
2. Don't bring any anti-Olympic or otherwise "subversive" materials – these things can be used as an excuse to detain you.
3. Avoid bringing materials that could be perceived to be for commercial purposes -- eg. lots of something to be distributed. Without proper licenses, the possession of commercial goods/merchandise can be grounds for refusal of entry.
4. Do not bring any electronics that are really precious or contain sensitive information. Be aware that cell phones can be searched/your address book recorded, and in some cases, police & intelligence agencies have been known to implant tracking or listening devices in phones.
5. We recommend against bringing laptops. Border agencies have the power to seize, search and hold laptops if you refuse to provide passwords or access to encrypted documents. Please contact us for a mailing address if you wish to send up non-electronic materials, like pamphlets, posters, T-shirts, etc.
*Getting through:*
1. Remember that border guards are likely to question people who fit their idea of an "activist" (or other "subversive") profile. Keep in mind that there will be many gung-ho tourists coming up as well, and use that to your advantage -- if you can, buy a hockey jersey and blend in! If you are traveling in a group then remind others of this too.
2. It is in your best interests to be as truthful and straightforward as possible when speaking to border guards about your reasons for travel. So for your convenience, we are providing a list of free entertainment and "Cultural Olympiad" events that you might like to include on your planned trip itinerary to reference. (See appendix below.)
3. Keep travel plans off line. Whenever possible, avoid communicating over email or through social networking sites, especially for final travel logistics. In-person communication is often ideal.
4. Discuss in advance with your travel buddies what you will do in the case that one or more should be refused entry.
5. If traveling alone, make sure someone knows where you are going, when you should arrive, and how to contact you or your hosts in Vancouver.
*Need a ride?*
The Cascadia Convergence Network (cascadiaconvergence.net ) is organizing carpooling for folks heading up to Canada from the Cascadia Bioregion (Pacific Northwest). If you need a ride please email Ptownno2010@cascadiaconvergence.net . Please detail if you are associated with any organizations and why you are interested in carpooling to the games.
****************ORN Support:****************
1. ORN has arranged to have a lawyer on-call in Vancouver during February in order to assist with difficulties as they arise at the border. Check back for updated contact information closer to the date, or contact us for more details.
2. Please contact the ORN so we can keep track of any problems that occur at the border: 604-723-1206 or olympicresistance@riseup.net . For legal questions you can also email ornlegal@riseup.net .
3. We will be updating our website in early February with more information on the legal rights of non-citizens and youth.
******************APPENDIX******************
HOSTELS IN VANCOUVER
Columbia Hotel
303 Columbia Street
Vancouver, BC V6A 2R7
(604) 683-3757
Everett House B&B
1990 Everett Road
Abbotsford, BC V2S 7S3
(604) 859-2944
Country in the City B&B
32985 Harwood Place
Abbotsford, British ColumbiaV2S 7C2
Phone : 1 (778) 808-4827
Backpacker's Hostel
927 Main Street
Vancouver, BC V6A 2V8
(604) 682-2441
Cambie Hostel
515 Seymour St.Vancouver, BC
SameSun Backpacker Lodge
1018 Granville St
Vancouver, Canada
Hi-Vancouver Hostel
1114 Burnaby Street
Vancouver, British Columbia V6E1P1
1.866.762.4122
*FREE EVENTS IN VANCOUVER*
Below is a list of events happening during the convergence which you may wish to add to your trip itinerary. The events listed below are free and do not require tickets or reservations. More event listings can be found here: http://www.vancouver2010.com/more-2010-information/cultural-festivals-and-events/event-listings/ http://www.skirebel.com/magazine/archives/5365 http://www.tourismvancouver.com/visitors/things_to_do/
February 10th & 11th, 2010
CUE: Artists’ Videos
When: 1/23/2010 - 3/21/2010
Daily: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Tuesdays: 10:00 am to 9:00 pm
Where: Vancouver Art Gallery, Robson Street façade
750 Hornby Street, Vancouver
February 12, 2010
Place de la Francophonie 2010:
Malajube
Type: Music
When: Friday, 2/12/2010 at 9:30 pm
Where: Place de la Francophonie
Performance Works,
Granville Island
1218 Cartwright St.,
Vancouver
February 13, 2010
Place de la Francophonie 2010:
Damien Robitaille
Type: Music
When: Saturday, 2/13/2010 at 9:30 pm
Where: Place de la Francophonie Performance Works,
Granville Island
1218 Cartwright Street,
Vancouver February 14, 2010 - February 15, 2010
Whistler Live! Karkwa
Type: Music
When: Saturday, 2/14/2010 at 2:45 pm
Where: Whistler Live!
Whistler Village Square
ACACACACACACAC
Let's close this out with the latest press release from the Olympic Resistance Network about their "press scrum" on Thursday, February 4. I truly hope they get a decent media turnout, but I seriously doubt it. I am almost "joked out" , but I still have a few rabbits in my hat. A poor turnout will not necessarily be because of some prejudice against lefty events on the part of editors. To say the least the average lefty "press conference" can hardly compete with others for the enthusiasm of reporters to press their editors so that they can attend. Free booze ? Forget it. The best that a reporter could hope for would be a marijuana leagalization event. Free food ? All that I can say on that subject is that it is doubtful, and, in any case, no food is better than a "vegan brunch" to those who are not true believers. But, all cynicism aside, here's the press release.
CACACACACACACA
Release: Anti-Olympic Resistance Unleashed!
TO ALL LOCAL, NATIONAL, AND INTERNATIONAL NEWS EDITORS
TO ALL LOCAL, NATIONAL, AND INTERNATIONAL NEWS EDITORS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONTH OF ANTI OLYMPIC RESISTANCE UNLEASHED!
What: Olympic Resistance Network Press Scrum
When: Thursday February 4 at 2 pm
Where: Pigeon Park, Carrall and Hastings, Downtown Eastside of Vancouver
==> Schedule of upcoming anti-Olympic activities available at:http://olympicresistance.net/content/schedule
==> Comprehensive list of daily and issue-specific media availability:http://olympicresistance.net/content/media
February 3 2010,
Vancouver Unceded Coast Salish Territories
– Over the past three years, the Olympic Resistance Network has coordinated anti-Olympics efforts in Vancouver and across the country. Due to a growing and vibrant movement to oppose the Olympic Games, VANOC and government officials are no longer able to host large public Olympic events in Vancouver without being shamed. During the RBC and Coca-Cola sponsored Olympic Torch relay, protesters in over thirty cities, towns, and Indigenous communities brought forward their message of “No Olympics on Stolen Native Land”, “Get your torch off our land, we don’t want your Olympic scam” and “2010 Homes not 2010 Games”.
In many instances, activists successfully disrupted the Torch Relay, forcing delays and route cancellations, with at least thirteen arrests associated with anti-Torch related actions. Anti-Olympic activists note that the Olympics are not simply about the athletes. According to Harjap Grewal, “With public funds invested by all levels of government nearing $7 billion, VANOC and their corporate cronies are escalating their propaganda to the world and international media about the positive legacy of the Games. The reality is that residents are increasingly disenchanted with the Games and we will not be silenced despite harassment and intimidation by the Vancouver Integrated Security Unit and ongoing attacks on our basic civil liberties.”
On Thursday February 4, representatives from the Olympic Resistance Network and allied groups will be hosting a press scrum. The Olympic Resistance Network notes: “While Olympic corporate sponsors are getting bailed out, Indigenous lands are being stolen, people are becoming homeless, thousands are losing their jobs and access to public services, the environment is being destroyed, and civil liberties are being eroded with almost a billion dollars sunk into surveillance. This negative Olympic legacy is turning into a growing anti-Olympic legacy of resistance across the country.”
According to Gord Hill, a member of the Kwakwaka’wakw nation, “The 2010 Winter Olympics are taking place on unceded Indigenous land. As a result of the negative social and environmental impacts of the 2010 Olympics on Indigenous peoples our struggle against colonization has only increased, which poses a significant threat to Canada and Canada’s image.” - 30 –MEDIA LIASONS:
Harsha Walia: 778 885 0040,
Gurb Gill: 604-376-0366
Labels: 2010 Winter Olympics, anti-olympics, demonstrations, events, Olympic Resistance Network, olympics, sports, Vancouver
