I’ve had conversations with a couple people who tried to use these principles to justify vandalism in the last week and I personally believe that this proposal Monday is another attempt to do so .
“1. our solidarity will be based on respect for a diversity of tactics and the plans of other groups.”
This means we are supposed to respect the tactic of vandalism whenever they decide to smash up things and spray paint. I suggest instead that all tactics be specifically described and go through the GA.
“2. the actions and tactics used will be organized to maintain a separation of time or space.”
NO, just because you vandalize stuff a block or a mile away does not mean it won’t be blamed on Occupy Oakland.
“3. any debates or criticisms will stay internal to the movement, avoiding any public or media denunciations of fellow activists and events.”
No, I have no problem publicly denouncing vandals turning public support against the movement. Your vandalism accomplishes nothing.
“4. we oppose any state repression of dissent, including surveillance, infiltration, disruption and violence. we agree not to assist law enforcement actions against activists and others.”
Bust up Tully’s or spray paint the plaza again and you’re asking for police “repression”.
Nothing happened Monday night, either for the Saint Paul principles, or against them, although most of the people I was sitting with, out of the crowd of perhaps 250, had specifically come to OPPOSE the Saint Paul Principles.
Where the Saint Paul Principles came from: http://rnc08report.org/archive/224.shtml ’08 demonstrations at the Republican National Committee nominating convention.
Count me in. If vandalism gets legitimized here, it may pemanently end our ability to attract the other 98.99% to this movement.
Thank you! We desperately need a different type of proposal on Monday… one that condemns vandalism and commits to making reparations to the small businesses and non profits that suffered last Wednesday.
I will be at the GA to advocate for this. Will others join me?