Is There Such a Thing as a Peaceful Protest?

I was reading an article on the G20 police tactics, one of the commentators said - There is no such thing as a peaceful protest any more - I was about to just dismiss the statement having attended some, yet they are becoming more direct and volatile, why? There are obliviously two sides to this directness from the police and the protester.

Some demonstrators have become more direct because they are not being listened to, some have always been more direct, others which accounts for the majority just want a voice. People do not take to the streets without a message or criticism, ignoring it leads people to raise their voice to be heard, as you leave them little choice to do otherwise.

The police directness has largely stemmed from being armed with anti terror legislation which is too broadly defined, thus it often includes and criminalises the public: police photographers take pictures of the crowd, people are arrested under anti terror laws rather than public disorder, activist groups have police informers now and all this information is then stored on databases. Which just insights distrust and a mass of people can turn aggressive very quickly if they feel threaten.

Trust on both sides has eroded to the point that you're just waiting for something to happen, like an "us and them" mentality. There is no clear line now between right and wrong, terrorist laws have made it so subjective, it's become a trump card for everything. A balance need to be restored for trust to build upon, as it's become like the only people who are subject to law are the public.

The report out today says police tactics need a national overhaul, I would say mentality needs the overhaul. Protests would be less volatile if laws that put too much power in the hands of the police, without the accountability needed were addressed. No one is guarding the guards.

Gordon "Liar" Brown in Cover up on Iraq Inquiry

In a follow up to my post on Brown announcing an inquiry into Iraq, he did it today and it will be completely in private, with the extra slap in the face of Sir Martin Gilbert appointed to the committee, a man who compared Bush and Blair to Roosevelt and Churchill. More disgusting lies from this government, 6 years for that, it's an insult to everyone. I guess reform only happens when it doesn't actually amount to change or discredit anyone. Screw you too Brown.

I'm in the process of contacting numerous campaign groups to see if they will be arranging a protest in response. I'll post on any planned once I know.

BNP Protesters Egg Nick Griffin

Making the BNP martyrs like this is not helpful. Moral high ground is lost by suppressing free speech and physically attacking Griffin. Free speech is a right, you can't pick and choose who gets rights based on personal preference. As unsavoury as what he says is, as much as I loathe what he stands for, let people see him for what he is, challenge him and his policies. All of which can be done without violent means.

The BNP were democratically elected, their support will evaporate if why people voted for them was addressed. Herbert Morrison in a speech at an anti-fascist meeting in 1936, said that:

Fascism appeared to triumph in circumstances of economic decay and dissolution on the one hand and weakness in parliamentary and democratic leadership on the other. When chaos and depression obtained in economic and political affairs Fascism got its maximum chance, not upon its merits, but as a last straw for people who could see no hope otherwise.

Wise man, shame about his grandson.

Protester Surveillance Database Illegal

Thank goodness for a little Liberty, in both sense of the word. The human rights group Liberty took the Met police to court for taking photos of protesters, activist, campaigners, to store on yet another database. Lord ­Justice Dyson said there were:

very serious human rights issues which arise when the state obtains and retains the images of persons who have committed no offence and are not suspected of having ­committed any offence.

I would say take note Jacqui Smith and her Met, but she'll no doubt find a way around it. Perhaps a helpful guide above might make clear the different between a "terrorist" and "protester". As she doesn't really seem that clear, I guess it all looks the same way up in that ivory tower of hers.

Budget 2009 Taxes

Having just attempted to watch the budget I'm glad I didn't have laces on my shoes, gloomy doesn't even begin to describe it. The BBC have a handy over view of the main points.

The headline grabbing 50% tax rise on high earners just seems pointless, people who earn £150,000 generally don't pay PAYE and that amount of taxation will move their money elsewhere, particularly since the government are giving them until April next year to do just that.

Raising tax on fuel, drink and tobacco which is Brown's favourite tax, is where they'll get their money from. Yet fuel going up means everything that's transported will to, so higher food, goods, travel, import and export costs. Which just hit's everyone hard.

I'm glad however to see pensioners being helped with a raise in the basic state pension, and increasing the ISA allowance is a good idea, as why people should be taxed twice on money because they save rather than spend is beyond me. Though everyone won't benefit from this until April next year and with interest rates at 0.5 and ISAs at 2-3% it's a token gesture.

Overall I'm just left feeling really pessimistic, these figures for borrowing and spending just look terrifying, and any scheme a gimmick. I wanted to see a budget that dealt with problems, not political point scoring. Seems however I'm not alone, protesters are gathering at the Treasury to demonstrate against the Budget, including some Labour MPs.

Terrorists or Protesters?

114 environmental activists were arrested and charged with "conspiracy to commit aggravated trespass and criminal damage." Police officers raided a school where they were meeting, seizing "specialist equipment". After the protesters were placed in custody, the police went to their homes to seize computer equipment and mobile phone records.

I don't personally support direct criminal action, yet since these protesters were 'pre-emptively arrested', I don't know what form their protest would have taken. The police do have a duty to act when they think lives are threatened, I don't dispute that. I do question however, whether they know the different between a terrorist and protester.

They used intelligence gathering from informants and/or email spying to send, 200 police officers from 3 forces storming into a school, to arrest a group of protesters. Who at their worst, were gong to chain themselves to conveyor belts, do a sit down protest within the grounds or do nothing.

Over the top and heavy-handed springs to mind, which hardly fills anyone with confidence in light of recent events. Yet a sense of uneasy fills me to, as the question of what has triggered this crack down hangs in the air. I do wonder if this plays a part in an answer.

New Video Of When Police Attack 2

The policeman without his numbers on display is the second officer to be suspended from the Territorial Support Group which prides itself on:

TSG officers are selected on merit, and much emphasis is placed upon their personal ability, motivation and good communication skills.

Indeed he has much to be proud of, well trained, calm under presser, didn't provoke the crowd, communicated well and a woman beater. Just what we expect from our police service.

"Tea Bagging" the White House

Conservatives in America have created a protest campaign against the amount of tax payers money Obama is spending. They've themed the campaign around the 'Boston Tea Party', and are calling to "Tea Bag Obama". For those that are in the know with regard to what "Tea Bagging" refers *nudge, nudge wink, wink* this is genius.

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Protesters and Police At The G20

I realise there is an argument to say we place high standards on our police, yet it's common sense that if you can't keep a clear head or your temper in check, then you shouldn't be on the front line, incitement is a two way street. There are several videos circling the web of peaceful demonstrators being harassed by the police, and of course the video of Ian Tomlinson. I'm not including the protesters who were obliviously provoking the police and causing damage, as I haven't seen anything yet to show police overreacted to them. Though I can't say the same for the people who were demonstrating peacefully.

The police officer that attacked Mr Tomlinson went out of his way to do it, he wasn't standing behind and gave him a little shove to get him walking quicker, he moved in from the right to attack a man that posed no threat. His actions are completely disgraceful, I'm not a doctor so don't presume to know whether a heart attack can happen from such an act. If it can the officer should face a criminal investigation.

It's the right of police to use reasonable force to protect the public and themselves, but they have to balance that against their responsibility to allow peaceful protest to take place. A lot of the videos I've seen certainly pose the question of if they've got the balance right in general.

That's what concerns me about this, people will no doubt be put off protesting and democracy isn't just about turning up to vote every 4 years. Protesting equals saying this is wrong or I object. Whether it's on the street or web doesn't matter, because the alternative is we get the laws and the government we deserve from our silence.

G20 Day One Recap

As the dust settles on the signs denouncing greedy bankers, Gordon and Obama finish talking about their “special friendship”, and Jamie Oliver fires up the Downing Street oven to prepare a lavish dinner for world leaders. What is it people will remember?

The protests certainly have out numbered the coverage of anything so far, particularly this.




The only way Brown can compete with that is, riding into the press conference on the back of a horse, blood running down his face and suit slightly torn, shouting “it's hell out there but I made it”. Or being lowered on top of a giant globe into the middle of the press, jumping off and striding towards his podium.......which sadly I can actually imagine happening.

The "special friendship" has been getting a bit of coverage, not in an entirely positive way though. The meaning for the public has changed since Churchill first used it, under Blair and Bush it came to symbolise minsters falling over themselves to please the USA. Not really the best term to be using right now and such remarks are only remembered by politicians in fondness.

President Sarkozy looks likely to upstage the G20, by having a tantrum and turning the summit into an episode of EastEnders. I wouldn't be surprised however, if the Euro replaces the dollar as the main international currency off the back of this. Given the EU leaders certainly have a firm agreement as to what they want, along with a strong position.

On all the main news sites the protests along with France and Germany's demands are in the top3 most read today, Gordon's press conference doesn't make the top 10. Has what the G20 can achieve been pushed into hot air territory? Or is it simply that the drama is a lot more entertaining than Gordon?

Operation G20 Protocol

The Times is reporting that the police have handed out leaflets informing employees about the protocols of 'operation protect the city', one I particularly like.

“Smokers: when they pop out for a cigarette they weaken your defences. Change the rules for one day!”

This is becoming more entertaining than the summit!

G20 Protest – Saturday 28th

The protest went well contrary to what police suggested. Turn out was estimated at 35,000 by police, Put People First haven't announced any figures as of writing this. I'm surprised however there wasn't more, as can you think of anything more quintessentially British than forming a long queue!

I was pleasantly surprised by police in attendance, they weren't trying to provoke or intimidate people and their terrorist cameramen taking photos of everyone weren't out. Overall they were fairly low key apart from around parliament, which you would expect, and the Ritz which isn't so expected.

There were a lot of children and families present which was really nice to see, along with a large cross section of people from, communist parties, socialists workers, child campaign groups, pensioners, unions, anarchists, Stop the War Coalition, Salvation army, Greenpeace and a lot of people like me, who aren't happy with the ineptness surrounding this recession. The best protesters were a group of people dressed as bankers, who while slipping Champagne and smoking cigars, heckled “bloody commies, I just want a swimming pool”.

The atmosphere was really enhanced by the brass bands, they were brilliant, it was like marching to the Wallace & Gromit theme. Which made the atmosphere really upbeat, though there was a sense of anger lurking under it. Which is a pretty good parallel to how most people feel, there isn't anything that can gloss over how pissed off people are getting.

I hope the other protests planned will follow suit, and the police show the professionalism they did today, as they do set the tone of a protest as much as the protesters.

Update: I stand corrected, the police were taking photos/filming from balconies. Hence I didn't see them.

Re: G20 summit: Are demonstrators being demonised?

I'm glad to see at least one article isn't jumping on the scaremongering band wagon. People having an axe to grind isn't the same as picking up an axe and going out to protest. Though it's quite possible a small minority will want to incite violence, the majority will not. This idea that you have to be an anti capitalism anarchist intent on harm, to want to protest is ridiculous. You don't have to be anti capitalist to feel angry about bankers pay outs, wasted money, growing debt and unemployment. You don't have to be an anarchist to say the government should focus on helping people not banks, or they themselves have a role in this rescission.

I'll be out at the Put People First protest in London, I'm neither anti capitalist or an anarchist. I would not be protesting if I felt it's intent was anything other than a peaceful one. As the moment a protest becomes violent, you become just a mob of people, you lose the message you were trying to send and that's self defeating.

G20 Protests

The forthcoming G20 summit brings with it a chance to peacefully protest; whether it's anti capitalism, against bankers getting hand outs, or just frustration at the way this recession is being handled. Here is the first chance in quite awhile to get your voice heard:

Put People First are marching on the 28th March, so a good one for those that have to work.

Greenpeace are protesting on April 1st and 2nd

Stop The War Coalition are marching in central London on April 1st. Then April 2nd marching to the G20 conference.

Update1 - G20 Meltdown in The City have a list of all the main protests.

Update2 - Link to my post about the 28th March protest itself.

Lord “Custard Face” Mandelson

A member of the Plane Stupid protest group has thrown green custard in the face of Peter Mandelson. Bets are being made as to what dessert or minster will be next. I think Ms Smith, outside her squat, with a trifle.

*The video is in slow motion for optimum viewing experience*