 October 2004
American Friends Service Committee Peacework Magazine Sara Burke, Managing Editor Sam Diener, Editor Pat Farren, Founding Editor 2161 Massachusetts Ave. Telephone number: Fax number:
pwork@igc.org Peacework has been published monthly since 1972, intended to serve as a source of dependable information to those who strive for peace and justice and are committed to furthering the nonviolent social change necessary to achieve them. Rooted in Quaker values and informed by AFSC experience and initiatives, Peacework offers a forum for organizers, fostering coalition-building and teaching the methods and strategies that work in the global and local community. Peacework seeks to serve as an incubator for social transformation, introducing a younger generation to a deeper analysis of problems and issues, reminding and re-inspiring long-term activists, encouraging the generations to listen to each other, and creating space for the voices of the disenfranchised. Views expressed are those of the authors, not necessarily of the AFSC. |
The Spirited RNC Smart Mobs Evelyn Fitzgerald posted this piece to New York's Indymedia site:http://nyc.indymedia.org on September 5, 2004 An appreciation to the non-violent "smart mobs" who used text messaging during the Republican National Convention in New York, and in doing so, inspired us while helping keep us safe. -- 00:20:30 Fri, Sep 03 -- All reports say 8th ave is calm. Comms signing off. Thanks to you all. Feedback: commsnyc@stealthisemail.com I would like to thank the smart mobs COMMS_DISPATCH -- from which I received the above message -- and RNCMOBNET and RNCRIOTS, for providing a vital public information service last week with such vigilance. The constant stream of text messages that I received on my cell phone from Friday, August 27 to Friday September 3 contained updates on each day's bizarrely complicated agenda of pro- and anti-RNC activities that would not have been available otherwise. Things were so confusing that it was difficult to stay informed, especially on Tuesday. Since anyone with a cell phone could join a "mob" and transmit messages, the text streams offered a continuous alternative to other live news media such as radio and TV. While the traditional media covered the protests after they took place each day, amateur smart mobsters typed out text messages using the keyboards of their cell phones while out on the streets risking arrest. I think they should be congratulated for reporting the news as it was breaking. The consistently reliable, moderated COMMS_DISPATCH comprised the largest mob, with over 800 members. When protesters were arrested near my office at the New York Public Library on Tuesday during evening rush hour, I was able to avoid the orange plastic nets since I was warned by COMMS_DISPATCH of what was taking place there. Here are the messages I received. Since I was present, I can confirm their accuracy: -- 17:06:57 Tue, Aug 31 -- Bryant Park near Public Library -- lots of police gathering, and waiting -- 17:51:07 Tue, Aug 31 -- arrests being made a public library, large # of police there -- 18:29:08 Tue, Aug 31 -- lots of people getting pushed into bryant park, police chasing and closing in w/ nets On Thursday morning, someone from the New York Police Department was quoted on WNYC radio stating that protesters were being released from detention in a reasonable amount of time. I knew that this statement was inaccurate, since I had received the following messages from COMMS_DISPATCH: -- 22:59:55 Wed, Sep 01 -- Legal support update: Court ruled that those held for <24 hours must be released by 1AM tonight. 100 Center St -- 23:04:33 Wed, Sep 01 -- Correction: Those held for greater then 24 hours must be released by 1am tonight. 100 Center St. -- 23:39:28 Wed, Sep 01 -- Legal update: previous court order to release arrestees stayed: unclear if ppl will be let out tonight
-- 00:46:35 Thu, Sep 02 --
100+ people doing support at 100 Center St, court will be going
all night. 
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