Before SPP protests in Montebello cops engaged in a "manufactured fear" exercise

[JohnyCanuck]

They warned the community that SPP protesters would riot and cause damage to their property.

Manufacturing fear

An open letter to the residents of Montebello

by Anna Kruzynski
August 29, 2007

We met Sunday, August 19, 2007. I was part of the popular education brigades that were organized by the Peoples' Global Action of Montreal in an effort to explain to folks living in the Montebello area the reasons for our opposition to the proposed Security and Prosperity Partnership (SPP), which has been the subject of an ongoing “dialogue” between Canadian, American and Mexican leaders since 2005.

When I first approached you, you expressed fear that we, the demonstrators, would damage your village. You told me about the “information” sessions that were organized in the area over the past few weeks by the police. You explained that you were shown clips of urban riots by police who spent time justifying the security measures that were being taken to protect you. Business owners were told to barricade their buildings and to refuse access to demonstrators. You shared your frustration at having had your phone lines cut several times per day over the past few weeks. “No,” you answered, when I asked if they had told you about the issues associated with the “dialogue.”

Once the ice was broken, we were able to discuss these issues. Together, we put the SPP in context, situating it within a much larger project—one heralded by the leaders of this world for over 30 years. We noted that, overall, this project is about the (re)colonization of the commons and of peoples all over the globe.

SNIP

I participated in attempts to push back the lines of riot police. I attempted to converse with the man, the woman, behind the shield, the mask, the helmet, the warrior gear. I tried hard to make them realize that we were all human beings, divided by our leaders. I spoke of the consequences of the SPP and I explained that by repressing us, they were partners in crime with those who were planning behind closed doors. Some were defiant—others had fear in their eyes. One officer of the Sûreté du Québec admitted that yes, he was “an accomplice to the rich and the fascists” (a slogan that was chanted during the demonstration), but that it was worth the $100 an hour he was getting paid.

http://www.rabble.ca/in_her_own_words.shtml?sh_itm=437d3f1f55e82bbc43d3c17bb80a8354&rXn=1&

The only thing I would like to say to that cop that agreed he was on the side of the fascists: You dumb, stupid, fuck. When your usefulness to the fascist bastards is over, as it will be one day, they will treat you just as they treat the rest of the peons. If you expect your past service as a willing enforcer and useful idiot in attempts to provoke violence and stifle dissent will count for jack shit, dream on asshat.

[bananas]

1. k&r nt