"Minnesota Still Adversely Affected by Republican National Convention " by Coleen Rowley

[annm4peace]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/coleen-rowley/minnesota-still-adversely_b_180391.html

Really incredible article by Coleen Rowley (funny how history repeats its self over and over.

What do 17,000 members of the Duluth Central Labor Body; the "Minnesota 8" sixty-year olds whose Vietnam draft resistance experiences were commissioned into a 2008 "Peace Crimes" play; over 3000 people from all over the world (many of whom not only signed an on-line petition but also wrote small essays about the need to protect Constitutional rights and freedom in their comments); and nine "Americans Who Tell the Truth"--painted as part of an educational art project all have in common? All strongly support the right to dissent and specifically the eight young organizers of RNC protest actions who were pre-emptively arrested before the Republican National Convention and then later charged under Minnesota's version of the Patriot Act with "incitement to riot in furtherance of terrorism". While there was a common conclusion communicated via yesterday's petition delivery to Ramsey County Prosecutor Susan Gaertner, a variety of reasons and perspectives were brought forward on why dissent needs to be protected and why pre-emptive arrests and prosecuting these young people as "terrorists" is wrong.

History of "Criminal Syndicalism" laws and the Duluth Central Labor Body's Resolution

In the early 20th century (circa 1917), about twenty states, including Minnesota, passed "criminal syndicalism laws" (like the one below) to put more pressure on labor organizers and others who would commit civil disobedience or other "disorderly" political activities.

[juno jones]

1. K&R! n/t

[Bjorn Against]

2. K&R for Coleen, she is no doubt the most amazing person I know.