Press Release- Gardai arming themselves for May Day- we ask where is threat of violence?

by Donal O'B Tue Apr 20, 2004 16:11

On the basis of past excesses by long-haired freaks in other countries, it is prudent of the Gardai to arm themselves.

We don't want an influx of longhairs from abroad rampaging through our streets. If they do they'll get an Irish solution, a belt across the head and they deserve it. They should have got some discipline when they were young.

by T Tue Apr 20, 2004 13:39

The State are now going into over-drive. They are doing their utmost to scare people away from any sort of protest. They DO NOT want people to think about the issues.

It's simple really. They feed a steady stream of lies and mis-information to the corporate media. Their technique is to 'criminalise' protestors through these wild allegations and drive a wedge between those prepared to go out and protest and those still wondering about what it's all about.

If you can criminalise any particular group, then since most people don't want to be associated with criminals, they immediately distance themselves from them. Once this has been achieved or near-achieved, whenever you strike up conversation with people, the effect of (societal) peer pressure kicks in and people do not want to hear what you have to say and will also in their own minds label you likewise.

The effect of the propaganda is more an emotional one on people and this can be seen later in how they react negatively to any discussion of the topic.

By this simple measure, the government / State achieves it's aim of social control and everyone can go back to be distracted from the main issues by focusing on celebrities of all kinds.

Other examples and forms of control in a slightly different context can be read about at:

by David Tue Apr 20, 2004 12:47

the SWP event will be on the south side near heuston station, there will probably be a line of cops across the bridge stopping people getting anywhere near the phoenix park.

The grassroots meeting point is on the north side pretty much across the river from the SWP stage.. (assuming we will be able to get there if there are cops on the bridge and they are surrounded by protestors on all sides they might get a little panicked (even if there is nothing to actually be worried about) and they might do something stupid.. so people should use their judgement on the day to avoid a flashpoint on parkgate street

by Joe Mon Apr 19, 2004 17:54

Wow 'Bloody Typical' I'd no idea the violent group that caused all the trouble in Genoa were turing up in Dublin in significant numbers! I presume you referring to the blue bloc thugs who shot one protester dead and hospitalised hundreds?

For those interested. One of the first principles adopted by the Dublin Grassroots Network was that in our presswork we would not criticise the actions of other groups, including the SWP. Given the media habit of taking comments from indymedia as if they were press statements if might be wise to save the airing of differences for another time and occasion. That is if its not a case of trolls/cops simply stirring shit.

In terms of getting near Farmleigh there is no guarantee that we will succeed. But we are starting out with the intention to find ways around the attempt to ban demonstrations on the north side of the river. Our current assembly point for the Farmleigh march (6pm Benburb st) is actually inside the exclusion zone!

by R Isible - Indymedia Ireland Mon Apr 19, 2004 17:50

Are you referring to the Gardai? They're the only violent people that have entered the equation so far. As is clear from the statements of the various organisers of the protests and other events (whether it's the Grassroots Network or the SWP's "Another Europe Is Possible") this is an entirely peaceful affair.

So your assertion doesn't carry any weight unless you provide some evidence.

If you're not going to do that then you may as well not bothering posting.

by Observer Mon Apr 19, 2004 17:45

Sorry alphabet person (abcdefghij) above, but time will tell- i seriously don't see grassroots getting anywhere near the dinner- going on other demos and police presense. From accounts I've heard on preperations for mayday hearn called to the grassroots meeting on saturday and offered to link up AEIP and grassroots demos. AEIP have support from many organisations and its carnival is getting a great response! Local/Euro elections may have scared off some on the left from the carnival and scare mongering- AEIP area still organising.
You are just a narc trying to drive a wedge between groups on the left-

Anyway, YOU are probablly a copper- so get lost. Your certainly helping them no end. See you mayday in your riot gear!

by Bloody Typical Mon Apr 19, 2004 17:44

.. and then whinge when people make the connection. It looks like we'll get the same scum who caused all the violence in Genoa etc. Of course, there'll still be morons here who'll prattle on about the police causing it. Bullshit! You'll never accept responsibility, will you?

by abcdefghij Mon Apr 19, 2004 17:04

Rory, AEIP dont have anything to worry about - while the likes of warmongers Blair and Berlusconi are off having their dinner in Castleknock, your "coalition" (yeah right, with around ten people attending meetings) will be four miles away, listening to music. Why have AEIP decided to walk away from any meaningful protest? Probably has something to do with upcoming local elections.

Once again you are making a name for yourself off the efforts of other groups. Well done to the Grassroots Network for bringing the Noise to the doorstep of the bureacrats dinner. No to neoliberalism, no to authoritarian marxism.

by David Mon Apr 19, 2004 16:30

He did a good job against the journalist from the sunday business post and against the media hybe (the irony that there is now a media hype about the fact that there is media hype)