For Indymedia - Citizens of Ireland

antrim | rights, freedoms and repression | opinion/analysis

Wednesday May 12, 2004 17:00

by Davy Carlin

carlindaviid at hotmail dot com

The Left, Democratic Centralism, protest and the state

Below are some observations I have made over recent times in relation to, the left - democratic centralism, protest and the state

I read the events unfolding on the run up to Mayday in Dublin with a sense of here we go again. Not only on the arguments {splits} between the left but also the sheer frenzy of the state and media about Mayday which showed no justification for such a show of intent. This intent was for a repressive attitude towards Irish citizens whose 'crime' was to use their democratic right to protest. Whatever the state actions {this has been discussed elsewhere}, for me though the build up as so to endorse such repression if needed was particularly interesting {although not surprising, in the states eyes, given the arrival of Bush.} This attitude of repression was indeed forthcoming from many avenues and pundits who jumped on the state bandwagon to attempt to quell the right to protest. This in large part through creating and fabricating an 'unreal situation', thus heightening fear of {and of course providing the cover for the 'understandable right' by the state} to use such repression - if needed.

So fair play to 'ALL' that stood firm against such.

Moving on to the 'left'. For me I read the comments that are raised about 'ALL' political left organisations and If I believe such comments are genuine then for me and some others we do take such issues on board . I for one make up ones own mind by weighing up everything that is said which is why I always attempt to give the whole picture whatever the situation. With that I then attempt to convince others of my convictions and understandings arrived at after taking everything onboard.

With that I therefore take the opportunity at this point to say this - . Those 'Comrades' on the left that are 'Hacking' or are attempting to 'hack into my e-mail addresses such is recorded - as are others. Secondly when items are 'Disappeared' from websites or are attempted to be Dis - appeared such as my recent article on Nipsa. Then that for me shows desperation. Therefore those that I find that persons want disappeared, I will therefore attach every several months to a relevant article I write. This will let persons both know that the article exists and more importantly to let genuine activists know that persons for their own mindsets want to attempt to revise or airbrush history.
After the summer I shall be writing an in-depth article on the left and democratic centralism in action, recording all such behaviour and more, such as getting activists removed from premises, ultra sectarian behaviour, actions that had meant removal of close comrades from their homes due to words from 'the Left' to others etc. This article when completed will also be attached regularly to ongoing relevant articles as so activist scan see what has been ongoing

Even today some still continue to attempt such, although now those that do have become virtually isolated from everyone but themselves. Such is the mindset that they do even not realise that such is their words seen in its sectarian light by many that other genuine activists are regularly told and updated of such. Or more importantly the fact that no - one wishes to work with them - they still do not see anything the matter!

Again this shall be completed in the months ahead and no doubt many may and have raised such experience with ‘ALL’ organisations and none.

Moving on to the coming of Bush, already I read about the differences so I will put my own 'personal position'.

Firstly the state crackdown and the media frenzy I believe was all part of the coming of Bush. Many activists in the North watched the show unwind in the run up to May Day and the sheer overhand frenzy {and knew of its reason as to why it was done} therefore has made many activists more determined than ever now to put these events {to attend} into their dairy.

I have said time and again that such state actions will create a reaction. On this issue the huge over the top state preparation and its political reason behind it has ensured that many activists will now prioritise to get to the South from the North to assert their democratic right to protest with others in the face of such overwhelming over the top state re -action on Mayday.

Similar {on states and war} I had argued from a month or two after the war {at my conference as well} that Iraq will find them selves in the months ahead in a situation 'not unlike the North of Ireland in the early seventies'. I judged this on the history of states re actions to such {in such situations} and the already very limited preparation on the ground for post war situation ' occupation'. Understanding the overwhelming forces the occupation could muster { while understanding that a growing anti war voice that could be used against such} as well as seeing in part the beginnings by some of the project of internalization {Ulsterization} in mind and in beginnings. This combined with the diversity of religion, the region and the nature of the 'post war' resistance in its infancy - and of course the 'urban and rural 'coalition projects. As well as the coalition - state -repression, division and brutality. This not forgetting having raised the very real potential of occupying forces remaining there for a long time to come, and both the {resistence and occupation forces differing 'long term' stratagies} in relation to such..

Of course their was always the 'possibility' of becoming 'like Vietnam' or a civil war scenario as I had raised even then, ' but to see persons back then calling it the 'New Vietnam' and 'another Vietnam' I did not believe had properly understood its dynamic through taking the whole situation historical and present into account. Of course many disagreed with me then as would now.

Yet it was with a sense of irony that I see and hear increasingly on TV even recently on Channel 4 news and CNN, local British troops and commanders state 'that it had developed to now very like the situation of Northern Ireland in the early seventies'. Of course one is not saying that you should take such persons words for such but in hindsight I believe my analysis was much closer to the mark than those I read in the mainstream and indeed left papers. I believe that one always need to judge such instances on the concrete rather that what I see by some through sensionalism or not basing an analysis on the objective situation. Again many would disagree with my position but there are some who would agree. Again this has been from the onset my 'individual position.

Whatever the case there is a job for activists at hand, although difficult reading the ongoing debates I hope something resembling some unity for actions can be agreed. For one self I believe, the summit, a mass march in Dublin and Shannon are the key priorities. These activist from the North will attempt to mobilise and urge hundreds to travel from the North to the South for a stand against the occupation and its brutality as well as standing with citizens for the democratic right to protest without such unbelievable over the top re action , albeit political motivated for this visit.

Whatever the case citizens in the South shall be jointed by many leading Anti racism, Anti war, Anti privatisation, Anti sectarian activists who have been at the forefront of mobilising mass protests around such involving Catholics and Protestants. There shall be leading human and civil rights activist, lawyer and cross community workers, leading trade unionism involved to the fore in mass workers struggles. Leading minority ethnic, gay rights, student and women’s activists and many more. We shall urge persons to attend all such events and as citizens of Ireland and even with another media frenzy or preparation of state repression {which will make us even more determined to attend} we shall stand firm with those organising the events.

There I hope that those groups organising can put at least this time {only has to be for a wee while} and find some unity around this} Whatever the cased many of use will be their in Shannon, Dublin or at the summit using our democratic right of protest against a brutal occupation and a man who in large part in responsible for it.

See ya there - Davy Carlin

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Comments (9 of 9)

NIPSA - briefly as on lunch

by D

Fri May 14, 2004 14:56

NIPSA - hands up, you found me out I was fibbing.

Not on the issue of the NIPSA fundraiser, I did not say it was tonight as I did not say I was to speak at two events tonight. Quote -

'Check e-mail, NIPSA fundraiser to attend, requested to speak at two events'

NIPSA you have not heard of the event as it is being orgainsed by branch 8 who hold and initiated 'uncivil servant and its activists. Therefore as you may belong to a different branch {group?} you would not as yet heard of such. Branch 8 has hired out a night club to raise money and to offer solidarity for colleagues with a night of fun events.,

The event is to be held on the 28th of May. Come along or even orgainse one within your own branch.

Where I did fib though is that I did not mention all of my diary as I thought I needed not elaborate 'to much'. So just so you know, I was to speak at an event tomorrow in the One World Centre, but was pencilled in for to speak at the ARN event tomorrow, Was also to get involved in the 'gaint Leap' project {public meetings - next week etc} but was penciled in for different meetings requested,

Putting aside activity that I was asked could I do in the last week {could not} for the other campaigns I am involved in, I also received e-mails asking about Anti War to elections. from doing meetings in schools and colleges to lending support for a park campigan, from requesting advice, to asking for solidarity etc etc etc- hope you get the gist.

Yet I mentioned only that what I could do.

As for 36 hours, sometimes I wish I had, but I have something I believe is far far more important, scores of committed comrades, campaign activists and trade union activists around me. In which we all work together and help each other out. So the things I could not do above, others stated they will do them. Similarly when others are up to their eyes and I find a window then I will stand in etc.

It is the growing networks of solidarity that are seeing campaigns moving forward. Therefore those that attempt to still practice such 'activities' {which is so obvious and forceful that all can see} of the past then genuine activists will simply side step them, as unity not division is what genuine activists seek.

For me I am glad that in all those steering groups or campaign groups that I sit that they no longer hold such persons. And so with that the campaign meetings as all have agreed are far far better,fraternal, and work is done as the campaigns continually move outward with many more becoming involved.

and now davy have found 36 hours a day.

by just me

Fri May 14, 2004 12:10

what nipsa fund raiser is there tonight i have not heard of any....... Davy i think you have given us fibs in your long winded answers.... does this happen all the time i think so.

Thanks Badman

Fri May 14, 2004 10:31

For the word 'Pompous' that is a new one to add to my ever growing lists of names. However I had thought though that a lot of Indymedia activists would be citizens of Ireland- {I could be wrong}, but in future as it seems that saying such would be 'pompous' I shall address it as 'Citizens of Indymedia and beyond'. Hope that sounds better.

As for getting out more well I don't know you personally but I suppose you get out a lot then {involved in a lot activity and all that}. For me I try to write a few things for Indymedia {I think it is a good project} so I am not sure if you partake in it more than me {more regular readers would know} not that I am trying to raise any contradiction in that statement therefore.

But on getting out . Here is brief one week of a Diary {which I keep} . I believe firmly that persons also need to have a life outside activism. In doing so I believe one will not burn oneself out but as importantly will also understand life more from many perspectives. So I will use Badman's timely intervention to give a week in my life as an activist.

- tuesday of this week - up for work - 6am -{we are on going strike actions over pay NIPSA} Check and deal with all e-mails, asked to do a meeting in North Antrim {stick in dairy}, After work had dinner with partner then of to local Anti Racism Network meeting {West Belfast Branch} to organise activity for Sat . Back home 9.30pm. Went for walk with partner. 12.30am - 3.am continued writing on a book that is to be published.

Wednesday up for work - 6.am. Check e-mails, dealt with them all, Asked to speak at a cross community meeting in Belfast {stick in Dairy} Take a half day to meet partner for lunch, get stuck into doing some writing, for a local paper, article for Indymedia, and article for Blanket - Contact the media who had been looking press interviews, All done by 6pm. On to another meeting, Home 10pm. Go for walk with partner. Do a bit on my book - Bed 2am

Thursday {Yesterday} - Work up 6am, deal with e-mails, asked to speak in Craigavon and to confirm a speaker fo Derry - get contacted by press re, racial attacks meet them for interviews, Doctors appointment, then meet person re - meeting that I am to speak at { re- ex loyalist and republican prisoners at end of month}. Had dinner with partner, More press interviews. Picked up 6.15 by A Mc Intryre from the Blanket, away to Castle - Wellan do a meeting on ' A radical left'.. Home 10pm - Watched a film with Partner - Do another bit {Part six} of my life in West Belfast for the Blanket {as some things came to mind when listening to persons at the meeting. To bed.

Friday work 6pm - to meet partner for lunch, leave in our films from our recent long weekend break to Spain, {do this article for Indymedia site though before I clock in} - Check e-mail, NIPSA fundraiser to attend, requested to speak at two events, plus various other quieries, Dealt with. Checked my finished articles sent to Mackers for the Blanket. One on the Anti Racism Network and the left, Another on Nipsa but with an Intro on 'Revolutionary parties or not' and another on Republicanism

Then after work go and get our shopping in, will have dinner, go out or , grap a pizza in , or go out with friends {non - political night}

Saturday - up out of bed, check e-mails then down town to Canvass and leafletting for E Mcann, then do SWP stall, then sometimes either go to IPSC or BAWM or SEA event depending, But this time am to speak at an event organised by the West Belfast Anti Racism Network. will be attended by probably over 100 persons and activists. Meet partner after she comes back from her swim with friends. Do some writing for papers, Then friends and family arrive up for our Sat night booze up - have a few beers - to bed about 1am after everyone goes home.

Sunday - up 9am spend several hours writing - usually get phoned by the media or activists in the campaigns {SEA, IPSC, The Blanket, ARN etc} that I am involved in as so we can chat or prepare our diaries for the week.- . 2PM my partner and I either go jogging aroung the park or take a walk up the mountains. dinner 5 - 6pm. Then we do our weekly house work where we clean the house top to bottom. Shower- then some chilled out classical music while we chat {about life and things} and read.

Mon - up for work 6.am, check e-mails, After work leafleting local commuties, one of several meetings from which to prioritise to attend, Home, spend time with partner.

Tuesday - Up for work - 6am, Check emails,
both of us take a half day to go to the pictures then on for a meal. Away to the ARN steering group meeting, a march and a public meeting and requested speakers amongst other things to be dealt with., Home - go for a walk. Do some of my book. If time articles for papers

So I do get out quite a bit and prioritse what I do . What I would say though as with a previous excellent article on Indymedia is that persons need to balance their activism within their life as so to have a life, In doing so one can not only get more done but feel good about doing it. Signing off, Davy Carlin

Will see the 'Citizens of Indymedia and beyond' in June

And Badman once said

by Badman

Fri May 14, 2004 02:42

The letter exists because I am so pompous that when I have nothing to say I feel it is worth sharing with all the 'citizens of ireland' - at excruciating length.

Davy you describe the rudiments of the human thought process as if they were a unique virtue. You should get out more.

de long and de short of it

by toneore

Fri May 14, 2004 02:37

Blaise Pascal once wrote (in French), "This letter is longer only because I did not have the leisure to make it shorter."

Sashweed

Thu May 13, 2004 09:58

I, and others would have listened more acutely to what you had said if it had not been drenched in sarcasm. On Shannon, If I can I will be there as 'I' see it as important to do so. Equally a mass protest in Dublin and the summitt are also important for differing reasons.

Just to remind you what I had said above

'I for one make up ones own mind by weighing up everything that is said which is why I always attempt to give the whole picture whatever the situation. With that I then attempt to convince others of my convictions and understandings arrived at after taking everything onboard.'

Whether you believe that or not is a different matter but at the end of the day {those that know me know} that I do take points onboard raised by genuine activists. In doing so then I take up their argument and points 'if genuine' and raise them within the relevant groups.

Whatever is organised 'I' will advertise 'ALL' such events amongst those that I network with, for at the end of the day we may all hold differences on tactics. But all of us want to oppose Bush's arrival, it is that latter point that for 'me' in the short time we have, is the important issue.

Will keep persons updated of progress, Until then, In solidarity, Davy Carlin

So many words

by Ramblers Association

Wed May 12, 2004 20:50

So little to sat.

Is it just me or did Davy say precisely fuck all in his thousand words of rambling?

Hey Davy

by Sashweed

Wed May 12, 2004 18:20

"There I hope that those groups organising can put at least this time {only has to be for a wee while} and find some unity around this} Whatever the cased many of use will be their in Shannon, Dublin or at the summit using our democratic right of protest against a brutal occupation and a man who in large part in responsible for it."

Any chance you can copy this and send it to Henrietta Street. Then perhaps they will tell you, were they want you - Shannon, Dublin or the summit.

As for the rest of us. Shannon 8pm Friday 25th June.

Until then

Wed May 12, 2004 17:45

Sorry about the typing mistakes, did not have disc at hand and had to rewrite a few times - without spell check etc. As several times article when submitted but went elsewhere.

Hope you get the gist of what has been said though .

I believe and will urge with others many activists to go to Shannon, Dublin and the summit meeting to stand with Citizens of Ireland against the brutal occupation and for the democratic right to protest.

In solidarity - until then, Davy Carlin.

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Comments (9 of 9)