unConventional
We at Axis of Justice have never been big fans of electoral politics. In a real democracy, such things can be powerful, selecting the people with principles and vision to help achieve real results and cater to the will of the people. But here in the United States, that ideal has been perverted in thousands of different ways, leaving us with a system where the rich and the powerful select two candidates who are also rich and powerful, and let the people democratically vote which one will become president to pursue policies that support the rich and powerful.
On the plus side, these manipulations are not 100% foolproof, and there is room for real candidates and real change to happen, sometimes. On the down side, the powers that be are also working harder and harder to eliminate even these infant-sized morsels of true democracy.
In just a few months, the already over-long 2008 presidential campaign will kick into high gear with the Democratic and Republican National Conventions. And as we have learned only too well, politicians will only do the right thing when they have no other option. That means that if we want politicians to do what we want, we must tell them loudly and forcefully, and we must make it clear that they will face real consequences if they do not follow through.
This concept is behind the upcoming series of protests at both the Democratic National Convention (August 24-28, 2008, Denver, Colorado) and the Republican National Convention (September 1-4, 2008, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota). If you can make it to these events, you might consider doing so to make your voice heard and to start putting the pressure on the future president to do what’s best for the nation and planet. If you can’t make it, you might want to consider your own form of political action to support the DNC and RNC protesters, or to somehow express your own views and power.
Below are some links to further information about the upcoming convention protests. We will add to these in the days ahead, and feel free to contact us if you find more websites and resources.
Democratic National Convention (DNC)
August 24-28, 2008
Denver, CO
Unconventional Denver
“Unconventional Denver is an autonomous chapter of Unconventional Action, a network of anarchists and anti-authoritarians organizing against the political conventions happening this summer.” They hold weekly planning meetings in Denver, check the site for details.
DNC Disruption ’08
“DNC Disruption 08 is an online clearinghouse for radical and progressive groups organizing against the Democratic National Convention.“
Re-Create ‘68
Alliance of local grassroots activists opposing racism, imperialism, and corrupt democracy.
Tent State University
A creative, de-centralized action to set up “alternative universities” at college campuses across the nation that will focus on anti-war education and protest. So far, TSUs are planned for schools in Colorado, Missouri, Minnesota, Ohio, and New Jersey.
Colorado Independent Media Center
Local activist-centric media-makers. Visit their site for news and updates, or join them and help report the news yourself!
Republican National Convention (RNC)
September 1-4, 2008
St. Paul/Minneapolis, MN
ProtestRNC2008.org
Protesting the RNC to end the war in Iraq, and call for more just and peaceful policies.
March on the RNC and Stop the War
The title really says it all.
RNC Welcoming Committee
“Crash the Convention!” Radical activists organizing a response to the RNC.
Unconventional Action
Direct action against both the DNC and the RNC.
Twin Cities Indymedia
Local, activist-centered media. Check in for reports from the ground, or become the media yourself!
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