SPRING 2007 020 VOLUME 3 ISSUE 2

Four Years and Counting

BATTLE FOR THE COPENHAGEN SQUAT BIKES! CLIMATE CHAOS

NEWSMAGAZINE OF THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA INDEPENDENT MEDIA CENTER indybay.org

ISSUE TWENTY TABLE OF CONTENTS:

2 Fault Lines and the Future of Radical Media 3 Port Blockade in Tacoma; Weeping Wednesday; War Resisters

4 BP’s Sticky Situation in Berkeley 5 PG&E’s Green Washing Campaign 6 The Story of the Ungdomshuset Squat Riot

7 Squatting in the Ruins of Buffalo 8 Costa Rica’s Continued Resistance to CAFTA 9 Ireland Stands Against Shell

10 Climate Change as the Death of Capitalism 12 Iraq Vets Resist the War 13 The Mercenary Surge in Iraq

16 Bay Area Bicycles 18 Sublime Frequencies 19 Realizing the Impossible 23 Ten Tips for Radicals free 02 FAULT LINES SPRING 2007 F 16th 2940 Home Base: [email protected] Email: the entire editorial process. in participation your welcome and We clarity. content, length, for articles edit to The print working group reserves the right ticipation. par of forms all encourage we support, volunteer on entirely relying an organization As office. the run us help just or tos takeweb, pho articlesthe to self-publish rallies, and events film Lines, Fault for write door.can Youopen an has IMC The G and we are dissenting from the ground up. su press. We to are the people, seekswe are the media plutocracy media the that exposing the stories and raising the issues by communities our in change radical for tool a as used be to created was lication pub This voices. marginalized empower news coverage. Our mission is to train and rate conglomerations, to set the agenda for corponotpublic, allowingthe of goal the ency,thisnewsmagazine hopestoachieve transpar with operating By distribution. and production media of process lective opportunityactivelytocol participate a in the communities all give to aims Center, Media Independent Area Bay Francisco San the newsmagazineof theFault Lines, M F global indymedianetwork. the of unit organizing and local the as outlets,serves media and makers media independent area bay of collective cratic Media Center is a non-commercial, demo Independent Area Bay Francisco San The support helpsmake thishappen. small businesses that have advertised within these pages. Your and organizations the and Faultsubscribed, have to who those donated Lines, has who everyone thank to like also We’d lia, Santa CruzIMC.respect. ing, Inkworks, Khalil Bendib, Dan Raccug Publish Valley Sonoma Tentacles,native hellface,janky Press,AK and Lorna Alter lushorchid, and Sy Elizabeth CorpWatch, Press, Quinn Howard 40, Station Sheet, Street imc), (nyc Indypendent the liance, Al Media Malachowski, Katrina id, Dave F McMahon, Emily Howard, Rubble. Sean Tonak, Ali Sakura Simons, Tim Saunders, RezRez, Rahim, Nico tassium, Po Hannah Hunter O’Donoghue, Liam Jackson, Zlutnick, David Gereghty, Matt S an an ault Lines ault ault et ission F I rancisco, rancisco,

n L L v ol ines ines S S t. t. tatement v S uite 216 uite ed Thanks CA

Volunteers , 94103-2682 , ------many other, independent publications. and these, of precariousness the reveals bers and then went bankrupt. All of this thousands of dollars in debt to its mem last December, a distributor that built folded up Association Press Independent The issue. final its on working is Kitchen Sink rent. lower of search in land Portto Oaklandfrommoving is Bitch after the Seattle WTO protests of 1999. blossomed that enthusiasm and energy the embody that magazines two Lip, and Clamor notably most under, gone publicationshaveradical important eral sev months few last the In struggling. when radical print projects in general are time a at newsmagazine,especially teer That’s thequestion. lost? be something would But simpler. a lot easier, and design could be so much be practically free, distribution would be dybay.org or make our own website—it’d post In on articles these easily could the We print. medium: question we but media pendent inde of value the doubt don’t tainly making spend we money and time the if selves our asking movements, social radical in media print of role the about talking and thinking time some spend to break little a took months. We five almost in magazine an effective way to newsdo this? aWe making Is movements. global and national, local, larger of part a be The Role ac The Join By producingBy volun all free, a being easy not It’s of issue first the is This FaultLines t ion FaultLines L - - is worth it.We worth is cer etter from the Editors:

within the Indymedia net What is the role of print work, which is largely of Radical Print? we want towant we Fault Lines Fault internet-based? ------

‘you’ anyway? Write or email us and let and us email or Write‘you’anyway? are Who movements? social radical in media print of role the is What Why? screen? computer a than paper of piece more effective? Would you rather read a be we could How weaknesses? our are What strengths? our are What you think? do What here. doing we’re on what feedback get and communication pamphlets, fliers, or zines? our time be better spent making posters, electronicscreen?an Wouldto paper of preferpiecewhousthosestaringa of at cess to computers? Is it a mere luxury for medium reach communities with less print ac the Does think. you what know toneed movementsweserves, soitthat the by fedoutletcraticmedia shouldbe based? Part of being a useful tool internet-is being largely is which network, dia Indyme the within print of role the is What think. people other what know to want we But not.’ conflicted ‘maybe the spectrum from an emphatic ‘yes’ to a coverthat thisabout ideas of lot a have us know. e at o pn p h lns of lines the up open to want We [email protected] or San Francisco, CA 94103-2682 2940 16thStreet, Suite 216 Fault Lines

- independent,demo It an that sense makes paper. this on together work who people of group the than larger munity embedded in a com • W • • • We • Pho • designe • Fo Rabble-Rouse • www E r di r de N t i eed: - - - - t t . o f e og t r aul r streets in the weeks before before 2007. the weeks Mayday hit the to in due streets around country, all the from compelling films of short Despierta: compilation Gigante trade Miami. the in the negotiations from outside the on protests footage of with pro ground Area Americas Trade the the Free of posed implications Model Miami The San of Francisco. protesters streets the down Iraq shut of US the invasion following Empire: days the This In Interrupt We $200. for one- subscription your year shirt with tee bandana Lines and Fault a plus 5: Option $80. one-year for your subscription with choice 4: Option $60. for one-year subscription your with shirt tee 3: Option $40. for one-year subscription your with bandana 2: Option $20. for Lines Fault 1: Option ails go go ails s s r r get cool stuff cool get Fault Lines & Lines Fault a Subscribe to to Subscribe s t p lines.o he Get all three DVDs DVDs three all Get Get a DVD of your your of DVD a Get Get a Fault Lines Lines Fault a Get Lines Fault a Get Get a full year of of year full a Get r r t s s o r : explores explores : g s a is - Seitz does “not expect a retrial to ever ever to retrial a expect “not does Seitz dismissal,but for move will defense the proceedssecond a trial with army the If law.” case applicable and martial courts double for of rules military the on based jeopardy case a be would retrial “A Watada’ssaid Seitz. Eric lawyer civilian case,” this ending of consequence the amistrial.ter thejudgedeclared State, Watada’s Washingtonaf victory proclaimed lawyers in Lewis Ft. side out rallied supporters of thousands As over.”“doa for asked basically and case its botched thoroughly government the seems it but February, early in court- martial a facing Iraq—was in war the out against speak to officer missioned students, by confronted when halls meet ing of backdoors the out sneaking ture oftheUC. struc undemocratic general the as well as color, of students retain and recruit that programs for funding of lack the to workers, service to paid wages level poverty- the to labs, weapons nuclear of management UC’s the from ranging issues of variety a at disgust their press lars bussing in extra riot police. dol of thousands spentadministration organizedstudentbody, Cruz Santathe visitedSanta Cruz. Facing andanangry By David Zlutnick VeteransPeace. the of for chapter Olympia of member and veteran a Vietnam Hamilton, Wes said Iraq,” in mire quag ongoing the for is there public support little how just shows darkness of cover under in equipment the sneak then and port accessible less different, bags, bullets, rubber andpellets. spray,pepper gas,bean pepper gas, tear of amounts huge with port the to road ence in the form of sitting passively in a responded to non-violent civil disobedi to Iraq.hicles On March 11, the police ve armored Stryker ship Tacomaof to prevent the frommilitary using the Port to campaign their over repression and brutality police growing faced have ton By LiamO’Donoghue By David Zlutnick Students still face charges from UC Regents protest “The mistrial is very likely to have have to likely very is mistrial “The com first Watada—the Ehren Lt. for notorious are Regents the As Hundreds of students gathered to ex On October 18, 2006, the UC Regents a choose to had they that fact “The in Tacoma,Peaceactivists Washing Peaceful anti-war activists brutalized in port blockade Police Riot in Tacoma Watada Mistr Weeping Wednesday: GI Resistance Heats Up: U i al, Sentences for Resisters, pco ming Cases ------status but was denied. He decided to go (CO) Objector Conscientious for plied ap Iraq, in Wilkerson tour one serving After Texas. Hood Ft. in 22 February on brig military a in months seven to suspended. re been has sentence his on The time maining months. eight to sentenced was and Canada from returning after 2006, November day, election on DC Washington, in in himself turned He on February 5 after serving two months. brig Marine a from released was beck the media. by consulted experts legal other have as conclusions, Seitz’s with agrees he said lawyer, defense military appointed da’s occur.” Army Captain Mark Kim, Wata even police by having kicked later, repeatedly been months five over pains back from suffer to continues warning.Kendrick without protesters on pepper spray and batons using others, two grabbed police commotion ensuing the In scuffle. the of lines front the on not was she though even her!” Get want! we one the “That’s yelled, officer one arrested being was she As police. UC by harassed being of history a has who Kendrick, a well-known student activist dents outoftheway. stu dragging and pushing repeatedly aggressive, increasingly became police continued, protest the As students. the Regents into addressing the demands of the building, attempting to pressure the circled and hands joined protesters the attheport. strated protestors were arrested as they demon more 23 11, March Sunday, the On port. at arrive to continues equipment military the as long as for actions other and (Tacoma vigils daily continuing are PMR) Resistance Militarization Port Tacoma and (OlyPMR) sistance of Olympia. Port the using stop to decided military the protests, those Following actions. similar in Portthe restedat Olympia of of ourport.” use the resist to obligation manitarian hu and moral a We have killed. being where they have a high of risk killing or war civil a of midst the into placed ing be from them prevent to is support troops the to way best “The added, He ak ikro ws sentenced was Wilkerson Mark In other war resister news, Ivan Bro Alette targeted police the Finally Re Militarization Port Olympia ar were people of dozens year Last ------a year in Iraq while his CO application application CO his while Iraq in year a for serving After Germany.Manheim, in court-martial a at prison military a in years seven to up await of sentence a is ing been and desertion has of convicted Aguayo Augustín medic himselfinlastAugust.turned AWOL instead of returning to Iraq. He two, other The peace. the disturbing and arrest resisting for two officer, and an assaulting of counts meanors—three later, is still facing five misde Kendrick months five almost However, charges. without students the of release the for police and administration UCSC negotiated with collectively protesters ing beingcuffed. after mire in Iraq is robbing our communities of desperately needed cupation that is opposed by the American people. This quag resist the use of our publicly funded ports to support an oc As remain the arrests, the after Hours “We have a democratic, economic, and moral obligation to resources and putting our young people in grave danger.” al Lines Fault goes to print, Army Army print, to goes – Molly Gibbs, OlyPMR member. - - - r ad ay tes lae visit please others many CourageToResist.org. and ers paign andneedyour help. cam support his leading are daughters His eleven-year-old weapon. two and his mother, wife, load to refused he there time his During redeployed. be to refused Aguayo reviewed, being was please visit: UCActivistDefense.org. support, legal their in involved get to like would or cases, continuing the on Thole couldgetuptoayear. while jail, in years three to up receive could counts, all convictedonKendrick If misdemeanors. smaller facing each are Stormoen, Steve and Thole Tani o upr tee a resist war these support To information more like would you If - - - -

Photo: www.indybay.org Photo Coutesy of Bradley Stuart Photo: Seattle IMC 03 FAULT LINES SPRING 2007 02 FAULT LINES SPRING 2007 support helpsmake thishappen. small businesses that have advertised within these pages. Your and organizations the and Faultsubscribed, have to who those donated Lines, has who everyone thank to like also We’d lia, Santa CruzIMC.respect. ing, Inkworks, Khalil Bendib, Dan Raccug Publish Valley Sonoma Tentacles,native hellface,janky Press,AK and Lorna Alter lushorchid, and Sy Elizabeth CorpWatch, Press, Quinn Howard 40, Station Sheet, Street imc), (nyc Indypendent the liance, Al Media Malachowski, Katrina id, Dave F McMahon, Emily Howard, Rubble. Sean Tonak, Ali Sakura Simons, Tim Saunders, RezRez, Rahim, Nico tassium, Po Hannah Hunter O’Donoghue, Liam Jackson, Zlutnick, David Gereghty, Matt F S 16th 2940 Home Base: [email protected] Email: the entire editorial process. in participation your welcome and We clarity. content, length, for articles edit to The print working group reserves the right ticipation. par of forms all encourage we support, volunteer on entirely relying an organization As office. the run us help just or tos takeweb, pho articlesthe to self-publish rallies, and events film Lines, Fault for write door.can Youopen an has IMC The G and we are dissenting from the ground up. su press. We to are the people, seekswe are the media plutocracy media the that exposing the stories and raising the issues by communities our in change radical for tool a as used be to created was lication pub This voices. marginalized empower news coverage. Our mission is to train and rate conglomerations, to set the agenda for corponotpublic, allowingthe of goal the ency,thisnewsmagazine hopestoachieve transpar with operating By distribution. and production media of process lective opportunityactivelytocol participate a in the communities all give to aims Center, Media Independent Area Bay Francisco San the newsmagazineof theFault Lines, F global indymedianetwork. the of unit organizing and local the as outlets,serves media and makers media independent area bay of collective cratic Media Center is a non-commercial, demo Independent Area Bay Francisco San The M an an ault Lines ault ault et ission F I rancisco, rancisco,

n L L v ol ines ines S S t. t. tatement v S uite 216 uite ed Thanks CA

Volunteers , 94103-2682 , ------magazine an effective way to newsdo this? aWe making Is movements. global and national, local, larger of part a be many other, independent publications. and these, of precariousness the reveals bers and then went bankrupt. All of this thousands of dollars in debt to its mem last December, a distributor that built folded up Association Press Independent The issue. final its on working is Kitchen Sink rent. lower of search in land Portto Oaklandfrommoving is Bitch after the Seattle WTO protests of 1999. blossomed that enthusiasm and energy the embody that magazines two Lip, and Clamor notably most under, gone publicationshaveradical important eral sev months few last the In struggling. when radical print projects in general are time a at newsmagazine,especially teer That’s thequestion. lost? be something would But simpler. a lot easier, and design could be so much be practically free, distribution would be dybay.org or make our own website—it’d post In on articles these easily could the We print. medium: question we but media pendent inde of value the doubt don’t tainly making spend we money and time the if selves our asking movements, social radical in media print of role the about talking and thinking time some spend to break little a took months. We five almost in The Role ac The Join By producingBy volun all free, a being easy not It’s of issue first the is This FaultLines t ion FaultLines L - - is worth it.We worth is cer etter from the Editors:

within the Indymedia net What is the role of print work, which is largely of Radical Print? we want towant we Fault Lines Fault internet-based? ------

us know. let and us email or Write‘you’anyway? are Who movements? social radical in media print of role the is What Why? screen? computer a than paper of piece more effective? Would you rather read a be we could How weaknesses? our are What strengths? our are What you think? do What here. doing we’re on what feedback get and communication pamphlets, fliers, or zines? our time be better spent making posters, electronicscreen?an Wouldto paper of preferpiecewhousthosestaringa of at cess to computers? Is it a mere luxury for medium reach communities with less print ac the Does think. you what know toneed movementsweserves, soitthat the by fedoutletcraticmedia shouldbe based? Part of being a useful tool internet-is being largely is which network, dia Indyme the within print of role the is What think. people other what know to want we But not.’ conflicted ‘maybe the spectrum from an emphatic ‘yes’ to a coverthat thisabout ideas of lot a have [email protected] or San Francisco, CA 94103-2682 2940 16thStreet, Suite 216 Fault Lines of lines the up open to want We

- independent,demo It an that sense makes paper. this on together work who people of group the than larger munity embedded in a com • W • • • We • Pho • designe • Fo Rabble-Rouse • www E r di r de N t i eed: - - - - t t . o f e og t r aul r streets in the weeks before before 2007. the weeks Mayday hit the to in due streets around country, all the from compelling films of short Despierta: compilation Gigante trade Miami. the in the negotiations from outside the on protests footage of with pro ground Area Americas Trade the the Free of posed implications Model Miami The San of Francisco. protesters streets the down Iraq shut of US the invasion following Empire: days the This In Interrupt We $200. for one- subscription your year shirt with tee bandana Lines and Fault a plus 5: Option $80. one-year for your subscription with choice 4: Option $60. for one-year subscription your with shirt tee 3: Option $40. for one-year subscription your with bandana 2: Option $20. for Lines Fault 1: Option ails go go ails s s r r get cool stuff cool get Fault Lines & Lines Fault a Subscribe to to Subscribe s t p lines.o he Get all three DVDs DVDs three all Get Get a DVD of your your of DVD a Get Get a Fault Lines Lines Fault a Get Lines Fault a Get Get a full year of of year full a Get r r t s s o r : explores explores : g s a is - Seitz does “not expect a retrial to ever ever to retrial a expect “not does Seitz dismissal,but for move will defense the proceedssecond a trial with army the If law.” case applicable and martial courts double for of rules military the on based jeopardy case a be would retrial “A Watada’ssaid Seitz. Eric lawyer civilian case,” this ending of consequence the amistrial.ter thejudgedeclared State, Watada’s Washingtonaf victory proclaimed lawyers in Lewis Ft. side out rallied supporters of thousands As over.”“doa for asked basically and case its botched thoroughly government the seems it but February, early in court- martial a facing Iraq—was in war the out against speak to officer missioned students, by confronted when halls meet ing of backdoors the out sneaking ture oftheUC. struc undemocratic general the as well as color, of students retain and recruit that programs for funding of lack the to workers, service to paid wages level poverty- the to labs, weapons nuclear of management UC’s the from ranging issues of variety a at disgust their press lars bussing in extra riot police. dol of thousands spentadministration organizedstudentbody, Cruz Santathe visitedSanta Cruz. Facing andanangry By David Zlutnick VeteransPeace. the of for chapter Olympia of member and veteran a Vietnam Hamilton, Wes said Iraq,” in mire quag ongoing the for is there public support little how just shows darkness of cover under in equipment the sneak then and port accessible less different, bags, bullets, rubber andpellets. spray,pepper gas,bean pepper gas, tear of amounts huge with port the to road ence in the form of sitting passively in a responded to non-violent civil disobedi to Iraq.hicles On March 11, the police ve armored Stryker ship Tacomaof to prevent the frommilitary using the Port to campaign their over repression and brutality police growing faced have ton By LiamO’Donoghue By David Zlutnick Students still face charges from UC Regents protest “The mistrial is very likely to have have to likely very is mistrial “The com first Watada—the Ehren Lt. for notorious are Regents the As Hundreds of students gathered to ex On October 18, 2006, the UC Regents a choose to had they that fact “The in Tacoma,Peaceactivists Washing Peaceful anti-war activists brutalized in port blockade Police Riot in Tacoma Watada Mistr Weeping Wednesday: GI Resistance Heats Up: U i al, Sentences for Resisters, pco ming Cases ------status but was denied. He decided to go (CO) Objector Conscientious for plied ap Iraq, in Wilkerson tour one serving After Texas. Hood Ft. in 22 February on brig military a in months seven to suspended. re been has sentence his on The time maining months. eight to sentenced was and Canada from returning after 2006, November day, election on DC Washington, in in himself turned He on February 5 after serving two months. brig Marine a from released was beck the media. by consulted experts legal other have as conclusions, Seitz’s with agrees he said lawyer, defense military appointed da’s occur.” Army Captain Mark Kim, Wata even police by having kicked later, repeatedly been months five over pains back from suffer to continues warning.Kendrick without protesters on pepper spray and batons using others, two grabbed police commotion ensuing the In scuffle. the of lines front the on not was she though even her!” Get want! we one the “That’s yelled, officer one arrested being was she As police. UC by harassed being of history a has who Kendrick, a well-known student activist dents outoftheway. stu dragging and pushing repeatedly aggressive, increasingly became police continued, protest the As students. the Regents into addressing the demands of the building, attempting to pressure the circled and hands joined protesters the attheport. strated protestors were arrested as they demon more 23 11, March Sunday, the On port. at arrive to continues equipment military the as long as for actions other and (Tacoma vigils daily continuing are PMR) Resistance Militarization Port Tacoma and (OlyPMR) sistance of Olympia. Port the using stop to decided military the protests, those Following actions. similar in Portthe restedat Olympia of of ourport.” use the resist to obligation manitarian hu and moral a We have killed. being where they have a high of risk killing or war civil a of midst the into placed ing be from them prevent to is support troops the to way best “The added, He ak ikro ws sentenced was Wilkerson Mark In other war resister news, Ivan Bro Alette targeted police the Finally Re Militarization Port Olympia ar were people of dozens year Last ------after beingcuffed. after a year in Iraq while his CO application application CO his while Iraq in year a for serving After Germany.Manheim, in court-martial a at prison military a in years seven to up await of sentence a is ing been and desertion has of convicted Aguayo Augustín medic himselfinlastAugust.turned AWOL instead of returning to Iraq. He two, other The peace. the disturbing and arrest resisting for two officer, and an assaulting of counts meanors—three later, is still facing five misde Kendrick months five almost However, charges. without students the of release the for police and administration UCSC negotiated with collectively protesters ing mire in Iraq is robbing our communities of desperately needed cupation that is opposed by the American people. This quag resist the use of our publicly funded ports to support an oc As remain the arrests, the after Hours “We have a democratic, economic, and moral obligation to resources and putting our young people in grave danger.” al Lines Fault goes to print, Army Army print, to goes – Molly Gibbs, OlyPMR member. - - - r ad ay tes lae visit please others many CourageToResist.org. and ers paign andneedyour help. cam support his leading are daughters His eleven-year-old weapon. two and his mother, wife, load to refused he there time his During redeployed. be to refused Aguayo reviewed, being was please visit: UCActivistDefense.org. support, legal their in involved get to like would or cases, continuing the on Thole couldgetuptoayear. while jail, in years three to up receive could counts, all convictedonKendrick If misdemeanors. smaller facing each are Stormoen, Steve and Thole Tani o upr tee a resist war these support To information more like would you If - - - -

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SF ------uig rp ims cmae t that to compared biomass crop ducing pro to in put energy fossil of amount by2008. into corn-importers Dakota South and Iowa turn to pected ex are Biofuels biodiesel. for soybean for corn ethanol and 8.8 million square miles of of miles. square million 1.4 need would we biofuels with con sumption oil US replace 625,000 To miles. reaches square cropland US Total demand. diesel of percent 6 and mand meet only 12 percent of our gasoline de would biofuels to production soybean sound. or environmentally free, be not will it and appetite energy lunch of crop-based fuel can’t satisfy our freeapparent the that is mention to fail venture business private blatantly this behind scientists what agenda,research University’s the overwhelming to tion addi In Hardly. industry? and ment, environ the public, University,the the fortheseglobalpartners. in revenues billions into translating support, public academic expertise built over decades of appropriate invest will industries small these ment, relatively a is them what for With SAAB). industries Renault, Citroen, automotive Peugeot, (Volkswagen, and Shell), TOTAL, (BP, troleum (Monsanto, pe Dupont), Bayer, Syngenta, biotech Bunge), Cargill, (ADM, agribusiness est larg world’s the of alignment corporate global unprecedented and unchecked, rapid, the flects re partnership This crops.” ter through the development of bet energy renewable clean, of tion improve and expand the produc to working be will We ergy… en carbon low for demand the meet to talent engineering and science best world’s the of some J]oining “[ was BP proclaimed and theUniversity. State, the Nation, the of flags the with aligned perfectly is logo corporate BP’s unmistakable: were announcement the ment by a factor of ten. invest The graphics of Novartis’ dwarfs grant BP the dollars, million 500 at However, ago. years ten Novartis giant seed with deal research hapless Berkeley’s of niversary an the on produce comes This crops. biofuel to biotechnology primarily nois to develop new sources of energy— of Laboratories,Illi and the University Livermore Berkeley, Lawrence UC for just donated big money in research funds Beyond Petroleum UC Berkeley sells out to energy giant energy to out sells Berkeley UC by Prof. MiguelA. Altieri, Holt-Gimenez, andEric UCBerkeley Director, Executive Food First, Oakland. h boul nry balance—the energy biofuel The and corn US present all Dedicating Could this be a “win-win” agenda for Malone A. Robert CEO/Chairman With royal fanfare, British Petroleum ------This partnership reflects alignment of the world’s biotech, petroleum, and automotive industries. the rapid, unchecked, ------largest agribusiness, and unprecedented perweeds.” Both monocultures produce produce monocultures Both perweeds.” herbicide that upset and soil produce ecology “su Roundup nonselective, of amounts massive require Soybeans tor. the herbicide atrazine, an and endocrine disrup Mexico) of Gulf the in dead zone the for responsible (largely izer fertil nitrogen chemical of levels high requires corn Industrial monocultures. scale large on depend production bean jury still lukewarm on cellulosic biofuels. returns,1.8 ethanolbest,foratthewith to 1.2 only researcherssee Otherfuels. riousnegative energybalances withbio Researchers Patzek and Pimentel see se comingout—is anything butpromising. ary tropical forests and grasslands in in grasslands and forests tropical ary second soybean and primary replacing and already palm, oil sugarcane, of plantations large-scale on world oping devel the in grown be will crops fuel Instead, biofuels. with appetite energy GMO crops. non- all of contamination permanent the to barriers plants practical all remove will processing ethanol special for with “designercorn” tailored genetically GMO.is US biofuels of expansion The the in canola of percent 50 percent soy,and of 89 corn, of percent 52 ently, (GMOs).cropsengineeredPres ically irreversibly convert agriculture to genet to opportunity the players—is key are reasonthe companyand Monsanto agenda— biofuels the of motives trial aquifer. lala will Ogal Midwest suffering already the down draw the in areas drier into cob” the on “fuel irrigated of pansion ex The biomass. of production the in water of gallons 3-4 up of sucks ethanol gallon Each runoff. fertilizer and pesticides from pollution groundwater and surface and erosion topsoil massive global corporate Industrial methods of corn and soy and corn of methods Industrial Obviously the US can’t satisfy its its satisfy can’t US the Obviously One of the more surreptitious indus ------

is long overdue. program new this on debate public ous seri A crisis. energy the to alternatives sustainable truly supports that research to accountable University the hold to partners. corporate few ing tremendous power in the hands of a concentrat and systems fuel and food planet’s the transform irreversibly may re cruited into a been corporate partnership that has University The faculty? UC the of consultation wide without announced be deal major a such could into such agreements in the future, how enter not University the that mended recom that agreement UCB-Novartis the of review external the of report the ing are deeply disturbing. In the wake of fund BP’s of society and environment invest one penny towards.never will partners biofuel other the and BP that and researching actively be should California of University the that areas systems, transportation public massive of development and patterns sumption which requires major reductions in con for corn yellow to planted cropland ing stampede.biofuels Already expand the the under land their lose to stand more Many expansion. soybean by displaced peasant of farmers aresmall-scale being crops. biofuel for way make to felled are forests carbon-capturing when lost is gases greenhouse of tion Reduc forest. of acres additional lion mil 148 clear to need will alone Brazil demands, market livia. Toworld satisfy Bo and Paraguay, Argentina, Brazil, in grasslands and forests of acres lion mil 91 over of destruction the caused already have Soybeans Malaysia. and Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, It is up to the citizens of California California of citizens the to up is It the for consequences potential The thousands of hundreds Meanwhile, and decrease the use of all fuels, agriculture organic scale small promote to is warming global stop to way only The decrease. crops, biofuel CO for way to make felled are forests capturing inputs carbon- as and machinery, and agrochemical require that monocultures mechanized still bellies!” empty are there when tanks full demand,to “No Nairobi in rum Fo Social World recent the at percent. This led peasant leaders 400 up prices sending Mexico, in tortillas for corn sup white of ply the reduced has ethanol By promoting large scale scale large promoting By 2 emissions will increase, not ------INDYMEDIA newswire Rural Workers in Uruguay occupy GREEN IS...not PG&E: land and call Behind the green ink of this Nor Cal Utilities company for solidarity by Sakura Saunders aid ‘solution’ to global warming, PG&E’s that the expansion could hurt their rates. On January 14, Mandiyú – a group of stated goal for the program is a mere 4 to In this dirty campaign, PG&E spent small dairy farmers – occupied a 388 hect- Walking around San Francisco, you 5 percent of their customers. Meanwhile, over 10 million dollars (around $50 per might have noticed bright green ads are section of the Eduardo Acevedo Estate they are spending 17 million dollars to vote) to promote misinformation about in the area of Bella Unión, in the north of featuring cutesy witticisms about what promote “ClimateSmart,” a fee that will the annexation, saying that it would cost Uruguay. The area of Bella Union, situated “green is,” sponsored by the local utility be passed onto customers whether they 500 million dollars for SMUD to buy the in the state of Artigas, is one of the poorest monopoly PG&E. My favorite ad prom- like it or not. power infrastructure from PG&E, about zones in Uruguay. Bordering Brazil, the re- inently displays a piece of cow dung with five times more than SMUD’s estimates. gion is known for its extensive cattle farm- the quote “Green isn’t always pretty.” So what’s behind all of ing and agriculture. Employment is scarce A PG&E employee also sued SMUD and what work one can find is generally Here, PG&E isn’t too far off; for them, this green ink? over the wording of the Sacramento bal- green is… a lie. poorly paid. At the same time, in the past PG&E is certainly spending a lot of lot measure, forcing them to take out the region used to attract many people who Although recently heralded by envi- money to promote a green image, and the wording that guaranteed that Yolo came to make a living working as a “peludo,” ronmental advocates for their support of as the sugar cane workers are called. what’s behind it is anyone’s guess. Some County would pay for the annexation. the state-wide clean energy bill, PG&E Uruguay has not escaped the Latin venture that they are trying to make up itself will admit that this bill does little to What’s at stake? American reality of terribly unequal land for dragging their feet in closing down disrupt their energy buying habits, which distribution, and the eternal promise of Beyond pushing public power rely heavily on natural gas, big hydro, land reform has not been fulfilled. 75% of further from possibility, PG&E’s and nuclear power. Together, these the land is part of properties pertaining to Recent actions by the company campaign is detrimental to the less than 8,000 people and companies. The three sources account for 84 percent already-voted-on Community National Colonization Institute (the land of PG&E’s energy consumption and suggest that this PR campaign is Choice Energy plan. CCE is a management wing of the national govern- each carries with it a large environ- ment with the Spanish acronym “INC”) part of a larger offensive against well-researched policy to run mental toll. But taking credit where manages some 500,000 hectares, which is San Francisco on 50 percent lo- none is due is par for the course in public power and other green only 3% of the country’s land. cal, renewable energy within the this energy giant’s game. For over a year the INC has allowed the legislation in San Francisco. decade–without raising the rates. PG&E praises itself for “inter- Mandiyú group to use their property for cow It’s based on city-sponsored re- pasture, and while they were paying rent the connecting more than 12,000 solar the Bayview Hunter’s Point power plant, ports confirming that the Bay Area has situation was unstable, with no legal secu- customers–more than any other utility which polluted San Francisco for 77 years enough wind and solar capacity to meet rity. In December of 2006 the last contract in the country,” but here they are taking and was linked to abnormally high rates half of its energy needs. It’s designed to expired, leaving the small dairy farmers abandoned and waiting for, at any moment, credit for individuals who install solar of cancer and juvenile asthma. However, break PG&E’s monopoly on our energy an order to evict them and their cows off the panels. To make this self-congratulatory recent actions by the company suggest supply and support market competition statement even more aggravating, PG&E land. They also found out about a deal in that this PR campaign is part of a larger for green energy providers that can meet the same state where 600 hectares had been offensive against public power and other or beat PG&E’s rates. This would make given over to a wealthy person who did not green legislation in San Francisco. San Francisco the largest renewable net- need the help of the INC. According to the San Francisco Bay work in the country. Guardian, PG&E has recently been However, three years after the San ICE RAIDS IN MARIN polling SF residents to see if they would Francisco Board of Supervisors voted for PART OF BROADER support voter-approved measures limit- energy independence, CCE is still wading NATIONAL ROUNDUPS ing the SF Public Utilities Commission’s through red tape. It seems that PG&E is ability to supply public power. Mean- gearing up for a fight that could under- Following a week of demonstrations while, President Bush has recently pushed mine this fledgling green policy, with an for immigrant rights in San Francisco, for the restoration of Hetch Hetchy Val- arsenal of PR and a battle-tested stock Federal Immigration and Customs En- ley, a process that involves destroying a of dirty tricks. While mainstream envi- forcement (ICE) conducted raids March 6 and 7 in Marin County, arresting an dam that is a source of fresh water for ronmental groups suck up to PG&E’s unspecified number of undocumented 3 million Bay Area residents. It is also political prowess and economic might, immigrants. Homes in Novato and the a huge source of cheap electricity that is an all-volunteer group of concerned San San Rafael Canal District were raided in earmarked for public power in San Fran- Francisco residents has emerged out of what observers called a belligerent man- cisco. Without the dam, San Francisco’s disgust for PG&E’s “Greening the City” ner, allegedly detaining entire households, dreams of a municipally-owned utility campaign. Their website publishes the including some children. don’t have a chance. clear facts unspoken in PG&E’s ad cam- The raids were part of the Department of Homeland Security’s Operation Return While the dam closure seems un- paign and urges a push for Community to Sender, which has resulted in at least likely given Congress’ response to Bush’s Choice as a concrete alternative, while the 18,000 detentions nationwide since its in- 2007

PG&E presents “individual” solutions, scheme, a PG&E-sponsored ballot mea- group itself organizes actions designed ception in June 2006. Another raid took shirking corporate environmental sure is probable. to shame and expose PG&E. Hope- place March 6 in New Bedford, Massachu- responsibility. setts that resulted in 361 arrests. Last November, PG&E won an elec- fully, once presented with the facts, San Francisco residents will figure out that a In response, local community and in- actually lobbied against incentives for in- toral battle that determined whether SPRING company that owns a mere two percent terfaith organizations have held protests dividuals to install solar panels. Davis, Woodland, and West Sacramento and vigils in San Rafael. Together they are could drop PG&E and join Sacramento’s wind and zero percent solar facilities is calling for ICE to immediately cease all Another great example of this com- not vested in our green energy future. pany’s duplicity is the “ClimateSmart” Municipal Utilities District (SMUD), a enforcement activities until proper proto- celebrated publicly-owned utility whose PG&E might pay to paint the city, but cols and adequate constitutional safeguards program. This program gives custom- that doesn’t mean that people will buy it. can be put into place to protect the inno- ers the option to offset their CO emis- rates are 30 percent lower than PG&E’s. 2 learn more, take action: cent and those not directly targeted with sions by paying PG&E to plant trees. The ballot measure in Sacramento was arrest warrants. FAULT LINES Besides the fact that planting trees is a sponsored by PG&E, who attempted to www.letsGREENWASHthiscity.org highly consumptive and disputed band- scare current SMUD customers by saying cover graphic: Poonam Whabi WWW.INDYMEDIA.ORG 05 K-TOWN RIOTS T H E E V ICTION OF COPENHAGEN’S FINEST SQUAT By Hannah E. Dobbz

In the frigid Copenhagen morning intend to make the old squat their new say, that they exist) in most EU coun- with the sound system truck blaring of December 14, hundreds of squat- headquarters. tries, there is an underlying assumption NWA and Twisted Sister’s “We’re Not ters stand unflinchingly beneath visible After being embroiled in a legal bat- that the legal system is actually happy to Gonna Take It,” and it wasn’t long be- wisps of breath. Europe’s “The Final tle for nearly six years, on August 28, have these rent-evading crusties dirty- fore riot vans blocked off the street and Countdown” resonates within the his- 2006, the National Court ruled that ing up the neighborhood with their ide- lines of cops began to beat people back. toric walls of the brick building at 69 Faderhuset does indeed own the build- als of mutual aid and anarchy. But if the Eoin Fullum, an anarchist from Ire- Jagtvej. Masked activists shoot fireworks ing, making an eviction order perfectly tale of Ungdomshuset can serve as evi- land, spent ten days in Danish prison in from the roof as the Danish media ogle legitimate. The official date was an- from the street below. Twenty-four years nounced as December 14, although it after its inception, Ungdomshuset has of- was stated that no police force would be ficially become an illegal squat. used until the new year. On December 14, Ungdomshuset “If less than looks less friendly than it once did. The colorful murals have been obscured by 25 people die, revolutionary banners, the tall windows have been securely boarded, and every it will be a entrance or exit has been stiffly barri- caded. The house is quiet and spooky, good eviction.” as most of the supporters have gone to the demonstration—that is, three - Copenhagen marches all converging (not unlike that final scene from the politically diluted V Chief of Police for Vendetta film) and concluding with a punk gig. Those who remain are groggy Protesters clash with the police outside Ungdomshuset In 1982, the city gave 69 Jagtvej to and on edge, having endured a myriad the youth of Copenhagen who, in turn, of sleepless nights full of emergency named it Ungdomshuset, or “The Youth drills and the continuing reality that dence of anything, it is the fact that the defense of Ungdomshuset. House.” Since, the building has provided their home could be violently evicted battle continues: whether we are fight- “We threw everything we had at [the an extensive list of community services at any moment. Thus, their thoughts ing for houses in Kazakhstan, a school cops],” he said. “Paint bombs, cobble- including a cinema, a soup kitchen, a are riddled with happy visions of Un- in Oaxaca, a farm in Los Angeles, or a stones, rockets, big frikkin’ sticks of bar, various workshops, rehearsal spaces, gdomshuset Past and unclear projections 24-year-old community center in Co- dynamite, we bashed them with big and the famous annual K-Town Festival, of Ungdomshuset Future: Will Faderhu- penhagen, we can be sure that the war fuck-off iron bars and crow bars. It was which draws an international crowd. set transform the beloved community for a space in which to exist is universal beautiful, I tell you.” and ongoing. But despite its charitable contribu- center into overpriced apartments? A The police reacted with concussion tions to the punk, squatter, and broader metro stop? A parking lot? This war presented itself yet again grenades and CS gas. Although CS is community of Denmark and beyond, in The tale of Ungdomshuset distinctly on December 16, 2006, when patience classified as “non-lethal,” it is worth 2000 the City Council reconsidered its dispels any American myth that the for bureaucracy ran out and the streets noting that when the chemical is me- decision from 18 years prior and resold battle for European squats is over. of Copenhagen felt the heat of another tabolized, cyanide can be detected in hu- the property. If that weren’t enough, the The idea that Europe is merely some kind of negotiation: one of history’s most man tissue. and least effective tactics, both wonder- buyers of 69 Jagtvej were, incidentally spoiled, radical fantasyland brimming “Picture that scene in Total Recall fully satisfying and horribly traumatic, enough, a right-wing fundamentalist with magically free living situations is a when Quaid and Melina get sucked the thing that black-clad anarchists are Christian organization called Faderhu- commonly accepted fallacy among US out onto the surface of Mars and known for doing best: RIOT. set or, ironically, “The Father’s House.” squatters. Because the laws around oc- they’re choking and their eyes are pop- And, almost as if mocking the anar- cupation and the establishment of resi- A thousand punks, anarchists, activ- ping out and shit—that’s what it felt chists of Ungdomshuset, the Christians dency are often more lenient (that is to ists, socialists, and even hippies marched like,” said Fullum.

continued on page 21

Photos by Hans Joergensen Hans by Photos Photos by Hans Joergensen Hans by Photos SPRING 2007 FAULT FAULT LINES

06 Squatters gather on their roof preparing to defend their home Ungdomshuset from the front RUST BELT RUCKUS: INHABITING INDUSTRIAL COLLAPSE Article and photos by Chimney Swift of the Birdhouse Propaganda Ministry

Staring off of my porch toward the river I see dozens of buildings: dilapidated, sinking into the river, being demolished, and wasting away. I scan the horizon, and through the blizzard I see a huge city, a once bustling metropolis, now eerily silent. I look down my street, and on either side are vacancies; some in bad shape but the majority are inhabitable. I stand on the porch of the biggest one I could find and smile, and then I go back inside and stoke the fire. Life is good to me, and I feel invincible. There is an old Earth First! slogan that comes to mind: “Visualize industrial collapse.” Not only can I visualize it by looking out the window, but I am living here—right smack dab in the midst of it—like a king.

The Great Lakes region is an eco- looking at the mansion for some time. session. We’ve been to court four times. of sharing space with strangers. The nomic phenomenon. In its heyday, the In early summer, a local punk house was We pay our taxes and handle our viola- modern living situation is actually very Rust Belt’s economic activity formed evicted while we had access to a moving tions and are close with all of our neigh- temporary. a significant sector of the American truck for free, so we piled couches, fur- bors, so I am not worried. I would say Meanwhile, we have been in our economy including manufacturing and niture, personal possessions, and tools we have more security than most other squatted mansion longer than many the automobile industry. In 1900, Buf- into it and parked in front of the house families, and none of us have jobs! Our of our rent-paying neighbors. We falo rivaled New York City as one of at noon on a weekend. After prying all situation is amazing, but it is not case have lived here longer than many the country’s most populous cities. By the boards off the windows, attaching a specific. These conditions exist all over people usually live in an apartment. the 1920s, with the steel industry at its shut off valve to the water main in the the Rust Belt. We put a lot of time into this place peak and the Erie Canal opening up basement, and beginning initial clean- Squatting in the 21st century is and we could lose it, but we are fun- the Great Lakes to trade, Buffalo was ing and sanitizing, we began living in tricky. Here in the United States, with- damentally less vulnerable than ten- bursting at the seams. the house full time. out liberal occupancy laws like most ants. We deal with the courts direct- But when the Great Depression set A few months later, we received a places in Europe, squatting creates a ly only regarding housing violations in, the steel industry took a dive, setting letter from the city addressed to the for- dilemma. The security and stability that and—best of all—we don’t pay rent to the stage for the economic growth of mer owners about housing code viola- we as Americans are so used to vanish- a landlord. other Great Lakes cities such as Cleve- tions. We had just met the assessor and es once you sidestep the law. In other Squatting makes the personal po- land, Chicago, and Milwaukee. Buffa- told him about our situation; he seemed words, what is the point of squatting litical by resisting the privatization of lo’s economy slowed and slowed as the supportive and even assessed the house if only to work toward the inevitability space. If loitering is a threat to proper- bulk of industrial jobs disappeared to at the lowest possible level to “give us a of eviction? Why go out of your way to ty then trespassing is a war on it. And South America and Canada. tax break”—or because it was a dilapi- live in shambles, to rebuild everything squatting is our victory over it, how- The population has been in steady dated heap of shambles. An inspector only to lose it? This leaves a bad taste in ever temporary this autonomous zone decline since the 1950s. The infrastruc- came by and listed many of our exterior many mouths. will be in the end. In fact, squatting ture is in place for the functioning of a violations including gutters, lead paints, However, the way one traditionally has existed much longer than the idea major city but it is so spread out and un- siding and roof corrosion, and broken achieves security is by relinquishing of property itself. der-funded that this once ‘all American windows. We had already repaired a all power to authority and living by its The world unfurled itself to us like city’ is now the ideal breeding ground few of these by then and decided to go rules, enduring its tribulations. This is the petals of a rose. This is not to say for squatters. Everything is abandoned to court in lieu of the previous owners. not a safe or secure way to live at all. that it can’t happen elsewhere, but from evererything is falling apart—and we There we were: four rag-tag kids wear- The safety in having a home is root- personal experience, we have had little are dancing in the ruins and making ing thrift store sports coats standing in ed in the idea of permanence, but many to no problems squatting here and have out like bandits. front of the judge. of my friends go from lease agreement even been encouraged by neighbors and There is a serious housing crisis here We explained that we had begun liv- to lease agreement every 6 months; rent the state to turn a ransacked hovel into in Buffalo. PUSH (People United for ing in the house and fixing the viola- a room here or there out of financial the house of our dreams. Sustainable Housing) has estimated tions. The judge was interested in this necessity; endure the inconvenience that there are 100,000 abandoned because the courts were having trouble houses and 20,000 awaiting demolition. demolishing the house as it was in According to the Buffalo News, there is limbo, and since it was an eyesore and an overwhelming 40 percent vacancy community problem, he wanted us to stretching out to the suburbs where a fix it up. In fact, we cut a lot of red tape ‘plague of vacancies’ is sickening an al- by bringing ourselves to court and as- ready hurting economy. Many of them suming the role of owner-occupant, are in limbo due to utilities lines and which gave the judge and prosecutor a mortgages, and tens of thousands of few ideas. Being that there are so many houses are held as assets by private vacancies in limbo and the city can’t creditors such as our very own ex-gov- keep up, they were considering using ernor George Pataki. In parts of our our house, among others, as a model for neighborhood, there are two or three rewriting housing court law. This blew un-maintained houses on every block. our minds. He said that he would not SPRING 2007 In fact, in 2003 the city issued a state prosecute us for the major violations of financial emergency and created the and would work on getting us the deed Buffalo Fiscal Stability Authority to through a process called receivership. handle the collapsing economy. They needed us! Taking What’s Ours, We have been here for almost two

and the City Conceding years, and if we can make the minimum The Birdhouse sits in a forgotten FAULT LINES of ten then we can claim Adverse Pos- A group of anarcho-punks had been neighborhood in Buffalo, New York 07 COSTA RICA’S LAST STAND WIDESPREAD RESISTANCE HALTS IMPLEMENTATION OF CAFTA By Rubble Costa Rica has a markedly different of education. They fear a fate similar to namic in Cen- political history and structure than the El Salvador, where privatization of the tral America, other countries in that region. An in- educational system has led to substan- where formerly leftist ternal struggle after WWII resulted in tial fees all the way down to secondary governments are supporting CAFTA. a government strongly guided by Social education. In El Salvador, the FMLN, a people’s Democratic members and policy making. While there is no consensus in Costa revolutionary opposition in the 1980’s, This has resulted in a relatively exten- Rica on the overall effects of passage, all has become a governing party and pro- sive public sector. A generous retirement agree that the rice industry will not sur- vided enough votes for passage. Nicara- While the passage of the Central package includes a larger set of subsidies vive competition from US-subsidized gua’s Daniel Ortega, recently reelected American Free Trade Area (CAFTA in than what exists here in the US, and la- rice. Rice is the staple food, especially after the Sandinistas’ 17-year hiatus English, TLC in Spanish) is a distant bor is well organized with relatively ex- for the rural poor. Activists point to from the presidency, presides over a memory in the public political debate, tensive political clout. The general stan- Mexico after the passage of NAFTA, sweatshop economy with one of the implementation of the treaty continues dard of living is higher than the other where raw corn prices plummeted, driv- lowest economic standards of living in to meet organized, spirited opposition regional countries involved. Citizens en- ing millions of rural farmers from their the world, and has said nothing about in Costa Rica. In the US, activists are joy free nationalized health care, free and land. Al- changing the course of CAFTA. standing in solidarity with continued adequately ready in El In December, the Costa Rican gov- opposition and resistance. f u n d e d A TWO-DAY GENERAL STRIKE WAS HELD Salvador, ernment announced its intention to pass public edu- In January 2002, President Bush an- economists CAFTA, planning to debate and vote cation, and IN THE COUNTRY’S CAPITAL, SAN JOSÉ, nounced that CAFTA was a priority, argue that in the full Congress sometime between relativel y giving his administration “Fast Track” DURING THE LAST WEEK OF OCTOBER. rice pro- January and March of this year. How- l i b e r a l authority to negotiate the agreement, duction is ever, a short article in Prensa Latina re- union poli- THE MESSAGE WAS CLEAR: THE PEOPLE which is a treaty under international law going to cently announced an abrupt about-face. cies. Costa ARE READY TO DESTABILIZE THE ECONO- between the United States, Costa Rica, disappear Approval any time in the near future “is R i c a n s El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Ni- MY TO STOP THIS LAW FROM PASSING. by the time now extremely unlikely…with the two – having caragua and the Dominican Republic. the treaty major congressional parties adamantly much to To be implemented, the treaty has to be is one year opposed.” Government Minister Ro- lose with the passage of CAFTA – are ratified into domestic law in each of the old. According to Miguel Alemán, a drigo Arias admitted increasing rejec- not giving in an inch at this point. seven countries. While relatively small leader of the Confederation of Agrar- tion in Congress due to “opposition of in its economic scope, the agreement is A two-day general strike was held in ian Reform Federations in El Salvador, a majority of citizens, as witnessed in basically NAFTA for this region, and the country’s capital, San José, during “CAFTA, as we predicted, means death huge demonstrations in several cities in part of a US strategy to implement “free the last week of October. Photographs for several sectors, for example some the latter part of 2006”. He said there in the US media show thousands of 400,000 producers of trade” agreements for the entire West- Photo: Ron Merten ern Hemisphere through the eventual people in the streets, led by organized basic cereals who are passage of the Free Trade Area of the labor, university students, and other ac- being hit hard.” Americas (FTAA). tivists. The message was clear: the peo- “Our cooperatives ple are ready to destabilize the economy The US was the first to pass it. Bush have cut back 20 per- to stop this law from passing. signed it into law on August 2, 2005 af- cent of their employ- ter a middle of the night 217-215 vote Various protests were held in cit- ees,” equivalent to in the House, reportedly including late ies across the country through the more than 2,000 work- hour deal making to get the two-vote end of the year to keep the pressure ers this year, Alemán majority. By mid-2006, six of the seven up. Coordinadora National (National said in an interview countries had also passed it, with no Coordinating Committee), a national with IPS late last year. public input and against volatile street organization including various trade Universal health protests met by heavy-handed govern- union confederations and organiza- care cannot survive ment repression in El Salvador and tions representing mostly public sector CAFTA either, due to Guatemala. workers, had a strong hand in organiz- intellectual property ing the protests. Within the committee, By prioritizing export-oriented rather than domestic agriculture, The Costa Rican government con- rights provisions pro- the General Confederation of Workers Costa Rica under CAFTA would favor chemical-intensive monoculture tinues to announce its intention to hibiting the purchase like bananas over rice and other food staples. (CGT) is more militant and includes pass the law. While the agreement was of generic medications radical trade unionists from the health passed in a close vote in the Interna- at lower prices. Services requirements care, public water utility, and the banana was no clarity reached in a meeting with tional Affairs Committee of the Costa would limit the government’s ability to workers’ unions. The Costa Rican Rev- 25 legislators from the National Lib- Rican Congress in late 2006, it still has guarantee health access to all. El Sal- olutionary Workers Party (PRT) is one eration Party (PLN). PLN leader Mayi not been debated or voted on in the full vador labor held volatile but ultimately of numerous non-labor leftist groups Antillon said the party will stay firm in Congress. The reason for delay is that unsuccessful strikes against the imposi- actively organizing. rejecting the project, and that the Leg- the Costa Rican people have made it tion of health-care fees in 2005 in an- Numerous student and youth orga- ticipation of CAFTA. islature has more pressing national mat- clear they are ready to actively oppose ters than dealing with this legislation nizations have mobilized through the The election of a CAFTA supporter, its passage. for the United States. University of Costa Rica, the National Óscar Arias – former president (1986- A major rally was held in San José Photo: Bloque Antiimperialista, Indymedia Chiapas U n i v e r s i t y 1990) and Nobel Peace Prize winner SPRING 2007 of Heredia, for negotiating the Salvadoran peace on February 28,with tens of thousands and second- accords – is a blow to the resistance in of union members, farmers, and other ary schools Costa Rica. The Arias administration is activists marching through the capital t h ro u g h o u t in a very difficult position, with heavy city. Smaller demonstrations were held the country, Bush administration pressure for pas- in other provincial cities. Employees with youth es- sage at any cost, and domestic pressure of the state-run telecommunications FAULT FAULT LINES pecially con- to back off and serve its citizens. company were a major contingent in San José, protesting privatization of the 08 Anti-CAFTA mural in Guatemala portraying the TLC as a harbinger of hunger and cerned with This continues an interesting dy- poverty. “We don’t want and don’t care to be a North American colony,” it says. privatization Continued on next page...... CA but rather, one of profitable pollution. will no longer be afloat in a pool of water, Irelandof allguarantee soonmight line pipe Shell the from toxins added The Britain. Great in plants power nuclear to thanks world, the in water of bodies radioactive most the of one already is Sea (albeit on the east side of the island) Irishentirely. Theoff ‘feck’ just should corporation the sea, the in pipeline the assembling of instead that suggesting Hell,” to “Shell of slogan merciful less the adopted have however, protesters, militant More happy. is everyone and explosions reduced,are effects health negative and accidental of chances the then ocean, the in pipeline precious its die.”and neighbors—will families we—our ruptures proposed ly that certainty if this pipeline as current the “of of Garavan, Mark words spokesperson the in because, support, in UK the and Ireland around from ists activ drew and locals by conceived was areas. protected natural the ruining obligatory and villages, and farms through cutting refinery,gas and pipeline high-pressure tion to construct a massive, Corpora $1.1 billion, Shell infamous the by plan Population: W sion was reported at a protest led by ba industry.telecom represpolice Violent sometimes was it that lanes. fact, country narrow in the eclipse trucks, fully could many lorries so giant were these as There anywhere roads. travel to their impossible on pipeline carrying trucks num of unusual an ber notice to began residents Ireland, Northwest in Rossport called village a in 2005, of June In ihu pooain Te ees re release The provocation. without detained and arrested were leaders and beaten brutally were protesters violent non- (CGT), Confederation Worker’s General the from organizations darity a press release sent to international soli media.international news According to the of scrutiny the outside Limon, of city coast Atlantic the in workers nana AgatheringattheRossport SolidarityCampinJune2006. In the early days of the Rossport Soli The idea is that if Shell simply builds campaign Sea” to “Shell the Thus, a was convoy this of meaning The FT A continued Photo: WilliamHederman,IndymediaIreland ELCO ------all of modern history they have existed have they history modern of all up intheIrishcountryside. gas flaresphorical of protest are heating meta the as itself repeat to threatening compa is history And Delta. Niger the in oil nies against campaigning for 1995 in colleagues Ogoni eight his and Saro-Wiwa Ken of execution the ber targets for activity.Shell We all remem unfortunate other and Nigeria,ippines, Dutch Brazil,Africa,Phil Antilles, the the South in familiar especially is It Mayo, Ireland. its with County up tear to plan aforementioned forward move cannot Shell camp,24-hour functional highly a with arrested.But and beaten be to continue Today, months. activists three over for incarcerated were They land. access their to Shell denying for imprisoned schoolteacher—were former year-old darity Camp, five men—including a 65- keep thepressure up. to actions future planning is CAFTA Against Struggle In Coalition of name ent economic sectors forming under the differ representing groups of coalition broad-based A port. shipping major a city,that in exists activities union nana repressionviolent of ba of history long A detained. those of release immediate the order Arias that demanding while actions police the denounces and ports Supporters march inDublinonFebruary 24th. The Irish are in a unique position: for one.familiar a is story Rossport The This impasse is certainly not the endcertainlyimpassethe Thisnotis M E n a ln as long as And difficult. ingly exceed proven has the protesters evicting system, water g n i toilet, and grey- t s o p m o c kitchen, a ing includ living daily for tures the necessary struc all with an present, re main picketers T

O Pipeline ------R never bebuilt.” never in a way that accepts everybody it, it will isfy everybody. If this has to be designed can’tsat we said. “But operations Irish the case,” Andy Pyle, the head of Shell’s not prison—that’s in people poor about five damn a give don’t who people Five. Rossport the of arrest the after especially locals, most among unpopular it making ner), part minority Norwegian their Statoil, and Shell Netherlands-based the larly profitableplan is only to some (particu tional product. Yet thatthe itisobvious na gross the swelling for tool ficacious ef highly a is project field gas Corrib that’s thebigsecret. rich, there is still the a large cache of poor— among But Union. European the in GDP second-highest the boasting tion, Ireland has gone from dirt-poor to genera one In wealth. significant ence past experi to begun island the has years 20 the in Only colonialism. British and FaminePotato the for noted rably in poverty and oppression, most memo agreement abroad, mostly based on the on based mostlyabroad,agreement time big labor has opposed a major trade opposition from the AFL-CIO, the first eign captial. U.S. dissent included public sector has been bought up entirely by for schooling,bankingandservicesthe and health forunaffordable overfeesstrikes CAFTA-inspired privatization has led to Salvador,neighboringEl inwhere lems probcontinuingobserved have Ricans and crossborder organizing Rica, is needed. Costa Costa in DR-CAFTA for per good some did journalist,dercover these branding as picketers “terrorists.” effectively IRA, the Sciences,and Life Huntingdon at tions ac SHAC the campaign, Sea to Shell the between parallels drew Protesters,” his article “Guerilla War Threat by Shell from reporter a by “infiltrated” was Camp Solidarity This past November, the Rossport Rossport the November, past This corporate dispassionate not “We’re the that argue investors Foreign Apparently Warren Swords, the un the WarrenSwords, Apparently OSS Photo: Paula Geraghty, IndymediaIreland Mail on Sunday on Mail P O h, in who, RT, RT, ------By HannahE. Dobbz General Strike. 2006 and wasinCosta theOctober during Rica organizing solidarity with Central American the Freedom SocialistParty. Moisesisinvolved FranciscoMoises Montoya theSan of branch of waswritten withassistanceThis article from activism at home. just the right time for renewed solidarity Ricanorganized labor. Thisyear may be Costa assist to actions solidarity about publicly heard been has nothing ever, How NAFTA. of effects devastating a different hat. wearing comes colonizer the time this only colonialism; of revisiting turbing dis a here borders.Wefind Irish yond be far extended be could sentiments had projects imposed on them.” who’ve parties; political the by trayed be feel who Ireland in communities of lots about be could story] media…[our mainstreamthe of some in coverage cal hysteri beenthere has[because] media mainstream the bypassing people, Irish was an “opportunity to talk directly to the Five called prison in experiences their of book a released bin Phil Brendan and Seighin, Ó Micheál McGrath, Philip and Corduff, Vincent inRossport. campaign lin, all in solidarity with the Shell to Sea Dub in Street O’Connell on marched thousands addition, In levers. shut-off the city center by pulling the emergency aroundstations petrol Shell downeight shut Scotland Edinburgh, in activists by roughly 150 police. On the same day, removed forcibly were they until Ire land, Bellanaboy, in Terminal Gas site construction Shell’s occupied tors ing anywhere. go really aren’t protesters pesky those frankly, because ante the up to trying is someone Clearly media. distorted a in applied being intimidation of ample party.lican violence on Fein,Sinn the Irish Repub the blaming mysteriously began Some witnesses. dozen a of front in man one beating savagely even and ditch, deep a into fence a over baton-charging, protestor a throwing as such tactics life-threatening— with downright to ing, annoy and unnecessary from jumped the that this time around was it as writing, suasive hte h kos t r o, those not, or it knows he Whether In time for Christmas last year, Willie protes 120 2007, 16, February On ex only the not is article Swords’ Vnet crt si te book the said McGrath Vincent . I R ELAND Gardai Our Story—the Rossport Story—the Our plc) violence (police) ------09 FAULT LINES SPRING 2007 Clandestines Re-Loaded Leaving ThisBy Ramor Ryan Stage of History… 1. The Quiet Apocalypse of Scientists, Kennette Benedict, director worlds leading producer of greenhouse global meetings are manipulated and Rising Tides of the bulletin said, “The dangers posed gases, these are hardly the momentous side-tracked by powerful business and by climate change are nearly as dire as steps needed by the US to put a break economic interests, it’s worth returning Climate change is everywhere, and those posed by nuclear weapons”. on runaway global warming. to Nairobi in November to have a closer the somewhat momentous report re- leased February 3 by the Intergov- Climate change was a top priority at What is to be done in the face of the look at the workings of the UN. the recent conference of world business looming catastrophe? The predominant ernmental Panel on Climate Change 2. Journey into the Heart of UN (IPCC) confirms that climate change is leaders at the World Economic Forum global platform to deal with fundamen- man-made, and unstoppable. The 21- in Davos, as well as the conference of tal issues that affect all of humanity is the Darkness Nairobi, Kenya, page report, described as conservative by NGO operatives at the World Social United Nations. The new UN boss Ban November 15, 2006. the IPCC itself, says man-made emis- Forum in Nairobi. Meanwhile, the Eu- Ki-Moon has been asked to convene an Climate change is everywhere, es- sions of greenhouse gases are to blame ropean Commission urged its members emergency international summit. “Cli- pecially in 3rd world metropolises like for heat waves, floods and heavy rains, to adopt an unprecedented common en- mate change,” responded Moon, “is one Nairobi. Stuck in a massive traffic jam droughts and stronger storms (particu- ergy policy, aimed at cutting greenhouse of the most important and urgent agen- from the airport to the city center, I ask larly in the Atlantic Ocean), melting gases by 20 percent by 2020. It calls for das that the international community has the taxi driver if people here know much ice-caps and raising sea-levels. a “post-industrial revolution” based on a to address before 2012.” An emergency about climate change and global warm- dramatic shift to an internally produced global conference organized by the UN Climate change is even penetrating ing. The driver nearly ploughs into a low-carbon energy economy. seems imminently urgent, and Nairobi the fears of the righteously paranoid passing family of four on a bicycle as he has been suggested as a host. psyches of the scientists and nuclear Climate change has finally arrived was laughing so mirthfully. physicists of the preeminent Bulletin of at the White House. President Bush’s But wasn’t there an emergency cli- “Droughts, floods, famines, the rain the Atomic Scientists. Their “Dooms- State of the Union address, January 27, mate change conference in Nairobi just comes heavy or don’t come at all,” he day Clock” has been ticking away to marked a milestone for his administra- a couple of months ago? Wasn’t the says. “Yes, of course we know all about midnight – the figurative end of civiliza- tion in terms of actually recognizing much heralded 12th UN Conference on global warning!” that we may indeed have a man-made Climate Change and 2nd Meeting of tion – for 61 years of nuclear holocaust He goes on to explain how the Brit- problem after all. He acknowledged the Parties of the Kyoto Protocol held watching. They have moved the clock ish colonizers had chosen the site of climate change as “a serious challenge” there in November 2006? Of course it two minutes closer to midnight – now Nairobi as the capital because it was and the need for reduction in fossil fuel was; and its abysmal failure to produce standing at a perilous five minutes to cool and mosquito free. consumption. Rather than announcing agreements between nations and to be- midnight – not only because of the in- “This is no longer the fact,” explains crease in likelihood of nuclear war with a mandatory cap on emissions along the gin building capacity for dealing with lines of the globally accepted Kyoto Pro- climate-induced problems has been the taxi man. “Now Nairobi is warm the recent events around North Korea and we are plagued by mosquitoes.” and Iran, but also citing “the potential tocol, Bush instead meekly recommend- brushed under the carpet. This bustling city is like a blueprint for catastrophic damage from human- ed an added emphasis on renewable or To understand how limited the UN for all major population centers in the made technologies.” In what represents non-carbon energy sources — ethanol, structure is in dealing with the urgen- not too distant future – a place over- a decisive paradigm shift for the Atomic wind, solar and nuclear power. As the cy of the matter and how these grand SPRING 2007 FAULT FAULT LINES 10 zation I belonged. Unaccredited, a gate Unaccredited,belonged.a I zation organi what to or was I who ascertain to credentials my for down and up me I insisted somewhat earnestly, “and…” nomicimperative tackleproblem,”theto shrink by 20 percent, isn’t will economy there world thea suggestsclear whicheco Kyoto Protocol.” the sign won’t US “The disinterested. definitely answered and delegate mechanically somewhat the soon,” policy Kyoto the Protocol, with the to other 186 nations? up signing or emissions restrictingcarbon onposition US the in change of sign anythere washim, asked warming,I global and greenhouseeffect the to contributor single largest the As rogant attitude of a cantankerous frat boy. the appearance of a Navy Seal and the ar immaculatelywithpresented manyoung gates rushing along the corridor. He is an door-steppedone ofthe official US dele much less than the cost of inaction. cial cost of action, it warns sternly, will be finan sense.economicThe change good makes climate against battle the that conclusion the to inexorably leadstions, calcula and figures of array dizzying its Bank Economist Sir Nicholas Stern, with Worldby led studychange. Theclimate of economics the on focuses report the issue, environmental and ecological an as seen waswarmingglobal once Where Report. Stern the is conference ticular 3.5 percent. just emits contrast, in Africa, of whole population.world’s the of The percent 4 only has but gases greenhouse global of quarter a produces US The baulks. US the still but Protocol Kyoto the signed have countries 186 USA. the for leap great a too still but perhaps, steps Baby levels. 1990 countries’ individual of cent per 95 of average an to nations veloped de for emissions (CO2) dioxide carbon cutting for targets of set binding legally a is Protocol 1997 Protocol.The Kyoto the to parties the of meeting second the as serves also conference (UNFCCC) Change Climate on Convention work ity, likeaglobalBaghdadGreen Zone. amidst a desert of the multitudes deprav uneasily exists elites privileged the of sis oa walled features.The security art the of state and guards armed by patrolled heavily all mall, shopping massive a and residencies,minister headquarters NGO government embassies, numerous hosts enclave wealthy The Gigiri. of district posh the of most occupying enclosure UN lush, the with obscenely contrasts ing in dire poverty. The living conditions Kuresoi, population over one million liv – slums largest world’s the of one hosts Nairobi communication. and transport, deal with basic matters of water, drainage, to inadequate woefully infrastructure an and insecurity, from chronic countryside, the migration massive by burdened He stopped me in my tracks, looked tracks, my in me stopped He Report Stern the of light in “Even that in change of signs no are “There With all the verve of Michael Moore, I par this for document keystone The Frame UN the of session 12th This ------ence is not the negotiations, but what we differ the make will What do. to what is have we that problem The problems. the know “We event. side conference a Peacewinner Wangari Prize Maathai, at Nobel Kenyan said water,” under is sa directsome action. practical can actually achieve were getting conference on with the what critical of understanding more but a with Africans, some of meanwhile behalf on speaking NGOs other the and Oxfam down let has conference the Maybe Oxfam. said down,” world developing the of rest the itsfeet.also beginstodrag fest,Russia refusenik terests. the Joining in economic own their citing emissions their cap to refuse steadfastly India and con tributors to the greenhouse effect) China major emerging (and globalizers capitalist transigence,heavyweight other in US from lead Taking superpower. sole world’s the to hostage held is UN US economic interests come first and the stage: NationsUnited onthe then world usual as Business expansion. capitalist – is a sideshow attraction to the main event the unctuous Under Secretary refers to it, supplies are the priorities. withwar in the Middle East to secure oil capitalistglobalizationled hand-in-hand unfetteredUS thatministrations mantra and,omission,by reiterates Bushadthe ious presentation talks up US aid to Africa atthis conference. Dubriansky’s supercil concerted global attempt to any move forward wrecking thereby limits, emissions ing out US refusal to agree on mandatory and reducing airpollution.” security, energy with growth, economic with integrated are that those “are con, neo- and Bush-ite hardcore a briansky, Do change,”mate Secretary Under said attention. paidrapt ditorium au whole the and downed were phones cell- descended, finally hush stage,a the took Affairs Global and Democracy of Undersecretary Dobriansky, Paula tive, representa US senior the When ciated. Protection of Kazakhstan went unappre lan A. Iskakov, Minister of Environment Nur Eminence His of words gripping enough, the Sure earphones. translation simultaneous the on in listened sionally occa water,and bottled sipped phones, at their lap-tops, whispered on their cell- concert.U2 glanced a delegates like The walls flanking the on screens video huge PA and their image was projected on two rows. seated The of speaker’s swathe voice great boomed a over in the out fanned functionaries and dignitaries of sembly as great a before swing full in was ence of kind Borat?” Irish “some amusingly, somewhat ofsorts,crasher mybadge. Ilack “We should not wait until Mombas until wait not should “We and Africa let has conference “The pollution”as “air or warming, Global In her oblique obfuscation, she is spell cli on strategies effective most “The confer the 2, Room Plenary at Over quipped he you?” are heck the “Who ...continued on page 20 ------

“Even in light of the Stern Report, which suggests down for my credentials to ascertain who I was or the world economy will shrink by 20 percent, isn’t problem [global warming],” I insisted somewhat to what organization I belonged. Unaccredited, a He stopped me in my tracks, looking me up and there a clear economic imperative to tackle the “Who the heck are you? he quipped somewhat amusingly, “some kind of Irish Borat?” gatecrasher of sorts, I lack my badge. earnestly, “and…” 11 FAULT LINES SPRING 2007 THE HOME FRONT: Resistance Spreads as Iraq Veterans Return

Interview by Hunter Jackson

When Jeff Englehart, Thomas Cassidy, and Joe Hatcher joined the Army in early 2001 they were looking for a change of pace and some college money. A few months later, however, the Twin Towers were smoldering, the ‘war on terror’ was growing from their ashes, and what it meant to be a US soldier was changed dramatically. The three strangers met in the Army and soon found themselves stationed in Iraq, where they served in and around the violent Sunni Triangle from February 2004 until February 2005.

In addition to the ways of war, the Army taught them a lot about power, militarism, capitalism, and resistance. This rapid politicization left the three fighting on behalf of a government they didn’t believe in with little choice but to just wait for their three-year enlistments to be over. While still in Iraq, Englehart and Hatcher joined Iraq Veterans Against the War (IVAW); Cassidy followed suit soon after returning. Now they are tireless anti-war activists, dedicated to sharing their stories and ending all US aggression abroad. Fault Lines talked with them about their time in Iraq and their work since when they stopped in Berkeley as part of a recent West Coast mini-tour.

FL: I know that you’re very politically JE: We were always trying to resist the engaged right now. But what kind Army any way we could without get- of political awareness did you have ting in trouble. when you joined the Army? FL: What can you do to resist when JE: Absolutely none. If I’d had any po- you’re there? litical awareness I wouldn’t have even considered putting on the uniform of JE: In Iraq that’s a really tough a United States soldier. My political question. education didn’t come until I got to my unit. Basically what I realized real quick was I didn’t like the Army for its authority and its authoritative structure and I learned real quick what can hap- pen when you’re placed in a situation when authority is rampant and it’s in the hands of irresponsible people. I started reading books that were in opposition to what the military was doing across the globe—books like Chomsky and How- AMERICA’s ard Zinn, Emma Goldman, Kropotkin, things of that nature. Before I even got to Iraq I was aware of what was happen- NOT AT WAR. ing in the world just from reading these great books. But when you’re tied to a AMERICA’S ARMY system that governs you and rules you by fear, and the punishment for speak- ing out or acting against the grain can IS AT WAR. TC: be jail, that fear over your head kept me There’s a very fine line in line enough to go to Iraq. you probably don’t want to be involved between resisting and being... AMERICA’s AT in this war and there’s a lot of people FL: How did this politicization affect JH: …in jail. who feel the way you do. But they your relationship to other soldiers? just put their head down and they get THE MALL. TC: …punished. through it. Really there’s only two ways TC: The ones that were pro-military, for you to get out of this mess: one, in a obviously, it created a negative response wrong.’ Compare that to today where JE: …held up on treason charges or se- body bag, or two, in handcuffs.’ And he in our relationships with them. The people are like, ‘You’re totally right, we dition. We ran a website while we were was totally right. ones that were on the fence we tried to in Iraq, it was an anti-war blog, at times need to get those troops home.’ convince to come to our side. The thing FL: How have civilians interacted very anti-government [www.ftssoldier. FL: How do you feel that you are dif- about the military is that anyone who is with you since you’ve been back? blogspot.com]. We never once compro- ferent from other anti-war activists? very negative about the military, who is mised any kind of operational security, JE: Well, until you express that you’re anti-military, it’s hard to figure out who never once broke any kind of Army law. JE: I think that maybe veterans have a against the war and you hate the presi- these people are. You might be sitting Still, they were talking about court- little more clout, in a sense. Any move- dent for what he’s done to you and your across the table from a guy who hates martialing us because we had said some ment in American history has been the military just as much as you, basical- friends and the whole entire planet, SPRING 2007 bad things about the president and be- greatly influenced by veterans of any they typically treat you like a hero. But ly for the same reasons as you, and never cause we questioned the intentions of war. Look at Vietnam for instance and then again there’s been a shift in the al- know it. You kind of have to hide that, the mission. the Vietnam era. Had it not been for most two years since I’ve been out of the you know, almost keep your hatred of veterans, had it not been for soldiers in FL: So then it was just waiting out Army and got back home. We’ve been the military in the closet because if you ranks actually shutting down the war your time? very vocal between us three in our op- let it out you’re just going to be subject machine—soldiers in revolt, basically— to more stupid shit. When we did find position to the war since we’ve been out. FAULT FAULT LINES JE: That’s pretty much what we had to had it not been for them, that war might the more ‘anti’ people we’d try to bring Whereas two years ago it was like, ‘I do. My sergeant could tell that I was an- have continued for another ten years. 12 them into our circle of trust. think you guys are traitors, I respect your gry about it. He told me, ‘Look, I know freedom of speech, but I think you’re Continued on page 15 Making a Killing: Blackwater & the Private Military Surge in Iraq

By David Zlutnick

On January 20th the Iraqi resistance shot down a Blackhawk helicopter kill- ing thirteen American soldiers. Three days later, just hours before Bush would give his State of the Union ad- dress, a Little Bird helicopter was shot down, killing five more Americans— but this incident didn’t make nearly the amount of news as the former. While the five men died in combat, they were not members of the US military. They 2004: were employees of Blackwater USA, Blackwater operates a heavily armed the shining star in a new breed of cor- security detail guarding America’s poration specializing in private sol- diers—also known as mercenaries. viceroy in Iraq, L. Paul Bremer. These private companies are part of in the country. Their roles include ev- The scariest thing about Blackwa- “It’s a square peg in a round hole.” And a huge surge in the outsourcing of war, erything from operators of US military ter and other such companies is that he’s most likely right. As many of the which is extremely evident in Iraq, as aircraft to security guards to bodyguards they currently lie in a legal no-man’s contracts are not through the Defense well as Afghanistan, Colombia, Haiti, for high-level officials to interrogators land, under no authoritative jurisdic- Department—especially those of most and numerous other countries. Private (such as the CACI employees involved tion from any US or international law, companies in a “security” role, the ones contractors are the second-largest con- in the Abu Ghraib torture scandal). nor the Geneva Conventions. In fact, most likely to engage in combat and tingent of the “Coalition of the Willing” when L. Paul Bremer—whose personal with a ratio of about one armed con- For political purposes it is in the in- Continued on page 14 bodyguards were a specialized Blackwa- tractor for every two American soldiers. terests of the US government to build ter team—was placed in charge of the This is up from a ratio of one to sixty a large army of private soldiers. Even Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA), The lack of a during the first Gulf War. The Pentagon though 770 contractors have been killed one of his first mandates was to make estimates the number of contractors at in Iraq and 7,761 have been injured, they contractors immune from Iraqi law. legal framework for around 100,000—but this is only an esti- are not included in the official US death mate because after four years in Iraq the toll. Perhaps even more have been killed In October, Republican Sen. Lind- military is only now beginning a survey but the Pentagon doesn’t track contrac- sey Graham inserted a clause into the battlefield to find the size of its contractor force. tor deaths, citing military regulations 2007 Defense Bill attempting to place as the reason for this lack of oversight. contractors under the Uniform Code of According to the Government Ac- contracting Figures have to be deduced from insur- Military Justice, the code of laws for the countability Office, approximately ance claims filed through the Depart- US military. Proponents of expanded 48,000 of these contractors are work- ment of Labor. Plus, if contractors are controls on contractors initially saw has allowed certain ing in Iraq as private soldiers, about used for missions that are not quite le- this as a small victory. In response Pe- six times the number of British troops gal or want to be distanced from official ter Singer, an expert on private military rogue contractor policy, their actions are completely de- companies at the Brookings Institution, The Pentagon niable as they are not employees of the said “contractors’ ‘get-out-of-jail-free’ employees to US government. This is the case along cards may have been torn to shreds.” estimates the the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, where However, Doug Brooks, president of perpetrate heinous American forces are not allowed to ven- the International Peace Operations As- ture into Pakistani territory. sociation, a lobbying group represent- criminal acts without number of With the job being so risky, what ing military contractors, disagrees and would attract so many to private compa- insists that the clause would not cover contractors at nies? Well, Blackwater has been known to all military firms. “It might be doable the threat of pay its employees $365,000 per year, com- for Defense Department contractors, around 100,000. pared to the $36,000 an average US sol- but it’s not a panacea,” Brooks says. prosecution dier makes. No wonder so many former but this is only an military personnel are signing up with a private employer instead of re-enlisting. Blackwater is able to pay its soldiers estimate because so much because they have received $505 million in contracts from the US govern- after four years in ment since 2000. Three hundred twenty million of this has been since June 2004 Iraq it is only now alone, when they received a no-bid con- tract to guard diplomats and staff in Iraq. SPRING 2007 beginning a survey With this amount of money the company has been able to build the largest base for a private military in the world, acquire a to find the size of its fleet of 20 aircrafts (including helicopter 2007: gunships, a Boeing 767, and even a zep- A Blackwater helicopter gunship is FAULT FAULT LINES contractor force. pelin), develop its own armored vehicle shot down over Bagdhad killing called the Grizzly, and build up a force of five private soldiers 13 20,000 soldiers. Making a killing:

Blackwater & the Private Military Surge in Iraq continued

therefore needing a means of account- work under such contract is carried out come a precedent, making every death Blackwater has ability the most—military law would in a region outside the United States in of an employee a potential lawsuit. As not apply. Blackwater’s operations, for which the Armed Forces are conducting of fall 2006, Blackwater had nine pend- so far won only instance, are conducted under a variety a contingency operation.” However, it is ing lawsuits from dead employees’ fami- of agencies, including the Department not clear that such legislation will pass a lies. But it seems that the most damag- of State and the CIA, among others. vote on the House floor. ing part of the case to Blackwater—and no-bid contracts. "The lack of a legal framework for Many Americans first heard of what they are most afraid of—might battlefield contracting has allowed cer- Blackwater back in March of 2004. not be the bad PR or the price of los- And with a global tain rogue contractor employees to per- Four Blackwater guards were ambushed ing the lawsuit, but instead the fact that petrate heinous criminal acts without as they were driving through Fallujah. sensitive information that they have so market opening as the threat of prosecution,” said Demo- After being shot and burned, two of far been able to keep private might be cratic Congressman David Price. One their mutilated bodies were hung from made public. such incident occurred this past Christ- a nearby bridge. This episode—cap- Private companies, unlike govern- quickly as it is now, mas Eve when an off-duty Blackwater tured on video and broadcast around ment agencies, are not subject to the the world—became the excuse for a Freedom of Information Act, and for plenty of new Gary Jackson, three-week attack on Fallujah that the past two years this has prevented April, and subsequently another opera- members of Congress from getting the opportunities tion that completely destroyed the city government to explain the details of Blackwater’s CEO, in November, killing around 5,000 Iraqi Blackwater’s contracts in regards to bill- have arisen. fighters, hundreds of civilians, and 95 ing and payment. But this case might be seems pretty US Marines. a chance for a rare peak into the secre- conflict in Southern Sudan was separate The families of the four men killed tive company. from that of Darfur, in the west, but the confident about their in Fallujah have sued Blackwater for One part of the contract under scru- government whose support has aided wrongful death by cutting corners on tiny in the lawsuit, for instance, has the Janjaweed in its extermination of as future in Darfur. the mission, saying the company vio- revealed that Blackwater was paying many as 450,000 non-Arabs in that re- lated contract by sending out the private its soldiers $600 per day but charged gion is the same. soldiers without the weapons and man- its client, Regency Hotel and Hospital Blackwater has big plans for Sudan, “We are going to field power they were promised. In response, Co., whom the deceased men were es- and wants to use the situation in Darfur Blackwater has countersued for $10 mil- corting, $945 per day. Regency was in to prove its ability to operate in a “peace- a brigade-sized peace- lion, targeting the family’s lawyer, Rich- turn a subcontractor of ESS, a division keeping” capacity. It has been pushing ard Nordan. They argue that by suing of Compass, who was subcontracted by the idea for sometime to members of keeping force,” he for wrongful death, the family is in turn Halliburton’s subsidiary KBR. There Congress and high-ups in the military, breaching the dead soldiers’ contracts. have been no documents showing how saying it can send in a large ground The most interesting fact about the much each of the other companies says. “You can quote force aided by gunships for air support families’ lawsuit, however, is that Black- added on to these charges by the time in a moment’s notice. Gary Jackson, water has been unable to get the lawsuit it reached the top contractor, Hallibur- Blackwater’s CEO, seems pretty confi- me on that.” dismissed or stayed. They have been ar- ton, who then billed the US govern- dent about their future in Darfur. “We guing that their work is an extension of ment. Under Halliburton’s $16 billion are going to field a brigade-sized peace- the military and therefore is not subject contract they are only allowed to rely keeping force,” he says. “You can quote contractor shot and killed an Iraqi con- to the jurisdiction of civilian courts. As on the US military for armed protection me on that.” tractor. The Blackwater employee was and not private firms. If too many docu- their strategy seems to be failing, Black- While Blackwater soldiers begin to quickly sent back to the US and fired, ments of this nature are released, there’s water has asked a federal court to move operate in Sudan, their deployment will although there is no indication he will a possibility it could ultimately threaten the case to arbitration. It is necessary “in likely increase in the Middle East as be extradited to Iraq to face trial. The Blackwater’s ability to win contracts. order to safeguard both [Blackwater’s] well. Their 2004 “diplomatic security” history of armed contractors in Iraq is own confidential information,” their at- This shouldn’t be too big of a prob- filled with similar stories. contract with the State Department torneys say, “as well as sensitive infor- lem, however, as Blackwater has so far was part of much larger plan called the Price has recently introduced legisla- mation implicating the interest of the won only no-bid contracts. And with a Worldwide Personal Protective Service tion that he hopes will apply more gen- United States at war.” global market opening as quickly as it is (WPPS) program, characterized as de- erally anyone “employed under a con- This is very dangerous for Black- now, plenty of new opportunities have signed to protect US officials as well as tract (or subcontract at any tier) awarded water and other companies providing arisen. For example, the head of the "certain foreign government high level by any department or agency of the similar services, as this case could be- mission in Washington for Southern officials whenever the need arises,” ac- United States Government, where the Sudan’s regional government, Ezekiel cording to official documents. Other Lol Gatkuoth, recently announced that than Blackwater, several other high he expects Blackwater to start work- profile private military firms are includ- ing with security forces in the next few ed in the WPPS, such as DynCorp and weeks, although this has not officially Triple Canopy. been confirmed by Blackwater. Blackwater’s contract under the Sudan was placed under sanctions WPPS is for five years and the payment in 1997 after the US accused the gov- is supposed to be a total of $229.5 mil- ernment of supporting terrorism. Bush lion. However, after only two years in

APRIL-MAY 2006 lifted the embargo this past October, the program it had received a total of giving Blackwater the ability to operate $321,715,794. The State Department in the country legally. The company was has not been able to provide an answer as apparently hired because no state was to why the firm has received almost $100 2004: willing to send troops to aid the south- million more than required for only half ern Christian militias, which have allied the work that is due. And the contract Four Blackwater mercenaries are themselves with the Muslim govern- FAULT FAULT LINES still has two and a half years left. ambushed and killed in Fallujah, sparking onement following a peace accord in order to fight off the other rebel groups. The 14 of the largest battles of the war Continued on page 22 THE HOME FRONT: FRONT: HOME THE Resistance Spreads as Iraq Veterans Return about thePFC? story that was What this. with dealing are who ones only the they’re margins, the on they’re feel who soldiers of lot a probably there’s now right think I can. we way any in them help and soldiers port the troops.’ We need to reach these sup and war the oppose we now right we’reyouand troops telling the porting sup and war the supporting between you.We there’sdifference understand a support ‘Hey,them,we tell and people these meet actually and out go to need youhouse, your near base Guard tional Na a know you If themselves. soldiers be it the to out reach to need we knownthat let to there, out it get to me on harping been They’ve 60s. the in ism activ anti-war in involved were they and movement who rights civil know the in were I guys some from advice some heard I’ve all. us for devastating be to going is war this that lives cans’ everyday-Ameri more reaches it until don’tI from?know, come to maybe ing go sentiment of kind this for the support where’s but itself, movement the in people the Not movement. the with problem the what’s on, going what’s of soldiers. I’d say apathy is still a huge part million half a and one terror.’Roughly on ‘war the in fought has country this of percent 1.5 that fact the in country JE: is necessary? to ending the war? What do you think FL: probably poverty What has been IVAW’sbeen has What approach There is a huge disconnect in this in disconnect huge a is There to current and

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------S F Bike Coalition and your Right to Ride to Right your and Coalition Bike Photos byRez and Articles we’ll walkthem through theprocess.” we’ll and here come can they happened, just what idea no having and money of bunch a paying and shop a to it taking don’t brakes, like they feel and their fix or tire a patch to wants one some if Bassbaum. “So Jesse co-founder says people to come and learn how to fix their bikes,” alsovolunteerinlieuofthefees. can oneand volunteers by entirely run is shop The people with no technical bike repair experience. for even environment friendly very A choice. that you can sauce up with components of your frame a in throw they 30, extra an For bikes. junked from scavenged mostly parts, of oodles to access get you fee, daily 5-dollar or yearly 30-dollar Fora tools. their with bike your on DIY bike run repair shop, the bike kitchen lets cooperatively you work affordable, An site. questions,”Kitchen’sswer Bike the reads web an and advice give to available is mechanics volunteer of staff Our bicycle. a build or fix to the Cheap! Bike on Cook your movement, and they’re such a democratic form of form democratic a such they’re and movement, vehicle, it was a strong part of the women’s revolutionary liberation a such is] bike “[The explains, Laird bicycles, rather than, say,uses they motorcycles for why their Asked stunts, group. entertainment litical cakes,” told me that Cyclecide was an expressly apo pan making [and] music, writing band, the in ing stunts, maintaining bikes, designing costumes, play rodeo bike] “[doing include members,duties whose bikes, beerandpyrotechnics.” punk musicians and pyschotic [sic] clowns who love mariachi- mechanics, alter-bike of club “aas tence, exis in year 11th its Rodeo,”into Bike well clecide welded frames ontopof five one another. events as a velonaut rode a bike built of an incredible announced whiskers mouse and nose. bikinis Womenin his pick to bust gigantic a cause than more nothing does that treadwheel giant a featured ster PedalJuly’s Mon Last Q-tips. gigantic with other one welded on top of the other, trying to frames, impale two each from made bikes mutant on people is, space launch,a bicycle and “tall boy jousting.” That at attempt jet-assisted rainbow, ill-fated a an under Bridge Gate Golden the resemble to sculpted one be believed. Imagine a mosh pit of fanciful art bikes, to seen be to have that staged are shows termittent in and plays band house A parts. bike scrap from spank,and spin that mostly made machines strange and wheels,merry-go-rounds, ferris pedal-powered ride to get shows,attendees their At parts. car and scaffolding,heaps, junk from salvaged bikes of bits muscle-powered contraptions welded together from D “We’re basically a community workspace for “We provide all the tools and parts you need August Laird, one of about 20 core Cyclecide Cyclecide core 20 about of one Laird, August Cy Pedal “Heavy the describes website Their showcases that showfreak touring a is Cyclecide runk Punks Weld - - - ley on traffic-clogged Mission Street Missionat Ninth. onley traffic-clogged oasis of bike culture in an unassuming little al this for Look out. other each helping up end often enough, people who come to repair bikes but volunteers, part-time of lot a and chanics ------Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 6-9PM, sca tig is ie dik er fc with bikes.” fuck beer, drink like, its thing, social a of kind mainly “Its humility. with crew her describes also She crew. cyclecide the of part day,also by is librarian a August, “apolitical.” as work their women’sviewing movementthe of history the in role their recognizing while from recycling salvaged non-polluting vehicles entertainment creating someone of irony the at wonders one symbols, status vironmental en as sold are SUVs hybrid where age an In fun,do.”the all can see and they bikes creativestuff our ride come and crazy,bike ownmonstrous their make to able be to people there. like We definitely we’re and [vehicles], their [master] to learn to ple [A lot of people in the community] really want peo D http://www.bikekitchen.org/ For more infoonupcomingevents, check out 1256 MissionSt. @ 9th, ump Junk Saturday 12-5 PM. people can fix it or learn how to fix it. fix to how learn or it fix can people hp a a e bk me bike few a has shop www.cyclecide.com

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17 FAULT LINES SPRING 2007 Sublime Frequencies Subliminal Messages International Music Label records sounds of the middle east ACTION IN ARTS

After growing tired of the alternative music of the 90’s, Bay Area experimental musician Mark Gergis (of Mono Pause) turned to foreign sounds for musical inspiration. The obsession later turned into a pathway to cultures, as Mark joined the Sublime Frequencies collective, a record and film project dedicated to exploring street-level music and culture from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Joined by fellow experimental music legends, Alan and Richard Bishop (of Sun City Girls fame) and film-maker Hisham Mayet, Sublime Frequencies has released over 30 albums and films, compiling street performances, tapes, radio recordings, and vinyl gems. Mark Gergis, who himself is half Iraqi, sat down with Fault Lines to discuss his most current Sublime Frequencies projects in Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon. interview and photos by Sakura Saunders

Could you describe your latest al- label is operated. The relevance of mak- of people elsewhere helps you under- Bush and supports the war on terror bum, of Iraqi music? ing an Iraqi album in the last couple of stand the many ways America is per- and the war in Iraq, etc. He was on It’s called “Choubi Choubi: Folk years is clear. The Arab world needs a ceived. some sort of nationalistic ego tour. He and Pop Sounds from Iraq”. Choubi human face. Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, People here might be surprised to told me, “You know what, man? Despite is a folkloric dance and party music in Iraq...It’s important to humanize these know that Arabs generally tend to make all that, they still give me free coffee and Iraq. I heard a lot of it growing up at locations for the many people who the intelligent distinction between peo- tea and food!” He continued to tell me the weddings and parties of my family might not know better. To me, these ple and government. That’s something I was doing a disservice to my country in the Iraqi community around Detroit, discs are a stab in the face of anyone that can’t be said for many Americans. and confusing the people (Arabs) by Michigan. I think every ethnic group who tries to demonize the Arab world. It’s common to hear on the streets telling them I disapprove of my govern- in Iraq knows the Choubi. It can al- If people end up diggin’ on the music of Cairo or Damascus, “We love the ment. He said “They’re used to loving most be called the national music of then maybe that helps. Hopefully, it American people, but we don’t like the their government and they understand Iraq if there is/was one. Surprisingly, piques the interest of the right people. government.” And as much as I want to me when I say that I love my govern- there hadn’t been anything widely is- applaud them for this humane approach, ment.” This guy is probably really frus- sued on Choubi in this country. The Have you learned any political in- I’ve started to ask myself why Arabs trated that nobody’s killed him yet. I am. music on the collection was found in sights from traveling to other coun- should continue to make that distinc- shops anywhere between Detroit and tries that you didn’t know before or tion while so many “common American And how do Syrians feel about their Damascus over the past several years. that were reinforced? folk” either dig on Bush and the Neo- own government? Oh yeah, there’s always more to con agenda or remain ignorant and/or You may want to talk about that with Do you view this album and your learn. Getting the hell out of here and complacent in the face of it. Should I a Syrian. At this point, I believe that work in general as political? dropping oneself out “there” is one of tell folks out there that they’re wrong? Syrians would rather trust their govern- I’ve started to argue that it’s harder for The label isn’t a soapbox for tired the most important things one can do. ment than accept some bogus US/Israel- me to make that distinction with Amer- proselytization, but I think the politics The US is an extremely insular culture. imposed democracy. They only have to icans these days, which has opened the of the releases are evident through the Not many Americans travel because look at their fallen neighbor, Iraq, as an doors for complex dialogues. Ha...I’m discs from the way the discs are pack- they either have no interest or they are example of what modern imperialist de- the worst ambassador for this country... aged and distributed to the locations engineered to be scared of the outside mocracy is. In Syria, people use a lot of or the best. that are focused world. But if you can get out, leave metaphors when they talk about their on, to the way the your so-called “rugged American in- Actually, when Westerners start government. Some are more direct and dividualism” template at home coming down on a place like Syria, I some will be very frank with you, but very and actually put yourself in love pointing out that there’s nothing few are willing to criticize their govern- another place, you start to you can accuse Syria of that the US isn’t ment publicly for the obvious reasons. realize what you’ve been also doing on some level. In fact, I pre- Unfortunately, Syrians are safer talk- SPRING 2007 missing. 15 years of US fer the Syrian approach because at least ing against the US government than academic studies can’t they aren’t so blindly hypocritical to they are talking against their own, but begin to compare with proclaim that they’re the “freest country at least most people there can rec- 6 months of inde- in the world” or other such bullshit. ognize the hypocritical nature of pendent travel in a I met one moron in Syria. He was Americans thinking they are the fre- place outside of the an American from Texas who was in the est folk on the planet. What a joke. FAULT FAULT LINES Western world. middle of a long tour of the Arab world. And what a joke American-style “de- 18 Seeing your home He was proud to be going around tell- mocracy” must be to them. through the lens ing all the locals he met that he loves ...cont on next page art against authority

By Burp-a-saurus Rex realizing the impossible ACTION Don’t get me wrong. I’ll stare at any schmoe’s plus chronicle of creative dissenters; from print- ists with “big fucking swords” in a non-secularized,

“artwork” for a sec if it entitles me to free wine, juicy makers and propagandists, to puppet protestors and highly militaristic third world setting. The essay IN grapes, and baba ganoush on pita chips. But amidst commons reclaimers, to guerilla TV producers and about BsAs Stencil and other individuals responsible the culture-dissecting circles in which I find myself grassroots media-makers. It is not chronological, for the political street art eruption of Buenos Aires these days, art can be a four-letter word if it’s not and probably not a start to finish read. Its content since Argentina’s state of economic turmoil in 2001 blatantly extending an arm to slap economic, racial, spans from pre-WWI era France, when the anar- gives a revealing glimpse into a working peoples’ re-

gender, or sexuality based systemic repression right chist worldview thought to be inherent in modern- sponses to a temporarily failed capitalist state. ARTS dab in the face. Or at least demonstrating ways that ist and avant-garde art by some of its pioneers was Rich in clandestine histories and critical self- the rest of us might do so. Accordingly, in the 22 stifled by the agenda a burgeoning apolitical social analysis, the book is bound by no singular movement. essays edited by Josh MacPhee and Erik Reuland elite, all the way to the modern-day shortcomings Nor does there exist any unified political platform that make up Realizing the Impossible: Art Against of adbusting and culture jamming in taking a stand between the artists discussed and interviewed. The Authority, capital ‘A’ art is only as worthwhile as its against global capitalism. These essays ambitiously commonality that can be extracted is an earnest desire ability to creatively taint and taunt the many faces examine an important sector of resistance to the so- to blueprint and construct windows from the world of institutionalized repression: military forces, state cial order. In over 300 pages, there are of course a we exist in to the one we dream about—ignoring the bureaucracy, few instances of academia-type over analysis. But paradox in the phrase “realizing the impossible.” corporate me- the weaving together of iconoclastic artists over such dia, police lines, a span of time—with the intention of extracting the stock traders, meaning of art and the role of aesthetics when re- corrupt politi- lated to anti-authoritarian movements—is in this cians, church case an admirable feat. institutions, The essays focus primarily on outlooks of North and in recent American and European artists whose works were years, archi- inspired by visions of resistance, whether personal, tects of free collective, or observed. There are also accounts of trade agree- various groups in third world countries whose pas- ments. sion is armed in the form of inspired images and W h a t carefully chosen phrases. The Taring Padi of In- you’ll find as donesia are “a loose collective of cultural fulmina- you flip the tors” whose normal (by first world standards) lot of pages of this creative anti-authoritarian efforts—as printmakers, image-packed squatters, sticker campaigners, farmers rights’ and Clifford Harper: “Sabate: compilation biodiversity educators—induce both aggressive state Guerrilla Extraordinary” is a century- repression and midnight attacks by fundamental-

The current project you worked start keeping serious the Lebanese people through very ma- on for Sublime Frequencies is with checks on you. nipulative means, just as they are in Iraq a Syrian musician, could you talk Eventually, we and Palestine. These forces are the real about that? went directly to terrorists. The gods of perception like to His name is Omar Souleyman. He’s them and declared have you think there’s only one way to a Syrian singer who works with a few our intentions. It perceive these events–through their fil- trusty collaborators, a poet and a few wasn’t an issue once ters of “good and evil” which they create musicians. They do something that’s they found out what and then enforce. I continue to oper- similar to the Iraqi Choubi in Syria. we wanted. It was ate on my own terms, as should anyone. They’re a folk-pop ensemble who play obviously benign to If music is terrorism, lets hope it does incredible, high-energy Debka party them or they would some serious damage at least. I’d love music that teeters on raging psychede- have stopped it from to see the casualties a tune can produce. lia at times. They also do some unbe- happening. lievably mournful and gorgeous dirges. As for here, there What’s this project that you are They’re from the Northeastern Syrian really shouldn’t be working on in Lebanon? city of Ras Al Ain, near the Turkish Mark at work in his apartment in W. Oakland a problem unless I was in Lebanon in January, 2006 and Iraqi border. All of the rich musi- someone on this end with Bay Area musician Liz Allbee. We cal characteristics of the region can be was excited about the idea of people wants to create one. had the pleasure of befriending the in- heard in the music they play. It’s a form hearing the music outside of Syria. Are we supporting terrorism by doing credible artists and musicians, Mazan of music that hasn’t been focused on in this? Sure we are, as long as that’s how Kerbaj and Raed Yassin, who have be- the West, so it was a pleasure to hook up Have you run into any complica- some idiot wants to spin it! It’s that easy. come quite famous now as a result of with Omar and try to get the music out tions with this US/Syrian business Their criterion for a terror organization the July 2006 war. We kept in touch

here. I first heard Omar Souleyman on partnership? is meaningless. Fuck ‘em! If I release an and were in constant contact with them SPRING 2007 my virgin trip to Syria in 1997. I bought No, and we shouldn’t. Syria knows. album of Hezbollah folk and pop mu- during the war through phone calls, several cassettes then and on a return We know that because we were fol- sic, is that doing business with terror- emails and text messages. Raed made trip in 2000. In 2006, as I prepared to lowed by secret police everywhere we ists? I’ll argue (along with others) that an 11 disc set of war radio that he re- go back a third time, I talked to Sub- went when trying to meet Omar. The Hezbollah isn’t terrorist. They’re a valid corded during the entire month, includ- lime Frequencies and said “We should government there surely knows we’re resistance organization created as the ing what he calls “Israeli parasite radio,” just really try to meet this guy and see criminal Israeli invasion in 1982 was in also known as “The Voice of Peace.” I’m doing business with him. Once you start FAULT LINES if he wants to put out a record.” Lucky going up into that Northeastern terri- progress. There are forces at play right really excited about collaborating with for us, he did! He’s a great guy, and he tory where few tourists venture, they now, who are trying to further divide him on this. 19 Climate Capitalism continued from page 11 do when we go home.” his government will say in the stron- of the old technological boogeyman: tentional manipulation of the climate. Known locally as “the tree lady” due gest terms it is “an imperative” to take nuclear energy, or the new bio-technical Taking inspiration from the CIA’s (un- to her propensity to encourage Africans action to prevent further climate dam- Frankenstein: genetically modified bio- successful) attempts to provoke intense to plant trees, she is part of a movement age, Prime Minister Tony Blair will still fuel crops. Both these solutions may be rains over Vietnam to wash out the whose aim is to plant our way out of the baulk at personal sacrifices. “I think low-carbon, but the potential ecological rebels’ crops, to the Chinese Olympic crisis. Trees perform as carbon sinks, in- these things are a bit impractical actu- cost of the energy succeeds in merely committee’s promise to secure sunny haling CO2 and hence offsetting CO2 ally to expect people to do that,” said pushing the climate change problem days for the 2008 Olympics via techni- emissions: to re-forest Africa with a billion Blair in response to the suggestion that upriver a while. cal measures, the geo-engineering in- trees appropriate to regional diversity is cutting back on flights might be a posi- dustry is having a field day in the era the target of the Green Belt Movement. tive step. For him, science will save the of climate variability. From attempts The doomsday clock ticks 3. Towards a Globalized New Or- planet. “All the evidence is that if you to fertilize the ocean in order to lower leans, or the End of Capitalism. use the science and the technology away at a perilous 5 min- the water temperature, to filling the sky One could despair, and indeed many constructively, your economy can grow, utes to twelve. Meanwhile, with sulphate nano-particles to inter- in the global north speculate upon the people can have a good time, but do so it’s still early morning on cept sun-rays, geo-engineer scientists wisdom of having (more) kids consider- more responsibly.” the revolutionary clock. are busy interfering with and interven- ing the nefarious world they may well A conclusion shared by President Despite the alarm ringing, ing upon the climate, undeterred by po- inherit. Meanwhile, people in the south Bush. “Leaving behind the debate the revolutionary protag- tential disequilibrium disasters or mass – in places like drought-ridden northern whether global warming is caused by onist, although stirring, contamination. Kenya – have the more pressing issue of natural or man-made causes,” said Bush has yet to awake. Beyond technological meddling, deal- wondering how they will feed their liv- chillingly to the New York Times in an ing with the problem of climate change ing kids. article that ran May 25 of last year, “we – ecologically, politically, economically, It seems a hopeless situation. Two are going to focus solely in the technol- Another solution involves juggling and socially – needs a lot more than the thousand of the world’s eminent scien- ogies which can resolve the problem”. carbon around. With capitalism’s love Kyoto Protocol, developing alternative tists and experts confirm that climate The front-runner is ethanol. But of the market we now have complicated energies, or holding another emergency variability is a product of human ac- replacing fossil fuels – an intensely emissions trading schemes for “cost-ef- Climate Change Conference. It is nec- tivity, and that nevertheless we might compact source of fuel – with crop de- fective” reductions in carbon emissions essary to consider the root of the prob- have a short window of opportunity rived bio-ethanol requires felling vast (selling them on) and, more bizarrely, lem. A global economy based on the co- – say 15 years – to do something about tracks of forest to make way for plan- carbon drops – including the notions of lossal demand for highly concentrated it, but there isn’t the political will to act tations, thereby creating even more storing emissions under the sea bed or and rapidly depleting fossil fuel depos- amongst the powers that be. Not just ecological damage. down disused mine shafts. its is ecologically unsustainable. Do we the United States, China, and Russia, Meanwhile, entering into the twi- Capitalism’s last technological card need to change fuel or change the struc- but even European “champions” of the light zone of capitalist solutions to capi- and one that is proving a current growth ture of consumption? But under the cause refuse to set an example. While talist problems, we find the resurrection business is geo-engineering - the in- present model – global capitalism – is ...continured on next page SPRING 2007 FAULT FAULT LINES 20 markets and inputs to continue to make ders ahead.” plun capitalism as giving that’s planet the it’s moment, the at and give to has “Something Collective. Apple Green Anarchist the Troochiof Alex explains planet,” afinite in expansionism finite possible,change desirable? oreven and down and then said, “Just wipe your bor’s neigh apartment door. She eyed them up a on knocked rioters of group a police, the circumvent to attempt an lettersfrom supporters. and forwarding money, prisoners underwear,and socks, sending been has Cross Black archist still remain in custody. The Danish An Danes three mark,but 14-day legal the ees were released without charges before holiday.arrest 300 the of majority The the before available” were tickets plane Germany, but in the case of Ireland, “no or Sweden as such owntheir of country ers last. Most were bussed to the border foreign and first released were Danes deported. be to waiting prison Danish in Christmas) memorable a (including days ten following the spent He dogs. sur with cops others 300 of upwards by and rounded himself found and Rings from scene battle a to ened SQUAT continued from page 20 Capitalism relies on ever- expanding ever- relieson Capitalism in on relied always has “Capitalism in riots, the during point one At lik been also has (that chaos the In ), Fullum lost his affinity group affinity his lost Fullum ), Lord of the of Lord RIOTS ------a fundamental shift in thinking,in revo a shift fundamental a mains illusive. day re the save to bullet scientific or technological magic the But strategies. other consider to forced being now is Capitalism ecotastrophe. to inexorably leads sake growth-for-growth to tion addic ceaseless This them capital. dead into transforming and resources ral natu of extraction the on based profits the on bottles and rocks of stockpiles are There fight. and stay must eryone ev out; or in go to choice a longer no is there home, their away take to come from above. which could gas point the they whole building at helicopter, a using roof the onto cops of full crate lowera to intend authorities bottom, the from enter will enemy the assumes that way a in caded barri is house the Because December. in newspaper Copenhagen a in eviction waited withiron barsanddynamite. waited squatters with an inside armory their house. They the So Ung domshuset. at eviction complete a of word other side. the out and apartment the through file then and you,” “thank a articulate feet, their wipe to proceeded sticks large ing feet.” A hundred rioters in masks carry Hope lies beyond the pale; it requires cops the when that knows Everyone for plan their printed police The no still was there February early By continued from page 6 ------

revolutionary clock. Despite the alarm alarm the the Despite on clock. revolutionary morning early still it’s while, Mean twelve. to minutes five perilous tosurvive. society post-capitalist of kind some evolve to have will world human the term, long the assembly.In European Union or the United Nations the government, States United the of imagination the of confines cloistered the from away shift paradigm lutionary cleared of its occupants with the use of a violently was Ungdomshuset 2007,1st, a be will good eviction.” it die, people 25 than “less bed.lamps nexttoeach windows. There are gasmasks and head barricaded partially all beside and roof

The doomsday clock ticks away at a at away ticks clock doomsday The photo: www.indymedia.org.uk In the morning early hours of March if that said has police of chief The - - That world is growing this minute.” ry. We carry a new world here, in our hearts. own world before itsit leaves the ruin stage of and histo blast might bourgeoisie The around tobothhauntandinspire us: come Revolution, Spanish 1936 the of naventura Durruti, the famous anarchist awake. to Once again the yet prophetic words of Bue has stirring, although protagonist, revolutionary the ringing, Ungdomshuset wasdemolished. all over Europe. At 8AM on March 5th, held were squatters the with solidarity in Protests hospitalized. were 25 least rested (including 140 foreigners), and at Reports say that 643 protesters were ar 3rd. March on peaking days, four next the over cranes. rioted people two 3000 Roughly and helicopter military ”Weare not in the least afraid ofruins... - - - 21 FAULT LINES SPRING 2007 22 FAULT LINES SPRING 2007 takd e Olas n w hd no had we and Orleans New attacked a of department as exist only should exist, even should TC: Korea.Iraq, North even thatincludes that includes Afghanistan, that includes and East, Middle the from America of JE: in Germany still from World War II. troops Afghanistan,and in troops have Resistance Spreads as Iraq Veterans Return Victory would be the withdrawal withdrawal the be would Victory h Dprmn o Dfne i it if Defense, of Department The defense . Mother Nature o lo or odes o i, rqs to Iraqis die, to soldiers our allow to JE: TC: atthispoint. isaninevitability drawal with troop of idea the think I troops. withdraw to not or whether to as point JE: that are poorpeople. killing aren’t hurricanes the fight help to going Yourguns that. against defense of sort o mc lne ae e going we are longer much How arguing the passed we’re think I It’s justhow. And when. - every troop “surge” the private military military private the “surge”troop every With Afghanistan. or Kuwait, Iraq, in employment seeking people resumes for file 500,000 on over has now pany ment of sending more troops. announce The com Bush’s to response in Iraq in force their of size the increasing on ago. years two conference amilitary at firms military plan for a “contractor brigade” of private tor to Bush and the GOP, presented his Prince,Erik contribu a huge campaign co-founder and CEO Blackwater idea. this mention to first the not was ever, how Bush, reserve.” military our like corps. Such a corps would function much and establish a volunteer civilian reserve task we can take on together is to design second A years. five next the in 92,000 by Corps Marine and Army active our of size the in increase “anrequested he First, buildups. military immense two approve to Congress asked he address Blackwater upt oenet hyr ttly in totally They’re government. puppet best history’s are DC, Washington, in JE: isn’t voting. JH: say evils. voteforthelesseroftwo will People do? to what’s but anymore, candidate either for vote doesn’tto sense make It through. break to barrier a to corporations. servient That’s a hell of ing all of our decisions. And they’re sub We have a one-party system that’s mak fucked. we’re that is me to proven has JE: enforcedas much asfucking JH: ernment, andpolitics? gov and war, about think you way FL: JE: TC: inthe20s.ousted theBritish successfully They occupation. British remember still they alive, still they’re if Iraq, in there over great-grandparents their of Some British. the out kicked Iraqis the that ago don’t. long that wasn’t empires It most because rection insur popular this defeat never We’ll rug? the under veterans our sweeping Howmuchlongerkeep are going to we uranium? depleted with Iraq going pollute to we are longer much How die? ace ae ot ptig energy putting worth are marches FL: other.in bedwitheach all corporatocracy—they’re the rations, corpo regime,the capitalist the to tow KBR’s CEO Bill Utt said they plan they said Utt Bill CEO KBR’s Union the of State Bush’s During It seems to me that the politicians the that me to seems It They’ll doittousin2007. They’ll How has all of this changed the changed this of all has How o o tik h bg anti-war big the think you Do Voting for the lesser of two evils evils two of lesser the for Voting I think it hasn’t really changed much Why shouldwebeany different? Why I think the one thing that this war this that thing one the think I everything continued continued

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A - - 23 FAULT LINES SPRING 2007 MOBILIZATIONS UPDATE > Disrupt the War Machine El Gran Paro Another World Is Possible No One Is Illegal Shut Down May Day US Social No Borders INTERNATIONAL Smash Global Capital the Port! Forum Camp G8 Summit April 7 May 1 June 27- July 1 2nd Week of June 2 - 7 Port of Oakland Across the USA Atlanta, Georgia November Heiligendamm, On the fourth anniversary of the brutal Demanding recognition for their many Growing out of the World Social Fo- Calixico/Mexicali repression of anti-war demonstrators at contributions to American society, and rum process, the US Social Forum is Germany In response to the growing militariza- the port of Oakland by members of the taking a stand against racism, deten- intended to bring together activists, or- Once again, the leaders of the richest tion of the US-Mexico border and the Oakland Police Department, activists tions, workplace discrimination, and the ganizers, people of color, working peo- nations in the world are meeting in a re- use of borders across the world to cage and community members will return militarization of the border, immigrants ple, poor people, and indigenous people mote location to plan global capitalism’s people while allowing the free flow of to the port to disrupt the shipment of and their supporters will be reapeating from across the United States. The goal next moves. They will be met with mas- capital, radicals from both Mexico and weapons and materials used to fight the last year’s massive street protests. Join of the gathering is to build unity around sive popular resistance. the United States will meet for one war. Meet at the West Oakland BART thousands and take the day off from common goals of social justice, to build week along this artificial boundary to dissentnetwork.org station and march to the port to join work or school, refuse to buy anything, ties between organizations present at liberate a space on the border and dem- a community picket to shut down the and march united for workers’ and im- the event, and to help build a broader onstrate against militarism, racisim and ¡Ya Basta! operations of the shipping corporations migrants’ rights. social justice movement. neoliberalism. Bring water! working with the US military. indymedia.org ussf2007.org deletetheborder.org Intergalactica indybay.org July 21 - Aug 1 Chiapas, Mexico

The autonomous Zapatista communi- ties have invited the world to join them to see how they operate and to share strategies and stories in our common fight for another world. enlacezapatista.ezln.org.mx announcing a new book from Inkworks Press: www.indybay.org