Saturday, March 28: National Day of Solidarity with the RNC 8

The street battles that took place in St. Paul, Minnesota over the course of the Republican National Convention are now a memory--battles hard won by those brave protesters who defied the thousands of police and National Guard in place throughout the Twin Cities to guard what is most precious to those in power: law and order.

The authorities had hoped to preemptively contain the RNC protests by unleashing a tsunami of repression against local organizers who were involved in logistical support work. Eight people, after early morning house raids and preemptive arrests mere days before the action would begin, have now been charged as terrorists under a state-version of the Patriot Act and are facing 12 and a half years in prison and fines of $25,000 per person.

Just as the authorities failed to quiet the protests that engulfed downtown St. Paul, we must act to once again disrupt their well-laid plans! Through ingenuity and solidarity we can accomplish the most amazing feats, as those on the streets of St. Paul can attest. The prosecution of the RNC8 is a naked attempt to criminalize above-ground legal organizing -- and we will not let friends and fellow travelers go to jail without a fight!

DEFEND THE RNC8!

This case is pivotal! If the RNC8 are found guilty, this will serve as a precedent for prosecuting those who organize in their communities to resist the systems of greed and exploitation that threaten us all.

Therefore, money is crucial. Lawyers, investigators and expert witnesses cost money. The estimated cost of the trial is $250,000. Though none of us have that kind of money just lying around, the price becomes more manageable if we all kick in.

Please organize an event in your area! Email info@rnc8.org to let us know you are, and we can help by sending literature, a sample press release and more.

Some ideas for events are:

Film screenings (to download Terrorizing Dissent go to www.terrorizingdissent.org)
Workshops/Teach-ins
Support rallies
Speakers (to see if a member of the RNC 8 or a support committee member can come to your town contact info@rnc8.org)
Fundraisers (potlucks, garage sales, 5-k runs, bike rides,
booksales, etc)
Shows or music festivals
Theater

This call comes from a national support network for the RNC8. From New York to Santa Cruz, Grand Forks to Houston, and all places in between, solidarity is everywhere. Join us!

For more info on the RNC8:
http://www.rnc8.org

Dismiss the charges! Sign the petition!
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/defendthernc8

To get Friends of the RNC8 announcements:
http://rnc8.org/get-updates/ or email
friendsofthernc8-subscribe@lists.riseup.net