Conspiracy Tour Reportback

On Wednesday, August 4th, the Conspiracy Tour made a stop in Washington DC.  They aren’t stopping in Richmond, so the only opportunities for folks from around here to see them without traveling TOO Far were last night in DC, or tomorrow night in Carrboro.  I’d say it’s worth the drive, especially if you’re involved in any way with anarchist/anti-authoritarian projects and are unfamiliar with the scope of state repression that has been coming down on our heads in the last ten years or so.

The presentation began with a brief puppet skit about what conspiracy charges actually are.  Basically, someone can be charged with conspiracy to commit a crime if there is planning to commit a crime, and any action is taken in furtherance of that plan, EVEN if the crime is NEVER COMMITTED.  Normally for a conspiracy to exist, more than one person has to be involved, although there are some cases (such as Scott DeMuth’s) where the state will simply INVENT co-conspirators as “unknown persons” in order to charge an individual with conspiracy.
After the initial puppet skit, there was a brief history of state repression in America, discussing such topics as the FBI’s COINTELPRO program and the recent “Operation Backfire” and including information about how these programs gather their information.

AETA 4 Case Dismissed, Re-Indictment Possible

Yesterday, the Animal Rights community received some potentially positive news. The charges against the AETA 4 were dismissed. The 4 can still be re-indicted, so this is likely only a temporary reprieve. Those not familiar with the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act should take the time to read up on this bogus law. The case of the AETA 4 is the first time this law is being used to prosecute anyone, and so this case will likely set a precedent. The outcome of this case is extremely important, as what the 4 are being accused of are things like fliering and chalking, which are supposed to be protected speech.

This case is happening across the country, but it has the potential to affect activists in Richmond and activists everywhere. Not being able to catch people working underground has pushed the government and corporations to try to prosecute folks doing above ground work. This law and the rampant use of the word terrorist as a label are part of a movement to protect capitalist interests at any cost.

Will Potter writes the blog Green is the New Red http://www.greenisthenewred.com and that site is a really good source for up to date news on the persecution of animal and environmental activists by the government and corporations.

Here is his post on the Dismissal of the AETA 4.

This week at the Wingnut

Events this week:

Wednesday at 7, Craft night!!! Bring a craft to work on or share or come for inspiration or to use some of the communal craft supplies we have. Always accepting donations of supplies like yarn, fabric, thread, buttons, paper, glue, GLITTER, SEQUINS, scissors, stickers etc.

Friday at 6, Food Not Bombs Meeting! This meeting is the organizational meeting for Food Not Bombs RIchmond. We will talk about how its been going, what we like, what we don’t like, fundraising ideas, possibly adding a second weekly meal to our program etc. New members and old members welcome

Saturday at 6, Spaghetti Fundraiser for the AETA 4! Come throw down a couple bucks for delicious homemade by Mo Spaghetti sauce and noodles. All money goes to support the AETA 4. Check out previous blog post for more on the issue

Sunday at 12 noon- Food Not Bombs!!!