[lbo-talk] nuts watching nuts

[Michael Pugliese]

http://www.indybay.org/news/2005/07/1751731.php
Jul. 8th 11:23pm: After live coverage, reflections on demonstrations
were discussed on Enemy Combatant Radio. Initially, some questioned
choice of neighborhood if goal was to attack symbols of capitalism. If
goal was to build solidarity in one of SF's least wealthy
neighborhoods, some express concern about effectiveness. Some wonder
why police disappeared for so long after initial heavy presence and
doubt that would have happened in Financial District. Most pleased at
unity of protesters and note they saw mostly banks and large corporate
chains and businesses that represent gentrification attacked which is
not violation of community. Community cheered on protesters earlier in
demonstration when demonstrators continued to take the streets but
possibly became somewhat afraid later as things escalated with police.
Affinity groups breaking apart possibly prevented larger mass arrests,
but with so much running some people could not keep up which allowed
police to force larger groups from coalescing. One participant noted
instance whereby bus attempted to pass marchers in street, marchers
stepped aside to allow bus to pass, with pro-worker chant, and many on
bus expressed gratitude and support. Some skirmishes happened between
protesters and "yuppies" that started out of their cars to threaten
protesters. One person comments that police at times were wildy
aggressive and indescriminate in using their nightsticks. An organizer
from Anarchist Action called in and discussed many aspects of the
action, the ups and downs of the event, noting that it was their first
action, it was held in three cities across the U.S., and that they
were pleased with the overall energy despite violent run-ins with
police. Discussion continues...

 Jul. 8th 10:33pm: Autonomous groups roaming city in various
directions looking for corporate targets. Fireworks and smoke bombs
around various locations. Report of protester who threw tear gas
canister at police around 23rd getting seriously beaten and setting
off mini-riot.

Jul. 8th 9:58pm: Main march of 75 or so on 23rd in street heading from
Valencia towards Mission, Newspaper boxes being thrown into street.
Lots of vandalism. Appears to be an undercover cop amongst crowd, but
no uniformed police at this point.

 Jul. 8th 9:53pm: Some people broke off from main march and broke
windows at KFC. Bank of America also attacked  along with other
corporate targets. Some trash cans set on fire.

Jul. 8th 9:41pm: Protesters marching up Mission again. Police nowhere
to be seen as march re-embarks.

 Jul. 8th 9:39pm: Flags being burned at 16th and Mission. About 75
people present. Re-energized by flag burning about ready to march
again. Report of arrest up 16th street for unknown reason.
Jul. 8th 9:34pm: Report coming in that 30-35 protesters have been
boxed in by police at 21st and Mission.
Jul. 8th 9:30pm: Most everyone is back to 16th and Mission to regroup.
Some still strung around area. Police squad chasing some runners up
Mission, possibly up to 50 people. Window(s) broken at Wells Fargo.
About 8 riot police have followed one group back to 16th and Mission.
Jul. 8th 9:14pm: Organizers put call out for all participants to
regroup at 16th and Mission.
Jul. 8th 9:13pm: Mood is tense as people keep trying to step off of
sidewalks and running to avoid police.
Jul. 8th 9:10pm: Two groups regrouping about 22nd and Mission, walking
in street against traffic as police struggle to push crowds back onto
sidewalk. Police have confiscated sound system,
Jul. 8th 9:08pm: Group outran cops and divided. One group at 23rd and
Mission, one on 23rd closer to Valencia
Jul. 8th 9:03pm: Protesters moving up 24th toward Valencia One person
arrested at 24th and Valencia - reason unknown.
Jul. 8th 9:00pm: All protesters on sidewalk at 23rd & mission
Jul. 8th 8:57pm: At 21st and Mission, police attempting to move
marchers onto sidewalk.
Jul. 8th 8:51pm: 200+ people are marching down Mission towards 17th
Street, taking up two lanes of traffic. Police have announced with
loudspeakers that marching in street is illegal.
Jul. 8th 8:21pm: About 150 people are now at meeting spot. March not
starting yet. Lots of black flags. Very large Anarchist Action
banners. NOIN banner. Lots of motorcycle cops at the scene and more
police with vans in waiting about a block away.
Jul. 8th 7:47pm: People have begun gathering around BART at 16th and Mission

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