This Is America #104: Wet’suwet’en Prepare for RCMP Raid; Report Back from Virginia

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Welcome, to This Is America, January 26th, 2020.

In this episode, first we speak with Wet’suwet’en Chief Dtsa H’yl about what he says in an impending raid on their unceded territory and the need for people across the world to show solidarity with their struggle for sovereignty and against resource extraction. For more information and ways to donate and support, go here.

We spoke with #Wetsuweten Chief Dtsa H’yl who told us that after meeting with the RCMP, they informed him that a raid on their territory is "going to happen." They stated raid will come after a buildup of RCMP paramilitary forces. Full interview soon on This is America. pic.twitter.com/PvWKTRe74a

— It's Going Down (@IGD_News) January 24, 2020

We then switch to a discussion and report back from the host of the Red Strings and Maroons podcast about antifascist and anarchist participation in the massive rally in Virginia against a slew of proposed anti-gun measures. We discuss attempts by antifascists to draw an anti-racist line, confronting groups like the Proud Boys, and general thoughts about refused to give up cultural and political space to the far-Right.

All this and more, but first, let’s get to the news!

Living and Fighting

• Last Friday, massive amounts of Iraqis took to the streets, demanding the removal of US troops and personnel. But by the end of the weekend, the massive protests had become violent as a leading Shiite nationalist cleric ended his support for the demonstrations and the militias began to attack protest camps which have existed for the past several months. According to NPR:

In Baghdad, security forces stormed bridges, streets near Tahrir Square and a highway interchange that had been taken over by protesters, firing live bullets and tear gas and setting fire to tents where protesters have been living and where medics have treated the wounded. At least one protester was killed and dozens wounded, according to security and medical officials.

In a southern city…at least three protesters were killed when security forces moved in to re-open a highway blocked by the demonstrations, Al Jazeera [reported]…

Meanwhile, thousands of protesters have been turning out every day, and hundreds had established a kind of community in Tahrir Square, fearing violence from Iran-backed militias if they [leave].

• In Denver, neo-Nazis and fascists who anti-war organizers in ANSWER and the Party for Socialism and Liberation were told by local antifascists would be attending a rally, were not kicked out by protest marshals and event organizers. Local antifascists lambasted the rally’s so-called leaders, for allowing fascists into the space.

Joshua Yeakel and Russell Frankland of the Traditionalist Workers Party, and Samuel Cordova of Patriot Front attended the PSL/ANSWER Coalition Anti-War protest today at Denver's capital.
They were not told to leave by marshalls or organizers despite being warned they would show. pic.twitter.com/BLv7fp0zPV

— Colorado Springs Anti-Fascists (@COSAntiFascists) January 26, 2020

• In Chicago, a new center for working people has opened up. One post online stated: “Problems at work? Paycheck not adding up? Been fired illegally? Boss or landlord taking advantage of you? Ready to fight back? We’re on your side. Stop by our drop-in hours, every Sat 11am-1pm.” For an address and more info, go here.

A new self-organized workers center is organizing against the recent food stamp cuts, as well as the everyday abuse of power by employers and landlords. Follow @southsideworker for more info. ? https://t.co/IlUMBIgIAK

— B r e a k a w a y (@Breakaway_chi) January 25, 2020

• In Oakland, California, the collective Moms 4 Housing, who recently faced a massive and militarized eviction, won their two month long battle with the Wedgewood corporation, who has finally agreed to sell the home the group had been occupying to a community land trust. Also in East Oakland, people again began to build make-shift homes and take over publicly owned property to house the houseless. This is the latest in a string of similar actions which have sought to house people through the construction of “tiny homes,” only to see the city come in and destroy them.

my report on Oakland residents building unsanctioned homes for unhoused residents last weekend. here's the link: https://t.co/60W68J3NUC pic.twitter.com/Wc4hZAuKRI

— Zack Haber (@ZZZZZZZZZZZack) January 24, 2020

• In Mississippi, protests continue to grow at the state capitol against horrific conditions which have led to at least 10 deaths since December of last year, inside Mississippi prisons.

Supporters chant during the Mississippi prison reform rally happening now in front of State Capitol @MSTODAYnews pic.twitter.com/kqfIZ7SKEU

— Eric J. Shelton (@EricJShelton) January 24, 2020

• In Puerto Rico, riots and demonstrations have continued over the past week in the wake of emergency disaster supplies being found in a warehouse, seemingly sitting idly for years, intended to be distributed following hurricane Maria. Outside of the Governor’s mansion, riots have kicked off as police have attempted to use tear gas to disperse the growing crowds who have called for the Governor to be removed from office.

This was the moment, a short time ago, that police used tear gas to disperse protesters in front of the Puerto Rico Governor's mansion. They are demanding the resignation of Governor @wandavazquezg and Senate President Thomas Rivera Schatz. pic.twitter.com/X3DK2TRVEz

— David Begnaud (@DavidBegnaud) January 24, 2020

• Finally, at the Guatemalan border with southern Mexico, violent clashes have continued between the Mexican National Guard and hundreds of migrants who are seeking asylum, many within the United States. According to new rules pushed by the US, migrants must apply for asylum in the country they first come into contact with before attempting to cross into the US; this move has widely been seen as a way to extend the US border across several territories, and crack down on migrants who are fleeing cartel violence, gang warfare, climate change, and political repression.

Our heart breaks for all the migrants fleeing for their survival that were lied to and attacked by the Mexican National Guard today. The southern Mexico border is looking more and more like the US border everyday. #CaravanaMigrante #UntilEveryBorderIsSmashed pic.twitter.com/Sf8oXgY0Bz

— Tapachula Migrant Solidarity (@SolXxtap) January 24, 2020

Upcoming Events

• January 31st: FTP Mobilization and City Wide Day of Transit Action. NYC, NY. More info.
• February 1st: Anarchist People of Color Assembly in Brooklyn, NY. More info.
• February 9th: Austin Anarchist Bookfair. More info.
• March 6th – March 15th: Appalachian Climate Action Camp. More info.
• April 9th – 12th: Conference on Jewish Anarchism. Chicago, IL. More info.
• April 25th: Bay Area Anarchist Bookfair. Oakland, CA. More info.
• July 3rd – 5th: Dan and Spit Antifascist Music Festival. Asheville, NC. More info.

It’s Going Down

We’ve got a lot planned for the new year! If you want to stand behind us and increase the reach of autonomous media, please help us by:

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Music: Deftones