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We are the 99 percent

Facing Global Protest, G8 Retreats

Posted 12 years ago on March 6, 2012, 4:48 a.m. EST by OccupyWallSt

occupy chicago in action last year

The Group of 8 Summit, a meeting of the governments of the world's eight largest economies, was supposed to convene in Chicago this May. For months, Occupy Chicago, international anti-war groups, Anonymous, and hundreds of allies have publicly planned to shut it down. Now, only two months before the meeting is scheduled to begin, U.S. President Barack Obama is moving the assembly of over 7,000 leaders from the world’s wealthiest governments to the Camp David presidential compound, located in rural Maryland near Washington, DC, one of the most secure facilities in the world. The Chicago Tribune reports that summit organizers are "stunned" by the news.

Occupiers and allies celebrated the decision with a victory party last night. The Coalition Against NATO/G8 War & Poverty Agenda (CANG8) and Occupy Chicago issued the following statement:

The G8 moving to Camp David represents a major victory for the people of Chicago. The leaders of the 1% are moving because of the overwhelming resistance to the NATO/G8 war and poverty agenda in Chicago. Our city is filled with tens of thousands of people who are struggling to keep their heads above water, fighting against the effects of the economic crisis caused by the leaders who would have been gathering here. The communities of Chicago are fighting to save their schools, keep healthcare available, and to defend their jobs from cutbacks that are a hallmark of the governments of the G8.

The city has carried out a campaign to intimidate and vilify protesters, claiming that protests lead to violence. In fact, the main source of violence in the world today is the wars being waged by NATO and the US. “We will march on May 19th to deliver our message: Jobs, Housing, Healthcare, Education, Our Pensions, the Environment: Not War! We and tens of thousands will be in the streets that day for a family friendly rally and march, with cries so loud they will be heard in Camp David and across the globe. We will be in the streets that day to fight for our future, and speak out against the wars and their cutbacks are designed to benefit the 1% at the expense of the 99% of the world.”

While officials claim the decision to move the G8 was not related to fear of protesters, Chicago police have admitted to expecting tens of thousands to show up in Chicago this May, and have been stocking up on "less lethal" weapons to use against protesters. Following Occupy Chicago’s Call of Action and Adbuster’s call for 50,000 people to come to Chicago, the City Council granted Chicago Mayor Emanuel extraordinary powers to make security decisions and suppress free speech during the NATO and G8 summits. The city also tried to spread fear by warning downtown businesses to ramp up their security in anticipation of conflicts between riot police and protesters.

Chicago will still host NATO allies and partners on May 20 and 21 to discuss the war in Afghanistan and other topics, and will remain a focal point for the Occupy movement this spring and beyond. Everyone is still encouraged to go to Chicago this May for a major mobilization, or organize actions locally! Occupy DC and Occupiers in Maryland have also begun to consider their response to the moving of the G8 to their area.

Coinciding with the G8 and NATO summits in the U.S., the Occupy movement, trade unions, organizations of migrant workers and the unemployed, environmentalists, youth, and anti-war protesters throughout Europe have also called for days of action from May 17th to 19th centered in Frankfurt, Germany against "the crisis dictatorship of the European Union:"

We resist the disaster that is applied to Greece and other countries, against the impoverishment and denial of rights of millions of people and the practical abolition of democratic procedures resulting from the decisions of the Troika consisting of ECB, EU and IMF. The days of protest in Frankfurt directly succeed to the International Action Day on May 12th and the anniversary of the first assembly in Madrid on May 15th. We are therefore sending a visible sign of solidarity to those people in Europe who have been and are resisting against the debtocracy of the Troika and the attacks on their livelihood and their future. Simultaneously, protests are being organised in the US against the G8 Summit in Chicago.

The choice of Frankfurt for the protests results from the role that the city has as headquarters of the European Central Bank (ECB) and of powerful German and international banks and corporations. On May 17, we will occupy parks and main squares of the city to create spaces for discussion and exchange. On May 18, we will block the running business of banks in Frankfurt and turn our anger about the Troika's policies into action. We will gather for a large demonstration on May 19 and visualise the broad base of the protests. From many countries and regions of the world people will travel to Frankfurt and participate in the days of protest.

The decision to move the G8 is a victory; it shows that the political and economic powers-that-be are scared by the power of the 99% when we awaken and join together. We must continue to use our collective strength to fight the greedy agenda of the G8 governments, who only serve the interests of the global 1%. Occupy Chicago and their allies continue to mobilize. Stay involved in organizing against the G8 at Camp David and NATO in Chicago! Follow #OccupyCampDavid, #CANG8, #GTFOG8, @OccupyTheG8, and @OccupyChicago on Twitter.

While Obama may think he can hide world leaders from dissent or shield them from our protest, our message will be heard clearly across the world - including Camp David. Those responsible for the economic crisis, widespread inequality, and manufactured austerity - the G8, NATO, EU, IMF - will be held accountable, wherever they choose to meet. From Chicago to Camp David to Frankfurt, the #GlobalSpring is upon us.

49 Comments

49 Comments


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[-] 4 points by Odin (583) 12 years ago

Poor....poor Mayor Emanuel..he had such high hopes, and had spent so much money on tear gas and plastic hand-cuffs, and now he might not be able to use it all.

[-] 0 points by ogrdanny (73) from Grand Rapids Charter Township, MI 12 years ago

He'll find an excuse to use them sooner than later.

[-] 1 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 12 years ago

are there protests in Chicago?

[-] 0 points by Odin (583) 12 years ago

Probably so. I expect it is going to be a long hot summer

[-] 4 points by amorak (4) 12 years ago

All i know with current ways things are going, the blackout on the media about this subject, i would stand up and ask the people to continue with spreading these posts around on youtube, on facebook, twitter and every medium available, there is not only a physical war going on, but one on levels of psychics to, a mental blackout towards these subjects, mainly because a lot of people i know just dont get involved, or in touch with these subjects, only following the mainstream media on television and mainstream websites, we are not only being closed off from the mainstream media towards this subject, no, it is going deeper, people are litterally starting to forget about Anonymous, about occupy and all these things that are making those person, the(as they think themselfs) top players in this world, the "rulers" of mankind, feel heat under there feet. A heat which is currently a few coals who gently burn, not much to worry about, these "rulers" have big soles under there feet, we need to fire it up, we need to make these coals burn, we need to unite, and combine, we need to make a stand, we need to show them how afraid they should be of us, we need to show them how much we, as humankind, can think of our own, they must know that, humankind in its innercore is not on a path of damnation because if WE pick up our shit, face the thruth, and show the world, WE can make a change, WE, as humankind, need to stop sitting down, as bags of potatoes, in the corner, all being walsed over by the top players in this world, WE as humankind, need to stand up and face our fears, WE as humankind need to focus on unity, not seperation, WE, as humanity, are 1, take up your brothers and sisters, your fathers and mothers and children, show them the error (if it is aplicable) of sitting in home watching brainwashing media, show them the error of the dividing humankind into categories of w/e religion you are, w/e standard you have w/e political philosophy we carry, in thruth, non of these are dividing, but mass media is telling us different. People, of earth, stand up, and fight for your rights, we are one, open your eyes to those who are not of us, those who want to destroy by genetics and destruction on so many levels, let them come out with the thruth, or be banished.

[-] 1 points by GypsyKing (8708) 12 years ago

Well said! If you want a little encouragement, check out avaaz.org.

[-] 3 points by JenLynn (692) 12 years ago

Is it a victory? The open stage on which to protest has been removed to a secure location. No cameras, no press, no protest. It's a game and they are attempting to out flank you.

[-] 2 points by HitGirl (2263) 12 years ago

It's a victory. Whenever the cockroaches scurry to their dark hideouts to avoid the pure light of truth it's a victory.

[-] -1 points by JenLynn (692) 12 years ago

They will do what they do, just now no one sees it. You forget how many people don't have a clue and now there won't be anything for them to see. You chased way the roaches that live in darkness, they're still there.

[-] 1 points by HitGirl (2263) 12 years ago

They wouldn't see anyways. That's why we have to shout it out. Educate and inform are the 2 best weapons OWS has.

[-] 2 points by aaronparr (597) 12 years ago

Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. This is a victory, but its just a battle not the war. And now these crooks are hiding.

I think the fact that they had to relocate calls into question the legitimacy of the G8 decision making. BUT thats not enough. We need to force all of these kinds of meetings into the light of day, and force the powers that be to submit to public will.

[-] 1 points by JenLynn (692) 12 years ago

Lots of ways for them to positively spin why they moved, not like anyone is going to get a seat at the table in those meetings anyhow.

[-] 2 points by aaronparr (597) 12 years ago

Partially true, but decisions made in the dark are illegitimate in democratic societies. We tolerate too much of it, and I think it needs to be brought to light.

Ultimately it is legitimacy that keeps a "democratic" government in power, and it is the semblance of legitimacy that enables a pseudo-democratic gov't like ours to maintain control with relatively little cost.

Take the semblance of legitimacy away and the game changes. The rich give up ground, and it becomes more costly for them to maintain control.

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[-] -2 points by Kite (79) 12 years ago

Held in the light of day, you protest to shut it down.

That OWS celebrates this as a victory exposes insane mob that you really are.

[-] 2 points by Bighead1883 (285) 12 years ago

A bit of corporation vs unions news from Australia.http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-03-07/bhp-warns-union-fight-to-worsen/3874920

[-] 2 points by NRNS (13) from Milwaukee, WI 12 years ago

OWS has become more than a protest movement. We are now at war (perhaps not physical war) with the 1%. And guess what? We are being schooled.

Sun-Tzu: "what is of supreme importance in war is to attack the enemy's strategy."

The 1%'s strategy is to head us off at the pass, disrupt our protests and dilute our words. And it is working ... because we are allowing them to do so with poor tactical planning.

Sun-Tzu: Be extremely subtle, even to the point of formlessness. Be extremely mysterious, even to the point of soundlessness. Thereby you can be the director of the opponent's fate.

Coming out and declaring our actions and intentions far in advance gives the opponent the advantage or fore-planning for a predetermined event.

War is deception. We need a few more deceivers if we want to win. Because make no mistake, THIS IS A WAR. If we treat it like anything else, we will most surely lose.

[-] 2 points by OldCrow (22) 12 years ago

http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=8570088

It wasn't a security issue that prompted the decision to move the G8, the president said. It was a desire for a more intimate setting for the G8 leaders that Camp David would provide. "G8 tends to be more informal," Obama said. "The thinking was that people would enjoy a more casual backdrop." Yeah, right, it wasn't their institutional memory of the events depicted in the videos below that caused them to have second thoughts about having the G8 in Chicago. No, of course not!: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epxmX_58tOo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajOEE1_HeOY&feature=related

[-] 2 points by Ruckasse (28) from Norwood, NC 12 years ago

Good work OWS!!!!

[-] 2 points by geminijlw (176) from Mechanicsburg, PA 12 years ago

We must also sign petitions on the new Anti-Protester bill that are going around. Please sign them, and get this show on the road. We are excited by this movement, and it will only get stronger.

[-] 2 points by Bighead1883 (285) 12 years ago

How excellent.It means that OWS and all the other Occupy movements are starting to be taken seriously by the status quo,March hard on the 19th and protest loudly,at Camp David and in Frankfurt.My support from Australia is with you all.The corporate media blackout of this movement is not winning and will not.

[-] 1 points by croses (1) 12 years ago

To disrupt the G8, we need to occupy the airports that these 'leaders' will be arriving to. We need to disrupt the transit from the airport to the Camp David site. We need to make it as inconvenient for them as possible and have our voice heard. We need to think outside the box on tactics. We need to welcome 'leaders' with messages of protest and liberation in their local languages. Occupy the airports and the routes in and out of them, and you've occupied the G8.

[-] 1 points by TaxTheRich2012org (2) from Oakland, CA 12 years ago

Just trying to put the Occupy movement in the electoral space, so we can vote to Tax The Rich, check us out at TaxTheRich2012.org

We're running on a pure platform of restoring taxes on the 1% to the much higher rates they used to be from FDR up to Reagan. Send us the names of other candidates who agree to take that pledge, and we will feature them.

[-] 1 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 12 years ago

NATO is losing popular support

[-] 1 points by Yahweh (1) 12 years ago

Listen to the voice of Yahweh! You are gathered, now let it be in His name!

[-] 1 points by UNACpeace (1) 12 years ago

Please see the following web sites for informaton on the NATO and G8 protests in Chicago: www.cang8.org and www.UNACpeace.org

[-] 1 points by GypsyKing (8708) 12 years ago

Tremendous! Soon there will be nowhere they can hide!

[-] 1 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 12 years ago

NATO bombs the little children

all the children of the world

red and yellow, black, and white

they're the same when they ignite

NATO bombs the little children of the world

[-] 1 points by johndenton46 (5) 12 years ago

Their fear feels good. And we didn't lay a finger on their pampered asses.

[-] 1 points by dfhgdfg (2) 12 years ago

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[-] 1 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 12 years ago

The laws to arrest those disrupting government functions have been further clarified to apply to functions like at camp david

HR 137

[-] 1 points by Joeboy32 (72) 12 years ago

the whole country will soon protest. the money has already run out, like two years ago. the currency circulating right now is just "credit" period. All the time you spend on the job is just numbers that equal to squat. "time" is now a true currency and people are wasting it on bullsh*t. get organized and spread the message.

[-] 1 points by HarryPairatestes2 (380) from Barrow, AK 12 years ago

How is moving the meeting from Chicago to Camp David a victory? It just means they will not hear or see anyone voicing dissent.

Now if the G8 decided to not convene at all, that would be a victory.

[-] 2 points by ShubeLMorgan2 (1088) from New York, NY 12 years ago

The people have forced the PTB (0.001%) to flee. That means they do not feel they are really in charge in Chicago or any big city. It's a victory.

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[-] 0 points by jimevanhoe1 (55) 12 years ago

Still Can Shut it Down..........cars have to get there some how and they can't bring all of them in by plane or helicopter. Besides supplies have to get in there some how and the people that work there as well...........SHUT DOWN CAMP DAVID<>SHUT DOWN OBAMA..........his BS is getting 4 yrs OLD......HE is taking us no where. End his incompetendency........SHUT DOWN CAMP DAVID!

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[-] 0 points by Kite (79) 12 years ago

The G8 in Chicago would have brought millions to the local economy.

On behalf of all the workers who would have benefitted from that influx of cash, why won't you all occupy your own home and call it a day?

You spent six months banging drums, camping in parks, protesting just about everything besides the slaughter of the unborn. In all that time, none of you have come up with even an idea for anything better than the system that we have. And in that time, your precious twinkle-finger voting NYC GA has burned thru nearly a million on herbal teas, metro cards and donations to criminals.

Whatever the G8 comes up with could not possibly be worse than the OWS track record. Catch a clue: Anonymous is a terrorist organization.

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[-] 0 points by NRNS (13) from Milwaukee, WI 12 years ago

No disrespect, but this is why I have been saying for months that OWS should not be announcing actions more than a day or two in advance. This is massive error. The only thing it achieves is allowing the NWO to divert and/or plan around it. STOP DOING THIS!!!

[-] 2 points by ShubeLMorgan2 (1088) from New York, NY 12 years ago

It's a given and no secret and couldn't be a secret that where the G8 meet there will be protests. The PTB seeing the strength of Occupy and the anger of broader sections of the world population decided to hide out. It's good to see them run away. It doesn't be any means mean the war is over, just that we are seeing some signs of our strength reflected in the actions of the foe.

[-] 2 points by Mooks (1985) 12 years ago

A lot of people might not be able to get to Chicago on 2 days notice. If they really want a lot of people, things need to be planned ahead of time.

[-] 0 points by NRNS (13) from Milwaukee, WI 12 years ago

Every OWS action/protest that I have seen advertised/posted more than a few days in advance has been thwarted by police/government. Fact. Sorry, but if you don't want to protest with 200 cops in riot gear breathing down your neck, stop making these tactical errors.

[-] 2 points by Mooks (1985) 12 years ago

Oh I agree the cops will show up if it is advertised. But how would you suggest a protest draw a large amount of demonstrators without advertising it?

[-] 1 points by NRNS (13) from Milwaukee, WI 12 years ago

“Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night, and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt.” – Sun-Tzu

[-] 0 points by NRNS (13) from Milwaukee, WI 12 years ago

You have to take your chances with only a few days notice. Look what happened here and other protests, especially the ones last fall. A smaller turnout is better than no turnout at all.

[-] 0 points by littlebiggygirl (26) from Hesperia, CA 12 years ago

the most effective means to protest is to limit the amount of money you give the government. www.taxkilla.com

[-] 0 points by adacus79 (1) 12 years ago

Change your Facebook / twitter / whatever profile picture to the candidate you support. Buy the corrisponding bumper stickers signs.

Outlaw fractional reserve banking

redesign energy production to Geo thermal or even thorium nuclear power

those three things will shift the power dynamic faster than anything the world has ever seen.

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[-] 0 points by badlimey (48) 12 years ago

Would you please read the following article and respond with your comments either privately or via this forum.

The time to facilitate change is now and we are running out of time. If we have not created massive exposure for this cause before the war with Iran takes place we have lost. Thanks,

Barrie Featherstone, Houston, TX. http://mrphister.blogspot.com/2012/03/occupy-wall-street-save-it-now.html

[-] 1 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 12 years ago

I do not think the media are all on the same team

they may have the same masters

but people themselves compose the media

[-] 1 points by badlimey (48) 12 years ago

Some journalists speak what they believe is the truth. However, one of the most effective weapons the elite have is to tell the truth knowing that nobody wants to listen because "The real housewives of Beverly Hills" is coming on.

How many times has Ron Paul spoke about the evil empire that is the Federal Reserve? I didn't see an impact on Rush hour this morning. People are still paying $5.00 for a Star Fucks and looking with disgust at the homeless vet holding a cardboard sign.

Perhaps when gas hits $8.00 an hour they might start to listen. I'm not going to stand still and wait.

[-] 1 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 12 years ago

well, commute is 45 minutes each way

so that's $12 to get to work

[-] -1 points by StarsStripes83 (-1) from Limington, ME 11 years ago

Obama is an embarrassment to every single citizen of the United States of America. I am not racist, nor am I a Democrat, but that is not why I dislike Obama. I dislike stupidity, and incompetence. Why is Obama going to pass a bill, the so called "Common-Sense" bill that will give illegal immigrants citizenship? I am not against immigration to our country, but my ancestors had to go through the system, and there are people applying for citizenship right now as I write this, and yet the illegal border hoppers get to skip the line, and for what? So Obama can make himself look good, and reap a whole lot of votes from the immigrants, who don't realize they are just tools for his own agenda. What has this fool of a president actually done for anyone? I know he likes to play golf an awful lot, while the country is on the verge of collapse. I would love to protest against Obama, but I know it's not enough. Let us be honest here, words are not enough to get things done around here anymore, nobody listens. Obama likes to make big speeches, and look what happens, nothing! I am not saying lets go out and form a militia, but something has to be done so these people take notice. Why do we even have immigration laws if Obama is just going to sweep them under the rug? The president is putting himself above and beyond the law, if we like it or not. My life has not had any benefit from this president, and his cabinet. Where are the big changes he promised? Oh, that's right, he has to blame others for his mistakes. We cannot and should not endure another four years of this foolishness. Nobama in 2012!