VICTORY IN PHILLY AND ONWARD TO L.A!

On August 1st, 2000, young people, artists, puppetistas, religious leaders, activists, academics, revolutionaries, and resisters of all kinds converged on the city of Philadelphia to "Crash the Executioners' Ball", confronting the Republican National Convention. When the leading practitioners of capital punishment and injustice were gathered in Philadelphia for the nomination of George W. Bush – the country's foremost executioner – for President, the only right thing to do was to bring "business as usual" to a screeching halt. Press conferences, rallies, marches, direct actions, and the voice of thousands made its mark on Philadelphia, bringing a spirit of resistance to the coronation of a killer.

WE SUPPORT THE ACTIONS AGAINST THE REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION!

For weeks before August 1st the Philly police followed and harassed protesters. Nearly 100 youth, mostly artists and people of color, were arrested on bogus charges before they stepped foot in the street. In a response to the activists' victory on the streets and the international attention given to the protests on August 1st, the Philly establishment attacked the protesters with even greater violence and intimidation. Hundreds were attacked by police while participating in nonviolent protest. After the protests ended the Philly cops continued to detain groups of youth that appeared to be activists. Those that were arrested were subjected to harassment and brutality, were denied rights such as phone calls and representation, and were denied food, water and essential medicine. Many were given exorbitant bails and are being restricted from participating in the actions against the Democratic Convention in L.A. - this is an attack on all who would protest, stand up, and resist!




WE CONDEMN THE PHILLY POLICE – INFAMOUS FOR THEIR BRUTALTIY AND CORRUPTION – AND THE POLITICALLY MOTIVATED COURTS. WE STAND IN SOLIDARITY WITH ALL ACTIVISTS ARRESTED AND JAILED FOR THEIR POLTICAL BELIEFS!

On August 1st, thousands took to the streets in protest against the criminal justice system, rising prison rates, and in support of Mumia Abu-Jamal and other political prisoners. These actions were victorious - August 1st was a day when all those who yearn for a spirit of justice could take hope and rejoice!

WE PLEDGE TO CONTINUE THESE STRUGGLES –

AT THE DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION IN L.A. AND BEYOND!




Signed by:

Boy Sets Fire

Michael Franti, Spearhead

Gerry Lefcourt

C. Clark Kissinger, Refuse & Resist!

Rage Against the Machine

Refuse & Resist!

Mark Taylor, Academics for Mumia Abu-Jamal




If you’d like to add your name to this statement contact

Refuse & Resist! at 212.713.5657

305 Madison Avenue, Suite 1166, New York, NY 10165

web: www.refuseandresist.org e: refuse@calyx.com