As a distant observer of the recent direct actions in DC and Philly, I've got to wonder if the pattern of our organizing and tactics has become so obvious and transparent to the authorities that this movement will be squashed before the year is out.

The pre-emptive strikes on convergence centers in both cities, and the targeting of "organizers" and other intimidating tactics are all very smart. An aquaintance in the secret service detailed some of the assignments in DC to me, and its clear that COINTELPRO is not history.

The police actions are going to necessitate, I think, a change in organizing tactics on our part. Being so public with our names, dates and times of actions, convergence locations, communications via WWW all need to be re-assessed. Going underground may reduce the visibility of the movement, and thus limit the involvement of some, but it needs to happen before 50% of those protesting are infiltrators, and all "organizers" have FBI files on them, and any tactical decisions are known to the cops before the street activists.

Just a few thoughts.