Oct. 25 Trial Date for RNC 8 -- and New Video!

In 2007, a parody video urging people to protest the 2008 Republican National Convention prompted a massive undercover investigation by local police and federal agents on a group of Twin Cities-based organizers: the ironically-named RNC Welcoming Committee. The investigation culminated in armed raids of activist homes and meeting spaces; hysterical press conferences about curtain rods, cans of paint and other "weapons" uncovered during the raids; and the arrest of eight alleged ringleaders of a "criminal anarchist" plot. The eight were initially charged with conspiracy to commit riot in furtherance of terrorism. They aren't accused of committing any violence, nor did they make it to the protests. It appears their crime was to organize food, housing and communications for the thousands of people who converged on St Paul to resist the truly violent policies of the corporate and political elite.

How to respond to this prosecutorial lunacy? Make another parody, of course!



The case was slammed by the Duluth Central Labor Body and Duluth DFL, among others, as a "politically-motivated prosecution" and threat to civil liberties. In response, Ramsey County Attorney Susan Gaertner dropped the terrorism enhancement, but added another felony count of conspiracy to commit criminal damage to property. If convicted, Luce Guillen-Givins, Max Specktor, Nathanael Secor, Eryn Trimmer, Monica Bicking, Erik Oseland, Robert Czernik and Garrett Fitzgerald each face years in prison.

A full year and a half after the raids, the RNC 8 have finally been given a trial date of October 25. Please mark your calendars and consider traveling to St Paul to show your support! If the state is successful at prosecuting the RNC 8, any one of us who struggles for justice and peace could be next. For more about the case and to donate to the RNC 8 legal defense, visit rnc8.org.

Local 99 solidarity picket report

On August 15, NAWC turned out 19 people to support our long-time ally Workers United Local 99 in their fight for fair working conditions at the Pickwick Restaurant in Duluth. Local 99 represents low-wage workers in the hospitality and restaurant industries, including the 85-year union at the Pickwick. The new Pickwick owner (Chris Wisocki) is trying to bust the union and even fired two long-time employees for union activity. Local 99 responded with informational pickets and a community boycott of the restaurant. The boycott is making a mark, but the battle isn't over.

A hearty Loaves & Fishes contingent turned out to the NAWC picket, as well as Vets for Peace. We sang some old labor songs (with Rachael Kilgour's help) and heard from CJ and Sandy, the two women who lost their jobs but still show up in front of the restaurant every day, rain or shine, to fight for their rights and the rights of other union workers.

The picket was a great show of solidarity and sure to strengthen the ties between our movements. Please consider dropping by the picket to show your support - every day but Sunday during lunch and dinner hours. Local 99 especially needs a big turnout on Saturday evenings from 5-8. Join them if you can!