Post in Update: peacemakers vs brick throwers

2008 Feb 07 22:45 UTC

Here is the actual text of what are called "The St. Paul Principles". These
were published on the rnc2008protest Yahoo group.  The rnc2008protest Yahoo
group is described as follows:  This is a coalition of Twin Cities activist
organizations that are organizing events - including protests- at the 2008
RNC in St. Paul.

The group is seeking consensus for the following statements:

"the undersigned agree to follow these principles for organizing resistance
surrounding the republican national convention in 2008:

(1) our solidarity will be based on respect for diversity of tactics and
the plans of other groups.

(2) the actions and tactics used will be organized to maintain a
separation of time or space.

(3) any debates or criticisms will stay internal to the movement, avoiding
any public or media denunciations of fellow activists and events.

(4) we oppose any state repression of dissent, including surveillance,
infiltration, disruption and violence. we agree not to assist law
enforcement actions against activists and others."

I don't see any specific references or advocacy of violence in these
principles.  There is a reference to state initiated violence.