BRU/SDP Resolution Condemning Government Attacks on Anti-War, International Solidarity, and Labor Activists

Whereas, on September 24, 2010, the FBI raided the homes and offices of anti-war, international solidarity and trade union activists in Minnesota, Illinois and Michigan and served subpoenas to 14 people to testify before a federal grand jury regarding their anti-war and international solidarity efforts; and

Whereas, four days prior to the September 24 raids, the Office of the Inspector General of the United States revealed that the FBI has systematically and wrongly spied on political activists; and

Whereas, on June 20, 2010, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled in Holder v Humanitarian Law Project to uphold a provision of the USA Patriot Act so broadly as to outlaw legitimate humanitarian work, journalism and international solidarity; and

Whereas, the Bus Riders Union/Sindicato De Pasajeros of Los Angeles has historically fought for freedom of speech and the right to protest;

Therefore, Be It Resolved, that we condemn FBI attempts to intimidate and disrupt grassroots social movements.

Further, Be it Resolved, that we call on our US Senators to request a Senate investigation of post-9/11 FBI surveillance of social movements and the use of expansive anti-terror laws to criminalize dissent; and

Be it Finally Resolved, that in light of the Inspector General’s recent report, this body calls upon the President of the United States to halt the grand jury proceedings and order an immediate investigation into the circumstances, motivation and propriety of the judicial and police intimidation of our members and others.