Target U.S. State Terrorism

Transfered from old site

TARGET U.S. STATE TERRORISM
 

 
Let All Stand Together So None Stand Alone
 

 
The arrest of six men in Lackawanna, New York made headlines worldwide, with the state and media branding them terrorists and denying them their right to be innocent until proven guilty. The FBI repeatedly says that no terrorist act has been committed and none were planned. Governor Pataki said New Yorkers were "not in danger." Yet an atmosphere of extreme fear and anxiety has been created. With what aim?
 

 
Everyone is being encouraged to look over their shoulder and wonder if the "all-American" person next to them is a terrorist. Every Arab and Muslim, citizen and non-citizen alike, is automatically considered a "co-conspirator." In an atmosphere where anyone associated with the six are considered potential terrorists, those opposing the attacks on the community are also labeled as supporters of terrorism.
 

 
A worker, for example, who attended the court house demonstration opposing the terror being inflicted on Lackawanna, was later asked, "are you a supporter of terrorism?" Such a notion did not fall from the sky. It has been widely promoted by the state for purposes of silencing dissent and pitting people against each other. It is also being done to divide the masses of people from those providing leadership in actually solving the problems confronting society, including insecurity of all kinds. This worker is in the forefront of struggles at his workplace and faces threats of firing for organizing for the rights and dignity of the workers. How better to disrupt this struggle than branding this leader a terrorist.
 

 
The same can be said for all those taking their stands against U.S. state terror — directed against Iraq, Yemen, Puerto Rico and many others worldwide, against Muslims, Arabs and Americans of Arab descent, against west coast longshoreman, against charities, protestors, all who stand up. What comes sharply to the fore is that the problem of gaining security is to be left in the hands of the very ones who created the insecurity and anxiety in the first place — the state. The peoples are to fear and target each other, here and worldwide. All are to remain silent while war threatens, racist state terror intensifies, internment camps are made a reality and leading forces are picked off one by one. NO! It cannot be allowed to pass. It is not democratic. It is not American. It does not represent what the working class and people need or want. Let no one stand by while war and terror are carried out in our name!
 

 
The state is attempting to impose a situation where none can speak out and each stands alone, subject to the violence and terror of the state. The people of Lackawanna and Buffalo are already showing that they will not submit to this dictate. Demonstrations are occurring and more are planned. While the media is silent on the numerous unjust and unlawful attacks inflicted on the people of Lackawanna, not the least of which is on-going state terror of racist profiling of the community, the peoples are condemning it and taking more initiatives to defend their rights. Their experience is affirming that taking mass actions together is what strengthens the peoples forces and overcomes the fear. By targeting the state, not each other, and standing up and standing together, the struggle for rights and democracy is advancing. The people will prevail!
 

 
Let all stand together so none stand alone!