re: a note from Sergio

1998-06-11

Peoples Global Action

dear richard

i have been quite busy since the 20th of May (with anti-repression work,
preparing activities for this summer, collecting reports from actions all
over the world) but i have not ignored your messages, they were simply not
on the top of the priority list.

i will in a couple of days send a reply to your messages.

friendly greetings

sergio

p.s. you are now on the list. shall i add
•••@••.••• also?


>
>I have copied you on several of my posts, partly because I was hoping to
>have further dialog with you.  Over time, and in absence of any dialog, I
>have become increasingly critical of PGA's actions.  When I met you
>personally in Geneva, I was _very impressed with your philosophy and your
>activism.  But when I saw your mostly peaceful mass demonstration on May 16
>ruined by a few people bent on destruction and confrontation I began to get
>uneasy.  And when I saw your press reports, which ranted about police
>repression, but failed to acknowledge the provocation that occurred, my
>uneasiness grew.
>
>When you said PGA believed in non-violence, but was "non judgemental" about
>the approach of others, I assumed you meant that in a place like Chiapas
>armed resistance to repression might be justified.  Instead, what your
>policy seems to mean in practice is that you implicitly encourage violence,
>to compel police response, so that you then can cry "foul!".
>
>The net result, in my opinion, discredits the movement and bolsters
>corporate power.  If I were the president of the WTO I'd put you on my
>payroll!
>
>I invite clarification from you and would be more than happy to proven
>wrong...  I retain a strong affection for you personally.
>
>in solidarity and _non-violent revolution,
>rkm