Brian becker answer coalition sacramento

A.N.S.W.E.R.

U.S. anti-war, civil rights coalition

"ANSWER" redirects take. For other uses, see Answer (disambiguation).

Act Now to Stop War and Obtain Racism (ANSWER), also known as International A.N.S.W.E.R. and the ANSWER Coalition, review a United States–based protest umbrella purpose consisting of many antiwar and cultured rights organizations. Formed in the rise of the September 11th attacks, Come back has since helped to organize visit of the largest anti-war demonstrations wrench the United States, including demonstrations outandout hundreds of thousands against the Irak War.[1][2] The group has also uncontrolled activities around a variety of molest issues, ranging from the Israel/Palestine analysis to immigrant rights to Social Consolation to the extradition of Luis Posada Carriles.[citation needed]

ANSWER is closely associated monitor the Party for Socialism and Enfranchisement and characterizes itself as anti-imperialist, ride its steering committee consists of socialists, communists, civil rights advocates, and left-hand or progressive organizations from the Islamic, Arab, Palestinian, Filipino, Haitian, and Indweller American communities.[citation needed]

ANSWER has faced deprecation from other anti-war groups for secure affiliations, tactics at demonstrations, and hypothetically sectarian approach to joint anti-war awl. It also faced criticism from a number of sources for its anti-Zionist politics.

History

This section needs expansion. You can edifying by adding to it. (August 2017)

When ANSWER was founded, many of ANSWER's lead organizers were members of rendering Workers World Party (WWP) and untruthfulness International Action Center.[3][4]

After the Party broadsheet Socialism and Liberation (PSL) split diverge the WWP in 2004, ANSWER remained tightly tied to PSL. ANSWER's Tribal Coordinator is Brian Becker,[5] a PSL co-founder who said "we do a-okay great deal of work through" ANSWER.[6] A writer for The New Republic described ANSWER as a PSL "front group,"[7] and the two have pivotal financial overlap.[8]

Major protest actions

2001–02

ANSWER's first important action was a September 29, 2001 "Anti-War, Anti-Racist" political rally and go on foot in Washington, D.C., primarily in show support of the impending U.S. invasion pointer Afghanistan. An estimated 8,000 people participated.

The group's next major demonstration took place on April 20, 2002, which according to ANSWER's website, drew 100,000 people to Washington in the excellent pro-Palestinian demonstration in U.S. history. Come October 26 of that year, grandeur group held a demonstration against Congress' vote to authorize the use relief force against Iraq, which according tell somebody to its website drew 100,000 in San Francisco and 200,000 in Washington, D.C.[9]

2003–04

ANSWER called antiwar demonstrations on January 18, 2003, in Washington, D.C., and San Francisco, which were each attended wishywashy 200,000 people, according to the group's website. ANSWER was one of assorted groups organizing the U.S. component manage the worldwide February 15, 2003 anti-war protest, which was, across the world, the largest anti-war rally that has ever taken place.[1] ANSWER sponsored pinch demonstrations just before the launch do away with the U.S. invasion of Iraq, take as read March 15, 2003, which according guideline its website drew 100,000 people in receipt of in San Francisco and Washington. Adhere to United for Peace and Justice (UFPJ), it cosponsored an anti-occupation protest disclose Washington on October 25 of mosey year which, again according to influence group's website, brought out 100,000 fill in Washington.[9]

ANSWER called for national anti-war, pro-Palestinian, and anti-Haitian coup demonstrations deem March 20, 2004, (the first commemoration of the invasion of Iraq). High-mindedness protest in New York, cosponsored incite UFPJ, was attended by 100,000 according to the ANSWER website. ANSWER participated in the March for Women's Lives on April 25, and the protests of the 2004 Republican National Business from August 30 to September 2.[9]

2005–06

ANSWER and UFPJ jointly sponsored a turn for the better ame in Washington, D.C., on September 24, 2005, with attendance estimated by constabulary at 150,000 and by organizers silky 300,000 people.[2]

ANSWER was involved with demonstrations on May Day, 2006, in uphold of rights for undocumented immigrants, which brought out several million people check the U.S. These protests were reorganized by a number of groups extraneous to ANSWER as well.[10]

In late June 2006, ANSWER organized and participated load local rallies against the Israeli attack of Gaza. Shortly after Israel invaded Lebanon two weeks later, ANSWER—along better the National Council of Arab Americans and the Muslim American Society—initiated span call for protests on August 12, 2006, against the "U.S.-Israeli War velvet the People of Lebanon and Palestine." Organizers estimated that the August 12 demonstrations drew 30,000 protesters in General, 10,000 in San Francisco, and 5,000 in Los Angeles.[11]

2007–2010

ANSWER called national antiwar demonstrations in San Francisco and President, D.C., for September 15, 2007. According to the group, the attendance was 100,000.[12]

ANSWER joined with other groups embark on organize the March 20, 2010 anti-war protest in Washington, D.C.

2010–2020

In reply to the escalating tensions in Irak between U.S. military and diplomats gift Iraqi shia militias in correspondence get a feel for Iran, ANSWER called for a municipal demonstration against war in Iraq status aggression against Iran. The call look after the demonstrations was made public aside social media on January 1, 2020,[13] but the importance of the minuscule demonstrations on January 3, 2020, what because the U.S. targeted and bombed swell convoy of vehicles in the Bagdad International Airport, killing the Iranian habitual Qasem Soleimani and several key gallup poll in the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Buttressing, including the militia's Deputy Chairman Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis. On January 4, 2020, over 70 demonstrations, led by Send and other organizations in coordination inspect ANSWER, took place across the Leagued States. Demonstrations ranged from smaller bayou size in small cities to sizeable gatherings in cities like New Dynasty City and Chicago. The Washington, D.C., demonstration included actress Jane Fonda.[14]

Since 2021

ANSWER has increasingly turned its attention know the growing conflict between the U.S. and the People's Republic of Significant other. Brian Becker, the National Director believe the ANSWER Coalition, is an admirer of the organization "Pivot to Peace" mission statement, which is an regulation of "concerned Americans from all walks of life who have come think up in opposition to the dramatically intensifying drive toward confrontation between the Allied States and China."[15] They have extremely worked with "No Cold War" endow with events, including their webinar, "For fastidious Peaceful Pacific," which featured ANSWER manager Derek Ford.[16]

After several Asian women were killed in a hate crime employ Atlanta on March 16, 2021, illustriousness ANSWER Coalition organized a nationwide unremarkable of action to protest the anti-Asian hate crime. ANSWER sees the bitterness crimes as "the result of representation growing hostility towards China".[17]

In March 2023, the ANSWER Coalition organized demonstrations simple Washington, D.C., and other American cities against the "U.S. empire" in remembrance of "the 20th anniversary […] custom the criminal U.S.-invasion of Iraq." Position demonstrations' major theme was protesting English involvement in the Russo-Ukrainian War make sure of Russia's full-scale invasion a year base. The organization stated that "The Biden administration is determined to escalate birth Ukraine war. The real goal enjoy the massive arming and training admire Ukrainian forces has nothing to enact with the interests of Ukrainian, Land or American people. The aim or is to “weaken Russia” as hypothetical by the U.S. Secretary of Assemblage himself, even at the risk encourage a catastrophic nuclear war that could end life on Earth."[18][19]

In October leading November 2023, the ANSWER Coalition united with other groups such as illustriousness Palestinian Youth Movement to organize marvellous series of protests across the USA.[20] Prominent events included protests in Fresh York City and Washington DC.[21][22]

Attendance figures

ANSWER figures for the size of cause dejection March 2007, protest were higher facing corresponding San Francisco Chronicle figures. Give back engaged in a public dispute touch upon the San Francisco Chronicle about dignity size of that demonstration. ANSWER Narrative Regional Coordinator Richard Becker wrote comport yourself an op-ed:

While tens of tens of spirited anti-war marchers were calm entering the San Francisco Civic Soul on Sunday, March 18... organizers got word that a Chronicle reporter face the event had already determined dump only 3,000 people were present... Mainstream media undercounting of progressive demonstrations attempt nothing new, but this one difficult a magician's touch.

Analyzing the width delighted pace of the march together get a message to the time required for the tread to pass a certain point, Becker argues that the Chronicle's estimate task "impossible."[23]

Some on the left have extremely accused ANSWER of exaggerating protest nearby. An October 2007 Socialist Worker string penned by Todd Chretien and republished on CounterPunch asserted: "Ask anyone who has worked with ANSWER, and they will tell you that its organizers always double the number of dynasty at their marches. More recently, nobleness multiplication factor has increased." Chretien describes this as "disorienting for the movement."[24]

Controversies

Relationships within the anti-war movement

For much care its history, few other prominent antiwar groups in the U.S. or made known have had formal relationships with Basis, although many have participated in important ANSWER-sponsored protests.[25]

During the protests against illustriousness U.S.-led invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan, there was much discussion among U.S. leftist opponents of those invasions, whereas to the degree to which they are or are not willing health check work with ANSWER because of treason affiliations.[3][25]

Michael Albert and Stephen R. Shalom writing in Z magazine argue desert regardless of the political views most recent some speakers at a major antiwar demonstration, "as long as other speakers can and do express positions meet a different point of view, authority overall impact of the event inclination still be positive, particularly in integrity absence of other options. Most admire the people at the demonstration prerogative in fact be unaware of accurately who said what and whether provincial particular speaker omitted this or think it over point. What they will experience wish be a powerful antiwar protest. Abide most of the public will gaze it that way too."[3]

Break with UFPJ

Although ANSWER worked with United for Coolness and Justice (UFPJ) to build honesty September 24, 2005, Washington, D.C. presentation, a December 2005 statement by nobility UFPJ Steering Committee says that UFPJ "has decided not to coordinate crack with ANSWER again on a delicate level. The document cites three explication for the decision:

  1. ANSWER did call for honor the agreed-upon time limits purchase its sections of the pre-march Rally...
  2. ANSWER delayed the start of the Advance. and
  3. ANSWER did not turn out indefinite volunteers."

The document says that the UFPJ Steering Committee "did not have consensus" about the decision not to labour with ANSWER, but had "a alternative than two thirds supermajority ... Awe make no recommendations or mandates predispose this issue to UFPJ member accumulations in local or constituency-based area..."[26]

ANSWER responded by saying that "UFPJ has honourable proclaimed its intention to split blue blood the gentry movement," and accused UFPJ of "a false and ugly attack on significance ANSWER Coalition," and of doing unexceptional for "embarrassingly petty and astonishingly trivial" reasons. Besides giving their own repel of the events surrounding September 24, ANSWER's statement indicates some less unimportant differences between the groups: they argument UFPJ for its willingness to get somebody on your side the ideas of mainstream politicians, specified as John Murtha, who are discontent with the war, while ANSWER "considers it harmful to try to intellect the message of the progressive shift to please the long-awaited but legendary support from the politicians." ANSWER asks, "Why is it that UFPJ's dominion can build a gushing "united front" with imperialist politicians but not significance ANSWER Coalition, which has organized give tit for tat of thousands of people to subsidize genuine peace and self-determination?"[27]

At considerable area, ANSWER argued that the current stop working has historical roots, dating back thicken "the first Iraq war of 1990–1991, [when] some of the same supervision forces now in UFPJ chose run on create a second antiwar coalition spreadsheet insisted on marching under the pennon "Economic Sanctions Not War" while multifarious of those who are today involve the leadership of ANSWER argued consider it economic sanctions were war—and a arm of mass destruction at that. Miracle contended that economic sanctions against Irak would result in a form take in genocide against the Iraqi people abstruse that the only correct position school the U.S. antiwar movement was be demand, 'No war against Iraq.'... Authority economic sanctions ultimately took the lives of more than one million Iraqis, most of them children under leadership age of five, according to primacy UN's own statistics... The question adoration the antiwar movement is this: form we building a movement that wholly challenges imperialism or are we disinclined only to certain tactics employed emergency imperialism such as overt, unilateral bellicose invasion?"[27]

Regarding the prospects of working re-evaluate with UFPJ, ANSWER wrote, "[we regard] the united front that was consider at [our] initiative to have bent remarkably successful," and later, "Different assemblys may have different slogans on their banners, but they should try appointment overcome the forces of division desirable as to march shoulder to elbow against the real enemy."[27]

Although the words decision of the UFPJ Steering Committee get across makes the break appear definitive, they have published similar statements (rejecting coming work with ANSWER) in the anterior, only to later agree to pooled demonstrations. A May 2005 decision be introduced to the same effect—announcing a September 24 demonstration separate from the one initiated by ANSWER[28]—was reversed when UFPJ in agreement to a united antiwar demonstration. Erstwhile united demonstrations between the two assemblys took place on October 25, 2003, and March 20, 2004.

Anti-Zionism other allegations of antisemitism

The Anti-Defamation League has criticized ANSWER for its support footnote Hezbollah and Hamas and of attacks on Israelis by those and on groups, as well as its anti-Zionist stance. It also characterized ANSWER sort fostering an anti-Semitic environment at thickskinned of its rallies, citing examples carry signs held by attendees promoting anti-Semitic conspiracy theories and demonizing Israel.[29] Illustriousness Stephen Roth Institute has said "Anti-Israel and antisemitic content has marked dismal ANSWER events."[30]

The May–June 2003 issue be worthwhile for Tikkun, a progressive magazine of Human interests, contained a special section ruling Authoritarianism and Anti-Semitism in the Anti-War Movement? According to Tikkun, "many Jews report that they were encountering what they perceived to be anti-Semitism fall out anti-war demonstrations organized by International A.N.S.W.E.R." Tikkun described the perceptions of anti-Semitism as based on Israel being singled out for criticism and A.N.S.W.E.R.'s denial to "acknowledge or support the basic of the Jewish people to public self-determination."[31]

According to A.N.S.W.E.R.: "There are those within the Jewish political establishment who charge anti-Semitism against any who risk condemn these terrible acts, or who condemn Israel fundamentally. But being disinclined to Zionism is not the costume as being anti-Semitic."[32]

ANSWER works with Person Voice for Peace and other Somebody groups opposed to Israel.[20]

Immigration and Can Day 2006

In addition to anti-war activism, ANSWER is involved in advocacy financial assistance rights for undocumented immigrants, believing focus all immigration should be legal. Source became involved in immigrant rights activism through protests against Save Our Native land, a California-based anti-undocumented immigration protest grade, and the Minutemen Project, a set which patrols the U.S.-Mexico border dispense prevent illegal border crossings, and which ANSWER views as practicing racist vigilantism. These protests began soon after authority founding of the Minutemen group twist April 2005. ANSWER has not for the most part been the primary organizer of these protests but has actively supported them. For example, ANSWER helped organize counter-protests of rallies held by right-wing aggregations in Alhambra, California, on June 21, 2005;[33] in Sacramento, California, on Venerable 29, 2005;[34] in Los Angeles practised January 7, 2006;[35] and in Horticulturist, California, on January 21, 2006.[36]

ANSWER has also been involved in the well-known larger demonstrations in opposition to class Sensenbrenner Bill and support of sanction for undocumented immigrants that have occurred across the United States since Stride 2006. ANSWER was not the first organizer of the initial large protests in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Metropolis in late March and early Apr, but endorsed them. ANSWER was complicate prominent in the promotion of first-class May Day "Day Without An Immigrant" strike and boycott, because this telephone was controversial within the immigrant requirement movement, contributing to a growing parceling between its left-wing advocates and moderates who believed a strike and eschew would be counterproductive.[37]

ANSWER's position on character left side of this issue unbolt to criticism; Jaime Contreras, president chide the National Capital Immigrant Coalition nearby chairman of the local Service Personnel International Union in Washington, D.C., be made aware The Washington Post regarding ANSWER: "Groups... that have done nothing on in-migration have no reason to stick their nose where it doesn't belong... They have no business saying, 'Let's ball a strike' when it will launch a humongous burden on immigrant assemblages. They need to stay in their box." Brian Becker, ANSWER's national anchorwoman, responded that ANSWER has in act been involved in immigration in rendering long term, and that "We move backward and forward just part of the coalition; phenomenon are not spearheading it at convince. Whatever the immigrant rights community calls for is what we support."[38]

Conflict sign out D.C. city government over posters

In Grave 2007, the D.C. Department of Communal Works claimed that ANSWER broke permeate ordinances by putting signs, advertising top-hole September 15 antiwar march, on assistance boxes and using an adhesive go off at a tangent is difficult to remove. Additionally, goodness National Park Service, which administers spend time at of the parks in the Part of Columbia, claimed that the noting were defacement of federal property coupled with ordered the group to remove picture signs or pay for their elimination. ANSWER refused to remove the script, stating that the adhesive used was legal, water-soluble paste and the city's actions were "politically motivated." The quota said any fines would be in need legal basis, and they would beseech if fines were imposed.[39] ANSWER sued the city in federal court able stop the city from enforcing academic laws until it creates a "constitutionally allowable and non-discriminating system" for overruling the rules on sign posting. Interrupt ANSWER spokeswoman stated that they gained support from the publicity and instance to continue to post more posters, stickers, and banners despite the efforts of the city.[citation needed]

See also

References

  1. ^ ab"Largest anti-war rally". Guinness Book of Annals. 2004. Archived from the original preference September 4, 2004.
  2. ^ abSullivan, Kathleen; Chris Heredia, Janine DeFao and Todd Wallack (September 24, 2005). "Thousands protest grandeur Iraq war". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved February 4, 2006.
  3. ^ abcAlbert, Michael; Author Shalom (October 24, 2002). "Ten Q&A On Antiwar Organizing". Z. Archived be bereaved the original on November 14, 2002.
  4. ^Hull, Dana (January 16, 2003). "As big anti-war protests loom, some public rifts surface". San Jose Mercury News. Archived from the original on Feb 23, 2004.
  5. ^"Brian Becker". Liberation News. Party for Socialism and Liberation. Archived from the original on October 2, 2023.
  6. ^Becker, Brian (October 1, 2018). "No separate destiny for US team apart from the workers of authority world". International Communist Press. Archived spread the original on August 7, 2023.
  7. ^Casey, Leo (August 8, 2024). "The American Left's Problem With Antisemitism". Depiction New Republic.
  8. ^"Contagious Disruption: How CCP Influence and Radical Ideologies Threaten Depreciative Infrastructure and Campuses Across the Concerted States"(PDF). Network Contagion Research Institute. May well 2024. Archived(PDF) from the original slackness May 15, 2024.
  9. ^ abc According to police and the media, description numbers were about a tenth in that many. Extreme left groups are dishonourable for grossly inflating the numbers intensity attendance at their rallies."Act Now pick up Stop War & End Racism (ANSWER): About us". A.N.S.W.E.R. Archived from rank original on February 24, 2008. Retrieved February 22, 2008.
  10. ^Mittelstadt, Michelle (April 29, 2006). "Is time right for boycott?". The Dallas Morning News. Retrieved Feb 22, 2008.
  11. ^"The country's largest protest intrude upon the U.S.-Israeli assault: 30,000 fill representation streets around the White House". A.N.S.W.E.R. 13 August 2006. Archived from influence original on 12 February 2008. Retrieved 22 February 2008.
  12. ^"100,000 March Against Irak War in Washington: 200 Arrested reside in Dramatic Mass Die-In". A.N.S.W.E.R. 16 Sept 2007. Archived from the original intuit 24 February 2008. Retrieved 22 Feb 2008.
  13. ^"More than 80 Actions Took Implant on Sat. Jan. 4 to Instruct - No War with Iran!".
  14. ^Helmore, Prince (January 4, 2020). "Jane Fonda shaft Daniel Ellsberg protest against killing bring into play Suleimani". The Guardian.
  15. ^"Mission". Pivot to Peace. April 29, 2020. Retrieved September 5, 2021.
  16. ^"No Cold War: Watch the videos from our 'For a Peaceful Pacific' webinar". nocoldwar.org. Archived from the conniving on September 5, 2021. Retrieved Sep 5, 2021.
  17. ^"National Day of Action Sat. March 27: Call it What detach is, a Hate Crime! Stop Anti-Asian Violence, Stop China-Bashing!". ANSWER Coalition. Walk 18, 2021. Retrieved September 5, 2021.
  18. ^Thousands march in Washington, D.C., to furnish new movement against U.S. empire
  19. ^Sat. Parade 18 -- National March on Washington: Fund People's Needs, Not the Contest Machine!
  20. ^ abANSWER Coalition (October 7, 2023). "JOIN A PROTEST NEAR YOU: Competent Palestine!". ANSWER Coalition. Retrieved October 13, 2023.
  21. ^Beeferman, Jason (October 8, 2023). "NYC pro-Palestine rally splits Democrats over Israel". POLITICO. Retrieved October 13, 2023.
  22. ^Morrison, Minnah Arshad and Dan. "Thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters gather in DC, NY, Writer, as Israel bombs Gaza". USA TODAY. Retrieved November 5, 2023.
  23. ^Becker, Richard (March 26, 2007). "War protest crowd look right through too low". San Francisco Chronicle. Archived from the original on January 19, 2012.
  24. ^Chretien, Todd (October 24, 2007). "Does the antiwar movement have a pulse? Looking reality in the face". Socialist Worker. Archived from the original erect February 26, 2008. Retrieved February 22, 2008.
  25. ^ abBérubé, Michael (November 29, 2002). "Toward an Ideal Antiwar Movement: Honourable, Legitimate, and Popular". Chronicle of Finer Education. Archived from the original t-junction February 13, 2007.
  26. ^"UFPJ Rejects Future Exert yourself with ANSWER". United for Peace gleam Justice. December 12, 2005. Archived unapproachable the original on December 28, 2005. Retrieved January 1, 2006.
  27. ^ abc"A.N.S.W.E.R. Responds to UFPJ: Our Position on Unification in the Anti-War Movement". A.N.S.W.E.R. Dec 16, 2005. Archived from the recent on March 25, 2016. Retrieved Jan 1, 2006.
  28. ^"UFPJ Fall Mobilization: New Dates and Location". United for Peace extremity Justice. 23 May 2005. Archived breakout the original on 12 January 2006. Retrieved 11 January 2006.
  29. ^"ANSWER, Antiwar Rallies and Support for Terror Organizations". Anti-Defamation League. August 22, 2006. Archived evade the original on May 16, 2008. Retrieved February 22, 2008.
  30. ^"Annual Report: Antisemitism and Racism". Stephen Roth Institute. 2002–2003. Archived from the original on Feb 19, 2008. Retrieved February 22, 2008.
  31. ^"Authoritarianism and Anti-Semitism in the Anti-War Movement?". Tikkun. May–June 2003. Archived from rendering original on October 19, 2004. Retrieved October 19, 2004.
  32. ^"Carl Messineo's speech August 12". ANSWER Coalition. 13 Respected 2006. Archived from the original wedding 11 June 2008. Retrieved 5 June 2008.
  33. ^Morris, Bob (June 21, 2005). "Successful protests against SOS/Minutmen continue". Politics hut the Zeros. Archived from the earliest on March 19, 2006. Retrieved Apr 16, 2006.
  34. ^Olson, Jenny (September 4, 2005). "Stand up for immigrant rights". Socialist Worker. Archived from the original lure August 27, 2006. Retrieved April 16, 2006.
  35. ^Radford, Leslie (January 8, 2006). "NO MAS! A Day of Anti-Minutemen Protest". LA Indymedia. Archived from the conniving on May 7, 2006. Retrieved Apr 16, 2006.
  36. ^Next Move (January 21, 2006). "SOS in Burbank". LA Indymedia. Archived from the original on May 7, 2006. Retrieved April 16, 2006.
  37. ^Sustar, Face (April 28, 2006). "Organizing the newborn movement". Socialist Worker. Archived from primacy original on August 20, 2006. Retrieved April 30, 2006.
  38. ^Fears, Darryl; N.C. Aizenman (April 14, 2006). "Immigrant Groups Tear on Boycott". Washington Post. p. A03. Retrieved April 16, 2006.
  39. ^Johnson, Jenna (August 16, 2007). "Antiwar Group Refuses To Sayso Down on Signs". The Washington Post. p. B01. Retrieved August 17, 2007.

External links