Blogs' reaction to the Smash EDO Mayday protest in Brighton (From The Argus)

Smash EDO seem to think their protest was somehow a success. I'd like to ask them how they came to that conclusion. They brought chaos to the city for a few hours. They invited in a load of troublemakers who ripped our city up, vandalised buildings and attacked local businesses.
Yet they didn't make it within two miles of the EDO factory or affect its production in the slightest. I'd call that a total failure and I would like to see an apology from the organisers for their stupid actions.

Who do these protestors think they are kidding. They "bravely" cover thair faces so that their mummies & daddies don't stop their pocket money. Grow up, register to vote (pay rates!) and use your democratic right to make changes happen instead of acting like a bunch of 4 year olds having a tantrum because they can't have a new dolly

If they are looking for trouble, they will certainly get it if they go to London on Friday. That demo, in Westminster is totally illegal.

If they are looking for trouble, they will certainly get it if they go to London on Friday. That demo, in Westminster is totally illegal.

If they are looking for trouble, they will certainly get it if they go to London on Friday. That demo, in Westminster is totally illegal.

As of the bloggers has put - I'm more determined than ever to use the businesses targeted by Smash EDO now. If only I had a use for a bomb release safety unit !!! To the MD and employees of EDO - keep going - show that a bunch of thugs can't change things with violence.

I support lawful, peaceful protest to further a cause but not a bunch of violent idiots wrecking things - how can smashing the light bulbs of a chip shop at the Pier or throwing bottles possibly help their cause?

A peaceful sit-in at the EDO premises would have been far more effective, and made people listen. Violent actions are not the way to gain support from decent people.

Next time residents should form their own anti-protest protest and give them something to properly get riled about.

Well they seem to think they did nothing wrong.. and that they were provoked into violence by the police.

I must have left the planet when this all happened, coz the protest down trafalger street was people taughting the police. Not to say what happened outside McD.

My wife runs a small business in the North Laine. They had one of their best days of the year yesterday.

For all those too lazy to go to London!!!

Me thinks the Argus got carried away with riots, carnage, chaos and devastation on a bank holiday. The hype will lead to a new a new film Quadrophenia 2 released on Twitter.
Brighton's poor little "I'm a big important city too, we're having a clash like G20" syndrome.
Seen no mention of this event on any other media

PB wrote:
If they are looking for trouble, they will certainly get it if they go to London on Friday. That demo, in Westminster is totally illegal.

Doesn't it strike you as odd that having a demonstration is illegal, but dropping bombs on people is not.

tim e wrote:
Me thinks the Argus got carried away with riots, carnage, chaos and devastation on a bank holiday. The hype will lead to a new a new film Quadrophenia 2 released on Twitter.
Brighton's poor little "I'm a big important city too, we're having a clash like G20" syndrome.
Seen no mention of this event on any other media

Nothing on SKY NEWS, BBC did about 5 seconds.. so yeah.. but that is the argus..

tim e wrote:
Me thinks the Argus got carried away with riots, carnage, chaos and devastation on a bank holiday. The hype will lead to a new a new film Quadrophenia 2 released on Twitter. Brighton's poor little "I'm a big important city too, we're having a clash like G20" syndrome. Seen no mention of this event on any other media

It was second lead on Radio 2 news yesterday and BBC South's main lead after 10 o'clock news. It may have featured on the main news but that was cut down because of the bank holiday.

I suppose after all, it was such a trivial little demonstration. Not exactly G20

Fight Back wrote:
As of the bloggers has put - I'm more determined than ever to use the businesses targeted by Smash EDO now. If only I had a use for a bomb release safety unit !!! To the MD and employees of EDO - keep going - show that a bunch of thugs can't change things with violence.

Hear Hear.

Just wish EDO built some water cannon for the british police (with one of those inline soap dispensers)

Seriously the Chief Constable for his own reasons stabbed his force in the back by his comments before the demo - shame on you Sir!

Perhaps those who feel that the demonstrators were wrong should put some substance and reasoning to their arguements rather that attacking them through steroetypes.

To say that they should take a bath and get a job isn't helping the debate.

Perhaps they could also explain how effective campaigning can be utilised in todays police state. As soon as a demonstration becomes effective laws are brought in to make that type of campaign illegal. When you have made all effective protest illegal it is only logical that crime will take place.

Remember the suffragettes and anti racism campaigners fought to achieve their aims? Now they are celebrated. Methods used today are no different, perhaps even less militant.

Who appeared more violent? Protestors with faces covered in red cotton wearing hoodies and combats armed with no more than banners and the occasional bottle or police in full body armour, batons, shields, CS gas, horses and vehicles?

I know what my decision would be...

Well done to everyone attended for standing up for your beliefs and defending your right to protest.

bibble wrote:

PB wrote:
If they are looking for trouble, they will certainly get it if they go to London on Friday. That demo, in Westminster is totally illegal.

Doesn't it strike you as odd that having a demonstration is illegal, but dropping bombs on people is not.

It would indeed be odd if this were true.

Just saw the video of the people rocking the police van outside McDonalds in London Road, with everyone cheering. Woohoo, how "anarchic"! All an embarrassment really. Glad I stayed in Hove that day.

bibble wrote:

PB wrote:
If they are looking for trouble, they will certainly get it if they go to London on Friday. That demo, in Westminster is totally illegal.

Doesn't it strike you as odd that having a demonstration is illegal, but dropping bombs on people is not.

no, because your facts are incorrect again.

bibble wrote:

PB wrote:
If they are looking for trouble, they will certainly get it if they go to London on Friday. That demo, in Westminster is totally illegal.

Doesn't it strike you as odd that having a demonstration is illegal, but dropping bombs on people is not.

no, because your facts are incorrect again.

How are these facts wrong Osama and bibble? Ever heard of SOCPA? Holding a demo inside the SOCPA zone in central London is illegal without getting police permission. When did our forces or allies (the US) ever get permission to bomb Iraq, Afghanistan or Pakistan as they are now doing. And that is just in recent history. Please get better informed before posting such nonsence.

Thanks, Toad from Worthing, for saying something sensible.
Ok, so maybe smashing a few lights, chucking a few cans etc. not good, but it would be impossible to do as someone suggested and have a peaceful sit-in at EDO.
EDO manufacture components used in weapons used in war crimes in Gaza and Lebanon, and in the illegal wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Arguing that "if they were not made here someone else would" is morality along the same lines as "if I don't protect that murderer, someone else will".

Britain is now the biggest exporter of arms in the world - something not to be proud of. A small amount of inconvenience in Brighton is nothing to the 'inconvenience; that has been visited on people in places like Iraq and the Gaza strip.

I own a shop on Trafalgar Street, I am a completely independent business like almost every other business in The North Laines. I lost a lot of money yesterday thanks to this protest, one of the "scuffles" happened right outside my shop and our window very nearly went in a few times.
What exactly was the point of marching through the one part of town that has actively supported Smash EDO over the years? It shows a complete lack of respect to the local community. The next time I have Smash EDO in my shop asking to put up posters, leave flyers or wanting sponsorship of some sort I will be happy to oblige them when they reimburse me for the lose I sustained yesterday.
I actively support the right to protest, but these sort of protests just strengthen the cause for removing that right, don't insult my intelligence by telling that people who turn up to a protest in masks carrying golf clubs (I saw them myself) are there for a peaceful protest. What exactly had the chip shop on the pier done to deserve being smashed up, are they making bombs?
I have no time for any organisation who show such utter disdain for the community they are a part of.
None of the companies that Smash EDO where protesting about where harmed by yesterdays protest, however many small independent businesses where.
I will no longer be showing any support to Smash EDO and I am not the only NL trader who feels this way.

bibble wrote:

PB wrote: If they are looking for trouble, they will certainly get it if they go to London on Friday. That demo, in Westminster is totally illegal.

Doesn't it strike you as odd that having a demonstration is illegal, but dropping bombs on people is not.

Do shut up you idiot. i think most of the posters on here wish you would just go away.

Having a demonstration is NOT illegal. However criminal damage and vandalism is. If they had behaved then they may have made a point, however they just turned opinion greatly against them. Did they just happen to have buckets of paint with them? of course not, the intention was violence from the start. No matter what had happened that day Smash EDO would have claimed it a success. I hope police are examining photos to identify the scum. Smash EDO do NOT speak for Brighton.

Toad wrote:
Perhaps those who feel that the demonstrators were wrong should put some substance and reasoning to their arguements rather that attacking them through steroetypes. To say that they should take a bath and get a job isn't helping the debate. Perhaps they could also explain how effective campaigning can be utilised in todays police state. As soon as a demonstration becomes effective laws are brought in to make that type of campaign illegal. When you have made all effective protest illegal it is only logical that crime will take place. Remember the suffragettes and anti racism campaigners fought to achieve their aims? Now they are celebrated. Methods used today are no different, perhaps even less militant. Who appeared more violent? Protestors with faces covered in red cotton wearing hoodies and combats armed with no more than banners and the occasional bottle or police in full body armour, batons, shields, CS gas, horses and vehicles? I know what my decision would be... Well done to everyone attended for standing up for your beliefs and defending your right to protest.

How is throwing paint over an Army surplus store, scaring children in MacDonalds, and standing on the roof of the Pier standing up for your beliefs?

cheezburger wrote:

bibble wrote:

PB wrote: If they are looking for trouble, they will certainly get it if they go to London on Friday. That demo, in Westminster is totally illegal.

Doesn't it strike you as odd that having a demonstration is illegal, but dropping bombs on people is not.

Do shut up you idiot. i think most of the posters on here wish you would just go away.

Having a demonstration is NOT illegal. However criminal damage and vandalism is. If they had behaved then they may have made a point, however they just turned opinion greatly against them. Did they just happen to have buckets of paint with them? of course not, the intention was violence from the start. No matter what had happened that day Smash EDO would have claimed it a success. I hope police are examining photos to identify the scum. Smash EDO do NOT speak for Brighton.

You may count me as one of those.

Is it just me, or do Babble and Maggie seem to be the same tw@t?

Ampwitch wrote:
I own a shop on Trafalgar Street, I am a completely independent business like almost every other business in The North Laines. I lost a lot of money yesterday thanks to this protest, one of the "scuffles" happened right outside my shop and our window very nearly went in a few times.
What exactly was the point of marching through the one part of town that has actively supported Smash EDO over the years? It shows a complete lack of respect to the local community. The next time I have Smash EDO in my shop asking to put up posters, leave flyers or wanting sponsorship of some sort I will be happy to oblige them when they reimburse me for the lose I sustained yesterday.
I actively support the right to protest, but these sort of protests just strengthen the cause for removing that right, don't insult my intelligence by telling that people who turn up to a protest in masks carrying golf clubs (I saw them myself) are there for a peaceful protest. What exactly had the chip shop on the pier done to deserve being smashed up, are they making bombs?
I have no time for any organisation who show such utter disdain for the community they are a part of.
None of the companies that Smash EDO where protesting about where harmed by yesterdays protest, however many small independent businesses where.
I will no longer be showing any support to Smash EDO and I am not the only NL trader who feels this way.

The protest came through Trafalguar Street because the police forced it that way.

MoreMikey wrote:

cheezburger wrote:

bibble wrote:

PB wrote: If they are looking for trouble, they will certainly get it if they go to London on Friday. That demo, in Westminster is totally illegal.

Doesn't it strike you as odd that having a demonstration is illegal, but dropping bombs on people is not.

Do shut up you idiot. i think most of the posters on here wish you would just go away.

Having a demonstration is NOT illegal. However criminal damage and vandalism is. If they had behaved then they may have made a point, however they just turned opinion greatly against them. Did they just happen to have buckets of paint with them? of course not, the intention was violence from the start. No matter what had happened that day Smash EDO would have claimed it a success. I hope police are examining photos to identify the scum. Smash EDO do NOT speak for Brighton.

You may count me as one of those.

Is it just me, or do Babble and Maggie seem to be the same tw@t?

You may be right, though I wouldn't call either a tw@t

I see your point, kkj.

Finne wrote:

Ampwitch wrote:
I own a shop on Trafalgar Street, I am a completely independent business like almost every other business in The North Laines. I lost a lot of money yesterday thanks to this protest, one of the "scuffles" happened right outside my shop and our window very nearly went in a few times.
What exactly was the point of marching through the one part of town that has actively supported Smash EDO over the years? It shows a complete lack of respect to the local community. The next time I have Smash EDO in my shop asking to put up posters, leave flyers or wanting sponsorship of some sort I will be happy to oblige them when they reimburse me for the lose I sustained yesterday.
I actively support the right to protest, but these sort of protests just strengthen the cause for removing that right, don't insult my intelligence by telling that people who turn up to a protest in masks carrying golf clubs (I saw them myself) are there for a peaceful protest. What exactly had the chip shop on the pier done to deserve being smashed up, are they making bombs?
I have no time for any organisation who show such utter disdain for the community they are a part of.
None of the companies that Smash EDO where protesting about where harmed by yesterdays protest, however many small independent businesses where.
I will no longer be showing any support to Smash EDO and I am not the only NL trader who feels this way.

The protest came through Trafalguar Street because the police forced it that way.

Don't be such a muppet

yifat wrote:
bibble wrote:

PB wrote:
If they are looking for trouble, they will certainly get it if they go to London on Friday. That demo, in Westminster is totally illegal.

Doesn't it strike you as odd that having a demonstration is illegal, but dropping bombs on people is not.

no, because your facts are incorrect again.

How are these facts wrong Osama and bibble? Ever heard of SOCPA? Holding a demo inside the SOCPA zone in central London is illegal without getting police permission. When did our forces or allies (the US) ever get permission to bomb Iraq, Afghanistan or Pakistan as they are now doing. And that is just in recent history. Please get better informed before posting such nonsence.

Because dropping bombs is not illegal per se.
It depends on the circumstances. Work it out - muppet.

cheezburger wrote:

bibble wrote:

PB wrote: If they are looking for trouble, they will certainly get it if they go to London on Friday. That demo, in Westminster is totally illegal.

Doesn't it strike you as odd that having a demonstration is illegal, but dropping bombs on people is not.

Do shut up you idiot. i think most of the posters on here wish you would just go away. Having a demonstration is NOT illegal. However criminal damage and vandalism is. If they had behaved then they may have made a point, however they just turned opinion greatly against them. Did they just happen to have buckets of paint with them? of course not, the intention was violence from the start. No matter what had happened that day Smash EDO would have claimed it a success. I hope police are examining photos to identify the scum. Smash EDO do NOT speak for Brighton.

Well it's just too bad if most people want me to go away. You'll just have to put up with me. After all, I put up with your stupid rants.

Then you call people scum. We know what side you would have been on if Nazi Germany had landed here. If you had lived in France or Holland or some other occupied country you would have gone along with whatever "laws" the Nazis passed. You would have been the chief collaborator.

It's a pity that you don't consider dropping bombs on people to be "criminal damage and vandalism". You are a blinkered bigot.

Osama bin there wrote:

yifat wrote: bibble wrote: PB wrote: If they are looking for trouble, they will certainly get it if they go to London on Friday. That demo, in Westminster is totally illegal. Doesn't it strike you as odd that having a demonstration is illegal, but dropping bombs on people is not. no, because your facts are incorrect again. How are these facts wrong Osama and bibble? Ever heard of SOCPA? Holding a demo inside the SOCPA zone in central London is illegal without getting police permission. When did our forces or allies (the US) ever get permission to bomb Iraq, Afghanistan or Pakistan as they are now doing. And that is just in recent history. Please get better informed before posting such nonsence.

Because dropping bombs is not illegal per se. It depends on the circumstances. Work it out - muppet.

You are the muppet. A bigoted muppet at that.

You urge violence against the protestors in Brighton, but immediately defend the dropping of bombs.

Warmonger.

Controversial new strategy announcement: The Smash EDO disorganisation has reluctantly concluded that absurd headwear, failing to wash daily, having head lice, wearing poor clothes, swearing, throwing objects at others, frightening children etcetera, will fail to win over the politicians/decision makers and the general public. Therefore for future demonstrations, activists are asked to leaflet and speak courteously to members of public whose city they appear at. Additionally, shouting scum, damaging other people's property for example is to be avoided. A recently laundered pair of jeans and decent trainers/shoes will be worn. Our cause will start to be treated seriously if we make these immediate concessions as unfortunately, we are viewed as scum at the moment by the majority of Brighton, thus playing into the hands of those who support EDO. -END-

As a resident of Brighton, I took the opportunity to be out of town on Monday.

Any sympathy I might have had for the protestors' cause evaporated when I saw what they had done.

Who are this anarchist rent-a-mob that think its OK to throw bricks at the cops and cause disruption to our city?

These people don't represent anyone I know. On the face of it, all they want is a fight with the authorities. Its about time they grew up and started appreciating the country they live in - foreign poice forces would have dealt with them a lot more firmly...

Most of the "protestors" know that the way they go about things is wrong, otherwise why would they hide their faces? Are they ashamed, cowards or something else?

Please, next time you want a "party" why don't you do it somewhere else... try Basra... I hear they like a good fight out there!

Why not demonstrate against the companies that dig the minerals out of the ground, that are used to make the components?

stan bailey wrote:
Why not demonstrate against the companies that dig the minerals out of the ground, that are used to make the components?

Why not demonstarte against the earth for giving us the resources for creating weapons..?

How far do you take it?

Osama bin there wrote:

Finne wrote:

Ampwitch wrote:
I own a shop on Trafalgar Street, I am a completely independent business like almost every other business in The North Laines. I lost a lot of money yesterday thanks to this protest, one of the "scuffles" happened right outside my shop and our window very nearly went in a few times.
What exactly was the point of marching through the one part of town that has actively supported Smash EDO over the years? It shows a complete lack of respect to the local community. The next time I have Smash EDO in my shop asking to put up posters, leave flyers or wanting sponsorship of some sort I will be happy to oblige them when they reimburse me for the lose I sustained yesterday.
I actively support the right to protest, but these sort of protests just strengthen the cause for removing that right, don't insult my intelligence by telling that people who turn up to a protest in masks carrying golf clubs (I saw them myself) are there for a peaceful protest. What exactly had the chip shop on the pier done to deserve being smashed up, are they making bombs?
I have no time for any organisation who show such utter disdain for the community they are a part of.
None of the companies that Smash EDO where protesting about where harmed by yesterdays protest, however many small independent businesses where.
I will no longer be showing any support to Smash EDO and I am not the only NL trader who feels this way.

The protest came through Trafalguar Street because the police forced it that way.

Don't be such a muppet

Osama:
The protest came through Trafalguar Street because the police forced it that way.
"Don't be such a muppet"

Were you actually there then to disprove this?

Welcome to the real world..

Oh dear...if anyone thinks concessions are ever won by asking nicely they really need to read more widely. Good on those prepared to protest about EDO. Yes, and things will need to get a lot messier than that if the corporate state is to be reminded of it's proper place. If you can't see the need for any kind of effective protest to cause disruption and dislocation then neither I nor anyone else is going to persuade you otherwise. You will probably be so deluded that you think that posting an opinion here actually makes a difference and is a wonderful expression of democracy! Just keep taking the kiddies to Mc Donalds and pretend that those nice corporations really do care about you,your family and the planet...but make no mistake, neither you, nor I nor anyone or anything else matters...just the bottom line on the company accounts.Corporation
sironically have human rights like individuals but, unlike states, are not subject to human rights legislation! Do you think that is just a happy accident?

I would just like to clear up a few issues regarding the protest. I was on the march and although the police may have seemed calm in the centre of town when we started heading out of town they were much more keen on their batons. The protest was largely good natured and many local young people joined in. If the police had allowed the march’s progression we would have been out of the town very quickly causing minimal issues. The people dancing on the store at the pier at the end of the day were mostly local kids. We took precautions in regards to the public, for example, telling everyone to go around the children’s park rather than through it. The police were outnumbered but continually blocked routes rather than minimise disorder.

I feel the protest was proportionate given the fact the EDO factory makes weapons delivery systems to be used in illegal wars and McDonalds owns 16,000 shares in EDO. A million people or more marched in London against the war in Iraq, but it went ahead. Complying with the powers that be leaves your cause ignored; doing the opposite gets you negative publicity but you have to get the issue out somehow. If you think we got it wrong, my challenge to you is to get out on the streets and show us how it’s done.

A war is a form of mass protest inflicted by one government against another where the methods used involve killing innocent people including children aswell as the odd rape and torture thrown in for good measure. If our government annoyed another so much that we were attacked by another army, blowing up our schools and living in fear constantly would we not hope that citizens of that country would do what they can to stop thier government harming us? The majority of protesters on mayday were not being violent and causing damage but as usual the press focus alot on these incidents.
I myself wore a mask on monday with no intention at all to cause trouble but to conceal my identity from the mass of video cameras the police were using to film EVERYBODY, wether they were engaged in trouble or not. And as a local mother who likes to get involved in schools and other local events such as the childrens parade and other local festivals, I would like to get on with my everyday life without being judged by people who were not there based upon a newspaper headline above my face.

As for lumping smash EDO and the whole group of protesters under the 'violent' banner, I think it does come across a little narrow minded, we are all individuals and no body was telling anyone else what to do. And lets not forget the old police tactic of planting plain clothes police in the crowds to start trouble,create bad press and to help justify any extreme action the police may want to take at any given protest. The only reason the protesters looked worse than the police at times was due to the fact that the police were ordered to behave themselves due to the recent death of a passer by at the G20. If this poor guy hadnt lost his life you would all be complaining about police brutality today rather than the protesters.

I would like to say to the member of the public who deliberately dragged his son quite aggressively by the sleeve in front of the big trolley i was pushing and dragging him through the march shouting at us all that we were a danger to him... Im afraid, sir, that you were being extreme and irressponsible to put your son in that situation, he looked half embarrassed and half frightened and you could have just stayed on the path for the 10 minutes it would have taken for the march to pass or if you had just walked normally through the crowd instead of dragging him in front of things people would have naturally let you through safely and you may have ended up enjoying yourself and having a great day out with your son instead of terrorising him.

So it was peaceful with no intention of trouble by the protesters,
why where there people there in masks with golf clubs?
I'm not a right wing conservative voter or anything like that. I have supported Smash EDO in the past by supplying raffle prizes and allowing the to leave their flyers and posters in my shop,. However it was still fine for the people on this protest to throw bottles at my window and to disrupt the trade of all the independent traders in the North Laines.
Not one person on this protest could give one fig for the local community or the effect that this shambles of a protest has had on it. There where people who turned up to this protest with the sole intention of causing trouble, and all they have done is weaken the Smash EDO cause and loose them support within Brighton.
If this protest had been organised properly and there was no risk of people just causing trouble I would be out in full support, protests like yesterdays are just giving ammunition to the people who want to remove the right to protest. Brighton isn't London, it's a small town things like this are massively damaging, but do any of you care about the effect you're "party" has had on the town (I know it's a city, but it isn't really)? No.
By all means make your protest, but don't cry when the police and the town your marching through don't welcome balaclava wearing, stick waving trouble makers with open arms.
Clean your house and remove the trouble makers, then the public might start taking you more seriously.

This comes from a former Smash EDO supporter, they and anyone else involved with Monday's protest no longer have any support from me.

Fight Back wrote:
As of the bloggers has put - I'm more determined than ever to use the businesses targeted by Smash EDO now. If only I had a use for a bomb release safety unit !!! To the MD and employees of EDO - keep going - show that a bunch of thugs can't change things with violence.

er if violence cant change things then why the hell are EDO in business? go on then, fund the death of children, I hope you will sleep well at night.... I slept beautifully last night.

Both sides are as blinkered as each other.

The Smash EDO protesters have the blinkers on and can't see or care what effect their actions on Monday have had on the town who they should be trying to get on their side.

EDO don't care about the damage their product causes and don't listen to public opinion.

Nothing will ever be solved like this.
Both sides make me me sick

moonmum wrote:

Fight Back wrote:
As of the bloggers has put - I'm more determined than ever to use the businesses targeted by Smash EDO now. If only I had a use for a bomb release safety unit !!! To the MD and employees of EDO - keep going - show that a bunch of thugs can't change things with violence.

er if violence cant change things then why the hell are EDO in business? go on then, fund the death of children, I hope you will sleep well at night.... I slept beautifully last night.

Can I just point out that Fight Back never said violence can't change things, he/she said 'a bunch of thugs can't change things with violence'.

Smash EDO are perceived as a bunch of thugs - EDO/MBM are not.

As long as Smash EDO are seen as a bunch of thugs, they will change nothing.

Out of the 500 or so smash EDO new age freewheelers,there are probably a hardcore of maybe 5 who believe in what they are doing the rest are just freewheeling,The country owes me a living,jump on any bandwagon,great day out getting stoned and being oh so anti establishment lefty loonies.

MOONMUM says: "I myself wore a mask on monday with no intention at all to cause trouble but to conceal my identity from the mass of video cameras the police were using to film EVERYBODY, wether they were engaged in trouble or not. And as a local mother who likes to get involved in schools and other local events such as the childrens parade and other local festivals, I would like to get on with my everyday life without being judged by people who were not there based upon a newspaper headline above my face." Moonmum - you must be very proud of being involved with this lot being so frightened of anyone else finding out what your views are and how you demonstrate - waster - hope that you're not involved at my childrens' school.

Completely agree with everything Ampwitch has said. Well put.

bibble wrote:

PB wrote: If they are looking for trouble, they will certainly get it if they go to London on Friday. That demo, in Westminster is totally illegal.

Doesn't it strike you as odd that having a demonstration is illegal, but dropping bombs on people is not.

No.

Bombs are made by organistaions with disproportionate political influence.

Think about the bribery and corruption investigations blocked "in the national interest".

Arms manufacture is a very profitable business. Cost + a good percentage. They can't lose. And when bombs are dropped on people, the order book fills for replacements.

Demostrations are organised by people who don't have the political and financial clout of the arms industry. But they can raise awareness of matters that those in power would rather we remain unaware of.

That is why, bibble, it doesn't strike me as being in the least odd. Even though it ought to be.

Can I just say that EDO don't actually make bombs. This is a false accusation. EDO manufacture weapons release systems. These systems, developed by EDO, have seen a dramatic reduction in civilian casualties. The fact is bombs HAVE to be dropped. Britain has to have and be able to use bombs - just like any other Country.

Our war in Afghanistan is entirely valid - the Taleban are the worlds number 1 terrorist organisation.
To fight them and eliminate them - we have to drop bombs. This will never stop. No matter how much paint you throw, now matter how many bricks you lob at children (and YES, I saw this happen with my own eyes) bombs WILL BE DROPPED.

You have to learn to accept these things. Accusing a company that isn't a bomb-factory of being a bomb-factory and ten starting some childish tirade against it is ridiculous - you are protesting about something you WILL NEVER CHANGE.

EDO is a HUGE multi-national company, it would be like 400 people marching around trying to shut down Tescos. It's an absolute joke. If you disagree with what EDO do, or disagree with war, there are far more effective and peaceful methods of showing this - instead of tramping around Brighton, causing distress and uproar and getting yourselves into trouble.

kkj wrote:

moonmum wrote:

Fight Back wrote:
As of the bloggers has put - I'm more determined than ever to use the businesses targeted by Smash EDO now. If only I had a use for a bomb release safety unit !!! To the MD and employees of EDO - keep going - show that a bunch of thugs can't change things with violence.

er if violence cant change things then why the hell are EDO in business? go on then, fund the death of children, I hope you will sleep well at night.... I slept beautifully last night.

Can I just point out that Fight Back never said violence can't change things, he/she said 'a bunch of thugs can't change things with violence'.

Smash EDO are perceived as a bunch of thugs - EDO/MBM are not.

As long as Smash EDO are seen as a bunch of thugs, they will change nothing.

Indeed - that is exactly what I was pointing out. I, as an individual, will not be terrorised into changing my choices by a group of violent thugs. If the demo had been peaceful there is more chance that I would use some time to think about what I was being told. When bricks are thrown into McDs with children sitting inside, police attacked, private property vandalised etc it makes me want to rebel against the protestors cause. And yes, I do sleep well thank you very much. What if I disagreed with what you did for a living - would you mind if I came to your house, with my face covered and started smashing up your car ? I'm sure it woulnd't be long before you dialled 999.

Lets put this all into perspective now. SmashEDO claim to be the voice of the Brighton people and express this at weekly protests outside EDO. Typically the attendance musters 4-8 in number - hardly representative of the masses? yes they may get 20 if there is a TV camera crew - as the university clowns then turn out). The May Day Protest seems to have been just a thugs jolly day out to Brighton. SmashEDO are not a legitimate civilised protest communuty. From what i have seen over recent years they promote violence and criminal damage and revel in their law breaking tactics on the enternet blogs. They dont even have the conviction to put up real spokespersons - Cloe Marsh and Andrew Becket are not real, which why you won't see them in any video interview. Hardly credible SmashEDO??

I was on the smashedo demo on Monday and I am proud to say that I was on the demo as a PEACEFUL PROTESTER...do you people not think that the majority of us who were there were not out to cause trouble of any kind. We were there as EDO do make parts for bombs which are being used in illegal wars (does anyone here remember what Bush said were the reasons for going to war?? Remember 9/11....shame those who were suspected of that terrorist attack mainly came from saudi..sorry dyslexic so excuess the spelling). I was caught up in the cordon at London Rd what I saw was a flare being placed under the police van which was being rocked. I didn't see anything being thrown but there could have been. What also could have been is that local youths joined the demo just for violence...yes i did see that first hand. What I also saw first hand was the trouble on ditchling rd...when the horses moved back the demo thought that was a sign that they could move forward but this wasn't the case and people were batoned by the police. What people also didn't see was the police stopping the march from going along its route hence why the march went all over the place. If the police hadn't tried again and again to cordon people then there wouldn't have been such a strong raction from the crowd (as proved in psychology studies). Also what people didn't see wat the crowd telling individuals to STOP throwing things and when those twats started dancing on the roof by the pier to get off...as the police couldn't get near them so US the PROTESTERS WHO WANTED A PEACEFUL PROTEST SHOUTED AT THEM TIME AND AGAIN TO GET OFF to which they actually did. Just because a few twats wanted trouble that shouldn't smear the rest of us...and before anyone trys to state that I was perhaps out for trouble...then I can state I was on crutches...so no trouble from me and I spoke to several officers and got along with them well and went as far as saying the police did really well compared to the last smashedo demo to which i wasn't part of but still arrested just because I was filming the demo. The only complaint I had was the fact horses were used from the outset, to which i believe it is stated horses should only be used as a last means of defence in a riot...also that FIT were again filming everyone even though the officers i spoke to stated they were trying to film those causing trouble...if this was the case then why film from the word go as the only trouble was at the bank...at the army shop...at McD's and then the top of ditchling rd then when the police tried to cordon everyone in the lanes.

Again I stress yes there were idiots out for touble but we did try to stop them ourselves....shame the argus didn't state that and shame no one else seemed to notice.

Smashedo do need to start cooperating with the police though so that at least the police know what is going to happen and thus don't need to bring in Kent police etc

To: truthBknown, Brighton

surely its in the interest of SMASH EDO to come forward and say "we don't condone the few alledged protestors that were at the march purely to cause trouble"

I doubt they will...

Because if truth be known, this alledged protest was an attack on Brighton and its residents NOT EDO/MBM

jay316 wrote:
To: truthBknown, Brighton

surely its in the interest of SMASH EDO to come forward and say "we don't condone the few alledged protestors that were at the march purely to cause trouble"

I doubt they will...

Because if truth be known, this alledged protest was an attack on Brighton and its residents NOT EDO/MBM

I am going to be writing an email to smashedo stating that they do exactly this as the MAJORITY of us whom were there were not their to attack our own city!!! As I also live in this city as many of the others who attended...and if you read everything I had wrote then you would have seen that there were those of us TRYING TO STOP INDIVIDUALS FROM THROWING THINGS AND ACTING IN A VIOLENT BEHAVIOUR TOWARDS THE POLICE...AS WELL AS STOPPING THOSE PRATS WHO WERE DANCING ON THE ROOF.

If TRUTH BE KNOWN, then any idiot can figure out that there will always be individuals just out for trouble....and quite a few of these individuals were YOUTHS FROM BRIGHTON WHO JOINED THE MARCH AT VARIOUS POINTS I had to tell youths lots of times during the march to **** off home as they were wanting to cause trouble by throwing things at the police.

Funny that protesters trying to keep the peace and also if you had been there you would have seen that there were only 5 really bad flash points during the ENTIRE day.

Even the police I had spoken to were aware that the MAJORITY of those who attened were peaceful and that there were a SMALL minority of IDIOTS who joined in just to kick off. So even the POLICE DON'T agree with you

There's been a lot of posts on this site. A lot of venom spat at the protesters, a lot of disagreements but at least it provoked a lively debate about the whole event.

My wish is that all the people who are so angry about what happened to consider this:

1) The protest was valid. EDO/ITT are a legitimate target for anti-war protesters.

2)Yes, the protests did get out of hand. Yes, there were some protesters looking for trouble. This is always the case, protests aren't by invitation only. There's always a group of youngsters wanting to get revolutionary... unfortunately it's fashionable.

3) SmashEDO have a very long relationship with the police, so before you say they should simply co-operate with them, you need to look at the history of harassment, collusion, injunctions etc.

4) 90% of the SmashEDO protests have been at the factory. The city events happen once or twice a year.

The protest did get out of hand, who is to blame for that is a complex debate.

But ultimately one protest shouldn't stop you from independently thinking about EDO/ITT and the thin line they walk with regard to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court which was brought into UK domestic law by the ICC Act. It makes it an offence for UK citizens and residents to act in complicity with war crimes and any war of aggression that takes place anywhere in the world.

The UK is the second biggest arms exporter in the world next to the USA.

A badly organised protest is not a reason to support your local arms dealer.

sorry truthBknown says only 5 really bad flash points in the whole day - surely that's 5 really bad flash points too many! Imagine if we accepted 5 really bad flash points (violent kick-offs) in the average classroom every day as acceptable. Actually, lets be honest kids seem to know how to behave better than this lot. What does this tell us.

truthBknown wrote:

jay316 wrote:
To: truthBknown, Brighton

surely its in the interest of SMASH EDO to come forward and say "we don't condone the few alledged protestors that were at the march purely to cause trouble"

I doubt they will...

Because if truth be known, this alledged protest was an attack on Brighton and its residents NOT EDO/MBM

I am going to be writing an email to smashedo stating that they do exactly this as the MAJORITY of us whom were there were not their to attack our own city!!! As I also live in this city as many of the others who attended...and if you read everything I had wrote then you would have seen that there were those of us TRYING TO STOP INDIVIDUALS FROM THROWING THINGS AND ACTING IN A VIOLENT BEHAVIOUR TOWARDS THE POLICE...AS WELL AS STOPPING THOSE PRATS WHO WERE DANCING ON THE ROOF.

If TRUTH BE KNOWN, then any idiot can figure out that there will always be individuals just out for trouble....and quite a few of these individuals were YOUTHS FROM BRIGHTON WHO JOINED THE MARCH AT VARIOUS POINTS I had to tell youths lots of times during the march to **** off home as they were wanting to cause trouble by throwing things at the police.

Funny that protesters trying to keep the peace and also if you had been there you would have seen that there were only 5 really bad flash points during the ENTIRE day.

Even the police I had spoken to were aware that the MAJORITY of those who attened were peaceful and that there were a SMALL minority of IDIOTS who joined in just to kick off. So even the POLICE DON'T agree with you

I have been reading the blogs, and this forum for days now.. and some protestors where saying the police were violent towards protestors (even though police had stuff chucked at them, would you not defend yourself), oddly enough some of the items thrown at the police were thrown (and video shows that) by persons wearing RED t=shirts, so they were protestors, not persons who just appeared.

I don't think anyone really had an issue with the protest as such, but I do believe it would have been a lot better to have held the whole protest with the help from the police (as you have already stated). Even getting roads closed so you can march from point a to b.

I am not gonna agree or disagree with your statement "TRYING TO STOP INDIVIDUALS FROM THROWING THINGS AND ACTING IN A VIOLENT BEHAVIOUR TOWARDS THE POLICE...AS WELL AS STOPPING THOSE PRATS WHO WERE DANCING ON THE ROOF." as we only have your word for that.

However, was it or was it not the protestors, that sprayed paint over shops that in all likliness had no involvement with EDO/MBM. Was it not the protestors who knocked a motorbiker over, and finally was it not the protestors who were rocking the police van. I think YES is the answer to all these, even if they are legit protestors or not, they were involved with the protest.

It was strange that for a peaceful protest, so many people had their faces covered, including several who had golf clubs.

I would say You should also suggest that the organisers inform the police, maybe all that are protesting should wear t-shirts that are produced by smashEDO, so the police know who are officially on the protest. And organisers make sure that all those on protest do not march with anything that can be seen as a weapon. As I've aways said "you give somebody a reason they will take it".

At the end of the day I saw what I saw and I as well as many others did try to stop any violence near us and we did actually get those twats off the roof as we all chanted get off the roof which the argus people fliming would have heard but of course they just focused on the violence. At the end of the day with regards to that poor biker we don't know if that was a protester or someone just off the streets who joined in. I myself was disgusted with many incidents that i saw not just on the demo but via the films on this site...that is not the way to protest and the MAJORITY (why do i have to keep making the point that the majority of us there were actually peaceful, does that no matter to anyone as you all seem to be focusing on the minority and they are loving it as now they can boast about all the attention they have received which is that last thing we should be doing) Also in regards to the flash points....yes any flash point is a flash point too many but they have to be expected as there are idiots in this world but these flash points should not make up an entire protest. I do believe that those organising the demo should have spoken to the police and also provide stewards as we see on many other demo's. This helps the police in a number of ways as then individuals who are out for trouble can be stopped first by the stewards who are able to enter into the crowd so they can remove that individual into the police's hands outside the crowd. Smashedo did a lot wrong but it was not the entire protest that threw things, or caused any sort of damage or violence.

Also...final point...people cover their faces due to the fact that F.I.T will take video and pictures of EVERYONE their not just those who cause trouble. If the police had a problem with protesters covering their faces, which smashedo as well as other groups tend to do on a demo, then they could have put a section 60aa across the whole of Brighton and Hove like they did on Oct 15th 08. The police never did this those as they know why it is the MAJORITY of people cover their faces....its to protect their ID as they feel they shouldn't be placed on a database just for attending a demo in which they have been peaceful.

"I would say You should also suggest that the organisers inform the police, maybe all that are protesting should wear t-shirts that are produced by smashEDO, so the police know who are officially on the protest.

AND pay for the policing instead of wasting our money.

BN1 wrote:
"I would say You should also suggest that the organisers inform the police, maybe all that are protesting should wear t-shirts that are produced by smashEDO, so the police know who are officially on the protest.

AND pay for the policing instead of wasting our money.

Yes indeed.

The statement made by a number on here ( truthBknown being one ) that trouble is inevitable is entirely wrong. If the demo is well organised and abides by the rules then violence is NOT inevitable. The proof ? A number of Albion demos have been held in the city, attracting more people than this one. Despite common misconceptions from non-football supporters, some police and many politicians that football supporters are violent thugs, all these demos were trouble free. Maybe SmashEDO should speak to the organisers of the Albion demos to learn how to run one - after all they were successful which is more than SmashEDO will ever be following their current path.
TruthBknown - by joining the demo organised by SmashEDO you AUTOMATICALLY associate yourself with the orgainisations aims and tactics. The answer is not to condone the actions by refusing to march with masked and armed demonstrators. As for the police taking photos - they do this daily via CCTV. Try going to a football match - they often film supporters regardless of trouble.

SmashEDO organisers directed people to wear red, wear face masks and come along for a fight - incitement in my book.

My advice for anyone wanting to join the anti-war protest in London on Friday.

Wear reasonably smart clothing. Look respectable. If you are travelling by train, chances are the Met will be waiting for you at Victoria. So eiher get off at East Croydon or Clapham Juction, then go by bus or tube. Or go by First Capital Connect and get off at one of the other London Stations.

Please don't be nasty to that City Gent with briefcase and brolly. It might be me on my way to Parliament Square.

See you there.

I would just like to clear up a few issues regarding the protest. I was on the march and although the police may have seemed calm in the centre of town when we started heading out of town they were much more keen on their batons. The protest was largely good natured and many local young people joined in.

If the police had allowed the marchs progression we would have been out of the town very quickly causing minimal issues. The people dancing on the store at the pier at the end of the day were mostly local kids. We took precautions in regards to the public, for example, telling everyone to go around the childrens park rather than through it. The police were outnumbered but continually blocked routes rather than minimise disorder.

I feel the protest was proportionate given the fact the EDO factory makes weapons delivery systems to be used in illegal wars and McDonalds owns 16,000 shares in EDO. A million people or more marched in London against the war in Iraq, but it went ahead. Complying with the powers that be leaves your cause ignored; doing the opposite gets you negative publicity but you have to get the issue out somehow. If you think we got it wrong, my challenge to you is to get out on the streets and show us how its done.

Partygoer wrote:
I would just like to clear up a few issues regarding the protest. I was on the march and although the police may have seemed calm in the centre of town when we started heading out of town they were much more keen on their batons. The protest was largely good natured and many local young people joined in.

If the police had allowed the marchs progression we would have been out of the town very quickly causing minimal issues. The people dancing on the store at the pier at the end of the day were mostly local kids. We took precautions in regards to the public, for example, telling everyone to go around the childrens park rather than through it. The police were outnumbered but continually blocked routes rather than minimise disorder.

I feel the protest was proportionate given the fact the EDO factory makes weapons delivery systems to be used in illegal wars and McDonalds owns 16,000 shares in EDO. A million people or more marched in London against the war in Iraq, but it went ahead. Complying with the powers that be leaves your cause ignored; doing the opposite gets you negative publicity but you have to get the issue out somehow. If you think we got it wrong, my challenge to you is to get out on the streets and show us how its done.

As has been stated Brighton has seen many protests, including Football based ones.

A question did SmashEDO, supply anyone with a route plan.. I think not...

Telling people to go around the childrens park. Why should anyone tell a family who uses that park that they have to go around. !!!

Police were outnumbered, maybe the police should brought more officers and outnumbers the protestors, would that have made you happier. I doubt it.

And did any protests happen at EDO/MBM this time, I think not.. It was merely a way of causing as much chaos as possible.

With some of the videos coming out and you see people wearing red and holding Golf Clubs, why you need a golf club on a peaceful protest is anyone guess. Oh yeah it a weapon of choice isn't it.

Seems double standards on the alledged protestors part, if you bring weapons what do you expect the police to bring, watering cans.. Maybe police should use Tazars rather than Batons (or ASPS).

Forgot to say on video 6.. can you explain to me how the police got that protestor (and nice face shot) that kicked that shop window to get his leg that high..

Nope.. very odd.. no police there that I could see.. A civil protestor or the actions of somebody who was there to cause Damage.

You Decide!!!!

Joanna Lumley is showing you how it's done.
Eloquent, articulate, calm, prepared, with a clear campaign strategy supported with independent facts. We don't know if she will achieve her campaign aim, but pubic support is growing.
Violence and disruption has never, ever, ever achieved a campaign aim no matter how valid the cause.
It has often alienated the very people who may have supported a campaign and some of these people may be key people to helping you achieve the aim.
A good example of a campaign gone wrong was the Father's for Justice campaigners....a campaign which started peacefully and had solid aims and values, yet disintegrated when rogue elements began causing mass disruption on the M25...probably affecting many fathers working long hours to pay for children they never get to see and other ill-thought out stunts.
They lost pubic support and the campaign group fell out.
Think again campaigners and look back at some of the world's most successful peace leaders and campaigns for inspiration because this one went horribly wrong.