World leaders and their entourages, protestors and activists from all causes and sides of the political spectrum, and countless journalists converge today in Chicago for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Summit.
I wanted to write a thoughtful, measured post about these events: what are the contexts, histories, faces and consequences of particular actions and inactions.
That’s a big bite to chew, and time is running short. For now, here are a few links to articles and other resources. There are so many, these are just the readings I got around to…
Today and tomorrow, I go into the fray. More later.
Some history…
- What is NATO? (nato.int)
- 2009 G20 Riots and Protest in Pittsburgh, Civilians and CNN Reporter Tear Gassed (youtube.com) includes video of sound cannon use against protestors.
- Chicago police bulk up with $1m in riot gear for ‘peaceful’ Nato summit protests (guardian.co.uk)
- Chicago’s parade of protests (chicagotribune.com) includes the 1886 Haymarket Affair, 1894 Pullman Strike and the 1968 Democrat National Convention protest
Multiple perspectives…
- I highly recommend listening to the framing/positioning of important questions in NATO in the 21st Century: Hearing both sides of the debate – audio 1.5 hours and event/speaker credits (wbez.org): A multifaceted look at NATO from a panel that includes J.D. Bindenagel, former US State Department official; activist and nonviolence advocate Kathy Kelly; theologian William Schweiker; social and political theorist Bernard Harcourt.
- Is NATO a big problem? (suntimes.com)
- NATO: Just why are people protesting? A resource for civilian journalists, streamers and activists (natoprotest.org)
What’s happening…
- NATO road closures, parking, public transit outlined (abc7chicago.com)
- NATO Calendar of Events (nato.int), includes links to live-streamed events
- NATO Protest Calendar (natoprotest.org)
- NATO Summit Event Calendar (chicagostories.org) includes NATO official events
- Index of 2012 NATO Summit reportage by the Chicago Tribune (chicagotribune.com)
Practical resources for protestors and observers…
- Know Your Rights Guide for NATO, Chicago by the National Lawyers’ Guild, Chicago in [PDF] English and [PDF] Spanish (nlgchicago.org) includes information on individual’s rights to protest/assemble, what to expect if stopped by a police officer and if arrested.
- Call the National Lawyers Guild Chicago Emergency Response Hotline if you are arrested and need legal counsel: 312-913-0039. Write this number somewhere on your body so if you get arrested and your belongings are confiscated, you can get help.
- NATO Protest Survival Guide (nbcchicago.com) includes where to sleep, where to get free food.
- [PDF] Occupy Chicago NATO Summit Guide (occupychi.org), 19 pages of resources, maps, links
- Let’s be careful out there… (whynow.dumka.us) In case you are tear gassed or pepper sprayed…
- Medical information from Prague 2000 (starhawk.org): Comprehensive of supplies and proper action and attire.
Wow, this article is nice, my younger sister is analyzing
these things, therefore I am going to convey her.
Thank you! I’m happy if it’ll be helpful to your sister. Will let you know when I post my reaction piece