I'd Fuck A Road I-69: where we’ve been, where we’re going, and what we need
The good news: There have been at least ten solidarity/retaliatory actions nationwide, including office vandalism in New York, office demos in Kalamazoo, MI, TWO lockdowns at Gohmann Asphalt (as of this morning), and a torchlit march in Bloomington. Despite the harassment, morale and confidence are high. They are trying to stop our resistance before it can seriously interfere with construction, but we see right through this desperate tactic. This is a time of serious repression against eco-action everywhere, and we will not succumb to it. Solidarity means attack.
Unfamiilar with the fight to stop I-69? See our website for an overview about the road and past resistance to it.
where we’ve been
The bad news: Since the tree-sit eviction on June 20th, when eight people were arrested, there has been a great deal of repression in Indiana. Three more people have been arrested at solidarity actions, there has been intense surveillance and harassment by the police (tickets, searches, and identifying people), and there has been a good deal of general concern and fear amidst threats by the police and INDOT. At least one person, arrested at a lockdown at Gohmann Asphalt, is being threatened with a lawsuit and pressured to testify against her comrades.
The good news: There have been at least ten solidarity/retaliatory actions nationwide, including office vandalism in New York, office demos in Kalamazoo, MI, TWO lockdowns at Gohmann Asphalt (as of this morning), and a torchlit march in Bloomington. Despite the harassment, morale and confidence are high. They are trying to stop our resistance before it can seriously interfere with construction, but we see right through this desperate tactic. This is a time of serious repression against eco-action everywhere, and we will not succumb to it. Solidarity means attack.
where we’re going
A groundbreaking ceremony was announced for the week of July 13th (shockingly, INDOT won’t say exactly where or when.) We’re having a counter-party to celebrate groundbreaking—see the website for more info. We see the start of construction as great opportunity, one for us to respond in intensified struggle. It takes a long time to build a road, especially when there’s only enough money for the first two miles. We’re looking at a fight for at least the next several years, one in which we make it a long hard road for them.
what we need
Gear:
A lot of stuff was stolen by the cops during the treesit eviction. We need camping supplies, climbing supplies, nonperishable food, hardware and outdoors store credit, and whatever you think a longterm eco-campaign might need (sketchy items need not apply). Contact i69supplies@yahoo.com to offer your items.
People in organized affinity groups with action plans:
We cannot stress this enough. Most people in Indiana who have been working on this campaign longterm are already committed to logistical organizing. Not only is it sketchier for us to plan actions, we simply don’t have the time and resources. Would you show up at the conventions without a plan of action? This is no different. The banner-drops, small demos, and civil disobedience that work for you in the streets may work just as well amidst the trees. So come with a small group of people that you trust and have worked with before, with some ideas in mind, and prepare to act as self-sufficently as possible. You will be our heroes.
More community ties with southern Hoosiers:
This is hard for traveling radicals to help us with, but it’s deeply important to us personally and to our campaign at large. Talking to local farmers and building good relationships with folks in surrounding towns is essential for our survival.
People with skills (media, legal, medical, etc. etc.):
We can always use more medics, more people who can observe brutality and talk with lawyers, people to write press releases and call reporters, and all of the millions of skills you’ve acquired from your own communities and struggles. A lot of people are cutting their teeth on this campaign, so folks who can do workshops on security culture, direct action 101, health and safety, and so on are also appreciated. Contact newi69housing@yahoo.com, i69legal@yahoo.com, i69medic@yahoo.com, or i69media@yahoo.com .
Money money money:
If you can’t come to Indiana but want to help, this is one of the best and easiest things you can do. Our legal fund is already more than drained. It seems like we won’t have many people released on their own recognizance in this campaign, so we desperately need more money for bail, fines, and campaign expenses. If you have a liberal organization in your town with money, ask them for it. If you have a college, arrange for an I-69 presentation to come through.
Solidarity actions:
The contractors building the road have offices everywhere. We need to show that no one will tolerate their bullshit, no matter what community it’s in. Their information is here.
Publicity:
Word of mouth is the best way to promote anything, and you know your community better than we do. Tell people what’s going on, formally in presentations or informally in conversation. One of the most exciting things about this project is how many issues are related to it: eco-liberation, human rights, Latin American solidarity, rural organizing, anti-racist work—nearly everyone has a reason to care about this road. Help people see that.
what we can give you
- information on what’s going on with our website, our media website, several different email lists, and answers to specific questions at roadblockef@yahoo.com;
- help orienting yourself in southern Indiana;
- limited housing, (help us create more!);
- legal and media support for your actions;
- and more! Let us know what you need.
In solidarity and mutual struggle,
-some people who would fuck a road
