Salt Lake City, Utah – Students and international solidarity activists held a protest, May 15, to mark the 66th anniversary of Al Nakba. The students called for an end to U.S. aid to Israel and demanded justice for Palestinian American activist Rasmea Odeh. Protesters stood on the corner of the William Bennett Federal Building during rush hour waving signs and holding Palestinian flags. The protest featured speeches by local anti-war, Palestine solidarity and Palestinian activists. The rally, organized by the Utah Valley University Revolutionary Student Union, united groups that want to cut U.S. taxpayer money that goes to war and occupation.

May 1948 marks the Zionist establishment of Israel. For Israelis, it's a time of celebration. For Palestinians and Arabs it commemorates a time they call Al Nakba – Arabic for “the Catastrophe.” During the 1948 war, at least 750,000 Palestinian men, women and children were ruthlessly attacked, massacred and driven from their homes into refugee camps by Zionist terror groups. In a gross violation of international law, Palestinians continue to be denied the right to return to their own land. At the same time, the establishment of Israeli settlements steals more Palestinian land every day. The U.S. government does nothing to stop it.

Bill VanWagenen, representing The Mormon Worker explains, “Though the Israeli government constantly demands that Palestinians recognize Israel as a Jewish state, we must of course wonder when Israel will recognize the crimes which allowed the Jewish state to come into existence. Also the crimes Israel has committed since that time to keep the Jewish state in existence that allows it to continue to confiscate and colonize more and more Palestinian land each year.”

After outlining possible ‘solutions’ to the conflict, Utahns for a Just Peace in the Holy Land member Mahan Khalsa said, “Israel will be an apartheid state until 100% of the people have access to 100% of the land. Apartheid is a legal crime against humanity.”

Protesters also demanded justice for Rasmea Odeh, a leader of Chicago’s Arab community who faces serious charges in a case that is part of a long-standing campaign of repression against Palestinians and those who work in solidarity with them. Her case is tied to the FBI and grand jury investigation of the Antiwar 23 and others. Rasmea Odeh’s case is set to come to trial in Detroit on June 10.

Freedom Road Socialist Organization member Chris Manor said, “It’s outrageous that the U.S. government arrested and is prosecuting Rasmea Odeh for refusing to recognize the military occupation of her country. It’s important that people understand what she’s facing. We need to stand in solidarity with Rasmea Odeh as she goes to trial. We need to stop U.S. taxpayer funding of Israeli apartheid.”

#SaltLakeCityUT #PalestineSolidarity #alNakba #FreedomRoadSocialistOrganization #Apartheid #RevolutionaryStudentUnion #IsraeliOccupation #RasmeaOdeh

Salt Lake City, UT – Activists marched here in solidarity with Oakland’s general strike, Nov. 2. The marchers were angered by the extreme police brutality against peaceful demonstrators in Oakland, California.

Protest organizers hope that the march in solidarity with Oakland will inspire others to participate in the Occupy Wall Street and Occupy Together movement. Christine Leaming pointed out where she’d like to see the movement go, “It’s time for us to step up and expand our tactics.”

Several groups showed up for the protest despite it being held in the middle of the day. Organizations participating included both the Industrial Workers of the World and the Revolutionary Students Union.

Organizers see this as only the beginning. Leaming said, “Definitely more to come. This is just getting started. The more we continue to diversify our tactics and have bigger and better actions, the more we will, hopefully, get more people on board.”

#SaltLakeCityUT #RevolutionaryStudentUnion #OccupyWallStreet #IndustrialWorkersOfTheWorld

Behind closed doors, Uribe spoke about how he brought prosperity and peace to the Colombian people by combating violent militias. The opposite is in fact true. Uribe supported right-wing militia groups connected to the Colombian military and which were also partially funded by U.S. corporations like Drummond Coal, Chiquita Banana and Coca-Cola. The so-called AUC (Autodefensas Unidas de Colombia) terrorize the countryside, carrying out gruesome attacks against poor farmers and driving them off their land. Colombia now has the largest displaced population in the world, more than even Iraq, where the U.S. occupation is wreaking havoc. Over 4 million rural Colombians are crowding into towns and cities with no work and few prospects. Many Colombian farmers are fleeing over the borders into neighboring countries like Venezuela.

In addition, Uribe left office on the heels of the ‘false positives, scandal, where dozens of Colombian military officers were caught kidnapping low-income young men from the cities, executing them in the countryside and claiming they were members of the powerful Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebel group killed in combat. The current President Santos was Uribe’s Minister of Defense overseeing the military officers who carried out the systematic murders of close to 3000 civilians.

Outside Zion Bank’s conference, student protester Emily Lacock explained, “Uribe deserves to know that people recognize his crimes and will not silence their outrage.” While passing out flyers detailing Uribe's criminal record, the protesters chanted, “Plan Colombia is a scam! Death squads sent by Uncle Sam!”

“I think it’s atrocious that the U.S. can masquerade Uribe as a 'hero',” said protester Kristen Lambert. Kristen continued, “During Uribe’s presidency, Colombia’s human rights record was the worst in our hemisphere and people suffered more overwhelming poverty while he supposedly improved the economy.”

The sharp divisions in the U.S. were felt on the street that day. As bankers rushed into the Marriott Hotel to hear Uribe's lies, many of the hotel's staff took an interest in the activities on the outside. There were local construction workers and carpenters’ union members who stopped to chat about the situation in Colombia. The union workers were upset to hear how their Colombian counterparts were being murdered at a rate of one a week.

The Revolutionary Students Union (RSU), affiliated with the Students for a Democratic Society, organized the protest as part of the movement against U.S. intervention and war in Colombia. A RSU leader said, “Even in Utah, Uribe will be held accountable for waging a dirty war against the poor farmers and working people of Colombia. We oppose the U.S.-led counter-insurgency war and say no to the Colombia Free Trade Agreement. By speaking out against America's lackeys like Uribe, we cut through the deafening silence that holds so many captive while expressing the solidarity with those who are facing the brunt force of the U.S. empire.”

#SaltLakeCityUT #AntiwarMovement #Colombia #Uribe #CocaCola #AlvaroUribe #Drummond #ChiquitaBrands #AutodefensasUnidasDeColombia #AUC #RevolutionaryStudentUnion #deathSquads #Americas

Salt Lake City, UT – Students, military veterans and anti-war activists rallied here March 19 for the National Day of Action Against War.

March 19 now marks two significant events: the eighth anniversary of the invasion of Iraq and day one of the U.S.-led bombing and intervention into Libya.

More than 50 people turned out to declare their opposition to ongoing U.S. wars. Local activists spoke out against the U.S. war and occupations in Afghanistan and Iraq, especially the violence perpetrated by the U.S. against women. Kristen Lambert said in her speech, “No more will the rape of women in occupied countries by U.S. military and government officials be ignored.”

Another speaker talked about the repression of the anti-war movement here at home. In September, 2010 the FBI raided seven homes in Chicago and Minneapolis and now 23 anti-war and international solidarity activists have been called before U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald’s Grand Jury in Chicago.

The rally was capped off by a speech given by Aaron Davis, a member of Veterans for Peace, who called for an end to Wall Street investors’ wars that are financed on the backs of working-class people.

This rally marks the return of the anti-war movement in Utah. Several groups plan on organizing future events in light of the U.S. attacks on Libya and in response to the ongoing atrocities committed in Afghanistan, Iraq, Yemen and Pakistan. Brett Barrett, the head of the Revolutionary Student Union's anti-war committee said, “We are making plans for a campaign against military recruitment on campus to deter college students from enlisting in the U.S. empire’s wars. The Revolutionary Student Union will lead Utah's charge against these bloody wars!”

#SaltLakeCityUT #AntiwarMovement #Afghanistan #Iraq #IraqWar #VeteransForPeace #Utah #RevolutionaryStudentUnion #AfghanistanWar #Libya #LibyaWar

Salt Lake City, UT – More than 1000 people gathered here, March 5 to fight for immigrant rights. United for Social Justice called for the rally and protest march in response to the many repressive bills attacking immigrants that have been proposed by Utah lawmakers.

Protesters specifically targeted Utah State Representative Stephen Sandstorm’s House Bill 497 that would open the door for Arizona-style police checks of people’s immigration status. In addition to racially profiling Chicanos, Mexicans and other Latinos, it would waste tax money and police time. The marchers also targeted other bills such as HB 116, which authorizes a guest worker program, and HB 191, which would make it more difficult for undocumented students to get in-state college tuition. The Republican super-majority in the legislature is likely to pass most of these bills.

Participants demanded an end to laws that criminalize their communities and turn undocumented workers into second-class citizens. Protesters demanded full amnesty for all undocumented people.

“Don’t let Utah become Arizona” appeared on signs and in speeches as the theme of the rally. Immigrant rights leaders are fully aware of the negative economic impact and harm to jobs that the Arizona laws are causing in that state. The speakers for the rally included students, a local church pastor and the extraordinarily popular former mayor of Salt Lake City, Rocky Anderson.

The protesters marched on the on the Utah State Capitol chanting “Si, se puede!” “Education not deportation!” and “Shame on Sandstrom!”

Melodía Gutiérrez of the Revolutionary Students Union at the University of Utah expressed the view of the millions who joined the immigrant rights mega-marches just a few years ago, saying, “The right to life, liberty and happiness should not be a copyrighted American dream but a human right.”

Mark Alvarez of United for Social Justice summed up the feelings of many in the rally, “Shame on Utah legislators who reduced human beings to mere economic actors. Shame on Utah legislators who pit documented workers against undocumented workers. Celebrate people who speak with an accent. Celebrate workers.”

With May 1 fast approaching, students and immigrant rights activists are planning more protests and marches against repressive legislation in state capitols across the country.

#SaltLakeCityUT #RevolutionaryStudentUnion #UnitedForSocialJustice #HouseBill497 #HB116 #HB191

Salt Lake City, UT – The United for Social Justice Coalition rallied at the State Capitol building here, on the evening of Jan. 24. Immigrant rights activists are fighting back against proposed bills that will further criminalize undocumented immigrants. 250 people braved the cold weather to show their support for the undocumented immigrants on the first day of the Utah legislative session. The crowd chanted slogans such as, “No human is illegal!” “Fund education not deportation!” and “They say ICE attack, we say fight back!”

Many leaders spoke out. Students from Cottonwood High School told heart-breaking stories of fellow students who had no chance for higher education despite their hard work and excellent grades. Two United for Social Justice leaders, speaking in Spanish, encouraged the protesters to organize events in their communities.

Mark Alverez, a local lawyer, spoke in both English and Spanish pointing out the unconstitutionality of the state immigration laws saying, “Utah doesn't need one voice, but a thousand voices. Don't let Utah become Arizona.” The keynote speaker, Dr. Rev. Michael Minch spoke: “All people should be welcomed by Christians regardless of their nation of origin.” This dovetailed with the unveiling of a giant billboard stating, “God doesn't discriminate – why should Utah?”

The Revolutionary Students Union (RSU) took an active role in organizing the event and distributed “Know your rights” pamphlets and information helpful to immigrants. The RSU also promoted pamphlets on international solidarity and against U.S. war and occupation. Josh West, speaking for the RSU said, “The nations who have had their governments overturned and their land stolen by the U.S. have every right to determine their own destiny. These nations include the Native Americans, the Hawaiians, the Puerto Ricans and yes, the Chicanos and Mexicanos currently living in the territory occupied by the United States. They have the right to govern themselves. They have the right to control their natural resources. They have the right to speak their own language!” He then led the crowd in a chant, “All nations should be free!”

The rally was a step in the struggle for immigrant and workers’ rights. Scores of energized activists signed up to help organize and participate in follow up actions. The protest drew a diverse crowd of people, from many walks of life. Finally, it put on notice those politicians in the Utah legislature seeking to criminalize undocumented people.

#SaltLakeCityUT #RevolutionaryStudentUnion #UnitedForSocialJusticeCoalition

Salt Lake City, UT- 200 protesters filled the Utah State Capitol Building in solidarity with undocumented immigrants on July 29. Their chants rang through the capitol, expressing outrage at Arizona’s latest piece of racist legislation aimed at Mexican and Chicano people. On the day that SB1070, the anti-immigrant law, went into effect in the neighboring state of Arizona, groups such as the Salt Lake Autonomous Brown Berets and the Revolutionary Student Union (RSU) joined with Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan (MEChA) for a rally. The coalition sent a clear message to Utah’s legislators, “Racist legislation not welcome here!”

A Utah right-wing group, the Patrick Henry Caucus, is having its state senators propose copycat legislation: SB81 and SB251. Despite a last-minute federal government injunction against aspects of Arizona’s SB1070, these far right senators announced publicly that they are still proposing such legislation in Utah.

Inside the capitol building five dedicated women activists delivered inspiring speeches that energized the protesters to stop racist laws targeting Mexican and other immigrants. The messages of solidarity printed on signs and expressed by the speakers came from a variety of perspectives, all united in support of immigrants’ rights. One Christian speaker asked, “Who would Jesus deport?” Others represented socialist, feminist and LGBTQ groups.

Many in attendance were not satisfied with leaving their message within the confines of the capitol building and after the rally ended, they enthusiastically took their signs and chants to the streets. The approach of the marchers was noticed blocks away by the sound of pro-immigrant and pro-worker slogans, the sight of the red and black flags waving at the front of the procession, and students and immigrant rights activists holding protest signs declaring, “SB1070 tears families apart,” “Stop the hate!” and “Por la reforma migratoria.”

#SaltLakeCityUT #ChicanoLatino #SB1070 #RevolutionaryStudentUnion #MovimientoEstudiantilChicanoDeAztlánMEChA

Salt Lake City, UT – Taylorsville Park became the site of heated exchange between the right-wing Patrick Henry Caucus picnic and a wide coalition of progressive organizations protesting them, June 4. Gregory Lucero from the Revolutionary Students Union coordinated the protest along with the Autonomous Brown Berets of Salt Lake City. They targeted the Patrick Henry Caucus because it supports bringing the Arizona apartheid immigration bill SB1070 to Utah.

The Patrick Henry Caucus is a far-right branch of the Republican Party, which supports cutting all social welfare programs, militarizing the border and supporting bills which allow for the checking of immigration status for ‘reasonable suspicion.’

Representative Carl Wimmer who supports the Patrick Henry Caucus said, “Illegal is a status, not a race. The Patrick Henry Caucus, in no way, shape or form, supports racial profiling.” Gregory Lucero disagreed stating, “There's no objective criteria by which you could determine or have reasonable suspicion of someone being illegal. In this case, the only criteria that could be used would be coincidental criteria like skin color or voice or accent, which have no legal bearing whatsoever.”

The protesters sought equal rights for all workers and an end to national oppression and discrimination. They chanted slogans such as, “Brown, black, yellow, white, same struggle, same fight.”

Gregory Lucero explained, “You have an extreme double standard here. Capital in the form of investment and industry travels freely to devastate the Mexican economy, but labor is criminalized and restricted as undocumented workers search for a better life.”

Daniel Argueta, a Brown Beret member, chastised Republican Senate hopeful Tim Bridgewater, “Tim, you've got to do what's right regardless of whether its popular with your party – and you know this bill isn't right.”

#SaltLakeCityUT #Arizona #BoycottArizona #SB1070 #Utah #RevolutionaryStudentUnion #PatrickHenryCaucus #AutonomousBrownBerets #CarlWimmer