Resolution: Build the fight to defend Carlos Montes
The following resolution was passed at the 2011 Committee to Stop FBI Repression conference.
It’s critical that we do everything in our power to build the fight to keep Carlos Montes out of jail.
Carlos Montes has spent his entire life working tirelessly for the liberation of the Chicano people. He was a founder of the Brown Berets and MECHA, is a leading figure in the immigrant rights movement and an activist in opposing U.S. wars abroad and defending public education here at home. His efforts stand as an example to all of us who want a world free of oppression and exploitation.
24 anti-war and international solidarity activists are facing serious repression at the hands of the FBI and the U.S. ‘Justice’ Department; Carlos Montes is one of them. The FBI orchestrated the Los Angeles Sherriff’s raid on his home. Defeating the attack on Montes is vital to the defense of the other 23.
The charges against Carlos Montes have been exposed for what they are – a pretext to attack those of us who speak out and organize against injustice at home and abroad. There is no evidence to back up the charges that he has done something wrong. His life’s work stands as a testament that he has done everything right. To defend Carlos is to defend everyone’s democratic rights.
Carlos Montes is a leader who name is known to many. He has faced state repression in the past and was freed because of the support of the people. The Committee to Stop FBI Repression will make every effort to ensure that his name is known to many more. His real contributions to people’s movements should be popularized as broadly as possible. This means handing out leaflets, putting up posters, organizing events and film showings. Programs where Carlos speaks via Skype should take place. This case needs to be brought up at every protest for what is right and good. Every place that is Occupied should get the word about Carlos Montes.
Freedom is not free. It this country, it costs money. In every city possible fundraising should be organized to help the legal defense work.
At the important junctures in the legal proceedings against Carlos, we should look to organize protests, call-in days and public responses to this attack. Everyone should sign the petition around his case at http://www.stopfbi.net/petition/national. We cannot allow the legal proceedings to take place in the isolation of the Los Angeles court building. An active movement in his defense is needed. Key dates in the proceedings should be announced. If he is put on trial, we will organize a national day of protest on the opening day. All of us should respond.
We need to seize the time. The democratic rights of all of us are at stake. No amount of work to get these charges dropped is too much. Together we will win.
