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No Stolen Elections: Summary of October 26 Planning Session In Baltimore

Three basic outcomes can be anticipated on November 3, the day after voting. Bush could be "elected", Kerry could win, or it could be undecided. The planning addresses all three cases, then turns attention to the "undecided" case and the potential prospect of a stolen election.

Regardless of the outcome, people are encouraged to come out on Nov 3, beginning at 5pm, to Center and N. Charles Streets. Let the Nation and the World know that Baltimore is standing up to voice its vision of the future, regardless who is president.

What Message to Convey on November 3?

+ If Bush is “elected”
.. -Impeach Bush and Cheney
.. -Hold them accountable
.. -Political action beyond voting
.. -Anti-imperialist, anti-war, end the occupation now
.. -Resist Bush!
.. -Abolish the electoral college

+ If Kerry wins
.. -Same as above, but without the Bush references
.. -Organize! Think “Beyond Elections”
.. -War focus.
.. -Living wage, universal health care
.. -Cut the military budget
.. –Dump NAFTA, or at least gut Chapter 11 of NAFTA [Editor’s prerogative]

+ If it is Undecided
.. -Protect democracy, take to the streets
.. -Hear the people
.. -Respect the vote
.. –Activate “No Stolen Elections” Contingency Plans, See below [Editor’s prerogative]

Outreach for November 3
- Everyone should spread the word: Center & N. Charles, 5pm Nov 3
- Waverly Farmer's market – Saturday, Under JFX @ Saratoga on Sunday.

No Stolen Election Contingency Plans: A Work in Progress

The contingency planning is being conducted by “Rise Up Baltimore,” a group that has formed for this purpose. Contact: Louiex-AT-riseup.net.

Editor’s Note: All of the things being done below can be supported to by independent groups and individuals pulling in the same direction. E.g., Incorporate the basic info into your own outreach fliers, plan your own creative/artistic messages to share at the Nov 3 gathering, contact the press and urge their coverage of the Nov 3 gathering, Etc. “Distributed Action Pulling in the Same Direction.”

As an update on what was discussed in the last meeting. It was suggested that Baltimorians should respond by going to the hotspot of the stolen election (Florida, Ohio, wherever...). Some voiced concern about that proposal. They argued that, if the election is stolen in Florida, and tips the election, then it is stolen from everyone and we should act wherever we are.

It was noted that the national call says go to problem spots, or go to DC, or do something locally. Individuals may go to problem spots in the country, but our responsibility is to plan for a Baltimore response.

General discussion about action plans: It was proposed that we do some banner drops in Baltimore and focus action on DC. Others want to focus on keeping an action in Baltimore so that we can harvest the discontent of folks that have been working on this campaign like no other. There's a possibility that we could do something in both Baltimore and DC.

The General Proposal is that we do an action in Baltimore that's very visual and has a non-violent civil disobedience component. It was also suggested that we prepare an element that is less risky and incorporates a broad spectrum of people. We will stay in touch with DC as planning efforts evolve. This is unlikely to be a one-day thing if the election is stolen.

Outreach

+ Give out information about Rise Up Baltimore and “No Stolen Election” on during the Nov. 2 “Take Back the Streets” event.
+ Use the Nov. 3 Center and Charles gathering as an organizing opportunity.
+ Plan skits on election day about electoral theft. Have fliers for Nov. 3 and prepare a flier with the message: “If Election Stolen, Contact Us Here” flier Give out Nov. 3 information as a point of contact/demo – way people can get together.
+ Press conference proposed for Friday

Stay Tuned for More…..

A national conference call was conducted Oct. 27 A Summery is pending.

More details are coming regarding the Friday Press Conference.
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