WTF does the last line of this article even mean?

[graywarrior]

Headline
Testimony expected to start in Mass. Terror case


{snip}
Several dozen of Mehanna's supporters, as well as members of the Occupy Boston group, showed up in court.


http://itemlive.com/articles/2011/10/27/updates/updates09.txt

[Enrique]

1. wtf

:wtf:

[Gold Metal Flake]

2. It's that famous Liberal media Bias we hear so much about.

Good luck getting the name of the AP propagandist who threw that little bomb in there.

[graywarrior]

3. No kidding.

I can't wait to read some of the comments.

[MADem]

4. They were getting out of the rain/using the bathrooms? nt

[graywarrior]

5. LOL!

[ManiacJoe]

6. Which part seems confusing?

Court proceedings generally are open to the public; anyone who wants to go can do so.

[dkf]

7. Groups rally at Tarek Mehanna trial

Mehanna's supporters were expected to meet with members of Occupy Boston at the encampment at Dewey Square Thursday at 7:30 a.m. to march down to the courthouse.

http://www.necn.com/10/27/11/Groups-rally-at-Tarek-Mehanna-trial/landing_newengland.html?blockID=583578&feedID=4206

[MADem]

11. Americans for Peace and Tolerance? They sound kinda intolerant to me...

or at least, they've convicted this guy ahead of the trial...

Meanwhile, activists from Americans for Peace and Tolerance plan to hold a counter protest. The group lists on its website a complicated web of relationships between radicalized Islamists in the Middle East and Mehanna.


I don't think this "solidarity with a guy who put death threats against American servicemembers on the internet" effort puts the focus on jobs and economic equality, myself, but whatever.

1968 all over again?

[Sarah Ibarruri]

20. Mehanna's supporters requested a meeting? I think OWS needs to stick to OWS

If they don't, the whole idea behind OWS will be washed out and it will no longer have a firm resolve.

[MADem]

34. Thank you. That is all I am trying to say. I think this guy deserves his trial, and that

it should be fair. However, I am not naive--this is the guy who is accused of doing the subtitles for Osama's speeches, and saying in emails that he wants to go to Yemen and train to kill American servicemembers.

OWS does not need to be associated with this guy's problems. They need to stick with JOBS, corporate corruption, the unholy alliance between government and greedy business interests, economic parity, social safety nets, healthcare as a right, not a privilege for the rich...that kind of stuff.

Most people GO for "that kind of stuff." Not everyone goes for piping up for some guy who is accused of those kinds of heinous activities.

[redqueen]

36. +1

Whoever is getting dragged off messages needs to rethink their strategy. Apparently this hit the news October 10... and they're still at it. *sigh*

[Sarah Ibarruri]

8. It means someone from OWS might have shown up, said he was from OWS...

and the writer of the article, automatically saw an opportunity to sensationalize the story by connecting OWS with this trial and terrorism, etc.

[graywarrior]

10. That's what I think, too.

[MADem]

12. Wish that were the case, but no--look upthread. There's convergence. nt

[Luminous Animal]

14. I just checked out the Occupy Boston site and there is no such event on their calendar.

http://www.occupyboston.org/

[redqueen]

15. Hmm... a journalist would never just make something up out of whole cloth...

would they?

[MADem]

17. Yeah, and they'd fake the video too--!!!!!

:eyes:

[Luminous Animal]

21. Where are the Occupy Boston members in the video?

[MADem]

32. In the first half. The second half protesters were the opposition group. NT

[Luminous Animal]

47. No. In the first half those are members of the Free Tarek organization.

[MADem]

50. No, they are not. The people with the brollies who look cold are OWS.

You can see their pictures in the local paper. I posted one w/in this thread. They've associated themselves with this effort for more than two weeks and it has been documented.

Go on, do the google. Your argument is routed.

[redqueen]

23. I didn't see the video yet. Oh yeah... And @!!!!!!11!!

:eyes:

Get over yourself. Please.

[MADem]

30. And you, please, do likewise. nt

[MADem]

16. You really think NECN is making it up? They are a TV station, you know.

http://www.necn.com/10/27/11/Mehannas-supporters-call-case-racist/landing_newengland.html?blockID=583630&feedID=4206

Who has "authority" over the "calendar?" That's just some guy slapping up the stuff he thinks matters.


This kind of validates my arguments for coordination in the OWS movement. You're denying, yet members of the "OWS Movement" are acknowledging to the regional news channel. When you have no spokespeople, anyone can step up and claim authoritative "solidarity" with any organization, and tie OWS to that entity--and that's how it will be played, because there is no deniability mechanism.

[Luminous Animal]

19. I watched that link. No evidence of an Occupy Boston presence. The print version

names ONE PERSON who self-identified as an Occupy Boston member who claims ZERO authoritative solidarity with the Free Tarek group. Simply because members of an org show up for an event does not mean that that event was endorsed by the organization. Events that are listed on Occupy calendars are events that were discussed in the general assembly and agreed upon by consensus.

[redqueen]

26. Shouldn't we just assume that reporters are being completely up-front and honest about OWS?

I mean, it's not like we have any good reason not to give them the benefit of the doubt, right?

... swear to God, it's like some people never learn.

[MADem]

38. Yes, they all are engaged in a deep, dark consipiracy!

:eyes:

[redqueen]

40. No, it's called not believing everything you read...

and preferring to find corraborating information before deciding you know what the fuck you're talking about.

But I totally get why you prefer the mock and snark mode of 'discussion'... it suits you. Be proud.

Here, just for you... :eyes:

[MADem]

44. Don't believe those lying eyes, either, then.

I am not mocking or snarking--but there comes a point when wishing and hoping is not going to make the Fairy Godmother appear. This is one of those times. Not everyone is a liar, despite your protestations.

This guy's supporters met with OWS Boston people, and they staged a march, which was videotaped, from Dewey to the Courthouse. Many of the people in the crowd are RECOGNIZABLE as denizens of Dewey.

Giving me the "eyes" treatment, calling me a mocker/snarker simply for not taking your wishin-n-hopin' side, and being dismissive of me isn't going to change both the facts on the ground OR the harmful perceptions that this association will cause amongst some people who are onboard with the economic message but who don't like the whole terrorist association.

The guys on Wall Street are loving this shit--it plays right into their divide-n-conquer desires.

And you, suggesting I don't know what the fuck I am talking about, when I do, are whistling in the dark. Do the Google--everyone's a liar? But YOU?

[redqueen]

48. Dude, calm down.

I wasn't wishing and hoping, I was skeptical. I never said 'everyone is a liar' or that there was any grand conspiracy, so kindly reconsider your hyperbole/word twisting/snarky brand of paraphrasing.

If you care to think back to oh, a half an hour ago... you'll remember it was YOU who started with the "eyes" treatment, I just gave it back to you.

Characterizing my skepticism as "wishin and hopin" is once more delving into the whole snark and mock thing you seem to be fond of. I regret sinking to that level earlier with that "never learn" comment... won't get sucked in again.

I "did" the Google already. Which is how I found out this story is two weeks old. :hi:

p.s. I think graywarrior was actually agreeing with you in post 22, and you responded by snarking at her. Perhaps you might consider working on your communication skills.

[MADem]

55. I am tired of being called an enemy because I don't "agree" that everything

is "wunnerful." If I sound sharp, I apologize to you. I am just sick of this shit.

I don't know how many times, in how many places, I say I want this whole OWS movement to succeed. I want it to have the historical force of the Civil Rights movement, or the battle to end the war in Vietnam.

However, when I argue tactics, and IMO the tactics have sucked in many regards (and this is just one more example) I get more crap than a portapotty at a chili cookoff. You can't, it would seem, say anything but "Happy! Glad! Fabulous! Wonderful! Rosy Glow! Yay Team!" without getting the "Ewwww, SOME people..."Concern" trolls" nonsense and I am tired of it.

I will continue to aver that this movement needs coordination and spokespeople. Allowing everyone and anyone to stroll in and tout messages that do not fall under the "Wall Street" umbrella is a recipe for movement death.

I keep saying 1968 for a reason. I don't want Mitt Romney to be the Next Richard Nixon--he's got the same creepy, icky personality, but that's as far as it should go.

[redqueen]

56. No need to apologize... I totally get it, the whole frustration thing.

This place can really wear on you.

I don't think the movement will get coordination or spokespeople as it seems that the flatness of the movement is intentional... so I guess the drawbacks to that will just have to be dealt with as they arise.

[MADem]

37. Ok, now you're grasping at straws. The people are there.

Plain as day--first half of the video.

Read all the links and watch the video again, and stop using denial as a device because the evidence is overwhelming.

"Simply because members of an org show up" has the potential to paint all members of that "org" as supporting this effort, when many of them do not want their names associated with this guy's defense.

This simply supports my argument for coordination of events and a spokesperson to separate the wheat from the chaff.

But go on and keep referencing the calendar--who keeps the calendar? What's his or her phone number? Can anyone toss anything up on it? See--there's no way to verify anything, so why should your assertions hold more weight than what's on a video on a regional TV news channel?

Here's a still photo with a related news article--do you think the Boston Globe is "in on the conspiracy" too? You see many of the same people as in the video:

http://www.boston.com/Boston/metrodesk/2011/10/trial-homegrown-terrorist-begin-today/6FU5TxE91cw3IKdM1Cc1rI/index.html

[Luminous Animal]

41. The Free Tarek movement is a stand alone movement. It has it's own membership,

website, and actions campaigns. And yes they are there with their Free Tarek signs. Again, no evidence that Occupy Boston endorsed and joined the Free Tarek organization for this event. Not even from the pictures.

http://freetarek.com/

[redqueen]

43. Occupy Boston members have had weeks to contradict

this story, if it wasn't true.

http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view.bg?articleid=1372233

Apparently they are indeed 'branching out'... ugh.

[Luminous Animal]

52. There is ZERO in that article that supports "branching out" in fact this states otherwise...

"Occupy Boston hosted the pro-Mehanna rally, but, officially, the leaderless group doesn’t have a position on the case."

And really, what the hell does "host" even mean? The SEIU has shown up with a table at the SF Occupy camp to hand out info and fliers for upcoming events. Does that mean Occupy SF is hosting SEIU? No it does not.

[redqueen]

54. Right, but this is what the media does.

We know this.

I agree that OWS just having his group of supporters stop by isn't 'branching out'... but the continuing involvement with his supporters does seem to prove that they guessed right on the whole 'branching out' thing, doesn't it?

Unless this continuing involvement isn't real, then that does seem to be what they're doing, IMO.

[Luminous Animal]

57. It was a Free Tarek action directed AT Occupy Boston. As I suspected.

The Free Tarek organization targeted Occupy Boston to spread awareness to a captive audience.

FREE TAREK FLASH MOB
"Boston Sass Attack and the Tarek Mehanna Support Committee team up for an afternoon of (legal) spectacle to spread awareness about Tarek Mehanna's unjust prosecution! We'll be performing a song about Tarek to the tune of a popular Destiny's Child song (guess which one!) and passing out sports bottles and literature about Tarek! Come out and have fun while educating the public about this important political case! The song and dance are easy to learn; we'll teach you that same day!"

http://freetarek.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=185:flash-mob-4-tarek&catid=69:past-eventsactions&Itemid=150

[ellenfl]

60. wouldn't a 'host' have to have a legal claim to the arena?

as far as i know, ows is not renting the area nor do they own it. how can they be a host?

ellen fl

[Luminous Animal]

62. They weren't host and they didn't. The Free Tarek group conducted a flash mob action at the

Occupy Boston site to hand our fliers and to educate. Occupy Boston had nothing to do with it.

http://freetarek.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=185:flash-mob-4-tarek&catid=69:past-eventsactions&Itemid=150

[MADem]

46. Google is your friend--go for it. Then tell me there's no association. nt

[graywarrior]

22. That's what scares me

[MADem]

39. And the Boston Globe? And the Washington Post?

In that case, let's all march to the sea and drown ourselves! Abandon all hope!

Hey, REDQUEEN pointed out that I may have misinterpreted your commentary. Sorry if that's the case!

[graywarrior]

63. If you did, it went over my head...as usual

Play nice, now, you two.

:grouphug:

[MADem]

65. Hee hee....yes ma'am! nt

[graywarrior]

66. We Massholes have to stick together

[MADem]

67. Indeedy! nt

[Sarah Ibarruri]

24. OWS needs to stick to OWS ideals and not confuse their ideals by jumping into all other movements

If OWS folks start getting enmeshed in all kinds of other things, soon the meaning of OWS will be impossible to discern.

[MADem]

42. Yes, ma'am. That's my POV too.

Every day spent on a "Free The Osama Translator" effort is time spent away from "Where the hell are the JOBS?" and "Put the Pigs at the Trough in JAIL" and "Stop Taxing the Middle Class So Egregiously While Giving The Rich a Free Pass" stuff.

If the guy is innocent of the charges, I wish him luck. However, I don't think Economic Equity marries well with his cause. I have to wonder which rocket scientist in the group thought this was a good idea. It should not be part of the Occupy portfolio.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

45. Exactly. Spreading OWS thin, is a really stupid idea. nt

[ellenfl]

59. or someone NOT from ows showed up and said he was from ows. eom

[Sarah Ibarruri]

68. Repukes have done that before. It wouldn't be the first nor the last time. nt

[TygrBright]

9. OMG!1! ACORN is at it again! n/t

[Motown_Johnny]

13. Well, odds are pretty good that members of the 99% were there.

Then again, you could say that about almost anything.

[graywarrior]

18. New Englan Cable News just had a vid of some protestors and mentioned Occupy

No explanation as to why they were there, except that there were a lot of supporters outside the courthouse.

[Motown_Johnny]

25. I am trying to take a "no such thing as bad press" attitude toward this

but it isn't easy.

[graywarrior]

27. Yeah, it's the way the article is written.

[Motown_Johnny]

28. well..

at least the moderators let my comment get posted


I suppose that is something

[graywarrior]

29. Here or at the Lynn Item?

[graywarrior]

31. OK, so what I am hearing now, is this is a freedom of speech issue

which is why he is getting support. They are claiming his First Amendment rights are being violated.

[redqueen]

33. Apparently this is old news.

http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view.bg?articleid=1372233

Not sure why anyone in OWS would want to start 'branching out' but whatever.

[graywarrior]

35. Thanks. Didn't see that.

The Lynn Item likes to fill it's pages with stories other than the rapes, assaults, drug arrests, racial hatred, etc that happen in the city opn a daily basis.

[Luminous Animal]

51. Most Occupy organizations host informational sessions when requested.

Though, the article doesn't even state that. What does it mean? Did the Free Tarek people merely show up and conduct their own informational rally?

Anyone or any organization can do that.

"Occupy Boston hosted the pro-Mehanna rally, but, officially, the leaderless group doesn’t have a position on the case."

[redqueen]

53. It means they're being connected to the guy...

it's one thing to host a rally... but if they're showing up for his court appearances weeks later then as for me personally, I have to question their priorities.

[Motown_Johnny]

58. not here

the mods leave me alone here

[graywarrior]

64. OK, I checked the Item

Apparently, the info came from DENISE LAVOIE, AP Legal Affairs Writer according to someone who commented.

[MADem]

49. This is not a plus for OWS in general.

In Boston, there's a lot of wiggle room, but this won't play well from sea to shining sea.

It's an unfortunate association.

I wish the guy the best of luck in his trial, and I am glad I am not on that jury.

[ellenfl]

61. so the protesters are not allowed to hold two thoughts in their

head? i thought ows had no specific representatives?

ellen fl