Hey,

As some of you may know I have been helping out at Cafe One/Whatson for a few weeks, and have played a small part in promoting this event to grassroots groups and student groups (of a non-grassroots nature) the hope was - in some naive idealistic sense - to create some sustainable links between grassroots groups and young people who have made a pro-active step in becoming active (with such groups as People and Planet, STAR (student action for refugees), BUST the war, Warwick Anti-sexist Society, vegetarian and animal rights groups and LBGT organisations). I thought it could be possible to create something very positive through having so many enthusiastic and politicised individuals under the same roof. In terms of grassroots groups invited (in response to Rhizome), I didnt wish to exploit my knowledge of various email lists and with the exception of WMA whom I invited by email, I made members of the various groups aware though actually physically speaking to them; this is because I don't wish to be seen as endorsing something which I have not myself organised. This has proven to be a wise move, since despite arguing vehemently with them, the Cafe - whom i still believe had the best of intentions - have (in my absence) invited Guy Taylor from Globalise Resistance, as well as an SWP member in charge of screening the film. I cannot and will not promote something that I would not feel comfortable attending myself.

I see that ensuring the uncompromised integrity of my politics and relations with those I see as my friends as more important than my job, I'm risking my job in advising grassroots organisations and there participants to NOT attend the Friday event at Cafe One; at least if they have hopes of an opportunity to network (this is due to the attendance of hierarchical Trotskyist groups who have an agenda to recruit, and take over campaigns and events). I urge you to read the pamphlet published by Schnews about the SWP/GR at  http://www.schnews.org.uk/monopresist/monopoliseresistance/. From a cultural point of view the music and events may of course be of interest, and I dont wish to make who wish to attend those workshops feel as though they me be compromising themselves - we are after all our own authority!

I'd like to think that something positive could come out of all of this, and I have been extremely motivated by the response from people towards the idea of building a stronger activist network in the region, and that it would be a shame to waste this energy. Maybe we can use this enthusiasm to have our own *autonomous* meeting with regards to creating a social centre and stronger network. Perhaps we can build on the idea of making link between grassroots groups and student groups. Just look at the interest Critical Mass has mustered in direct action groups from the Birmingham students who attend? Perhaps we could begin with regular Indymedia screenings?

Well, I've said my piece. See you at Critical Mass! Please circulate this message to those whom you feel it may be relevant. I think I will attend, if not only to give my two pennies worth to Mr Guy Taylor.

Soy-lidarity!