This collective autobiography delves into the lives of the RNC 8, who were charged with violations of the Minnesota Patriot Act for organizing logistics protests against the 2008 Republic National Convention. Offering a glimpse into the contemporary reality of dissent in America , the book explores the upbringings and early political involvements of the defendants, their infiltration of the convention, and the subsequent arrests, legal defense, and outcomes of the case. Contributors include Luce GuillƩn-Givins, Max Specktor, Eryn Trimmer, Monica Bicking, Robert Czernik, and Garrett Fitzgerald. Their stories provide an understanding of the political repercussions experienced by activists today as a result of protest activity.
What People Are Saying
āAn eye-opening and provocative book, Conspiracy to Riot in the Furtherance of Terrorism is also an invitation to revolution in a time of peril and possibility.ā Bill Ayers, author, Fugitive Days: A Memoir and To Teach: The Journey in Comics
āThese narratives of the RNC 8 spotlight the underbelly of political repression: surveillance, preemptive arrests, intimidation, cruel and unfair punishment, and inflammatory accusations of terrorism. This important, passionate, and courageous book is a necessary read for everyone who stands on the frontlines of social change.ā Dr. Jason Del Gandio, author, Radical for Radicals: A Handbook for 21st Century ActivistsāIf you want to learn about state repression and its effects on activists, then this is the book for you. It chronicles the inner thoughts, reflections, and emotions of the RNC 8. Their courage and determination comes across clearly through a first person narrative, bring with it an avalanche of lessons for individuals and social movements confronting power. Donāt miss it.ā Dr. Luis A. Fernandez, author, Policing Dissent and Shutting Down the Streets
āBy bringing these stories to light, and allowing them to speak for themselves, Leslie James Pickering has created a book that counters the effects of government repression on some of our best and brightest revolutionary organizers. May their stories, and our struggle, live on!ā Dylan Powell, The Vegan Police
āConspiracy to Riot in the Furtherance of Terrorism documents important lessons for those engaging in civil disobedience, and should be added to the historical record of political conflict. Unfortunately, this volume also documents the ability of the state to repress political dissentāpossibly the most important lessons for those of us interested in imagining and striving for another world.ā Dr. William Armaline, Department of Justice Studies, San Jose State University
āThese first-person narratives constitute a unique document that illuminates processes of political awareness among a particular section of American youth and their responses to state repression.ā Dr. John Sorenson, chair, Department of Sociology, Brock University
About the Author
Leslie James Pickering is a founder and former spokesperson for the North American Earth Liberation Front Press Office and has written articles for Earth First! Journal, contributed to Igniting a Revolution, and is the author of The Earth Liberation Front 1997ā2002 and Mad Bomber Melville. He lives in Buffalo, New York.