sfexpat2000
from the break your heart folder: Austin Activist Admits He Infiltrated RNC Protest Groups
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Prominent Austin Activist Admits He Infiltrated RNC Protest Groups as FBI Informant
We turn now to a story out of Austin, Texas that has shocked social justice activists nationwide. A prominent Austin-based activist named Brandon Darby has revealed he worked as an FBI informant in the eighteen months leading up to the Republican National Convention. Darby has admitted to wearing recording devices at planning meetings and wearing a transmitter embedded in his belt during the convention. He is expected to testify on behalf of the government later this month in the trial of two Texas activists who were arrested at the RNC on charges of making and possessing Molotov cocktails.
In a statement, a group of Austin-based activists called the Austin Informant Working Group condemned Darby. The group says: “he emerging truth about Darby’s malicious involvement in our communities is heart-breaking and utterly ground-shattering to those of us who were closest to him.†The statement goes on to raise suspicions Darby may have gone beyond spying on the accused activists but in fact encouraged and provoked them into breaking the law.
But in an open letter to the activist community, Darby maintained he only acted to prevent violent actions by a small group that, he says, would have undermined the cause of social justice. Darby writes: “I strongly stand behind my choices in this matter… hen people act out of anger and hatred, and then claim that their actions were part of a movement or somehow tied into the struggle for social justice only after being caught, it’s damaging to the efforts of those who do give of themselves to better this world. The majority of the activists who went to St. Paul did so with pure intentions and simply wanted to express their disagreements with the Republican Party. It’s unfortunate that some used the group as cover for intentions that the rest of the group did not agree with or knew nothing about… I made the choice to have my identity revealed and was well aware of the consequences for doing so. I know that the temptation to silence or ignore the voice of someone who you strongly disagree with can be overwhelming in matters such as this one… I have confidence that there will be a few people interested in discussion and in better understanding views different from their own, especially from one of their own. My sincere hope is that the entire matter results in better understanding for everyone.â€
Darby has been involved in several activist groups. He is best known as a founder of the New Orleans-based group Common Ground Relief, which he helped start after Hurricane Katrina.
http://www.democracynow.org/2009/1/6/prominent_austin_a...
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video, audio at link 
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=4777041&mesg_id=4777041
Yes, let's cry about criminals wanting to toss Molotov cocktails and either injure or kill some Republicans.
What a messed up loon.
bluestateguy
1. We should use FBI informants only they should be used to infiltrate militant anti-abortion groups, anti-gay organizations, neo-con think tanks and white supremacist groups.
It's high time these people have the Patriot Act used against THEM. They need to be made to understand that there is a new sheriff in town.
Yeah, because there's just been a rash of militant conservative groups trying to kill the opposition as of late. It, like, happens everyday.
sfexpat2000
Response to Reply #1
8. If the FBI were clean, they would do that.
Speaking of clean......
Cid_B
Response to Reply #1
11. You think they don't?
militant anti-abortion groups ( definitely), anti-gay organizations (probably), neo-con think tanks (huh?) and white supremacist groups (absolutely).
I know it is easy to feel picked on but there are other fish in the bad guy sea.
Slam!!
Warpy
4. The rich conservatives are only terrified of the left so don't expect to see many FBI stooges at Christian Identity rallies.
I'm surprised people have forgotten how to play "spot the stooge." It was always a highlight of any anitwar demonstration planning group. We could usually spot him and send him out to a car to fetch something during critical times. They're always very eager to please and they're usually the first to suggest violence or destruction of property.
Every group in this country that is trying to do something for we the people needs to assume it's been infiltrated on some level. Either the phones and emails are being watched or an agent is physically there.
There is often a fine line between paranoia and justifiable fear. The actions of our government over the past 60 years suggest the latter is far more accurate for anyone trying to improve things for their fellow citizens.
//DU mode on//
It's not terrorism if we do it!! //DU mode off//
MADem
7. Well, he said he acted out of pure motives, That he didn't want a bunch of violent assholes ruining the cause. I note that his stated purpose was to prevent people with molotov cocktails from causing violence and destruction.
Of course, those who don't believe this guy did this voluntarily will wonder what they got on him to flip him like that? It had to be something with a smooth jailstretch--a good five to fifteen, at least, or maybe a twenty five to life.
I'm assuming someone will ask him the question on the stand...
sfexpat2000
Response to Reply #7
9. When you think about it, what else would he say? Did you watch the segment?
I'm not keen on the idea of violent @ssholes, either. Not at all. But, it looks like he had something to do with introducing violence into these situations in the first place.
Listening to Malik is heartbreaking. He was close to this guy and he was obviously crying while he was talking to Amy.
Oh no, you're not keen on the idea of violence. You just get upset when an infiltrator prevents it from happening.
How two-faced can you get in the same thread?
katmandu2007
17. Whats scary is if he could provoke a peaceful group into building such horrors as molotov coctails, then pretty much anyone could have provoked them. The group was probably already on the edge ready to commit to violence. I'm glad he was there!
Burning is such a horrible way to die.
Exactly! These people were looking for a reason to commit violence. They're liberals.
sfexpat2000
Response to Reply #17
18. Welcome to DU and enjoy your stay.
devilgrrl
Response to Reply #17
20. You're a bozo...
get back to class school child.
Ah, the reality based community unable to face......... reality.
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