Thread by @WIGreens

Misinformation is being spread about the Wisconsin Green Party’s relationship to recent “Rage Against the War Machine” events.
The WI Green Party did not in any way support “#rageagainstthewarmachine”.
Here's why.
#RageAgainstWarMachine #RageAgainstWar
wisconsingreenparty.org/ratwm

The question of supporting RATWM was discussed by the WIGP Coordinating Council in the weeks preceding February 19th, and was considered again during the February 15th Coordinating Council meeting. Following this discussion, WIGP leadership voted 6-2 not to endorse the rally.

We recognize that peace on a global scale cannot be achieved without social justice. The views & goals of many organizations & individuals who planned & participated in RATWM contradict the Green Party’s commitment to social justice & equity as part of our party’s 4 Pillars.

The organizers of RATWM support the unjust system of capitalism that puts profits before people, engages in tactics of class war to maintain hegemony, and drives war & imperialism as its imperative for endless growth inevitably erupts in wars for resources & economic supremacy.

RATWM featured a lineup of speakers known for racism, antisemitism, transphobia, homophobia, pro-war views, sexual misconduct & vaccine skepticism. At least 2 speakers were employees of Russian state media who have been spreading the Russian government line on the war in Ukraine.

"Rage Against the War Machine" was attended and enthusiastically received by a variety of neofascists, cultists, war supporters (many flying Russian flags), and members of white supremacist groups. These elements did not “just show up” as unwelcome guests...

Starting from the featured speakers and sponsoring organizations, "Rage Against the War Machine" organizers deliberately fostered an atmosphere that not only tolerated, but encouraged right-wing extremists and pro-war forces to attend.

Organizers Angela McArdle of the Libertarian Party & Nick Brana of the “People’s Party” registered Rage Against the War Machine as a 501(c)4 nonprofit corporation, & raised over $100,000 over the course of promoting the event. Where this money is going largely remains a mystery.

Other anti-war organizations and activists have expressed concern about the Rage Against the War Machine Rally for similar reasons. These include the World Socialist Web Site, LA Progressive, Jacqueline Luqman of Black Agenda Report and Black Power Media, and Ajamu Baraka.

More detailed information about the repellent views and actions of many "Rage Against the War Machine" organizers, featured speakers, and sponsoring organizations is included and linked in our statement: wisconsingreenparty.org/ratwm

Ajamu Baraka, a National Organizer for the Black Alliance for Peace and 2016 Green Party Vice Presidential candidate, had this to say about "Rage Against the War Machine":

https://twitter.com/ajamubaraka/status/1624103236469653521?cxt=HHwWooCwhb3S_IktAAAA

We stand in solidarity with the marginalized and oppressed people as well as others whose concerns about "Rage Against the War Machine" and its speakers, participants, and larger intentions were marginalized and dismissed.

"Rage Against the War Machine" managed only poor attendance and reception, despite raising over $100,000 and being amplified by far-reaching right-wing media outlets like Fox News and Alex Jones’ Infowars...

"Rage Against the War Machine" demonstrates clearly that the anti-war movement will only discredit and destroy itself if it attempts to join forces with known grifters, cultists, right-wing extremists, white nationalists, sexual predators, and pro-war trolls.

The Wisconsin Green Party remains committed to a peaceful world without war; this includes social and economic justice. Anyone claiming to represent WIGP in support of "Rage Against the War Machine" is acting in direct opposition to our democratically-made majority decision.

More information regarding Rage Against the War Machine organizers and invited participants, with links and sources, can be found here: wisconsingreenparty.org/ratwm

Nick Brana has been self-appointed leader of the “People’s Party” since 2017, during which time the “party” has continually raised money but has not run any campaigns, petitioned for ballot access in any states, or held a convention where members could draft a platform or bylaws.

Numerous ex-members of the "People's Party" have described a top-down, undemocratic organization where members who dissent from Nick Brana’s decrees or who ask for greater democracy, transparency, or accountability have been repeatedly purged.

The People's Party's lack of transparency extends to finances, which Nick Brana has hidden from scrutiny by appointing his own father as treasurer.
Brana conducted his latest purge while under investigation within the party for serious charges including sexual abuse of a staffer.

Scott Ritter, who was invited to "Rage Against the War Machine" as a featured speaker, recently wrote on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/realscottritter/status/1621860472986210304?s=21&t=1c-BnGA6uxTY6ydpYfmiUw

While Ritter was then asked to drop out due to pro-war advocacy & past conviction for sex crimes involving a minor, he nevertheless released his rally speech online and was a featured guest at the after-party hosted by the Center for Political Innovation, a sponsor of the rally.

Featured speaker Jackson Hinkle vehemently supports Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, has sold t-shirts with the Z symbol used by the Russian invaders, advocates for Putin to conquer Ukraine, & regularly makes fascistic statements like “God will liberate Ukraine from the Satanists.”

Rage Against the War Machine sponsor the Center for Political Innovation invited Matt Heimbach and Shandon Simpson, neo-nazi organizers of the 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville where fascists murdered a counter-protester, to the rally and the CPI afterparty...

At CPI's "Rage Against the War Machine" afterparty, Heimbach and Simpson had a recruitment booth for their rebranded organization “Patriotic Socialist Front”. Heimbach and his associates flew Russian imperial flags at the rally.

https://twitter.com/GynoHaz/status/1627540981955588096

Featured speaker Diane Sare was a US Senate candidate in the LaRouche Party, connected to the LaRouche movement, a political cult based on adherence to the ideology of Lyndon LaRouche. As LA Progressive summarized, “In decades past, the virulent anti-Semite, racist, homophobic...

neo-fascist and degenerate conspiracy theorist LaRouche and his thugs collaborated with various local police agencies to spy on and disrupt left organizations... they repeatedly organized via their well publicized “Operation Mop-Up” violent physical attacks on left organizations.

LaRouche’s wife also spoke at the rally as an unannounced featured speaker. The LaRouche cult had a heavy presence at the rally, with multiple featured speakers, numerous banners and signs, and members distributing literature and recruiting from the crowd.

https://twitter.com/CarlBeijer/status/1627377544239407105

Jordan Page, another "Rage Against the War Machine" featured speaker & musical guest, wrote the anthem for the Oath Keepers, a “far-right anti-government militia whose leaders have been convicted of violently opposing the government of the United States."

https://twitter.com/TheWastingTimes/status/1625487856314761221

"Rage Against the War Machine" featured speakers Garland Nixon and Wyatt Reed are both employees of Sputnik International, a Russian state media outlet that disseminates the Russian government’s line on the war in Ukraine.

Tulsi Gabbard, former member of Congress turned Fox News pundit, was heavily promoted by "Rage Against the War Machine" despite her record of support for war, increased military spending, drones, torture, and the brutal military occupation of Palestine.

https://twitter.com/chuckmodi1/status/1627346948037521410?s=21&t=2b9qyYxz9vtYKAGAX7juMA

More detailed information about why the Wisconsin Green Party does not support "Rage Against the War Machine", and the repellent views and actions of many organizers, featured speakers, and sponsoring organizations is included and linked in our statement: wisconsingreenparty.org/ratwm

"Rage Against the War Machine" featured speaker Daniel McAdams of the Ron Paul institute tweeted "I'm with Russia 100%" in support of Russia's oppressive anti-LGBTQ laws and referred to the LGBTQ community as "perverts" who "sexually attack our children".

https://twitter.com/chrisspangle/status/1622256025288966144?s=21&t=CqWjNLsUwaetsg7pyT9RdQ