- Track removal is only one element in the total strategy to interfere with the flow of weapons and obstruct U.S. military intervention in Central America (and elsewhere).
- The more tracks removed the better.
- The more people who participate the merrier;
- We should respond to those who disagree with this tactic in a friendly and open manner, while our comrades continue to dismantle the track.
- This demo belongs to no one group: our movement is strengthened by diversity of actions, and by our respect for those differences.
- We are here to continue the work in which we have all been involved, and to which Brian Willson gave part of his body, and the people of Central America their lives.
Technical Aspects of Track Removal
- The spikes on the side of the tracks need to be pulled up. Try any and all implements, use whatever works. (Sometimes by hitting the top of the spike it can be loosened.)
- The bolts joining one track to another need to be unscrewed. They are often rusted, and may need to be lubricated, a little oil or liquid wrench may help. Large pipe wrenches (with pipe extenders) probably work best. It may take some real muscle.
- Remove the track. It takes about 30 people to pick them up. Question: where should we put them? Can they be permanently ruined? Perhaps sledge hammers, and then placed on the barbed wire or fences.
- Remove wooden railway ties—crowbars, etc. and very important
- Transform railroad beds so that they can’t just put tracks back—shovels, hands, etc.
What next?
1) keep removing track behind fence going along road.
2) remove barbed wire and march on base?
Stay calm and collective, be cool, respect diversity…Tear up the tracks—stop the war!!!