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Syndicated Articles From Local Imc's for December 2006
January 2007 >> << November 2006
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Dec 01 2006
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Conference to Focus on Human Rights in the South, Indymedia Plans Coverage |
Black and Brown unity is the focus of the 10th Annual Conference of the Southern Human Rights Organizers Network. From Friday through Sunday, December 8-10, activists will discuss issues, strategy, and take action. Topics on the schedule include immigrants' and women's rights, juvenile justice, low wages, felony disenfranchisement, and environmental justice. There will also be a youth summit. You can register here.
Houston Indymedia wants you to help cover the conference by publishing your reports here. Learn more at our Makin' Media workshop, this Tuesday, December 5 from 7-9 PM at Sedition Books (4420 Washington Avenue). Come find out about Indymedia, how to upload coverage to the site, basic reporting skills and interview tips. Tasty vegan snacks will be provided. We'll have a follow-up workshop the week after the conference to work on coverage for our website and radio show on KPFT 90.1 FM every Friday at 7:30 PM.
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Dec 01 2006
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WBAI Update |
Election Results are in for WBAI radio, the largest listener & staff-run radio station in the U.S. Here, Mitchel Cohen -- one of those independents elected in November -- updates us on the results.
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Dec 01 2006
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WORLD AIDS DAY: NAMING OUR DEAD OUT LOUD |
By Housing WorksIn the very first, dark minutes of World AIDS Day, we began reciting the long list of New Yorkers who have died because of the failure to adequately address the AIDS crisis. In the 25 horrible years of the AIDS pandemic, heroes have successfully spoken out, sought answers and demanded solutions. Despite this, more than 80,000 New Yorkers have died.... Read more>>
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Dec 01 2006
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Why The Pope Is a Dope |
While the corporate media continue to deny that the Pope attacked Islam in his speech two months, even a cursory reading shows that he was launching an unambiguous attack on Islam. He may be trying to make nice in Turkey now, but his speech was aimed at showing that Islam was a rejection of Christianity. Additionally, few have noticed that Benedict was arguing for the superiority of Europe as God's chosen domain.
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Dec 01 2006
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Campaigns for Freedom: Adama Bah and Dame Dieng |
Help for Adama: Some of you have already heard the story of Adama Bah. For those of you who haven't, Adama - a Muslim teenager and former student of mine at the Harlem Children's Zone - was detained by the FBI in March of 2005. Without any explanation they accused her of being an "imminent threat" and appeared ready to hold her indefinitely. After a widespread public protest, however, the government agreed to release her. Without going into a detailed history of the case, I believe she has been unfairly targeted and in the process has seen her family split apart.
Campaign to free Dame Dieng: Dame Dieng is 21 and has been arrested without any valid explanation, the Senegalese police invented the same old insult and threat known for centuries stuff when they invaded the political opponent, Idrissa Seck, headquarters where Dame Dieng happened to be, he had been recruited by this contradictor to the authoritarian Wade regime after having worked for a newspaper’s website and proved there his incredible gifts for computer matters
Campaign to free Dame Dieng: Dame Dieng is 21 and has been arrested without any valid explanation, the Senegalese police invented the same old insult and threat known for centuries stuff when they invaded the political opponent, Idrissa Seck, headquarters where Dame Dieng happened to be, he had been recruited by this contradictor to the authoritarian Wade regime after having worked for a newspaper’s website and proved there his incredible gifts for computer matters
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Dec 01 2006
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Mexico Roundup: Repression in Oaxaca and the Coup d’Etat in Mexico City |
PFP expanding operations to towns surrounding Oaxaca City: The Federal Preventative Police is expanding its operations, deaths and dissapearances mount.
Mexico: A Powder Keg:On the walls of La Realidad, the base-village of the Zapatista movement deep in the Lacandona jungle, the paintings of Emilio Zapata, Che Guevara and Subcommandante Marcos have faded over the last three years.
Mexican government squash the popular movement in Oaxaca [es]: Human rights repression in Oaxaca
Killing in Oaxaca, a dispatch from a friend's daughter: This day will go down in local history as the most intense fighting of the movement so far. Perhaps it will go down in national history as a battle of the revolution.
Rights activists held in prisons in Oaxaca:Alberto Cilia Ocampo, a thin 21-year-old university student and regional chess champion from Mexico City, came to Oaxaca to document cases of forced disappearances and other human rights violations on Monday. Little did he know that within hours of his arrival, he would become the next case.
A Look at the Popular Indigenous Council of Oaxaca-Ricardo Flores Magón (CIPO-RFM): The Popular Indigenous Council of Oaxaca-Ricardo Flores Magón (CIPO-RFM) is a social and democratic organization formed by 26 indigenous communities in Oaxaca, Mexico, comprised of about 2,000 members. They follow libertarian and indigenous ways and customs. The CIPO-RFM is a grassroots movement whose members work in their communities in the defense of human rights, on communal projects and environmental conservation, and in the provision of basic social needs.
Mexico: A Powder Keg:On the walls of La Realidad, the base-village of the Zapatista movement deep in the Lacandona jungle, the paintings of Emilio Zapata, Che Guevara and Subcommandante Marcos have faded over the last three years.
Mexican government squash the popular movement in Oaxaca [es]: Human rights repression in Oaxaca
Killing in Oaxaca, a dispatch from a friend's daughter: This day will go down in local history as the most intense fighting of the movement so far. Perhaps it will go down in national history as a battle of the revolution.
Rights activists held in prisons in Oaxaca:Alberto Cilia Ocampo, a thin 21-year-old university student and regional chess champion from Mexico City, came to Oaxaca to document cases of forced disappearances and other human rights violations on Monday. Little did he know that within hours of his arrival, he would become the next case.
A Look at the Popular Indigenous Council of Oaxaca-Ricardo Flores Magón (CIPO-RFM): The Popular Indigenous Council of Oaxaca-Ricardo Flores Magón (CIPO-RFM) is a social and democratic organization formed by 26 indigenous communities in Oaxaca, Mexico, comprised of about 2,000 members. They follow libertarian and indigenous ways and customs. The CIPO-RFM is a grassroots movement whose members work in their communities in the defense of human rights, on communal projects and environmental conservation, and in the provision of basic social needs.
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Dec 01 2006
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As Security in Oaxaca Deteriorates - A New Mexican Revolution Cannot be Ruled Out |
With Calderón’s deeply troubled inauguration last night, amidst a deteriorating security situation in Oaxaca, the possibility of a New Mexican Revolution cannot be ruled out. The once-localized and relatively contained popular unrest in the southern state of Oaxaca has evolved into the onset of a violent rebellion likely to permanently stain the early days of Calderón’s presidency, and his ability to rule the country effectively. After being temporarily eclipsed on the national scene, the defeated leftist presidential candidate, Andres Manuel López Obrador, is making his high risk feint of trying to capitalize on Oaxaca’s chaos to boost his own “revolution” by launching a “parallel government”.
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Dec 02 2006
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SMUD, Agencies Reach Accord On Upper American Hydroelectric Relicensing |
Jim Shetler, head of the negotiating team of the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD), on November 16 announced a historic "agreement in principle" between federal and state agencies, NGO's and the public utility over the terms and conditions of its 50-year license for its Upper American River Project. Photos
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Dec 02 2006
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Dec 3rd International Day of Solidarity With Political Prisoners |
CAPS is throwing a Sunday, December 3rd benefit show with speakers to observe the International Day of Solidarity With Political Prisoners at Balazo 18 Gallery, 2183 Mission St, San Francisco, with doors at 5pm. The evening will include the bands Eskapo, Masacre, Myth of Progress, Chest Full of Arrows, and Slash & Burn; speakers about the Green Scare, the Black Panther Grand Juries, Oaxaca/San Salvador Atenco (Mexico), Palestine, and the Philippines; as well as an art display by local artists. All proceeds will go towards Prisoner Support.
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Dec 02 2006
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SF and Fresno Events to Support Green Scare Prisoners |
Thursday, December 7th will be a day of Green Scare Awareness. The Green Scare includes the tactics that the US government, via its law enforcement organizations, is using to attack the ELF/ALF (Earth Liberation Front and Animal Liberation Front).
On December 7th, there will be a potluck dinner, letter writing, and screening of films about Green Scare prisoners, at Station 40 in SF beginning at 7pm. On December 8th, there will be a Green Scare Solidarity Action at the CAFE Infoshop in Fresno. There will be a 5pm teach-in with letter writing, and at 7:30pm, performers such as Ryan Harvey and Marc Gunnery of the Riot Folk collective.
On December 7th, there will be a potluck dinner, letter writing, and screening of films about Green Scare prisoners, at Station 40 in SF beginning at 7pm. On December 8th, there will be a Green Scare Solidarity Action at the CAFE Infoshop in Fresno. There will be a 5pm teach-in with letter writing, and at 7:30pm, performers such as Ryan Harvey and Marc Gunnery of the Riot Folk collective.
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Dec 02 2006
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November 30th Screening of FARMCORE to Benefit Indybay |
SF videographer Mike Kavanaugh will be screening "FARMCORE - The Movie: Punk Rock History of the SF Farm" on Thursday, November 30th at 7pm at the Roxie Film Center (3117 16th St, at Valencia). "Farmcore" is a documentary that tells the story of San Francisco's legendary Farm, located in the Mission District during the 1980s. Punk shows at The Farm featured such bands as the Dead Kennedys, Bad Brains, Black Flag, and Butthole Surfers. The Farm also hosted community gardens, an art gallery, child daycare center, and a multicultural community space. After all other major punk clubs in the city had been shut down, the Farm raged on until late 1987, when it became an early victim of gentrification of the Mission District.
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Dec 02 2006
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Vigils for “Nicole”- Filipina Woman Who Was Raped by US Servicemen |
Over a year ago, "Nicole," a 22-year-old Filipina, was gang raped and tossed aside by six U.S. Servicemen outside of a club in Subic Bay, Olongapo City (a former U.S. naval base site). On November 26th, GABRIELA Networkheld a vigil for "Nicole." 
Photos People gathered at 4pm at the Dewey Memorial in SF's Union Square, to light candles for "Nicole" and others who have been brutalized by rape and other forms of violence against women. babae sf has called for an action in support of "Nicole" to be held from 5-6:30pm on Monday, November 27th at the SF Federal Building, 450 Golden Gate Ave. GABRIELA reports that the alleged perpetrators should receive a verdict in their trial this week.
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Dec 02 2006
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More than 200 dead in Baghdad’s deadliest day of bombings |
On November 23rd, sectarian warfare in Iraq escalated after more than 200 people died and at least 250 were wounded in Baghdad, in the deadliest single day of attacks since the US invasion in 2003.
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Dec 02 2006
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Dissapearences and Deaths Mount in Oaxaca, Actions in Mexico, Solidarity in Sacramento |
On November 30th, The Federal Preventative Police expanded its operations into the surrounding towns around Oaxaca City. Today they have conducted a raid into Zaalchia, 11 kilometers outside of Oaxaca City and numerous other towns.Read More
On November 29th, Radio Universidad was handed over to the administrators of Benito Juarez Autonomous University. As part of an agreement with APPO, the University will now handle security for the station. This week, outgoing Mexican President Fox said that he would use a hard hand against the movement in Oaxaca.
There will be a Oaxaca reportback tonight, November 30th, at 7pm at Bound Together Books in SF. December 1st will be an international day of solidarity with APPO. There will be a protest at 2pm in Oaxaca. There will also be an all-day protest at the Mexican Consulate in Sacramento beginning at 11am. More events On December 6th, Barucha Calamity Peller, who has contributed to Indybay from Oaxaca will give a reportback "Oaxaca: Portrait of Rebellion," at 8pm at Station 40 in San Francisco.
On November 29th, Radio Universidad was handed over to the administrators of Benito Juarez Autonomous University. As part of an agreement with APPO, the University will now handle security for the station. This week, outgoing Mexican President Fox said that he would use a hard hand against the movement in Oaxaca.
There will be a Oaxaca reportback tonight, November 30th, at 7pm at Bound Together Books in SF. December 1st will be an international day of solidarity with APPO. There will be a protest at 2pm in Oaxaca. There will also be an all-day protest at the Mexican Consulate in Sacramento beginning at 11am. More events On December 6th, Barucha Calamity Peller, who has contributed to Indybay from Oaxaca will give a reportback "Oaxaca: Portrait of Rebellion," at 8pm at Station 40 in San Francisco.
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Dec 02 2006
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Mega-March to Surround Federal Police in Oaxaca |
November 25: The Popular Assembly of the Peoples of Oaxaca is on its seventh mega-march with the idea of encircling the federal police who have been stationed in the center square of Oaxaca City since November 2nd. The federal police has responded with massive amounts of teargas. Report from the start of the march.
The date December 1st is looming on the horizon, as it is when the fraudulently-elected Felipe Calderon is supposed to become president of Mexico, and Oaxaca's largely-deposed Ulises Ruiz Ortiz would be eligible to appoint a new governor. With the 7th Mega-Marcha, the popular movement in Oaxaca is stepping up its organizing to maintain its autonomy.
The Cinco Señores Barricade, set up in front of the Benito Juarez Autonomous University, is the last remaining barricade in Oaxaca City. Portrait of The Last Barricade by Barucha Calamity Peller
The date December 1st is looming on the horizon, as it is when the fraudulently-elected Felipe Calderon is supposed to become president of Mexico, and Oaxaca's largely-deposed Ulises Ruiz Ortiz would be eligible to appoint a new governor. With the 7th Mega-Marcha, the popular movement in Oaxaca is stepping up its organizing to maintain its autonomy.
The Cinco Señores Barricade, set up in front of the Benito Juarez Autonomous University, is the last remaining barricade in Oaxaca City.
Portrait of The Last Barricade by Barucha Calamity Peller
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Dec 02 2006
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Mike R's Anti-Campaign |
Mike R's Anti Fanclub writes: We're not associated with any parties and don't advocate any candidates. Honestly, we don't even advocate voting. But IF you vote, for fuck sake don't vote for Mike. There are some people who claim to represent you who are worse than others. Some duplicitous souls who get elected year after year by convincing hapless youth that he and they share the same values.
For one city council candidate in particular, we read his carefully-worded campaign statements, many of whose positions "neither oppose not support" this issue or that and wonder what about several months ago when he was opposing the minimum wage law? What about last year when he supported police spying and supported hotel development? What about the two decades of anti-homeless, anti-poor, and anti-youth laws he's supported?
Read more and download the flyer revochick comments: Mike Rotkin gave his offical endorsement to Dale Skillcorn for District 7 City Council Watsonville election. Dale Skillicorn is a racist...only outreached to white voters, had no spanish is his literature and is slinging mud like crazy against his opponent, Mireya Gomez, who is a honest campaining hometown girl with a degree from UCSC and over 10 years of community organizing experience.
see also: Rotkin Campaigners Vandalize Opposition's Materials and Stalk Opponents
more election articles: Measure H will fund Police 4x more than fixing roads || No on Measure G Campaign for Low Wages! || Voters qualify marijuana reform ballot initiatives across California || Please Don't Forget About Us on Election Day || Liberation News Voter Recommendations
previous election coverage: Examining Measure G, Santa Cruz's Wage Hike Ballot Initiative
Indybay's full coverage of the November 7th elections
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Dec 02 2006
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Administrative Paranoia Taking Its Toll at UCSC |
On October 23, 2006, the administration of UC Santa Cruz spent tens of thousands of dollars bussing in at least three dozen police officers (from UCLA, UC Berkeley, UCSC and possibly UCSF) to guard a Graduate & Professional School Fair from the student population. The plan worked magnificently - a solid steel fence was erected outside the fair (located at College 8), with cops surrounding the entire perimeter. Riot helmets sat on a nearby table, and half a dozen high-profile administrators stood ready for action. Within hours, the building had been transformed into a fortress, impenetrable to the hordes of violent, black-clad anarchists. Except, there was one thing the administrators hadn't planned for... there was no protest at all!
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Dec 02 2006
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Many Ocean Species Becoming Endangered |
A new study by a team of marine scientists outlined in the November 3rd edition of Science Magazine asserts a decline in marine biodiversity in the Earth's oceeans. Overfishing, pollution, and other environmental factors will wipe out the global seafood supply by 2048, if steep declines in marine diversity continue at current rates. But as FSRN's Vinny Lombardo reports, its not too late to change the outcome and protect ocean wildlife. 
Read more and listen to audio
Read more and listen to audio
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Dec 02 2006
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GE-Free Education and Dialogue with Percy Schmeiser |
California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) has organized several GE-free education and dialogue events to be held around the state, with Percy Schmeiser speaking. Schmeiser is the Canadian farmer whose canola fields were contaminated with GE seed, and who in turn was sued in 1998 by Monsanto. Tour dates include Monday, Nov. 13th in Santa Cruz; Tuesday, Nov. 14th at UC Berkeley; Thursday, Nov. 16th in Sonoma; Friday, Nov. 17th in Ukiah; Saturday, Nov. 18th in Pt. Arena/Manchester. Flyer All programs begin at 7 p.m.; proceeds will go to the Schmeisers' efforts to fight Monsanto and GE contamination, as well as to efforts to educate about the risks associated with GE crops.
Audio: "They [Monsanto] tried to do everything to destroy us"
Flyer All programs begin at 7 p.m.; proceeds will go to the Schmeisers' efforts to fight Monsanto and GE contamination, as well as to efforts to educate about the risks associated with GE crops. Audio: "They [Monsanto] tried to do everything to destroy us"
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Dec 02 2006
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Oaxaca’s Popular Movement Suffers Yet Another Brutal Day |
November 27th, 2006 - B.C. Peller reports: Following the repression exerted on November 25th the federal police (PFP) has come out with statements declaring that they're patience is exhausted and that they are willing to go all out to put an end to the movement by December 1st. Read More
November 26th, 2006 - B.C. Peller reports: There are reported to be 4 different armed groups operating in Oaxaca City at the moment, PRI backed paramilitaries, the Federal Preventative Police (PFP), the state police and the Federal Investigative Police (AFI). Read More
November 25th, 2006 - radio zapote writes: Today, after the seventh megamarch in Oaxaca, members of the APPO attempted to form a human fence around the federal preventative police (PFP), but were attacked with gas. This unleashed a series of clashes with violence again igniting in the city. Many have been arrested and there are reports of many wounded, some by gunfire. It is confirmed that three people were killed.
November 26th, 2006 - B.C. Peller reports: There are reported to be 4 different armed groups operating in Oaxaca City at the moment, PRI backed paramilitaries, the Federal Preventative Police (PFP), the state police and the Federal Investigative Police (AFI).
Read More November 25th, 2006 - radio zapote writes: Today, after the seventh megamarch in Oaxaca, members of the APPO attempted to form a human fence around the federal preventative police (PFP), but were attacked with gas. This unleashed a series of clashes with violence again igniting in the city. Many have been arrested and there are reports of many wounded, some by gunfire. It is confirmed that three people were killed.
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Dec 02 2006
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Oaxaca Prepares for November 25th Day of Action |
Tuesday, November 21: At 12:30am, armed supporters of the PRI party ransacked and burned tents at the APPO encampment in Santa Domingo. During the day, two people were detained at the Cinco Senores barricade while government forces were attempting to take it down, and it is reported that one of these two has a gunshot wound and was severely beaten. Today 10 APPO women began a hunger strike in Oaxaca City, as calls were put out for caravans to travel to Oaxaca from around Mexico for a day of action November 25th where the popular uprising will attempt to encircle the police stationed at the city center. APPO Press Release
On Monday,there were clashes with the police and barricades were re-rected around the APPO encampment. Photo Essay by Barucha Calamity Peller | Photos and Audio by Danielsan
Following the call put out by the Zapatistas for a nationwide general strike in Mexico on November 20th, actions had been planned internationally. In San Francisco, approximately 150 protesters marched during rush hour traffic, blocking the entrances to the Oakland Bay Bridge. Photos: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | En Español | 
Video 1 | 2. In Santa Cruz, a rally and march took place at UCSC. Photos
Oaxaca Coverage on Indybay
On Monday,there were clashes with the police and barricades were re-rected around the APPO encampment.
Photo Essay by Barucha Calamity Peller | Photos and Audio by Danielsan Following the call put out by the Zapatistas for a nationwide general strike in Mexico on November 20th, actions had been planned internationally. In San Francisco, approximately 150 protesters marched during rush hour traffic, blocking the entrances to the Oakland Bay Bridge.
Photos: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | En Español | Video 1 | 2. In Santa Cruz, a rally and march took place at UCSC. PhotosOaxaca Coverage on Indybay
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Dec 02 2006
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Oaxaca Benefit at RCNV in Santa Cruz |
On Friday, November 17th, Santa Cruz Indymedia presented a benefit in solidarity with the people of Oaxaca. The event started at 7:00pm at the Resource Center for Nonviolence, 515 Broadway, in Santa Cruz. There was a suggested donation of $5-20, but no one was turned away for lack of funds.
There was music from Ryan Harvey & Mark Gunnery of Riot Folk Records, a billingual presentation from Miguel Zafra who is a native Oaxaqueño and member of the Frente Indigena de Organizaciones Binacionales (FIOB) and film screenings of Granito de Arena and Infamy in Oaxaca. Read more and download the flyer
There was music from Ryan Harvey & Mark Gunnery of Riot Folk Records, a billingual presentation from Miguel Zafra who is a native Oaxaqueño and member of the Frente Indigena de Organizaciones Binacionales (FIOB) and film screenings of Granito de Arena and Infamy in Oaxaca.
Read more and download the flyer
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Dec 02 2006
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6th Mega March in Oaxaca followed by Women's March for Disappeared and Killed |
APPO Radio transcript:Bay Area supporters have announced that on the day after the next attack on Oaxaca, protests will be held at the Mexican Consulate in San Francisco (532 Folsom St.) at 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Nov. 10th–12th: APPO Constitutional Congress convenes in Oaxaca | Oaxaca at Any Cost
Nov. 10th: The Names of Oaxaca's Disappeared
Nov. 8th: Shortly after midnight, Ministerial (State) Police reportedly shot live ammunition at people on the Carrillo Puerto barricade; no one was injured. At around 1 a.m., gun shots were reported near the Soriana barricade, and there were six arrests at the Carrillo Puerto barricade. Women's march | Student's march | Memorials to the fallen | More APPO photos | The story of the takeover of Canal 9 state-run TV station
Nov. 7th: The APPO women's march in Oaxaca was attacked by the Policía Federal Preventiva (PFP), and a total of 16 protesters were arrested in Oaxaca throughout the day, including eight people kidnapped off the street by agents in a white van, according to reports on APPO Radio. Report and photos | Faces of Oaxaca | More photos from the barricades
Nov. 6th: Radio Universidad (in Spanish) Photos: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7
Nov. 5th: After a week of defending their barricades, more than a million people joined the Popular Assembly of the People of Oaxaca's (APPO) 6th Mega March. This morning, paramilitary forces repeated their pattern of early morning gunfire at the barricades, wounding 22-year-old Marco Sanchez Mertinez; he is in grave condition. 12 buses and a caravan of cars arrived from Mexico City for the march. Photos and Audio Report and Written Report from today. Read minute-to-minute updates from Oaxaca on NYC IMC. Nov. 5th in Oaxaca by Tristan | Photos from Nov. 5th by Barucha Calamity
Nov. 3rd: Radio Universidad, the movement's only remaining radio station, was successfully defended on Nov. 2nd after fierce battles with the Federal Police. Photos: 1 | 2 | Listen to live Radio Universidad coverage | Foreigners and Journalists Threatened in Oaxaca by Danielsan and Ariel
Nov. 10th–12th:
APPO Constitutional Congress convenes in Oaxaca | Oaxaca at Any Cost Nov. 10th:
The Names of Oaxaca's Disappeared Nov. 8th: Shortly after midnight, Ministerial (State) Police reportedly shot live ammunition at people on the Carrillo Puerto barricade; no one was injured. At around 1 a.m., gun shots were reported near the Soriana barricade, and there were six arrests at the Carrillo Puerto barricade.
Women's march | Student's march | Memorials to the fallen | More APPO photos | The story of the takeover of Canal 9 state-run TV station Nov. 7th: The APPO
women's march in Oaxaca was attacked by the Policía Federal Preventiva (PFP), and a total of 16 protesters were arrested in Oaxaca throughout the day, including eight people kidnapped off the street by agents in a white van, according to reports on APPO Radio. Report and photos | Faces of Oaxaca | More photos from the barricades Nov. 6th:
Radio Universidad (in Spanish) Photos: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 Nov. 5th: After a week of defending their barricades, more than a million people joined the Popular Assembly of the People of Oaxaca's (APPO) 6th Mega March. This morning, paramilitary forces repeated their pattern of early morning gunfire at the barricades, wounding 22-year-old Marco Sanchez Mertinez; he is in grave condition. 12 buses and a caravan of cars arrived from Mexico City for the march. Photos and Audio Report and Written Report from today. Read minute-to-minute updates from Oaxaca on NYC IMC. Nov. 5th in Oaxaca by Tristan | Photos from Nov. 5th by Barucha Calamity
Nov. 3rd: Radio Universidad, the movement's only remaining radio station, was successfully defended on Nov. 2nd after fierce battles with the Federal Police.
Photos: 1 | 2 | Listen to live Radio Universidad coverage | Foreigners and Journalists Threatened in Oaxaca by Danielsan and Ariel
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Dec 02 2006
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Foreigners, journalists threatened in Oaxaca |
November 3rd, 2006 - danielsan and ariel write: The climate for journalists has worsened in the days since the Federal Police occupied Oaxaca City. Today we talked to Juan Carlos Gomez, who until recently worked with a local radio station. He says he had recieved repeated threats on his life, and today was beaten by several men whom he believes are the same men who were shooting at Barricade 3 last friday, and that they were some of the same men who shot and killed Brad Will. In the interview below he describes the attack, saying 'They hit me in the stomach and the mouth... I fell back on the ground and felt a kick to my neck. I ran to the Cinco Señores [an intersection near the University] where I passed out. Some people picked me up and took me to the clinic [behind the barricades protecting Radio Universidad].'
Audio: Download the mp3 (es) (3 min. 17 sec.)
With the PFP in town, local PRIistas are threatening members of APPO, teachers, and visible members of the Oaxacan resistance, including members of the organization CIPO-RFM (Consejo Indigena Popular de Oaxaca - Ricardo Flores Magón), as well as foreigners in general and foreign journalists especially. Indymedia has an especially high profile due to Brad's affiliation with NYC indymedia. We've heard rumors that indymedia is on the minds and lips of PRIistas and government loyalists high up the chain of command, who have claimed that indymedia correspondents take orders from APPO, and that foreigners are stirring up trouble and encouraging the continuing resistance. Read more and view photos
Audio: Download the mp3 (es) (3 min. 17 sec.) With the PFP in town, local PRIistas are threatening members of APPO, teachers, and visible members of the Oaxacan resistance, including members of the organization CIPO-RFM (Consejo Indigena Popular de Oaxaca - Ricardo Flores Magón), as well as foreigners in general and foreign journalists especially. Indymedia has an especially high profile due to Brad's affiliation with NYC indymedia. We've heard rumors that indymedia is on the minds and lips of PRIistas and government loyalists high up the chain of command, who have claimed that indymedia correspondents take orders from APPO, and that foreigners are stirring up trouble and encouraging the continuing resistance.
Read more and view photos
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Dec 02 2006
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Repression in Oaxaca Worsens, Protests Around the World |
In San Jose, people will gather for a protest at the Mexican Consulate (115 4th y St. John at 2pm and at 540 N. 1st St. at 3pm) today from 2-7pm, and on Saturday, November 4th, a 6pm prayer vigil and rally, followed by a screening of films from Oaxaca, at Mi Pueblo Market at Story and King Roads.
At 5pm on Tuesday, October 31st, hundreds of people protested at the Mexican Consulate to condemn the repression in Oaxaca. Fake blood was thrown on the door of the consulate and one person was arrested. ( Photos: 1 | 2 ). Protests and vigils were held at Mexican consulates all over the world starting in the morning on Monday Oct. 30th. 
List In SF, protesters met Monday at the Mexican Consulate (532 Folsom St) at 7am ( Photos: 1 | 2 | Video ), and 5pm.
Reports from Oaxaca: 10/31: Photos | 10/30: Text by Tristan | Photos and text by Danielsan
On Sunday in Oaxaca, tanks and large machinery were used in the government in efforts to tear down barricades. Thousands of women, children, and men were in the streets, enduring attacks with tear gas and other chemical weapons. There were reports that several protesters were killed by the police, including one child. Many who have been abducted are being taken to Ixcotel Penitentary and military camps and are being beaten there. They are also raiding and destroying homes in Oaxaca, as happened in Atenco.
A film screening will be held at Station 40 on Wednesday night at 7pm, with funds raised going to people in Oaxaca.
At 5pm on Tuesday, October 31st, hundreds of people protested at the Mexican Consulate to condemn the repression in Oaxaca. Fake blood was thrown on the door of the consulate and one person was arrested. (
Photos: 1 | 2 ). Protests and vigils were held at Mexican consulates all over the world starting in the morning on Monday Oct. 30th. List In SF, protesters met Monday at the Mexican Consulate (532 Folsom St) at 7am ( Photos: 1 | 2 | Video ), and 5pm. Reports from Oaxaca: 10/31:
Photos | 10/30: Text by Tristan | Photos and text by Danielsan On Sunday in Oaxaca, tanks and large machinery were used in the government in efforts to tear down barricades. Thousands of women, children, and men were in the streets, enduring attacks with tear gas and other chemical weapons. There were reports that several protesters were killed by the police, including one child. Many who have been abducted are being taken to Ixcotel Penitentary and military camps and are being beaten there. They are also raiding and destroying homes in Oaxaca, as happened in Atenco.
A film screening will be held at Station 40 on Wednesday night at 7pm, with funds raised going to people in Oaxaca.
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Dec 02 2006
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Happy Anniversary, folks: Miss Liberty At The WTO |
A blast from yer past, from back in old Seattle. Originally posted 12.09.99:
Give me your Starbuck's, your Gap,
your Nike Towns full of sweatshop inventory,
your McDonald's, gobbling profit and craving more;
Send these, and tacky corporate-branded outlet malls to me,
I put my Louisville Slugger through your plate-glass door!
Give me your Starbuck's, your Gap,
your Nike Towns full of sweatshop inventory,
your McDonald's, gobbling profit and craving more;
Send these, and tacky corporate-branded outlet malls to me,
I put my Louisville Slugger through your plate-glass door!
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Dec 02 2006
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Anarchy in Yellowstone: A people’s history of Yellowstone National Park? |
While recent books, such as Restoring a Presence: American Indians and Yellowstone National Park by Peter Nabokov and Lawrence Loendorf, have continued the work of writing indigenous peoples back into Yellowstone’s history, most of the history of the parks is written from the standpoint of the parks’ bureaucracy as well as that of the large concessions that have managed services in the parks.
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Dec 02 2006
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NO HUMAN IS ILLEGAL! STAND UP TO THE MINUTEMEN TOMMORROW! |
NO HUMAN IS ILLEGAL! STAND UP TO THE MINUTEMEN TOMMORROW!
The minutemen are coming.. This Saturday the 2nd of December, members of "Oregonians For Immigration Reform," and "Oregon Minutemen" will be harassing immigrant day laborers. They'll be at 6th and E. Burnside from 7am till noon.
Along with their usual message of racist fear mongering, they've latched onto the public report back that the PCASC, CBLOC delegation is doing at Carpenters hall Local 247 next Tuesday
(
http://portland.indymedia.org/en/2006/11/349976.shtml)
and are asking their members to attend. In their statement they cry,"How many American Home builders are struggling because of this Criminal?" Their efforts to capitalize on recent INS charges against a local Labor organizer come across loud and clear. With the same breath that they criminalize and vilify immigrant workers these groups will work to smash our solidarity with labor struggles across the world, and pit our union members against each other.
The minutemen are coming.. This Saturday the 2nd of December, members of "Oregonians For Immigration Reform," and "Oregon Minutemen" will be harassing immigrant day laborers. They'll be at 6th and E. Burnside from 7am till noon.
Along with their usual message of racist fear mongering, they've latched onto the public report back that the PCASC, CBLOC delegation is doing at Carpenters hall Local 247 next Tuesday
(
http://portland.indymedia.org/en/2006/11/349976.shtml) and are asking their members to attend. In their statement they cry,"How many American Home builders are struggling because of this Criminal?" Their efforts to capitalize on recent INS charges against a local Labor organizer come across loud and clear. With the same breath that they criminalize and vilify immigrant workers these groups will work to smash our solidarity with labor struggles across the world, and pit our union members against each other.
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Dec 02 2006
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December 9th Events to Observe 25th Year of Mumia's Incarceration on Death Row |
The Mobilization to Free Mumia Abu-Jamal will be meeting on Saturday morning, December 2nd, at 10:30am at 298 Valencia St. The Mobe will be reporting on important news in the struggle to free Mumia, as it has been announced that oral arguments will be presented in a hearing in the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals early in 2007. On Saturday, December 9th, people all over the world will mark the 25th year of Mumia's incarceration. There will be events in San Jose, Berkeley, and San Francisco on that date.
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Dec 02 2006
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UC Student Assoc. Condemns Police Brutality - Demands Charges Dropped, Officers Suspended |
Oakland, Ca - Bill Shiebler, President of the University of California Student Association (UCSA), released a statement in response to the recent police brutality against students at the UC and the Police Brutality Resolution passed at the UCSA Board on November 18th, 2006. On October 18th, 2006 during a demonstration at UC Santa Cruz the police used batons and pepper sprays indiscriminately and without warning against students. On November 14th, 2006 UCLA Campus Police officers used their tasers several times against UCLA student Mostafa Tabatabainejad at Powell Library.
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Dec 02 2006
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Update on December 7th International Day of Solidarity with Green Scare Indictees, Detainees, and Political Prisoners |
The term Green Scare refers to the Red Scares of the early twentieth century, made famous by the McCarthy hearings and the House Un-American Activities Committee. The Green Scare demonstrates a similar systematic criminalization of dissent as the U.S. government is using all its tactics (e.g., grand juries, specialized legislation, paid agents provocateurs) to target the radical environmental and animal rights movements, those who publicly support them, and others who struggle for a healthy, diverse eco-system and the rights of animals. On December 7th, 2005, the FBI made their first arrests of "Operation Backfire," a multi-state sweep targeting alleged Earth Liberation and Animal Liberation Front activists with charges of conspiracy and arson threatening them with life in prison. Elsewhere, the government has convicted organizers of the Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty (SHAC) campaign - a campaign that ultimately kept Huntingdon off the stock market and can take credit for the divestment of hundreds of their clients and investors. The SHAC 7 are currently serving up to 6 years for violating the "Animal Enterprise Protection Act" by operating a website. In Sacramento, Eric McDavid, waiting in solitary confinement for trial, faces up to 20 years for alleged thought crime. In 2001, Jeff "Free" Luers was convicted of damaging 3 Sports Utility Vehicles that were later restored and sold. He is currently serving his 6th year of a 22 year sentence. This year, on December 7, people all over the world will be organizing and participating in events to raise awareness about the Green Scare and show solidarity with those targeted by it.
- Sun. Dec 3rd, 8:30pm: Eugene, OR @ Sam Bond's Garage, 407 Blair Blvd - "For our Friends, For the Future," a fundraising evening of speakers, film and music.This event also honors murdered journalist Bradley Will (1970-2006, see friendsofbradwill.org)
- Wed. Dec 6th, 7pm and 9pm: Portland, OR @ Clinton Street Theater 2522 SE Clinton St - Two screenings of Your Mommy Kills Animals, a new documentary by filmmaker Curt Johnson who will be present at the screening for a Q & A session afterwards. all proceeds go to the SHAC 7
- Thurs. Dec 7th, 7-9pm: Seattle, WA @ Araya's Vegetarian Restaurant, 1121 NE 45th St - Seattle in Solidarity with the Green Scare Targets!. Prisoner Letter-Writing Party, Discussion/Networking, Good Food, & Good Times. Don't let us be silenced!
- Fri. Dec 8th, 8pm: Olympia, WA "Green Scare" Benefit @ Solid Gold, 419 Boulevard Rd SE Performances by Bridget Irish, Leonardo, Myello Onyxoxo, Rachel Diamon, Shizunomargot.
- Sat. Dec 9th, 6-11pm: Portland OR: @ Liberty Hall, 311 N Ivy - "Liberating Dissent: Refusing to be Silenced" - A benefit for Green Scare defendants and Grand Jury Resistance, with presentations by Jeff Hogg and Paul Loney, updates on the Green Scare, SHAC 7, and Grand Jury Resistance, Performances by The Rag and Bone Men, Shickey Gnarowitz, Tandemnation, Drunken Boat, Nux Vomica
Some Non-cooperating Greenscare defendants who have websites: Briana Waters | Daniel McGowan | Eric McDavid | Josh Wolf | Rod Coronado | SHAC 7
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Dec 02 2006
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Boston Rallies for Rosa Parks Human Rights Day |
A coalition of groups working for social and economic justice came together in Roxbury yesterday to celebrate Rosa Parks Human Rights Day. Although the event failed to attract the many hundreds of participants present at last year’s rally and march, the resilient spirit of those present did not fail to garner support from bystanders in our city’s streets.
The first day of December marked the 51st anniversary of the arrest of Rosa Parks after refusing to give her bus seat in Montgomery, Alabama, which amounted to a direct defiance to segregation laws in the south and created a national movement to counter such racist policies.
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Dec 02 2006
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22 year-old CYCLIST KILLED on the greenway by drunk driver 12/1/06 |
Last night, an NYU graduate bicycling on the West Side Highway's bike path was killed by a drunk driver. Police say that 27 year old Eugenio Cidron turned onto the bike path after attending a party at Chelsea Piers after 9:30PM. According to the Daily News, Cidron's white BMW hit 22 year old Eric Ng so hard that his "bicycle and one of his black Converse All Stars flew onto the adjacent West Side Highway."
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Dec 02 2006
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The People's Waterfront |
The Delaware River is one of Philadelphia's most poorly used resources hidden behind an interstate highway and big-box store development. What will it take to return the river to the people?
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Dec 02 2006
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The Wave Keeps On: Ecuador Elects Leftist President |
Leftist Rafael Correa, a 43 year-old middle-class economist, beat billionaire banana magnate Alvaro Noboa in Ecuador's runoff presidential election on November 26, capturing two-thirds of the vote. Ecuador now joins Bolivia, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Chile and Brazil in electing leftist chief executives within the last year. During the campaign he said "It is necessary to overcome all the fallacies of neoliberalism," and that he advocates "Socialism for the twenty-first century."
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Dec 03 2006
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"V" Makes A Mark In DC |
On November 6, 2006, a lone man in a "V" mask and clothing visited security checkpoints at the White House, the main Treasury Building, the Department of Justice and the Capitol, to deliver a letter and the Petitions for Redress. A short videotape of the encounters has made its way around the Internet, including links from sites such as MySpace.com.
The letter informed the leaders of the Executive and Legislative branches of the federal government that up to 100 people in "V" masks and clothing would gather in silent vigil at those locations on November 14th to await a response to the Petitions for Redress.
The letter informed the leaders of the Executive and Legislative branches of the federal government that up to 100 people in "V" masks and clothing would gather in silent vigil at those locations on November 14th to await a response to the Petitions for Redress.
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Dec 03 2006
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Furious Female Furrier Protests Protesters |
Last weekends Schumacher demonstration really made use of one of our usual chants.
1, 2, 3, 4, this is a fur war. We have a big new sign, and Linda came out and stood in front of it with their 50% off sale banner. This led to a debate, and after a while she went back inside. Later, she came back out along with another employee and went across the street with the security guards. This time they had two signs. The funny thing is that we couldn't read them from across the street. They could take sign making lessons from us.
Our two sides spent about 45 minutes debating back and fourth across the street. During most of this time, our side chanted our usual chants while Linda screamed at Matt. Most of her rants were false accusations and trying to find any weakness in our information.
1, 2, 3, 4, this is a fur war. We have a big new sign, and Linda came out and stood in front of it with their 50% off sale banner. This led to a debate, and after a while she went back inside. Later, she came back out along with another employee and went across the street with the security guards. This time they had two signs. The funny thing is that we couldn't read them from across the street. They could take sign making lessons from us.
Our two sides spent about 45 minutes debating back and fourth across the street. During most of this time, our side chanted our usual chants while Linda screamed at Matt. Most of her rants were false accusations and trying to find any weakness in our information.
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Dec 03 2006
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Lone Vet Report |
My Thursday brunch with the Gorgon went well. I noticed people are getting a little tense. I was confronted by a guy dressed in a very expensive looking suit, about 35 years old, who yelled, "Do you think Bin Laden had anything to do with the war?" I answered, "Did we get him?" He responded, "Catching Bin Laden has nothing to do with war in Iraq." I said, "You got that right, Bin Laden has nothing to do with the occupation of Iraq." "I agree with you, stay and talk to me."---he left muttering something I could not understand.
Other people smiled at my sign...
I will continue my protest at the World Trade Center each Thursday at 11:45 AM until about 1:00 PM, I want someone to challenge this NeoCon who hides as a Republican Moderate.
Other people smiled at my sign...
I will continue my protest at the World Trade Center each Thursday at 11:45 AM until about 1:00 PM, I want someone to challenge this NeoCon who hides as a Republican Moderate.
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Dec 03 2006
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Venezuelan Election Update |
You can't go anywhere in Caracas, these days, with out seeing banners reading, "Chavez No Se Va!!" Elections are only 2 days away on Sunday, December 3rd. As of Thursday the schools of Venezuela have been closed and have been taken over by election officials in order to make sure elections will run smoothly. However, many Venezuelans believe that the elections will run no where near to smooth.
I'm based out of a one of the most established community radio station titled, "Radio Negro Premiro." This station, along with many others, is currently hard at work planning electoral coverage.
photos from pro Chavez rally in Caracas
One week before the Venezuelan presidential elections 2 million Venezuelan citizens from all over the country came to show there support for Hugo Chavez. Apart from the mains stage where Hugo Chavez gave his three hour speech there were over 5 other stages with music and speakers saying Chavez No Se Va.
related: [ PDX Unionists Back from Venezuela and Colombia | AUDIO INTERVIEW: Pacific NW Labor Delegation - Part 1 | Situation in Venezuela is again critical ]
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Dec 03 2006
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December 9th Events to Observe 25th Year of Mumia's Incarceration on Death Row |
The Mobilization to Free Mumia Abu-Jamal met on Saturday morning, December 2nd, to discuss news in the struggle to free Mumia. It has been announced that oral arguments will be presented in a hearing in the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals early in 2007. On Saturday, December 9th, people all over the world will mark the 25th year of Mumia's incarceration. There will be events in San Jose, Berkeley, and San Francisco on that date. The Mobe also discussed several events that will take place in February, as Lynne Stewart and Michael Ratner will be touring the Bay Area.
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Dec 03 2006
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The Wave Keeps On: Ecuador Elects Leftist President |
Leftist Rafael Correa, a 43 year-old middle-class economist, beat billionaire banana magnate Alvaro Noboa in Ecuador's runoff presidential election on November 26, capturing two-thirds of the vote. Ecuador now joins Bolivia, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Chile and Brazil in electing leftist chief executives within the last year. During the campaign he said "It is necessary to overcome all the fallacies of neoliberalism," and that he advocates "Socialism for the twenty-first century."
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Dec 03 2006
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UC Student Assoc. Condemns Police Brutality at UCSC and UCLA |
Oakland, Ca - Bill Shiebler, who is the President of the University of California Student Association (UCSA), released a statement in response to the recent police brutality against students at the UC and the Police Brutality Resolution that was passed at the UCSA Board on November 18th, 2006. On October 18th, 2006 during a demonstration at UC Santa Cruz, the police used batons and pepper sprays indiscriminately and without warning against students. On November 14th, 2006 UCLA Campus Police officers used their tasers several times against UCLA student Mostafa Tabatabainejad at the Powell Library.
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Dec 03 2006
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REMEMBER REVOLUTIONARY STEW ALBERT |
December 4th is the date that the chicago police along with the f.b.i. murdered chicago black panther party chairman FRED HAMPTON while he slept in his bed. It is also the birthday of STEW ALBERT longtime revolutionary activist who died in portland this year. Stew passed away in his home from cancer on feb 1 this year.
Stew was a POWERFULL force in our and any community he lived in. He was well loved and will be missed by so many. He spoke at red and black cafe in 2001 and the tape of that awesome speech will be played, as well as a reading from his book Who the hell is Stew Albert. In the speech Stew tells his story of working with the black panther party the yippies S.D.S the weatherunderground and how we can learn from the lessons of buried revolutionary history.
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Dec 03 2006
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Anti-War Labor Unionists Gather in Cleveland |
About 350 workers and activists marched in crisp but clear weather in Cleveland on Saturday, December 2 to show their opposition to the "Made in USA" war of aggression against Iraq. The march was a part of the US Labor Against the War national conference. Read Reportback >>Pictures || Video: 1 | 2 | 3 || Conference Details
Related:
Nov 23: More than 200 dead in Baghdad’s deadliest day of bombings
What Price is the Bob Dylan in Each of Us?
Malachi Ritscher: A Martyr For Peace
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Dec 03 2006
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Dirty War in Oaxaca |
Deaths, disappearances continue in the state of Oaxaca. Reports from those inside of prisons, report rampant instances of torture of imprisoned and rape of women prisoners. The Dirty War of Oaxaca by Barucha Calamity Peller
December 6th:Reportback: Oaxaca: A Portrait of Rebellion, San Francisco
December 6th:Reportback: Oaxaca: A Portrait of Rebellion, San Francisco
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Dec 03 2006
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Protest at Union League Hall over Rumsfeld award |
Philadelphia has a huge Classic Stone Building that the wealthy Industrialists have used as a ClubHouse for 150 years. The wealthy Industrialists, in League with International Banking Interests, met at the Union League Club House, to determine how to profit from the Civil War with the Confederacy.
Nearly 150 years later, on December 1st, 2006, wealthy Industrialists met at the Union League, to "honor" Donald Rumsfeld, for allowing them to profit from our illegal war in Iraq.
Nearly 150 years later, on December 1st, 2006, wealthy Industrialists met at the Union League, to "honor" Donald Rumsfeld, for allowing them to profit from our illegal war in Iraq.
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Dec 03 2006
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Regarding Mel Gibson's new film "Apocalypto" |
Mel Gibson's latest movie epic premieres in Oklahoma.
This is not a review of the film, but a thoughtful essay about its topic, the culture of the Maya of Central America, and a call to look beyond the film's limited perspective. The author is a Quapaw/Cherokee who founded the Eagle and Condor Indigenous Peoples' Alliance and lives in Tallequah, Oklahoma. Some Maya people are not happy with this film and are concerned about how the film, which depicts the Maya as blood-thirsty primitives, impact their work, their lives, their image. The movie, "Apolcalypto" (according to the NY Post, a movie about human sacrifice among the ancient Maya), is about to premiere tonight at Chickasaw Nation's River Wind Casino amidst Hollywood-style hoopla. Oklahoma Indian actors have been wooed by Mel Gibson and are about to make a big splash on the big screen with potential for even bigger and better roles for Natives in film....
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Dec 03 2006
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Central MA Women Left Out of Deval Patrick & Tim Murray Transition Committee |
On November 22nd, Governor-elect Deval Patrick and Lieutenant Governor-elect Tim Murray announced the creation of their Transition Committee. 208 people from across the state to continue the new administration's "grassroots" effort.
54 women were appointed by the two campaigns to this committee, not a very balanced start to the announced "grassroots" effort. How many women from Central MA received this accolade and recognition from the new administration? Sadly, the numbers get worse when you look at Mayor Murray's neck of the woods.
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Dec 04 2006
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Federal Appeals Court to Hear Patrice Lumumba Ford Case |
Patrice Lumumba Ford's 18-year sentence will be reviewed by the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals on December 4 in Portland, Oregon. Ford received national media attention as part of The Portland Six, who were accused of being a "terrorist cell" in 2002. Ford's new lawyer, Shaun McCrea of Eugene, will argue that the sentencing guidelines for "treason" were erroneously applied in her client's case.Ford made a trip to China in October 2001 in the company of five other Portland men--mostly African-American converts to Islam. In China, he was denied entry to Pakistan, where he hoped to help at the Afghani refugee camps. After a month abroad, he returned to his home in Portland. One year later, federal agents nabbed Ford and the others who had traveled with him to China. Attorney General John Ashcroft called the group a "terrorist cell." It was never proven that Ford or the others had any connection to Al-Qaeda, the Taliban, or any other terrorist organization. The case was expected to be a challenge to the Department of Justice's expanded spying powers under the Patriot Act but, like other "terrorist" cases around the country, it never came to trial.
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Dec 04 2006
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Is Mayor Sanders a Racist? |
Recently, Mayor Sanders appeared on the right-wing radio show of Rick Roberts supporting the minutemen “camp out” in North County migrant camps. In the two weeks since his appearance, harassment of the migrants and human right supporters has increased.
At a vigil in front of City Hall on Friday attended by several dozen San Diegans of faith, Rosemary Johnston, of the Interfaith Coalition for Immigrant Rights, pointed out that "the lack of housing for migrant workers has become a tolerable evil in our community. To those who say, what part of illegal don't you understand, I say what part of injustice don't you understand?"
The attacks on migrant camps throughout the county, increasing harassment of day labors near Home Depots with city police assisting border agents, the open support of supremacist groups and their actions by Mayor Sanders, paints a frightening picture of a city sliding into its own Dark Age of fear, hatred and racism.
Like the proverbial duck; if it walks like a racist, talks like a racist and acts like a racist, then, His Honor, may well......
Related: Sean Bell, Murdered by Police in Queens | The Bride Wore Black
At a vigil in front of City Hall on Friday attended by several dozen San Diegans of faith, Rosemary Johnston, of the Interfaith Coalition for Immigrant Rights, pointed out that "the lack of housing for migrant workers has become a tolerable evil in our community. To those who say, what part of illegal don't you understand, I say what part of injustice don't you understand?"
The attacks on migrant camps throughout the county, increasing harassment of day labors near Home Depots with city police assisting border agents, the open support of supremacist groups and their actions by Mayor Sanders, paints a frightening picture of a city sliding into its own Dark Age of fear, hatred and racism.
Like the proverbial duck; if it walks like a racist, talks like a racist and acts like a racist, then, His Honor, may well......
Related: Sean Bell, Murdered by Police in Queens | The Bride Wore Black
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Dec 04 2006
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Over 20 arrested in White House AIDs protest, Mayor WIlliams confronted at Freedom Plaza AIDS vigil |
Today, several hundred protestors demanded that needle exchange and condom distribution be funded, and that international aid be used to fight AIDS without requirements for abstinance-only or the purchase of drugs from the brand name corporations. We also demanded that CVS stop hiding condoms behind the counter in urban stores.
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Dec 04 2006
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PFP expanding operations to towns surrounding Oaxaca City |
Thursday Nov 30th, 2006 4:12 PM: short update from today (given via instant messaging)
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Dec 04 2006
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Waterfront Workers Vote for Work Stoppage, Mass Picket on Dec. 9th |
For the past two months, San Francisco maritime union members have been picketing daily to maintain union wages and working conditions. Alcatraz Cruises, a new subsidiary of Terry MacRae's San Francisco-based company Hornblower Cruises and Events, is refusing to hire IBU and MM&P members who have worked on the Alcatraz ferry since 1973. In a show of solidarity, ILWU Local 10 has voted for a port-wide shutdown on Saturday, Dec. 9th, in support of the workers. Details
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Dec 04 2006
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"Portland's Living Room" taken over by outdoor shopping mall |
As my child and I wandered through downtown today, we decided to take a detour through Pioneer Square to look at the Christmas tree there. Yeh, I don't know why either. But something about this time of the year makes me nostalgic for those kinds of things. But you know what? We couldn't even get near it. The entire square is currently under occupation. Rude and imposing chain link fences surrounded the square, hung with tarps and plastic. The obligatory white, plastic tents squatted over the whole affair, hiding something within. All around the perimeter, plastic signs blazoned with corporate logos -- mostly advertisements for Clear Channel stations -- hung imploringly from the chain link fences. Only the top of the tree was visible, poking up through the middle of it all.
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Dec 04 2006
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Swarthmore Cuts Contract with Coca-Cola |
Following an extensive student campaign, Swarthmore College has joined the growing list of colleges and universities that have discontinued all purchasing of Coca-Cola products in response to the company’s refusal to address allegations of cooperation with paramilitaries in the murder of 8 Colombian union leaders.
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Dec 04 2006
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Support The Portland Alliance at our 25th Anniversary Party! |
The Portland Alliance is celebrating 25 years of publishing with an evening of food, music, reminiscences and a sharp jab at the local mainstream press. A silent auction will be offering a number of fascinating items, including a hand-made quilted wall-hanging and other crafts and art. Attendees will enjoy a spaghetti dinner, music by General Strike and a special musical roast of the mainstream press by Melinda Pittman (founder of the Fallen Angel Choir and BroadArts Productions) and her partner Joe Rastetter. Past Alliance editors will be on hand to share stories about the newspaper.
"The Portland Alliance is a rare creature in the media world," states editor Dave Mazza. "At a time when the mainstream press - even some weeklies that call themselves 'alternative' - is more and more beholden to corporate advertisers, the Alliance has stayed true to the idea of a press unfettered by corporate influence. We rely on the support of the local community - individuals and local businesses - to keep us going."
"The Portland Alliance is a rare creature in the media world," states editor Dave Mazza. "At a time when the mainstream press - even some weeklies that call themselves 'alternative' - is more and more beholden to corporate advertisers, the Alliance has stayed true to the idea of a press unfettered by corporate influence. We rely on the support of the local community - individuals and local businesses - to keep us going."
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Dec 04 2006
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Landmarks Commission 3 - Kurisu Corporation 0 |
After an initial denial by the Bureau Of Development Services (BDS), Justin Fallon Dollard, in which the Historic Landmarks Commission (HLC) agreed with BDS's denial, and asked by HLC to come back with revised plans that address the numerous concerns of BDS staff, the HLC and Boise community members. At the 2nd HLC public meeting, the Kurisu Corporation did not get there plans in early enough for the Commission to review them, and they were given another chance, at a 3rd hearing, which just happened, and once again Holst & the Kurisu corporation did not get their development plans in on time. This time the commissioners suggested because of major development alterations that the developers do another presentation to the neighborhood.
The Kurisu Corporation will be doing a public presentation of their newly designed, proposed 4 story development, which will sit on what was a community park, just north of the corner of N.Shaver & Mississippi.
1. An Information Session on the Kurisu's City Garden Development- Revised Design on Tuesday, December 5 from 6-7pm at AYOS.
The Kurisu Corporation will be doing a public presentation of their newly designed, proposed 4 story development, which will sit on what was a community park, just north of the corner of N.Shaver & Mississippi.
1. An Information Session on the Kurisu's City Garden Development- Revised Design on Tuesday, December 5 from 6-7pm at AYOS.
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Dec 04 2006
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Portland City Council Passes Resolution to Bring Troops Home |
A "standing room only" crowd witnessed moving testimony from more than 50 people who made the case for the resolution. Those testifying included military families, veterans and Iraqi-Americans, labor and faith group leaders, youth and students and those who work on health care, education, housing, homelessness, environmental justice and other human needs issues. The presenters made a strong case for the many local impacts of the war on the Portland community and why we need to speak up as a city for peace.
Thanks to everyone who contributed to this campaign--those who signed the petition, gathered signatures, volunteered, spread the word and showed up for the hearing. This was truly a group effort and it showed!
Portland has spoken: now we have to make sure our federal officials act on behalf of our wishes to bring the troops home from Iraq and to change our policies to reflect Portland's priorities.
Thanks to everyone who contributed to this campaign--those who signed the petition, gathered signatures, volunteered, spread the word and showed up for the hearing. This was truly a group effort and it showed!
Portland has spoken: now we have to make sure our federal officials act on behalf of our wishes to bring the troops home from Iraq and to change our policies to reflect Portland's priorities.
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Dec 04 2006
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Venezuelans Ready to Vote |
Caracas, Venezuela -- This capital city awoke at 3 am at the "toque de diana" or reveille, exhorting all Venezuelans to get out to vote. In between the highly amplified sound of horns played by jubilant citizens, hundreds of loud firecrackers ensured that no one could miss this crucial moment in Venezuelan history. Saturday night was peaceful by all accounts, leading many here to wonder what election day would bring.
There are suggestions that Manuel Rosales (the opposition candidate and governor of the oil-rich state of Zulia) will go back to Zulia and declare it an independent state. Meanwhile, there are increased reports of Marines and US Navy activity in the island-nations of Curazao and Trinidad & Tobago, where the US has military bases. There is a remote possibility that if the Venezulan army was called in to Zulia to secure the oil fields and facilities, the US military could become involved.
Venezuela, country awoken.
To the sound of the reveille and fireworks exploding throughout the city, one awakes and responds, connecting to the media, their community media, and with their neighbors and friends. In the air one can feel a sense of happiness, as the triumphant day, much awaited, finally arrives.
The dense clouds seem lighter. A near full moon can be seen setting towards the west. The freshness of the nearby mountain, Avila, caresses the body, a coolness after the rest interrupted. The blood is felt oxygenating the body.
related: [ Chavez Reelected President of Venezuela: 61.4% of Vote | The Propaganda War over Venezuela (in film .. free online) | Venezuela wakes up to Election Day: Rojo Rojito o Rosalito? | HOV Blog on Venezuelan elections | Crying wolf. Elections in Venezuela today. | Community Radio Turns Activist: Venezuela Radio Stations Challenge threat of Fraud | Video of Chavez rally ]|
Dec 04 2006
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Derrick Jensen: The Lost Star Wars Script |
I went to see Star Wars when I was in high school, which seems about the right time to see it. I liked it a lot. I wasn't one of those people who saw it a hundred times or anything. I wasn't that much of a nerd. Besides, I was too busy playing Dungeons and Dragons. I saw it again recently. It's not so good as I remember. In fact it's pretty bad. The characters are flat, the dialog hokey, the acting nondescript. But I still loved the ending, where Luke remembers to "use the force" to blow up the Death Star. For those of you who may have forgotten, the Death Star (according to the official Star Wars website) "was the code name of an unspeakably powerful and horrific weapon developed by the Empire. The immense space station carried a weapon capable of destroying entire planets. The Death Star was to be an instrument of terror, meant to cow treasonous worlds with the threat of annihilation. While the massive station is evidence of the evil that was the Galactic Empire, it was also proof of the New Order's greatest weakness-the belief that technology and terror were superior to the will of oppressed beings fighting for freedom." That's all pretty interesting stuff, and of course applicable to the discussion at hand: civilization as Death Star.
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Dec 04 2006
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OnNYTurf: RNC Mass Arrests by NYPD Could Cost NYC Taxpayers Millions |
Last week a court ruled that the NYPD has admitted it has no evidence for arresting 23 out of 24 people in a mass roundup during the RNC. This ruling is a likely forecast of things to come in thousands of RNC false arrest lawsuits the city is facing for NYPD mass arrests made during the Republican National Convention period in NYC in 2004. The NYPD admission is hugely significant in that it basically means the NYPD had no grounds for having arrested and detained 23 out of 24 plaintiffs in these cases. [Read More]
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Dec 04 2006
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Dec 14 & 15 Jericho's Echo: Punk Rock in the Holy Land |
Rebellious Israeli youth take up the arms of punk rock, loud guitars, and mohawks in the most politically charged area of the world. Looking at the present situation in Israel through the eyes of punk rockers is an uncommon vantage point, but the voices of these diverse young people illuminate the thoughts od a generation of disillusioned Israelis who yearn for an end to the nleak politics of war, so that they might live out their dreams.
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Dec 04 2006
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Broad-Based Coalition Mobilizes for FCC Hearing in Nashville |
Dec. 11 Event Offers Chance for Public to Testify on Media Ownership Rules
NASHVILLE -- On Dec. 11 in Nashville, all five Federal Communications Commissioners will meet face-to-face with the public to discuss sweeping changes to the nation's media ownership rules. "This hearing is a long overdue opportunity for the public to weigh in on the crucial decisions that shape our media," said Josh Silver, executive director of Free Press which is helping to mobilize public participation in the hearings. "Before letting Sinclair, Gannett or Clear Channel swallow up more local media outlets, FCC Chairman Kevin Martin and the other commissioners need to hear how these Big Media firms are serving - or failing to serve - local communities in Tennessee and throughout the South."
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Dec 04 2006
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Once Again, Boston’s Jewish Voice for Peace demands that Israel respects Palestinian’s human rights |
Israel has been controlling the entrances and exits to Gaza for the past months, preventing the population from receiving the humanitarian aid they so desperately need and creating a disastrous human crisis.
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Dec 04 2006
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A Performance Against Surveillance Cameras |
In Times Square, the Surveillance Camera Players used a publicly installed webcam to amuse and inspire other anti-surveillance activists from England and Germany, then meeting in Leipzig for a conference
See also:More Images from Times Square
See also:More Images from Times Square
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Dec 04 2006
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Ward Churchill to Speak in NYC |
Indiginist Scholar, Activist and Professor Ward Churchill will be making a historic and rare appearance at the New School in lower Manhattan on Monday December 11th. Mr. Churchill will address the ongoing attempts to erase indigenous history in a talk titled "Sterilizing History: The Fabrication of 'InnocentAmericans'". Do not miss this historic and groundbreaking evening!
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Dec 05 2006
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Galen Gondolfi running for 20th ward against Schmid |
From ACC Blog: Gondolfi Declares Candidacy for 20th Ward Alderman Campaign trumpets "participatory politics."
Community activist Galen Gondolfi is entering the race for alderman of the 20th Ward. Filing Monday at the St. Louis Board of Elections, Gondolfi made official his intention of seeking the post in the March 6, 2007 primary election.
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Dec 05 2006
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Nuisance Opportunity in Old North City |
From Ecology of Absence blog: Oh, what a fine evening it was for seven young men to congregate on the steps of the house at 1215 Wright Street in Old North St. Louis. No finer point for commerce could be found within blocks, and business seemed to be as good there as it usually is.
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Dec 05 2006
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Soviet Nuclear Chief Says All Russian Polonium is Shipped to U.S. |
Russian nuclear energy chief stated officially that a radioactive element of Polonium 210 which had caused death of former FSB agent Alexander Litvinenko could not be obtained illegally in Russia, the Reuters news agency reported Friday.
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Dec 05 2006
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Congressman McGovern (D-Worcester) Agrees to Work to Repeal AETA |
As part of local efforts to resist the new green scare, local organizers assembled on November 29th outside Congressman James McGovern's Office to ask him to work for the repeal of the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act (AETA).
On November 13th, after a series of machinations by the House Republican leaders, the AETA bill was quickly brought to the House floor and was passed by a 5 to 1 vote! That's right, only 6 out of 435 Congresspeople were present to vote as another big whack was taken out of our civil rights.
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Dec 05 2006
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Students Rally to Protect 'Brown v. Board of Education' at the Supreme Court |
On Dec. 4 2006, the Supreme Court heard two cases from Seattle and Kentucky challenging the standing of Brown v. The Board of Education. About 1000 students from across the nation came to protest the Courts hearing of the case. Video || AudioFrom the Newswire:At the crack of dawn on the coldest morning yet of the year, Howard University students set out for the US Supreme Court. At the Court, the protest swelled to many hundreds while inside Bush's new Supreme Court heard its first affirmative action case. Read More>>
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Dec 05 2006
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Premiere of "Behind the Mask" Saturday, December 16th |
The Bay Area premiere of the film "Behind the Mask: The Story Of The People Who Risk Everything To Save Animals" will shown at the Humanist Hall in Oakland on Saturday, December 16th. "Behind the Mask" explores the history of the animal liberation movement, from its inception to present day. Animal liberation activists have been called the #1 domestic terror threat by the FBI, even though they claim to have never harmed a living being.
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Dec 05 2006
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Hugo Chavez Re-elected, “Down with imperialism.” |
At 10 pm last night the CNE, the National Electoral Council, stated its first report of the presidential elections showing Hugo Chavez winning by a larger margin than ever before. With 78.31% of the votes counted the presidential incumbent Hugo Chávez obtained 5,936,141 votes, (61,35%), and Manuel Rosales 3,715,292 (38,39%).
Contrary to predictions, Venezuela´s Presidential elections proceeded with only a few minor hitches. The morning started early, around 3am, to the blaring of La Diana, a Chavista mobilization song, and repetitive explosive fireworks. The citizens began lining up as early as 3am and quickly large lines emerged. With a 16-million-people electoral register, the Venezuelans have 33,000 ballot tables at their disposal in over 11,000 polling stations all over the country. Caracas, in contrast to its normal chaotic traffic and loud street vendors, was quite calm and tranquil. There were few people driving and most business were closed, as most people were standing in line to vote.
Venezuelan fiesta
Despite torrential downpours, thousands turned out to the Mira Flores to celebrate the victory of Hugo Chavez. At 10pm the CNE (the Venezuelan electoral body) announced that presidential candidate Hugo Chavez obtained 5 million 936 thousand 141 votes, (61,35%), and his opponent Manuel Rosales 3 million 715 thousands 292 (38,39%). Blaring music, wild dancing, and triumphant fire works lasted to 4am.
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Dec 05 2006
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Day 42- Taking Back the Land in Miami |
"We are housing for the people, by the people," proclaims a sign outside the kitchen at Umoja Village in Liberty City, Miami. What is Umoja Village and how did it come to be in the historic heart of the African American quarter here?
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Dec 05 2006
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Holiday Impeachment Cards... |
Greetings! This holiday season you can give your friends and family the gift that keeps on giving. You can help them deck the halls of congress with colorful impeachment petitions! Impeach for Peace has created holiday impeachment cards that allow your friends and family to initiate the impeachment process.
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Dec 05 2006
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Eric Ng Memorial Ride - Saturday, Dec. 9 @ 1pm |
We are planning for a memorial ride this Saturday, December 9th, meeting at 1pm in Washington Square Park and then proceeding to the site of Eric’s death. Non-bikers can head straight to the site, on the West Side bike path near Clarkson St. Please bring flowers (especially sunflowers), sidewalk chalk, paint, whatever you want. There will be a memorial service after the ride with music and a slideshow, and a party later that night. Check back here for further details; we’ll update this post as soon as we can.
See also: Original Story on Eric's death | Tears and Rage: Reflections on Death
See also: Original Story on Eric's death | Tears and Rage: Reflections on Death
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Dec 05 2006
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APPO comunique: Flavio Sosa's Arrest and the state's systematic cleansing of Social Movements |
APPO them against us. they have armies, repression, terror we have unity, organisation, solidarity and hope. Movilise!
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Dec 05 2006
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Come Out Fighting: Nicholus Ray West Murdered 13 Years Ago Today |
Thirteen years ago, on November 30, 1993, three thugs met Nicholus Ray West at a Tyler Texas park, kidnapped him, robbed him, stripped him, beat him, and drove him 20 miles away to a desolate road. They shot him nine times and left him to die, which he did. The gang admitted they killed him because he was gay. The police apprehended the gang and their leader, Donald Aldrich, received a death sentence.
This outrageous event was a source of conversation all over Texas for months. East Texan gay and lesbian activists, in conjunction with the Dallas Gay and Lesbian Alliance, held a memorial and "Stop the Hate Rally" in Tyler on December 11, 1993 getting national media coverage.
It's now 13 years later and where are we? Wonderfully, there is now a campus Gay-Straight Alliance at the University of Texas at Tyler, the school has a written policy prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, and gay, lesbian, and bisexual people are far more wiling to be open about their sexuality than before.
But we must not let ourselves be lulled into a false sense of security or complacency.
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Dec 05 2006
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It takes a spark to start a prairie fire: |
Desperation, Racism and the beginnings of Common Ground Relief
All stories have beginnings – and a story of Common Ground Relief begins with the theme we all are part of, but may not want to think about – life and death. However, before this became visible, while the waters still flowed, I was first faced with survival. Not only my own, but that of people I knew and loved – and of the thousands I have never met – who lived in the Gulf Coast region in the fall of 2005. ...
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Dec 05 2006
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Town Hall on Tasers |
from the open publishing newswire:Community members and activists voiced concerns about police brutality, racial profiling, and institutionalized racism at a town hall meeting to discuss the use of tasers.
Members of the community along with a panel of activists, lawyers, and three Houston police officers gathered at the S.H.A.P.E. Community Center Monday to debate the current use of tasers by HPD officers, discussing the current policy and the disproportionate use of tasers on people from the black community. New statistics showing that over 60% of the people tasered in Houston are black led to an emotionally charged discussion about racism and racial profiling.
HPD officers defended the current policy on tasers, ensuring that strict guidelines are placed to prevent officers from misuse of the weapons, while several people from the audience shared stories of being unfairly harassed and tasered by Houston police officers..[Read the full report]
Previous HIMC coverage(2005): "Less than Lethal" Kills Houston Man
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Dec 05 2006
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Nashville City Council to Consider Third Reading of "English Only" Legislation |
Nashville, TN: On Tuesday, December 5th the Nashville City Council will consider the third reading of the "English Only" legislation which would designate English as the official language of business for the Metropolitan Government of Davidson County. Many Nashville residents oppose any legislation that encourages discrimination against or makes life harder for the immigrant and refugee community.
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Dec 06 2006
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At 25th Anniversary of Incarceration, Mumia Abu-Jamal's Court Case Hits Fast Track |
World-renowned black death-row prisoner and journalist Mumia Abu-Jamal was convicted of killing white Philadelphia police officer Daniel Faulkner in a 1982 trial that Amnesty International has deemed unfair (see report). His court case has now hit the fast track with oral arguments beginning any month. Supported by the NAACP, NLG, UK Lawyers, and The German Parliament, Philly Journalists Linn Washington and Dave Lindorff have optimistically written of Abu-Jamal's chances for a new trial. In April, longtime French support (2005 photos) continued when the Paris suburb of St. Denis named a major street after Mumia (see video) and was quickly condemned with government resolutions in the US (pdf booklet), while local media continued a long history of bias. In November, Philadelphia Republicans (radio interview) filed criminal charges against St. Denis and Paris for allegedly "glorifying" a "cop-killer". Abu-Jamal's support network is organizing a mass demonstration at Philadelphia City Hall on December 9 -- the 25th anniversary of Abu-Jamal's arrest. Also, German author Michael Schiffmann just released a new book on Abu-Jamal.RELATED LINKS: Philly IMC journalist's series on Mumia | Trial Transcripts (on anti-Mumia site) | Mumia on Oaxaca
Indybay: Worldwide Events to Observe 25th Anniversary of Mumia Abu-Jamal's Arrest
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Dec 06 2006
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South Central Farmers Open New Community Center |
LOS ANGELES, December 5, 2006 - It was bittersweet, turning right on 41st Place off Alameda. The South Central Farmers were celebrating the opening of their community center. There they were, the Farmers bringing fresh organic vegetables into South Central, where Whole Foods, Wild Oats, and Trader Joe's dare not tread.
The Farmers had lined the tables at the tianguis with chard, radishes, pomegranates, almonds, squash, and grapes. Grapes not too sweet, grapes that tasted like a crisp, slightly fruity wine. Four dollars could be swapped for two plastic bags of fresh produce, all from small farmers in the local food shed. Full Story: The Farmers' Promise by Leslie Radford
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Dec 06 2006
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71 years old and Freezing Cold ...... Now Dead |
My question is
"WHY ARE 71 YEAR OLD LADIES LIVING AND DIEING ON BUS BENCHES?"
Indy Readers think about this and what "you" can do to change the ugly side of this aspect. I don't care how fluffy the article in the paper was.....its fricken COLD OUTSIDE ...and any and all elderly ladies need to be -->warm<-- not..... frozen stiff on a sidewalk bench.
What the hell is wrong with society to watch this transpire over the last four years into this tragedy as we sit in our warm houses reading fluffy stories of desperation and despair?
A memorial is being held for Anita Floyd on Wednesday 12-6-06 at the bench she called home (SW 6th and Alder)
CatWoman adds: I met Anita some time back. I wrote this story about her three years ago, after some stupid little power-mad petty bureaucrat at Tullys 86'd her from the shop. I'm still mad about that. But I'm madder still that I have not been by her little bench for so long, and that I would not even have realized that she was gone if Joe had not reported it here.
Many of us had worried after her safety -- she often had bruises and black eyes, and sometimes broken bones, and I believed (and still believe) that she was being abused. She had stories about falling into doorknobs and tripping over cats once too often to suit me, but there seemed to be nothing I could do. Many of us tried, on many occasions, to help her with that, but she steadfastly refused to acknowledge that any domestic violence was going on, or to accept any help in that regard...
related: [ Donations of Cold Weather Gear Needed | Tully's Discriminates against Homeless Woman
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Dec 06 2006
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The Center of the Cancer |
I often wonder why any nation would choose war over peace, seems like choosing between chaos and being more human than our parents. It would seem that war would be the exception. The fact that we are at war more often that at peace would indicate a serious flaw in our humanism or that which make us human...
You feed the poor, help the sick, visit the jails and smile at a person who asks you for help. When you help someone ask only that they repay you by helping the next person who may ask them for help. I always try to remember to say that when someone says thanks to me for some favor---it could cause a small revolution...
You feed the poor, help the sick, visit the jails and smile at a person who asks you for help. When you help someone ask only that they repay you by helping the next person who may ask them for help. I always try to remember to say that when someone says thanks to me for some favor---it could cause a small revolution...
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Dec 06 2006
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Memes: men, boys & embroidery... stasis, momentum and whereto? |
gibberish or signposts. these are physical specimens of flux.
read more
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Dec 06 2006
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Health Department Abandons Proposed Change to Transgender Birth Certificates |
The NYC Board of Health killed a proposal to allow transgender New Yorkers to change the gender designation on their birth certificate without undergoing gender confirming surgery. The proposal was widely hailed by the transgender community as a groundbreaking recognition of transgender people and garnered worldwide attention.
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Dec 06 2006
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National Days of Action to Support GI Resistance and GI Rights |
December 8th through 10th with be National Days of Action to Support GI Resistance and GI Rights. Military resisters, their families, veterans and concerned community members will be taking public action all over the US. In San Francisco, there will be a rally and procession on Saturday, December 9th at 1pm at the War Memorial Veterans Building, 401 Van Ness Ave at McAllister St (near Civic Center BART).
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Dec 06 2006
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Country Legends to Testify at FCC Hearing in Nashville |
George Jones, Porter Wagoner, Naomi Judd to join hundreds of citizens concerned about the costs of media consolidation
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Dec 07 2006
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Metropolitan St. Louis Equal Housing Opportunity Council Suffers Federal Funding Cuts. |
The Metropolitan St. Louis Equal Housing Opportunity Council (EHOC) has suffered a severe blow to their ability to fight housing discrimination.
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Dec 07 2006
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Oaxacan Teacher Speaks in Escondido |
Telesforo Santiago Enriquez, a teacher from 22 del SNTE y Coalicion de Maestros y Prometores Indigenas de Oaxaca, spoke Sunday at La Milpa Organica in Escondido. Enriquez started by telling how the movement began. He spoke of the current situation in Oaxaca and stressed the need for the people of Oaxaca to have media outlets to access current information. He told the crowd, one way people in the US can help is by reporting the real story about what is currenlty going on. Enriquez ended by saying, today Oaxaca tomorrow could be San Diego, keep your ears open to the people and listen to what is happening in your own communities.
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Dec 07 2006
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Iraq Study Group Calls for Stay-the-Course Lite: Now What? |
The bi-partisan Iraq Study Group released its long-awaited report on the war earlier today. While critical of the war’s handling, this collection of recycled Inside-the-Beltway power brokers basically called for more of the same—more advisors, more war and no timetable for withdrawal and certainly no reparations to the Iraqi people for destroying their country. So, now what? United for Peace & Justice, the nation's largest antiwar coalition, is calling for a national mobilization in Washington, D.C. on January 27. Is that enough? What more should the antiwar movement be doing? || Iraq Study Group Report || Jan. 27 March on Washington Seeking One More Chance to “Succeed” || Support the GI Movement to End the War || The Iraq War Grinds On || Dennis Kucinich: Defund the War ||
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Dec 07 2006
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Vigil at Mexican Consulate |
The APPO, the popular assembly of the people of Oaxaca, called for the support from the international community. San Diegans responded by gathering in front of the Mexican Consulate on 1549 India Street Friday evening. 35 people gathered in front of the consultant holding banners, signs, and candles sending the message to the Mexican government that their violent and repressive actions will not go unnoticed.
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Dec 07 2006
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Oaxaca: A Portrait of Rebellion -- with Barucha Calamity Peller & Friends |
What: Oaxaca report-back presentation + discussion
Where: 16 beaver st. 4th floor (directions below)
When: 8pm, Monday December 11
Where: 16 beaver st. 4th floor (directions below)
When: 8pm, Monday December 11
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Dec 07 2006
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Iraq Die-In @ WWU in Bellingham |
A Medford Resident is a main organizer of Iraq Die-In at Western Washington University. On November 16, 2006 Student Kate Gould joined hundreds of students making a very visible public display in Red Square on the student commons area at WWU.
She reports back..."getting to be involved in this project has been one of my greatest college experiences, so that is why i wanted to share this with you" and Kate sends photos too...
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Dec 07 2006
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Green is the NEW RED!: Inside the GREENSCARE |
An evening of solidarity, awareness and fundraising for current Political Prisoners and protection of your Civil Liberties. “The War on Terrorism has come home. Corporations and politicians are labeling activists "eco-terrorists" and national security threats. Think red-baiting, with a green twist” - from Green is the new Red THURSDAY DECEMBER 7TH, 2006 7:30 pm at Monkey Wrench Books (110 E. North Loop) Join us for an evening of information, PUPPETS, and skill sharing including: * Know your Rights/ What to do when the Feds knock on your door. a workshop by Austin Peoples Legal Collective * Puppet SHOW by Mr. Mojo's Magical Puppet Troupe * Two short videos on Cointelpro and Rod Coronado An evening in honor of the Movements of the past, present and the future and all who have worked to envision a beautiful, just and sustainable world to live in. Greenscare.org || Green is the new Red || FBI Withchunt
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Dec 07 2006
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Dissident Women of Chiapas and Oaxaca: MonkeyWrench Event |
With the storefront door opened to crisp air and curious people, Rosalva Aída Hernández Castillo is for now seated near friends who ask for an autograph of her 2001 book, 'Histories and Stories from Chiapas.' Turning back the cover, she points to a full-page photo of a white stelae, explaining how borders are marked the traditional way, not with walls. “It's a symbolic border,” she smiles, showing how the marker sits upon an island in the middle of a lake. From her position not quite in the center of a gathering crowd at MonkeyWrench Books in Austin, Texas, the legendary anthropologist is glowing with words, ideas, projects, and stories. It is time, says an organizer, to get the program started.
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Dec 07 2006
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Secret US database on international travelers exposed |
Details have emerged of a US government program that collects information and creates a "risk profile" of all people entering and leaving the United States. The program, secretly in place since 2002, is part of much broader system of government spying and attacks on privacy rights.
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Dec 07 2006
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Impressions of December 1, 2006 |
Eight of the 18 arrested NYC grannies got up at 4am to catch a 6am bus to Philadelphia. We were on our way to Philadelphia to support our Philly sisters, charged with defiant trespass at a military recruitment center some months earlier and nowscheduled for a court hearing at 9am on Dec first.
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Dec 07 2006
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Critical Mass Miami: Bike Ride Saturday Dec 9th |
Fellow Cyclists- This Saturday we're gearing up for gorgeous weather and another delightful community bike ride! Meet us at 10:00 a.m. at the Dadeland North Metrorail Station on Saturday, December 9th. We'll ride to Tropical Park and back, all the while sharing ideas, getting fit and advocating alternative modes of transit.
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Dec 07 2006
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NAACP Protests Racial Incident at Johns Hopkins University |
Report on November 5 protest of racial incident on the campus of Johns Hopkins University in October.
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Dec 07 2006
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GMU Students Protest Against U.S. Torture Policies |
On Tuesday, December 5, students at George Mason University held a protest against U.S. torture policies.
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Dec 07 2006
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The 25th Annual King Mango Strut, Dec 31st in Miami (Coconut Grove) |
The King Mango Strut continues to bring it's off beat, off-the-wall mangomania to a new generation of MangoHeads and it doesn't intend to stop. With it's appropriate theme, "Still Crazy After All These Years", the Silver Strut will be ready to strut their stuff on Sunday, December 31st at 2pm in Downtown Coconut Grove. Parade route includes Commodore Plaza, Main Highway and Grand Avenue. Warning: No one and nothing is safe from parody and satire at the King Mango Strut.
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Dec 07 2006
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Cooper Urges Nashvillians to Participate in FCC Media Ownership Hearing |
NASHVILLE---U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper is urging Nashvillians and all Middle Tennessee residents to take part in the upcoming FCC public hearing on media ownership that has been announced for December 11th. Nashville will be only the second city to host one of the six hearings that will be held nationwide to consider issues of media ownership and media consolidation. "Now is our chance to stand up and tell the federal government what to do," Cooper said. "As a host city for one of these important hearings, Nashville can help protect Americans' First Amendment rights. I urge everyone to think about the news and entertainment media we consume each day and how that industry can best serve the American public. I hope everyone will participate in this important conversation, either by going to the FCC's website or by attending the hearing on December 11th."
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Dec 07 2006
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Images: Rally for Sean Bell, 12/6 |
Photographs from the Rally for Sean Bell in Foley Square NYC, 12/6/06
More Photos: Sean Bell Funeral | New Black Panther Party Demonstration
More Photos: Sean Bell Funeral | New Black Panther Party Demonstration
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Dec 07 2006
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Rally Against the Green Scare: Images, Speech |
Speech for Support Daniel Rally, Foley Square, New York City by Tim Doody, Family and Friends of Daniel McGowan
PHOTOS from the rally | Press Release
PHOTOS from the rally | Press Release
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Dec 08 2006
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Oppose the criminalization of dissent! Green Scare Solidarity in Santa Cruz |
Despite the now mainstream awareness of the disaster status of global warming, the Federal government is right now aggressively pursuing the radical environmental community in Federal Grand Juries, essentially a revival of the McCarthy hearings. In the Grand Jury, even people not accused of committing any crime, simply of holding 'relevant information' ie. who do you know, what is your political affiliation, are stripped of their fifth amendment rights and can be jailed for years for simply refusing to speak or give information. The Grand Juries are unconstitutional and pose an extreme attack on Free Speech and space for dissent.
The Grand Jury is authorized only to obtain whether there is enough evidence for a trail to commence. However, they are carried on in secret without any admittance by the Federal Government. Therefore, the public is only made aware of their methods and very existence by those who are subpoenaed and put the word out.
Santa Cruz events: Dec. 8th: Films and Speakers at RCNV || Dec. 9th: Discussion, Workshops, Music and Food
see also: IMC-US: One Year Later: Oppose the Green Scare! || SF and Fresno Events to Support Green Scare Prisoners || Green Scare - Reflections in Green and Black
The Grand Jury is authorized only to obtain whether there is enough evidence for a trail to commence. However, they are carried on in secret without any admittance by the Federal Government. Therefore, the public is only made aware of their methods and very existence by those who are subpoenaed and put the word out.
Santa Cruz events: Dec. 8th: Films and Speakers at RCNV || Dec. 9th: Discussion, Workshops, Music and Food
see also: IMC-US: One Year Later: Oppose the Green Scare! || SF and Fresno Events to Support Green Scare Prisoners || Green Scare - Reflections in Green and Black
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Dec 08 2006
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Shut Down Wall Street? |
The Black Mens movement and Fight Back! have issued a call to shut down a center of capitalism in protest of police war on people of color. Where do we stand?
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Dec 08 2006
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Helping Low-income Students Realize their Potential Beyond High School |
In our ongoing effort to bring poor and low-income students to college, WRI's High School Coordinator and other Hunter students, and alums made presentations on access to higher education to several classes of high school students at The High School of Violin and Dance (HSVD) in the Bronx, NY. Principal Lippold responded to WRI’s outreach and invited us to come uptown.
As the school website declares, “Our mission is to prepare a diverse group of students to be intelligent, caring leaders in society. At HSVD, parents, students, and staff work together to provide opportunities that meet the needs of every learner. We offer a college preparatory program that values higher-level thinking and artistic expression.”
HSVD's history is encouraging. HSVD opened in the Bronx in September 2002 as one of 12 new smaller high schools, all part of the restructuring plan for the Morris HS building as the phase out of the old Morris was concluded. Before restructuring, Morris High School was considered a failing school.
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Dec 08 2006
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New York Gridlock |
After last week's news about congestion pricing, I'm all fired up about Growth or Gridlock, an extensive report about New York's coming traffic disaster (and by extensive, I mean terrifying). The report has been making a lot of waves in metro sections this week, probably because it's not geared to lefty tree-huggers or health-conscious types, but to business people. (The report is by the Partnership of New York City, a nonprofit organization comprised of a select group of two hundred CEOs from New York City’s top corporate, investment and entrepreneurial firms.) The findings: traffic congestion in the city leads to...
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Dec 08 2006
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Stop Union Busting on the SF Waterfront! |
For the past two months Bay Area maritime union members have been picketing daily in a struggle to maintain union wages and working conditions. Terry MacRae's Alcatraz Cruises (a subsidiary of Hornblower) refuses to hire IBU and MM&P members who have worked on the Alcatraz ferry since 1973. The International Longshore and Warehouse Union was born out of the 1934 San Francisco Maritime and General Strike. Since then, the ILWU has maintained good wages and working conditions on the entire Bay Area waterfront. The current assault by Hornblower is a direct attack at the heart of ILWU jurisdiction and demands a powerful response!
ILWU Local 10 voted to hold a port-wide stop-work meeting and port shutdown in solidarity with the IBU & MMP workers. This is call for all union members and their allies to join us for the march at 9:15 AM and on the picket line at 10 AM on December 9.
If you live outside of the San Francisco Bay Area - visit this page.
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Dec 08 2006
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FCC Writing New Rules on Video Franchising |
What FCC Chairman Kevin Martin is proposing to do here is beyond the purview of the FCC, but he doesn't seem to care. The telecommunications corporations figure if they can get their servant Mr. Martin to initiate the rules changes they fought for but failed to acquire through the legislative process by FCC fiat, then they can let the challenges to this drag out in court for at least a couple of years, by which time all the damage will have been done and they will have effectively received what they wanted in the first place.
It is vital that they hear from people. Industry is attempting to go around Congress by having the FCC change the rules. Closing Date For Comments is WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13th, close of business.
WHAT DOES THIS ALL MEAN?
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Dec 08 2006
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EPA Closes Libraries, Destroys Documents |
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has begun closing its nationwide network of scientific libraries, effectively preventing EPA scientists and the public from accessing vast amounts of data and information on issues from toxicology to pollution. Several libraries have already been dismantled, with their contents either destroyed or shipped to repositories where they are uncataloged and inaccessible.
Members of Congress have asked the EPA to cease and desist. Please call EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson at (202) 564-4700 and tell him that scientists and the public should retain access to this information. Urge him to immediately halt the dismantling of the library system until Congress approves the EPA budget and all materials are readily available online.
Members of Congress have asked the EPA to cease and desist. Please call EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson at (202) 564-4700 and tell him that scientists and the public should retain access to this information. Urge him to immediately halt the dismantling of the library system until Congress approves the EPA budget and all materials are readily available online.
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Dec 08 2006
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The FBI, Cell Phones and You |
I am not a paranoid conspiracy theorist. I do not believe the twin towers fell because Dick Cheney planted explosives in them. I do not think the Kennedys were assassinated by space aliens. But I have one request: before you read another word of this story out loud to yourself or your friends, TAKE THE F*N BATTERY OUT OF YOUR CELL PHONE!
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Dec 08 2006
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Miami FTAA lawsuit re: Nov. 2003 demonstrations is set for trial May 27, 2008 |
The Killmon v City of Miami case (Miami FTAA lawsuit re Nov. 2003 demonstrations - case with 20 plaintiffs and 70+ defendants) has been returned by the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals back to the trial level (U.S. District Judge Cecilia Altonaga - Southern District of Florida), the trial court has now entered its Scheduling Order. See the link below to view the Scheduling Order pdf document.
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Dec 08 2006
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The Sound of Silence: The media establishment and the death of journalism |
2006 has been, so far, the deadliest year on record for Journalists worldwide. The numbers seem to be in dispute, with some sources reporting as few as 50 confirmed deaths, some as high as 76 or more. It is said that, in war, the first casualty is truth. Unfortunately, those that report it too often get caught in the crossfire.
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Dec 09 2006
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Jerichos Echo |
On December 14th and 15th at 7pm at Rice Cinema [map] Houston Indymedia will continue our monthly film series with Jericho's Echo: Punk Rock in the Holy Land.
Rebellious Israeli youth take up the arms of punk rock, loud guitars, and mohawks in the most politically charged area of the world. Looking at the present situation in Israel through the eyes of punk rockers is an uncommon vantage point, but the voices of these diverse young people illuminate the thoughts of a generation of disillusioned Israelis who yearn for an end to the bleak politics of war, so that they might live out their dreams.
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Dec 09 2006
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El Puente Campaign Garners Victory, But More Work Looms |
***The Organizing Meeting on December 9th is cancelled and the Rally on December 12th is postponed.***
After eight weeks of hard work, and nearly 5,000 petition signatures sent to Mayor Bloomberg, our Campaign for Justice has yielded a victory on our demand to move the El Puente Academy for Peace & Justice to a temporary home at Boricua College. Additionally, DOE sources indicate they are close to finalizing another demand to secure a permanent building for the Academy.
After eight weeks of hard work, and nearly 5,000 petition signatures sent to Mayor Bloomberg, our Campaign for Justice has yielded a victory on our demand to move the El Puente Academy for Peace & Justice to a temporary home at Boricua College. Additionally, DOE sources indicate they are close to finalizing another demand to secure a permanent building for the Academy.
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Dec 09 2006
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The “Green Scare” One Year and Beyond: Looking Back, Moving Forward |
Civil Rights Outreach Committee, 12/7/06 One year ago, a nationwide sweep of arrests revealed the FBI's "Operation Backfire," a vast investigation and persecution of environmental and animal advocacy. Today, in cities throughout the world, events will mark this anniversary with displays of unity and firm opposition to government repression, Operation Backfire and the broader "Green Scare." 
In response to the call for a global day of action in solidarity with Greenscare indictees, people in Durban gathered outside the local U.S. Consulate at 303 West Street, right in the city centre. A banner reading "Durban Against the Greenscare" was raised and fliers with information on the case were handed out to those passing by.
Related Articles: Cities Across the Globe Respond to "Green Scare" Prosecutions | Green Scare - Reflections in Green and Black
Saturday: Liberating Dissent - Portland anti-Green Scare Benefit and Event
Durban, South Africa: Action in Solidarity with Greescare indictees
In response to the call for a global day of action in solidarity with Greenscare indictees, people in Durban gathered outside the local U.S. Consulate at 303 West Street, right in the city centre. A banner reading "Durban Against the Greenscare" was raised and fliers with information on the case were handed out to those passing by. A small contribution to the global day of action, to show them we're truly everywhere!
Related Articles: green scare photos from athens
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Dec 09 2006
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Rep. Cynthia McKinney Files Articles Of Impeachment |
Outgoing lawmaker cites numerous abuses of the Constitution by President Bush "With a heavy heart and in the deepest spirit of patriotism, I exercise my duty and responsibility to speak truthfully about what is before us. To shy away from this responsibility would be easier. But I have not been one to travel the easy road. I believe in this country, and in the power of our democracy. I feel the steely conviction of one who will not let the country I love descend into shame; for the fabric of our democracy is at stake."Full Story from Guerrilla News Network || McKinney's Statement || Download Articles of Impeachment (H.R. 1106) || Inymedia Coverage of Impeachment Campaign
Impeachment Protest at Pioneer Square
World Can't Wait Portland is holding an Impeachment Protest on National Human Rights Day, December 10. The focus will be upon the legalization of torture, Military Commissions Act and impeachment. Read more>>|
Dec 09 2006
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Photos / Seoul - Stop FTA. 10,000 South Korean protesters stage an anti-FTA rally |
Wednesday, December 6, 2006 (Seoul): Thousands of farmers and factory workers took to the streets of Seoul on Wednesday to protest against a free trade agreement (FTA) between South Korea and the US. Holding anti-FTA banners and chanting slogans, the protesters gathered as a fifth round of talks continued at the Big Sky Resort in the US state of Montana to discuss removing tariffs and other trade barriers.
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Dec 09 2006
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Iraq War Resister Kyle Snyder Speaks in San Diego |
At 19, Kyle Snyder joined the Army for the usual reasons a 19-year-old would: a $5,000 signing bonus and promises of health coverage and college aid. Four years later, he's touring the country in a bus run by the Iraq Veterans Against the War (IVAW) and speaking largely to student audiences — many of them students of color — in schools heavily recruited by the military. He's also fulfilling the opportunity the military promised him and then reneged — the chance to reconstruct infrastructure for a devastated population — not in Iraq, but in New Orleans, where IVAW members have an ongoing cleanup project to rehabilitate homes flooded in Hurricane Katrina.
“There’s not a day that goes by without me thinking about the 500,000 Iraqis and 3,000 Americans who have died. I support the troops but oppose the war. I want my friends home so I don’t have to question anymore. I don’t believe in the Bush administration. One minute I’m looked at as a hero, and the next as a traitor. It’s difficult for me to understand that kind of logic.”
Iraqi Veterans Against the War | San Diego Pablo Paredes Coverage: 1 2 3 4 5
“There’s not a day that goes by without me thinking about the 500,000 Iraqis and 3,000 Americans who have died. I support the troops but oppose the war. I want my friends home so I don’t have to question anymore. I don’t believe in the Bush administration. One minute I’m looked at as a hero, and the next as a traitor. It’s difficult for me to understand that kind of logic.”
Iraqi Veterans Against the War | San Diego Pablo Paredes Coverage: 1 2 3 4 5
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Dec 09 2006
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CHÁVEZ VICTORIOUS: VIVA LA REVOLUCIÓN BOLIVARIANA |
A report on the elections in Venezuela by Indymedia correspondents in Caracas.
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Dec 10 2006
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Jan. 27 National Washington D.C. Peace March: Spread the Word! |
Dear friends of United for Peace & Justice, The Iraq Study Group report calls for major changes in U.S. policy in Iraq -- but doesn't call for the only change that will help solve the horrible crisis there: Bringing all the troops home, now. Join us in the streets of Washington, D.C., on Saturday, January 27, to deliver a resounding message to the new Congress: We don't want half measures that will only prolong the bloodshed. It's time to bring an immediate end to the war!
Here's how you can get involved and help make January 27th the biggest possible demonstration for peace:
Here's how you can get involved and help make January 27th the biggest possible demonstration for peace:
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Dec 10 2006
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The Police Stories of Candelaria (Puerto Rico) and New York City |
The streets of New York City and the residential areas of Candelaria, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico are witnessing disturbing scenes of police violence and abuse. While marches and demands for justice take place here in New York, the residents of Candelaria are beginning to overcome the effects of police terrorism and are demanding justice and freedom from the humiliating abuse heaped upon them by local police.
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Dec 10 2006
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Frederick: Green Scare event report |
On Dec. 7, 2006 the Frederick Progressive Action Coalition, in solidarity with over 40 other events, expressed their dismay over the government repression of environmental activists.
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Dec 10 2006
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William Fletcher: “Israel is a Rabid State!” |
Israel and the Apartheid-era South Africa regime have a lot in common, said William Fletcher. They are both “settler states,” who created myths that God had given them “the land,” and that the land “was unoccupied upon arrival.” They also both portrayed themselves as “victims” and their aggressions as a “defensive act.” Fletcher said: “Israel is a rabid state,” which is capable of a maniacal act, like “unleashing a nuclear weapon.”
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Dec 10 2006
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Fouad Kaady, we still remember you |
Another month passes, as the wheels of justice roll agonizingly slowly, in the case of Fouad Kaady. The months will not pass unnoticed, however.
For those who are unfamiliar with Fouad's case, I have included some links below, although there are many more, should you want to do a search. The short version is as follows:
For those who are unfamiliar with Fouad's case, I have included some links below, although there are many more, should you want to do a search. The short version is as follows:
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Dec 10 2006
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Lone Vet Report |
This Thursday was a little different for me; I arrived for my weekly brunch with the Gorgon about 11:30 AM and stayed until about 1:30 PM. Gordon Smith was again a no show, I am getting the feeling he does not want to meet this old veteran--you think?
People who go to lunch during my protest are getting to recognize me and say hello, or just smile---a few laugh at my signs and one woman said, "Ponder, the SOB probably does not know what the word means." I got a few people who honked their horns today, that is unusual for downtown, not sure why, but it is rare. Most people read the sign, said they agreed with me, and kept walking, I am getting a little nervous because people are agreeing with me but continue on their routine. I thought I would be in hostile territory, but it seems like most people are fed up with this pretender in the WH and want change. I just hope the dems get off their asses and do something significant soon.
People who go to lunch during my protest are getting to recognize me and say hello, or just smile---a few laugh at my signs and one woman said, "Ponder, the SOB probably does not know what the word means." I got a few people who honked their horns today, that is unusual for downtown, not sure why, but it is rare. Most people read the sign, said they agreed with me, and kept walking, I am getting a little nervous because people are agreeing with me but continue on their routine. I thought I would be in hostile territory, but it seems like most people are fed up with this pretender in the WH and want change. I just hope the dems get off their asses and do something significant soon.
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Dec 10 2006
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Rome - The aboriginal people mapuche they contest Benetton |
The first escapes of shopping christmas, to the center of Rome, have had Wednesday 6 Decembers an unscheduled program. Two representatives of the aboriginal people mapuche, Rogelio Fermin and Dina Huincaleo, arrive to you from the Argentine, have contested the Italian multinational Benetton, with an action in front of the store of the company, to Public square of Spain. The photos are of Simona Granati.
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Dec 10 2006
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Mumia Rally A Success Despite Police Sponsored Disturbance |
Despite attempts from Police supported motorcycle clubs, the rally for justice for Mumia Abu-Jamal went on as planned with successful results.
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Dec 11 2006
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Innocent Man Framed by Burge Cops Sues Cops |
From the newswire: "Police coerced teenager Harold Hill into falsely confessing to a murder and rape he did not commit. Recently tested DNA evidence demonstrated his innocence… Yesterday [December 8, 2006] Hill filed suit in federal court against nine current and former Area 3 police officers. Among the defendant officers is Lieut. Kenneth Boudreau, who has compiled a notorious record of false confessions of young and otherwise vulnerable defendants" "Hill is one of over 100 African American men tortured or physically coerced into giving confessions to police under the supervision of then-Commander Jon Burge, who was fired by the City in February 1993 for torture after a 2-1/2 decade rein of terror at both Area 2 and Area 3 Police Headquarters. In Hill's case, police also deliberately suppressed exculpatory evidence, destroying documents and withholding physical evidence that would have prevented his 1994 conviction." Read more
Additional Resources: Harold Hill v. Chicago (PDF)
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Dec 11 2006
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Holiday Cards for Death row |
During the past few weeks, activists who work to end executions (especially in Texas) gathered at SHAPE to sign greeting cards for men and women scheduled to be killed by our state (us). The prisoners live in inhumane conditions, but they still count as fellow human beings.
As the year end approaches, and days become shorter and nights longer, families around the world draw together. This season of waning daylight brings fesivities and celebrations to most people, be it called Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Dongzhi, or even just Festivus.
However, people in prison get left out, by and large. There is a tradition among death penalty abolitionists in Houston of sending greeting cards signed by as many as possible to prisoners, especially death row prisoners. This activity culminates on a couple of Tuesday evenings in early December at the SHAPE community center. It has been happening for more than ten years.
[read the full article]
From Gloria Rubac: Not only were there many people at SHAPE for the signing, but some very special people that almost no one ever mentions: the victims created by executions--the mother and fathers and wives and sisters and brothers and children of those executed or those who are waiting to die.
For example, there were three people there who could barely bring themselves to join this seemingly enjoyable event. [read more]
Photos: people | card
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Dec 11 2006
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Jeff Hogg & the Liberation of Dissent |
The IWW union hall in North Portland was filled to capacity at the Liberating Dissent Anti-Green Scare event last night as Grand Jury resister Jeff Hogg shared his six month ordeal as a Green Scare political prisoner. [Audio]
Until his release from the Josephine County Jail on November 11 of this year, Jeff found himself caught in the snare of the government war on dissent. His speaking presentation occurred as part of an international call to mark the weekend of December 7 as a display of unity and opposition to government repression. It was on December 7, 2005, that the FBI's "Operation Backfire" began with it's broad sweep of harassment, intimidation and persecution of eco and animal rights activists. The ensuing investigation with Grand Jury subpoenas and arrests has come to be known as the Green Scare.
Targeted because of prior eco-activism and activist associations in the Eugene area including work with the Earth First! Journal, Hogg was served with a subpoena in May of this year to testify before the grand jury in regard to a supposed ELF arson that caused property damage. His experience was one of intimidation from the beginning.
Related Links: greenscare.org | fbiwitchhunt.org
Civil Liberties Defense Center | Oly Civil Liberties Resource
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Dec 11 2006
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Spirit of Water Forum is excellent - a report back |
This evening I attended a program at Southern Oregon University here in Ashland entitled The Spirit of Water: An Evening to Honor the Water of Life.
This program convinced me that I must stop buying and using bottled water forever and I urge you to use containers of your own and to add filtration to your water and better yet to urge your water district or city to improve the quality of your water supply so that there are no worries about drinking from the tap.
This program convinced me that I must stop buying and using bottled water forever and I urge you to use containers of your own and to add filtration to your water and better yet to urge your water district or city to improve the quality of your water supply so that there are no worries about drinking from the tap.
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Dec 11 2006
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Oaxaca Solidarity Night in Santa Cruz on Dec 13th |
On Wednesday, December 13th, at 7pm, there will be a solidarity event for the people of Oaxaca, Mexico at the Veterans Hall in Santa Cruz. Bilingual film screenings of Granito de Arena (Grain of Sand), a documentary of the teacher's struggle in Oaxaca and Victoria en Todos Santos (Victory in All Saints), shot on the streets during the attempted illegal takeover of Radio Universidad by the Federal Police, as well as a bilingual presentation from Miguel Zafra, a native Oaxaqueño and member of the Frente Indigena de Organizaciones Binacionales (FIOB).
A $5-20 donation is requested, though no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Proceeds will be used for sending media resources and medical supplies to some of Oaxaca's most remote indigenous communities, in order to contribute to their ability to document their own histories of collective organizing and resistance.
Read more and download the flyer (en español)
A $5-20 donation is requested, though no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Proceeds will be used for sending media resources and medical supplies to some of Oaxaca's most remote indigenous communities, in order to contribute to their ability to document their own histories of collective organizing and resistance.
Read more and download the flyer (en español)
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Dec 11 2006
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53 Protesters from Boston Defend Voluntary Integration |
On Monday, December 4, 53 people from Cambridge and Boston attended a national demonstration at the Supreme Court sponsored by BAMN (By Any Means Necessary) in order to defend equal schooling for all children. The trip, sponsored by the Student Coalition for Justice at the Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE), was initiated by students in Gary Orfield’s “Desegregation and the Possibility of Integration” class.
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Dec 11 2006
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Thousands march in Oaxaca |
In the first major protest since the Nov. 25 smackdown, the APPO marched in Oaxaca City.
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Dec 11 2006
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At-Large Candidates Begin Politicking |
There were two types of politicians that showed up at the Italian Bistro on Thursday, December 7th for an event organized by Neighborhood Networks-the politicians who talk about their résumés and the politicians who talk about their ideas.
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Dec 11 2006
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Photos: World Can't Wait Protest Against Torture at Macys |
World Can't Wait held a protest against torture at Macys.
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Dec 11 2006
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Worcester’'s Public Access TV funding at risk |
An important community resource, WCCA Ch 13, is at risk of losing a large portion of its funding due to a proposal from the Worcester Regional Research Bureau. Read more...
A study conducted by Reidel Communications valued the station more highly than did the Research Bureau's report.
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Dec 11 2006
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Murderous Former Dictator Pinochet Dies, Escaping Reckoning with Victims |
Augusto Pinochet, former dictator of Chile who presided over a US-backed reign of terror spanning the period 1973-1990, died on Sunday at age 91. Minute-by-Minute Report from Santiago on Sunday | 2004 radioActive sanDiego Interview with SD Chilean Native on Coup and Anti-Free Trade Demonstrations
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Dec 11 2006
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Support Victims of the Green Scare |
As several dozen young people gathered last Friday at Voz Alta, downtown, to raise money for other young people imprisoned for their activism, their quiet strength as a movement became illuminated. What is it about this segment of a new generation that strikes so much terror into our corporate owned government?
They understand that the Green Scare is here. It is the weapon of choice by CEO’s and wealthy speculators to bring yet another generation to its knees by insuring that youthful animal rights activists and environmentalists, who commit civil disobedience for ethical or political reasons, get more time in prison than street thugs and rapists. “In defiance of the order that ushers our dying Earth to her grave, let us stand together so that the fires of our hearts may burn against this dark hour of repression,” a T-shirt proclaims as the young man talks about the need to support ecoprisoners.
But where is the left? The tragedy is that this inner courage, this ethical strength, this commitment to fundamental change not tinkering, this Earth first mentality, on the part of young environmentalists and animal rights activists frightens mainstream, liberal and progressive groups.
Background and Links: SDIMC Stories: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 | ecoprisoners.org | SHAC7.com | greenscare.org | FBIwitchhunt.com | greenisthenewred.com
They understand that the Green Scare is here. It is the weapon of choice by CEO’s and wealthy speculators to bring yet another generation to its knees by insuring that youthful animal rights activists and environmentalists, who commit civil disobedience for ethical or political reasons, get more time in prison than street thugs and rapists. “In defiance of the order that ushers our dying Earth to her grave, let us stand together so that the fires of our hearts may burn against this dark hour of repression,” a T-shirt proclaims as the young man talks about the need to support ecoprisoners.
But where is the left? The tragedy is that this inner courage, this ethical strength, this commitment to fundamental change not tinkering, this Earth first mentality, on the part of young environmentalists and animal rights activists frightens mainstream, liberal and progressive groups.
Background and Links: SDIMC Stories: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 | ecoprisoners.org | SHAC7.com | greenscare.org | FBIwitchhunt.com | greenisthenewred.com
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Dec 11 2006
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December 7th: One Year Anniversary of the Green Scare |
December 7th marked the first anniversary of the Green Scare in which federal officals all over the country rounded up environmental activists suspect in a number of arsons that took place mostly in California and the Northwest. The opperation was dubbed, "Opperation Backfire". Most of the activists where charged with arson but this was no regular arson crime. They were being charged under a new Patriot Act law that defines people who destroy private property for enviornment or animal liberation, as eco-terrorists. Read More about the Green Scare and Local Coverage
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Dec 12 2006
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Mumia Abu-Jamal: His Last Chance at Freedom? |
"Conventional wisdom would have one believe that it is insane to resist this, the mightiest of empires. But what history really shows is that today's empire is tommorw's ashes, that nothing lasts forever, and that to not resists is to acquiesce in your own oppression. The greatest form of sanity that anyone can exercise is to resist that force that is trying to repress, oppress, and fight down the human spirit..."
That is a quote from Mumia Abu-Jamal, award winning journalist, activist, and former Black Panther who was unjustly convicted in 1982 of killing a Philadelphia police officer and given the death penalty. He was at the center of a bill that just passed in the US House of Representatives. The House bill calls for the French Government to intervene against the city of St. Denis, a suburb of Paris, who last summer named a street after the freedom fighter, called "Rue Mumia". They did so to honor his journalistic work and his human rights struggle for justice. Mike Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania was one of the two Representatives who introduced the bill. He said, "We must stand together as one and send a strong message to the world that cop-killers deserve to be punished, not to be celebrated."
The resolution passed 368-31. Among those who voted in favor of the resolution was soon to be speaker of the house Nancy Pelosi from California. [Read More About the Bill and Mumia's Legal Case]
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Dec 12 2006
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Philly IMC Editorial Open Meeting! |
This Tuesday, December 12, 2006, 6:30pm in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Room at the Friends Center, 1515 Cherry Street., Philadelphia.
If you have a passion for activism, fair reporting, independent news and journalism or just want to learn more about creating your own media, you need to be at this meeting. We want you to help create the Philly IMC!
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Dec 12 2006
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Mexico Federalizes Brad Will Investigation; Local Activsts Debate the Chances for Justice |
Nearly two months after Brad Will was gunned down on the streets of Oaxaca City while chronicling a popular revolution against the State governor, and more than two weeks after that uprising suffered a brutal wave of repression, the investigation into the murder of the NYC Indymedia journalist appears to be hostage to internal Mexican politics.
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Dec 12 2006
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Brad Will's death finally hits main stream media, no mention of his IMC affiliation |
Six weeks after the death of indymedia video journalist Brad Will, the Miami Herald on Dec. 11 carried a McLatchy News Service story "Filmmaker's death in Mexico puts focus on region" with no mention of his NYC IMC Indymedia affiliation.
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Dec 12 2006
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Audio from the Green Scare Event in Portland |
Featuring:
- A Background on the current "Green Scare"
- Talk by Jeff Hogg, Grand Jury resister, about solidarity, knowing your rights in front of a Grand Jury and the importance of political prisoner letter writing.
- Ester from Eberhardt Press talks about the harsh picture of global warming, the concept of the "tipping point" of irreversible global ecological damage and the government's attempt to silence concern for the environment.
- A Background on the current "Green Scare"
- Talk by Jeff Hogg, Grand Jury resister, about solidarity, knowing your rights in front of a Grand Jury and the importance of political prisoner letter writing.
- Ester from Eberhardt Press talks about the harsh picture of global warming, the concept of the "tipping point" of irreversible global ecological damage and the government's attempt to silence concern for the environment.
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Dec 12 2006
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palestine journal: 10 dec 2006 |
sometimes people ask me, or wonder, why I would choose to live in palestine, given the violence and occupation.....why would anyone want to live in a place like that??
they ask....
but i think in such a question there is something missing - the value of the culture of the palestinian people is utterly negated when one equates the whole reality of palestine with the fact of the israeli occupation and ongoing illegal seizure of the land. and in fact, it is a rich, deep and beautiful culture, with a long history and a deep connectedness to this land.
they ask....
but i think in such a question there is something missing - the value of the culture of the palestinian people is utterly negated when one equates the whole reality of palestine with the fact of the israeli occupation and ongoing illegal seizure of the land. and in fact, it is a rich, deep and beautiful culture, with a long history and a deep connectedness to this land.
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Dec 12 2006
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Yes, I brought a Pit Bull |
A few days ago, I was walking Romeo along the river. He was happily trotting along in front of me, ears flapping like little wings as he went. For both our sakes, Romeo and I were on a leash, of course. As always. Suddenly, I heard a loud and threatening ruckus coming from the top of a nearby hill. I turned to see a woman with two large, standard poodles walking down a trail toward us. I smiled and waved, and she tried to do the same. But her dogs were lunging wildly, and the trail was slippery, and the woman lost her balance and fell. As she slid down the bank, the dogs pulled loose and came lunging and snarling and barking down at us. She screamed for them, and I shouted "NO!" But they kept coming, all gnashing teeth and wild eyes, and trailing a long, slippery green leash which bound them both together. It was a very frightening moment.
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Dec 12 2006
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Solidaridad con Oaxaca en Santa Cruz el 13 de Deciembre |
El Miércoles 13 de Deciembre a las 7pm va a ser un noche en solidaridad con el pueblo de Oaxaca en el Veterans Hall en Santa Cruz. Va a ser peliculas de Granito de Arena, un documental sobre la cuenta de las maestras en Oaxaca y su lucha de base contra el desmontar mundial de educacion publica y Victoria en Todos Santos, la PFP, en su incursión para frenar el movimiento popular en contra del Gobierno del estado, intenta invadir Radio Universidad, la cual juega un papel importante en la organización del pueblo oaxaqueño en lucha a tambien un presentacion bilingue por Miguel Zafra, un Oaxaqueño nativo y un miembro de la Frente Indigena de Organizaciones Binacionales (FIOB).
Coperacion voluntaria y ninguno rechazado. Las donaciones van para mandar equipo de medios y medicinas para algunas de las comunidades mas remotas de oaxaca, para poder contribuir a su abilidad de documentar sus propias historias de resistencia y organizacion colectiva. Lee mas y baje el flyer
Coperacion voluntaria y ninguno rechazado. Las donaciones van para mandar equipo de medios y medicinas para algunas de las comunidades mas remotas de oaxaca, para poder contribuir a su abilidad de documentar sus propias historias de resistencia y organizacion colectiva.
Lee mas y baje el flyer
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Dec 12 2006
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Day of Outrage - Shut Down Wall St! Thurdsay 12/21 |
POLICE MURDER PROTESTS INTENSIFY
DAY OF OUTRAGE! SHUT DOWN WALL STREET!
“Black Thursday,” December 21, 2006 at 12:00PM
Chase Bldg, Liberty & Nassau St, Downtown NYC
DAY OF OUTRAGE! SHUT DOWN WALL STREET!
“Black Thursday,” December 21, 2006 at 12:00PM
Chase Bldg, Liberty & Nassau St, Downtown NYC
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Dec 12 2006
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"Voices of Silence" |
yesterday in Washington Square Park, the Surveillance Camera Players performed a brand-new play on the 10th anniversary of the group's first performance.
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Dec 12 2006
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Mother Begs Governor to Bring Her Son Home |
Joyce House, Supported by Supreme Court, Says Her Son is Innocent
Nashville: On November 25th, Joyce House wrote an impassioned letter for Governor Bredesen asking him to release her son, Paul House, who has been on Tennessee’s death row for over twenty years. But unlike so many other letters from the parents of the incarcerated, House’s letter is backed by strong new evidence, and a recent ruling by the United States Supreme Court, that points toward her son’s innocence. Paul House has claimed his innocence since his initial arrest.
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Dec 12 2006
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Protesters Object to Reverend John Dooher's Elevation |
Just like they have done Sunday after Sunday, right after mass, for the past 4 years, the “sidewalk protesters” gathered once again in front of the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Boston’s South End. Except it is 1:30 on a Tuesday afternoon and today’s mass is not your usual Sunday one: Reverend John Dooher – a high-ranking chancery officer who coordinated sexual misconduct matters, alongside Bishop John McCormack- is being elevated to Auxiliary Bishop overseeing the Boston Archdiocese’s South Region. It is believed that as a coordinator, John Dooher helped create housing for abusive priests and by remaining silent about the issue, participated in covering-up the sexual abuse.
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Dec 12 2006
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Assata/Morales Center at CCNY under attack from Daily News and CUNY Trustees |
Notice from SLAM listserve, reposted here:
Today Chancellor Goldstein has ordered the sign naming the Guillermo Morales/Assata Shakur Student and Community Center removed in response to the front page story and editorial about the Community Center in today's NY Daily News, long-time enemies of CUNY, long-time opponents of Black Liberation. This student center has been spied on and caught red-handed. It has served as a nerve center for many activities at the University of Harlem and it must be defended!
Today Chancellor Goldstein has ordered the sign naming the Guillermo Morales/Assata Shakur Student and Community Center removed in response to the front page story and editorial about the Community Center in today's NY Daily News, long-time enemies of CUNY, long-time opponents of Black Liberation. This student center has been spied on and caught red-handed. It has served as a nerve center for many activities at the University of Harlem and it must be defended!
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Dec 13 2006
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Children Drown Escaping Repression and Torture in Western Sahara |
On November 28, 2006, the bodies of thirteen children were found washed up on a Western Sahara beach after their small boat sank in the Atlantic ocean. Another 20 children are still missing.
Moroccan officials in occupied Western Sahara have been encouraging young people to migrate to Spain where they are led to believe they will be well treated. A spokesman for the migrant advocacy group Alter Forum said that up to 40 boats carrying about 18 children each leave Boujdour, Western Sahara every month for Spanish shores. The children are attempting to escape from one of the worst human rights environments in the world
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Dec 13 2006
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Pinochet, Chile’s former US-backed dictator, dead at 91 |
On Sunday December 10th 2006, Chile's former military dictator Augusto Pinochet died. News of his death sparked spontaneous demonstrations in Santiago and other Chilean cities as thousands poured into the streets to celebrate the death of the 91-year-old retired army general, who came to power in a 1973 CIA-backed coup against the elected government of Salvador Allende. Pinochet's regime was responsible for the murder or disappearance of thousands of left-wing activists, trade unionists, students and others.
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Dec 13 2006
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12/8: SAMIDOUN! Lebanon: Images of War |
An evening featuring an interactive multimedia presentation on the recent war on Lebanon and its aftermath, with award-winning independent reporter Ana Nogueira of Democracy Now! & photojournalist Andrew Stern.
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Dec 13 2006
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TLSC, UE 160 Win Victory for W&M Housekeepers |
A protest planned by the Tidewater Labor Support Committee and the Virginia Public Service Workers Union (UE Local 160) turned into a victory celebration when the College of William and Mary's Office of Residence Life withdrew its plans to force housekeepers into a six-day workweek only one day before the scheduled rally.
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Dec 13 2006
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You are indymedia! Meeting on Sunday, Dec 17 |
Make the Richmond Independent Media Center everything you want it to be. Richmond Indymedia runs on people power – that means you! Awesome things are happening with our IMC, meaning that right now we need you more than ever. We’ve got a new site, an amazing weekly radioshow, breaking news every day, and ambitious goals we’re striving towards. And almost all of it hinges on you. A great opportunity to get involved is to come to the IMC training meeting this Sunday at 12:30 pm at 2001 Gilbert st.
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Dec 13 2006
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Oaxaca solidarity 'cacerolazo' besieges Mexican Embassy |
Once again, outraged protestors descended on the Mexican Embassy to support the beseiged residents of Oaxaca and the APPO. This time, people brought out a cacaphony of banging pots and pans. Audio (06 mins 45 secs) Oaxaca Solidarity events in DC: Dec. 15/16 (Film Screening, Firsthand Report, Slide Show, Videos)
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Dec 13 2006
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Court Appearance Tuesday for Two Activists Arrested on NOAA Ledge October 23rd |
On Tuesday morning, December 12th, climate activists Paul Burman, 23 and Ted Glick, 57, will appear in court to face charges stemming from hanging a banner at NOAA saying, "Bush: Let NOAA Tell the Truth!" This was in reference to the suppression by Bush political appointees of scientists at NOAA and other federal agencies whose research shows a connection between global warming and more destructive hurricanes, droughts, wildfires and other extreme weather events. www.climateemergency.org
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Dec 13 2006
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The struggle is not over: 40 years of organizing in the Deep and Global South |
The goal of the Southern Human Rights Organizing Conference (SHROC) is to bring together human rights organizers to discuss common issues and develop more effective strategies for building a human rights movement in the Deep South. The sixth bi-annual SHROC conference was held in Houston the weekend of December 8th, which included Human Rights Day on December 10th.Houston Indymedia hosted a Makin' Media Workshop on December 5th to encourage coverage of the conference which has yielded a large amount of coverage from the open publishing newswire:
~ Many of the central themes of the conference were explored in Sarah's article; The struggle is not over: 40 years of organizing in the Deep South and the Global South, including a sense of history, the effects of globalization and imperialism and black brown unity. Massoud covered the December 8th press conference that kicked off the weekend, showing some of the diverse participation in the conference; Decades of struggle was revealed at the SHROC press conference
~ During the conference Chickpea and Meg got a chance to interview Angela Davis, the keynote speaker and long time social justice activist [listen to the interview]. RoB wrote up some observations and published photos from workshops and keynote presentations on Saturday.
~ On Saturday afternoon SHROC moved out of the conference rooms and onto the sidewalks for a protest at Wal-Mart. Art B reports: At day's end on a very full Saturday, activists converged on the Wal-Mart at Westheimer and Dunvale for a happening full of healthy spirit to counteract the consumer spirit that corrupts the season and pollutes the planet! RoB had some photos and advised Dont Shop Wal-Mart, Dont Drink Coke
~ The Conference concluded on Sunday the 10th, John published these photos from the closing. Some people attending the conference left on the 10th for a field trip to Rio Grande City to observe the 40th anniversary of the farm workers' strike that took place in 1966.
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Dec 13 2006
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Nashville Speaks Out Against Big Media |
Concerned citizens testify about harmful impact of media consolidation
NASHVILLE — More than 500 Nashville residents joined country music legends at Belmont University’s Massey Performing Arts Center Monday to speak out against media consolidation. The event, the second official Federal Communications Commission hearing, gave the public a chance to tell the FCC how proposed changes to media ownership limits would adversely affect their lives and work.
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Dec 13 2006
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i have lived 33 years hating pinochet... |
he died in his home, comfortably surrounded by his family and friends... before he could be brought to trial... before the families of those affected by his cruel reign got the chance to tell their stories. he should have died alone. in a cold and neglected cell. not unlike those who perished under his direct orders.
"la esmeralda" docked in san diego - a ship used by the chilean navy to torture and kill around the time of pinochet's takeover.
i wrote on the walls of that ship notes to my mother who lost her friends, her homeland... who landed, in a cruel twist of fate, onto the very soil of the country that supported and supplied the takeover of pinochet against allende...
Torture Ship Esmeralda in San Diego
"la esmeralda" docked in san diego - a ship used by the chilean navy to torture and kill around the time of pinochet's takeover.
i wrote on the walls of that ship notes to my mother who lost her friends, her homeland... who landed, in a cruel twist of fate, onto the very soil of the country that supported and supplied the takeover of pinochet against allende...
Torture Ship Esmeralda in San Diego
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Dec 13 2006
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Take a stand against proposed big-box development across from Madison HS! |
TIRED OF BIG BOX STORES DESTROYING PORTLAND NEIGHBORHOODS AND SMALL BUSINESSES? Let's take a stand together.
The Save Madison South Committee has just formed as an opposition response to the proposed 240,000 sq ft big-box store on the land located at NE 82nd and Siskiyou (old driving range and landfill that has a current zoning of 60,000 sq ft - the neighborhood does not oppose development of that size). The proposal is for a REGIONAL auto-centric shopping center that will pull traffic from all across northeast Portland and Vancouver, WA to this already congested location. Word is that the permit application will probably be going into the Portland Planning Bureau in the next 30-45 days.
The Save Madison South Committee has just formed as an opposition response to the proposed 240,000 sq ft big-box store on the land located at NE 82nd and Siskiyou (old driving range and landfill that has a current zoning of 60,000 sq ft - the neighborhood does not oppose development of that size). The proposal is for a REGIONAL auto-centric shopping center that will pull traffic from all across northeast Portland and Vancouver, WA to this already congested location. Word is that the permit application will probably be going into the Portland Planning Bureau in the next 30-45 days.
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Dec 13 2006
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The bed bug epidemic |
They're back. Deplorable conditions in North America's homeless shelters and tenements have contributed to the exponential increase in the bed bug population. Some advice for the wary follows...
The return of the bedbug to North America is causing some people to call for a return to the use of DDT as an antidote. Because there are some people who might be interested in a non-chemical answer to the bedbug invasion I have decided to post information about my own battle with those loathsome creatures, which are coming to a home or apartment near you sometime soon.
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Dec 13 2006
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Portland IMC Newsletter for Dec. 12, 2006 |
Articles included in this issue:
10,000 South Korean Farmers Protest Free Trade Agreement
REMEMBER REVOLUTIONARY STEW ALBERT
Schumacher Folds up Portland Fur Shop
Durban, South Africa: Action in Solidarity with Greescare indictees
Fouad Kaady, we still remember you
10,000 South Korean Farmers Protest Free Trade Agreement
REMEMBER REVOLUTIONARY STEW ALBERT
Schumacher Folds up Portland Fur Shop
Durban, South Africa: Action in Solidarity with Greescare indictees
Fouad Kaady, we still remember you
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Dec 13 2006
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The Cuban Five and US Terrorism |
Now is the time to demand the release of the Cuban Five. They were sentenced 5 years ago this month and have been imprisoned unjustly in the U.S. for 8 years for the crime of trying to defend their homeland against terrorist attacks.
December 2006 marks five years since the Cuban Five were sentenced to prison. In 2001, Fernando González, Gerardo Hernández, Antonio Guerrero, Ramón Labañino and René González were unjustly convicted of engaging in "espionage conspiracy" and other charges, and sentenced to terms ranging from 15 years to double-life. In fact, they committed no act of espionage against the United States. What they were doing was monitoring Cuban exile terrorist groups in the USA in an attempt to track and prevent terrorist attacks against Cuba.
December 2006 marks five years since the Cuban Five were sentenced to prison. In 2001, Fernando González, Gerardo Hernández, Antonio Guerrero, Ramón Labañino and René González were unjustly convicted of engaging in "espionage conspiracy" and other charges, and sentenced to terms ranging from 15 years to double-life. In fact, they committed no act of espionage against the United States. What they were doing was monitoring Cuban exile terrorist groups in the USA in an attempt to track and prevent terrorist attacks against Cuba.
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Dec 13 2006
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Citizens' hearing on Iraq In Tacoma, WA |
The Citizens' Hearing on the Legality of U.S. Actions in Iraq will be held on January 20-21, 2007, in Tacoma, Washington, two weeks before the court martial of Lieutenant Ehren Watada at Fort Lewis. The Citizens' Hearing will function as a tribunal to put the Iraq War on trial, in response to the Army putting Lt. Watada on trial as the first U.S. military officer to refuse deployment to Iraq.
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Dec 13 2006
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More Public Restrooms, But For How Long? |
One of the outcomes of the most recent review of the infamous sit-lie ordinance, is that the city has been persuaded of the need for more public restrooms. This recognition on the part of the city is related to its agreement to decriminalize sitting on the sidewalk, finding approximately $750,000 for the entire program, part of which would go to provide an alternative, in the form of a drop in center of sorts, to this reality of homeless life.
Also in the new provision, is a determination to establish the availability of more public restrooms to counter the glaring lack of these essential facilities for people who have no alternative. In the account I read most recently about this pressing need, doubts were expressed that the restrooms could last long, because it was thought that they would quickly be destroyed by some of the people out there with the worst problems. Seattle's discouraging experience with the auto toilets was mentioned to illustrate this concern.
Also in the new provision, is a determination to establish the availability of more public restrooms to counter the glaring lack of these essential facilities for people who have no alternative. In the account I read most recently about this pressing need, doubts were expressed that the restrooms could last long, because it was thought that they would quickly be destroyed by some of the people out there with the worst problems. Seattle's discouraging experience with the auto toilets was mentioned to illustrate this concern.
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Dec 13 2006
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18 Arrested in Harrisburg Demanding Casino Transparency |
Bearing only anti-casino placards and chicken-shaped signboards bearing the words ‘fowl play’, an organized crowd chanted ‘Let them through’ in unison as Operation Transparency participants attempted to gain access to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) offices in Harrisburg on Monday afternoon.
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Dec 13 2006
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D17 Peace Action ~ Grants Pass Shout Out |
December 17 ~ 1 to 2 PM ~ Josephine County Courthouse ~ Grants Pass
In observance of the impending 3,000th death among American military personnel in Iraq, there will be a Peace Action this Sunday, December 17th, from 1 to 2 PM in front of the Josephine County Courthouse, 500 NW 6th St. in Grants Pass. Participants are encouraged to wear black. The names of all the military and civilian personnel from Oregon who have been killed in Iraq and Afghanistan will be read aloud, along with Senator Gordon Smith's recent speech deploring the war. Popular local musician Jeni Foster will sing.
In observance of the impending 3,000th death among American military personnel in Iraq, there will be a Peace Action this Sunday, December 17th, from 1 to 2 PM in front of the Josephine County Courthouse, 500 NW 6th St. in Grants Pass. Participants are encouraged to wear black. The names of all the military and civilian personnel from Oregon who have been killed in Iraq and Afghanistan will be read aloud, along with Senator Gordon Smith's recent speech deploring the war. Popular local musician Jeni Foster will sing.
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Dec 13 2006
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Hayward's Local Patients' Coop Raided and Closed |
The Local Patients' Cooperative in Hayward was raided by DEA and IRS agents on Tuesday, December 12th. The LPC had been preparing to close at the end of December. The Patients Resource Center, half a block down the street, was not affected by the raid.
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Dec 13 2006
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Justice for Boston Children's Museum Workers! |
The Boston Children's Museum (BCM) is widely known for its commitment to the children of Boston. But this Christmas, the president of the museum, Lou Casagrande is acting like a big Grinch to workers at the museum. More than 15 BCM employees (mostly part-time, low-wage workers)were told on December 2 that their jobs would be terminated shortly after the holiday when the museum closes for renovations. Further, despite their experience at the museum, they were told they would not be guaranteed employment when the museum reopens.
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Dec 14 2006
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Voices with Vision: October 12, 2006 - The Politicization of Child Sexual Abuse |
Nowadays, you can receive an email to your Blackberry with an alert that a registered sex offender has moved in next-door. At home, you can log online to view the faces of all of the registered offenders in your neighborhood ... Yet, many child sexual abuse prevention activists, researchers, and survivors are not praising these technological advances. Ingrid Drake from the DC Radio Co-op explores the politicization of child sexual abuse in the US.
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Dec 14 2006
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Dec. 22nd Protest at Miami Mexican Consulate in solidarity with Oaxaca |
The attack that our brothers, the people of Oaxaca suffered and suffer cannot be ignored by those who fight for freedom, justice and democracy in all corners of the planet. This is why, the EZLN calls on all honest people, in Mexico and the world, to initiate, starting now, continual actions of solidarity and support to the Oaxacan people.
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Dec 14 2006
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Human Rights Day: a time to take stock |
"Pinochet's greatest legacy may be the wake-up call ... he provides for dictators everywhere," said Jose Miguel Vivanco, Americas director at Human Rights Watch. Yet violence in Chile continues with the December 7th police shooting of Mapuche comuneros, in which ten were wounded (es). Even as Human Rights Day was celebrated on December 10th in Philadelphia and worldwide, campaigns for public accountability must battle the growing "normalization" of torture.
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Dec 14 2006
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More Than 1,200 Arrested in Six-State Immigration Raid |
At least 1,280 workers have been arrested in a series of immigration raids targeting six Swift & Co. meatpacking plants. The raids took place in Colorado, Nebraska, Texas, Utah, Iowa and Minnesota It marks the largest sweep of its kind ever against a single company. Local Spanish radio host, Antonio Medina, describes the immigration raid as aggressive and ugly. “I went to the plant to see what was happening, but because I’m Latino they immediately asked me for my papers,” said Medina.Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff justified the raids saying many of the detained men and women were using false or stolen identities. The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union has filed an emergency lawsuit in an effort to release the workers who they say were illegally detained and are being held without access to legal counsel. In Iowa, immigration lawyers have accused the federal government of holding the arrested workers at the military site Camp Dodge near Des Moines. [New America Media Coverage | Democracy Now Coverage | WSWS Coverage]
UPDATE: AFSC Denounces Egregious Workplace Immigration Raids
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Dec 14 2006
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Rice removes Kleenex products, students protest Kimberly Clark environmental practices |
December 14 - Rice University students delivered a four-foot letter to the office of Kimberly-Clark Board Member and Rice Board Trustee, Marc Shapiro. The letter confirmed removal of all Kleenex brand products from the Rice Housing and Dining Department.
Students worked with University Administrators to remove the Kleenex brand because the product is produced using trees clearcut from North America’s largest ancient forest, the Boreal.
“The removal of Kimberly-Clark products from our university is a strong indication that the company is not producing an environmentally sound product, ” said Kyle Saari, Rice University student.”Kimberly-Clark claims to be an environmentally responsible company, but it uses wood pulp that is clearcut from the Boreal to make throwaway products like tissues and toilet paper. Universities can use their purchasing power to demand that Kimberly-Clark use recycled paper and stop wiping out this important forest.” ...[Read the full report]
Earlier this year in August, immigrant rights supporters led a boycott against Kimberly Clark in protest of House bill 4437, an anti-immigration bill authored by Jim Sensenbrenner, who holds large investments in the company.
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Dec 14 2006
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Sentencing Dates Set for “Eco-Sabotage” Defendants |
Today, in the federal courthouse in Eugene, Oregon, Judge Ann Aiken set sentencing dates for ten individuals who earlier this year pled guilty to charges stemming from the FBI's "Operation Backfire" prosecutions. Despite the fact than none of the defendants in the case were ever charged with the crime of terrorism, federal prosecutors have announced that they will seek terrorism sentence enhancements of up to 20 years (It has never been alleged that any defendant injured another human or animal as a result of their politically motivated acts of sabotage.) Beyond additional time in federal prison, any terrorism enhancement would have potentially Draconian consequences for defendants upon release. Such a finding by the courts may prohibit them from being able to travel outside the U.S., open a bank account, or otherwise successfully reintegrate into society.
"The sentencing provision at issue, entitled 'Acts of Terrorism Transcending National Boundaries,' simply does not apply to the facts of this case and is a blatant attempt by the government to label citizens as terrorists for political gain and to manipulate and exploit Americans' concerns after 9/11 - which was a true act of terrorism," stated Lauren Regan, executive director of the Civil Liberties Defense Center. "In a case where only property damage occurs, and where citizens took illegal action to stop environmental destruction and animal suffering within the U.S., this federal law was not meant to apply and is unconstitutionally applied to these defendants."
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Dec 14 2006
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Worcester Women's Oral History Project - Get Involved! |
In 2004 the Worcester Women's History Project celebrated their 10th anniversary by starting the Worcester Women’s Oral History Project to include more women from Central Massachusetts and to expand local historical research and education.
They provide free trainings and equipment in conducting Oral History Interviews. Chair of this project Linda Rosenlund talks about the history, goals, and hopes for this initiative. They're continuing to collect stories. Read more about how you can become involved.
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Dec 14 2006
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Achuar leaders visit Houston to discuss oil drilling in the Amazon |
Two Achuar indigenous leaders from Peru came to Houston to talk about the effects of oil drilling in their Amazon territories. The Achuar recently gained two victories against major oil companies in the region. Reps from Amazon Watch and the two indigenous leaders spoke to a full room at the Artery on Monday, December 11.
Oil drilling in the Amazon: An Apu, or tribal leader, from one of the Achuar communities spoke first. In his native language, he said they’d traveled far to come here and thanked everyone for supporting them. He said that since oil companies have come into their territory (during the 1970s), their resources have been destroyed. “We don’t want any more companies,” he said. “We want to defend our right to leave our children with healthy land.”
Resistance and Victory:In October 2006, 31 Achuar communities and over 100 leaders united to resist the oil companies and demand change. For two weeks, they blocked roads, airports and rivers and were able to completely halt 50% of the oil processes in Peru. They also split up 800 men, women, and children into groups of 25 to cut all the electricity wires running to oil wells in their lands.
Leila from Amazon Watch gave a run down of the two victories won by the united Achuar communities. Earlier this month, the US oil company Oxy said it would be ending its activities and leaving Peru. Additionally, the Peruvian government and Argentina-based company Pluspetrol, which is currently drilling in the territory, agreed to almost all of the demands put forth by the Achuar. Read the full story>> | Past HIMC coverage: April 2006:National Day of Action to clean up Ecuador from contamination by Chevron Texaco | Amazon Watch
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Dec 15 2006
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Nashville to Host 16th Annual Homeless Memorial |
Every year the Nashville Homeless Power Project hosts a memorial for our brothers and sisters who have died while homeless. We are joined by hundreds of homeless people, council members, advocates, congregations and our other friends. While many have heard about the murder of homeless woman Tara Cole, there have been countless others who have died because their lack of housing exposed them to increased levels violence, exposure to hazardous weather conditions, and extreme illness. As of December 14, 2006, the Nashville Homeless Power Project has collected 35 names of people who have died while homeless. We expect that many more have died that the project has yet to learn about. In 2005, 30 names were collected.
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Dec 15 2006
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"Battery Bunnies" Packed into Small Cages |
Despite being one of the most popular companion animals in the country, rabbits are among the most exploited. Domestic rabbits -- cherished for their playful, gentle natures -- are skinned for their fur, blinded to test cosmetics, bred for show, drugged in the name of science, clipped for wool products, pulled out of magicians' hats, killed in vivisection labs, sold as food for pet snakes, and raised and shipped by breeders motivated only by profit.
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Dec 15 2006
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Homophobic hate crimes strike Ada, Oklahoma |
Two attacked in recent incidents: Within the last two hate crimes have occured in the Ada, Oklahoma area. In one case, a woman was held to the ground by two men who carved the word "LESBIAN" into her arm with a razer blade or a box knife. In another case, a woman was hit in the head, had her shirt removed, and then tied to a tree with the cut-up shirt, with the word "hell-bound" written on her stomach. More information on these events, and the work of the Gay-Straight Alliance at East Central University to counter these attacks can be read at: http://jmbzine.com/wordpress/?p=562
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Dec 15 2006
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Petition in support of Assata Skakur |
In Solidarity With Cuba; In Solidarity With Assata: An Open Letter to
the Black and Progressive Communities
the Black and Progressive Communities
Sisters, Brothers, Comrades: The United States and New Jersey recently placed Assata Shakur on the FBI’s wanted lists of “terrorists,” and also placed a $1 million dollar bounty on her head. Both of these actions pose serious threats to Assata’s life. These actions are also equally dangerous to the Republic of Cuba, because they are an escalation of the United States’ destabilization campaign, providing a pretext for military aggression.
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Dec 15 2006
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Congress Votes 368-31 to Back Mumia’s Racist Frame-up |
Nine New York Democrats in Congress voted nay while 10 voted for the resolution. Those voting against were Gregory Meeks, Jerrold Nadler, Anthony Weiner, Edolphus Towns, Major Owens, Nydia Velazquez, Charles Rangel, José Serrano, Maurice Hinchey.
Joining in the racist lynch mob voting for the blood of an innocent black man were New York Democrats Steve Israel, Carolyn McCarthy, Gary Ackerman, Joseph Crowley, Carolyn Maloney, Eliot Engel, Nita Lowey, Michael McNulty, Brian Higgins, and Louise Slaughter. Timothy Bishop didn’t vote.
Also voting for blood were Republicans Peter King, Vito Fossella, Sue Kelly, John Sweeney, John McHugh, Sherwood Boehlert, James Walsh, Thomas Reynolds, and John Kuhl.
Joining in the racist lynch mob voting for the blood of an innocent black man were New York Democrats Steve Israel, Carolyn McCarthy, Gary Ackerman, Joseph Crowley, Carolyn Maloney, Eliot Engel, Nita Lowey, Michael McNulty, Brian Higgins, and Louise Slaughter. Timothy Bishop didn’t vote.
Also voting for blood were Republicans Peter King, Vito Fossella, Sue Kelly, John Sweeney, John McHugh, Sherwood Boehlert, James Walsh, Thomas Reynolds, and John Kuhl.
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Dec 15 2006
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The Failed Drug War: Stopping the Violence Means Rethinking Policy |
New Jersey's drug war is being lost a little more each day. The policy of the U.S. government isn't working, it's time for a change.
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Dec 15 2006
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Schumacher Furs protest reports Dec. 2 and 9 (the "red carpet" makes an appearance) |
This week Schumacher rolled a red carpet down the sidewalk, with a shiny chain linking metal posts together, in an apparent attempt to partition off a walkway leading customers to the front door. At 4 feet wide, this set-up took up about half the width of the sidewalk. The problem is, no one really wanted to walk down it (as with nearly everything else the Schumachers have done to engage the protesters their plan backfired, as many passersby probably felt uncomfortable with such ostentation, and likely thought the carpet was reserved for someone else).
But no matter. The shiny gold and bright red are futile attempts at elegance. The truth behind the fur trade is anything but beautiful and refined. Motivated by greed and profit, anything and everything goes in the raising, trapping, and slaughter of the over fifty million animals killed each year for the fur industry. No red carpet or fancy packaging can hide that kind of ugliness. See http://www.furisdead.com to see videos and read about how animals are brutalized in the fur trade. It's time for Schumacher to rip off the covering, walk the gray pavement like everyone else, and face the reality of their industry.
But no matter. The shiny gold and bright red are futile attempts at elegance. The truth behind the fur trade is anything but beautiful and refined. Motivated by greed and profit, anything and everything goes in the raising, trapping, and slaughter of the over fifty million animals killed each year for the fur industry. No red carpet or fancy packaging can hide that kind of ugliness. See
http://www.furisdead.com to see videos and read about how animals are brutalized in the fur trade. It's time for Schumacher to rip off the covering, walk the gray pavement like everyone else, and face the reality of their industry.
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Dec 15 2006
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Medical Mishap at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility |
On 25 Nov 2006, at approximately 7 pm, inmate Kim Zib collapsed in the bathroom area of unit F100 at Coffee Creek Correctional FAcility. Inmate Mikki Judson called out to Correctional Officer (CO) Jemenez to notify her of this medical emergency. CO Jemenez radio'ed for medical and first responders to report to the unit. The following prison officialsn responded (Lt Wall, Sgt Berry, CO Asay, CO Bryant and Nurse Jim Mackie) within four minutes of the call. Inmate Kim Zib was in tears and excruciating pain due to swelling of her liver. She notified the responding prison officials that she has cirrhosis of the liver, that medical officials informed her that her liver is shutting down and that she will most likely die during her incarceration. And that she had just got done puking up blood in the toilet and then got a sharp pain in her liver area, causing her to collapse.
Nurse Jim Mackie asked her if she could get up and into the wheelchair he had brought. Inmate Kim Zib tried, but was hit by another sharp pain that caused her to lay back down on the floor. Nurse Jim Mackie then said, "If you're not going to get up, I'm going to leave you here." He then left the unit as did Lt. Wall and Sgt Bryant.
Nurse Jim Mackie asked her if she could get up and into the wheelchair he had brought. Inmate Kim Zib tried, but was hit by another sharp pain that caused her to lay back down on the floor. Nurse Jim Mackie then said, "If you're not going to get up, I'm going to leave you here." He then left the unit as did Lt. Wall and Sgt Bryant.
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Dec 15 2006
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Military Indoctrination In Grade School: Questionable Practice? |
Do you find it acceptable for the military to recruit grade school age children? A Navy recruiter came to my child's school to talk to the children. He came in uniform and handed out key chains and bookmarks. I was quite disturbed by this for several reasons. One being that I am pro-humanity or anti-war. Two being I think all grade school aged children are far too young to be exposed to that whole Go-Fight-Win military mentality. Third if someone is going to discuss foreign policy with my child it should be me or the person wanting to offer an opinion about it should get my permission especially within the boundaries of her education. When I voiced my concerns to the principal at my child's school I was treated as if I were a commie sympathizer.
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Dec 15 2006
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The "Next Great City"? |
The upcoming ‘citizen’s forums’ sponsored by the University of Pennsylvania and the Inquirer are supposed to solicit input from ‘citizens’ about what their concerns and issues are and what will make Philadelphia the next great city. What is implied by ‘the next great city’?
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Dec 15 2006
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The A to Z Guide to Political Interference in Science |
The United States government bears great responsibility for keeping our environment clean and Americans healthy and safe. And while science is rarely the only factor in public policy decisions, this input should be objective and impartial. In recent years, however, scientists who work for and advise the federal government have seen their work manipulated, suppressed, distorted, while agencies have systematically limited public and policy maker access to critical scientific information. To document this abuse, the Union of Concerned Scientists has created the A to Z Guide to Political Interference in Science.
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Dec 15 2006
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Day 52 TackBackTheLand: Miami Plans Raid of Shantytown; Clergy Expresses Support |
It looks like the City of Miami is preparing for a raid on our "Umoja" Liberty City Shantytown, while local clergy demand 'Hands Off of Take Back the Land' Shantytown. Confirming the fears of Umoja Village residents and Take Back the Land organizers, the city of Miami pased by a 3-2 vote, including a 'yea' vote by the lone Black commissioner and Manny Diaz ally Michelle Spence-Jones, an "emergency ordinance" to redefine the meaning of "exempt public land," essentially gutting the Pottinger Settlement which protects the shantytown, and other homeless people, setting the stage for a government raid on the property.
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Dec 15 2006
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Important immigration meeting tonight |
Venga a celebrar nuestro trabajo y el Día Internacional del Migrante! Come celebrate our work and International Migrants Day! please come share your support and ideas at a highly anticipated public event.
What Public Event - International Immigrants' Day
When Fri, Dec 15, 2006
from 06:00 pm to 08:00 pm
Where St Andrew's Church 806 NE Alberta St.
Now is a critical time for a real discussion about immigration and immigration reform. This dialogue has been central on a national and local level in our government and communities over the last six months. However, the discussion needs to reach a deeper level and address several neglected issues. We believe the attack against immigrant rights is part of a broader attack on civil and human rights; one that diverts attention away from the real issues we face as a society.
www.pcasc.net
What Public Event - International Immigrants' Day
When Fri, Dec 15, 2006
from 06:00 pm to 08:00 pm
Where St Andrew's Church 806 NE Alberta St.
Now is a critical time for a real discussion about immigration and immigration reform. This dialogue has been central on a national and local level in our government and communities over the last six months. However, the discussion needs to reach a deeper level and address several neglected issues. We believe the attack against immigrant rights is part of a broader attack on civil and human rights; one that diverts attention away from the real issues we face as a society.
www.pcasc.net
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Dec 16 2006
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Don’t believe NH Fish and Game’s public relations campaign, instead know the truth |
It is time to end hunter domination of NH Fish and Game Department and fund a true state wildlife agency that will put wildlife's needs first and that will fairly represent those who don't hunt, fish, or trap, since they too have an interest in wildlife and their habitats.
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Dec 16 2006
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NASA Plans Moon Base to Control Pathway to Space |
Summary: At a time when the U.S. faces historic debt, NASA announced last week its intention to establish a permanent base on the Moon by 2024. There has long been a military connection to NASA’s Moon missions. The NASA plan to establish permanent bases on the Moon will help the military “control and dominate” access on and off our planet Earth and determine who will extract valuable resources from the Moon in the years ahead. The taxpayers will be asked to pay the enormously expensive “research and development” costs of this program that in the end will profit the aerospace industry and those corporation like Bechtel that intend to build the bases and extract resources on the Moon.
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Dec 16 2006
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SUPPORT DIRECT ACTION ON NAVAJO NATION |
Dine' Establish Blockade Near Proposed Power Plant SiteSithe Global & DPA are proposing to build the Desert Rock power plant , a 1,500 MW Coal Fired plant in the Four Corners area on the Navajo Reservation. This is an area already polluted by 2 other major coal power plants (Four Corners and San Juan power plants). Local Navajo residence and community members oppose this project for many harmful reasons!! This Desert Rock power plant is still in the environmental review process and has NOT yet been permitted.
However, Desert Rock company trucks have began moving onto the backyard of Alice Gilmore, an elderly Navajo woman, and her family on Wednesday to begin drilling efforts. Desert Rock officials and police have not shown any documents or permits to the local residents stating their purpose or permission to be there. Dine supporters and community members have joined Alice and her family to blockade the road. They are elderly women and youth, and they have been camped out on the road over night since Tuesday! Desert Rock trucks have repeatedly rushed them and have almost run-over people a number of times as they attempt to get by. Desert Rock power company is violating the lease rights of the local Navajo residences and is harassing elderly Navajo women and youth! This is an urgent time and support is needed!!! Read more >>
UPDATE: Navajo elderly served with restraining orders | More Updates from Desert-Rock-Blog.com | Infoshop.Org Story | NewStandard Report | UN Observer Account | Video: Making A Stand | Interview by First People's Radio | Audio From Firstvoicesradio.org
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Dec 16 2006
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Oregon BLM Breaks the Law Again & Again. |
The Oregon Bureau of Land Management (BLM) which manages 2.6 million acres of public forest lands in western Oregon plans to slaughter Oregon' last ancient forests by eliminating the Northwest Forest Plan and weakening all other environmental safeguards to please their Oregon timber baron masters. These recent court rulings by the Ninth Circuit Federal Court of Appeals shows us again and again that the BLM is an out ot touch and an out of control federal agency!
In November 2006 the Ninth Circuit Federal Court of Appeals ruled that the Oregon BLM broke the law over not protecting the red tree vole (an arboreal mammal and major food source of the northern spotted owl) in southwest Oregon specifically in the Medford and Roseburg BLM Districts. Most recently in December 2006 the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has again ruled against the Medford District BLM when they illegally prepared and sold the Mr. Wilson timber sale back in 2001. (Yet no one gets fined or goes to jail. What a great system for the BLM!) The plaintiffs Klamath Siskiyou Wildlands Center (KS Wild) and attorneys with Cascadia Resource Advocacy Group (CRAG) have won a belated victory. Sadly, Judge Michael Hogan and Herbert Lumber (of Umpqua Bank fame) gave KS Wild and CRAG a lump of char "coal" and a few thousand ancient forest stumps instead.
In November 2006 the Ninth Circuit Federal Court of Appeals ruled that the Oregon BLM broke the law over not protecting the red tree vole (an arboreal mammal and major food source of the northern spotted owl) in southwest Oregon specifically in the Medford and Roseburg BLM Districts. Most recently in December 2006 the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has again ruled against the Medford District BLM when they illegally prepared and sold the Mr. Wilson timber sale back in 2001. (Yet no one gets fined or goes to jail. What a great system for the BLM!) The plaintiffs Klamath Siskiyou Wildlands Center (KS Wild) and attorneys with Cascadia Resource Advocacy Group (CRAG) have won a belated victory. Sadly, Judge Michael Hogan and Herbert Lumber (of Umpqua Bank fame) gave KS Wild and CRAG a lump of char "coal" and a few thousand ancient forest stumps instead.
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Dec 16 2006
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"Green My Apple" |
Thursday evening, Dec 14, about 50 Greenpeace activists and their supporters converged at the Fifth Avenue Apple store to bring awareness to their Green My Apple campaign. Activists used giant flashlights--equal to 16 million candles--to shine green light onto the pristine glass cube. Green My Apple is a campaign that urges Apple to step up and create a green recycling program for their products, Macs, iPods, iBooks. "Right now, poisoned Aples full of chemicals like toxic flame retardants, and polyvinyl chloride are being sold worldwide. Then they're tossed, they usually end up at the fingertips of children in China, india and other developing world countries. They dismantle them for parts, and are exposed to a dangerous toxic cocktail that threatens their health and the environment," says a flyer handed out at the event.
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Dec 16 2006
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The profitable nature of the Wooster Collective |
Commercial strategies of the Wooster Collective; appropriating a subculture for 5 years strong.
This article is in response to the show put on by the Wooster Collective this weekend at 11 Spring Street St.
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Dec 16 2006
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Slave Reparations Case Gains Legal Ground! |
The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals has revitalized the reparations class action lawsuit against U.S. corporations who participated in the Trans-Atlantic slave trade and slavery. Significant parts of the previously dismissed landmark case have been reversed and remanded back to the District Court on the grounds of the defendants’ violation of consumer fraud statutes. Corporate defendants include J.P. Morgan Chase, Fleet Bank (now Bank of America), Aetna, Brown Brothers Harriman, Union Pacific Railroad, and New York Life.
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Dec 16 2006
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Terminally Ill Prisoner Refused Early Release @ Carswell Federal Women's Prison |
Call Your Congressperson and Support the Hunger Strike
Diane Nelson is a 46 year old woman confined to a wheel chair living with terminal cancer. Diane is a prisoner at the Carswell Federal Women's prison here in Fort Worth, serving a sentence for a first time non- violent offense. Both the Federal Judge who sentenced her and the U.S. Attorney who prosecuted her case requested her immediate release more than a month ago. Diane is hoping she will be able to spend what most likely will be her last Christmas with family and loved ones. Thus far the Warden of the Prison, Warden Van Buren, has refused to release her...
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Dec 16 2006
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Green Scare Benefit Reports |
From Danny:
On December 7th, 2006, around 20 people showed up at Voz Alta for a fundraiser organized to raise awareness about the Green Scare, and show solidarity with those targeted by it.
Janice Jordan took the stand and recounted... all the orange groves and untouched land that was Orange County... and the [subsequent] disappearance of agriculture and open space to make way for sprawling office buildings in the name of 'progress'. Rocky Neptun mentioned the 'SHAC 7', who are all serving prison sentences for running a website bent on shutting down Huntingdon Life Sciences, a notorious animal-testing corporation. Troy Picknard, a soon-to-be lawyer, drove home the point that it is never a good idea to talk to the police or FBI. --Read More--
From Rocky:
They understand that the Green Scare is here. It is the weapon of choice by CEO’s and wealthy speculators to bring yet another generation to its knees by insuring that youthful animal rights activists and environmentalists, who commit civil disobedience for ethical or political reasons, get more time in prison than street thugs and rapists. “In defiance of the order that ushers our dying Earth to her grave, let us stand together so that the fires of our hearts may burn against this dark hour of repression,” a T-shirt proclaims as the young man talks about the need to support ecoprisoners. --Read More--
Background and Links: SDIMC Stories: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 | ecoprisoners.org | SHAC7.com | greenscare.org | FBIwitchhunt.com | greenisthenewred.com
On December 7th, 2006, around 20 people showed up at Voz Alta for a fundraiser organized to raise awareness about the Green Scare, and show solidarity with those targeted by it.
Janice Jordan took the stand and recounted... all the orange groves and untouched land that was Orange County... and the [subsequent] disappearance of agriculture and open space to make way for sprawling office buildings in the name of 'progress'. Rocky Neptun mentioned the 'SHAC 7', who are all serving prison sentences for running a website bent on shutting down Huntingdon Life Sciences, a notorious animal-testing corporation. Troy Picknard, a soon-to-be lawyer, drove home the point that it is never a good idea to talk to the police or FBI. --Read More--
From Rocky:
They understand that the Green Scare is here. It is the weapon of choice by CEO’s and wealthy speculators to bring yet another generation to its knees by insuring that youthful animal rights activists and environmentalists, who commit civil disobedience for ethical or political reasons, get more time in prison than street thugs and rapists. “In defiance of the order that ushers our dying Earth to her grave, let us stand together so that the fires of our hearts may burn against this dark hour of repression,” a T-shirt proclaims as the young man talks about the need to support ecoprisoners. --Read More--
Background and Links: SDIMC Stories: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 | ecoprisoners.org | SHAC7.com | greenscare.org | FBIwitchhunt.com | greenisthenewred.com
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Dec 16 2006
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Progressive San Diego Rallies for Impeachment |
Progressive San Diego and other allied organizations held an indoor rally on "Presidential Accountability" December 9 that was actually intended to mobilize support for the impeachment of President Bush and Vice President Cheney. Speakers included former Congressional candidate Jeeni Criscenzo, Michael Kuzart of Iraq Veterans Against the War, Aïda Reyes of World Can't Wait and Gloria Daviston of San Diego Veterans for Peace. The program also heard a videotaped presentation from National Lawyers' Guild president Marjorie Cohn and focused on the war in Iraq and the Bush administration's shredding the Constitution as part of the so-called "War on Terror."
“When we impeach Bush and Cheney,” Judy Hess of Progressive Democrats of San Diego said, “Nancy Pelosi will become president of the United States.” Acknowledging that Pelosi and other Democratic leaders slated to take over Congress in January have said that impeachment is “off the table,” Hess said that the purpose of the meeting — and of similar events taking place nationwide — was to build a groundswell of popular support for impeachment that will prevent the Democrats in Congress from continuing to duck the issue.
Related: McKinney Files Articles of Impeachment | Indymedia Coverage of Impeachment Campaign | Impeachment Resource Center
“When we impeach Bush and Cheney,” Judy Hess of Progressive Democrats of San Diego said, “Nancy Pelosi will become president of the United States.” Acknowledging that Pelosi and other Democratic leaders slated to take over Congress in January have said that impeachment is “off the table,” Hess said that the purpose of the meeting — and of similar events taking place nationwide — was to build a groundswell of popular support for impeachment that will prevent the Democrats in Congress from continuing to duck the issue.
Related: McKinney Files Articles of Impeachment | Indymedia Coverage of Impeachment Campaign | Impeachment Resource Center
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Dec 16 2006
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Líder Achuar visita Houston para fomentar una discusión acerca de las perforaciones petrolí feras en el Amazonas. |
Dos lideres indígenas Achuar del Perú hablaron acerca de las consecuencias que causan las perforaciones petrolíferas en el Amazonas durante un evento que se llevo acabo en el cuarto de conferencias Artery el 11 de diciembre. Representantes del Amazon Watch también estuvieron presentes para compartir los detalles de las victorias recientes que estos obtuvieron contra grandes companías petroleras en el Perú.
Perforaciones petrolíferas en el Amazonas
El líder tribal, o Apu que pertenece a una de las comunidades Achuar abrióla conversación. En su lengua nativa, este dijo que habían viajado desde lejos para llegar hasta aquí y agradecer a todas las personas que les habían dado apoyo. También anadió que puesto que las companías petroleras se habían apropiado de los territorio en los años setentas, sus recursos naturales habían sido destruidos. Este dijo: “No queremos mas companías” también dijo: “Queremos defender nuestro derecho de heredar a nuestros hijos con tierras sanas, limpias.”
Gonzalo, vice-presidente de la Federación del RióCorriente, exigió que no mas companías petroleras se dieran lugar en la región, también que estas compañías no se apropiaran de los territorios sin antes consultar con las poblaciones indígenas que habitan en esas tierras. ler mas
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Dec 17 2006
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UC Continues to Ignore Berkeley Law that Protects Native Oaks |
In the early morning hours of Saturday, December 2nd, one University of California (UC) student and at least 2 local residents, including former mayoral candidate Zachary Running Wolf, climbed and occupied trees in a grove of Oaks that UC plans to cut down. UC is planning destroy the last grove of coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia) in the Berkeley lowlands in order to build a parking lot and sports training facility. Photos: 1 | 2 | 3
On December 16th, there will be a "Day of Celebration Under the Tree-Sitters" from 11 am to 6 pm. Country Joe McDonald, Wavy Gravy, Carol Denney Fiddlers for Peace will be performing.
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Dec 17 2006
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Head Cracker Versus Problem Solver? |
Vegan1forPeace reports...Found: Hints at a contrast between the two candidates for Ashland Police Chief
This Rogue Indy Newswire post and comments take a look at media attempts to spotlight the process of hiring a new Chief of Police for Ashland, Oregon... Folks are looking at newspaper articles and a television interview to find hints of differences in the two top dogs who are competing for the job.
This Rogue Indy Newswire post and comments take a look at media attempts to spotlight the process of hiring a new Chief of Police for Ashland, Oregon... Folks are looking at newspaper articles and a television interview to find hints of differences in the two top dogs who are competing for the job.
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Dec 17 2006
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Judge Finds That California's Lethal Injections Are Faulty |
On Friday, December 15th, US District Judge Jeremy Fogel said that the State of California's lethal injection protocol may be unconstitutional. In his 17-page decision (PDF), Fogel urged Governor Schwarzenegger to immediately address "significant problems" with the state's lethal injection procedures before executions can resume on the nation's largest death row. Read more >> The Campaign to End the Death Penalty plans to step up its efforts after this decision. CEDP and other organizations will hold a press conference soon in support of death row prisoner Kevin Cooper, who has an appeals hearing on January 9th, 2007. Death Penalty Focus is encouraging death penalty opponents to write to local papers, post comments on blogs and sites like Indybay, or call in to talk radio shows to discuss lethal injection. One of the key messages that the organization wants to impart is that this issue is just one symptom of the massive crisis that California's prison system is facing.
Statements from Campaign to End the Death Penalty and Death Penalty Focus | 12/15 Report from Vinny Lombardo | 9/28 Audio about a hearing | 10/2 Audio about hearings | Legal Challenges to lethal injection as "cruel and unusual" | Human Rights Watch Report: States Negligent in Use of Lethal Injections | Autopsy Results Expose Cruelty of Lethal Injection
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Dec 17 2006
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Food Not Bombs Co-Founder on Santa Cruz Free Radio Sunday |
Keith McHenry, co-founder of the international Food Not Bombs movement, will be a guest on The Wake Up Call Show at 8:30am on Sunday, December 17th on 101.1 FM, streaming live at www.freakradio.org and archived at www.huffsantacruz.org/brb.html. McHenry's decade-long struggle with repressive authorities in San Francisco and Santa Cruz contributed significantly to winning the right to serve free food to visibly poor people in public places. McHenry now lives in Arizona and has been in contact with hundreds of local Food Not Bombs groups across the country.
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Dec 17 2006
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Call for 'Stewards Army' opens door for new labor activism |
At a December 2 meeting of rank-and-file activists and stewards held in Braintree MA, CWA President Larry Cohen described a "vicious attack" by telecommunications employers on our standard of living, right to organize and ability to negotiate collective agreements. To rousing applause, Cohen said that for the labor movement to defend its members' wages and working conditions -- or that of workers more generally -- would require "creating an army of stewards."
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Dec 17 2006
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Dehumanization Has No Place On Boston Radio |
This coming weekend, WBCN Boston is planning to broadcast an event that degrades and humiliates homeless individuals for the perverse amusement of the listening audience. The AIDS Housing Corporation is calling on concerned persons to contact WBCN to urge them not to broadcast this disgusting spectacle.
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Dec 17 2006
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Images: "Shopping for Justice" 5th Ave March |
Thousands march along 5th ave seeking justice for Sean Bell, Trent Benefield and Joseph Guzman. Photos by Stanley W. Rogouski | Photos by Antrim Caskey
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Dec 17 2006
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Administration undermining organic food production |
Alert: Stop USDA from Stacking Federal Organic Standards Board with Industry Reps! On December 5, 2006, the USDA announced its new appointments to the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). The NOSB essentially advises the USDA on how to interpret and implement federal organic laws that regulate industry. The NOSB also reviews and approves substances for placement on the National List of Approved and Prohibited Substances. In other words, the NOSB has the ability to significantly weaken or strengthen the effectiveness of the national organic standards.
According to federal law, the NOSB is to be made up of a diverse group of experts in the organic field, including a consumer and public interest group representative, an environmentalist, a scientist, and a handler. Despite this clear mandate of diversity, the USDA's new appointments are all industry representatives.
Historically, there has only been one other instance where the USDA has attempted to stack non-industry seats on the NOSB with industry representatives, and the results were an embarrassment for the USDA. One year ago, the agency attempted to put a General Mills representative in the NOSB Public Interest Group Representative seat, which was closely followed by a massive consumer backlash spearheaded by the Organic Consumers Association (OCA) and the Consumers Union. The protests caused the USDA consumer rep appointee (Katrina Heinze) to resign. http://www.democracyinaction.org
According to federal law, the NOSB is to be made up of a diverse group of experts in the organic field, including a consumer and public interest group representative, an environmentalist, a scientist, and a handler. Despite this clear mandate of diversity, the USDA's new appointments are all industry representatives.
Historically, there has only been one other instance where the USDA has attempted to stack non-industry seats on the NOSB with industry representatives, and the results were an embarrassment for the USDA. One year ago, the agency attempted to put a General Mills representative in the NOSB Public Interest Group Representative seat, which was closely followed by a massive consumer backlash spearheaded by the Organic Consumers Association (OCA) and the Consumers Union. The protests caused the USDA consumer rep appointee (Katrina Heinze) to resign. http://www.democracyinaction.org
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Dec 17 2006
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Buffalo Field Campaign Update From The Field |
Dear Buffalo Friends, Less than a mile from the border of Yellowstone National Park, the eighth bull buffalo has been killed in Montana's so-called hunt...Over the past few days, patrols had been keeping an eye on two bull buffalo that were inside Yellowstone National Park slowly making their way west. So long as they remained within the veritable cage of the Park's boundaries, they were safe from gunners. And, after talking with Koelzer's grandson, coupled with this years' absence of "hunters welcome" signs posted on the property, we even thought the buffalo might be okay there. We were wrong.
Early this morning, patrols made their way from Fir Ridge along the Yellowstone boundary trail towards Duck Creek to check up on the bulls. The trail follows the western edge of Gallatin National Forest, a tract of public land less than 1/4 mile wide bordering the Koelzer property. Patrols waited in the cold and waning dark to get a glimpse of the shapes of buffalo. But they didn't find any living buffalo. As the sun began to rise shedding light on the landscape, they saw that buffalo blood had been shed on the Koelzer property. The only thing left of this bull was the blood-stained snow. His shaggy partner left only tracks going back deep into Yellowstone. The shooters must have waited until the last possible legal minute to kill the buffalo, making quick work in the dark last night. A testament to their conscience? http://www.buffalofieldcampaign.org
Early this morning, patrols made their way from Fir Ridge along the Yellowstone boundary trail towards Duck Creek to check up on the bulls. The trail follows the western edge of Gallatin National Forest, a tract of public land less than 1/4 mile wide bordering the Koelzer property. Patrols waited in the cold and waning dark to get a glimpse of the shapes of buffalo. But they didn't find any living buffalo. As the sun began to rise shedding light on the landscape, they saw that buffalo blood had been shed on the Koelzer property. The only thing left of this bull was the blood-stained snow. His shaggy partner left only tracks going back deep into Yellowstone. The shooters must have waited until the last possible legal minute to kill the buffalo, making quick work in the dark last night. A testament to their conscience? http://www.buffalofieldcampaign.org
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Dec 17 2006
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McCain Bill Is Lethal Injection For Internet Freedom |
This bill exploits fear of sexual predators and basic misunderstanding of Internet to attack blogs (like this one) critical of the warmongering agenda he fronts for.
Republican Senator John McCain has introduced legislation that would fine blogs up to $300,000 for offensive statements, photos and videos posted by visitors on comment boards, effectively nixing the open exchange of ideas on the Internet, providing a lethal injection for unrestrained opinion, and acting as the latest attack tool to chill freedom of speech on the world wide web.
McCain's proposal, called the "Stop the Online Exploitation of Our Children Act," encourages informants to shop website owners to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, who then pass the information on to the relevant police authorities.
Republican Senator John McCain has introduced legislation that would fine blogs up to $300,000 for offensive statements, photos and videos posted by visitors on comment boards, effectively nixing the open exchange of ideas on the Internet, providing a lethal injection for unrestrained opinion, and acting as the latest attack tool to chill freedom of speech on the world wide web.
McCain's proposal, called the "Stop the Online Exploitation of Our Children Act," encourages informants to shop website owners to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, who then pass the information on to the relevant police authorities.
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Dec 17 2006
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Human Rights Organization Denounces Egregious Workplace Immigration Raids in Six Meatpacking Plants |
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - The New England Regional office of the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) expresses deep concern that the immigration sweeps which recently took place in six Swift & Company meatpacking plants in six states represent an egregious attack on the right to work, and whose sole effect serves to stir up unfounded negative sentiments towards migrants and divide working-class families and migrant communities. Furthermore, some press reports indicate that less than 5% of those detained were charged with identity theft raising serious questions about the use of identity theft as a principle motive behind the raids.
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Dec 17 2006
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Alienation of Park Land Continues with Water Park “Development” on Randalls Island |
Although Commissioner Benape claims the Water Park will serve a “park use,” it will only do so minimally and for a cost. For most East Harlem residents - under whose jurisdiction Randalls Island lies - that is a price too high to pay.
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Dec 17 2006
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Congress Votes 368-31 to Back Mumia’s Racist Frame-up |
Not a single Virginia Congressperson voted against the racist resolution. Joining in the racist lynch mob calling for blood of an innocent black man were Virginia Democrats Robert Scott, James Moran, and Frederick Boucher. Also voting for blood were Virginia Republicans Frank Wolf, Thomas Davis, Jo Ann Davis, Thelma Drake, James Forbes, Virgil Goode, Robert Goodlatte, and Eric Cantor.
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Dec 17 2006
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The Occupation Project |
There is a direct action alternative to going hat in hand and begging your congressional representative to take a stand against funding the war in Iraq.
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Dec 17 2006
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NYCLU on surveillance cameras: a critique |
It pains us to say this – we greatly appreciate and have been inspired by the NYCLU’s efforts, and we have in fact worked with this organization (in 2004 and 2005, we helped train their volunteers to spot and map surveillance cameras, and so we are among the two dozen other names selected for “thanks” in the NYCLU’s new report) – but the absence of really fresh, useful information is not the report’s only failing.
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Dec 17 2006
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ACLU Board Member Assaulted by Anti-Gay Marriage Organizer |
Anti-gay-marriage organizer Larry Cirignano pushed gay marriage supporter Sarah Loy to the ground at a marriage rally at Worcester's City Hall Saturday. Photos and an account of the rally.
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Dec 18 2006
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SLPS Risks State Takeover, Letter from Board Member Downs |
The St. Louis Public School system is on the verge of takeover by the state of Missouri, as a result of years-long managment and funding problems. Here is a letter which School Board member Peter Downs sent to the special advisory committee that is recommending the takeover, explaining his opposition, which he feels to be hasty and ill-advised.
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Dec 18 2006
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3000 DEAD STOP NOW |
Rally in Medford Oregon Calls Attention to 3000 Dead United States Soldiers. http://www.medfordcpj.org
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Dec 18 2006
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Chicagoan Tortured and Imprisoned Without Charges by U.S. Forces in Baghdad |
From the newswire – Civil liberties advocates long have warned that torture and removal of habeus corpus, if tolerated against non-citizens, would soon be used against citizens as well.
Now that other shoe has dropped.
Native Chicagoan Donald Vance, 29, a Navy veteran who at least until recently was a stalwart supporter of the U.S. invasion of Iraq, has come forward accusing U.S. forces in Iraq of imprisoning him without charges for over three months and torturing him during much of that time. Vance, a private security employee at the time of his arrest in Baghdad, will be filing suit against former U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld in federal court tomorrow for Rumsfeld's role in overseeing the military prison system in Iraq. A co-worker of Vance's, Nathan Ertel, is also expected to file suit early next year. Read More
Now that other shoe has dropped.
Native Chicagoan Donald Vance, 29, a Navy veteran who at least until recently was a stalwart supporter of the U.S. invasion of Iraq, has come forward accusing U.S. forces in Iraq of imprisoning him without charges for over three months and torturing him during much of that time. Vance, a private security employee at the time of his arrest in Baghdad, will be filing suit against former U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld in federal court tomorrow for Rumsfeld's role in overseeing the military prison system in Iraq. A co-worker of Vance's, Nathan Ertel, is also expected to file suit early next year. Read More
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Dec 18 2006
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Last Biscuit report back shows logging loopholes |
Are Oregon's roadless forests being sent overseas and certified as sustainable forest products by Oregon Overseas? This is a late final reportback on Biscuit roadless logging. Biscuit Logging is mostly done now, although Silver Creek may finish plundering the North Kalmiopsis roadless area this spring, and they may still log the massive live "hazard" trees the Forest Service has rewarded them. They call it an OSHA requirement to take out the biggest and best live old-growth trees along roadways.
The photos show some of the last remaining green forest in the North Fork Indigo watershed being hacked apart by loggers who are outside of actual logging units. Mikes Gulch and Blackberry roadless logging sales [were] exempted under the roadless victory ruling. This afront on our forests is being done under the Biscuit FEIS, the Forest Service maintains that no green trees will be cut but stumps don't lie and the green trees we photographed were still on the ground. KBOO audio about Biscuit complex misdirectives
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Dec 18 2006
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The Indypendent: Sean Bell 1983-2006 |
Community Calendar (December 13- January 10) | NYPD’s Parade Charade: New Rules Make it Tougher to Legally Assemble | Finally, a Rule We Can Get Behind!”: Testimony of Mitchel Cohen at NYPD Regs Hearing | The Tenant’s Voice: Indy Readers Fight Back | Breaking the News: Prison HIV Counselors Face New Challenges | Murder Cover-up in Mexico | Scores Jailed, Tortured in Repression of Oaxaca Uprising | Ready To Fight. Underdogs Of Mexican Left Gather Momentum | Bloody Bling: Review of Blood Diamonds and The Empire In Africa | One-way Trek In Palestine. A Review of The Scar Of David | Everyday Liberation. A Review Of The Subversion Of Politics: European Autonomous Social Movements And Decolonization Of Everyday Life | Left Can Still Bitch. Review of Strange In A Strange Land, Encounters In The Disunited States and Bitchfest | The Future of Protest: Review of Outlaws Of America: The Weather Underground And The Politics Of Solidarity | Gibson’s Barbarism: Review of Apocalypto | The Art of Destruction: Review of World War 3 Illustrated:Unnatural Disasters | Landscape Of Horrors. The Obscenity Of Real War | Green Snare: McGowan Pleads | Return From The Killing Fields. NYC Woman Confronts Her Brother’s Actions In Iraq | NYPD Story Full of Holes | Time after Time: Call for Investigation into Police Killings | The Fifty Shots Heard Around the City
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Dec 18 2006
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Photos from womens march and prisoner release in Oaxaca |
Over 2000 women marched in Oaxaca then gathered to receive recently released prisoners. The 43 prisoners arrived in two buses from Tepic, Nayarit (a 24-hour bus ride). Over 150 people are still being held.
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Dec 18 2006
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Civil War and Elections In Occupied Palestine |
On December 15th, Mahmoud Abbas, the Fatah president of the Palestinian Authority, announced that he will dissolve the recently elected parliament and call new presidential and parliamentary elections. Abbas aide Yasser Abed Rabbo told Associated Press that the president would set the date within a week, and that new elections would be held within three months.
Many see the move as an unconstitutional attempt to unseat the Hamas-led government that threatens to precipitate a full-scale civil war between supporters of Hamas and Fatah. Clashes between the two groups has been increasing in recent weeks.
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Dec 18 2006
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Congress Trip to Cuba: Is it a crack in the wall between two ancient foes? |
Congress Trip to Cuba: A Salute to Congressman Jeff Flake (R-AZ) and Congressman William Delahunt (D-MA) and Their Eight Colleagues....A bipartisan delegation of ten members of the U.S. Congress are now visiting Cuba and represent a ray of rare hope that President George W. Bush will tolerate a modest beginning of a settlement of the age-old split between the two ancient foes.
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Dec 18 2006
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Dec. 17th Vigil to End Violence Against Sex Workers |
On Sunday, December 17th, sex workers and their supporters will gather at vigils around the world to mark the annual Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers, honoring the sex workers who died as victims of violent crime this year, and raising the issue of violence against sex workers to the public.
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Dec 19 2006
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FreeMix Radio: Assassination, Impeachment, the Poverty Draft: The John Judge Series |
A three-part interview series with John Judge. Part 2: Military Recruitment and the Poverty Draft of Black and Latino Youth Audio
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Dec 19 2006
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Smithfield protest at Harris-Teeter exposes management hypocrisy |
Mid afternoon on December 16, protestors handed out fliers and asked shoppers at Harris-teeter on Glebe Road in Ballston, VA not to buy their house brand hams as they are supplied by Smithfield,where workers are losing limbs to safety violations at the Tar Heel plant in North Carolina, a notorious anti-union state.
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Dec 19 2006
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Support Community Efforts in Denouncing the Jailing of Children |
Public Vigil to Demand Freedom for Immigrant Families in Detention When: Saturday, December 16th, 11:00AM Where: T. Don Hutto prison, 1001 Welch, Taylor, TX 76574. Caravan to Taylor will meet in Austin at the ACLU office at 1210 Rosewood at 9:45AM ~Please help in bringing extra candles and flowers for the Vigil~ Come join us in asserting the dignity and humanity of the children and families being held in the T. Don Hutto immigrant detention center. The facility is located in Taylor, TX, and is operated by Corrections Corporation of America, a for-profit private prison company, and detains families caught at every port of entry, raising many legal and moral issues. Children, even toddlers, are housed in cells with their parents until the Department of Homeland Security arranges for their deportation or until they are granted asylum or able to secure a bond for their release, a process that could take several months. Older children and their parents must wear jail uniforms and are provided with no more than one hour of school and recreation per day. Many of the children have lost significant amounts of weight since their arrival to the facility and have been getting sick from being forced to eat unhealthy prison food. For more information contact Luissana Santibanez at (210) 835-4755 or Bob Libal at (512) 971-0487 or blibal (at) grassrootsleadership (dot) org. Lifting the curtain: Immigrant detention centers in U.S. charged with abuse For more on Immigrant Detention see: notwithourmoney.org || Immigrants and 9-11 || Detention Watch Network
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Dec 19 2006
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More Than 1,200 Arrested in Six-State Immigration Raid |
Homeland Security Increases Attacks On Immigrants
At least 1,280 workers have been arrested in a series of immigration raids targeting six Swift & Co. meatpacking plants. The raids took place in Colorado, Nebraska, Texas, Utah, Iowa and Minnesota, marking the largest sweep of its kind ever against a single company. Spanish radio host, Antonio Medina, describes the immigration raid as aggressive and ugly: “I went to the plant to see what was happening, but because I’m Latino they immediately asked me for my papers.”
Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff justified the raids saying many of the detained men and women were using false or stolen identities. The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union filed an emergency lawsuit in an effort to release the workers who they say were illegally detained and are being held without access to legal counsel. In Iowa, immigration lawyers have accused the federal government of holding the arrested workers at the military site Camp Dodge near Des Moines.
"The Swift plant in Cactus, Texas, accounted for 295 arrests on administrative immigration charges or criminal charges, more than any other Swift facility," reported the Dallas Morning News.
According to a report by Narcosphere, "In Texas, at least, nearly all of the undocumented Swift workers who did not have a criminal record were processed through the immigration system and then released to the streets because there was no place to keep them . . . The detention centers were already over-booked. DHS sources said they suspect that probably was the case in other states where Swift workers were detained as well."
To add insult to injury, the day of the raids, Dec. 12, is a traditional holiday honoring the Virgin of Guadalupe, "patroness of all America."
At least 1,280 workers have been arrested in a series of immigration raids targeting six Swift & Co. meatpacking plants. The raids took place in Colorado, Nebraska, Texas, Utah, Iowa and Minnesota, marking the largest sweep of its kind ever against a single company. Spanish radio host, Antonio Medina, describes the immigration raid as aggressive and ugly: “I went to the plant to see what was happening, but because I’m Latino they immediately asked me for my papers.”
Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff justified the raids saying many of the detained men and women were using false or stolen identities. The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union filed an emergency lawsuit in an effort to release the workers who they say were illegally detained and are being held without access to legal counsel. In Iowa, immigration lawyers have accused the federal government of holding the arrested workers at the military site Camp Dodge near Des Moines.
"The Swift plant in Cactus, Texas, accounted for 295 arrests on administrative immigration charges or criminal charges, more than any other Swift facility," reported the Dallas Morning News.
According to a report by Narcosphere, "In Texas, at least, nearly all of the undocumented Swift workers who did not have a criminal record were processed through the immigration system and then released to the streets because there was no place to keep them . . . The detention centers were already over-booked. DHS sources said they suspect that probably was the case in other states where Swift workers were detained as well."
To add insult to injury, the day of the raids, Dec. 12, is a traditional holiday honoring the Virgin of Guadalupe, "patroness of all America."
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Dec 19 2006
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NYCLU report on police video surveillance: a critique |
Philadelphians voted 5 to 1 to launch a preliminary pilot program that would install 10 video cameras on 4 "hot spots" throughout the city, following the lead of Baltimore, Wilmington and New York City. According to ABC6, if the program is successful, PPD officials would like to see 250 around the city.
On 13 Dec 2006, the New York Civil Liberties Union released a report on NYPD video surveillance of public places. This is a critique.
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Dec 19 2006
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Navajo Resistance in New Mexico |
Sithe Global, in partnership with Dine Power authority, wants to build a 1500 megawatt coal driven power plant on the land of the Navajo Nation in New Mexico. The deal is approved by the New Mexico State Senate and the Navajo National government has given them the green light although there has not been a majority consensus amongst them.
On the surface, the proposed deal is being advertised as a good source of tax revenue for the Navajo Nation. But the multinational coorporation will be recieving significant tax breaks--as much as up to 85% during construction and 75% during the first 10 years of opperation, which would amount to a very small tax portion left for the Navajo nation to enjoy. However, under the proposed deal, the company is supposed to kickback about 50 million dollars total a year into the Navajo treasury from taxes, coal royalties (since they will be extracting the coal from Navajo land), and payment for water use.
There is a great debate amongst the Navajo about the necessity of this power plant. Many people are upset with the Navajo Nation tribal leaders. [Read More | Click here for Arizona Indymedia coverage featuring a list of government officials to contact]
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Dec 19 2006
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Open Letter to Miami City Commission: Cease Efforts to Dismantle the Umoja Village |
We implore The Miami City Commission to reverse an injustice and defeat the emergency resolution that was passed at it's last meeting and that the commission cease efforts to dismantle the Umoja Village settlement while the housing crisis exists.
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Dec 19 2006
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Congratulations, you and me! |
Hey, folks, Time Magazine has named YOU (and me) Person of the year. Congratulations (I think).
Yep, it is official. They are putting a mirror on the front of the ragmag this month, so that we can see the person of the year. We deserve this honor for doing their job for them, as well as the job of all the other corp media moguls. We have beat them at their own game, and we have done it by ourselves, without their billions.
In other words, we ARE the media! They recognized the obvious, and are now telling the three people who still buy their mag, that we are what is happening. We knew that, didn't we?
Yep, it is official. They are putting a mirror on the front of the ragmag this month, so that we can see the person of the year. We deserve this honor for doing their job for them, as well as the job of all the other corp media moguls. We have beat them at their own game, and we have done it by ourselves, without their billions.
In other words, we ARE the media! They recognized the obvious, and are now telling the three people who still buy their mag, that we are what is happening. We knew that, didn't we?
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Dec 19 2006
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Congress Votes 368-31 to Back Mumia’s Racist Frame-up |
On December 6th Congress voted 368 to 31 to back the racist frame-up of Mumia Abu Jamal by condemning the decision of the French city of St. Denis to name a street after the innocent death row inmate. This anti-Mumia resolution, HR 1082 (also called HR 407), asks the French government to intervene against the city.
Voting against the resolution were members of the Congressional Black Caucus, including Congressperson Robert Scott. He argued that the case was still being decided in the Third Circuit Court of Appeals and that it was inappropriate for Congress to take a position.
Abu-Jamal Case at Third Circuit as Prosecutor Admits He Had No "True Defense"
The Philly Journalist and former Black Panther's appeal to the Third Circuit offers three shots at a new trial, but also raises the threat of a restoration of his death sentence. Meanwhile, his original prosecutor concedes that he never had a "true defense" and suggests he could have been convicted on a lesser charge than first-degree murder.
related: New Reports of Abu-Jamal Confession after 25 years? || Uprising Radio interview on Mumia Abu-Jamal after 25 years || New Radio Interview: Is Honoring Mumia a Crime? || The Road From Oaxaca by Mumia Abu-Jamal
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Dec 19 2006
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Media Criticism - the bed bug story |
Media stories about bed bugs are found to be full of disinformation, which is a sign of either lazy reporters not seeking out enough sources, or a disinformation campaign being launched by the chemical lobby which does not want to be blamed for an environmental disaster, such as a plague of pesticide resistant bed bugs.
The behavior of starving bed bugs
However, it turns out that these bed bugs have not had a good meal since last month, and when you starve a bed bug the behavior of bed bug changes. Today for the first time I have been swatting desperate bed bugs which have been scooting around my place in broad daylight the same way some people swat flies. Bed bugs will also try launching sneak attacks during broad daylight when they get damn good and hungry, and you will feel them crawling up your pant legs for example.[more]Bed Bug Bed Protector Prototype
I have been struggling to isolate my bed, and I have found that mosquito netting is inadequate protection from bed bugs, since bed bug nymphs, when they hatch from eggs, are so small at this stage of growth that they are invisible to the naked eye, and therefore can slip through mosquito netting. As well, bed bugs have a kind of homing radar that targets human beings, and also a means of detecting when humans are in the deepest stage of REM sleep, which is when they prefer to strike.[more]|
Dec 19 2006
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SF IMC Interview - Jeffrey Blankfort: Jewish-American anti-Zionist journalist |
Jeffrey Blankfort: Unlike some political households, both of my parents, my mother and my father, shared their politics, and what they were doing and why, with my sister and myself. This, to me, was really important.
So there was never an epiphany. We were brought up to believe, essentially, that all human beings are equal, and to fight for justice. And I saw both of my parents doing that and not having double standards. There were no double set of books, and I saw that both of them took risks and had personal courage and were not ready to sell out to the establishment. And so they were role models.
So there was never an epiphany. We were brought up to believe, essentially, that all human beings are equal, and to fight for justice. And I saw both of my parents doing that and not having double standards. There were no double set of books, and I saw that both of them took risks and had personal courage and were not ready to sell out to the establishment. And so they were role models.
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Dec 19 2006
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San Diego Solidarity with Oaxaca |
The courageous people of Oaxaca continue to resist amidst continuing occupation by federal forces, detentions, violence, terror, repression and torture. On December 10, nearly 400,000 people filled the streets in the Eighth MegaMarch to demand the release of political prisoners. Most recently, 2000 women marched through Oaxaca City and then met the buses carrying 43 released prisoners, who had been imprisoned outside of Oaxaca in Nayarit, a 24hr bus ride from their families.
On December 10, the local solidarity group VAPPOR OAXACA held a festival outside the Mexican Consulate in Little Italy that featured informational speeches and updates, political and traditional Oaxacan music, and an open mic (Photos: from r.l. rodriguez | from Miguel | from donkilo). The group will be holding another festival at Chicano Park on December 22 at 5:00PM in solidarity with the EZLN's call for a global mobilization on the 22nd.
Up-to-date Coverage Español: Centro de Medios Libres | CMI Chiapas | CMI Oaxaca | APPO ||| English: Narco News | Indybay | el enemigo común
Prior SDIMC Coverage of Oaxaca, the Solidarity Camp and VAPPOR OAXACA: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21
On December 10, the local solidarity group VAPPOR OAXACA held a festival outside the Mexican Consulate in Little Italy that featured informational speeches and updates, political and traditional Oaxacan music, and an open mic (Photos: from r.l. rodriguez | from Miguel | from donkilo). The group will be holding another festival at Chicano Park on December 22 at 5:00PM in solidarity with the EZLN's call for a global mobilization on the 22nd.
Up-to-date Coverage Español: Centro de Medios Libres | CMI Chiapas | CMI Oaxaca | APPO ||| English: Narco News | Indybay | el enemigo común
Prior SDIMC Coverage of Oaxaca, the Solidarity Camp and VAPPOR OAXACA: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21
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Dec 19 2006
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Palestinian Refugees and Children from Dallas Area Held in Hutto Jail |
Activists Call for Release of All Children
Some of the children and a pregnant woman being held in an immigration jail in Texas are Palestinian refugees whose families came to the USA with visas, says a Dallas lawyer. ...
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Dec 19 2006
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Low-Income Tenents Fight Harvard's Expansion |
Harvard is eyeing Lower Allston for campus expansion, threatening to relocate low-income tenents and allegedly build a biolab which would vivisect animals for medical research. A rally on December 14th confronted Harvard's plans. Audio Report
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Dec 19 2006
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Student Activists Under Attack |
On Dec.12 the Daily News ran a cover story and editorial attacking CCNY’s Guillermo Morales/Assata Shakur Community and Student Center, a student-run activist space on the Harlem campus of the City University of New York (CUNY). The Daily News editorial demanded that Shakur and Morales’s names be removed from the Center. Students refused to take their names off the center, so CCNY's administration took the sign down. Students and community supporters of the Center are organizing to defend the Morales/Shakur Center.
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Dec 19 2006
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UPDATE - Top City, Pay your Workers! |
As of this afternoon workers at top city are going back to work. The boss agreed to pay min wage and overtime and open to further discussions.
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Dec 19 2006
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APPO spokespeople detained and beaten |
Plain clothes gunmen detained, beat, and tortured three members of the Oaxaca People's Popular Assembly (APPO)--also members of the Popular Revolutionary Front (FPR)-- Florentino Martinez, Pedro Garcia, and Otalo Padilla.
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Dec 19 2006
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San Francisco 9/11 Truth Tea Party |
On Saturday, December 16, 2006, about forty 9/11 truth activists came out with the intent to expose the lies and omissions of the 9/11 Commission Report by passing out information to tourists and locals. Marking the 223 anniversary of the Boston Tea Party activists with fifes and drums marched from Pier 39 past curious onlookers to the end of the Municipal Pier at Aquatic Park. They then proceeded to dump the 9/11 Commission Report into the bay.
According to the latest polls, 62% of the American people believe that the official 9/11 story is fatally flawed or a deliberate lie. The events of 9/11 and the illegal, unilateral wars and unprecedented assaults on our constitutional rights and liberties here at home, justified by the events of that day, are at the very center of everyday life in America. Photos | SF Tea Party for 9/11 Truth | CommunityCurrency.org | Patriots Question 9/11
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Dec 19 2006
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Woodfin to Workers: “Merry Christmas, You’re Fired” |
Just 10 days before Christmas, the Woodfin Suites hotel in Emeryville fired 21 immigrant workers who have been involved in a campaign to enforce the city's living wage law. On Friday, December 15th, Woodfin management placed the workers on two weeks suspension with pay and terminated them effective December 29th due to Social Security "no-matches". On December 18th, dozens of community organizations joined with the workers to announce a boycott of the Woodfin Suites. The workers are seeking an injunction to stop the retaliatory firings. A hearing is scheduled on Thursday in Alameda County Superior Court.
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Dec 19 2006
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"Silence = Consent" on TV Dec. 20 & 27 |
"Silence = Consent" will be cablecast on RVTV the next two Wednesdays at 6 p.m. "Silence = Consent" is what we titled the 28 minute long production which shows the 12/6/06 rally against the 2006 Military Commissions Act. Southern Oregon University students organized and promoted this rally. Announcement of the rally
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Dec 19 2006
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December 22: A Day of Solidarity With the People Of Oaxaca |
People across The U.S.A Demonstrate at Mexican consulates to Condemn the Murders and Violence by State and Federal forces in Oaxaca, Mexico
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Dec 20 2006
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Pressing Colin Powell about his Security Council speech and Hussein Kamel |
Sam Husseini: Do you know that Hussein Kamel said that there were no WMDs? Did you know that?
Colin Powell: What’s that?
Husseini: You cited Hussein Kamel in your UN testimony. Did you know that he said that there were no WMDs, did you know that at the time?
Powell: I only knew what the intelligence community told me.
washingtonstakeout.com
Colin Powell: What’s that?
Husseini: You cited Hussein Kamel in your UN testimony. Did you know that he said that there were no WMDs, did you know that at the time?
Powell: I only knew what the intelligence community told me.
washingtonstakeout.com
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Dec 20 2006
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Oakland Journalist Sarah Olson Subpoenaed in Watada Case |
On December 14th, a US Army prosecutor subpoenaed independent journalist, radio producer and former Indybay volunteer Sarah Olson, seeking her sworn testimony at the court-martial of First Lieutenant Ehren Watada. Watada refused deployment to Iraq earlier this year. Olson was served with a two-page subpoena at 8:45 a.m. at her home in Oakland, demanding that she appear at Watada's court-martial in Fort Lewis, Washington, February 5 through 9. Independent journalists Sari Gelzer and Dahr Jamail are also both on the witness list.Olson wrote a news story about Watada in June that was published June 7th on the Truthout web site. In that article, Watada publicly challenged the legality of the war, saying "as I read about the level of deception the Bush administration used to initiate and process this war, I was shocked. I became ashamed of wearing the uniform". It is believed that the Army wants Olson to authenticate the substance of her article and to confirm the statements Watada made to her.
Truthout.org Report | Inter Press News Service Report | Reporter Summoned to Testify Against War Resister | Sarah Olson Interviews Lieutenant Watada | Iraq War Vets' Support for Lt. Watada Growing | Previous Indybay Coverage Of Ehren Watada | Thank You LT Website
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Dec 20 2006
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Immigrants and supporters protest last weeks raids |
On December 19th, immigrant advocates outraged by last weeks raids on the Swift meatpacking plants descended on the I Street headquarters of Immigration and Customs enforcement.
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Dec 20 2006
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Reparations Movement Wins Historic Victory in Legal Arena |
On December 13th, the US Court of Appeals in Chicago upheld fraud claims brought by African Americans against 15 major US banks, insurers, and transportation companies that concealed their slave trading histories from consumers. Judge Richard Posner said that a seller of goods who hides his company's slave trading history because he's afraid of losing customers is "guilty of fraud." Full Story: Reparations Movement Wins Historic Victory in Legal Arena by Donna Lamb
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Dec 20 2006
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Mexican Struggles Today: Solidarity Across States and Borders |
Reports and commentary from our featured guests to get a better understanding of the historical context and current struggles in Oaxaca, Chiapas, Mexico City, and across Mexico and the U.S. And we will have a conversation about what this means for U.S. solidarity activism today, and the progress and possibilities of building alliances and movements at local, national, and international levels among these and other campaigns and struggles.
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Dec 20 2006
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The Age of Mammals: Looking Back on the First Quarter of the Twenty-First Century |
[For Solomon Solnit (b. Oct. 18, 2006)]
I've been writing the year-end other-news summary for Tomdispatch since 2004; somewhere around 2017, however, the formula of digging up overlooked stories and grounds for hope grew weary. So for this year, we've decided instead to look back on the last 25 years of the twenty-first century -- but it was creatures from sixty million years ago who reminded me how to do it.
I've been writing the year-end other-news summary for Tomdispatch since 2004; somewhere around 2017, however, the formula of digging up overlooked stories and grounds for hope grew weary. So for this year, we've decided instead to look back on the last 25 years of the twenty-first century -- but it was creatures from sixty million years ago who reminded me how to do it.
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Dec 20 2006
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MEXICO ON THE BRINK: Film & Discussion Thursday, December 21 |
A presentation of the film, "El Enimigo Comun" ("The Common Enemy") from Austin, TX Indymedia & talk with Richmond Indymedia activist Jen Lawhorne, currently living and reporting in Mexico. Hosted by Richmond Indymedia Center
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Dec 20 2006
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Oaxaca Solidarity Demonstrations in the US on Friday, December 22nd |
Please forward, repost these calls to action!
Oaxaca Solidarity Demonstrations in the US on Friday, December 22nd
http://elenemigocomun.net/727
"For the living reappearance of the disappeared, for the freedom of the detained, for the exit of Ulises Ruiz and the federal forces from Oaxaca, for the punishment of those guilty of torture, rape and murder." - EZLN
please add more events as a comment
http://elenemigocomun.net/727#postcomment
Donate in Solidarity with Oaxaca
http://elenemigocomun.net/donate
International solidarity mobilizations set for Dec.22
http://elenemigocomun.net/723
Press Release for December 22nd
http://elenemigocomun.net/724
Global Solidarity with Oaxaca
http://cml.sarava.org/?q=node/6340
Solidarity Demonstrations in the US on Friday, December 22nd
http://elenemigocomun.net/727
Global Indymedia Story: The people of Oaxaca take the streets again - International solidarity mobilizations set for Dec.22
In defiance of severe repression brought by federal and state authorities, hundreds of thousands of Oaxaqueños took to the streets Dec. 10 for the international day of action for Oaxaca and the Eighth Megamarch. Demanding the freedom of 138 political prisoners, live presentation of disappeared individuals, the immediate exit of federal police forces and governor Ulises Ruiz from Oaxaca, 385,000 people filled the main avenues of Oaxaca city.
Updates: APPO | Chiapas IMC | CML | Indybay | NYC IMC | El Enemigo Común
The EZLN, which has just wrapped up its national listening tour, has called for international mobilizations in solidarity with Oaxaca on Dec. 22
Oaxaca Solidarity Demonstrations in the US on Friday, December 22nd
http://elenemigocomun.net/727
"For the living reappearance of the disappeared, for the freedom of the detained, for the exit of Ulises Ruiz and the federal forces from Oaxaca, for the punishment of those guilty of torture, rape and murder." - EZLN
please add more events as a comment
http://elenemigocomun.net/727#postcomment
Donate in Solidarity with Oaxaca
http://elenemigocomun.net/donate
International solidarity mobilizations set for Dec.22
http://elenemigocomun.net/723
Press Release for December 22nd
http://elenemigocomun.net/724
Global Solidarity with Oaxaca
http://cml.sarava.org/?q=node/6340
Solidarity Demonstrations in the US on Friday, December 22nd
http://elenemigocomun.net/727
Global Indymedia Story: The people of Oaxaca take the streets again - International solidarity mobilizations set for Dec.22
In defiance of severe repression brought by federal and state authorities, hundreds of thousands of Oaxaqueños took to the streets Dec. 10 for the international day of action for Oaxaca and the Eighth Megamarch. Demanding the freedom of 138 political prisoners, live presentation of disappeared individuals, the immediate exit of federal police forces and governor Ulises Ruiz from Oaxaca, 385,000 people filled the main avenues of Oaxaca city.
Updates: APPO | Chiapas IMC | CML | Indybay | NYC IMC | El Enemigo Común
The EZLN, which has just wrapped up its national listening tour, has called for international mobilizations in solidarity with Oaxaca on Dec. 22
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Dec 20 2006
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Strategies for Adopting a New Vegetarian Lifestyle |
Easy steps for adopting a vegetarian lifestyle by converting dishes that you already are familiar with and enjoy, gradually changing your meals, and exploring new foods and recipes.
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Dec 20 2006
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The Last Days of The Indypendent? |
It's never been easier to give to The Indy!
GIVE ONLINE: www.indypendent.org
SEND BY MAIL: The Indypendent, PO Box 1417 New York, NY 10276
CALL IT IN: (917) 847-4992
GIVE ONLINE: www.indypendent.org
SEND BY MAIL: The Indypendent, PO Box 1417 New York, NY 10276
CALL IT IN: (917) 847-4992
We never cry wolf – we're too busy reporting on important issues, but if we don't raise $10,000 we will have to shut down. It's that simple. No more Indypendent, no more indypendent.org, no more training a new generation of muckraking journalists.
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Dec 20 2006
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PA Gaming Control Board: Foxwoods and Sugarhouse |
The PA Gaming Control Board picked Foxwoods and Sugarhouse. In response, two events are planned:
THIS AFTERNOON at 3:00pm @ corner of 9th and Washington (in front of the seafood place) - Press Conference and Rally down in South Philadelphia
THIS EVENING at 6:00pm starting at the Sugarhouse site (North Delaware Ave. at Shackamaxon St.) and then going to the Foxwoods site (Columbis Blvd, just north of Home Depot and WalMart) - Community Gathering sponsored by NABR
Lawsuits are expected, including an appeal from NLNC, NDAUC, NABR, Casino-Free Philadelphia, and likely many others.
Read commentary and more information.
THIS AFTERNOON at 3:00pm @ corner of 9th and Washington (in front of the seafood place) - Press Conference and Rally down in South Philadelphia
THIS EVENING at 6:00pm starting at the Sugarhouse site (North Delaware Ave. at Shackamaxon St.) and then going to the Foxwoods site (Columbis Blvd, just north of Home Depot and WalMart) - Community Gathering sponsored by NABR
Lawsuits are expected, including an appeal from NLNC, NDAUC, NABR, Casino-Free Philadelphia, and likely many others.
Read commentary and more information.
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Dec 20 2006
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The Coup's Bus Crashes Outside San Diego |
After playing a show at the San Diego House of Blues the previous evening, a bus carrying the radical Oakland hip-hop band The Coup, Boston rapper Mr. Lif and DJ Big Wiz crashed in the Imperial Valley east of San Diego during the early morning hours of December 2. DJ Big Wiz, Silk-E from the Coup, Zhara working with Mr. Lif, and the bus driver all were taken to hospitals in Palm Springs to treat injuries ranging from broken ribs to a shattered kneecap. The bus, containing many of the bands' belongings, computers and instruments, burned and was a total loss. Boots Riley from The Coup is appealing for help.
From Boots Riley: I was sitting in the diner-like booth that many of these buses have in the front. I held on to the table with one hand and tried to guard my head with the other, all the while thinking that I was probably about to die. I don't remember seeing everyone flying and flipping around me as it was happening, but Carter's (the road manager) and Wiz's face were covered in blood, and everybody seemed to be laying around hurt.
The bus was on it's side, with the entrance door up. I called for people to say there names so we could get a head count of who was conscious or not. Silk E, Q (drums), Riccol (bass), and Metro (Lif's hype man) were trapped in the back lounge because the doors connecting the front and back lounges to the bunks were electrically powered and didn't move with no power on. They ended up ripping and squeezing their way out of a tiny little window and jumped down off the bus as the rest of us got out the front. If anyone had been sleeping in the bunks, they would not have been able to get out. I was the third person to jump off the front of the bus, as I hung down to make the jump shorter, I saw that the front of the bus was on fire. I yelled to everyone, saying to get off the bus immediately because the bus was on fire and it could blow up. We all did. No one was killed. The bus was totally engulfed in flames. For a while no one stopped to help, supposedly because the thought we were "illegal aliens" crossing the border. --Read More-- Donate from The Coup's Myspace Profile
Background: The Coup | Mr. Lif | DJ Big Wiz
From Boots Riley: I was sitting in the diner-like booth that many of these buses have in the front. I held on to the table with one hand and tried to guard my head with the other, all the while thinking that I was probably about to die. I don't remember seeing everyone flying and flipping around me as it was happening, but Carter's (the road manager) and Wiz's face were covered in blood, and everybody seemed to be laying around hurt.
The bus was on it's side, with the entrance door up. I called for people to say there names so we could get a head count of who was conscious or not. Silk E, Q (drums), Riccol (bass), and Metro (Lif's hype man) were trapped in the back lounge because the doors connecting the front and back lounges to the bunks were electrically powered and didn't move with no power on. They ended up ripping and squeezing their way out of a tiny little window and jumped down off the bus as the rest of us got out the front. If anyone had been sleeping in the bunks, they would not have been able to get out. I was the third person to jump off the front of the bus, as I hung down to make the jump shorter, I saw that the front of the bus was on fire. I yelled to everyone, saying to get off the bus immediately because the bus was on fire and it could blow up. We all did. No one was killed. The bus was totally engulfed in flames. For a while no one stopped to help, supposedly because the thought we were "illegal aliens" crossing the border. --Read More-- Donate from The Coup's Myspace Profile
Background: The Coup | Mr. Lif | DJ Big Wiz
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Dec 21 2006
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The Casino Decisions: Broken Politics All The Way Down |
I have been writing for months about how politics is broken in this city including the politics of casinos. As if we needed on more example, the PA Gaming Control Board today selected the Foxwoods and Sugarhouse casino sites. This decision was made not because of what's best for the city, but because of insider politics.
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Dec 21 2006
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RECLAIMING THE SEASON |
Disgusted with the personal debt, spiritual emptiness and ecological damage that the holiday season now entails, writers and activists began to promote the idea of a downshifted Christmas in the late nineties.
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Dec 21 2006
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Reparations Movement Wins Historic Victory in Legal Arena |
Chalk a big one up for the reparations movement. On December 13th, the US Court of Appeals in Chicago upheld fraud claims brought by African Americans against 15 major US banks, insurers, and transportation companies that concealed their slave trading histories from consumers - knowing all the while that their customers would want this information. In his 17-page opinion, Judge Richard Posner said that a seller of goods who hides his company's slave trading history because he's afraid of losing customers is "guilty of fraud."
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Dec 21 2006
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Bicyclist 1, Portland 0 |
Chalk one up for the nonlawyer bicyclist.
Joe Rowe, a Northeast Portland resident, got a ticket in September 2004, during a demonstration held by bicyclists.
According to the Oregon Court of Appeals, here's how it happened:
Rowe was standing next to his bicycle on a sidewalk. Portland Police Officer David R. Sessum told him to "move along, please, because we need to keep the sidewalk clear."
Rowe asked why.
Joe Rowe, a Northeast Portland resident, got a ticket in September 2004, during a demonstration held by bicyclists.
According to the Oregon Court of Appeals, here's how it happened:
Rowe was standing next to his bicycle on a sidewalk. Portland Police Officer David R. Sessum told him to "move along, please, because we need to keep the sidewalk clear."
Rowe asked why.
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Dec 21 2006
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Washington County Peace Vigil |
After listening to President Chucklenut's press conference today, I decided to attend the Wa.County Peace Vigil. It meets every wednesday from 6:30pm 7:30pm @ 5th and Hall in Beaverton across from the library. It has met for 16 consecutive months.There were other military parents there like myself in attendance.
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Dec 21 2006
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Native Chicagoan Sues Rumsfeld for Torture |
Donald Rumsfeld is returning home to Skokie, Illinois and he will soon be greeted by the Sherrif with news from the powerful law firm of Loevy and Loevy. Rumsfeld will be asked to appear before Judge Milton Shadur to answer the complaint filed by one of his victims, US Navy veteran Donald Vance.
Vance was secretly detained for 3 months at the infamous Camp Cropper, near Baghdad International Airport, after cooperating with the FBI in an investigation of illegal arms sales by a security firm operating in Iraq. Vance, a 29 year old Chicago native, previously had 2 years of active duty in the Navy and 4 years in the reserves. After 9/11 he made himself available to be reactivated if necessary. In 2004, he took a job with a private contractor named "The Sandi group" that was working in a joint venture with DynCorp International to provide security support in Iraq. Dyncorp is one of the contractors that had an early presence in the privatization of the US military, as part of Plan Columbia, where they have been effective in eliminating the political opposition to President Alvaro Uribe.
Vance was secretly detained for 3 months at the infamous Camp Cropper, near Baghdad International Airport, after cooperating with the FBI in an investigation of illegal arms sales by a security firm operating in Iraq. Vance, a 29 year old Chicago native, previously had 2 years of active duty in the Navy and 4 years in the reserves. After 9/11 he made himself available to be reactivated if necessary. In 2004, he took a job with a private contractor named "The Sandi group" that was working in a joint venture with DynCorp International to provide security support in Iraq. Dyncorp is one of the contractors that had an early presence in the privatization of the US military, as part of Plan Columbia, where they have been effective in eliminating the political opposition to President Alvaro Uribe.
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Dec 21 2006
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HIMC and Print: El Independiente launches a radical voice from occupied Mexico |
El Independiente es una hoja informativa en español que difunde material de medios libres como Houston Indymedia,Indymedia Mexico y demas banda.Se distribuye en el Suroeste de Houston,Texas. || "El Independiente" is a new independent spanish newspaper that diffuses information from independent media as Houston indymedia,Mexico Indymedia. It is distributed in the southwest of Houston.
The first issue addresses the uprising in Oaxaca Mexico and the death of indymedia journalist Brad Will, Political Prisoner Mumia Abu-Jamal, The Janitors Strike in Houston, and Jailed journalist Brad Wolf as well as directing people to events and resources for radical hispano-hablantes in the Houston area.
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Dec 21 2006
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Politicians Toying With Black History In Fresno |
Rev. Floyd D Harris Jr questions whether marching with Fresno area politicians is in the true spirit of the holiday.
"If Dr. King were alive today I know he would have been on the front lines with us in Fresno denouncing The Fresno Police Department, Mayor, City Manager, Sanitation Department and the representative from District #3 for violating the constitutional rights of poor people. You will see all of these people who say they believe in Dr. Martin Luther Kings Jr.'s life in the front of the march and the microphone every year speaking about how wonderful he was, while they act totally opposite of Dr. King's legacy. If we are going to march for the celebration of Dr. King, then let's march for something that will bring justice to the community."
"If Dr. King were alive today I know he would have been on the front lines with us in Fresno denouncing The Fresno Police Department, Mayor, City Manager, Sanitation Department and the representative from District #3 for violating the constitutional rights of poor people. You will see all of these people who say they believe in Dr. Martin Luther Kings Jr.'s life in the front of the march and the microphone every year speaking about how wonderful he was, while they act totally opposite of Dr. King's legacy. If we are going to march for the celebration of Dr. King, then let's march for something that will bring justice to the community."
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Dec 21 2006
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Private Prison Detaining Immigrant Families Is Target of Protest |
The privatized Hutto jail was the focus of a walk and vigil last week by Texas activists protesting the incarceration of immigrants and their children."Innocent children should not be jailed and forced to live under traumatizing and dehumanizing conditions," said a statement from vigil organizers, Texans United for Families. "It is bad policy and an impractical and inhumane response to a growing refugee crisis. The U.S. should seek alternatives to detention while making sure that it legislates policies that support families and keep them together and out of jail."
Jay Johnson-Castro, a South Texas businessman who earned recognition for his walk protesting the planned border wall, also walked from the nearby Texas Capitol to join the vigil. In a follow-up email, Johnson-Castro encouraged more activism: "Get access into these so called 'detention centers' which are little more than prison camps that exploit desperate people only to make obscene profits." read report >> | Call for Protest
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Dec 21 2006
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United Steelworkers Rally for Workers Rights |
On Saturday, December 16th, the United Steelworkers joined in solidarity actions nationwide including in the midsouth region in Frankfort, Louisville, Lexington and Ashland in Kentucky and Memphis, Nashville and Jackson in Tennessee. On October 5 of this year, in response to unacceptable contract offers from the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company 15,000 members of the USW were forced to strike for job security and the guarantee of healthcare in their retirement. The Steelworkers are entering the tenth week of their strike and these 15,000 union members are fighting for their working lives.
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Dec 21 2006
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NoWar Westchester Vigil: Reminding Hillary Clinton about the people in her village |
White Plains, NY---With only a few shopping days left to go before Christmas; US Senator Hillary Clinton made an appearance at a Borders book store to sign copies of her book It Takes a Village. Waiting to greet her were members of NoWar Westchester, there to send a message that supporting an unjust war is not forgotten even with an electoral victory.
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Dec 21 2006
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Farmworkers, McDonald's, and You - Building Solidarity in NYC |
Join us for a discussion with Marc Rodrigues of the Student/Farmworker Alliance
on the Coalition of Immokalee Workers' current campaign demanding justice and
fair wages for tomato pickers in McDonald's supply chain
on the Coalition of Immokalee Workers' current campaign demanding justice and
fair wages for tomato pickers in McDonald's supply chain
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Dec 21 2006
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JustSeeds needs your help! |
For 10 years, JustSeeds has been a critical resource for radical artists working outside the "art world" system. In the process of becoming a decentralized artist-owned cooperative, the floor suddenly fell out from under them. The collapse of Clamor Magazine leaves JustSeeds without a distributor and in colossal debt. Help save a priceless radical art project from shutting down forever. The community of art-activists around JustSeeds have launched national projects like the Celebrate People's History poster series, Street Art Workers, Drawing Resistance, Cut & Paint, and a hell of a lot more: now they need your help to continue. Below is a letter from Josh MacPhee:
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Dec 21 2006
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Proposals to weaken Oakland's Condo-conversion Protections Put on Hold |
Proposals to weaken Oakland's condo-conversion protections have been put on hold. On December 6th, Councilwoman Brooks, who had backed the proposals, pulled the plug on the scheduled vote before it occurred, as it had become apparent that there were not enough votes to support its passage. Councilwoman Brooks referred the controversial matter over to a blue-ribbon committee, for a study on increasing more affordable housing in Oakland, and the report is expected to be submitted back to the council in around 3 months.
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Dec 21 2006
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Homeless People in Fresno Win a Victory - Face New Challenges |
Homeless people have recently won several victorys in Fresno. The success followed a lawsuit filed on behalf of homeless people which seeks to stop the city from taking and immediately destroying their property. Despite a temporary restraining order against the city, destruction of homeless encampments has continued. Photos
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Dec 21 2006
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Sacramento Protest Demands National Guard Be Brought Back From Iraq |
Sacramento area anti-war activists are keeping the pressure on the Governor to withdraw the California National Guard from Iraq. The Sacramento Catholic Worker House, Grandmothers for Peace and other local peace activists held a rally and march in Sacramento on Friday, December 15th demanding that the California National Guard be withdrawn from Iraq immediately. Photos
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Dec 21 2006
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Animal Rights Activists Demand Boycott of Canadian Seafood |
On December 20, 2006 Jason Robicheau of Harp Seals.org and Sky Valencia of the Vegan Vixens stood at the corner of Bay and Mason Street handing out flyers, t-shirts, stickers stuffed toy seals, and even rocks painted with a Seal face in hopes of urging the community to join them in their Boycott of Canadian Seafood.
Photos
Photos
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Dec 22 2006
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ASA Statewide Conference on January 13th |
Americans for Safe Access will hold the 2nd Annual State Conference on January 13th and 14th at the Pickwick Gardens Conference Center in Burbank, California. ASA staff is planning workshops and seminars that are designed to "give activists the skills they need to achieve effective statewide campaigns while providing a vehicle for local campaigns to flourish."
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Dec 22 2006
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Images: Day of Outrage March and Rally |
Protestors march and rally around the financial district calling for Ray Kelly's resignation and indictments for the police officers who killed Sean Bell and wounded Trent Benefield and Joseph Guzman.
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Dec 22 2006
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Last Night Do-It-Yourself New Year's Celebration |
Undaunted by civil rights violations last year by the Santa Cruz Police Department, this year's Last Night DIY Parade and Celebration enthusiasts return in full force to take over the streets on New Year's Eve in Santa Cruz.
From the Last Night DIY website: "Last Night is a decentralized, collective, spontaneous, open, public New Year's Eve celebration, a completely organic event, organized and put on at a grassroots-level."
From the Last Night DIY website: "Last Night is a decentralized, collective, spontaneous, open, public New Year's Eve celebration, a completely organic event, organized and put on at a grassroots-level."
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Dec 22 2006
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Toolbox Recovery in Angeles National Forest |
Saturday was a work day for the San Gabriel Mountains Trailbuilders yet since it was scheduled to rain and snow we decided we would avoid working in the freezing mud and instead hike up along Bear Creek trail up to the Smith Mountain saddle. From there we would hike down for another mile or so into the designated wilderness area to survey the condition of the trail and to check on the condition of the big metal tool box that had been left up there since about 2001 -- before the Curve Fire and Williams Fire had swept through the area.
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Dec 22 2006
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Mt. Hood "Tragedy" - Is Bourgeois Press Encouraging Belief In Wilderness Rescue Miracles? |
The tragedy that unfolded this past week at Mt. Hood, Oregon has been covered extensively by the bourgeois press, in its own inimitable and interminable way. Much smoke and little light has been shed on the incident in which it appears that three "experienced" mountain climbers have lost their lives.
Little has been said about the wisdom of their decision to attempt to scale one of the tallest mountains in the Cascade Range during the worst time of the year for such an adventure. I realize that the families of the victims are holding out hope that their loved ones will be found to have survived the hellish conditions they encountered this week; I do not wish to add to their suffering by publishing this article. It is in the interest of preventing the loss of lives in the future that I present this piece, as my research into this tragedy has turned up some very interesting information regarding the quality of information available to the public regarding weather conditions in the region, and the facilities available to those who attempt to scale these very dangerous peaks.
Little has been said about the wisdom of their decision to attempt to scale one of the tallest mountains in the Cascade Range during the worst time of the year for such an adventure. I realize that the families of the victims are holding out hope that their loved ones will be found to have survived the hellish conditions they encountered this week; I do not wish to add to their suffering by publishing this article. It is in the interest of preventing the loss of lives in the future that I present this piece, as my research into this tragedy has turned up some very interesting information regarding the quality of information available to the public regarding weather conditions in the region, and the facilities available to those who attempt to scale these very dangerous peaks.
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Dec 22 2006
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PROTEST TODAY !! |
At the Mexican Consulate at 2pm (1234 SW Morrison) to protest the repression of the people's democracy of Oaxaca.
And if you can't make that...... Street theater at Holladay Park (between Lloyd Center and Max Station) A recreation of the last six months of the beautiful and horrible events in Mexico.
Protest the US' puppet oligarchy down south; stand up for REAL democracy. Oaxaca's example is teaching the world about freedom-- lets let them know we are listening.
And if you can't make that...... Street theater at Holladay Park (between Lloyd Center and Max Station) A recreation of the last six months of the beautiful and horrible events in Mexico.
Protest the US' puppet oligarchy down south; stand up for REAL democracy. Oaxaca's example is teaching the world about freedom-- lets let them know we are listening.
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Dec 22 2006
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Remembering The Homeless Who Have Died On the Streets of San Francisco |
On Thursday December 21st, a small group of San Franciscans gathered in the rainto pay their respects to those persons who died homeless in their city during the past year and to re-dedicate themselves toward the goal of ending poverty and homelessness everywhere.
Photos
Photos
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Dec 22 2006
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Congressional Endorsement of Abu-Jamal Verdict is Part of a Wider Abdication of Justice |
From The Black World Today: Thousands of black men and women languish in federal prisons across America because Congress refuses to reform the harsh federal law on crack cocaine that results in racially discriminatory enforcement and long prison sentences. However, the same US Congress that consistently refuses to attack Drug War racism also ignored another justice system-racism issue when it approved a flashy but flawed resolution on December 6, 2006. This resolution condemned a suburb of Paris, France for naming a small street in honor of Mumia Abu-Jamal, the internationally respected author/journalist on death row in Pennsylvania.Related: Dec22: "Tony Allen Reconsidered" by Eliot Lee Grossman, Atty | Dec8: Indymedia.org on 25th Anniversary of Mumia's Incarceration
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Dec 22 2006
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Mexican Consulate Graffitied in Support of Oaxaca |
In the early morning hours of December 22, 2006, on the outer walls of the New York City Mexican Consulate, we spray-painted slogans supporting the people of Oaxaca. Specifically, we wrote: "Fuera Ruiz", "Viva Oaxaca" and "Avenge Brad Will" and stencilled red hand prints ― the blood on the hands of the Mexican government.
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Dec 22 2006
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THE BRAIN LABOR REPORT streamin' on KSKQ |
We are pleased to announce a new radio program which quietly started Wednesday, November 8, 2006. As of 12/22/06 we have done thirty two(32) shows already, yahoo! The Brain Labor Report is live every morning M thru F for 1/2 hour at 7:00 a.m. through the awesome community services of KSKQ. We can be listened to each morning on the internet, streaming radio is here: http://www.kskq.org/blr
http://www.kskq.org/blr
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Dec 22 2006
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Oaxaca Vive! Benefit at Activist San Diego House |
On Friday, December 15, a number of community organizers from San Diego, CA, collaborated on a Oaxaca solidarity benefit event at the Activist San Diego House to directly contribute media resources to Oaxaca’s most remote indigenous farmworker communities. We raised over $1000!!! Thank you to all who attended the event and who helped with organizing. It featured:
-the showing of Granito de Arena, a documentary about the history of the democratic teachers' movement in Mexico and its connections to the current situation in Oaxaca and the struggle against neoliberalism
-live music and dancing(!) by los compas de Son Jarocho de Tijuana
-live music by Mexican folkloric musician Angel Lita
-traditional Oaxacan pozole
-silent art auction with a variety of donated art pieces by local artists
-custom made Oaxaca Vive silkscreened t-shirts
-the showing of Granito de Arena, a documentary about the history of the democratic teachers' movement in Mexico and its connections to the current situation in Oaxaca and the struggle against neoliberalism
-live music and dancing(!) by los compas de Son Jarocho de Tijuana
-live music by Mexican folkloric musician Angel Lita
-traditional Oaxacan pozole
-silent art auction with a variety of donated art pieces by local artists
-custom made Oaxaca Vive silkscreened t-shirts
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Dec 23 2006
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Miami displaced residents confront Dade Housing Agency saying "Here we are now!" |
Yesterday homeless people from Scott Homes, LIFFT and Miami Workers Center confronted the Miami-Dade Housing Agency demanding Homes for the Holidays, while over 80 emails from across the country flooded the inboxes of county officials also demanding homes for the holidays. See press coverage below.
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Dec 23 2006
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Thousands Headed to Memphis for the National Conference for Media Reform |
MEMPHIS -- Thousands of activists, educators, policymakers and leaders in the rapidly growing movement to create a more diverse and democratic media system will gather in Memphis on Jan. 12-14 for the 2007 National Conference for Media Reform. This rousing weekend will bring together legendary journalists with new media visionaries, grassroots organizers and Washington policymakers, civil rights trailblazers and the hip hop generation.
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Dec 23 2006
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"O Little Town of Bethlehem" -- Christmas appropriate op-ed art by Banksy (Share this!) |
Agit-prop artist Banksy offers up a "what if" view of Bethlehem in the holy days — with the Israeli wall in place. Use the "Email this article" link at the top of the article to share!
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Dec 23 2006
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Casino Board Decides: No Casino on the Hill |
Victory has come for activists and residents who have been fighting the development of a Casino in the Hill District. On December 20th the state Gaming Control Board granted PITG Gaming Majestic Star the casino license to construct a a slot machine parlor on the North Side near the Carnegie Science Center.In the preceding months an Anti-Casino on the Hill movement had been gaining momentum. On Saturday, December 16th over 100 Hill District Residents and supporters gathered on Freedom Corner to say "not one more inch"... Read report>>> | Photos | Audio | Previous coverage
Related from PhillyIMC: The Casino Decisions: Broken Politics All The Way Down | "The Casinos are Coming" Resource Page
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Dec 23 2006
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October 22 CopWatch Protest Highlights Police Abuse |
"To me, the police are gangs with guns... If they don't kill you.. they harass you in order to try to provoke you, so they will have reasons to do the things they do to you."
On October 22, the national day of protest against police brutality, the San Diego Sagon Penn Chapter of CopWatch held a demonstration outside of DA Bonnie Dumanis' home. The demonstrators left a list of three demands for immediate action on her doorstep in an eerily empty neighborhood in Rancho Bernardo.
Stemming from a long history of police abuse and murder of San Diego residents, the list of demands included:
--Independent Elected Police Review Board, unlike the current rubber stamp review board whose reports must be approved by sdpd internal affairs board.
--Community Hiring Practices, at least 50% of the officers who work in the communities must live in the communities. The sdpd has been hiring ex-military recruited from the south [presumably to keep pay low], leading to language barriers, cultural barriers and community barriers.
--No Pay for Officers Under Investigation for Shootings. That loss of life is very important, it must be taken seriously, to respect the family and the community the officer should not receive pay until the investigation is completed.
Five plain clothes detectives in large SUVs kept an eye on the protesters throughout the afternoon, and followed them until they had left the neighborhood.
In front of Dumanis' house, one of the protesters, Bessie Johnson, talked about her frustration in dealing with the cops: "We don't have a voice. If our loved ones are killed, there is nothing we can do to the police to make sure they are held accountable." Her son, Darryl Johnson, was put in an illegal "sleeper hold" by the sdpd in July, and subsequently developed difficulty breathing and died while in sdpd custody.
Later in the day, CopWatch moved to Voz Alta, where they offered assistance in filling out police complaint forms, showed a Know Your Rights video and hosted an appearance by the San Diego Radical Fucking Cheerleaders.
Video: Janice Jordan, Bessie Johnson and the Radical Fucking Cheerleaders -- 12 min/16mbytes
Related: Sagon Penn Chapter of CopWatch | Who is Sagon Penn? | October 22 San Diego Forum in 2005 - Links to Audio and Transcripts | US-Indymedia Report on October 22 Actions | October 22 Coalition
On October 22, the national day of protest against police brutality, the San Diego Sagon Penn Chapter of CopWatch held a demonstration outside of DA Bonnie Dumanis' home. The demonstrators left a list of three demands for immediate action on her doorstep in an eerily empty neighborhood in Rancho Bernardo.
Stemming from a long history of police abuse and murder of San Diego residents, the list of demands included:
--Independent Elected Police Review Board, unlike the current rubber stamp review board whose reports must be approved by sdpd internal affairs board.
--Community Hiring Practices, at least 50% of the officers who work in the communities must live in the communities. The sdpd has been hiring ex-military recruited from the south [presumably to keep pay low], leading to language barriers, cultural barriers and community barriers.
--No Pay for Officers Under Investigation for Shootings. That loss of life is very important, it must be taken seriously, to respect the family and the community the officer should not receive pay until the investigation is completed.
Five plain clothes detectives in large SUVs kept an eye on the protesters throughout the afternoon, and followed them until they had left the neighborhood.
In front of Dumanis' house, one of the protesters, Bessie Johnson, talked about her frustration in dealing with the cops: "We don't have a voice. If our loved ones are killed, there is nothing we can do to the police to make sure they are held accountable." Her son, Darryl Johnson, was put in an illegal "sleeper hold" by the sdpd in July, and subsequently developed difficulty breathing and died while in sdpd custody.
Later in the day, CopWatch moved to Voz Alta, where they offered assistance in filling out police complaint forms, showed a Know Your Rights video and hosted an appearance by the San Diego Radical Fucking Cheerleaders.
Video: Janice Jordan, Bessie Johnson and the Radical Fucking Cheerleaders -- 12 min/16mbytes
Related: Sagon Penn Chapter of CopWatch | Who is Sagon Penn? | October 22 San Diego Forum in 2005 - Links to Audio and Transcripts | US-Indymedia Report on October 22 Actions | October 22 Coalition
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Dec 23 2006
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Oaxaca: Contininuing Conquest, Continuing Resistance |
Friends tell me that at the height of the uprising, the Zocalo was bustling with energy, filled with music, bright banners, and families camping under plastic tarps.
Today there are tanks in the middle of each of the streets leading into the square and police tents along the wall of the cathedral.
There is a giant display of poinsettias on one side of the square, the government's attempt to give the appearance that the people of Oaxaca City welcome the Federal Preventative Police. Police in grey uniforms play arcade games and lick ice cream cones, assault rifles strapped to their backs.
Teenage girls sit on the steps of the cathedral, smoking cigarettes and flirting with the police. A friend asked a store owner what he sees when he goes through the Zocalo, and the store owner muttered under his breath "A lot of children without fathers."
A handful of confused European tourists who didn't read the news coverage of the uprising or believed the Mexican government's claims that the situation was firmly under control wander in and out of shops and restaurants.
But overwhelmingly, there is silence. And a palpable sense that things could explode at any minute. Even when they are flirting with the teenagers, the police keep their helmets and riot shields nearby.
And inexplicably there is graffiti on a wall a few feet away from one of the tanks.
Asked to characterize the current moment in Oaxaca, Miguel Angel Vasquez says:
"There are legends in Oaxaca of people hiding beneath the rocks, and then coming back as animals. So maybe that's what's happening right now, people are hiding during this incredible strife that is happening right now. But perhaps they will return."
A people who have survived 500 years of outsiders trying to eradicate their culture are a force to be reckoned with.
Today there are tanks in the middle of each of the streets leading into the square and police tents along the wall of the cathedral.
There is a giant display of poinsettias on one side of the square, the government's attempt to give the appearance that the people of Oaxaca City welcome the Federal Preventative Police. Police in grey uniforms play arcade games and lick ice cream cones, assault rifles strapped to their backs.
Teenage girls sit on the steps of the cathedral, smoking cigarettes and flirting with the police. A friend asked a store owner what he sees when he goes through the Zocalo, and the store owner muttered under his breath "A lot of children without fathers."
A handful of confused European tourists who didn't read the news coverage of the uprising or believed the Mexican government's claims that the situation was firmly under control wander in and out of shops and restaurants.
But overwhelmingly, there is silence. And a palpable sense that things could explode at any minute. Even when they are flirting with the teenagers, the police keep their helmets and riot shields nearby.
And inexplicably there is graffiti on a wall a few feet away from one of the tanks.
Asked to characterize the current moment in Oaxaca, Miguel Angel Vasquez says:
"There are legends in Oaxaca of people hiding beneath the rocks, and then coming back as animals. So maybe that's what's happening right now, people are hiding during this incredible strife that is happening right now. But perhaps they will return."
A people who have survived 500 years of outsiders trying to eradicate their culture are a force to be reckoned with.
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Dec 23 2006
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Repression in Oaxaca Deepens, APPO Movement Driven Underground |
A collection of dispatches from Oaxaca tell a personal story of continuing government repression and the targeting of foreign nationals in Oaxaca. Special thanks to Xochitl for their contribution to the newswire and the risks taken to tell the story of the people of Oaxaca.
Summation of reports from the newswire by Xochitl: THE LAST DAYS IN OAXACA | 13th Day | 9th & 10th Days | Day 8 | 7th Day | Sixth Day | 5th Day | 4th Day | Many days in Oaxaca
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Dec 23 2006
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Politicians Fiddle While Iraq Burns |
In 1970, Henry Kissinger chaired the Vietnam War’s version of the Iraq Study Group (ISG). Its name was virtually the same as today’s bi-partisan commission headed by James Baker. Kissinger’s commission was called the Vietnam Special Study Group (VSSG). Both the 1970 and 2006 commissions have the same goal: to extricate the United States from a losing war of aggression. The Baker Commission will have as much success as Kissinger’s “Study Group” from a generation ago. After the Kissinger Commission made its report for a phased disengagement, the U.S. war effort dragged on for three more years. Thousands more U.S. soldiers and hundreds of thousands more Vietnamese were killed before the U.S. acknowledged its defeat in 1973.
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Dec 24 2006
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Iran’'s Holocaust conference and the dead end of bourgeois nationalism |
In his year-end press conference, President George W. Bush once again condemned the Iranian government of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for the officially sponsored conference of Holocaust deniers convened in Teheran earlier this month, declaring that it heralded a really backward view of the history of the world. This is from a US president whose administration frankly discusses the options of supporting a sectarian civil war that would result in the uprooting or extermination of Iraq’s more than 5 million Sunni Arabs and of provoking a region-wide Sunni-Shia war that could claim millions more victims (New York Times, Dec. 17, The Capital Awaits a Masterstroke on Iraq).
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Dec 24 2006
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Hands Off Oaxaca |
Activists gather at the Mexican Consulate in NYC and march to Rockefeller Center as part of the Global Day of Action in Solidarity with the People of Oaxaca called by the Zapatistas.
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Dec 24 2006
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Guilty of Fraud: Companies Who Lie of their Slave Trading |
A federal appeals court today upheld fraud claims against major US banks, insurers and transportation companies who concealed their slave trading histories from consumers.
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Dec 24 2006
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Oaxaca Solidarity and la otra in htx |
Solidarity with Oaxaca and The Other Campaign takes root in Houston
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Dec 24 2006
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Talk @ Zeitgeist Center 1/4/07 on states of disaster, children in Sudan, NYC, & N.O. |
Cindi Katz will speak Thursday, January 4th, 2007 at the Zeitgeist Multi-disciplinary Arts Center at 1724 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd (@ Felicity) in New Orleans on 'States of Disaster: A Counter-Topography of Social Reproduction from Louisiana to Sudan.' The event is free and open to the public.
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Dec 24 2006
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Cop Assaults Activist at Lockheed Martin Protest |
A peaceful rally, on the morning of Dec. 22, 2006, protesting Lockheed Martin’s production of lethal cluster bombs turned ugly. The giant defense contractor’s headquarters are located in Montgomery County, MD, just north of Washington, D.C. As one of the activists, Patrick J. Elder, was speaking to the demonstrators about the deadly effects of the cluster bomb device, he was ordered “off the grass” by a police officer. When Mr. Elder immediately complied and moved to the sidewalk, he was then assaulted by a cop.
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Dec 24 2006
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Demonstration & Prayer Vigil Demands Justice For Haitians - No Deportations |
While millions around the nation prepare to celebrate Christmas, hundreds of Haitian immigrants and their children are living in hiding in fear of deportation. On December 22nd the Haitian American Grassroots Coalition joined families and community leaders in a demonstration and prayer vigil in front of the INS Building, asking for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian immigrants.
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Dec 24 2006
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The 25th Annual King Mango Strut, Dec 31st in Miami (Coconut Grove) |
The King Mango Strut continues to bring it's off beat, off-the-wall mangomania to a new generation of MangoHeads and it doesn't intend to stop. With it's appropriate theme, "Still Crazy After All These Years", the Silver Strut will be ready to strut their stuff on Sunday, December 31st at 2pm in Downtown Coconut Grove. Parade route includes Commodore Plaza, Main Highway and Grand Avenue. Warning: No one and nothing is safe from parody and satire at the King Mango Strut.
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Dec 24 2006
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Indybay Urgently Needs Your Financial Support Now |
UNLESS INDYBAY RAISES $4000 in 30 days we cannot afford our web hosting and the site will go off the air.
This is serious! We are an all-volunteer collective and our costs are miniscule in comparison with the service that the website provides to the Bay Area, Santa Cruz, and Northern California activist communities.
Please DONATE NOW! And consider becoming a Friend of Indybay to help us secure our financing into the future.
This is serious! We are an all-volunteer collective and our costs are miniscule in comparison with the service that the website provides to the Bay Area, Santa Cruz, and Northern California activist communities.
Please DONATE NOW! And consider becoming a Friend of Indybay to help us secure our financing into the future.
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Dec 25 2006
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A People's Investigation: Defaming Sean Bell "On Condition of Anonymity" |
Associated Press stories, carried in most New York media, have published information on the Sean Bell shooting investigation that was been leaked by a person only described as "a law enforcement official who spoke on condition of anonymity". Just who is the anonymous official, and what is his/her agenda?
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Dec 25 2006
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Mexico City Solidarity with Oaxaca, Acteal and Atenco on Dec 22 |
On December 22nd, 2006, hundreds of people came together in Mexico City to honor the peoples of Oaxaca, Acteal and Atenco during a global day of remembrance and solidarity. The demonstration was held at the Hemiciclo a Juárez in Mexico City's Historic Center where people spoke about Oaxaca and the demonstrations taking place around the world. There were musicians, memorials, stilt walkers and banners calling for liberation of political prisoners and an end to illegal detentions, an end to torture, the living appearance of the disappeared and the exit of the Federal Preventative Police and Ulises Ruiz Ortiz from Oaxaca.
There have been reports of more than 60 actions in solidarity with Oaxaca in at least 37 countries on December 22nd, 2006. The EZLN called for the day of solidarity which marks nine years of impunity for the massacre in Acteal, Chiapas. The US and Mexican governments are responsible massacres in Acteal, Atencto and Oaxaca.
There have been reports of more than 60 actions in solidarity with Oaxaca in at least 37 countries on December 22nd, 2006. The EZLN called for the day of solidarity which marks nine years of impunity for the massacre in Acteal, Chiapas. The US and Mexican governments are responsible massacres in Acteal, Atencto and Oaxaca.
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Dec 25 2006
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Injustice Index: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." |
Someone doesn't need any mistletoe to make it through the next couple days...Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein will have his $53 million dollar Christmas bonus to keep him warm.
The rest of us, however - or at least those of us whose titles don't begin with a C and end with an O - might need a little something to get the blood moving.
Warning: What follows is pretty discouraging. Reads best with a little rum in your eggnog.
DMI's 2006 Injustice Index:
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Dec 25 2006
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Solidaridad Con Oaxaca 22 Diciembre |
San Diego: El viernes 22 de diciembre el grupo de la otra campana se reunio en el parque Chicano en solaridad con nuestros hermanos de Oaxaca. Grandes y jóvenes hicieron presencia en ese día de solaridad. Aunque el grupo fue pequeño pero no fue pequeño su corazón, su lucha y su esperanza de un mundo mejor. Junt@s vimos que podemos cambiar el mundo que además otro mundo es posible siempre y cuando existan luchadores tenaces como nuestros compañeros. La esperanza vive en cada uno de nosotros y no esta muerta. Hoy con nuestra sola presencia dimos a conocer a los de arriba que nuestros compañeros de Oaxaca no están solos. Junto a ellos exclamamos al unísono ¡Por Oaxaca! --Leer Mas+fotos por Juan Sajche--Other Action Reports: Austin ||| Boston ||| Fresno ||| Houston ||| New York City: 1 | 2 ||| Portland ||| More...
Related: Bradley reports from Mexico City ||| Reports from Oaxaca: Xochitl via LA Indymedia | Sean Donahue via Portland Indymedia | Unnamed Wobbly via Infoshop
Up-to-date Oaxaca Coverage: Español: Centro de Medios Libres | CMI Chiapas | CMI Oaxaca | APPO ||| English: Narco News | Indybay | NYC Indymedia | el enemigo común
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Dec 25 2006
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AUDIO FILE: Portland Rally in Support of the People of Oaxaca Mexico |
Friday afternoon, December 22, 2006, Portlanders gathered at the downtown Mexican Consulate to voice their outrage at the Mexican governments treatment of the citizens of Oaxaca Mexico and demand an end to the many months of violence. This is an audio file of the speakers, including members of the delegation, most of which is given in both Spanish and English. The audio file is about 26 minutes in length.
Todos Somos Oaxaca, RealPlayer
Todos Somos Oaxaca, MP3
Todos Somos Oaxaca, RealPlayer
Todos Somos Oaxaca, MP3
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Dec 25 2006
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Remember Those Who Died on the Streets |
Hundreds of Philadelphians gathered for the annual commemoration of Homeless Memorial Day on Thursday, December 21, 2006, at City Hall. Forty-eight homeless and formerly homeless persons who lost their lives this year were remembered.
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Dec 25 2006
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Ask Congressman Goode to Publicly Retract his Racist Remarks on Muslims and Immigrants |
Washington, DC | December 22, 2006| This week a controversial letter from Virginia Congressman Virgil Goode was released to the press. In his letter to constituents, Goode expressed his opposition to using the Koran during an unofficial and optional swearing-in ceremony for the nation's first elected Muslim congressman, Member-Elect Keith Ellison of Minnesota. Goode also expressed his, "fear that in the next century we will have many more Muslims in the United States if we do not adopt the strict immigration policies that I believe are necessary to preserve the values and beliefs traditional to the United States of America and to prevent our resources from being swamped."
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Dec 25 2006
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A Gathering of the Radically Concerned |
In solidarity with the Zapatista Encounter with the People of the World in Chiapas, Mexico.
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Dec 25 2006
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James Brown, the Godfather of Soul, Dies |
James Brown, who was known as the Godfather of Soul, died early on Christmas morning. Brown, 73, had been admitted to Atlanta's Emory Crawford Long Hospital on Sunday, suffering from pneumonia. As a prolific singer, songwriter, bandleader and record producer, Brown influenced the evolution of gospel and rhythm and blues into soul and funk. His music has been widely sampled by hip hop artists.
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Dec 25 2006
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And So This Is Christmas |
Today is the 21st birthday of my youngest child, Janey. Christmas 2006 will be the third Christmas that our family has endured since the death of Casey. The holiday season is hard for so many people as evidenced by the skyrocketing number of suicides and suicide attempts.
2006 was a year of ups and downs for our family and for the nation. Despite the facts; the criminal and corrupt occupation of Iraq continues unabated and in fact worsens on an hourly basis. Body bags are coming home from the Middle East in the dark of night at a steady clip and our troops are being grievously wounded for no reason other than to reward the CEOs of the war profiteers phenomenal holiday bonuses. Our children are being sacrificed like Christmas turkeys so the turkeys in the White House can strut around and posture like dictators of banana republics.
With the transfer of power in the legislative branch in Congress, our nation has a unique opportunity for true change in 2007. But with the Democratic leadership cozying up to the killers who have led our country down a path of destruction, in the name of "bi-partisanship" which in this case can only be truthfully called: criminal collusion; we have little hope of the change that we the people voted overwhelmingly for this past November. We have to be the ones to give our leaders the courage to do the right thing. Impeach them NOW! Lets stop the war NOW
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Dec 26 2006
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Ninth Circuit Reverses Contempt Order for Winstead |
Nadia Winstead was notified on Friday, December 22nd that the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has reversed U.S. District Court Judge Susan Illston's contempt order. The original order was issued after Winstead refused to testify before a Federal grand jury that many believe is harassing activists. The reason for the reversal is currently unknown, and Winstead is awaiting further details.
FBIwitchHunt.com says, "This is a huge victory for Winstead, but the battle is not over, as the case will likely go back before Judge Illston with the Ninth Circuit’s decision in mind." They say, "future demonstrations and court dates may be announced on short notice.
In May of 2005, Winstead and some 10 other Bay Area activists were subpoenaed to appear before a grand jury that claimed to be investigating the disappearance of Daniel Andreas San Diego....Read more | Indybay's Past Coverage of Nadia Winstead
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Dec 26 2006
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Hundreds Die in an Oil Pipeline Explosion in Lagos Nigeria |
On December 26th, up to 500 people died after an oil pipeline exploded in Lagos, Nigeria. It is feared the final death toll could be much higher. The explosion comes at a time when tension has been rising -- especially in the Niger Delta -- over who controls the region's vast natural resources. Nigeria is Africa's largest oil producer and the United States' 5th largest oil supplier.
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Dec 26 2006
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Sistani Rejects New Sunni-Shiite Coalition |
On December 23rd, Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani rejected a US backed plan for a new coalition in the Iraqi parliament that would have allied the Shiite Supreme Council for Islamic Revolution in Iraq with the Sunni Arab Iraqi Islamic Party and the Kurdistan Alliance. The plan aimed at isolating the 32 Sadrist members of parliament and depriving them of the ability to bring down the prime minister. On December 25th, British troops raided the headquarters of an Iraqi police unit in Basra, claiming they heard that the unit was infiltrated by Shiite militiamen and planning to kill their prisoners. Basra City Council withdrew co-operation from UK forces in southern Iraq to protest the raid. The US military has also conducted raids against the Badr Corps militia of the Shiite Supreme Council for Islamic Revolution in Iraq, in the course of which it arrested four Iranian officials. It had to let two of them go when it transpired that they were diplomats invited into Iraq by President Jalal Talabani, a close US ally.
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Dec 26 2006
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Haiti: Another UN Assault on Cite Soleil |
In the early morning of Friday, December 22nd, starting at approximately 3 a.m., 400 Brazilian-led UN occupation troops in armored vehicles carried out a massive assault on the people of Cite Soleil, laying siege yet again to the impoverished community. Eyewitness reports said a wave of indiscriminate gunfire from heavy weapons began about 5 a.m. and continued for much of the day Friday — an operation on the scale of the July 6, 2005 UN massacre in Cite Soleil. Detonations could be heard for miles, AHP reported.
Initial press accounts reported at least 40 casualties, all civilians. According to community testimony, UN forces flew overhead in helicopters and fired down into houses while other troops attacked from the ground with Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs). People were killed in their homes. UN troops from Brazil, Chile, Uruguay and Bolivia took part in the all-day siege, backed by Haitian police. UN soldiers once again targeted the Bois Neuf and Drouillard districts of Cite Soleil — scene of the July 6th massacre. Read More | Haiti Action
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Dec 27 2006
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Home for the Holidays - and Beyond |
Legislative leaders promise action to protect tenants and cap AIDS rents at 30%
An impressive array of federal, state and local elected officials are lending their clout to efforts to keep thousands of residents of AIDS supportive housing in their apartments for the New Year.
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Dec 27 2006
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Here's To A Change in Criminal Justice Policies in 2007 |
The Department of Justice sent me little gifts for the holidays, each containing an up-to-date statistic (through the end of 2005) about our criminal justice system. The wrapping was pretty, but not what was inside. Here's a sample of what each little box contained:
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Dec 27 2006
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A Man Has To Go Back To The Crossroads: RIP James Brown |
James "Butane" Brown (May 3, 1933 – December 25, 2006) ~ R.I.P.From Soul Imperialist: All I ask is that, as we begin to mythologize James Brown, we honor the fact that he never really fit our boxes, our categories, our stereotypes or even, honestly, our hopes. He never said exactly what we wanted him to say, he never became what we truly wanted him to become. Read more>>
Indybay: James Brown, the Godfather of Soul | Democracy Now: James Brown In His Own Words, a 1980 Interview on Race & The Music Industry
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Dec 27 2006
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'Tis The Season For Home Demos |
While employess of OHSU's National Primate Research Center festively celebrate the winter holidays, there are thousands of primates imprisoned nearby, held for painful and emotionally distressing experiments, many of which will end in their death. In the twenty-first century, the continuation of the cruel and archaic practice of animal vivisection is completely unacceptable and should not be tolerated by any so-called 'civilized' society. Many countries, Austria for example, have outlawed many types of animal research including research on primates, which are so closely related to humans. Books, like Sacred Cows and Golden Geese by Dr. Greek, are being published by both doctors and veterinarians illustrating the scientific invalidity of animal research that results in both human and animal deaths. Money and time can be better spent on clinical trials, public health programs and epidimiological studies rather than funneling millions of dollars into researchers and pharmaceutical companies pockets. We are sick of the systemic torture of nonhuman animals in this society and will no longer sit passively watching our brothers and sisters as they are abused and executed. Home demonstrations are the LEAST animal rights activists can do to call attention to the atrocities these people commit every day.
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Dec 27 2006
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BTL:Bush Signs Federal Legislation Expanding Power to Declare Martial Law |
Interview with Frank Morales, writer & activist, conducted by Between the Lines' Scott Harris
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Dec 27 2006
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Journalists Say Free Press Threatened by Army Subpoena |
The U.S. Army has subpoenaed journalist Sarah Olson and placed another journalist, Dahr Jamail, on the prosecution witness list for the court-martial of Lt. Ehren Watada.
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Dec 27 2006
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Bike Tour of Edible San Diego |
"There wasn't a lot of conversation with people in the community until we were out there, digging in the dirt, pulling up the lawn and people would come by and were like ' What are you doing?' It will was this real connecting thing in the community that we are living in."
San Diego Food Not Lawns organized a Bike Tour of Edible San Diego on November 12. "The idea was to get folks out on bicycles to look at some of the school gardens and community gardens and front yard gardens that people have been putting in to get us excited about the possibilities of a greener San Diego and a San Diego where food is everywhere." read more<<
Edible San Diego Bike Tour Video: 15min/20mbytes
Links: San Diego Food Not Lawns | Cascadia Food Not Lawns | Grant Elementary | Central Elementary | Activist San Diego
San Diego Food Not Lawns organized a Bike Tour of Edible San Diego on November 12. "The idea was to get folks out on bicycles to look at some of the school gardens and community gardens and front yard gardens that people have been putting in to get us excited about the possibilities of a greener San Diego and a San Diego where food is everywhere." read more<<
Edible San Diego Bike Tour Video: 15min/20mbytes
Links: San Diego Food Not Lawns | Cascadia Food Not Lawns | Grant Elementary | Central Elementary | Activist San Diego
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Dec 27 2006
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Boston Expresses Solidarity with Oaxaca |
In response to the Zapatistas call to action for Oaxaca on December 22, approximately 25 people gathered at the Mexican Consulate in Boston at noon. People came from all over the region, including Western Massachusetts, Vermont, Maine, Nova Scotia, and Rhode Island. Unlike many demonstrations, this event was attended by a cross section of people from the area, ranging from a family of five who lived in Oaxaca for years to students to older women with canes.
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Dec 27 2006
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Ez-Supply reneges on agreement with the union |
Throughout the Fall of 2006 the IWW has been putting pressure on EZ supply to sit and negotiate. Finally the boss came to his sense and negotiated an agreement. The agreement included recognition of the union, wage increases, a grievance procedure, paid time off and more. On December 26th on the heels of workers at 2 more shops announcing their membership in the IWW and demanding their rights the boss at EZ-supply reneged his agreement.
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Dec 27 2006
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Climate Change: Rising Seas creates 70,000 Climate Refugees |
Rising seas attributed to human induced global warming have submerged Lohachara island, once the home to 10,000 people. Unhinhabited Suparibhanga has also vanished, while the inhabited island of Ghoramara has lost two thirds of its area to the rising seas in the Bay of Bengal.
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Dec 27 2006
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Lights, Camera and No Unions; Restaurant Workers Fight Job Segregation |
WBAI's Building Bridges: Your Community and Labor Report presents this 29 minute radio program.
TO LISTEN CLICK ON WEB LINK BELOW:
http://www.radio4all.net/proginfo.php?id=21036
TO LISTEN CLICK ON WEB LINK BELOW:
http://www.radio4all.net/proginfo.php?id=21036
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Dec 27 2006
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Landscape of Horrors: The Obscenity of Real War |
The end of the year means the release of serious films jockeying for Oscar contention. This year, violence and gore play the leading roles in many heavyweights: Apocalypto, Blood Diamond, The Departed and Flags of Our Fathers.
These movies excel in make-believe violence that keeps getting more graphic and extreme over time. Hollywood is forever chasing realism even though we see the movies to escape. No matter how real the bloodletting – the screams of anguish, the reverberations of explosions – we know it’s staged.
Yet we block out the real violence in front of us. Even as the Iraq War dominates the news month after month, we have insulated ourselves from it. read more>>>
These movies excel in make-believe violence that keeps getting more graphic and extreme over time. Hollywood is forever chasing realism even though we see the movies to escape. No matter how real the bloodletting – the screams of anguish, the reverberations of explosions – we know it’s staged.
Yet we block out the real violence in front of us. Even as the Iraq War dominates the news month after month, we have insulated ourselves from it. read more>>>
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Dec 28 2006
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A Look Back and Ahead In An Age of Neocon Rule |
Borrowing the opening line from Dickens' Tale of Two Cities - "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...." He referred to the French Revolution promising "Liberte, egalite and fraternite" that began in 1789, inspired by ours from 1775 - 1783. It ended a 1000 years of monarchal rule in France benefitting those of privilege and established the nation as a republic the way ours did for us here a few years earlier.
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Dec 28 2006
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Cascadia Forest Defenders hold vigil in front of timber baron's home |
On Saturday December 23, Sunday December 24, and Monday December 25, Cascadia Forest Defenders and UO's Forest Action held a candlelight vigil in front of the Crest Neighborhood home of Seneca Jones Lumber CEO, Aaron Jones, who continues to log native forests in the McKenzie River watershed, Eugene's source of drinking water. CFD and Forest Action set up at dusk in front of Jones' sprawling home and his massive display of Christmas lights (which have been attracting hundreds of visitors a night) with a large green and red banner reading: "Pray 4 Aaron Jones to see the light - stop logging our drinking H20 source" and several signs.
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Dec 28 2006
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Books to Josh Harper |
If you're able, please consider sending Josh a book to help him pass the time. Josh is excited to use this time as best he can, and aside from reading and writing letters the only exciting activity he can participate in is reading.
Books can be sent directly to Josh at the prison in Sheridan. They must be sent directly from Amazon or any publisher (for instance AK Press), and they must be paperback (hardcover books will be rejected by the prison). Josh is only allowed a limited number of books and magazines in his possession at one time, and we don't want any wasted money or effort, so please contact his support team when you are purchasing a book for him! This way we can keep track of what's coming his way, and remove items from his list as they are received.
Books can be sent directly to Josh at the prison in Sheridan. They must be sent directly from Amazon or any publisher (for instance AK Press), and they must be paperback (hardcover books will be rejected by the prison). Josh is only allowed a limited number of books and magazines in his possession at one time, and we don't want any wasted money or effort, so please contact his support team when you are purchasing a book for him! This way we can keep track of what's coming his way, and remove items from his list as they are received.
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Dec 28 2006
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AUDIO Interview with Global Green |
PDX IMC Web Radio Interview with Silvaine Zimmerman, she has a B.Sc. in Ecology and an M.Sc. in Oceanography. She was born in Germany, grew up in Quebec, and has lived and worked in environmental research and assessment in Europe, Latin America, and in the High Arctic. In the early 1980's Silvaine participated in launching the Green Party, and in 2004, a first complete Green slate in Canada. (duration: about 40 minutes, Recorded Dec. 18, 2006)
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Dec 28 2006
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Washington County Peace Vigil 12-27-06 |
About 47 people gathered tonight @ 5th and Hall Blvd across from the Beaverton, Oregon City Library. It is important that our elected representatives know that the majority of Americans want all troops to be pulled out of Iraq. We also want them to hold all those responsible to be accountable for their actions. Please join us every Wednesday from 6:30pm to 7:30pm.
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Dec 28 2006
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For The Love Of Brad (In 2 Parts) Video & One Poem |
This is my attempt to honor Brad's life. Everyone dies, but not everyone truly lives, with every last drop of passion, like Brad did. His love, laughter and joy are as much a part of his legacy as the courage and dedication he showed in his work. He has left this earthly plane, as we all will someday, but he has not left our hearts.
Please click on link to see videos and read poem. Select Format as Quicktime, and then click on Full Screen. Set your volume to high.
Please click on link to see videos and read poem. Select Format as Quicktime, and then click on Full Screen. Set your volume to high.
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Dec 28 2006
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Ethiopian Troops Enter Mogadishu |
On December 28th, 2006, Ethiopian troops backing Somalia's transitional government forced militias loyal to the Union of Islamic Courts to abandon their stronghold in the Somali capital Mogadishu. The Bush administration has openly backed the Ethiopian military and has opposed the Islamic courts based on alleged al Qaeda links.
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Dec 29 2006
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Scott Ritter and Jeff Cohen In Santa Cruz |
Former U.N. Weapons Inspector Scott Ritter and Media Critic Jeff Cohen spoke on December 9th in Santa Cruz about the media's complicity in the build up to the Iraq War and it's aftermath.
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Dec 29 2006
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2006 Best and Worst in Public Policy |
Some 2006 trivia for you: What was the year's most covered celebrity wedding? The year's most famous person who died? The year's most famous birth? No sweat.
The year's best and worst public policy?
Public policy will never be as glamorous as celebrity, or even politics, but it determines the quality of our lives. I don't mean to be too zen about it, but critical to the change that we want to create is the knowledge of what currently exists. So here's a quick look back at some of the worst and the best of public policy in 2006.
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Dec 29 2006
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Boston Progressive Radio Silenced |
Boston's only progressive talk radio stations have been shut down and listeners are organizing to bring them back. Boston's only progressive talk radio stations, known as "Boston's Progressive Talk" at AM 1200 WKOX and 1430 WXKS, were abruptly terminated on Thursday, Dec. 21st to the dismay of loyal listeners. The stations now feature a Spanish language format. Among those who had been featured on the stations were shows hosted by Al Franken, Randi Rhodes, Rachel Maddow and Bobby Kennedy Jr. of Air America as well as Stephanie Miller and Ed Schultz from the Jones Radio Network. Read Report | Save Progressive Radio Boston
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Dec 29 2006
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"Lunardi’s Abuse" Campaign Kicks Off en Force |
After their successful effort to stop Andronico's Market from selling battery-caged eggs in 2006, East Bay Animal Advocates (EBAA) is now campaigning to stop their lead competitor Lunardi's Supermarket from doing the same. Lunardi's still relies on egg supplier NuCal Foods which utilizes intensive battery cages in massive warehouses. EBAA launched its outreach campaign against Lunardi's Supermarket on Saturday, December 23 with a demo in Danville.
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Dec 29 2006
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Rally Held in Philly to Mark the Increase in Minimum Wage in PA |
On Thursday the Raise the Minimum Wage Coalition held a rally to mark the first phase of the minimum wage increase on January 1st, when Pennsylvanians should earn no less than $6.25 per hour. On July 1st, wages will go up to $7.15. This is a victory for working people across the state. Read on at Philadelphia Unemployment Project's New Blog
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Dec 30 2006
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Muslims Enraged at RACIST and ISLAMOPHOBIC CONGRESSIONAL PERSONEL |
Virginia Congressman Virgil Goode recently wrote a letter to his constituents, expressing his opposition to using the Koran during an unofficial and optional swearing-in ceremony for the nation's first elected Muslim congressman, Member-Elect Keith Ellison of Minnesota. Goode also expressed his, "fear that in the next century we will have many more Muslims in the United States if we do not adopt the strict immigration policies that I believe are necessary to preserve the values and beliefs traditional to the United States of America and to prevent our resources from being swamped." Listen to interview of Mehdi Bray, director of the Freedom Foundation of the Muslim American Society, by Ryme Katkhouda and the DC Radio Coop.
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Dec 30 2006
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New Year's Day Skate Against Torture |
Several local organizations are inviting the public to Skate Against Torture-- and against Jeppesen-- on Monday, January 1st. Jeppesen is a San José company that handles the logistics for the CIA's torture flights. Jeppesen is a sponsor of the Holiday Ice Rink and displays its banner on the rink. People will Skate Against Torture from 12-2pm at the Holiday Ice Rink in downtown San José. Participants will wear orange to symbolize opposition to torture by the U.S. government.
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Dec 30 2006
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January Screenings of "HIP-HOP: Beyond Beats and Rhymes" |
The film "HIP-HOP: Beyond Beats and Rhymes" takes an in-depth look at representations of manhood, sexism and homophobia in hip-hop culture. This documentary is a "loving critique" of certain "disturbing" developments in rap music culture from the point of view of a fan who challenges the art form's representations of masculinity. The film will be screened on Tuesday, January 9th at 5:30pm at the San Francisco Public Library. That event will include a screening of the short "Trendsetters or Fakers," and a panel discussion. The film will also be screened on Wednesday, January 17th at the Oakland Museum of California (at 10th and Oak Streets in Oakland) at 6:00pm. The evening will include performances by Youth Movement Records and Youth Speaks, audio pieces produced by TEMPO, and discussion with filmmaker Byron Hurt and hip hop community activists.
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Dec 30 2006
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Reports from San Diego Delegation to Oaxaca and Chiapas |
Activists from San Diego recently traveled to Oaxaca to deliver donations of media resources from San Diego folks and to Chiapas for the Zapatista Intergalactic Encuentro. Below is a compilation of their reports to date, which are being posted to Delete the Border.
From Luciente Zamora (dec 22): Concepcion said that she's not the same woman she was before all this happened... She wants to raise people's consciousness not just about the release of all the prisoners -- which she is fiercely fighting for -- but also to look around and see all the hunger, malnutrition, and ask why things are the way they are and do something about it. --Read More+Photos--
From donkilo (dec 24): After months of planning and a few weeks of worrying after all of the horrifying stories that we have heard by people who were in Oaxaca, the whole delegation is sitting in an internet cafe in Oaxaca, safe and sound. We are a few blocks from a federal police barricade. --Read More--
From j (dec 24): buses and trucks full of police drive through the streets. the police march through the zocalo. five indigenous women are violently harassed by these protectors of civil order. the police try to take the money the women made from their artesian work. the police grab one of the women. someone approaches this oppressive racist-classist scene, while two video cameras follow. the police walk away. an indigenous reality. --Read More--
Fom lotu5 (dec 24): The teacher introduces us to a man from the church who begins to tell us of their struggle. He says that even though the government says there have been 14 people murdered by the government, the community says there are more like 90 people murdered. --Read More--
From lotu5 (dec 27): I had read reports that the APPO decided to take down the barricades and decided to hand over radio universidad. But the personal story is very different. One of the women teachers answers me when I ask why was the cinco senores barricade taken down? She says that it was because 25 people from the barricade were taken away by the police and had their shoes taken off and were shot at point blank with rubber bullets in their feet. So parents of people in the barricades didn´t want their children to be tortured and they decided to take them down. --Read More--
From lotu5 (dec 29): we're in san cristobal now. lots of people are here from around the world to go to the zaptista encuentro. its so good to see old friends again and have a beer with them before spending a week in the jungle. --Read More--
From Luciente Zamora (dec 22): Concepcion said that she's not the same woman she was before all this happened... She wants to raise people's consciousness not just about the release of all the prisoners -- which she is fiercely fighting for -- but also to look around and see all the hunger, malnutrition, and ask why things are the way they are and do something about it. --Read More+Photos--
From donkilo (dec 24): After months of planning and a few weeks of worrying after all of the horrifying stories that we have heard by people who were in Oaxaca, the whole delegation is sitting in an internet cafe in Oaxaca, safe and sound. We are a few blocks from a federal police barricade. --Read More--
From j (dec 24): buses and trucks full of police drive through the streets. the police march through the zocalo. five indigenous women are violently harassed by these protectors of civil order. the police try to take the money the women made from their artesian work. the police grab one of the women. someone approaches this oppressive racist-classist scene, while two video cameras follow. the police walk away. an indigenous reality. --Read More--
Fom lotu5 (dec 24): The teacher introduces us to a man from the church who begins to tell us of their struggle. He says that even though the government says there have been 14 people murdered by the government, the community says there are more like 90 people murdered. --Read More--
From lotu5 (dec 27): I had read reports that the APPO decided to take down the barricades and decided to hand over radio universidad. But the personal story is very different. One of the women teachers answers me when I ask why was the cinco senores barricade taken down? She says that it was because 25 people from the barricade were taken away by the police and had their shoes taken off and were shot at point blank with rubber bullets in their feet. So parents of people in the barricades didn´t want their children to be tortured and they decided to take them down. --Read More--
From lotu5 (dec 29): we're in san cristobal now. lots of people are here from around the world to go to the zaptista encuentro. its so good to see old friends again and have a beer with them before spending a week in the jungle. --Read More--
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Dec 30 2006
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Vigils Planned to Mark Death of 3000th US Soldier in Iraq War |
Sometime during the last weekend of 2006, the number of American soldiers killed in the US-led war on Iraq will reach 3000. United for Peace and Justice is calling for people to take action and "remind others that hundreds of thousands of Iraqi children, women and men have also died in this outrageous war and occupation." UFPJ is calling for people to make public statements when the 3000th death occurs- whether with vigils or other types of events. Under the slogan "Not One More Death, Not One More Dollar," the American Friends Service Committee is coordinating events all around the country. Vigils and events will be in Alameda, Benicia, Fremont, Monterey, Oakland, San Jose, San Francisco, and Ukiah-- and in many other cities. Post an event to Indybay's Calendar
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Dec 30 2006
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Mobilization Underway for January 27th Protest at Nation's Capitol |
United for Peace and Justice has called for a massive mobilization on the Capitol in Washington, DC for Saturday, January 27th. UFPJ has applied for permits to assemble on the east end of the National Mall, the end closest to the Capitol, from 11am to 1pm, and to march around the Capitol until 4pm. UFPJ wants to tell the new Congress to "represent the truly nationwide peace majority." A Congressional Lobby Day is planned for Monday, January 29th.
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Dec 30 2006
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ILPS World People's Youth Conference |
ILPS World People's Youth Conference, Zoetermeer Holland, 2-4 March 2007: "Youth of all countries unite for the cause to build a free world; against imperialist-capitalist exploitation and aggression."
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Dec 30 2006
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Minutemen Coming to Harrisonburg Virginia |
The Minutemen group is planning a trip to Harrisonburg, Virginia in February.
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Dec 31 2006
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Free Lunch, Protests, Las Vegas City Council Meetings Jan. 3rd and Jan. 17th |
COME FOR FREE LUNCH AND PROTESTS AT CITY HALL!!!!
Where: Frank Wright Plaza,
Stewart Avenue and 4th Street, Las Vegas, NV
(the park right across from the DTC)
Dates: Wednesday Jan. 3rd, and Wednesday Jan. 17th
Where: Frank Wright Plaza,
Stewart Avenue and 4th Street, Las Vegas, NV
(the park right across from the DTC)
Dates: Wednesday Jan. 3rd, and Wednesday Jan. 17th
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Dec 31 2006
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News from deadCENTER |
Oklahoma film festival runs June 6-10, 2007. Since its inception in 2001, the deadCENTER Film Festival has provided a competitive platform for independent filmmakers and a dynamic cultural and educational forum that attracts film artists and film fans from around the nation.
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Dec 31 2006
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Oklahoma Hunger Summit set for March |
Save the date! Mark your calendar for Saturday, March 10, 2007. We hope you will plan to attend the “Hunger Summit” at First Baptist Church in Oklahoma City on March 10, 2007. Hunger Summit 2007 will seek to deepen our understanding of the new farm bill and its impact on U.S. agriculture, trade, rural development, nutrition, and hunger in our nation and around the globe. We will explore new policy alternatives and opportunities for advocacy that may lead us to a fairer and more equitable farm policy and thereby address the broad issue of hunger.
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Dec 31 2006
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Chained dogs |
A friend of mine lives with her mother and step father in a condo near Scott park. About three months ago her neighbors got a young, maybe six month old pit bull- Labrador mix. Both breeds I have known to be friendly, but I'm well aware that the owners shape a dog, like parents shape their children. These people had no contact with the puppy, they put it in a small dog run, meant for a much smaller breed. Because it had food and water animal control paid no attention to the it, despite the fact that it lived in its own waste and never got out of the cage. After a month it began to cry. It cried 24/7 and after two complaints and threats to report the noise the people tied a wire around the puppies mouth to keep it from crying. We saw this as another opportunity to call the spca or Animal control, but once again they came out and warned them, the owners changed to rope instead,but they never came out to check on the dog again. After two months it seemed that the dog, just a puppy was showing signs of being traumatized.
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Dec 31 2006
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Pit bulls and kittens |
This is just a note of thanks to the Neanderthal who dropped off yet another kitten in the wooded ravine by my house yesterday, one of the coldest days of the year.
Thought you might like to know the poor flea-infested, six-week old baby you dumped off to fend for itself in the wild found his way to my house - as have the four others we now care for - and my kids and I have taken him in and are trying to nurse him back to health. I'm not quite sure how we're going to afford to treat his eye infection and apparent respiratory infection, but we'll manage somehow. Sure hope he's not feleuk positive. That'll be a hard one to explain to my son. Thank God the other animals are all vaccinated.
Thought you might like to know the poor flea-infested, six-week old baby you dumped off to fend for itself in the wild found his way to my house - as have the four others we now care for - and my kids and I have taken him in and are trying to nurse him back to health. I'm not quite sure how we're going to afford to treat his eye infection and apparent respiratory infection, but we'll manage somehow. Sure hope he's not feleuk positive. That'll be a hard one to explain to my son. Thank God the other animals are all vaccinated.
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Dec 31 2006
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de la Vega, Lindorff and McGovern coming to Olympia, Feb. 20th |
Elizabeth de la Vega, David Lindorff, and Ray McGovern will be the featured speakers at the Constitution in Crisis: the Case for Impeachment. It will be held on February 20, 2007, 7 p.m. at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts and is FREE! Come to Olympia
The Citizens' Movement to Impeach Bush/Cheney is convening a "town hall meeting" on February 20, 2007 to discuss impeachment. This free event will be held at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Olympia and will begin promptly at 7: p.m.
The Citizens' Movement to Impeach Bush/Cheney is convening a "town hall meeting" on February 20, 2007 to discuss impeachment. This free event will be held at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Olympia and will begin promptly at 7: p.m.
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Dec 31 2006
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Dead Splatboi x 3000: As the 3000th Admitted Dead US Troop Arrives With the New Year, Protests Continue |
One dead American is worth exactly as much as one dead Iraqi, no more, no less.
The New Year comes with the arrival of the 3000th American dead troop in Iraq. That's the 3000th admitted, not counting contractors, ones who die later in hospitals in Germany and the US, non-citizen US soldiers, etc. Many of these Splatboi die horrible deaths inside vehicles in explosions, as if gettting drilled by a sniper is not horrible enough. Saddam Hussein's death is carefully timed to take attention away from this event.
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Dec 31 2006
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Steelworkers End Strike at Goodyear |
United Steelworkers Union workers have voted by about two to one to end their strike at Goodyear and return to work. The strike tested the resolve of the Union to resist Goodyear's proposals.
The key proposals the Union resisted on principle were three: (1) A "two tier" wage structure with reduced wage levels for new-hire employees. (2) The closing of one Unionized plant - in this case the one in Tyler, Texas. (3) The establishment of a closed Trust Fund responsible for retiree health care, and the Company no longer responsible for adding additional funds.
Nothing but praise should be given to the workers who walked out, manned the picket lines, and risked their standards of living, health benefits, and homes. Unfortunately the international Union conceded on all three principles, although the package was sweetened from the Company's first offer. But 'sweetening' does not undo the evil of the basic nature of the proposals. Read More>>
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Dec 31 2006
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New Years Day Protest Plan Stands, Slightly Modified, Despite Controversy |
The "human chain" action -- against the Bush regime and in anticipation of the 3000th US troop killed in Iraq -- is still planned for noon on New Year's Day at the Steel Bridge, though details have been modified in the wake of several weeks of heated debate on Portland Indymedia over the non-confrontational tactics chosen by organizers. The plan in Portland is to form a human chain to express solidarity against the Bush regime's actions in Iraq.
Members of the South Side Democracy For America MeetUp and the Portland Peaceful Response Coalition have called for a low-key "family-friendly" anti-war action at the Steel Bridge at noon on New Year's Day to oppose the ongoing US-led carnage in Iraq. Their call is in solidarity with vigils and protests planned across the country in anticipation of the 3000th US casualty in Iraq.
According to another organizer, Joan Coates, the exact location for the gathering has now been changed from on the bridge to next to it at Waterfront Park. "What we were looking for was a place where we could gather and not block any traffic."
Related: Original callouts by United for Peace and Justice & American Friends Service Committee
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Dec 31 2006
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Meeting of Zapatista and International Communities |
Los Pueblos Zapatistas have organized their first Encounter with the Pueblos of the World, for December 30th through January 2nd in Oventik, Liberated Territory (Chiapas), Mexico. The EZLN. has welcomed thousands of visitors with workshops & meetings designed, to "speak on the experiences we have had these past years with our autonomous governments.... It is time to organize ourselves and to see how together, we will confront this evil that is Neoliberalism and which attacks humanity."
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Dec 31 2006
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Death Toll of US Troops in Iraq War Hits 3,000 |
DECEMBER 31, 2006 - The US military death toll in Iraq hit 3,000 today. Dustin Donica of Spring, Texas, could have the dubious honor of being the 3,000th US soldier to be killed in Iraq, he was only 22 years old.
Latest public opinion polls show that close to 70% of the public oppose the war in Iraq. Yet both the president and the newly elected congress are considering plans to escalate the war and send more troops to Iraq.
The call for protests has been made by a number of different peace groups. Various peace organizations are encouraging people to gather at local vigil sites or at any government or corporate office associated with the war and demand an immediate end to the war.
From the Newswire: Action Alert: 3,000 US Troops Dead | | 3000 DEAD
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Jan 01 2007
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Day 69TakeBackTheLand: Miami Com. vows to be arrested if emergency ordinance passed |
On Wednesday afternoon, Miami Commissioner Tomas Regalado visited residents of Umoja Village, the Liberty City shanty town, along with reporters, and he got an eye full. Regalado told the Watchdog Report the “government has spent millions and millions of dollars and has not delivered anything for these people, and we owe them and I think I should be here.” Regalado noted that if the Miami commission passed the new "emergency ordinance" language on January 11th that would allow the police to raid and dismantle the village, that after the vote, he would leave the dais, come to the village, and wait to be arrested. “Life is a two-way street and it cannot be one way for big developers and a dead-end for the poor people, and that is all there is to it,” he said.
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Jan 01 2007
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Press Freedom Round-up 2006: 81 journalists killed - the deadliest year since 1994 |
In 2006
- 81 journalists and 32 media assistants were killed
- at least 871 were arrested
- 1,472 physically attacked or threatened
- 56 kidnapped
- and 912 media outlets censored
In 2005:
- 63 journalists and 5 media assistants were killed
- at least 807 were arrested
- 1,308 physically attacked or threatened
- and 1,006 media outlets censored
The deadliest year since 1994
http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=20286
- 81 journalists and 32 media assistants were killed
- at least 871 were arrested
- 1,472 physically attacked or threatened
- 56 kidnapped
- and 912 media outlets censored
In 2005:
- 63 journalists and 5 media assistants were killed
- at least 807 were arrested
- 1,308 physically attacked or threatened
- and 1,006 media outlets censored
The deadliest year since 1994
http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=20286
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Jan 01 2007
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Brooklyn Warehouse Bosses' Christmas Gift: Exploitation in the Food Industry |
Workers are marching on the Brooklyn foodstuffs distributor to highlight a civil suit that they will file with the help of the IWW in federal court over unpaid wages and overtime. The New Years march will also act as a ‘friendly reminder’ to their boss that the NYS minimum wage will be increasing to $7.15 an hour, a figure which Amersino has conveniently overlooked in the past.
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Jan 01 2007
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Oaxaca: Year in Review |
2006 year in review audio report on Oaxaca from FSRN
2006 was also a tumultuous year in Mexico. The year kicked off with a nationwide listening tour launched by the Chiapas-based Zapatista rebel army. The so-called Other Campaign paused in Mexico City after police launched a vicious crackdown against activists and farmers in the nearby town of San Salvador Atenco. Soon after, the presidential elections captured much of the national spotlight as opposition candidate Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador challenged the outcome that handed the presidency to right-wing technocrat, Felipe Calderon. Calderon assumed the presidency on December 1st amidst the strongest crisis of legitimacy ever faced by any Mexican president. ... But perhaps the ongoing political crisis in the southern state of Oaxaca could provide the most insight into what Mexico as a nation could face in the coming years.
2006 was also a tumultuous year in Mexico. The year kicked off with a nationwide listening tour launched by the Chiapas-based Zapatista rebel army. The so-called Other Campaign paused in Mexico City after police launched a vicious crackdown against activists and farmers in the nearby town of San Salvador Atenco. Soon after, the presidential elections captured much of the national spotlight as opposition candidate Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador challenged the outcome that handed the presidency to right-wing technocrat, Felipe Calderon. Calderon assumed the presidency on December 1st amidst the strongest crisis of legitimacy ever faced by any Mexican president. ... But perhaps the ongoing political crisis in the southern state of Oaxaca could provide the most insight into what Mexico as a nation could face in the coming years.
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Jan 01 2007
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Street Art Workers posters hit the street |
Street Art Workers Releases New Poster Project:Land & Globalization Poster Series
Wheatpasters and Distributors Needed!
The newest project from the
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Jan 01 2007
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Longhair hippies and Afro Blacks, they all get together across the tracks... |
Yesterday afternoon, I spent four hours standing outside the Apollo Theater waiting to pay my respects to James Brown. It was time well spent.
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Jan 01 2007
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Local Activist Dan Parry and Companion Killed in Auto Accident |
Local activist Dan Parry, 33, and his companion, Megan McMahon, 27, were killed in a Christmas Day auto accident in the Humboldt Park neighborhood on the West Side of Chicago. Two other passengers in the accident were taken to Stroger Hospital in critical condition. One person is in custody in connection with the crash.
For those of you who didn't know Dan, he was a really cool, caring guy who was very politically astute and genuinely committed to creating a better world. A tireless advocate and volunteer for New World Resource Center, a regular member of the Chicago Socialist Party, an activist for international solidarity with the peoples of Colombia and Palestine, a lifelong activist for social justice, a trained paramedic, Dan had finally got into the electrical workers union (IBEW) a while back, fulfilling a longtime vocational and political aspiration.
In addition, as an avid supporter of Glasgow Celtic Football Club, he would also be regularly seen in the wee hours of the morning at the Globe Pub cheering on his Hoops. Finally, he had also gained notoriety as a DJ, spinning "Northern Soul" records at various locations around town.
Dan’s energy, enthusiasm, and willingness to work with people of all milieus and political persuasions made him unique among the Chicago activist community.
Guest Book for Daniel J. Parry
Check out Dan's MySpace here.
Photos: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
Other Links: NWRC Statement on Dan Parry | Local Activist Dan Parry Killed in Auto Accident | Erie, PA Obituary | Chicago Tribune .pdf: Crash Victim was "Safety Guy"
For those of you who didn't know Dan, he was a really cool, caring guy who was very politically astute and genuinely committed to creating a better world. A tireless advocate and volunteer for New World Resource Center, a regular member of the Chicago Socialist Party, an activist for international solidarity with the peoples of Colombia and Palestine, a lifelong activist for social justice, a trained paramedic, Dan had finally got into the electrical workers union (IBEW) a while back, fulfilling a longtime vocational and political aspiration.
In addition, as an avid supporter of Glasgow Celtic Football Club, he would also be regularly seen in the wee hours of the morning at the Globe Pub cheering on his Hoops. Finally, he had also gained notoriety as a DJ, spinning "Northern Soul" records at various locations around town.
Dan’s energy, enthusiasm, and willingness to work with people of all milieus and political persuasions made him unique among the Chicago activist community.
Guest Book for Daniel J. Parry
Check out Dan's MySpace here.
Photos: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
Other Links: NWRC Statement on Dan Parry | Local Activist Dan Parry Killed in Auto Accident | Erie, PA Obituary | Chicago Tribune .pdf: Crash Victim was "Safety Guy"
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Jan 01 2007
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"Not One More Death, Not One More Dollar" |
Please join us to mourn all the lives lost in the Iraq war and call for the troops to come home!
Where: Lloyd George Federal Building, 333 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas NV
When: Thursday, January 4, 2007 8:30 am
Where: Lloyd George Federal Building, 333 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas NV
When: Thursday, January 4, 2007 8:30 am