RE-OCCUPY YOUR PUBLIC SPACE ON MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.S HOLIDAY

From Food Not Bombs:

A Proposal for a coordinated
RE-OCCUPATION OF PUBLIC SPACE in honor of the goals of Martin Luther King Jr. January 13-16, 2012

"Occupy Wall Street, on the other hand, has chosen a fixed target. And
you have put no end date on your presence here. This is wise. Only when
you stay put can you grow roots. This is crucial. It is a fact of the
information age that too many movements spring up like beautiful flowers
but quickly die off. It’s because they don’t have roots. And they don’t
have long term plans for how they are going to sustain themselves. So
when storms come, they get washed away."

Occupy Wall Street: The Most Important Thing in the World Now by Naomi
Klein - October 7, 2011

The occupation movement is the most important movement of our lives. I
get calls everyday from average middle American asking how they can
help, calling to say they are so proud of everyone, some even coming to
tears expressing that we just had to succeed.

The corporate media is seeking to claim that the police have
successfully swept away or movement but as you know this is just the
beginning. Reporters claiming that we have "moved" to walking from town
to town or other valid actions that should be supported but the
occupations are the action that is applying pressure and providing a
space for innovation and community.

We have the corporations and their governments really freighted. They
have a coordinated media and police campaign to shut us down but their
logic while effective in the short run won't work for long if we
continue to reclaim public space. Even if this means we must survive a
wave of evictions at some point there will be another critical event,
news of a national default or major bank failure, U.S. government
failing to continue unemployment payments or government shut down. News
that points to the fact that we are sliding into a great depression and
harsh austerity policies are necessary to transfer more of our resources
to the one percent. Our continued presence will provide a visible place
for those not yet living at the occupations to join us as their personal
situation changes or revulsion at the bold disregard shown by the
corporate state is so strong they feel they must take action.

As has been the case in past years the media will start to announce
that holiday sales just weren't as good as first predicted in mid
January. The re-writing of Martin Luther King Jr's legacy will be in
full swing as usual, this year with special effort to ignore the fact
that he would have been one of the first to sleep at Occupy Wall Street.

If there is a link it will be an attempt by the Democratic Party to
strengthen the connection between King and Obama with their special
effort to ignore the impact of Wall Street on the policies adopted or
not adopted by the president over the past four years. It is time to
dust off our copies of King's last book "Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos
or Community?" and remind America that King would most likely be
attending our General Assemblies and encouraging us to Re- Occupy Public
Space after each eviction.

What would be a more fitting way to celebrate the legacy of one of
America's most dedicated nonviolent advocates for the 99% then to
Re-Occupy Public Space during the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday?

The hundreds of Occupations that have not been evicted or have returned
can remind our communities that news of our demise was premature. For
the other occupations that have been driven from public space we could
return with large card board paintings of our tents and spend the
holiday demonstrating the absurdity of clearing public space of our
message at a time when half our people are struggling to survive
according to the U.S. Census. America is not alone as we can see. The
Euro zone is collapsing as resistance to bank bailouts continues. The
Chinese and Indian economies are teetering and resistance is growing
there as well. People all over the world are resisting the austerity
measures proposed by the One Percent. Economic leaders announce daily
that the global economy is on the brink of disaster. If we don't shop
our way out of this crisis 2012 will be the big end we have been
promised. Or more likely the new beginning we know is necessary. What
is more important? Clean sidewalks and undisturbed lawns or the future
of our country and the world?

Our work is not finished. We have made it clear that we must take money
out of politics and replace it with democracy. We are the lobby of the
99% seeking a new economic and political system even as the current
crisis continues to force our friends and family into poverty.

January's economic news and reality will dramatize the continued need
for our occupations. Lets continue to talk and introduce some of these
ideas at the next General Assembly.

A. Organize a campaign of Re-Occupation during the Martin Luther King
Jr. holiday arriving first with paintings and other "images" of tents to
challenge the logic of restrictions against tents in addition to all
other types of culture jamming actions.

B. Continue the global dialog seeking a transition from the current
failed political and economic system to a post capitalist "real"
democratic future.

C. Strengthen inter occupation communication of ideas, solutions and
calls for global days of action.

D. Consider adopting some simple guidelines such as a dedication to
nonviolence, that the food is free for everyone without restriction,
that decisions will be make by consensus at the General Assembly and
that drugs and alcohol are not to be consumed at the occupation.

E. Encourage local officials to end their efforts to drive the
occupations and tents off of public space with petitions, meetings,
participation in public hearings and all other nonviolent actions.
Remind city officials that the UN and other international organizations
support our right to continue these very important occupations.

It is time for Obama Administration and city officials to stop their
efforts to evict our occupations. Clean pavement and healthy lawns are
not even close in importance as seeking solutions to the global crisis
and as we can see our presence occupying public space has been the
catalyst for this discussion. We know this from first hand experience.
Decades of marches, rallies, phone calls, letters, law suits and public
comment at hearings just didn't push the debate into public conscience.
The occupations did and will if we don't let ourselves be pushed out of
sight and out of mind. And I am sure your local Food Not Bombs group
will be happy to do what they can to support the kitchens so don't worry
about needing to eat. We aren't going any where.

Thanks for your consideration.
Keith McHenry

A modest proposal from Food Not Bombs co-founder Keith McHenry after
speaking with other activists about our transition and the corporate
media's attempt to clam our movement is history. Not an official idea
from a GA but hopefully one that will be discussed at your GA. I have
been a participant in GA's, kitchens and resident of at least 15
occupations so far with more to come.

ARTICLES TO SUPPORT THE SPIRIT OF THIS PROPOSAL

Why Tents (Still) Matter for the Occupy Movement by Jen Schradie
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2011/11/24-1

Occupy Wall Street: The Most Important Thing in the World Now by Naomi
Klien
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2011/10/07-0


Top GOP Strategist Admits He’s ‘Scared’ Of Occupy Wall Street Because
It’s ‘Having An Impact’ by Zaid Jilani
http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2011/12/01-3#.TtfFTyYTztk

U.N. Envoy: U.S. Isn't Protecting Occupy Protesters' Rights
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/02/occupy-wall-street-un-envoy_n_1125860.html?ref=fb&src=sp&comm_ref

Today is a National Day of Action!!! Celebrate 2 Months of This Profound Social Movement for 99% of the World's People!!!

From Democracy Now!

National Day of Action Kicks Off Third Month of OWS

Protests are being held across the country today as part of a national day of action marking the two-month anniversary of the Occupy Wall Street movement. Here in New York, organizers have been distributing posters reading "Shut Down Wall Street! Occupy the Subways! Take the Square!" The massive day of action comes just two days after New York police raided the Occupy Wall Street at Liberty Square and tore down the encampment. On Wednesday, the Indian author and activist Arundhati Roy addressed Occupy Wall Street protesters at the Judson Memorial Church in Washington Square Park.

Arundhati Roy: "The Occupy movement has joined thousands of other resistance movements all over the world in which the poorest of people are standing up and stopping the richest corporations in their tracks. Few of us dreamed that we would see you, the people of the United States, on our side, trying to do this in the heart of empire."

95 Arrested at Bank of America in San Francisco

In San Francisco, 95 protesters were arrested on Wednesday after occupying a Bank of America branch in the financial district. The demonstrators pitched a tent inside the branch before they were detained. The action came as part of an Occupy march through downtown San Francisco to denounce tuition hikes and budget cuts at University of California schools.

This third headline is related of course, but somewhat detached from the OWS movements. However, it goes to shows that as unfortunate as it is, President Obama is just another face in the crowd of so called leaders of hegemony and empire. With so much happening on the ground at home, with so many of the poorest people, the 99%, those who need the most assistance calling for help at home right now, why is energy being placed on establishing a permanent military presence in Australia? Why? Because that's what empires do, especially when they're worried about an impending change in the guard that is inevitable, and arguably has already happened...

U.S. Establishes Permanent Military Presence in Australia

The Obama administration has unveiled plans for a permanent military presence in Australia. Starting next summer, the U.S. will deploy 250 marines for six-month tours, eventually reaching a force of 2,500 troops. Speaking before the Australian parliament, President Obama said the U.S. military presence in the Pacific is "here to stay."

President Obama: "So here’s what this region must know. As we end today’s wars, I have directed my national security team to make our presence and mission in the Asia Pacific a top priority. As a result, reductions in U.S. defense spending will not—I repeat, will not—come at the expense of the Asia Pacific. My guidance is clear, because we plan and budget for the future. We will allocate the resources necessary to maintain our strong military presence in this region. The United States is a Pacific power, and we are here to stay."

How Can This Brutality Against Non-Violent Protesters Be Tolerated?

Courtesy of: rt.com



Almost forty University of California students were arrested and dozens of others suffered bruises and abrasions following a police crackdown on an attempted encampment at a local plaza on Wednesday.

“We had the tents set up for about a half an hour when the police decided they wanted to shut down the camp,” student protester Erick Uribe recalled in an interview with RT. “What the students did is they set up a human wall around the tents. Soon after that, the police approached with full force in riot gear, with batons. We had no intention to move, but they jabbed some of us repeatedly in the stomach, pulling people onto the floor and arresting them.”

Hundreds of protesters had gathered at the town’s Sproul Plaza to protest against tuition fee increases and public education funding cuts.

Following the line of Occupy Wall Street and Occupy Oakland, they planned on setting up an encampment.

While the police had allowed them to use the Plaza as a gathering spot at any time, camping out was strictly prohibited.

University officials addressed the crowd offering a compromise, but were given a negative response. After that the police pushed their way through the human chain and took the tents down by force, prompting a reaction from the crowd.

Remove Dams from the Klamath River Now!

This is a clear example of a multifaceted land-use conflict that connects issues socially, economically, politically and environmentally. It also speaks to justice driven holistic sustainable land-use policy that ultimately promotes peace and well-being for all affected parties.

From EPIC:

Tell the Secretary of the Interior to Remove Dams on the Klamath River Now!

Comment Deadline: November 21, 2011

Dams on the Klamath River must come down to restore Coho and Chinook salmon runs to their historic spawning grounds. Right now, the federal government is considering a proposal to remove the dams beginning in 2020. It is critical that government officials hear from you now to advance the restoration of the Klamath River. Please take a moment to submit your comments before the deadline of November 21, 2011. We encourage you to be original, and consider EPIC’s key points to include in your comments.

Follow this link to Take Action Now!

http://www.wildcalifornia.org/blog/action-alert-remove-dams-on-the-klamath-river-now/

EPIC encourages you to include the following points in your comments:

1. I support the immediate removal of all dams on the Klamath River and its tributaries.

2. I also support the restoration of all historic wetlands and marshes in the upper Klamath basin, including Lower Klamath Lake, Tule Lake and Upper Klamath Lake.

3. The restoration activities must also improve conditions for salmon on the Scott and Shasta Rivers.

4. In addition, I demand that an absolute minimum flow of 1,300 cubic feet per second at the Iron Gate gauge be established for the dry season. The National Marine Fisheries Service has required a minimum flow at Iron Gate pursuant to biological opinions to comply with the Endangered Species Act, and therefore the Secretary should include a minimum flow for fish.

5. Lastly, the Secretary of Interior should ensure that more water from the Trinity River stay within the watershed so that increased water flows in the dry season to assist salmon migration in the Lower Klamath River.

Occupy Wall Street (OWS) and Occupy Everywhere (OE)

It's almost surreal. Massive grassroots movements have been sprouting up all over the U.S., even internationally, and the people's collective voice is being heard. It's about the 99%, not just the top 1% the capitalist system serves. People are pissed, and finally it seems the proletariat's are rising up against the bourgeoisie.

The movement has grown, starting in Wall Street, the center of the capitalist state, but they have spread far and wide. However, the police state continues to attack peaceful, nonviolent protesters. This link,

http://www.democracynow.org/2011/10/27/iraq_war_vet_hospitalized_with_fractured

will bring you to the story of Scott Olsen, a 24 year old Iraq war vet who was shot by police in Oakland and brought to the hospital with a fractured skull. He was protesting peacefully.

Ultimately this link, http://www.democracynow.org/tags/occupy_wall_street

will get you up to speed on what's been happening, where/why, and how you can get involved. An economic system designed for the top 1% to thrive while it feeds off of the bottom 99% supporting everything else is completely unsustainable. It always has been and always will be. But to those with the wealth and power, who have benefited from the system for so long, why would they want to equalize and relinquish power? There are no safeguards from an environmental or social perspective when such a overarching system is in place to serve so little that wield such power. Read these links, learn, get educated, and whether you find yourself on the street tomorrow, or writing an opinion piece to your local paper later tonight, locate what moves you the most about this movement and act. There's a revolution brewing, and now more than ever, we need help from any and every direction!!!

In Solidarity,
PJS

This Day Never Was, And Will Never Be A Holiday: Why Columbus Day Celebrates Colonization and Genocide

I'm reposting this article, which I believe does a very good job of explaining why this day is not, and will never be a holiday.


From: http://www.dickshovel.com/colum.html

Why Autonomous AIM Opposes Columbus Day and Columbus Day Parades © by Glenn Morris and Russell Means

When Taino Indians saved Christopher Columbus from certain death on the fateful morning of Oct. 12, 1492, a glorious opportunity presented itself. The cultures Europe of and the Americas could have merged and the beauty of both races could have flourished.
Unfortunately, what occurred was neither beautiful nor heroic. Just as Columbus could not, and did not, "discover" a hemisphere that was already inhabited by nearly 100 million people, his arrival cannot, and will not, be recognized as a heroic and celebratory event by indigenous peoples.

Unlike the Western tradition, which presumes some absolute concept of objective truth, and consequently, one "factual" depiction of history, the indigenous view recognizes that there exist many truths in the world and many legitimate recollections of any given historical event, depending on one's perspective and experiences.

From an indigenous vantage point, Columbus' arrival was a disaster from the beginning. Although his own diaries indicated that he was greeted by the Taino Indians with the most generous hospitality he had ever known, he immediately began the enslavement and slaughter of the Indian peoples of the Caribbean islands. As the eminent Columbus biographer Samuel Eliot Morison admits in his book, Admiral of the Ocean Sea, Columbus was personally responsible for enslavement and murder of indigenous peoples. He was personally responsible for the design and operation of the encomienda system that tied Indians as slaves to the lands stolen from them by the European invaders.

As detailed in the American Heritage Magazine (October,1976), Columbus personally oversaw the genocide of the Taino Indian nation of what is now Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Consequently, this murderer, despite his historical notoriety, deserves no recognition or accolades as a hero; he deserves no respect as a visionary; and he is not worthy of a state or national holiday in his honor.

Defenders of Columbus and his holiday argue that indigenous peoples unfairly judge Columbus, a 15th century actor, by the moral and legal standards of the late 20th century. Such a defense implies that no moral or legal constraints applied to individuals such as Columbus, or countries, in 1492. As Roger Williams details in his book, The American Indian in Western Legal Thought, not only were there European moral and legal principles in 1492, but they largely favored the rights of indigenous peoples to be free from unjustified invasion and pillage by Europeans.

Unfortunately, the issue of Columbus and Columbus Day is not easily resolvable with a disposition of Columbus, the man. Columbus Day as a national, and international, phenomenon reflects a much larger dynamic that promotes myriad myths and historical lies that have been used through the ages to dehumanize Indians, justifying the theft of our lands, the attempted destruction of our nations, and the genocide against our people. Since the 15th Century, the myth of Columbus' discovery has been used in the development of laws and policies that reek of Orwell's doublespeak: theft equals the righteous spread of civilization, genocide is God's deliverance of the wilderness from the savages, and the destruction of Indian societies implies the superiority of European values and institutions over indigenous ones.

Columbus Day is a perpetuation of racist assumptions that the Western Hemisphere was a wasteland cluttered with savages awaiting the blessings of Western "civilization." Throughout the hemisphere, educational systems perpetuate these myths - suggesting that indigenous peoples have contributed nothing to the world, and, consequently, should be grateful for their colonization and their microwave ovens.

As Alfred Crosby, Kirkpatrick Sale, and Jack Weatherford have illustrated in their books, not only was the Western Hemisphere a virtual ecological and health paradise prior to 1492, but the Indians of the Americas have been responsible for such revolutionary global contributions as the model for U.S. constitutional government, agricultural advances that currently provide 60 percent of the world's daily diet, and hundreds of medical and medicinal techniques still in use today.

If you find it difficult to believe that Indians had developed highly complex and sophisticated societies, then you have been victimized by an educational and social system that has given you a retarded, distorted view of history. The operation of this view has also enabled every country in this hemisphere, including the U.S., to continue its destruction of Indian peoples. From the jungles of Brazil to the highlands of Guatemala, from the Chaco of Paraguay to the Supreme Court of the United States, Indian people remain in a perpetual state of danger from the systems that Christopher Columbus began in 1492.

Throughout the Americas, Indian people remain at the bottom of every socioeconomic indicator, we are under continuing physical attack, and are afforded the least access to economic, political, or legal redress. Despite these constant and unbridled assaults, we have resisted, we have survived, and we refuse to surrender any more of our homeland or to disappear into the romantic sunset.

To dignify Columbus and his legacy with parades, holidays and other celebrations is intolerable to us. As the original peoples of this land, we cannot, and will not, countenance social and political festivities that celebrate our genocide. We are embarking on a two- pronged campaign in the quincentenary year to confront the continuing racism against Indian people.

First, we are advocating that the divisive Columbus Day holiday should be replaced by a celebration that is much more inclusive and more accurately reflective of the cultural and racial richness of the Americas. Such a holiday will provide respect and acknowledgement to every group and individual of the importance and value of their heritage, and will allow a more honest and accurate portrayal of the evolution of the hemisphere. It will also provide an opportunity for greater understanding and respect as our societies move ahead into the next 500 years. Opponents to this suggestion react as though this proposal is an attack on ancient time-honored holiday, but Columbus Day has been a national holiday only since 1971 - and in 1991, hopefully, we can correct the errors of the past, moving forward in an atmosphere of mutual respect and inclusiveness.

Second, and related to the first, is the advancement of an active militant campaign to demand that federal, state, and local authorities begin the removal of anti-Indian icons throughout the country. Beginning with Columbus, we are insisting on the removal of statues, street names, public parks, and any other public object that seeks to celebrate or honor devastators of Indian peoples. We will take an active role of opposition to public displays, parades, and celebrations that champion Indian haters. We encourage others, in every community in the land, to educate themselves and to take responsibility for the removal of anti-Indian vestiges among them.

For people of goodwill, there is no better time for the re-examination of the past, and a rectification of the historical record for future generations, than the 500th anniversary of Columbus' arrival. There is no better place for this re-examination to begin than in Colorado, the birthplace of the Columbus Day holiday.

Russell Means and Glenn Morris wrote this position statement
in 1991 on behalf of the American Indian Movement of Colorado,
1574 South Pennsylvania St., Denver, CO

Are You Going To Be In Phoenix This Wednesday, 9/21? | Manu Chao!!!!!

From The Alto AZ Campaign:

Join us in Phoenix, Arizona, for a historic "Festival de Resistencia."

On Wednesday, September 21st, Manu Chao will give a free benefit concert to celebrate the years of community resistance against anti-immigrant hate legislation in Arizona. The concert will also serve as a renewed national commitment to the Arizona Boycott - "La Huelga del Pueblo."

Resistance by the people of Arizona, led by the Comités de Defensa del Barrio (CDBs), has served to inspire and mobilize thousands of communities across the country. The CDBs are now looking to implement new boycott actions against the financial supporters of politicians and organizations who promote hate legislation. The power and determination of these resistance actions is demonstrated by the successful ballot initiative to recall State Senate President, Russell Pearce, set for November 8th. We're building our economic and political power and we plan to exercise it.

Manu Chao believes in the struggle for human dignity and has joined forces with the Comités de Defensa del Barrio and the AltoArizona campaign.

You can also be part of this resistance by helping us support community organizing in Arizona and by engaging in the ongoing efforts of the CDBs and other local groups.

Donate and Get Involved:

CAN YOU DONATE $10, $25, $50 OR MORE?

If you have already donated, Thank You. We have received over $1000 toward our goal and appreciate all that you've contributed.

If you haven't donated yet, please consider making one today to help cover the costs of production.

We make this request respectfully, knowing that these are challenging economic times. So we are reaching out to those who believe in our struggle, who stand for human rights and dignity, and who believe that love can conquer fear and bigotry. We call out to those who believe that no human being can ever be "illegal."

The Festival of Resistance is being organized as a family focused event and celebration for Civil Rights, Human Rights, Indigenous Rights and the Rights of Mother Earth. The event will be FREE of charge. There will be no drugs, alcohol or weapons allowed. It will be a peaceful celebration that will be remembered for a long time to come.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Sincerely,

Pablo Alvarado
Director of NDLON

P.S.

Please RSVP on Facebook and share with your friends here: http://on.fb.me/manu-az-concert

A Very Funny (and true) Article from Grist.org

There's a study running soon in the journal Global Environmental Change called "Cool dudes: The denial of climate change among conservative white males in the United States." It analyzes poll and survey data from the last 10 years and finds that ... are you sitting down? ... conservative white men are far more likely to deny the threat of climate change than other people.

OK, that's no surprise to anyone who's been awake over the last decade. But the paper goes beyond that to put forward some theories about why conservative white men (CWM) are so loathe to accept climate change. The explanation is some mix of the following, all of which overlap in various ways:

First there's the "white male effect" -- generally speaking, white males are less concerned with a variety of risks. This probably has to do with the fact that they are less exposed to risk than other demographics, what with running things and all.

Then, as Chris Mooney notes, there's the "social dominance orientation" of conservatives, who see social life as following the law of the jungle. One's choice is to dominate or be dominated; that is the natural order of things. Such folk are leery of climate change solutions premised on fairness or egalitarianism.

Then there are the well-understood "system-justifying tendencies" of conservatives. The authors explain that conservatives ...

... strongly display tendencies to justify and defend the current social and economic system. Conservatives dislike change and uncertainty and attempt to simplify complexity. Further, conservative white males have disproportionately occupied positions of power within our economic system. Given the expansive challenge that climate change poses to the industrial capitalist economic system, it should not be surprising that conservative white males' strong system-justifying attitudes would be triggered to deny climate change.
Finally, there's "identity-protective cognition," a notion borrowed from Dan Kahan at Yale. (See this PDF.) Here's how Kahan and colleagues sum it up:

We propose that variance in risk perceptions -- across persons generally, and across race and gender in particular -- reflects a form of motivated cognition through which people seek to deflect threats to identities they hold, and roles they occupy, by virtue of contested cultural norms.
"Motivated cognition" refers to reasoning done in service of justifying an already held belief or goal. It helps explain why the CWM who know the most about climate science are the most likely to reject it; they learn about it in order to reject it. See Chris Mooney's great piece on that. Point being: when facts (or the implications of those facts) threaten people's social identities, they tend to dismiss the facts rather than the identity.
To all these reasons, I'd add "epistemic closure," the extraordinary way that the modern right has constructed a self-contained, hermetically sealed media environment in which conservatives can be protected from ever encountering a contrary view. It's an accelerant to all the tendencies described above.

Anyway, as you can see, the rejection of climate science among CWM is basically overdetermined. Climate change threatens their values, their privileges, and their worldview. They are reacting as one would expect them to react.

The Spirit of Cesar Chavez Will Never Die!

More ways to promote peace, justice, and holistic sustainability with presente.org:

A couple of months ago thousands of us stood with the United Farm Workers Union (UFW) to ask Governor Jerry Brown to pass the Fair Treatment for Farm Workers Act. But Gov. Brown didn't listen to us. Instead, he vetoed the act.

So what is the UFW doing now to make sure Gov. Brown listens? Walking—the same thing Cesar Chávez did many times when he gained the support of the nation. The UFW is currently on a 13-day, 200 mile march to Sacramento, CA. If you can't join them on the actual march1, the UFW is asking you to join them in a virtual march for the Fair Treatment for Farm Workers Act, and a bill that would give farm workers the right to overtime after and 8-hour workday.2

http://act.presente.org/sign/ufw_march

Farm labor is consistently listed as one of ten most dangerous jobs in the U.S.3 Last time we wrote you about the Fair Treatment For Farm Workers Act we told you the story of 17 year-old María Isabel. After picking grapes in the hot California sun for nine hours, she was rushed to the hospital in a coma and a body temperature of 108 degrees. The nearest water cooler was a 10-minute walk away, but workers say the strict foreman didn't allow them a long enough break to stop and get a drink. She died two days later.4 



That's why farm workers like Maria Escutia, who has been picking grapes for 10 years, have decided to march the full 13 days. When asked why she said: "I am doing this because I am very upset. I believe we work in dangerous conditions, in the heat, in the cold and I believe we deserve to be treated better without being intimidated at work; we deserve the right to have benefits. We deserve this and more." Will you stand with farm workers like Maria Escutia during their march and sign this petition?

http://act.presente.org/sign/ufw_march

Gov. Brown stood with Cesar Chávez when he was governor, before, can you help give him the courage to stand with his spirit again?

http://act.presente.org/sign/ufw_march

Thanks y ¡Adelante!
Laurie, Felipe, Kyle, Favianna, Roberto, Carlos and the rest of the Presente.org team

1. Capitol Rally - Fair Treatment for Farm Workers Now, United Farm Workers, 9/6/2011
http://action.ufw.org/page/event/detail/onedayevent/wrl8

2. Farm workers are marching to Sacramento. Join Them Virtually, United Farm Workers,
http://action.ufw.org/page/s/200milemarch

3. Think Again: Is Farm Work Funny, Mr. Colbert, Center for American Progress, 09/30/2010
http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2010/09/ta093010.html

4. Teen Farmworker's Heat Death Sparks Outcry, National Public Radio
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=91240378

Get Educated About Unjust Deportations!

Dear Activist,

More than 20,000 Presente.org members have called on President Obama to end the dangerous Secure Communities (S-COMM) program, after his Administration’s decision to aggressively expand the use of local police officers as immigration agents.

Already, we’re helping make an impact together. The New York Times just ran an editorial saying that S-Comm, “has been plagued since its inception by miscommunication, deception, opacity and suspicion …a program whose plug desperately needs pulling.”1 The Los Angeles Times editorial board similarly told Obama to “Shelve Secure Communities.” 2

In Boston, the city where S-Comm got it’s start, Mayor Tom Menino now wants the program out, stating, “People will start to say the police are gestapos. My police aren’t gestapos.”3 Many more community organizations led by the National Day Labor Organizing Network are set to protest S-Comm at ICE forums around the country.4 The National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights is leading a national call-in day to the White House against S-Comm. 5 This is exactly the kind of massive outcry needed to tell the Obama administration that 1 million deportations is enough! ¡Ya basta!

http://act.presente.org/sign/scomm/


— from Favianna, Felipe, Carlos, Roberto, Laurie and everyone else from the Presente.org team.

Here's more background information:


1. “The Widening Dragnet," New York Times, 08/14/2011
http://nyti.ms/nkrm1d

2. “Shelve Secure Communities,” Los Angeles Times, 08/12/2011
http://lat.ms/qyFMYc

3. “Resistance Widens To Obama Initiative on Criminal Immigrants,” New York Times, 08/13/2011
http://nyti.ms/nSRaZh

4. NDLON/Turning the Tide event page, http://bit.ly/pM6D3r

5. NNIRR Action Alert, http://bit.ly/oW6AWN

New York Makes a Mark for Peace, Justice, and Sustainability!

Great job New York! You're now the sixth conscious state to allow same sex couples to marry!

Who's next?

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/25/nyregion/gay-marriage-approved-by-new-york-senate.html?pagewanted=all

http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/07/25/new.york.gay.marriage.lawsuit/

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0611/57749.html

http://articles.nydailynews.com/2011-06-24/news/29724140_1_gay-marriage-gay-couples-james-alesi

Support All Peoples Right to Celebrate their Partners!

Read up, if you haven't already, about what's happening in NY to push forward an agenda of justice for same sex marriage. No one should ever be denied the right to celebrate love with their partner regardless of arbitrary rules, policy, law, legislation, and conservative ideology.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/07/01/new.york.same.sex.marriage/

http://nation.foxnews.com/culture/2011/07/01/ny-town-clerk-i-wont-sign-gay-wedding-license

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cifamerica/2011/jul/01/barack-obama-gay-marriage

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/06/24/us-gaymarriage-newyork-idUSTRE75N0JS20110624

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/25/nyregion/gay-marriage-approved-by-new-york-senate.html

The Film, The Last Mountain, Premiers in L.A. Today!

From www.grist.org

In the heart of Appalachia, a battle rages over the fate of the last great mountain: A mining giant wants to obliterate Coal River Mountain for the coal that lies inside. Meanwhile local families fight to defend their community, their heritage, and their futures.

The mining and burning of coal is at the epicenter of America’s struggle to balance its energy needs with environmental and public health concerns, so the daring solution proposed by this small Appalachian community quickly takes on national significance. And when Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. joins Appalachian families and activists, harnessing the power of citizen democracy to fend off the extraordinary and insidious power of Big Coal, the conflict flares.

The film The Last Mountain follows waitresses, college students and former marines taking extraordinary risks to stave off the Coal Industries lobbyists and politicians, sparking a revolutionary fight to save Appalachia — and our collective future.

Watch the film's trailer here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8WpxjwxGns

Thoughts and questions for the weekend...

The Supreme Court has ordered the release of more than 33,000 California inmates. This ruling comes in response to incredibly overcrowded prisons across the state that have only gown more inhumane through the past 20 years of critique. Will this action help unravel the atrocities of the prison-industrial complex, and pave a greater path for ideas revolving around therapeutic treatment of prisoners to treat them and educate them rather than tax people to continue frivolous and racially based incarcerations? Especially those with minor infractions?

http://act.colorofchange.org/sign/retroactive?akid=1989.484908.N6idfB&rd=1&t=4


A hate filled ruling came down for the state of Arizona recently that once again proclaims economy and corporate business interests are more important than the people who help keep this country running. Read this ridiculously toned piece and imagine what ripples certain (small) businesses will face in light of this ruling.

http://blog.heritage.org/2011/05/26/us-chamber-v-arizona

Then click on this link to regain your sanity, http://altopolimigra.com

What will it take for Israel and Palestine to recognize each other's right to be?

What lessons can be drawn and are still forming in regards to the continued uprisings in Syria, Yemen, and the greater Middle East?

What Are The Root Causes of "Terrorism"?

In the wake of the killing of Osama bin Laden we must ask ourselves this question. We must also ask where is justice when one rejoices a "job well done and served" by killing another. Why are there still troops in Afghanistan? What shift must take place in order for humans to stop fostering war as a way to "control" life?

We're the most evolved species on the planet. Even though we know things like war, racism, destruction of the environment, homophobia, and the like are created by humans unnecessarily, they still persist. When will an evolution take place where leaders rise above the past to create the possible future? When we look at some views in the media rejoicing the death of bin Laden, proclaiming it as a victory for the U.S., patriotism, and the war on terrorism, we must recognize that offing this leader of extremism is not a battle won in the "war" for peace.

Several thought provoking pieces to further question the mentality of victory in this case as well as ponder the future steps needed to move toward actualized Holistic Sustainability.

http://www.democracynow.org/tags/osama_bin_laden

A Clear Case of Environmental Racism

Join the Rally in Tauranga to support Elvis and the stand he made to protect our waters from deep sea oil drilling.


Fri 29 April - 12 noon - Herries Park, Tauranga
ON Saturday one of the vessels in the deep sea oil protest flotilla was boarded by police and the skipper - Elvis Teddy - arrested.

Aboard the San Pietro, Elvis and his crew including te Whanau a Apanui tribal leader Rikirangi Gage were stationary and fishing in their customary fishing grounds as they have done for generations. Yet the police, with navy support, chose to ignore their right to defend their waters and fish, and instead acted on behalf of the foreign oil interests. (You can hear their last radio broadcast here -http://www.stopdeepseaoil.org.nz/audio.html -it's powerful stuff).


Elvis will appear in court at 8.30am tomorrow (Friday 28 April) in Tauranga. The other flotilla boats have entered Tauranga harbour to support their fellow skipper for his appearance in court. We are inviting all our supporters in the Bay of Plenty and elsewhere to stand beside Elvis Teddy and show appreciation of his bravery in defence of our treasured oceans from the dangers of deep sea oil drilling.

If you can make it to Tauranga please join us, bring a placard and bring a friend for a peaceful gathering at 12 noon, Herries Park, Central Tauranga [map]

If you can't make it, leave a message of support online here-http://www.stopdeepseaoil.org.nz/message.html .

The flotilla will also take on provisions before returning to the deep ocean of the Raukumara Basin to continue protesting deep sea oil exploration and drilling.

No Deep Sea Oil - Clean Energy Now!

- Nick and the crew


PS The Flotilla Needs More Boats!
If you've got a boat and capable crew and you want to join the flotilla email flotilla@greenpeace.org.nz

PPS There is already an Elvis Teddy Facebook page and talk of a t-shirt so watch this space!


http://www.stopdeepseaoil.org.nz/message.html

Solidarity with Australasia and beyond...

Believers in Movements for Peace, Justice, and Sustainability Unite!

Read On...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 


April 12, 2011


CONTACT:Food Not Bombs cofounder Keith McHenry

575-770-3377 menu@foodnotbombs.net

FEDERAL COURT RESTRICTS FOOD NOT BOMBS RIGHT TO CALL FOR REDUCTION IN MILITARY SPENDING AS THE GOVERNMENT CUTS VITAL SOCIAL SERVICES

The Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta Rules City Of Orlando can restrict Food Not Bombs Free Speech to twice a year per public park. Volunteers to defy order and urge global resistance by sharing food and literature in public spaces. In an outrages decision during the debate on federal spending priorities the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the City of Orlando can restrict Food Not Bombs from seeking to build public support for the funding of social services using savings from reductions in the military. The need to have as much impact as possible on the issue of redirecting military spending towards healthcare, education, food and other social services has never been greater. To restrict Food Not Bombs to expressing their message to two days a year per city park not only deprives the cities hungry of desperately needed food and reduces the ability of the all volunteer group to communicate with the community. The Citizens United court ruling allows military contractors unlimited "free speech" while this ruling restricts the publics attempt to counter the devastating message of Citizen United to twice a year in each location. Food Not Bombs is an all volunteer project that shares free vegan meals and literature at regular times in high visibility public location to inspire community discussion about ending poverty and hunger. The impact of experiencing volunteers sharing food with the hungry under the banner Food Not Bombs with literature about changing our national priorities is very powerful. Restricting this powerful expressive message to twice a year and force the hungry and public to search for the meal and message is a violation of our basic right to free expression. Nearly half the federal budget is spent on the military while 17 percent of American's go hungry each month and teachers are being laid off. The United States is spending over $700 billion this year which is nearly half of the world's total military budget. Military contractors and their supporters are free to spend as much as they want to influence the public and Congress to increase their profits while Food Not Bombs is being restricted to sharing its message. The Obama administration and Congress just agreed to cut vital social programs, increase military spending at a time when millions of people are facing hunger, homelessness and extreme poverty. Food Not Bombs is likely to defy this ruling and urge the public to join them in increasing the groups visibility and distribution of food and information.

### Court upholds Orlando's homeless feeding rules

By GREG BLUESTEIN - Associated Press ATLANTA -- A federal appeals court on Tuesday tried to strike a balance in a debate over a Florida ordinance that restricts feeding the homeless at city parks, saying giving food to the needy in public spaces was protected by the First Amendment but efforts to regulate the gathering by Orlando lawmakers were reasonable.The decision by the full 11th Circuit Court of Appeal comes after lengthy litigation over the 2006 Orlando ordinance, which required groups to get a permit to feed 25 or more people in parks in a downtown district. The rules also restrict the groups to two permits per year for each park.Orlando Food Not Bombs, a group of political activists who believe food is a fundamental human right, claimed in a lawsuit that the restrictions violate freedom of speech and religion. The city countered that the restrictions were needed to protect parks and disburse large gatherings, as routine mass feedings would strain city resources and cause safety problems. A federal judge originally blocked the city from enforcing the ordinance, but a three-judge appeals panel partially reversed the ruling on a 2-1 vote. In a rare move, the full 11th Circuit decided to review the case and both sides offered oral arguments in February.The court's 10-0 decision - one judge abstained - said that the mass feedings were "expressive and entitled to some protection under the First Amendment." But the decision said the city didn't violate free speech rights because there was no outright ban on the feedings or restrictions targeting political rallies or other expressive activities."The city has a substantial interest in managing park property and spreading the burden of large group feedings throughout a greater area," the ruling said, "and those interests are plainly served by the ordinance."

--- http://www.ca11.uscourts.gov/opinions/ops/200816788op2.pdf

Read more: http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/2011/04/12/1536545/court-upholds-orlandos-homeless.html#ixzz1JMlEPylm

Diversity Inc.

An interesting interview on NPR lead me to this link: http://www.diversityinc.com/department/105/Ask-the-White-Guy/ I see many good questions that foster useful dialogue for our purposes of promoting peace, justice, and sustainability. We should delve deeper in this...

Do you live in Southern Califonia? Support FNB in LB 3/17

A message from the Long Beach, CA Food Not Bombs Chapter:

Hello all fellow FnB-er, near and far!
My name is Kyle Veremans. I volunteer in Long Beach and I am putting on a fundraiser and food drive for our group. I am sending this email to every chapter that has a website listed in CA for FnB in hopes that some of you can make it out to show your support and/or help me spread the word about this event to optimize our success. Also if you would like info on getting your own fundraiser and/or food drive happening I'd love to help!
Here is the event info!

\\

FnB ST. PATTY'S DAY PINCH (name subject t change, suggestions??)

Long Beach Art Works and Robots And Angels proudly present a St. Patricks Day Food Not Bombs Fund Raiser and Charity Food Drive. March 17th at The Blue Café Underground (217 Pine Ave. DTLBC) Featuring an installation of the electrifying and mind-blowing 3D light Art of Dave Wrathall (davewrathall.org) and live music all night.



The Florida Orange Band 9:30

myspace.com/thefloridaorangeband



Papercrown 10:30

facebook.com/pages/Papercrown/166527316691566?v=wall



Iceplant 11:30





Fox and Bear 12:30

http://www.myspace.com/foxbearband



DJ Rahfee Zahkee and a special surprise DJ!




$5 with a can of food or $10 w/o a can of food (so bring a can, dummy)



21+ w/ drink special all night. Doors open at 9pm



Wear your most green outfit/costume for a chance to win the costume contest



Proceeds will go to the Long Beach Food Not Bombs, which feed the homeless community healthy meals every week here in Long Beach.



“Food Not Bombs shares free vegan and vegetarian meals with the hungry
in over 1,000 cities around the world to protest war, poverty and the destruction of the environment.” (www.foodnotbombs.net/)



Party hard while making a direct difference in your community!

Thank you for all your support, One love!



//


Thank you for your help and long live FnB!!!!!

Sincerely,
Kyle Veremans
310.908.3177

What Petition Would You Create?

An intersting idea from MoveOn.org: http://www.moveon.org/signon/survey.html

Reformist? Yes. Potential? Yes.

The message reads:

If the events of the last few weeks have proven anything, it's that Margaret Mead was right: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

As it happens, that's also the story of MoveOn. In 1998, when a Republican Congress was focusing all its efforts on impeaching President Clinton, two people with no political experience started a simple online petition: "Censure President Clinton and Move On to Pressing Issues Facing the Nation."

They shared their petition with their friends, and within days they had hundreds of thousands of signatures. Today, MoveOn has over 5 million members—mostly folks who got involved by signing an online petition, and have stayed active in helping to fight for a progressive America.

That's why we're launching a new website where you can start your own online petition and invite your friends to sign it. We'll send the most popular petitions to other MoveOn members to help build support for your cause.

To help get ready, we're taking a quick survey. If this website was available today, do you have an idea for a petition you'd like to create?

Ban the Bag!

I sincerely look forward to a day when all we create goes back into the Earth from which is came in a naturally degrading manner. Until then, Read Cradle to Cradle, and check out this film if you're in the Portland area! Thank You Surfriders!

The Hollywood Theater in Portland presents..... Bag It!


This is a humble documentary that makes a lasting impression about the prevalence of plastic in our daily lives.

WHAT: Bag It Oregon! The Movie, The Bill, The Chance

WHEN: March 4th - March 10th

WHERE: The Hollywood Theater, 4122 NE Sandy Blvd. Portland, OR

COST: $7 (seniors and kids $4)

For more information click here

If you are interested in volunteering at this event, contact Staj staj.pace@oregonsurfrider.org


The grand premiere, on Friday March 4th, Senators Hass and Cannon will be present for Q&A. Also present will be Junk-to-funk fashion, and live music. There will also be a raffle!


The first Ban the Bag public hearing was February 8th. Listen to the testimony of Jeff Murray - Far West Fibers, Jim Gilliam - NW Grocery Association, and Gus Gates - Surfrider Foundation To watch the video highlights from the hearing click here and go to "arguments for.."

Take Action: We need your support! Please take a minute to hand write your personal letter to your Senator expressing why this issue is important to you. Find your representative by going to: http://www.leg.state.or.us/findlegsltr/

Own a business and support the bill? Let us know! Reaching out to business owners for and endorsement or support of the bill is still critical to winning statewide support. Reach out to your local businesses and send the business name, name of contact (owner/manager), business address, email, and phone number to oregon@surfrider.org

Have you signed the petition?
Please sign our Statewide Petition here. Share with your friends and post this on Facebook!

Also, be sure and check up on what's happening by visiting our blog at: www.banthebagspdx.com

Looking for something good to do on this Valentine's Day?

Then why not go over to Amnesty International and send a love letter to Zimbabwe?

http://www.amnestyusa.org/individuals-at-risk/priority-cases/vote-for-love---sending-letters-to-zimbabwe/page.do?id=1691017&ICID=I1102A01&msource=WI1102A02&tr=y&auid=7770174

Or send some love to people and salmon in Alaska;

http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/676/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=5130&tag=EWemail

Or even send a free e-card that provides food for the hungry;

http://www.thehungersite.com/clickToGive/ths/composeecard/ecard-THS-incented-LoveSoup

Everday is a chance to spread love! Enjoy!

Massive Protests Continue in Egypt

In what's being called one of the most profound happenings in recent Middle East History (non-war), social revolution has taken over the country of Egypt. For more than 7 days protesters have marched and demanded that President Hosni Mubarak must step down.

In an unprecedented grassroots movement, Egyptians have exclaimed that they've had enough of what's described as an oppressive regime by citizens on the ground. Based on this criticism, the President has cut off Internet and Cell phone use across the country. It is his way of trying to silence opposition members and attempt to break up the social revolution sweeping across Egypt.

There's a lot of news out there right now and everyone across the world that believes in people owning their own destiny should pay attention to what's happening in Egypt.

Check into these sources for up-to-date information of what's happening:

http://www.democracynow.org/blog/2011/1/30/live_from_egypt_the_rebellion_grows_stronger_by_sharif_abdel_kouddous


http://www.democracynow.org/blog/2011/1/29/live_from_the_egyptian_revolution_by_sharif_abdel_kouddous


http://www.democracynow.org/tags/egypt

Viva la revolucion!