indymedia.us
Arizona • Arkansas • Atlanta • Austin • Baltimore • Big Muddy • Binghamton • Boston • Charlottesville • Chicago • Cleveland • DC • Hawaii • Houston • Hudson Mohawk • LA • Las Vegas • Madison • Maine • Miami • Michigan • Minneapolis/St. Paul • New Hampshire • New Mexico • New Orleans • North Carolina • North Texas • NYC • Oklahoma • Philadelphia • Pittsburgh • Portland • Richmond • Rochester • Rogue Valley • Saint Louis • San Diego • San Francisco • San Francisco Bay Area • Santa Cruz
Syndicated Articles From Local Imc's for December 2005
January 2006 >> << November 2005
|
Dec 01 2005
|
DeNuke UC! -- UCSC Students Rally Against Bechtel and Nuclear Proliferation |
On Wednesday, November 30 – the UC wide Nuclear Day of Action (announcement and PR), approximately one hundred UCSC students took part in a spirited rally at the quarry plaza on the UC campus. The day’s events, called “DeNuke UC,” sent a loud and clear message to UCSC administration, the UC Regents as well as President Robert Dynes that Santa Cruz students do not stand for nuclear proliferation in the name of education. The 2-hour long event, organized by the UCSC Students Against War, featured performances by the Raging Grannies, speeches by students and community members as well as a guerrilla-theatre “UC-Bechtel wedding ceremony. The day was culminated by an informative talk by former Lawrence Livermore Lab employee and whistleblower, Leuren Moret.
By decorating the colorful papier-mache bomb in the center of the crowd with writing and art, students, faculty, and community members were able to share their thoughts on the Bechtel-UC partnership as well as the continued research of new nuclear weapons at UC-run labs. “Don’t take my money for nuclear development: don’t steal my education,” read one quote, another called for the dismissal of the UC Regents and President Dynes.
Photos: Photos from UCSC DeNuke Rally Previous SAW / Demilitarize UC coverage: (May 2005) 3rd Weekly UCSC Weapons Inspection Tour || (May 2005) UC Regents Ignore Massive Resistance, Vote to Build Nukes
Other SAW coverage: (March 2005) UCSC Students Against War Teach-In Draws Hundreds || (April 2005) UCSC Students Kick Military Recruiters Off Campus || (October 2005) Rally, Queer Kiss-in Greet Military Recruiters at UCSC
|
Dec 01 2005
|
Will media center cause a Time Warner rate increase? |
The C-SPAM [sic] idea about having Time Warner, or should I say, everyone who gets Time Warner, pay for a new production studio is insane.
I have a better idea: raise their own money. I'm already taxed enough.
People who call themselves "progressives" usually know how to spend other people's hard-earned money.
As long as it's not their money.
Brian Angelo
Lisle So the question is, will funding for a media center cause Time Warner to raise rates? Will it benefit only the "progressives"? Will it be funded by tax dollars?
|
Dec 01 2005
|
A Trip Through the Iraq Archive |
Iraq's Oily Referendum || Looking for a Winning Strategy || The US Is the Problem, Not the Solution
|
Dec 01 2005
|
Negotiate Now! Reportback |
The Bobst library at NYU was taken by undergraduates by storm according to various reports of the incident, including This one from the Washington Square News.
[Photos || More Reportbacks]
|
Dec 01 2005
|
Cindy Sheehan to Visit Camp Casey Dallas |
|
Dec 01 2005
|
This is the Official Announcement of this month's Critical Mass |
|
Dec 01 2005
|
Amnesty International -- FIU Event: "Genocide Awareness Night" |
|
Dec 02 2005
|
Trucks Blocked from Logging Giant Trees |
In the pre-dawn hours Monday Nov. 28, two women put their bodies on the line for the ancient redwoods by locking themselves to gates and trucks entering the access roads leading to a controversial logging plan in Nanning Creek watershed outside Scotia, Calif., in Humboldt County. The women and supporters unfurled banners reading "Stop Maxxamum Greed/Save Nanning Grove," "Save Nanning Creek Ancient Forest," "Extinction is Forever" and "Save Scotia/Kick Maxxam Out." read more >>
A grove of ancient redwood trees, habitat to the endangered marbled murrelets, continues to be logged in Northern California near the town of Scotia. Wednesday, protesters attempted to block the gates at Maxxam corporation's Pacific Lumber Company when logging trucks were entering the site early in the morning. Unlike on Monday when logging trucks were turned away and loggers did not reach the grove, the effort was not successful due to lack of people power. read more >>
CFD/Native Forest Council film screening in Eugene | Giant Trees Are Falling As Court Ponders Appeal | Last Largest Unprotected Ancient Redwood Forest In the World Now Being Logged | PL starts cut in ancient redwoods and endangered species habitat | Down with Hurwitz, Maxxam Etc.
from Indybay: Pacific Lumber Begins Logging Old-Growth Redwood Grove
|
Dec 02 2005
|
C-SCAM Presses Mayor Bucci to Call Special Negotiation Session |
|
Dec 02 2005
|
Venezulea Delivers Subsidized Heating Oil for Thousands of Massachusetts Residents |
|
Dec 02 2005
|
Philly Chamber of Commerce Accused of Promoting Flawed Tax Study |
|
Dec 02 2005
|
VA: Hampton University Students Face Expulsions for Nov. 2nd Protests- TAKE ACTION |
|
Dec 02 2005
|
Fighting Development and Gentrification in East Baltimore |
In (Re)living Democracy, artists Scott Berzofsky, Lasse Lau, Nicholas Petr, and Nicholas Wisniewski have collaborated with East Baltimore organizers to turn the Contemporary Museum into a platform for participation in a critical dialogue concerning the reisidents of East Baltimore's struggle against urban renewal. The exhibition is accompanied by public programs addressing these issues. The program on November 5th featured David Harvey, author of The Limits to Capital, The Urban Experience, and The Spaces of Hope, and Marisela Gomez, Director of Save Middle East Action Committee. Harvey and Gomez addressed urban economic and political problems of Baltimore through the lens of gentrification on the eastside and Johns Hopkins University projects. (Thanks to the Megaphone Project for access to technology for transcription, which is based on detailed notes from videotapes done by Lasse Lau; it's almost, but not entirely, word-for-word).
|
Dec 02 2005
|
“Tent City” Will Now Battle Against LA’s Newest Evictions |
Joining with the South Central Farmers in this city’s infamous, quickly growing, and newest developing tenant revolt, a group of low-income LA renters are now calling on residents across LA to join with them starting on Friday Dec 2, at 8 a.m. --in erecting a emergency ongoing tent city on the lawn in front of LA’s Downtown City Hall --to help save their own landmark LA homes, and to save themselves from immediate homelessness. Among the 60 evictees, two third of the people are either seniors –and or the disabled.
“We can’t afford to move anyway --so now it looks like, as we’re evicted, we’re all going to be living in tents,” says one of this newest protest’s organizers, Erin Grayson.
She states, “We going to be at the LA City Hall with our tents starting Friday, and from here on out; and we really hope people will come on down, and will support --and even join with us.” The renters’ homes, The Lincoln Place Apartments in Venice, after a more than 18-year struggle to save Lincoln Place, two weeks ago, was declared a State “historical district.” Nevertheless, and in an amazing act of retaliation, the property's owner, the publicly-traded, Denver-based, AIMCO Corporation, is planning high profits on condo conversions, and seeking city “emergency” waivers --and for the developer, one of the nation's largest --to increase demolitions and household density without any public review: and in a new tack in the struggle, has also now served eviction papers to every single one of the property’s tenants.
Full report: Dec. 2 Activists Vow Downtown “Tent City” Will Now Battle Against LA’s Newest Evictions By David Busch / /
LINKS: Lincoln Place Apartment, Venice, California / / South Central Farmers
|
Dec 02 2005
|
18th Annual World AIDS Day |
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control AIDS is now a leading cause of death among black women ages 25 to 44. Read More
AIDS activists around the world face frequent government repression and abuse and need substantially increased support and protections, said Human Rights Watch on World AIDS Day. "The few success stories we have in the global fight against AIDS are the result of the heroic efforts of courageous individuals mobilizing impoverished, marginalized, and stigmatized populations to action," said Joe Amon, director of the HIV/AIDS Program at Human Rights Watch. "But AIDS activists and outreach workers are often harassed or even jailed by their governments for simply standing up and speaking out about AIDS, and the international donor community is doing too little to protect them."
Human Rights Watch Report
|
Dec 02 2005
|
The Peoples’ Relief Caravan: journal #2, overview |
|
Dec 02 2005
|
Wisconsin Climate 16% Warmer Today Than 3 Decades Ago |
|
Dec 02 2005
|
Health Writers on the Air -- November 24, 2005 |
|
Dec 02 2005
|
Wisconsin Energy Bill Receives Mixed Reviews at Public Hearing at State Capitol |
|
Dec 02 2005
|
New Orleans, Two Reports |
Jennifer Conner and Alexis Zeigler report.
No Justice
Alexis Zeigler
"There's no phone. The electricity comes and goes. The gas just got turned on, so now we have hot water, but don't drink the tap water without boiling it." Such was my introduction to the ninth ward, the area of New Orleans that the vast majority of America would never have heard of were it not for Hurricane Katrina.
|
Dec 02 2005
|
National Venezuela Solidarity Day Is Friday, December 2nd |
Read More | Indybay's Americas Page
|
Dec 02 2005
|
Disaster: The New State of the State |
|
Dec 02 2005
|
Eyes Wide Open: A Glimpse at the Futility of War |
|
Dec 02 2005
|
Praxis Poobahs Agree to Give $790K Back to Agency |
 |
| SPITZER: Accused duo of profiting off non-profit funds |
Early Thanksgiving week, former officials of New York City AIDS-housing nonprofit Praxis Housing Initiatives "settled an investigation into allegations they used agency funds to create and operate competing homeless shelters," the New York Blade reported, as did the Daily News, the New York Post) and numerous other outlets.
Veteran followers of AIDS housing in New York City may remember that Praxis had close ties to Giuliani administration deputy Fran Reiter, who was instrumental in taking city contracts away from Housing Works in the 1990s. In the suit HW brought against the city alleging that the contracts were pulled as a retaliatory gesture for HW's outspoken criticism of City Hall, testimony was even offered suggesting that the city was poised to give Praxis control of HW's East 9 th Street and East New York residences if the contract-loss forced HW to relinquish operation of those facilities.
[Read More]|
Dec 02 2005
|
Grassroots and Buccaneer Broadcasters |
Especially because of its low cost, easy availability, and widespread accessibility to listeners, the pirate radio movement has been growing, and in effect, has been democratisizing and localizing radio for the masses. Pirate radio, a term which “implies the unlicensed broadcasting use of any part of the radio spectrum that is reserved for use by governmental, public, or commercial licenses” (Wikipedia.com), was created “in the efforts to reinvent radio as a vehicle of participatory democracy and a resource for community development” and a means for which local populations could reconnect with the cultural and civic life of their communities (Howley, 2005). Especially because of its low cost, easy availability, and widespread accessibility to listeners, the pirate radio movement has been growing, and in effect, has been illegally democratisizing and localizing radio for the masses. Read more...
see also: Indymedia News vs. Neighbor's Account
Because of the explicitly democratic nature of Indymedia, my sociology professor wished to know the differences between Indymedia and a neighbor yelling about what he did that day from across the street. Since anyone has access to publishing on the Indymedia site, and everyone has their own concept of what is "newsworthy", one might think that these two modes of information profileration are very similiar. I intend to show how Indymedia is a equal or greater news souce than one's ranting neighbor. Read more...
|
Dec 03 2005
|
The Anarchist Movement as a Church and Its Dogmas |
|
Dec 03 2005
|
Road Trip for Relief brings hope to 9th Ward |
Over two months have past since the destruction unleashed by Hurricane Katrina devestated the lives of thousands in Gulf Region, and ever since the Common Ground Collective has been on the ground with food, supplies, and restoring hope to those who are struggling to return to their homes.
During the Thanksgiving week, the Common Ground Collective organized The Roadtrip for Relief, and asked for volunteers to come to New Orleans with their skills, supplies and support to the communities of The Big Easy.
The week was dedicated to helping restore housing to those who lost most everything in the 9th Ward, an area neglected by federal, state and local officials. During the roadtrip, hundred of volunteers from all over the country came to "return, restore and rebuild," the 9th Ward community.
In the 9th Ward, Common Ground volunteers cleaned out 30 homes, made 5 roof repairs, gutted and cleaned a community center, started a women's center and created a mutli-media center, including a free internet lab made out of salvaged machines. In Houma, a largely indigenous community southwest of New Orleans, volunteers helped to create a new community distribution center, power washed a cemetery, gutted houses, cleaned up trash and debris, and provided outreach with a mobile distribution unit to the local community.
During the week, Common Ground Collective also hosted Playback Theatre Group of New York, a group of improv actors that performed for the volunteers as well as residents of New Orleans. Visiting volunteers also completed a 22 minute documentary, Solidarity Not Charity, about the state of New Orleans and the work of Common Ground Collective.
Stay tuned to New Orleans Indymedia for updates on the Common Ground Collective, future Roadtrips for Relief, and other organizations providing disaster relief.
[ New Orleans, Two Reports | The Peoples’ Relief Caravan: journal #2 | Katrina Indymedia ]
|
Dec 03 2005
|
A Letter from New Orleans |
|
Dec 03 2005
|
What is a Community? |
|
Dec 03 2005
|
South Central Framers - Protest at Developer's Office |
Supporters of the fight to save the South Central Farm picketed today outside the offices of the developer who wants to plow under the farm and build a warehouse on the site. From the Newswire: South Central Framers - Protest at Horowitz Office || Save the farm! PHOTOS: Protest at Horowitz Office || VIDEO: from the save the farm protest
|
Dec 03 2005
|
Fallujah: Deep Dish TV Releases Documentary DVD |
Fallujah is a collaborative production created by Iraqi and American filmmakers. After a major US led offensive launch in November of 2004, two-thirds of the city was destroyed and thousands of its citizens were forced into refugee camps. Note: Partial proceeds from this film benefit NYC Indymedia.
|
Dec 03 2005
|
Police Murder Man with tazer in Longview |
Even small town America is not safe from this onslaught. In September of this year, we were stunned and horrified to learn that a Sandy police officer and a Clackamas County Sherrif used tasers to attack an injured and severaly burned young man who urgently needed medical attention. Rather than rendering aid, the officers tased him repeatedly, until he reacted by leaping up onto a patrol car in an effort to escape the torture. At that point, they shot 27 year old Fouad Kaady to death.
I hereby give notice to the Portland Police Bureau, who monitors this site with alarming frequency in their efforts to spy on the citizens of this community, that tasers kill. Pepper spray kills. Weapons of torture KILL. You are no longer authorized by the people of this community to use these weapons, and if you persist, consider this your notification of the dangers. You will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. And if you do not stop, it will be time to arm ourselves in self defense against your predations.
comment:Word has it... He wasn't naked, but apparently was mentally ill, and the staff at the Cowlitz center where he was killed had called 911 because they felt that he needed to be transported to the hospital. Instead, police responded...and killed him. He was 39 years old. I think it's time to pass some sort of law preventing pigs from responding to calls meant to help people. Emergency calls should elicit the services of paramedics, fire fighters, or others who are capable of responding to emergencies without killing people...And we need to defend ourselves.
|
Dec 03 2005
|
An Open Letter to United for Peace and Justice (UFPJ) from the Mobilization for Global Justice |
|
Dec 03 2005
|
Ex-Rep. Findley: “It’s Time to Exit Iraq!” |
|
Dec 03 2005
|
Fallujah: Deep Dish TV Releases Documentary DVD |
|
Dec 03 2005
|
December 4th Meeting to Plan Protest Against "Walk for Life" |
The goal of this meeting is to get input about ideas for the protest, and to put plans in motion for a response to the “Walk for Life.” Organizers plan to bring more people out into the street to counter the Walk for Life West Coast than the 4-5,000 who participated in 2005. Read more
More stories like this on Indybay's Women's News Page
|
Dec 03 2005
|
Rosa Parks Human Rights Day March |
Over 500 people participated in the "Rosa Parks National Day of Absence Against Poverty, Racism and War" march that began on Dudley Street in Jamaica Plain and went all the way to City Hall in Boston flanked by two rows of police on bikes and motorcycles. The march had an impressive concurrence from the black community and was well received by people who waved, hand-gestured for peace, and honked their cars on the streets. The highlight of the day was when marchers reached Madison Park Technical Vocational High School and exchanged calls of solidarity with dozens of students hanging from windows, shouting "Rosa Parks! Rosa Parks!" but were not allowed to join the crowd. Inspirational speakers for the day included Chuck Turner, Charles Yancey, Felix Arroyo, Rev. Franklin Hobbs, Minister Rodney Muhammad, and local activists. On Oct. 26, the Boston City Council passed a 13-0 resolution in tribute to the 50th anniversary of Rosa Parks' defiance to segregation in the US, and encouraged businesses and schools to close for the day of December 1st. Activists in New York, Baltimore and Detroit also organized events and hope to get a similar resolution passed in their cities.
more coverage on: Indybay and Rochester IMC
|
Dec 04 2005
|
J.Crew Promises "Fur is Out" |
For 11 weeks, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animal's supporters, members of the In Defense of Animals group, Liberation Collective goers, and local community activists around the world have been waging a vigorous campaign against retailer J.Crew formerly known as J.Cruel during the Anti-Fur Campaign, which included a website domain named "jcruel.com", which has now been deactivated, and by capturing headlines and attention throughout the nation and also demanding that the chain stop selling fur clothing, fur trim, and fur accessories. This pressure, along with a tremendous outcry from J.Crew's own customers, who were shocked to see that the retailer was supporting the violent and bloody fur industry, paid off on November 30, 2005, when J.Crew confirmed that it will no longer sell fur. One Local Community Organizer surveyed the local downtown Portland, Oregon, store and when asked if he needed any help, he replied, that he was having trouble finding a fur hat pictured in the catalog. The store worker which turned out later to be the local P.R. Person according to local media representatives, then said, "I know your a protestor." To which the organizer responded with a small chuckle and then some kind words of thanks for the retail chain deciding to do the right thing, and for their promptness in removing the fur from the store's public area.
Mike D, activist detained again | Fur Free Friday Rally & March | Victory! -- J. Crew Promises "No More Fur!" | report back from Fur Free Friday and Nov 26 fur protests | Dec 3 protest at Shumacher furs|
Dec 04 2005
|
World AIDS Day Candlelight Vigil |
|
Dec 04 2005
|
Labor Action Alert regarding new development at 1900 West Cary St |
|
Dec 04 2005
|
Transgender Law Center Releases Guide to Bathroom Safety for Transgenders |
Peeing In Peace (PiP) provides information about legal rights and advocacy tools for anyone who faces this kind of discrimination. PiP also includes basic tools that can be used when advocating with employers, school administrators, government officials, and business owners to create safe bathroom access policies. PiP provides the common sense solutions that many decision makers have said that they need in order to create non-discriminatory environments. Grassroots activists will also be able to use PiP to help create bathroom safety campaigns.
Transgender Law Center | PISSR (People in Search of Safe Bathrooms)
|
Dec 04 2005
|
December 6th Nationwide Protests to Say College, Not Combat |
In San Francisco, a rally will be held at Justin Herman Plaza (near the Ferry Building at Market St & Embarcadero) at 4:00 PM. Speakers will include Aimee Allison of Central Committee for Conscientious Objectors and the Prop I Committee, College Not Combat, the Campus Antiwar Network, and others. Local artists and drummers will play music. Flyer The crowd will then march to the Davis Street Recruitment Station at 670 Davis Street to voice its outrage. Creative acts of solidarity are encouraged and welcome.
Berkeley Stop the War Coalition will meet at 3:00 at Berkeley BART on Shattuck, and taking BART to SF to confront military recruiters.
|
Dec 04 2005
|
Candlelight Vigil Against the Scheduled Execution of Stanley Williams |
SANTA MONICA - Activists seeking clemency for Stanley "Tookie" Williams will hold a candlelight vigil today in front of the restaurant founded by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 7 PM
3110 Main Street
Santa monica, CA
Events organized by the Save Tookie Committee-LA Call 310-404-1739 for more info / / LINK: Death Penalty Focus
|
Dec 04 2005
|
ACTION ALERT--Spread the word and see "After Innocence" Today! |
|
Dec 04 2005
|
December 6th Workers' Rights Hearing and March in Oakland |
| IHRD Flyer | More events on December 10th | Indybay's Labor News Page
|
Dec 04 2005
|
Utica's First Social Forum - December 3, 2005 |
The Follwoing is an Overview of Utica's First Social Forum. On a cold Saturday morning, a devoted group of activists trekked to Utica, NY for the first Social Forum. The Forum was held at Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica, NY. Presentations addressed concerns about the Patriot Act, Gay Pride, The plight of the Oneida Tribe, Cop Watch, Democracy in Haiti, Racism and many others.
|
Dec 04 2005
|
Help Free the CPT 4 |
FOR MORE INFO, VISIT
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article4324.shtml
|
Dec 05 2005
|
BARBARIAN ILLUMINATI CONCERT / KSKQ ChiliFeed |
Calling all Dancers, Twirlers, Beatniks & Hipsters! Chili, Corn bread, garlic bread, soup, salad, popcorn, non-alcohol drinks & more! Food and Drink proceeds benefit KSKQ community Radio 8pm
|
Dec 05 2005
|
Help For Families Who Are Looking For Their Katrina Pets |
Most animals in New Orleans died because Governor of LA Kathleen Blanco, FEMA and Mayor of New Orleans Nagin refused to let people affected by hurricane katrina to stay with their pets or to return to New Orleans to rescue their loved family pet members. At least 40,000 companion animals were murdered because of the government left them to starve to death or suffer injuries. Some pets who survived have been lost in the system because the HSUS have been so incompetent. You can email lostinsystempets@yahoo.com or nance898@aol.com if you are sick of your recorded message on 1-800-humane-1 and even sicker of your "canned" statement letter. Read this on Craigslist about the HSUS. Around 10,000 companion animals survived despite the cruelty that the state of Louisiana and Kathleen Blanco inflicted upon them. Please let katrina survivors with missing pets know that they can look for them on Petfinder and Petharbor.
|
Dec 05 2005
|
Tookie Must Live! |
|
Dec 05 2005
|
Don't let Califorina kill the peacemaker |
People around the country are taking action to stop the execution of Stan Tookie Williams, the California death row prisoner who is scheduled to be executed on December 13. From now until that date, we will send out a regular action alert to report on events held in support of Stan, let people know about efforts currently underway, and how you can get involved today.
Educators for Tookie: The Campaign to End the Death Penalty is calling on educators nationwide to sign on to the attached letter urging California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to grant clemency to death row prisoner Stanley Tookie Williams. The collective voice of educators can send a powerful message calling for clemency.
Download and circulate this petition and fact sheet
. Contact Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to grant Tookie clemency:
916-445-2841 phone
916-445-4633 fax
e-mail governor@governor.ca.gov
|
Dec 05 2005
|
US Drug War Brings Mass Die Off of Akha in Laos |
In village after village poverty and disease tell the same story. For all the reports and promises of crop substitution there was little to none. Death stalks the villagers. One could say, that when they are dead, then poverty will have been "eradicated". But we don't think this is what the UN had in mind with their poverty eradication goals. Or is it? After all, it is the UNODC and the US who ran this disastrous Drug War in Laos.
Village death rates are placed at 20% in some villages. Maybe what is surprising is that it isn't higher given the hardship that has been forced on these people. The Government of Lao did its best to protect these people, while having the US Drug War forced on them, bringing about results which the Government anticipated and tried to prevent. International news stories and reports listed on this website clearly identify the causes of this humanitarian disaster, far from the international hotspots which dominate the international news.
http://www.akha.org
|
Dec 05 2005
|
Chemical weapon victims to visit Portland |
Date: December 7, 2005 Place: Portland State University Multicultural Center Room 222 Smith Memorial Student Union Time: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
|
Dec 05 2005
|
NH Police Checkpoint Shenanigans |
|
Dec 05 2005
|
Radio Call-In Action * Mobilize for Katrina Survivors Right to Return |
This Monday-Thursday, take 60 seconds to call your favorite radio show, and make a shout out that lets thousands of Hurricane Katrina survivors know how to get involved in actions to demand their right to return home and rebuild.
|
Dec 05 2005
|
Critical Mass rides on in brutally cold night-THANKS DC MESSENGERS! |
|
Dec 05 2005
|
Radical Reference Forming a Philadelphia collective |
Radical reference originated as a service provided by volunteer library workers from all over the United States to assist demonstrators and activists at the convergence surrounding the Republican National Convention in New York City August 29-September 2, 2004. We utilize our professional skills and tools to answer information needs from the general public, independent journalists, and activists.
|
Dec 05 2005
|
RALLY FOR CLEMENCY FOR TOOKIE WILLIAMS |
Hundreds of supporters of Stan Tookie Williams, a Nobel-nominated activist and author working to end gang violence and counsel troubled youth, rallied Saturday, December 3rd, 2005 in South Los Angeles' Leimert Park. Mr. Williams is a death row inmate at San Quentin who is scheduled to be executed on December 13th, just ten days from the date of the rally, unless Governor Schwarzenegger intervenes to commute his sentence to life without parole. Speakers included a broad array of youth workers, former gang members, ministers of local churches, anti-death penalty activists and others. The mood was positive but urgent.
Speaker after speaker placed the onus of Mr. WIlliams' life or death squarely upon the shoulders of Governor Schwarzenegger, who is meeting with Mr. WIlliams' representatives this December 8tth, a mere 5 days prior to his scheduled date of execution. Schwarzenegger has not revealed anything regarding his present thinking on the subject, stating only that he takes it seriously and plans to consider it carefully.
It is indeed the case that the Governor now holds the power of life or death over Mr. Williams, and the consequences of his decision will be laid squarely at his feet, whatever he decides. Attendees were urged to keep up the pressure on the Governor, whos phone number is 916-445-4633 (apparently only actually answered by humans during business hours), and whose email address is governor@governor.ca.gov (available 24 horurs). Full contact incormation can be found at http://www.toookie.com and also at http://www.savetookie.org.
Full report with photos: Rally to Save Tookie Williams by Carl
From the Newswire: AUDIO: The Rev. James Lawson speaks at the save Tookie Rally Today || Rally: Stop the Execution of Tookie || Photos: RALLY FOR CLEMENCY FOR TOOKIE || VIDEO: Rally to Save Tookie Williams
More Coverage: Amy Goodman Interviews Tookie | "Tookie: From Chaos to Consciousness" by Mumia Abu-Jamal | Indybay features: 1 | 2 | 3 | Los Angeles | Santa Cruz | Santa Barbara | Portland
|
Dec 05 2005
|
We shut down the WTO 6 years ago on November 30th |
|
Dec 05 2005
|
Experimental TV Center - Artists in Residence Program Deadline: December 15, 2005 |
|
Dec 05 2005
|
The Last Testament of Mary Jesus |
But, it wound up getting me evicted, even though the rental board found that my rent was current. I did'nt have an attorney, and I think they tricked the judge who presided over the case into evicting me. But, I am hoping, that with the motion to reconsider, she will do just that.
I have to fight them! What kind of a person would I be, if I let them push me around? I'd be weak, "that which does not kill you makes you stronger"! And, I've already died; when the ambulance took me to Highland on the morning of my last motion, I was so delerious from lack of sleep that I thought I could die from it. When they put me in the hospital bed, I may have "fallen" asleep, but I thought I died, and woke up screaming an hour later.
|
Dec 05 2005
|
Teaching (and Learning) at the City University |
|
Dec 05 2005
|
Peabody Energy’s Crimes: Part I |
A Look at the St. Louis Coal Company’s Destruction in Arizona and Appalachia.Peabody Energy is the largest coal company in the United States. It is based in St. Louis and is an honored member of the city’s corporate community. It claims to be a responsible corporate citizen, boasting on its website about the distinctions it has received for land reclamation, environmental stewardship, and safety standards. However, if one visits the coal fields of Arizona or Appalachia a different story is told. A story which gives an image of Peabody the company would rather not brag about; an image of an irresponsible coal corporation that seeks profit at the undeniable expense of the land and its people.
Resistance Groups [Illinois Can Do Better - Conservation | Black Mesa Trust | Black Mesa Indigenous Support]
|
Dec 05 2005
|
Judge Caves In; Says Suspicionless Subway Searches Are Legal |
|
Dec 05 2005
|
Bellsouth cares more about money than New Orleans |
|
Dec 05 2005
|
Theresa Cruz elligible for parol |
Friends,
I am thrilled to report that Theresa Cruz was found suitable for parole at her Board hearing yesterday, November 30th. After 14 years in prison and eight parole hearings, the Board finally did the right thing by approving parole for Theresa. Many, many thanks to all who wrote letters of support to the Parole Board and to Theresa's attorney, Linda Buchalter! The next step is for the decision to be reviewed by the en banc group (the entire Parole Board) and assuming they agree the decision will then go to Schwarzenegger. We will be developing a sample letter which can be sent to the Governor to encourage him to approve her release. . . [read more]
Past Stories: Poor Magazine | CityBeat
Organizations: San Diego CCWP | California Coalition for Women Prisoners | Free Battered Women
|
Dec 05 2005
|
To Georgia and Back: Binghamton Delegation Travels Long Miles to Say No More Torture |
|
Dec 06 2005
|
282 DEATHS ON THE BORDER |
A record number of migrants died in southern Arizona this past year while crossing the U.S. / Mexico border. As the U.S. Border Patrol continues a strategy of militarization along the border, 282 bodies were recovered of workers who have no legal channel with which to migrate north.
Since 1994 it is estimated that more than 3,000 people have died attempting to cross the border, with the death toll growing every year as a result of law enforcement policies that push migration out of accessible, urban areas and into remote desert.
It is significant that each of the "immigration reform and border security" bills currently before congress seeks to increase border militarization, a failed policy of applying para-military logic, technology and manpower to resolve a civilian crisis. After ten years of pursuing such a strategy, violence and organized crime have only increased - as has undocumented immigration - partly as a result.
The impact is felt most in border communities, where both ranchers and city residents are affected by hyped-up law enforcement, racial profiling and police abuse, caught in the cross-fire of a low-intensity conflict that has been created around them. These impacts are now beginning to expand across the state, as border vigilante groups have begun harassing workers at day labor centers in Phoenix and the U.S. Border Patrol engages in illegal sweeps of workers in Tucson.
In the midst of the suffering and death created by U.S. border policy, the government is continuing its prosecution of two humanitarian workers arrested July 9th while trying to evacuate three critically ill migrants to medical care in Tucson. In response, the No More Deaths coalition has launched a campaign "Humanitarian Aid is Never a Crime". The trial is scheduled to begin on December 20th.
|
Dec 06 2005
|
Vets for Peace Director McPhearson Urges US Forces to Withdraw from Iraq |
|
Dec 06 2005
|
Copy of VOICE OF THE VOICELESS - The Facade of Freedom |
|
Dec 06 2005
|
Letter sent to Good Times: College Republicans a Joke |
Dear Good Times, Your article on UCSC’s College Republicans was more like a 7-page Republican press release than it was decent journalism. You create the illusion that the College Republicans are on the up-and-up, while failing to see through their ridiculous hype. The Republicans claim that they have “315 students signed up,” while the organization itself can only get a handful of students out to a meeting – the most pictured in the article was 13. This is in stark contrast to other organizations on campus, such as the Student and Worker Coalition for Justice (SWCJ) or Students Against War (SAW), both of which regularly get over 50 students every week. The Republicans have been completely ineffective at actual organizing. They claim to support military recruiters, yet were nowhere to be seen as SAW organized the 300 students that kicked recruiters off campus on April 5. Little more than a week later, the Republicans opposed a strike by low-wage AFSCME workers, while the unions and the SWCJ got over 1,000 students out in the streets, physically shutting down the campus, helping AFSCME win a better contract. This fall, Republicans worked hard to organize a protest against striking metro drivers, only to find that more than two-dozen students from the SWCJ and MEChA marched circles around less than 10 Republicans. These Republicans are not thriving – they’re failing. Yet, the Good Times and the corporate media irresponsibly focus on them. In your article, 7 Republicans are quoted in depth, while the only “alternate” opinion is from the UCSC Democrats’ president – an organization that frequently has more in common with the Republicans than they do with mass organizations like SAW and SWCJ. It’s time for the media to stop encouraging these ineffective racist Republicans who say things such as “we need more black people on the front lines” and “they can shoot all the terrorists, easily spotted by their non-white skin,” – an organization founded by Matthew Cox - one of two frat kids charged by the D.A. for brutalizing a decade old fish. Stop encouraging them and start doing honest journalism.
|
Dec 06 2005
|
World AIDS Day Vigil and Reception |
December 1st is World AIDS Day. The Santa Cruz AIDS Project, in remembrance of those who have lost their lives to AIDS and those who live bravely with the disease every day, hosted a candlelight vigil in downtown Santa Cruz. participant wrote: "Me and my girlfriend went to the vigil. It was moved inside the Vet's Hall because of the rain. There was about 50 people crammed into a smallish room. The group held candles while listening to a few musicians and names of their loved ones who have lost the fight against AIDS were read. The feeling of being there was much like the rain showering down outside, but it was good to be with other folks who have been affected by this epidemic."
|
Dec 06 2005
|
C-SCAM Introduces Serious Questions About Time Warner’s Financial Records; Council Holds Over Cable Contract to Gather Answers |
|
Dec 06 2005
|
Feminists are Building a Movement in Las Vegas |
|
Dec 06 2005
|
Settlement Reached in Case of Cau Tran |
The settlement is believed to be one of the largest of its kind in Northern California. The payment was to include $800,000 that will be invested in an annuity for Tran's two sons; $200,000 for housing or to be used as a down payment for a home for the boys; $630,000 in attorney's fees; and money for Tran's parents and previous attorneys. Read more
Concern for Tragedy, or All Talk and No Walk by independent reporter Junya | Previous Indybay coverage of the Tran case
|
Dec 06 2005
|
PVUSD Board Trying to Take From the Teachers: Again! |
School Board renigging on promised salary negotiations after two years of cuts. Support the educators and the kids they teach on Wednesday, December 7th at 7pm during the PVUSD Board meeting at the District Office. When I became a teacher I thought this was a respectable job that was highly regarded by society. When I told people of my profession the response was always positive. "Wow, that's so noble." "You must be a special person." "We need more people like you." So of course I thought I must be a valuable member of society. But in the first several years of teaching I learned a few things that don't make me feel so important anymore.
1. I will never be able to afford a house.
2. I will most likely be living paycheck to paycheck for a long time.
3. It will be a very long time before I can support another person on my salary.
4. I have to pay for more schooling than I can afford in a very short amount of time to add onto the student loans that I can barely afford already on my salary.
5. I am a cog. I am not allowed to be the wheel in a public school setting.
6. Most of my classroom decisions are made for me by people who have not been in the classroom and have little understanding of what my kids need.
7. Too many years of this and I will need severe counseling to sleep well at night. It's not just papers I take home every night. The irony of it all is that I love my job and I wouldn't want any other. The other teachers at my school feel the same way despite the heavy adversity we face. Maybe we are masocists or just maybe we see the value in our students. We are the grunts of the school system. We are also highly abused by administration.
[ Pajaro Valley Federation of Teachers ]
|
Dec 06 2005
|
Schumacher Furs Threatens Student with Death |
Our assignment was to pick an issue and do a "street preacher" like speech outside in downtown Portland. The subject's chosen were feminine abuse in relationships, the park block curfew, and my topic, which was fur. One speech was made in the park blocks and the other was on the stairs of the courthouse. I decided to do my speech in front of Schumacher furs. Not even expecting a response, I was overwhelmed when I was threatened numerous amounts of times, and was even threatened that the storeowner was going to kill me.
|
Dec 06 2005
|
PCUN Acts To Defend Immigrant Community |
Meanwhile across the street, a group of about 40 protesters from Oregonians for Immigration Reform waved signs saying "Stop the Illegal Invasion" and "Illegal Immigration Is a Crime." Michael Temple told reporters, "Why do they get free stuff? If they're illegal why do they get ID?" Mike Veley added: "If you are here illegally, you are by definition a criminal." Protesters claimed that only undocumented immigrants need the Matricula card and that undocumented immigrants are a drain on state services. They also called for all "illegals" to be deported immediately, even if that leaves millions of jobs with no one to do them. Immigrant supporters found these comments to be disrespectful of immigrants' contributions to the state. Ramon Ramirez, President of PCUN, commented, "We are hardworking people. We pay taxes. Some of us here even fought in Iraq."
Javier Ceja, a farmworker from Woodburn, said that he didn't understand the arguments of the protesters across the street: "We come here to work hard and to get a better life. We contribute to the economy and do the work that no one else wants to do." In addition to the action on Saturday, PCUN and CAUSA are active in the immigrant rights movement both locally and nationally, including advocating for Comprehensive Immigration Reform that provides a path to citizenship for the 11 million undocumented people currently in the country.
|
Dec 06 2005
|
Eco-Defense Prisoners, Stephen and Charles, Take Plea Bargain |
In October 2004, they were both squatting an abandoned farmhouse in Hillsboro OR, which according to Charles, "had electricity but no running water." The house was raided by the Hillsboro Police Department, who were responding to a trespassing call reported by neighbors. During their search of the house, the police found dynamite in the basement and a bowl that contained nitroglycerin. The dynamite is said to have come from a nearby barn discovered during a more intensive search of the property. They were originally accused of planning to destroy vehicles & equipment belonging to Oregon quarry company, Morse Bros., a company that runs quarries throughout Oregon and operates a concrete materials and tool business at 3150 S.E. Tualatin Valley Highway. They both accuse Morse Bros., of polluting Rock Creek. The creek flows from the Tualatin Mountains in Forest Park to the Tualatin River. Because Rock Creek and its tributaries pass through rapidly urbanizing neighborhoods within the cities of Hillsboro and Beaverton, protecting water quality is a priority. The political aspect of their intentions were not discussed in court today.
|
Dec 06 2005
|
Ithacans Join March to Guantanamo to Oppose Torture, Illegal Detentions |
|
Dec 06 2005
|
December 8th People's Clemency Hearing for Stanley Tookie Williams |
There will be rallies and screenings in cities all over the country this week and next. If clemency is not granted, there will be a vigil outside of San Quentin in the leadup to the execution, which is scheduled for just after midnight on December 13th.
Democracy Now's Interview with Stanley Tookie Williams | Sparing the Crips Founder: The Fight to Save Stanley "Tookie" Williams, by Matt Gonzalez
Read about more events to Save Tookie on Indybay's Police & Prisons Page
|
Dec 06 2005
|
CPT's Tom Fox, now a captive in Iraq, was a graduate of Chattanooga High School |
|
Dec 06 2005
|
Fundraiser for Chiapas Delegation |
But keep in mind that it's not about 'helping' the Zapatista communities in Chiapas, but about building bridges of solidarity between the struggle of zapatismo for land and liberation and the struggles in our own community against Poverty wages, unfair evictions, border patrol and police brutality, budge cuts on education, the War, etc.
Past stories on Zapatistas: Two Zapatista Events in SD | Reports from Rebel Territory
|
Dec 06 2005
|
U.S. Christians March on Guantanamo to visit Prisoners on Hunger Strike |
Day and the Catholic Worker arrived in Cuba last evening and plan to set out
from Santiago today on a solemn fifty-mile march to the prison camp at
Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. They seek to defend human dignity by visiting with the
hundreds of detainees.
|
Dec 07 2005
|
52 families were put on the streets at Lincoln Place Apartments in Venice by Sheriffs and Marshals |
December 6 will go down as a Day of Infamy in Venice. Today, like Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, a sneak attack was launched on tenants at Lincoln Place by corporate owner, AIMCO, in collusion with the L.A. Sheriffs Dept. Sheriffs and Marshals knocked on 52 doors, beginning at 8am, and gave residents only two minutes to get out of their apartments. New locks were placed on doors and windows were screwed down. Some elderly tenants forgot their medications, including one who left her insulin shots behind.
AIMCO and the Sheriffs used the roof top parking lot of neighboring Staples as their command center. The Staples manager denied any knowledge of their presences until informed by a Beachhead reporter.
Tenants and supporters gathered at Elkgrove Avenue and Lake Street with picket signs. L.A. City Councilmember Bill Rosendahl visited the gathering, but was unable to do anything to reverse the evictions. Some vowed a 24-hour vigil until the evictions are lifted.
A tent city for those unable to find a place to stay has been set up at California & Frederick. MAP
PHOTOS: Tent City, Lincoln Place / / Pot Luck for Evicted Tenants Tonight at 7:00 pm / / AUDIO 2: Interview with a Tenant Evicted from Lincoln Place AUDIO: Lincoln Place Evictions. An interview with tenant’s rights activist, Jim Smith / / FULL REPORT: Lincoln Place residents evicted with two-minutes warning by Jim Smith / / PHOTOS: Eviction / / LINKS: Lincoln Place / / Free Venice
|
Dec 07 2005
|
SB Activist Shocked to Learn of Death |
|
Dec 07 2005
|
Weekly Newsletter: December 7 - 13 |
- THU. MLK Commission Gen. Mtg.
- FRI. Whitewater Susquehanna
- SAT. Education Activism
- SUN. INDYMEDIA ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY PARTY
|
Dec 07 2005
|
Greens appeal for release of hostages, including Virginia member |
|
Dec 07 2005
|
BAIL URGENTLY NEEDED FOR L/G/B/T ACTIVIST ARRESTED, BEATEN AT DEMONSTRATION |
|
Dec 07 2005
|
Protest Against The Logging Of Nanning Creek Grove |
Nanning Creek Grove, one mile east of the logging town of Scotia, is the largest unprotected stand of primeval redwood forest in the world. It contains old-growth trees up to 15 feet in diameter standing over 300 ft tall, likely to be thousands of years old. Of the two million acres of original Redwood forests that existed when California gained statehood in 1850, less than three percent remain today.
Read More On Indybay's Environment Page
|
Dec 07 2005
|
Women Confronting Globalization |
Wednesday December 7th, 2005, 7 PM Portland State University, Smith Student Union, Room 327
www.pcasc.net
|
Dec 07 2005
|
report back from Fur Free Friday and Nov 26 fur protests |
On-lookers learned about the millions of wild animals who are trapped, drowned, and beaten to death each year for their fur. And the millions more (including mink, which, despite what the fur industry claims, are wild animals) who are kept in barren wire cages, endure extremes of temperature, lack of veterinary care, and are killed by poisoning, neck breaking, or anal or vaginal electrocution. Many westerners are surprised to learn that dogs and cats are also used for fur (although these products are generally mislabeled in the US), and about the callous practice of skinning animals alive.
(Learn more about fur and see videos at:
http://www.furisdead.com).
|
Dec 07 2005
|
The Gates Of Hell |
I have been listening to all the arguments about staying the course, leaving now, or some combination of these concepts. I have come to realize that this president has led our military to the gates-----no, not the gates, into the pits of hell. We cannot get out and we cannot stay in Iraq.
The most potent argument about bringing the troops home is that this was an illegal, immoral and ill-conceived war; it must stop now. We have spent over two thousand American lives, hundreds of billions of dollars, our reputation damaged and our country ripped apart. The cost to the Iraqis is staggering; as many as 100,000 civilians may have been killed by our invasion and the continuing battles in the cities and towns throughout Iraq. Torture, lies, corruption is at every level of the new government. Our military is overextended, we should get out now or as soon as possible. [ read more ]
related: [ past articles by the lone vet | Iraq: A Rush for the Exits | Message to the Soldier ]
|
Dec 07 2005
|
Large Demos Globally Against Bush Admin's Climate Policy |
Protests in solidarity with the Montreal group were held in 32 countries around the world including London where 10,000 took to the streets demanding that the US join in the effort to lower her CO2 pollution levels.
|
Dec 07 2005
|
Air America's Al Franken Broadcasts Live from Dallas |
Cindy Sheehan makes surprise visit to National broadcast for the Al Franken show from Dallas, Texas.
Al welcomes Cindy!! ...
|
Dec 07 2005
|
Anti-war Counter-Recruitment Actions Planned for December |
|
Dec 07 2005
|
Genocide by Attrition in Sudan with Eric Reeves |
|
Dec 07 2005
|
Northland College students say 'no' to Coke |
|
Dec 07 2005
|
Tennessee Citizens Against AIDS Demands Full Funding of Global AIDS Fund |
|
Dec 07 2005
|
From Venezuelan Hearts To The U.S. Hearths |
"The low-income residents of my district who will benefit from this historic agreement are going to see real savings and improvements in their quality of life," Congressman Serrano said.
|
Dec 07 2005
|
New Yorkers Rally For Tookie Williams as Clemency Deadline Nears |
More Coverage from LA Indymedia: "Mr. Williams is a death row inmate at San Quentin who is scheduled to be executed on December 13th, unless Governor Schwarzenegger intervenes to commute his sentence to life without parole."
|
Dec 08 2005
|
Philadelphia GLBT Activists Arrested |
|
Dec 08 2005
|
FBI RAIDS PRESCOTT INFOSHOP |
Breaking News: Agents Raid The Catalyst Wednesday
Arraignment Update from Flagstaff Thurs, 1:15pm
More than a dozen FBI agents, along with Joint Terrorism Taskforce and local police spent Wednesday afternoon and evening raiding The Catalyst Infoshop in Prescott. Agents detained Bill Rogers, of the Catalyst's founders, who is expected to be arraigned in Flagstaff at 10:00 am Thursday at the federal building, 200 N. San Francisco. Rogers was allegedly arrested in connection with an arson investigation which began in Portland on Wednesday.
As of 8:00 pm Wednesday night, the The Catalyst was still sealed off and full of federal agents. A lot of materials have been seized. The extent of the damage and seizures is not yet known. Collective members plan to open the space again as soon as possible.
FBI agents also arrested Sarah Harvey in Flagstaff and an activist in New York. (Full list of names and charges from AP)
Support will be needed for the arrestees and this important community center.
Resources:
If an agent knocks... [pdf]
Portland Indymedia
New York City Indymedia
|
Dec 08 2005
|
Grand Jury Targets Portland Activists |
Two Portland activists, Frank Winbigler and Shannon (Nonny) Urick, were today served with papers ordering them to be a witness for a federal Grand Jury, and were also advised that they are both a target of the Grand Jury's investigation. Nonny and Frank both have a long history of human, animal and environmental activism. The Grand Jury is scheduled for 3/16/06 in Eugene, Oregon. In Oregon and elsewhere, there will be organized opposition to the Grand Jury. It is essential that we support Frank, Nonny and all individuals attacked by FBI fishing expeditions. More information will follow in the coming days. [ read the full article... ]
Two Portland residents were approached in a cafe today by 3 FBI agents, 1 agent from Homeland Security, and an Oregon Sheriff. They were given grand jury subpoenas and told that the FBI either had, or were hoping to, make several arrests. The only other information available right now is that the subpoena's may be related to a fire at a Poplar tree farm, and that one of the agents present, Millicent "Millie" Tompa, is from Minnesota and has previous experience harassing animal rights activists. Keep your heads up and let people know to be alert.
I (shannon (nonny) urick) and frank winbigler were the 2 people given supoenas today as we were leaving pho jasmine restaurant in portland,oregon. we are ordered to testify at a grand jury in eugene on march 16. we were also given letters advising us that we are both targets of the grand jury. any information on others who were either arrested or supoenaed would be greatly appreciated.
I (Jennifer Adrian) was also served a subpeona today, December 7, 2005. I was approached at my workplace by two FBI agents, and was told that many arrests had been made across the country today for animal rights actions. I was also told that many other people were talking, and was pressured to "come clean" for my own good. When I insisted on talking to an attorney, I was issued a subpeona for a Grand Jury set for the same date as the one listed for the other people mentioned here.
read more: [ Heads up - FBI and Homeland security prowling for OR Enviros, AR activists | Feds Target Earth/Animal Activists Across the Country ]
|
Dec 08 2005
|
Anacostia Diaries Kid Sunday Bi-Weekly Mix: A Tale of Two P Streets |
|
Dec 08 2005
|
Action at Capitola Military Recruitment Center |
On Tuesday, Dec. 6th, the United States Supreme Court began to decide if schools that ban recruiters from their campuses can lose federal funds. There were protests and actions at military recruitment stations all across the nation. The Santa Cruz Chapter of the Buddhist Peace Fellowship has created a scroll with 28,000 names in Arabic of Iraqi civilians who have died in the war. This is one of the most conservative of the reported numbers of Iraqi civilian deaths. 
As part of the nationwide day of action, the scroll was displayed at the military recruitment center on 41st Avenue in Capitola along with other signs and banners opposing the continued war in Iraq and the daily loss of Iraqi and American lives. The scroll is three feet high and over one hundred feet long.
The Army, Marines and Navy recruitment offices in Capitola were voluntarily closed, though the Air Force office remained open for business.
Photos: Counter-Recruiters Return to Capitola Recruitment Center as Supreme Court Rules on Solomon Amendment 
Audio: Rockin' the Boat: Peace Action at Capitola Military Recruitment Center Indybay coverage: December 6th Nationwide Protests to Say College, Not Combat
Previous SC-IMC coverage: National Stand Down Day in Santa Cruz || Rally, Queer Kiss-in Greet Military Recruiters at UCSC || All Around the U$, Recuiters are Feeling the Heat || Police and Watsonville High Administrators Fail to Silence Community Voices || UCSC Students Kick Military Recruiters Off Campus || Santa Cruz Recruiters Closed for Peace Until Further Notice
|
Dec 08 2005
|
FRSC: The Day of the Bat 2005 |
On September 12th 2005 The California Bat Conservation Fund held The Day of the Bat at the Louden Nelson Center an informational event disspelling the myths of Earth's most unusual benifical mammal. Each year, the California Bat Conservation Fund visits hundreds of schools, libraries, museums, and community centers to teach approximately 40,000 children, and their teachers and care givers, the truth about bats and their benefits to the human population. The Presentation consisted of a short lecture, accompanied by a slide show. Best of all, the Fund's educators are accompanied by a variety of live bats that can be seen and enjoyed up close. The four hour event was a hit with kids and adults alike opening the eyes and minds creating respect and educating people about this trully incredible and most needed animal.
I spoke with Melinda Alvarado of the San Luis Obisbo CBCF as she showed a Mexican Free tail Bat named Robert.
Audio: Download the mp3 (9:52 minutes / 9.1 MB)
[ Native Animal Rescue of Santa Cruz County || California Bat Conservation Fund || Bat Conservation International ]
|
Dec 08 2005
|
Big Break in Mumia Abu-Jamal Case |
|
Dec 08 2005
|
FIERCE Organizes to Keet Christopher St Pier Open |
|
Dec 08 2005
|
Mailk Rahim To Speak In Cleveland This Monday |
Malik Rahim is a veteran of the Black Panther Party in New Orleans. For decades he has worked as an organizer of public housing tenants both there and in San Francisco. Co-founder of the Common Ground Collective in Algiers, Malik has been involved in important relief and social justice work in the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. He is currently on a speaking tour of the US, bringing up-to-date information about the situation down South, as well as exposure of current injustices facing the poorest—and mostly African American—citizens of New Orleans. For more information about Common Ground collective, please visit CommonGroundRelief.org or http://ocfnb.revolt.org|
Dec 08 2005
|
Simple Actions You Can Take Against Torture Today! |
|
Dec 08 2005
|
King Political Prisoner |
Citing what he called the "irrelevance" of his own experiences while being incarcerated in solitary confinement for over 30 years on false charges, King's talk dealt primarily with his assertion that we are all--both the ruling classes and those under their thumbs--in his mind, "political prisoners" of a sort.
“If somebody dehumanizes you,” he said, “they have to dehumanize themselves, first.”
A particularly touching moment was the uncontrolled fit of laughter that accompanied King's recollection of the hours he spent in solitary confinement concocting (and executing!) escape attempts. His eyes sort of glazed over as he apparently traveled back to that wretched cell, and the audience shared his palpable sense of hope mixed with deep despair as King attempted to regain his train of thought and control his laughter (which seemed to teeter on the verge of sobbing), until he finally declared, "A slave has the moral obligation to escape!" and the room erupted in applause.
Filmmaker Jimmy O'Halligan showed a preview of his upcoming documentary Three Black Panthers and The Last Slave Plantation. This event was organized by Houston Anarchist Black Cross.[Read the Full Article]
See Photos of the Event: 1 | 2
Houston Indymedia coverage of International Day in Solidarity with Political Prisoners. | December 3rd events in San Fransisco from Indybay
|
Dec 08 2005
|
FBI Raids Target Environmental Activist in NYC, Across the U.S. |
12/08 | On Wednesday, in New York City, a 30 year old member of the Friends of Jeffrey Luers prisoner support group was arrested while at school. His apartment was also raided.
According to the weblog "Bombs and Shields," this Wednesday, in New York City, a 30 year old member of the Friends of Jeffrey Luers prisoner support group was arrested while at school. His apartment was also raided and computer and personal affects seized.
On the same day, In Portland, two longtime activists were served with papers ordering them to be a witness for a federal Grand Jury, and were also advised that they are both a target of the Grand Jury's investigation. And in In Arizona, more than a dozen FBI agents, along with Joint Terrorism Taskforce and local police spent Wednesday afternoon and evening raiding The Catalyst Infoshop in Prescott. [Bombs and Shields || Portland Indymedia || Arizona Indymedia]
|
Dec 08 2005
|
Criminal Trespass |
I am an animal rights activist. Although I marched against the Iraq war 2 years ago, I didn't become an anti-war protester until October 25, 2005 when I was arrested for trying to visit my Senator's Dallas office. ...
|
Dec 08 2005
|
US Labor Against the War Calls for National Anti-War Demo in DC - April, 2006 |
|
Dec 08 2005
|
March Demands Housing Access for New Orleans Residents |
A Community Housing Rights March was held in New Orleans on December 3rd. Report and Video | Photos People gathered at the Iberville Projects on Basin Street to march in support of the rights of residents, particularly those who lived in public housing, to return home. The housing shortage, rapidly rising rents, and the lack of sustainable government supports have made it hard for thousands of people who wish to return to their homes and rebuild their lives. Evictions - both illegal and legal - are epidemic in the New Orleans area and returning home or the lack of ability to return to a home are causing further problems for the displaced residents of the flooded city. People who needed public assistance to meet basic needs, including housing, are finding the rug pulled out from under them as the city makes plans to tear down public housing, closing even livable and marginally damaged housing with little or no dialogue with displaced residents. Despite the fact that less than 20% of New Orleans residents are back in town, a few dozen marchers gathered in front of the Iberville Public Housing projects just outside of the French Quarter to show support for the city's poor and working people. The crowd marched freely down Canal Street to the Federal encampment by the Mississippi Riverwalk. Groups present at the protest included the Coalition to Save Iberville, New Orleans Housing Emergency Action Team (NO HEAT), the People's Institute for Survival and Beyond, and Common Ground Eviction Defense.
|
Dec 08 2005
|
Al-Arian Acquited On Several Charges In Blow To Patriot Act |
Read More On Indybay's Police State and US News Pages
|
Dec 09 2005
|
Defining "Liberal" |
|
Dec 09 2005
|
March & Rally for the Release of Father Jean-Juste DEC 10th |
|
Dec 09 2005
|
FLAGSTAFF YOUTH HARASSED |
Gang Taskforce Raids Coconino High School, Intimidates Youth
On Wednesday, December 7, Flagstaff Police (under the banner of "Gang Taskforce") pulled students involved in the group Youth of the Peaks out of their classes and interrogated them. Youth of the Peaks is part of the Save The Peaks! coalition, which has been organizing to stop the expansion of the Snow Bowl ski resort located in the San Francisco Peaks. Police officers barged into the high school, tearing down all the Save the Peaks fliers that had been posted in the halls. This week was the Youth Mobilization Week, with an action summit planned for this weekend.
On Thursday, Youth of the Peaks held a press conference in response to the raid. Police were out in force during the press confrence. One officer uninvolved with the raid yet present at the press conference said that "Youth are a gang."
New information will be posted as it come in.
|
Dec 09 2005
|
Condemn PGE--We Can Do It!! |
PGE is one vote away from being condemned by the Portland City PGE is one vote away from being condemned by the Portland City Council. Sten and Leonard are both onboard. Call or email Mayor Potter and Sam Adams to let them know that you want them to condemn PGE.
PGE has been playing its coy, covert game of deceiving and ripping off Portland ratepayers long enough. This latest round of revelations on their tax ripoff is just one example of what lengths they are going to. The whole pro-growth, pro-destruction power elites in Portland and Oregon want to keep PGE out of the control of the public because they know that this could spell the downfall of the whole corporate, venture-capital, farmland grab scamming machine. But we are only one city council vote away from the City of Portland condemning PGE and thus putting it into public hands.
PGE Seeking to Dismiss Class Action Suit For Charging Tax They Didn't Pay
In response to a class action lawsuit filed against Portland General Electric Co. (PGE) in February 2005, PGE in October 2005 announced it would remove a charge from all of its electric bills to customers in Multnomah County. That is the charge labeled "Multnomah County tax," which PGE claimed to represent the Multnomah County Business Income Tax (MCBIT) it was paying to Multnomah County. In fact, while PGE has charged ratepayers in Multnomah County over $7 million for this "tax" since 1997, PGE in fact has paid less over that entire period than a total of $4,000 to Multnomah County for the MCBIT tax, and its parent Enron has apparently paid nothing at all.
Judge John Wittmayer of the Multnomah County Circuit Court will hear argument on PGE's motions to dismiss this case on Monday, December 12, at 11:00 a.m.
|
Dec 09 2005
|
November Again Month of Many Demonstrations |
As President Bush (as well as other members of his administration) traveled the country and the world, they were met with protesters in every stop. Crowds of many thousands raised their fists and signs on his tour of Asian and South American cities.
|
Dec 09 2005
|
Portland Tribune: Taxpayers Should Subsidize More New Roads, Houses, and Pollution |
The growth machine's propaganda goes like this: It's inevitable that the region's population will keep increasing, so we have to keep creating more jobs and keep building more houses and roads in order to ensure that the region's population will keep increasing. Tacked on to this circular argument is the threat that the machine's operators have been holding over our heads, also utterly false and absurd: If we don't keep spending our tax dollars on ensuring that the region's population and consumption will keep increasing, and if we don't keep subsidizing the building of more houses, roads and other new structures, our economy and livability will suffer even more than they already have been suffering because of the last two decades of precipitous growth.
|
Dec 09 2005
|
Interview with UCSD Katrina Relief Team |
dj lotu5 interviews a volunteer with a team of people going to New Orleans to help out the Common Ground Relief Clinic, which focuses on mutual aid relief efforts. Select one of these formats to listen:
ogg vorbis | wav | mp3
More info about the Common Ground Relief Clinic here
UCSD Katrina Relief Team
|
Dec 09 2005
|
Greenpeace using pirate radio in protest |
|
Dec 09 2005
|
Revolutionary Soccer Club in San Ysidro |
This is to remind folks of the Saturday soccer appointment. If you are down with some revolutionary progressive stuff, check us out, this saturday at 10 am, to work in colaboration with the members of the say ysidro youth squad and promote collective learning and radical proposals.
We do this, 3 saturdays a month, the first saturday of the month is holy and we do our individual all day prayer. but after that, the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Saturday, is open to work wiht san ysidro youth and collaboratevely celebrate life and see what we can all do to help each other out.
|
Dec 09 2005
|
Save Tookie Williams! Now is Key Time to Act! |
Here are 3 things you can do...
Stories from San Diego: Tookie Must live! |ISO Discusses "Tookie" Williams’ Case
It is indeed the case that the Governor now holds the power of life or death over Mr. Williams, and the consequences of his decision will be laid squarely at his feet, whatever he decides. Attendees were urged to keep up the pressure on the Governor, whos phone number is 916-445-4633 (apparently only actually answered by humans during business hours), and whose email address is governor@governor.ca.gov (available 24 horurs). Full contact incormation can be found at http://www.toookie.com and also at http://www.savetookie.org.
Ongoing coverage at Indymedia: Rally to Save Tookie Williams by Carl
From the Newswire: AUDIO: The Rev. James Lawson speaks at the save Tookie Rally Today || Rally: Stop the Execution of Tookie || Photos: RALLY FOR CLEMENCY FOR TOOKIE || VIDEO: Rally to Save Tookie Williams
More Coverage: Amy Goodman Interviews Tookie | "Tookie: From Chaos to Consciousness" by Mumia Abu-Jamal | Indybay features: 1 | 2 | 3 | Los Angeles | Santa Cruz | Santa Barbara | Portland
|
Dec 09 2005
|
Books to Prisoners Announces Alternative Holiday Gift Program |
Why not consider buying a book to send to an inmate in an Illinois prison or jail in honor of your loved one? Urbana Champaign Books to Prisoners will use your donation to buy books to add to the Champaign County Jail Library or to send to an inmate in an Illinois prison.
|
Dec 09 2005
|
Brooklyn activist faces life in prison on 16-count arson indictment; Is $1 million in bail enough? |
12/09 | Raids in four states hit home with arrest of local "RNC Not Welcome" activist
UPDATE: Bail has been denied in the case of Daniel McGowan, and each of the other arrestees around the country. McGowan will be held pending his extradition to Eugene, Ore. and his arraignment.
According to spectators at Friday's hearing, prosecutors read through posts on the NYC Indymedia newswire (including this article) and mentioned them as part of the bail hearing. They made mention of other electronic communications on Thursday, and undoubtedly their attentions are ranging far and wide.
Please refrain from speculation and innuendo on Indymedia posts related to this case.
-------
Federal marshals arrested six environmental activists in a series of coordinated raids in four states yesterday, Dec. 8, in apparent response to a string of arsons in Oregon and Washington attributed to the Earth Liberation Front (ELF), including simultaneous attacks in 2001 at the University of Washington's Urban Horticulture Center and the Jefferson Poplar Farms in Clatskanie, Oregon. Daniel McGowan, 31 was arrested in New York City. Authorities have also stated that there will be more arrests, with at least one indictment immediately outstanding.
|
Dec 09 2005
|
PHRF SURVIVOR ASSEMBLY AND MARCH FOR HUMAN RIGHTS |
Who: Representative Gulf Coast hurricane survivors and evacuees will converge with their allies in over 50 grassroots organizations which make up The People's Hurricane Relief Fund and Oversight Coalition and The Mississippi Disaster Relief Coalition. In unity, survivors will heal and develop plans for organizing to move forward in their struggle for justice after Katrina. What: The Gulf South Youth Assembly, The Gulf South National Assembly and The March for Human Rights.
Why: This will be the first assembly that provides those most negatively impacted by Katrina and its aftermath a chance to participate in developing national solutions for their own futures. A declaration of the people will be drafted at the assembly and presented to New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin at the end of Saturday's March. These events will organize the collective process which will unite the movement of survivors, who continue to have their basic civil and human rights eroded.
|
Dec 09 2005
|
Portland Says NO to the WTO!!! YES to the Right to Organize! |
A coalition of over 50 organizations invites you to Join us in the streets as we stand in solidarity with the people of Hong Kong and around the world in the struggle against free trade and corporate globalization. Join us as we demand the right to organize unions!!
This Saturday December 10th at NOON
March begins at SW First and Salmon! [ more ]
Jail Support/ Legal Number for Sat. 503-295-6400 - Please write down our number and carry it with you. We encourage folks to video tape EVERYTHING. We would love to see your video after Sat. Even if you think you did not shoot anything important, you may have. Feel free to call us from the street if tension mounts and folks are getting arrested. Call us if you get a ticket for jaywalking or are threatened with a citation for not giving your name. Remember that shit often goes down as things are dispersing. If you are an organizer or are perceived as "a leader" you may be followed after an event. [ more ]
Queer Solidarity - Saturday, Dec 10th at Waterfront Park - This Saturday is Human Rights Day. As queers, we have an obligation to make our voices heard and to stand up for ourselves. We will be marching alongside the anti-WTO rally as a show of solidarity and to create awareness for ourselves. This Saturday's rally will also be in opposition to the upcoming WTO meetings taking place in Hong Kong. Along with it's anti-democratic, anti-union and anti-environmental policies, the WTO represents a significant threat to the queer community. [ more ]
related: [ Down with the WTO and its manipulation by the big powers...! | anti-WTO = anti-War = anti-Empire | No to the WTO, Yes to the Right to Organize ]
|
Dec 09 2005
|
A Weekend of Anti-Racist Activism |
|
Dec 09 2005
|
Mumia Abu-Jamal - Decision, U.S. Court of Appeals |
Today, December 07, the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit issued the most important decision affecting my client, Mumia Abu-Jamal, since the lower federal court ruling in December 2001. An order was issued this morning that the court will accept for review the following issues, all of which are of enormous constitutional significance and go to the very essence of Mumia's right to a fair trial due process of law, and equal protection of the law under the Fifth, Sixth and Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution:
* Claim 14: Whether appellant was denied his constitutional rights due to the prosecution's trial summation.
International Concerned Family and Friends of Mumia Abul-Jamal
|
Dec 09 2005
|
Winter Soldier film opens in DC this weekend |
|
Dec 09 2005
|
OPEN LETTER TO THE COMMUNITY – FROM CAFÉ MAWONAJ |
|
Dec 09 2005
|
The Militant Labor Forum and Miami Socialist Workers Party presents |
|
Dec 09 2005
|
CPT Vigils in Syracuse and Ithaca for release of four held in Iraq |
|
Dec 09 2005
|
Human Rights Day Celebration in Nashville |
|
Dec 10 2005
|
Verizon workers begin week 6 of walkout |
|
Dec 10 2005
|
FBI Arrests Six People for Alleged ELF and ALF Actions |
Read More On Indybay's Environment and US Pages
|
Dec 10 2005
|
Resources for Finding Missing Gulf Coast Animals |
It appears to be that many animals in New Orleans died because Governor of LA Kathleen Blanco, FEMA and New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin did not allow people affected by Hurricane Katrina to stay with their pets or to return to New Orleans to rescue their loved family pet members. Some 40,000 companion animals died because they had been left at home, either starving to death or suffering from injuries. Some pets who survived have been lost in the system because it took organizations several months to get organized enough to be able to list so many rescued animals. Read More On Indybay's Animal Liberation and US Pages
|
Dec 10 2005
|
Mentally Ill Man Shot By Air Marshals In Miami |
Read More On Indybay's Police And US Pages
|
Dec 10 2005
|
Cable Public Access Victory in Fresno |
Photos and Report A broad coalition of activists, community groups and educational organizations attended and participated in the meeting. By the end of the meeting, the supervisors had agreed that the franchise agreement will include Public, Education, and Government (PEG) channels. The supervisors are also interested in including a Community Media Center (CMC) in the agreement. Read More on Indybay's Media and California Pages
|
Dec 10 2005
|
A Lesson In Class |
|
Dec 10 2005
|
Strike! NYU Grad Students vs. “The Enterprise" |
|
Dec 10 2005
|
NOLA Common Ground: Dispatch #2 |
The organizing phenomenon that is the Common Ground Collective is an incredible sight to see. Common Ground was born the week following the hurricane, by a group of courageous locals and their regional activist allies who initially armed themselves to defend black neighborhoods from roving white vigilantes who were shooting at young black men. Out of that warzone atmosphere has grown an organic crisis response team that has diversified and grown extremely quickly into a sophisticated organization with over a half dozen semi-permanent locations and 30-some programs ranging from health care clinics, distribution centers, a pirate radio station, legal advocacy teams, and now house gutting crews.
|
Dec 10 2005
|
Walmart Action - San Diego and the Nation |
Call to all Activists,
There will be a candlelight vigil for the employees and all of the people that have been affected by WalMart. Join Activists from across the nation in the vigil to bring about change to Walmart and its practices. In San Diego, there will be speakers in denouncing the business practices of one of the most evil corporations that is in existence.
Light A Candle For Change - Please Join Wake Up Wal-Mart For A Candlelight Vigil To Ask Wal-Mart to
“Change for the Better”.
December 10th is International Human Rights Day, we will have a guest speaker from the Employee rights center & support from The Interfaith Committee for Worker Justice
When: December 10th @ 6:30 pm
Where: Wal-Mart
3382 Murphy Canyon Rd
San Diego, CA. 92123
If someone from your organization can attend or for more information please call:
619-298-7772 Ext. 169
WakeUpWalMart.Com
|
Dec 10 2005
|
Muslim kids harrassed by SDPD at library |
Two San Diego Police officers entered the Malcolm X Library at approx. 5 p.m. Wed. Dec. 7, 2005 and were greeted by the smiling Branch Manager (named Marc). Marc pointed upstairs and said, "it's them - the girls in the scarves." (The library was full of Somali students wearing headscarves.) The police ran upstairs and ordered three female students of Somali origin out of the library, without any explanation.
|
Dec 10 2005
|
Surplus: Terrorized Into Being Consumers |
When: Sunday December 11th from 4:00-7:00 PM
Where: Activist House: 4246 Wightman St 1 block south of University Ave and 2 blocks west of Fairmont on corner of Van Dyke & Wightman in City Heights.
CONSUMERISM December 2005 -- Activist San Diego film series presents a collection of films for this holiday season. The film series theme for this month will cover several issues related to consumerism and the negative effects that it can have on people and society. We will be showing three films on this topic throughout the month of December. At a time when people are being heavily encouraged to equate the purchase of material goods with love and happiness, true love and happiness take a back seat to what has become a wasteful unquestioning way of life. After the attacks on the world trade center on 9/11, George Bush said that the most patriotic thing one could do was to go shopping…….. These films are an answer to his claims about what it means to be a free and patriotic citizen of the United States of America.
ASD Film Series for the month of December presents:
1. Surplus: Terrorized Into Being Consumers
2. Affluenza -- (To Be Announced)
3. Escape from Affluenza -- (To Be Announced)
All films will have The Media Foundation and AdBusters’s Culture Jamming Anti-commercials before their screening.
|
Dec 10 2005
|
Berkeley Vigil in Solidarity with March to Guantánamo |
On Saturday, December 10th at 3:00pm, there will be a vigil at downtown Berkeley BART in solidarity with the marchers in Cuba. Organizers are encouraging people to wear black, if possible.
Read More on Indybay's Anti-War And East Bay Pages
|
Dec 10 2005
|
Ford Motor Co & Gay Community |
"The antigay American Family Association claimed a cultural victory on Thursday and called off its threatened boycott of Ford Motor Co. On Friday, Ford spokesman Mike Moran confirmed to Advocate.com that the company will stop advertising its Jaguar and Land Rover brands in gay publications but insisted it was strictly a business decision."
Two days later, Ford confirmed that they made their decision based on pressure from the AFA.
|
Dec 10 2005
|
University Of Penn Heats up in mid-winter as Grad Employees Demand Healthcare |
|
Dec 10 2005
|
Three More Days to "Save Tookie" |
On December 8th, Governor Schwarzenegger held a clemency hearing for Stanley Tookie Williams with defense lawyers, Los Angeles County prosecutors and other involved parties. Schwarzenegger has the authority to commute a death sentence to life without parole. The governor will announce his decision soon, but Williams is scheduled to be executed late Monday night. The People's Clemency Hearing for Stanley Tookie Williams took place on the steps of the State Capitol Building in Sacramento on December 8th, just before Schwarzenegger's hearing.Snoop Dogg visited Williams at San Quentin on December 7th.
Davey D's interview with Snoop from after the meeting.There will be events in cities all over the country in the next several days. "Redemption" will be screened at the Long Haul in Berkeley on Saturday night. If clemency is not granted, there will be a vigil outside of San Quentin on Monday. If clemency has not been granted on December 12th, there will be a 4:00pm March for Tookie from the Mission Church in Santa Clara University to the Cathedral on Market Street in San Jose.
Democracy Now's Interview with Stanley Tookie Williams | Sparing the Crips Founder: The Fight to Save Stanley "Tookie" Williams, by Matt Gonzalez
Read about more events to Save Tookie on Indybay's Police & Prisons Page
|
Dec 10 2005
|
The Ehrlich Report |
|
Dec 10 2005
|
Editorial cartoon: "Stay The Course" |
|
Dec 10 2005
|
What are you doing New Year's? |
Want to join this year's New Year's Eve Parade in Santa Cruz? There's no First Night this year, so we're going to do it ourselves. It's our parade. It's your parade. No city-sponsorship. No corporate donors. We make it happen together. We're calling it
THE LAST NIGHT SANTA CRUZ DIY PARADE
(diy stands for do-it-yourself)
Let's get a group together. Start a marching band. Build puppets. Get our bicycle friends together. Form a dancing troupe. Organize our kid's play group. Anything and everything!
Committed so far: Art & Revolution, Village Drumming Circles, The Opera Lady, the Santa Cruz Trash Orchestra, the Man in Black, firedancers, stilt walkers, Peace Walk, Santa Cruz Moontribe, puppets, bunnies, clowns, and bike kids. (We'd still like to see Samba bands, marching bands, more music, political groups, a coalition of homeless folks, art cars, zombies, pirates, more kids and parents, and more more of everything in our community)
MEET AT 5PM NEW YEAR'S EVE - SATURN CAFE LOT
Un-organizing meeting: 17 Dec, 742 N. Branciforte Ave
Website: http://www.lastnightdiy.org
Tribe Discussion: http://tribes.tribe.net/lastnightdiy
|
Dec 11 2005
|
12.10 PDX Human Rights/WTO rally & pics |
About 600-1000 unionist, anti-WTO/FTAA, imagrants-rights, and kids, mothers, anarchists, environmentalists, brothers, daughters, liberals, families, anti-capitalists, farm workers, and cops came to downtown Portland to oppose the WTO, support opposition in Hong Kong, march for union rights, decry the capitalist state and the republican federal government, sing, chant, shuffle, and charge a down-town office building. Some organizers read off of large report cards describing the voting record of state representatives to the US congress on issues of right to organize, immigration, the environment, and fair trade. read more >>
Speakers and Photogs from Human Rights Day March and Rally
Today, December 10, 2005, Human Rights Day, the Portland community took to the streets, demonstrating an immense solidarity with labor, the environment and human rights. The message was a resounding NO to the World Trade Organization, who will be meeting next week in Hong Kong, and YES to the rights of workers to organize. he crowd, which, in my estimation eventually topped 1000, gathered at the World Trade Center at SW First and Salmon in downtown Portland, enthusiastically listened to some brief speeches and then marched to various predetermined places in the city for more remarks from labor, environment and social justice speakers. read more >>
Brief Report, Photos from Today's March
In what may have been the largest labor or global justice protests in Portland in decades, nearly 3,000 people took to the streets today to say No to the WTO and YES to the right to organize! The day started with a brief rally denouncing the WTO and the corporate trade agenda at Gordon Smith's office, with speeches from PCUN's Ramon Ramirez and others. Despite the cold weather, thousands of people gathered for the rally, then the large crowd took to the streets. The march stopped outside the National Labor Relations Board office, where Stewart Acuff, organizing director of the national AFL-CIO, gave a rowsing speech, urging the crowd to support the right to organize unions. read more >>
PLDN Updates: [ PLDN one arrest 5th and Clay/ Dec 10th demo | PLDN Permitted march for dec 10th over PROTEST HAS MOVED 2 more arrests | PLDN, 20 in front of Justice Center, 1 more arrest, woman assaulted by police | Update from Portland Legal Defense Network | Update from Portland Legal Defense Network ]
related stories: [ Local "news?" | Mesomorphic Pigs Attack Women, Men, and Children in the Name of Profit | New Content on PDX IMC Web Radio | Seattle Residents March for Human Rights, Against Imperialist Militarism | Police Riot at Schumachers ]
|
Dec 11 2005
|
Nazi Scum Confronted in Toledo, Ohio....Again |
|
Dec 11 2005
|
Vigil for clemency at gates to Gov's estate |
Death penalty opponents maintained a vigil awaiting an announcement from the governors office on the granting of clemency. At 3:00 pm word came over the newswire that the governor has postponed the announcement until 3:00 pm on Sunday. On hearing this news the vigil disbanded.People plan to regroup at a rally tomorrow Sunday outside St. Monica’s Church (the Gov’s church) at 10am. The church is located at 725 California Avenue in Santa Monica.
Report: with photos: Vigil for clemency at gates to Gov's estate
|
Dec 11 2005
|
Witch Hunt Results in Six Activists Arrested |
Below is a press release from the Feds, ...just wanted to forward it for informative purposes. There is tons more . info on nyc and portland indymedia, If anyone knows the man arrested in charlottesville please contact the support teams of the other arrestees. there is lots of work to do to support these folks - please get involved.
...
|
Dec 11 2005
|
Save Bernie's Farm |
|
Dec 12 2005
|
Governor Postpones Clemency Decision for a Second Time |
Local demonstrations to save the life of Tookie Williams are planned up to the last moment.
From the Newswire: MON. 6PM: Vigil at Gov's Mansion in Brentwood If He Doesn't Grant Clemency for Tookie || Convergence on Governor’s Mansion to Stop Execution.
|
Dec 12 2005
|
Court agrees to review constitutional questions in the case of Mumia Abu-Jamal |
Supporters of Pennsylvania death row inmate and independent journalist Mumia Abu-Jamal celebrated on December 6th as the Third Circuit Court of Appeals granted two "certificates of appealabilty" to Jamal for alleged violations of constitutional rights in his 1982 trial and his 1985 state appeal. The court also called for a brief on a third point that had been previously certified for appeal. | Coverage by David Lindorff | Analysis by Jeff Mackler | Media Commentary by Linnn Washington |
|
Dec 12 2005
|
Incarnation Controversy Simmers |
|
Dec 12 2005
|
IMC-Binghamton, Not L.A. Times, Broke Story on DoD Media Scandal |
The breaking story about the U.S. military’s planting of prepackaged stories in foreign media – a “scoop” attributed to the L.A.. Times – has overlooked one critical factor: the Independent Media Center of Greater Binghamton, and not the L.A. Times, was the first media outlet across the globe to report on this propaganda-production endeavor, the brainchild of the U.S. Special Operations Command.Binghamton-IMC story 6/05
LA Times 11/05
|
Dec 12 2005
|
Target: WTO | Derail, Dismantle, Destroy |
Bay Area organizers Puck Lo and Handle will be posting regular dispatches from Hong Kong. Dispatch 1 | Dispatch 2
Read More on Indybay's Globalization Page
|
Dec 12 2005
|
Aristide and the Endless Revolution Showing at the Roxie Cinema |
Read More On Indybay's Haiti and SF Pages
|
Dec 12 2005
|
My Husband is at the Gates of Guantanamo: Why I Support Him |
Twenty-five U.S. citizens, calling themselves Witness Against Torture, are presently demonstrating, fasting and praying at the gates of the U.S. prison at Guantanamo Bay. For the last five days, they've marched across Cuba to get to the prison. One of them is my husband, Danny Burns.
|
Dec 12 2005
|
Anti-racist, queer-positive activists confront right-wing Christians |
|
Dec 12 2005
|
Christian Peacemakers Still Missing |
|
Dec 12 2005
|
International Human Rights Day/Father Jean Juste Rally & March |
|
Dec 12 2005
|
Police Riot at Schumachers |
After the anti-WTO protest had ended, 40 of us went to go to Schumacher Furs. Some of us had previously been there, and we went back to get more people. We were followed by at least twenty cops. As we arrived at Schumachers Furs, many of us were angry. We screamed at the top of our lungs chants against fur. This was all happening while the Schumacher people were laughing inside and trying to take pictures of us. We became nervous when the riot police came. In a split second the police just randomly started attacking us. Great job mayor Potter, you are now making the police system as bad as it was back in the Vera Katz days, something you promised you would change.
Mostly all of us were dressed in black. We were sick of the amount of profiling that happens during protests, so most all of us were also wearing bandannas. The energy in that crowd was unimaginable, we were quite determined. The police laughed and watched us from a distance as we peacefully assembled. Then, all of a sudden, Officer Lee and his cronies interjected with the protest and told us all to clear a path. We did what he said, but that was just not enough for the pig. We asked him why he cared so much about us having a foot in their property, while here you have a much larger issue when the Schumacher people were giving people death threats. They gave us some bullshit answer, but we knew they were there just to protect the rich. [ read more ]
Mesomorphic Pigs Attack Women, Men, and Children in the Name of Profit
Officer Elmore will soon be resurrecting his role as riot porn star for the Videos from the Resistance. Because, in fact, officer Elmore is a mesomorphic asshole who has too many anger issues to allow him to make a living doing anything other than cop or possibly contract worker in Iraq. But I'm getting ahead of myself. Let me back up.
I attended the demonstration today, in solidarity with workers across the world. While there, I noticed a roving pod of riot police sticking closely to the black bloc. Officers Cox and Ismail seemed to be loaded for bear from the beginning -- cajoling and insulting people in the crowd. (Usually, the cops seem more like robots than human beings. It's unusual to hear so much nasty conversation from them.)
In any event, officers grew increasingly frustrated by their inability to figure out what the bloc was up to. It looked to me like the yellow-and-black pod had some inkling that something was up, and tried desperately to locate the ever-chimerical "Leader" of the bloc. In and out and around the crowd they wove, but the bloc continually shifted and changed and slipped through their fingers. In the end, they completely failed to notice as the bloc melted out of the crowd and went elsewhere. Where, you ask? [ read more ]
|
Dec 12 2005
|
Support Students Racially Profiled and Brutally Arrested at Campus Anti-War Protest! |
Last month CODEPINK, South Bay Mobilization, ANSWER, De Anza College students, faculty and others participated in a three day protest against former Secretary of State Colin Powell at De Anza College Flint Center in Cupertino. On November 11, 2005, eight students were arrested at the event; one student was arrested inside the hall for disrupting Powell's speech. The seven youth arrested outside were all youth of color. They were singled out and brutally arrested though they had not broken any law. Santa Clara County Sheriffs claim two of the students committed felonies though there were numerous witnesses who have stated the law enforcements claims are false. The arrests seem to have been motivated by religious and racial profiling as six were visibly dressed Muslim students and one was an African American graduate student. A police officer present at the protest interviewed by a reporter said, "Many officers associate such garb to terrorists because of the training videos they see in which 'terrorists prepare themselves for Jihad and martyrdom.'"
The arrestees from the protest against Colin Powell, who have come to be known as the De Anza 8, their lawyer, and community groups will hold a press conference on December 12 at 5:00pm outside the Office of Human Relations of Santa Clara County located at 1880 Prunridge in Santa Clara (map) protesting the racial profiling that occurred on November 11, 2005. They are demanding that the charges against the De Anza 8 be dropped. Over 1,500 letters have been delivered to Santa Clara County District Attorney George Kennedy demanding that the charges against the youth be dropped. (Send an on-line message via ANSWER)
More coverage and information on how you can help: Students Arrested at Powell Protest Accuse Police of Targetting Muslims || South Bay Mobilization || American Arab Anti Discrimination Committee - San Francisco || Colin Powell De Anza College Resistance Blog
|
Dec 12 2005
|
Portlanders critique media coverage of Dec. 10 events |
Well, having read here about the demonstrations and other actions about time here, and only here, I proceeded (as an experiment) to check the local "news" broadcasts, to see what their take was on what was/had happened in Stumptown today. Nothing. Absolutely fucking NOTHING happened in Portland today. So, they had to fill the time with a review of Chronicles of Narnia (Again!), and weather. No interest in those protesting, those arrested, or the reasons for such actions. No "in depth" look at the issues surrounding wearing dead animals to highlight your personal shallowness, or World Trade, or Solidarity. Nothing about the woman who was assaulted by a cop, or the others who were arrested for the crime of being in the area. No fuckin news today.
Does anyone here STILL turn to the corporate infotainment tube to learn the truth of what is happening? It will rot your brain.
Oh, and don't bother telling them, THEY KNOW. I spent hours talking with several "reporters," who readilly admit that they come here to get their news, and sometimes they are able to run some of it past their corporate masters.
additional contributions:
- In Portland, 2000-2500 people march down the streets of downtown against the WTO, the police officers assault someone, and what does the media cover? The lurking "problem" of prostitution in SE Portland. Wow. And someone jumped off the Sellwood bridge after a police chase. How exciting! 2500 people may have marched downtown, people were arrested trying to stand up for labor rights, and...that's more important?
- I have double-checked for the impression we have of a corporate news black-out. Google News and Yahoo News searches show NOTHING about the Portland anti-WTO demos or any other local demos in the U.S. EXCEPT that Yahoo News search takes me to the Beta Blog search, which lists Indymedia links, mostly Portland Indymedia! (I tried many combinations like "WTO demonstrations San Francisco" and others.)
- Another prime example of the lack of journalism is the "coverage" given to yesterday's protests downtown. There was NO mention of any of it on the infotainment shows or so-called 'news' stations. I sent the Indy articles to a friend who was shocked to know that all of that was going on in her city and she was clueless. Needless to say, she will be looking on Indy for news from now on.
- I was requested to check, and if there was any coverage on any of the channels, to record it for those who were able to be the news. There was NO coverage on any "local" channel. Instead, between inane, and insane attempts to hold the commercials together, we had a review of Narnia, couple of "stories" taken from national infotainment during the week, a lot of giggling, and of course, the obligatory dead hero, home from Iraq story.
[ Local "news?" | On local broadcast media & (lack of) coverage ]
portland indymedia dec 10 coverage
|
Dec 12 2005
|
was Carlos Rubio the first settled score of 2005 for Sandy Police? |
Tantalyzing rumours of sinister dealings on the part of Sandy Police in the demise of 20 year old Carlos Rubio beg exploration.
Does in fact, there exist, possible information about the demise of Carlos Rubio and "...at least 2 others besides..." amongst the "..old timers.." around Sandy, Oregon? Is this information not possibly known to others whose identity could avoid being revealed? Indy people being the resourceful people they are, might they not be able to devise a way for those with info to share it and stay shielded.
related articles: [ Sandy Police | Cop protest in Sandy? | Kaady Grand Jury; No Decision Yet | A Candle Light Vigile for Fouad Kaady ]
|
Dec 12 2005
|
Clemency Denied; Nationwide Vigils to "Save Tookie" |
The execution of Stanley Tookie Williams is scheduled to take place at 12:01am on Tuesday morning. Supporters of Williams and the work that he does to show people alternatives to gang life are still calling the governor to urge him to grant clemency. Governor Schwarzenegger has the authority to commute a death sentence to life without parole, or to issue a stay of execution. Events have been held in cities all over the country on Monday. A Walk for Abolition of the Death Penalty left San Francisco at 7:00am, and arrived at San Quentin Prison some 11 hours later. Vigils are taking place outside of San Quentin, and in places all over the country, until word of Williams's execution is heard. Directions to San Quentin and list of vigils statewideRead more about Stanley Tookie Williams and protests in the last day before his scheduled execution on California News Page and on Indybay's Police & Prisons Page
From LA Indymedia: Governor Postpones Clemency Decision for a Second Time
Vigil for clemency at gates to Gov's estate
|
Dec 12 2005
|
Earth/Animal Grand Jury Roundup |
Before dawn, this morning, two FBI agents from the Eugene office and several state police officers came to Southern Oregon to subpoena Suzanne Savoie, to appear before a federal grand jury on February 16, 2005 in Eugene...They told Savoie that if she didn't start giving them information she would take the fall for all the men they said were involved. They said women usually take the fall for men and that she shouldn't let that happen. They showed Savoie four named photos of men who they said were the "bombmakers" and that they wanted her to give information about them. The FBI also used the usual tactics of threatening 60 years in jail to intimidate Savoie.
...they tracked down [Jonathan Paul] on highway 238 about 50 miles from here. He was in a van returning from work with several other individuals. He saw a BLM law enforcement vehicle followed by the Jeep SUV carrying the same two FBI agents approaching from the opposite direction. The BLM vehicle made a u-turn and turned on his overhead lights and promptly went off the road into a ditch and remained there while the FBI vehicle turned and followed the vehicle Jonathan was riding in. Many miles later, the van had to stop to drop off a couple of the occupants and the FBI opened the door of the van and asked Jonathan if he was "JP". Jonathan replied "who's asking". Agent Lorin flashed his badge and served the subpoena.
related: [ Heads up - FBI and Homeland security prowling for OR Enviros, AR activists | Feds Target Earth/Animal Activists Across the Country ]
|
Dec 12 2005
|
Glendale: Jornaleros Victorious! |
Joe Turner arrested
GLENDALE, December 10, 2005--Seventy-five determined day laborers with 150 allies defended their brethren at the Glendale Temporary Skilled Worker Center this morning from a protest by Save Our State, a San Bernardino-based anti-migrant group. SOS had called the demonstration to turn public sympathy against the workers, but only managed to bring out about twenty supporters. SOS was overwhelmed in the sea of counterprotestors, and passing motorists along the busy San Fernando Road throughway honked their support for the jornaleros throughout the morning.
|
Dec 12 2005
|
12/12 | Schwarzenegger Denies Clemency to Tookie Williams |
Last week, the Indypendent profiled the issues at stake in the Williams case.
|
Dec 12 2005
|
Amnesty International Miami takes action against violence against women. |
|
Dec 12 2005
|
Victory! Coke Banned at NYU |
|
Dec 12 2005
|
Miguel Malo Sentencing Tomorrow |
A month ago, over four years after his one man protest, Malo left a Bronx courtroom in handcuffs, convicted of reckless assault and disorderly conduct. As he was escorted away by two bailiffs, he shouted bail instructions in Spanish over his shoulder to his mother.
|
Dec 12 2005
|
NO CLEMENCY FOR TOOKIE WILLIAMS - Execution scheduled for 12:01 tonight. Protesters plan convergence on Gov's Mansion |
LOS ANGELES - Local protests are planned tonight in response to the governor's denial of clemency. Death penalty opponents plan to converge on the Governor’s Mansion in Brentwood tonight on the belief that he will be there at the time of the execution. The governor’s press office will not disclose where the governor will be at the time of the execution. But it is widely believed that he will either be at the mansion in Brentwood or in hiding at some undisclosed location. There is also a march and rally in Westwood this evening at the federal building. Protesters plan to gather at 6:00 pm and the march is expected to start at 8:30 pm.From the newswire: MON. 6PM: Vigil at Gov's Mansion in Brentwood If He Doesn't Grant Clemency for Tookie // ALSO: / / MON. 6PM: Vigil at the Federal Building in Westwood
|
Dec 12 2005
|
BORDER GROUPS MOBILIZE FOR JUSTICE |
Rallies and Marches Across Arizona
Recent events have highlighted the border crisis in Arizona communities. In response to the ongoing criminalization and persecution of immigrant communities, the upcoming trial of humanitarian volunteers, a a mounting death toll caused by failed border policies, and the introduction of dangerous legislation designed to perpetuate and worsen this crisis, human rights and border groups across the state have begun to organize and mobilize.
On Saturday, December 10th the Border Action Network – along with numerous other local organizations – sponsored marches in Douglas, Nogales and Tucson – where more than 200 people marched to the federal courthouse. Some of their demands include a humane and just immigration reform, pathways to legalization and permanent residency, an end to abuse, persecution and death of immigrants, an end to the militarization of border communities, respect of workers’ rights, and policies that encourage fair trade – not free trade. photos 1 2
In Phoenix, people continue to organize in protest of vigilante mobilization in their communities.
Upcoming events include a 12 noon rally and press conference on Wednesday, December 14th at Southside Presbyterian Church (23rd St. and 9th Ave - Tucson) – followed by a caravan to the courtroom as judge Bernardo Velasco considers a motion to dismiss the charges against two No More Deaths volunteers.
In addition, a number of groups - including No More Deaths, Tonatierra and Inmigrantes Sin Fronteras - have organized a March for Justice on December 17th in Phoenix.
|
Dec 13 2005
|
WTO Hell No |
Locally, The Alarm is celebrating the release of its third issue, Tuesday December 13th at Super Happy Fun Land. The event will feature screenings of films in solidarity with activists in Hong Kong. We will be screening This is What Democracy Looks Like which looks at the WTO protests in 1999, and the emergence of social justice movements in the Global North. We will also be screening Why the WTO is REALLY bad for you Narrated by Walden Bello of Focus on the Global South. This film breaks down all the complicated mechanisms of the WTO and lets you know why it sucks. It also talks to organizers from across Asia about organizing in opposition to the WTO and Capitalist Globalization. The event starts at 7pm (films at 8pm) and there is a suggested donation of 2-5$ to cover printing costs.
Indymedia Reporters from Indybay are in Hong Kong, Read their coverage of the WTO Ministerial and Protest activities, and check out Puck's Blog | Check out Hong Kong Indymedia (Chinese) | Go Media Action (Mostly Korean but lots of movies) | Photo Montage from IMC UK | Target: WTO (Anti-Capitalist Direct Action against the WTO ministerial)
|
Dec 13 2005
|
Tarik Abdelazim accepts position as Deputy Mayor |
Ladies and Gentlemen, please meet the new Deputy Mayor of the City of Binghamton. Yes, it's IMC-Binghamton's own Tarik Abdelazim!
Watch Tarik's acceptance speech (RealMedia)
Tarik comments, "Please know that my achievements are to be understood as what's possible with cooperation, courage, and conviction. Above all, cooperation. You all have inspired more than you think, and I look forward to bringing to the Mayor's Office some of the ideals that motivate and ground Indymedia: a commitment to informed debate and inclusive dialogues. Let us narrate our story together, debate our differences respectfully, and share the rewards that come from a more engaged citizenry and a more just society."
|
Dec 13 2005
|
Fourth Annual “Homeless Memorial Day” Recognized by Metro Council |
|
Dec 13 2005
|
Citizens for Peace & Justice: Strategy 2006 |
|
Dec 13 2005
|
Emergency: DEA Raids on Thirteen Dispensaries |
We are asking all local medical cannabis supporters to rally in opposition to these raids at noon tomorrow, Tuesday, December 13th in front of the San Diego federal building, 880 Front Street, San Diego. ASA activists are also holding an emergency meeting tonight at 9:00p.m. at Twiggs Coffee House, 4590 Park Blvd., San Diego.
|
Dec 13 2005
|
From Congo Square to City Hall: New Orleans Demands Right to Return |
|
Dec 13 2005
|
Sprouts: Katrina's Immediate Aftermath |
This week's Sprouts is a documentary on the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Ten days after the storm, Vinny Lombardo, a radio producer from Santa Cruz, CA travelled to Houston, TX, and New Orleans, LA to speak with Katrina survivors displaced by the hurricane. Audio: Download the mp3 (29:10 minutes / 26.7 MB)
Surely, this isn't a complete picture of the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, only a glimpse at a moment in time, after the flood.
see also: Audio, Photos and Written Reports from Houston and New Orleans
|
Dec 13 2005
|
O2 Dispatches From New Orleans |
Oxygen Collective Arrives in New Orleans 12/8/05 - After a long trek across the country, covering 2600 miles in three days, the Oxygen Collective bus finally arrived in New Orleans on Wednesday. We made our way to the Common Ground Media Center, where we connected with our dear friend Kerul who has been hard at work here for over 2 months. From there, we took a short tour of the heavily damaged 9th Ward. It is hard to describe what we are witnessing. After more than 3 months since the storms hit, it is shocking to see the state of this neighborhood. Trash and debris are piled everywhere. There is no electricity on most streets. With residents discouraged from returning home by military blockades, curfews, and the perception that everything is destroyed, It feels a ghost town.
We made our way to our home for now, at the Common Ground Collective 9th Ward Community Center. This space is one of many operated by Common Ground across New Orleans. Less than 2 weeks ago, the Community Center was a flood damaged church center filled with black mold. Now it is an ever evolving Community Center housing and feeded the volunteers who have come to New Orleans to help out.
12/10/05 - I am in a surreal and deeply inspiring hell- New Orleans is a post apocalyptic wonderland where utter devastation is everywhere and all relationships of culture, race, society and politics are richly counter-intuitive, nuanced and have gone from backward before to upsidedown now. I am floored. No account of what is occurring here can be given without a brief review of the stunning reality on the ground. The scale and scope of the destruction is really not possible to grasp if you have not driven the streets here. There are over a hundred thousand cars that will never drive again that have yet to be moved- they are in all manner of disarray- on curbs, upside down, in front lawns and perhaps most eerily- parked right where they were left when their drivers suddenly fled more than 3 months ago. There are currently 1.3 million households from the Gulf Coast still residing elsewhere. Bodies are still found every day. Vast areas sit festering, powerlines strewn across streets, trees sliced right through houses, two story homes crushed to the height of their front door. Tens of thousands of homes are filled with rotting furniture, warped floors and swollen drywall.
12/12/05 - I just wrote yesterday but each day here feels like a week of life experience. Today we joined with the People's Hurricane Relief Network, Common Ground and a number of black power groups for a march on City Hall- or what's left of it anyway. We gathered first in Congo Square- a park with ancient live oaks who were already mature trees when slavery was in effect here and this was the only place in the city where slaves were allowed to gather freely and play their drums. Today, a rocking drum circle like none I've ever seen accompanied a vibrant consortium of black leaders as they gave stirring speeches to a crowd that reached thousands by the time we took the streets towards City Hall.
The march was in support of the Right to Return of the scattered residents of New Orleans, who are overwhelmingly poor and black and who are soon to be kicked out of the temporary housing FEMA has thus far provided. It is clear that were this California destroyed by an earthquake, or New York by another 9-11, there would be no protracted debate about whether or not to rebuild, it would just be done and it would be done quickly with massive federal aid. The cost of a day of war in Iraq would be enough to retrofit all New Orleans levees to withstand a category 5 storm. The people of this richly historic city are rightfully outraged and today they raised strong and eloquent voice to their demands for equality.
|
Dec 13 2005
|
Volunteer relief worker killed in bus accident |
On Dec. 10, volunteer relief worker Meg Perry, 26, from Portland, Maine, was killed in a bus accident in New Orleans. Meg was volunteering with Common Ground Relief in New Orleans, and had previously worked with S.O.S. - Saving Our Selves, in rural Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi. The bus, a vegetable-oil powered 'community free space', was on its way from the People's Hurricane Relief Fund Conference in Jackson, Mississippi back to the march for human rights in New Orleans Saturday afternoon when the accident happened. Several of the other eight volunteers who were on the bus were injured. Read more
|
Dec 31 2005
|
Stanley Tookie Williams, Asesinado por el Est |
Antiguo Pandillero Rehabilitado, pero Igualmente Asesinado 13/12/2005: Stanley Tookie Williams III fue ejecutado temprano esta mañana por una inyección letal administrada por el estado de California. Williams, quien estaba a semanas de su cumpleaños numero 52, era el co-fundador de la pandilla Crips en Los Angeles. En 1981, fue convicto por los asesinatos de cuatro personas el año 1979 en el área de Los Angeles. Luego de 6.5 años en confinamiento solitario en Death Row (la fila de la muerte) en San Quentin, renuncio a su pasado pandillero. Escribió varios libros y comenzó varios programas para desalentar a que los jóvenes se incorporen a pandillas. Una película protagonizada por Jamie Foxx, titulada "Redemption: The Stan Tookie Williams Story" (Rescate: La historia de Stan Tookie Williams), fue hecha para contar su historia. Williams nunca admitió haber cometido los asesinatos por los que fue convicto. Esto fue una de las razones por las que el Gobernador Arnold Schwarzenegger escribió la cita denegando su clemencia. Los partidarios de Williams intentaron enviar varios pedidos con la esperanza que se le considera el perdón. Si se le hubiera dado un plazo de perdón de 60 días, podría haber dado tiempo para que la corte examinara las diferentes dudas legales que aun quedaban en el caso. También hubiera dado tiempo al cuerpo legislativo de California a votar en AB 1121, la “California Moratorium on Executions Act” (Moratoria de California para parar las ejecuciones). Leer mas (en ingles)
Miles de manifestantes se mantuvieron en vigilia en frente a San Quentin mientras Williams era asesinado. Fotos:
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 Cobertura de la People's Clemency Hearing (Audiencia de Clemencia Popular) y protestas del 12/12
Leer mas sobre Tookie en las paginas de Indybay Estado Policial y Noticias de California
|
Dec 13 2005
|
Tookie interferes with CIA crack cocaine distribution |
Despite the years of Tookie's efforts and success at preventing youth (150,00+) from joining steet gangs, Nazi Actor Arnold in Sacramento seems determined to end the life of this former gangster turned peacemaker. Maybe the CIA needs young African-americans to work for them and continue distributing crack-cocaine and automatic weapons in urban neighborhoods.
Stanley Tookie Willaims directly interfered with the CIA crack-cocaine importers when he wrote books and lectured to youth to avoid joining gangs. However many (150,000) young people Tookie has reached and have as a result changed their minds about joining street gangs are not going to be working (indirectly) for the CIA in distributing crack cocaine in working class neighborhoods in LA and elsewhere.. read more >>
California to execute Williams tonight!!
California will execute Stan Tookie Williams at midnight tonight. The Governor of our neighbor state to the south, the very man who ordered the word Rehabilitation added to the Department of Corrections name, denied Williams request for clemency this afternoon. If Tookie Williams is not rehabilitated, no one can ever be. After a violent youth in South Central LA, Williams admitted Co-founding the Crips street gang, An organization that has spread violence across this country. He was also convicted of four murders, though he claims he is innocent of those crimes. Since being sentenced to death for the murders, Williams has turned his life around, writing childrens books and advising young people to avoid gangs. He has attempted to negotiate truces between rival gangs from his prison cell. He has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize 5 times.
The execution is scheduled for 12:01 am tuesday at San Quentin Prison outside San Francisco, CA. Many people are already taking to the streets to protest this miscarriage of justice, both for Tookie Williams and for and end to the barbaric practice of capital punishment nationwide. Rallies are planned in cities all over America this evening. read more >>
|
Dec 13 2005
|
Stanley Tookie Williams Vengeance or Justice |
Unless California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger grants clemency, Stanley Tookie Williams will die tonight, a little after 12 midnight, at San Quentin Prison in California. The California Supreme Court has already refused to grant a stay of execution and today the petition signed by thousands goes before the court, but it is really now up to the California Governor.
Main stream press organizations are busy parading their news blurbs about how Stanley Tookie Williams founded the Crips and he needs to ‘pay’ not only for the crimes he allegedly committed but for everything ever done by any Crip member in history.
We are seeing a lot of bias reporting on Tookie’s case and news organizations like CNN and others find grieving parents or relatives of gang violence and of course they want someone to pay for their loss, and they have Stanley Tookie Williams in their cross hairs.
Hip-hop culture grass roots organizers, rap artist, actors, politicians, religious leaders and now the ‘bangers’ and the ‘rydas’ them self are speaking out.
Friday evening I saw a report on BET about how some LA Blood members turned weapons over to a BET reporter for her to turn them into the police. The gesture was one in ‘good faith’, showing that peace is possible and to ask California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to grant clemency for Stanley Tookie Williams. ...
Full report: Stanley Tookie Williams Vengeance or Justiceby Robert with background by Leslie
|
Dec 13 2005
|
The Village Co-Op May Close Its Doors |
|
Dec 13 2005
|
VOICE OF THE VOICELESS - The State is A Killer |
|
Dec 13 2005
|
Stop the Execution of Gregory Thompson |
Nashville, TN: Greg Thompson is a 43-year old black man on Tennessee’s death row since 1985. He has been diagnosed as schizophrenic. His symptoms range from delusional thought processes, psychosis, both auditory and visual hallucinations, mania, paranoia, and self-mutilation. Prison doctors have treated him with psychotropic drugs since he arrived at the prison twenty years ago. Thompson’s prison file consists of over 4000 pages documenting his severe mental illness. He is scheduled to be executed on February 7th.
|
Dec 14 2005
|
Take action against cruel anti-immigrant bill that threatens millions: Vote may occur any day |
From United Farm Workers
On Thursday, Dec. 8, 2005, the House Judiciary Committee passed along strict party lines the measure by Committee Chairman James Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.). This GOP-sponsored bill, H.R. 4437, would among other things make the crime of being here illegally an "aggravated felony," meaning the entire undocumented population, including 1.6 million children, would be permanently barred from the U.S.
For a broader context of this struggle in relation to the current actions in Hong Kong, see The Border Wars and the WTO in Hong Kong
|
Dec 14 2005
|
Thirteen Medical Cannabis Dispensaries Raided in San Diego |
Read more on Indybay's Drug War and California pages
|
Dec 14 2005
|
ADBUSTING WORKSHOP AND COMPETITION, VEGETARIAN POTLUCK AND MUSIC! |
|
Dec 14 2005
|
Vigil Tonight to Express Outrage at Verdict in Cardenas Killing |
Read more about Rudy Cardenas on Indybay's Police State Page and South Bay News Page
|
Dec 14 2005
|
VERDICT IN ON SABINO CANYON CASE |
Tuesday afternoon the jury found Earth First! activists Rod Coronado and Matt Crozier guilty of all 3 charges in the Sabino Canyon mountain lion trial. The prosecution immediately made a motion to take Coronado into custody, claiming he was a flight risk. Judge David C. Bury sustained the objection of Coronado's attorney that he had not violated his pre-trial release agreement in the year and a half since his arrest. Coronado and Crozier will face sentencing on March 9, 2006.
Coronado was arrested March 24, 2004 along with Esquire writer John H. Richardson in Sabino Canyon during an Arizona Game and Fish operation to remove mountain lions from the recreation area. Crozier was arrested by FBI agents 9 months later allegedly for also being in the canyon. Crozier and Coronado were each charged with one count of felony conspiracy to impede or injure a federal officer, one count of misdemeanor inteference with or injury of a federal officer, and one count of misdemeanor depredation of federal property. Richardson, who was working on a story about Coronado, is being tried separately on just the misdemeanor interference charge.
During the week-long trial, the prosecution called 15 witnesses, including a wildlife biologist, a school cafeteria cashier, 3 FBI agents, a helicopter pilot, the government hunter, and several officers of the Forest Service and Arizona Game and Fish. Defense attorney Antonio Felix argued that much of the prosecution's case relied on emotional appeals to the jury about the danger of mountain lions. "Prosecution led a campaign to get the jury to say 'Arizona Game and Fish did a good job'," he said in his closing arguments.
Another key to the government's case was John Richardson's audio notes, which Assistant U.S. District Attorney Wallce Kleindienst called a "smoking gun." The hour long excerpt of the reporter's recordings was introduced as evidence afterheated debate about its admissibility. The judge agreed with Kleindienst's contention that the tape should be considered "the utterances of a co-conspirator," and that using the media to sway public opinion was part of Earth First!'s criminal strategy.
Coronado and Crozier could face 6 years in prison for the felony conviction. Assistant prosecution attorney Bev Anderson said after the trial "I know he wasn't tried here for being a violent anarchist. This trial wasn't about Rod Coronado being a terrorist, but he is one." An Earth First! spokesperson stated "while we may be reassessing our specific strategy in light of this conviction, our commitment to defending Arizona's wildlife with effective direct action will not change."
- For further details, see our previous story and our daily coverage of the trial:
- Pre-trial case summary from last week.
- Update: Day One of Trial, Wednesday December 7
- Update: Day Two of Trial, Thursday December 8
- Update:Morning of Day Three of Trial, Friday, December 9
- Update:Afternoon of Day Three of Trial, Friday, December 9
- Day Four of Trial (including closing arguments)
|
Dec 14 2005
|
Virginian part of march to Guatanamo Bay |
|
Dec 14 2005
|
Prisoner rights talk at Info Shop |
|
Dec 14 2005
|
Plans for Monroe Park to be presented |
|
Dec 14 2005
|
An Open Letter to United for Peace and Justice (UFPJ) From the Mobilization for Global Justice* |
|
Dec 14 2005
|
Weekly Newsletter: Dec. 14 - 20 |
- WED. Master of Self
- THU. FILM: WALMART is Back...
- FRI. Spoken Word, Open Mic
- TUE. FILM: Kilowatt Ours
|
Dec 14 2005
|
Chelsea Gerlach Preliminary Hearing Notes |
This was not an arraignment, as Chelsea has already plead not guilty on all charges at an arraignment last week (and since the charges weren't read today, I don't know what they are). This hearing dealt with her detention pending trial.
Chelsea's Federal public defender (I'm sorry I didn't get his name) cross-examined a federal agent, Paul Caldwell (agency unknown), based on a sworn affadavit previously submitted to the court. Caldwell testified that a confidential informant (referred to as CS1) had admitted to involvement at the Childer's Meat Company arson, and stated that someone going as "Country Girl" had acted as lookout with a handheld radio. Defense counsel asked Caldwell, "Has the Government made any promises to CS1 in exchange for info?" Caldwell replied that he was "not aware of the specifics". read more >>
A statement from the family of Chelsea Gerlach
A statement of love and support from the family of Chelsea Gerlach, a wrongly accused suspect of eco-vandalism.In these normally joyous days before Christmas, our family has been gripped by the loss of our sister and daughter who has been suddenly and wrongfully incarcerated. We are both disturbed and baffled by the charges brought against her, as well as by the images presented in the press of a radical Chelsea Gerlach hardened by crime and malfeasance. The person we know and love is incapable of such acts and we have absolutely no reason to believe in her criminal involvement in these cases.
Though we have been kept in the dark by a legal system that tells us little about the status of our beloved sister and daughter, we have the utmost confidence that the federal courts will vindicate Chelsea and that these ludicrous charges will be dropped. read more >>
|
Dec 14 2005
|
McGowan Laywer Interviwed on WBAI's Wakeup Call. |
|
Dec 14 2005
|
DIY Park |
The initial PARK(ing) intervention occurred on November 16, 2005 from noon until 2 p.m., without incident or interference from any level of institutional authority. Sort of makes you wonder what else you can do in a parking space . . [Read More]
|
Dec 14 2005
|
“Once Upon a time, they called me a Terrorist too” says three former Black Panthers |
|
Dec 14 2005
|
A People's History of UC Weapons Lab Management |
Over the past several decades students and faculty of the University of California, often in tandem with nuclear disarmament NGOs in California and New Mexico, have conducted a series of campaigns to end the UC's involvement in nuclear weapons research, design, testing, and production at the Los Alamos and Lawrence Livermore laboratories. These campaigns represent an important contribution to the global nuclear abolition movement, which historian Lawrence Wittner has described as "the largest, most dynamic international citizens' movement of modern times." A new, comprehensive resource for information on the University of California's role in the design, research, testing, and production -- every nuclear weapon in the US arsenal was designed by a UC employee! -- is now online. The Web site, ucnuclearfree.org, is intended to give students, faculty, staff, and community members a clearinghouse of information to strengthen their efforts in trying to sever university involvement in the production and maintenance of weapons of mass destruction.
The issue of UC weapons lab management has become especially timely in recent months. Within the next two weeks, the Department of Energy is expected to select a new contractor to "manage" the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), the legendary facility responsible for 80 percent of the nuclear weapons designs in the US arsenal. Once managed exclusively by the University of California, the LANL management contract was put up for a competitive bid this past May.
Two conglomerates are vying for the contract, one led by the University of California and Bechtel Corporation; the other, by the University of Texas and Lockheed Martin.
The other weapons lab managed by the UC, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, will remain under the UC's auspices until at least 2007.
[ A People's History of UC Weapons Lab Mangement ]
see also: DeNuke UC! -- UCSC Students Rally Against Bechtel and Nuclear Proliferation
|
Dec 14 2005
|
New School PhD and others Face Death Penalty in Ethiopia |
|
Dec 14 2005
|
Year-End Reflections / Request for Donations |
We've had some spectacular acheivements. Take a moment to read about what we've done, and why it's time for us to seek a few major grants for much needed capital equipment.
It's time to dream big, folks :)
|
Dec 14 2005
|
My Day with the TWU Local 100 Rallying against the MTA |
|
Dec 14 2005
|
Follow up report: Monday Night’s Protests Against State Execution |
|
Dec 14 2005
|
Protsta Y Vigilia – Fin a la Ocupacion de Irak |
|
Dec 14 2005
|
Bush Admits Gulf of Tonkin was a Mistake but Vietnam War Must Continue |
|
Dec 14 2005
|
Cooper Urged to Support Iraq Exit Strategy |
|
Dec 15 2005
|
Students Denounce Pentagon Surveillance of Counter-Recruitment Activities |
SANTA CRUZ, CA – According to a document obtained by NBC News, the Pentagon has been spying on 1,500 “suspicious incidents,” including anti-war and counter-recruitment meetings and actions throughout the nation over the past 10-month period. Among the first pages of more than 400 released, 10 college anti-war protests were listed, including UC Santa Cruz Students Against War (SAW)’s counter-recruitment protest of April 5, 2005, which was the only one to be labeled both credible and a “threat.”
Despite having dealt with both undercover police and university agents involved in the acts of surveillance and repression, the news came as a little shock to many SAW members, reaffirming long-held beliefs about the nature of the U.S. military. 3rd year student Jen Low noted the hypocrisy of the government’s messaging, reminding us that, "the notion of the Pentagon spying on peaceful protesters is a major threat to the freedoms that they claim to protect."
While the Department of Defense has not commented on the allegations, student activists assert that the rising unpopularity of the Iraq War and the inability of military recruiters to meet their quotas make the counter-recruitment movement a strong candidate for repression by a “homeland security” apparatus run amok.
[ Original MSNBC story ] [ DoD Database of domestic 'threats' (.pdf) ]
Audio: Rockin' the Boat: DoD Spying on Counter-Recruitment Organizers
see also: Pentagon spying at UCSC: Standards for our Country, Standards for Ourselves
from Pittsburgh IMC: POG returns to Oakland Recruiting Station
previous coverage: Wanted - information about under-cop || Rally, Queer Kiss-in Greet Military Recruiters at UCSC || UCSC Students Kick Military Recruiters Off Campus
la-imc coverage: The Pentagon Spied on Anti-war Protest in Hollywood.
sd-imc coverage: We Will Not Be Intimidated By Pentagon Spying | more
|
Dec 15 2005
|
Loud and Clear a Big Success! Storm Watch! Support MWC in the holiday Season |
|
Dec 15 2005
|
Wakeup Call Interview with Tookie Williams |
|
Dec 15 2005
|
Human Rights Day action in Ithaca in solidarity with Witness against torture. |
|
Dec 15 2005
|
Iraq: Make or Break in 2006 |
|
Dec 15 2005
|
Texans Fight for Human Rights |
On December 10, International Human Rights Day, North Texans assembled Wal-Mart on I-30 at the St Francis exit in East Dallas. Teamsters from mighty Local 745 constituted about half of the crowd of 150, which strung out along the freeway access road for in a line more than 3 city blocks. ...
|
Dec 15 2005
|
Louise Arbour Speaks about International Justice |
|
Dec 15 2005
|
The Pentagon Spied on Anti-war Protest in Hollywood. |
The news comes as no surprise to long time anti-war activists, but it is still disturbing. It is thought by many pentagon observers to be just a small part of a much larger program of spying by government agencies on US citizens. This anti-war march in Hollywood was widely reported on this site as a peaceful exercise of the constitutional right to free speech and the right to peaceably assemble. It is not clear why the military would consider this peaceful protest a threat to any of its facilities. From the newswire: Repost of NBC News story on Pentagon spying -|- Pentagon spying on Americans?
AUDIO: Anti-war Activist Ian Thompson on Pentagon Spying -|- AUDIO: Jim Lafferty of the National Lawyers Guild on Pentagon Spying
|
Dec 15 2005
|
Stadium Speakout Reportback 12-15-05 | Contact the Council ASAP |
|
Dec 16 2005
|
Rod Coronado and Matt Crozier Found Guilty |
Felony conspiracy to interfere with or injure a government official (max 7 years)
Misdemeanor interference with or injury to a forest officer (max 6 months)
Misdemeanor depredation (theft or destruction or the attempt to do so) of government property (max 1 year).
Remember, all three charges relate to an Earth First! campaign to prevent mountain lions from being captured or killed by hunters in Tucson, Arizona in March 2004. For details about the trial, including the way the prosecution alleged that using the media as part of a campaign now constitutes conspiracy and intimidation, visit www.azef.org (newest updates will be posted in the next day or two). In the next few weeks, we will release a statement about the political ramifications of this trial and what it means for direct-action organizers around the country.
|
Dec 16 2005
|
First 2 days of action against the WTO in Hong Kong |
read more >>
Collection of 20 videos from WTO Hong Kong available on indytorrents.org
I packaged up the videos currently available from http://swtop.blogspot.com covering the first couple of days of WTO protests in Hong Kong as well as some of the events before hand. This includes video from the "No WTO : Stop Collusion between Government & Business" Rally, the "Stop WTO! Mourn for the Dealth!" Action, an interview about the police raid of the Indonesian Migrant Worker's Union (IMWU), video of Korean farmers and their shrine to Lee Kyung-hae, activists entering the conference center, and of course video of police violence (riot porn, though pretty tame by US standards).read more >>
NO WTO, Teach-in this Saturday in Portland
Please join over 15 local labor, environmental, and community organizations for a teach-in:Saturday, December 17
10 am-4 pm
Koinonia House (633 SW Montgomery, Portland).
read more >>
|
Dec 16 2005
|
Senator James Inhofe: Top Terrorist Threat to Planet Earth |
|
Dec 16 2005
|
Federal Judge Orders State to Provide Health Care Plan for Tennessee's Children |
|
Dec 16 2005
|
South Florida Jobs with Justice campaign director arrested at local Walmart Protest |
|
Dec 16 2005
|
Boise Neighborhood Association Monthly Meeting receives huge turnout |
As the legend goes, the BNA has faced meetings of ten people or less, just within the past year. Over the last several months, attendance has steadily increased bringing us to the totals that we saw at the December meeting. This meeting brought out folks who have just moved to Boise, folks who have lived their entire lives here, people who swore they would never attend another neighborhood meeting, and people who just found out that the BNA exists. Not to mention, the people who have faithfully attended meetings month after month, without fail. The response from BNA Board members: "We want more!"
|
Dec 16 2005
|
Hookers, Hoopla, Handshakes and Handouts: Annual 'Pigsylvania Society' Rages On |
|
Dec 16 2005
|
House Moves to Banish Undocumented Migrants and Build 700 mile border fence! |
Associated Press
Democracy Now! story
The House agreed to build a fence along the U.S.-Mexican border to shut down "illegal immigration", but continued to wrangle over whether a guest worker program is needed.
|
Dec 16 2005
|
Virginia activist among protestors at Guantanamo Bay |
|
Dec 16 2005
|
Workshop on Alternatives to Military Service |
|
Dec 16 2005
|
Arnold Schwarzenegger has blood on his hands |
|
Dec 16 2005
|
Rising Temperatures and Hurricanes Break Records in 2005 |
|
Dec 16 2005
|
Indict Bush and Friends on War Crimes |
|
Dec 16 2005
|
Wisconsin Registry of Sex Offenders Now Contains Residence Addresses - Fair or Unfair? |
|
Dec 16 2005
|
Building Community Through Technology |
Another new feature of San Diego Indymedia is our blogwire, in the right column where the newswire goes. This is still in development, so it may behave strangely, but it seems pretty ready to use. We're collecting a list of radical, progressive and generally lefty bloggers in San Diego and aggregating them onto our site. If you'd like your blog added, first see our blogwire policy and then email us.
|
Dec 16 2005
|
Stanley Tookie Williams' Memorial Service |
The memorial service for Stanley Tookie Williams will take place Tuesday, December 20, 2005 at 12 noon. The service will take place at Bethel A.M.E. located at 7900 South Western Avenue in Los Angeles. The service will be open to the public, but seating is limited.Participants will include: Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., Bruce Gordon of the NAACP, Minister Louis Farrakhan of the Nation of Islam, recording artist Snoop Dogg, human rights advocate Bianca Jagger, Williams' long time advocate and friend Barbara Becnel, Jamie Foxx.
|
Dec 17 2005
|
Come out to these radical events this Weekend! |
|
Dec 17 2005
|
Green Party’s Kevin Zeese Has New Approach |
|
Dec 17 2005
|
MTA-TWU Talks At A Standstill |
Meanwhile, as the Wonkster writes over at the Gotham Gazette:
"If there is a full-fledged transit strike, many will blame the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s handling of its surplus and its using some of the money to fund holiday discounts-- complete with television ads showing Santa on the subway." [What YOU Can Do If There's A Strike || Transit Workers Need a Decent Contract || Interview with TWU Local 100 Pres. Roger Toussaint || My Day With The TWU
|
Dec 17 2005
|
Teamsters Raid On IWW Drive Fails |
|
Dec 17 2005
|
'Sex Worker': Tales of a Hotel Dick (Part One) |
|
Dec 17 2005
|
Katrina's Aftermath: The Catastrophe Continues |
Katrina was not a natural disaster; it was and still is a social disaster. Katrina and its aftermath is the market at work for you. In the same period another disaster is taking place, the destruction of workers' living standards, retirement benefits and health care. United Airlines, Delphi, GM, the last vestiges of the gains made during the 1930's are being destroyed as the US capitalist class seeks its goal of "Full Spectrum Dominance", the right of capital to go anywhere and do what it likes, unhindered by any form of regulation and Unions. The vicious attacks on workers at GM and Delphi are not new by any means, but they are an indication of the increased confidence of the employers and their politicians, going after this section of the working class with such venom. Why shouldn't they? The Union leaders will not resist and the two political parties will assist them. | read more >> Related: End Corporate Personhood Action Group to meet January 17th
Common Ground collective reports: No account of what is occurring here can be given without a brief review of the stunning reality on the ground. The scale and scope of the destruction is really not possible to grasp if you have not driven the streets here. There are over a hundred thousand cars that will never drive again that have yet to be moved-they are in all manner of disarray- on curbs, upside down, in front lawns and perhaps most eerily- parked right where they were left when their drivers suddenly fled more than 3 months ago. There are currently 1.3 million households from the Gulf Coast still residing elsewhere. Bodies are still found every day. Vast areas sit festering, powerlines strewn across streets, trees sliced right through houses, two story homes crushed to the height of their front door. Tens of thousands of homes are filled with rotting furniture, warped floors and swollen drywall. | read more >>
|
Dec 17 2005
|
Mass protests meet WTO in Hong Kong |
Conferences, cultural events, mass mobilizations, and direct actions are being planned for the dates between December 11th and 18th. Organizations that are mobilizing to protest the WTO meeting and corporate globalization, and to present alternative proposals, include peasants and small farmers from the Philippines, Indonesia, Taiwan, Thailand, and Korea. Events: A new media and social transformation conference and workshop will take place in early December. Global Exchange will bring a delegation/reality tour to Hong Kong and parts of China in December.
>>> Latest news: (and more from outside and inside the WTO negotiations).
Saturday December 17th:
(i) Pakistan's Commerce Minister and facilitator Humayun Akhtar Khan has stated "no breakdowns or breakthroughs" had occurred during the WTO talks, although with news circulating that no new agreement may be signed, the International League of Peoples' Struggle (ILPS) are now preparing for a "celebratory mass action" tomorrow.
(ii) Big protests are expected, reports say people are confronted with a large police presence. The police are using a lot of pepperspray to try and disperse people.
(iii) Hong Kong Police stopped the protest from approaching the conference center. Teargas and rubber-bullets are used. Some of the protesters are injured. 900 people are besieged in Wanchai near the conference center. Some protestors are charging police lines using metal barricades. No-one has been arrested so far.
(iv) It has been reported that hundreds of protesters from South Korean farmers' groups, have managed to brake through police lines, although were prevented from actually getting inside. Fifty riot police rushed inside the building. They are not allowing anyone out. Smoke could be seen rising from an area near the convention center and policemen could be seen preparing to use tear gas. Read article.
(v) Hong Kong has today been the scene of some very serious clashes between protesters and police. Forty-one people are reported to have been injured in the clashes, five of them police.
Latest video's can be seen here (click on 'live cast'). There is also a live stream.
Photo:
13th: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7
14th: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
15th: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6
16th: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5
Also: Photo collage | Image Pool | View Slideshow
Video: Protests on the 15th: 1 | 2 | 3 | Protesters enter conference centre [download].
Video websites: 1 | 2 | 3 | videoblog
Audio: G-20 Challenges WTO in Official Meeting | Hong Kong New Media and Social Transformation Conference | WTO and biodiversity: interview with Simone Lovera (Friends of the Earth) | Openings speech by Pascal Lamy, Director General of the WTO
Radio: People's Radio Hong Kong | Media Culture Action | Real World Radio | Forum de Radios | Another broadcast
Solidarity actions: Paris | Reading | Germany | Portland (US) | New Delhi | Lahore, Pakistan | Online demonstration | New Zealand
From UK Indymedia newswire: Migrant Workers Strike against Poverty Wages and WTO | Inspiring photos from the WTO summit in Hong Kong | Fisherfolks Murdered By Drowning, Suspect 6th WTO | pics from the WTO Hong Kong | Insurgent Zombies Occupy Paris Supermarket in WTO Protest | NO-WTO: DEMO SAT 17TH DEC, READING | WTO Protests - You Cannot Speak If You Wear Too Little | WTO - HK05 - Images of Resistance | WTO Protests in Hong Kong - Day One report | Report on the WTO Conference Day One Protect Actions | A list of sites with news on the WTO protests. (with links) | anti wto HK site | Philipinos protest WTO | KONG YEE SAI MAU! - Protest against the WTO! | Peaceful direct action violently oppressed by HK media | Free Trade Endangers Jobs Worldwide
Dispatches from Hong Kong
Dispatch 1: As The Tide Rushes In: Four Days Before the WTO in Hong Kong
Dispatch 2: Raids Target Migrant Workers as WTO Summit Nears
Dispatch 3: WTO 6, Day 1: Just The Beginning
Dispatch 4: WTO MC6, Day 2: Face-Off at the Barricades, Stand-Off at the Summit
Dispatch 5: Celebrating Resistance Art and Culture at the Peoples Camp
Dispatch 6: Hear the Silent Majority Speak!
Dispatch 7: "Toxic Hotspot" - Kerala Activist Challenges Industrial Pollution Exacerbated by Intensive Globalisation and WTO
Dispatch 8: Low Wage Workers and Migrants Lead Opposition to GATS and Imperialism
Dispatch 9: Farmers Procession Sways Hearts and Minds at WTO Protests in Hong Kong
Dispatch 10: Hong Kongers hunger strike in support of Korean farmers against the WTO
Dispatch 11: Respect the Rights and Dignity of Our People!
Dispatch 12: WTO Indicted for Crimes Against Humanity at Rural Peoples Tribunal
Dispatch 13: WTO Out of Agriculture !
Dispatch 14: WTO MC6, Hong Kong, Day 4: "We're Hungry. We're Angry."
Dispatch 15: Agricultural Workers of the World Unite!
View more dispatches here.
More links: No WTO Hong Kong Wiki | People's caravan aims for WTO and Hong Kong | Direct Action Against the WTO | Go Media (videos) | People's Radio Hong Kong | Indymedia.org article | Stop the New Round Coalition | Hong Kong People's Alliance on WTO | Transnational Institute: Beyond the WTO | Global Exchange's WTO Page | International Forum on Globalization | Peoples Global Action | Global Issues article | SEATINI - WTO and Africa | Media Culture Action (South Korea) | Stop WTO Video Blog | Hong Kong Independent Media | Vatican Releases Guidelines for WTO Summit
read more >>
|
Dec 18 2005
|
Top Five I Got Arrested This Advent Season |
|
Dec 18 2005
|
Controversial Day Labor Center Opens in Herndon |
|
Dec 18 2005
|
Citizens inspection shuts down US Spy base at Pine Gap, Central Australia |
|
Dec 18 2005
|
A.N.S.W.E.R. Responds to UFPJ: Our Position on Unity in the AntiWar Movement |
|
Dec 18 2005
|
Book Review: "Conquest: Sexual Violence and American Indian Genocide" |
|
Dec 18 2005
|
Parliamentary Elections In Iraq |
Read More On Indybay's Iraq and International Pages
|
Dec 18 2005
|
Video Made by SFPD Officers Shocks the Nation |
Read More On Indybay's Police and City Of San Francisco Pages
|
Dec 18 2005
|
Men vs. Women or Love vs. Materialism? |
|
Dec 19 2005
|
KARL ROVE AND THE GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT |
|
Dec 19 2005
|
Cop threatens to arrest a citizen who calls him an asshole |
|
Dec 19 2005
|
Mass protests meet WTO in Hong Kong |
The 6th Ministerial Conference of the WTO is taking place from December 13th through 18th in Hong Kong. Negotiations have been continuing on key controversial issues such as agriculture, services, and market access for industrial goods and natural resources. The meeting will shape the final agreement of the Doha Development Agenda, which members hope to complete next year.
Conferences, cultural events, mass mobilizations, and direct actions are being planned for the dates between December 11th and 18th. Organizations that are mobilizing to protest the WTO meeting and corporate globalization, and to present alternative proposals, include peasants and small farmers from the Philippines, Indonesia, Taiwan, Thailand, and Korea. Events: A new media and social transformation conference and workshop will take place in early December. Global Exchange will bring a delegation/reality tour to Hong Kong and parts of China in December.
>>> Latest news: (and more from outside and inside the WTO negotiations).
Photo:
13th: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7
14th: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
15th: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6
16th: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5
17th: 1 | 2 | 3
Also: Photo collage | Image Pool | View Slideshow
Video: Protests on the 15th: 1 | 2 | 3 | Protesters enter conference centre [download].
Video websites: 1 | 2 | 3 | videoblog
Audio: G-20 Challenges WTO in Official Meeting | Hong Kong New Media and Social Transformation Conference | WTO and biodiversity: interview with Simone Lovera (Friends of the Earth) | Openings speech by Pascal Lamy, Director General of the WTO
Radio: People's Radio Hong Kong | Media Culture Action | Real World Radio | Forum de Radios | Another broadcast
Solidarity actions: Paris | Reading (Read report) | Germany (Berlin) | Portland (US) | New Delhi | Lahore, Pakistan | Online demonstration | New Zealand
From UK Indymedia newswire: Police brutality and inhumane treatment of prisoners at WTO summit in Hong Kong | NO-WTO! REPORT OF READING SOLIDARITY DEMO | Migrant Workers Strike against Poverty Wages and WTO | Inspiring photos from the WTO summit in Hong Kong | Fisherfolks Murdered By Drowning, Suspect 6th WTO | pics from the WTO Hong Kong | Insurgent Zombies Occupy Paris Supermarket in WTO Protest | NO-WTO: DEMO SAT 17TH DEC, READING | WTO Protests – You Cannot Speak If You Wear Too Little | WTO - HK05 - Images of Resistance | WTO Protests in Hong Kong - Day One report | Report on the WTO Conference Day One Protect Actions | A list of sites with news on the WTO protests. (with links) | anti wto HK site | Philipinos protest WTO | KONG YEE SAI MAU! - Protest against the WTO! | Peaceful direct action violently oppressed by HK media | Free Trade Endangers Jobs Worldwide
More articles: Lamy's "Development Package" Lies Unfurled | Its Always Christmas for the Big Service Corporations! | Asia Pacific Peasant Women Denounce the WTO | A Swimming Lesson from the Koreans | Aid for Trade : Poor Washing Abounds at the Sixth WTO Ministerial in Hong Kong
Continue Reading for more Photos and Dispatches
|
Dec 19 2005
|
'Sex Worker': Tales of a Hotel Dick |
|
Dec 19 2005
|
America's dirty secret 6 Million companion animals / pets murdered every year |
|
Dec 19 2005
|
Secret Footage Focus of Monday Hearing in Treesit Lawsuit |
The battle over footage shot by hidden cameras mounted on the helmets of treesit Extractors during the evictions of more than a dozen tree-top activists will take center stage at Monday's hearing. The court ruled in October that Extractor Eric Schatz should turn over copies of the controversial footage to Jen "Remedy" Card, who is one of five former treesitters suing Pacific Lumber and Schatz over the extractions.
The treesitters recently added a claim for Invasion of Privacy based on the secretly-recorded footage.
Schatz was ordered by Judge Quentin L. Kopp to produce the footage to Card by November 18, 2005, but Schatz refuses. Recent documents filed with the court by his attorney, Brian C. Carter, say that Schatz would rather "serve time in jail - for contempt - than turn over the videos as the court has ordered."
|
Dec 19 2005
|
Rep. Delahunt co-sponsors "Medicare for All" bill (HR 676) |
|
Dec 19 2005
|
Amnesty International's Florida State Conference |
|
Dec 19 2005
|
Negotiations Stalled, City Prepares for Strike |
Negotiations over a new contract between the Metropolitan Transit Authority and the Transport Workers Union Local 100 have been tense. The MTA has entrenched around demands for givebacks, while the TWU have stood militant against them.
So far, the most contentious of these giveback demands have been those regarding the benefits of new workers, with new hires having a raised retirement age and assuming a greater burden for healthcare and pensions. The TWU's president, Roger Toussaint, has declared that such a deal is unacceptable and compared it to "sacrificing the young.
|
Dec 20 2005
|
We Will Not Be Intimidated By Pentagon Spying |
|
Dec 20 2005
|
Pentagon Keeps Database on DC Protestors |
|
Dec 20 2005
|
TWU Workers Make Last Stand at Pataki's Office Just Hours Before Strike Deadline |
|
Dec 20 2005
|
Mayor asks Cropp to DELAY baseball vote in face of sure defeat |
|
Dec 20 2005
|
The Political Agenda Of Capitalism |
After a breakfast supplied by the sponsors of the event, attendees were able to choose from a range of three workshops: the Basics of International Trade and Neo Liberalism; Immigrant Rights in a Liberal World; and Labor and the Corporate Agenda. This was the first of three sets of workshops being offered throughout the day, providing our community an opportunity to gather information and participate in discussions on a wide range of topics concerning global and local economics.
|
Dec 20 2005
|
Democracy in Action: Binghamton Cable Contract Passes with Concessions Won by Citizen Activists |
Councilman John Cordisco proved the lone pariah.
|
Dec 20 2005
|
Christmas or is it Consumer-mas? |
As a result of who I look like, who I am, and the fact I've been mistaken for this jolly old gift-giver for so long I believe I'm entitled to share my philosophy regarding Santa Claus and what that figure really represents in industrialized societies. I think I know more about Santa's philosophy than most. I believe the Santa whose lap you allow your children to sit on hasn't got the faintest idea of what he really represents.
What Mr. Consumer Santa has to peddle is a lie. | read more >>
Poor Kids and Guilt at Christmas
Due to my father's higher class level than mine and my mom's, the guilt was really horrible as a kid. For instance, my dad would not help me get a present for my mom. He did not want me giving anything to my mom, ever. He kept books and shoes and clothing at his house for me, and I literally shed my old self on the weekends for him. But since I always had to be sent home to destitute poverty and hunger at the end of every weekend, I always knew I had to put my "poor" clothes back on to go home, and I felt awkward at the places we went with the kids who lived in those worlds 24/7.After the weekend with dad, I felt bad, as a child, bringing home leftovers from big food feasts to my mom's empty home and hungry belly. I felt icky bringing home nice presents my mom could never afford to get me as a kid, always coming from my dad. If he had paid his court-ordered child support, my mom, herself, could have bought me food and presents, but instead, all funneled through him, which made my mom very bitter. Christmas has always had huge guilt issues around class for me. | read more >>
Nation's Biggest Tree Killer | anarchist christmas carols | JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
|
Dec 20 2005
|
International Human Rights Organization Opposes HR4437 |
|
Dec 20 2005
|
New Meeting Site for Broome County Peace Action |
|
Dec 20 2005
|
Hundreds Rally Outside Oakland School District Office to Denounce Union-Busting |
Read More On Indybay's Education and East Bay Pages
|
Dec 20 2005
|
Death Penalty Moratorium Bill Faces January Vote |
Read More On Indybay's Police State and California Pages
|
Dec 20 2005
|
Haiti's Upcoming Elections |
Read More On Indybay's Haiti and International Pages
|
Dec 20 2005
|
VOICE OF THE VOICELESS - Between God and the State |
|
Dec 20 2005
|
Last Night Critical Needs |
1) Art & Revolution's Giant Puppets needs fifteen people to operate them. 2) The Trash Orchestra has more instruments than people to play them. We need ten more trash orchestra players (no previous percussion marching band experience necessary). 3) We need your help along with a half dozen people making Last Night banners. 4) We need a dozen people in the parade's Sweeping Tail to clean up after the parade. 5) We need two experienced people to serve as police liaison. 6) We need an experienced group for safety and security. 7) We need lawyers and legal support. 8) If you are an experienced videographer, we need you to document the parade. 9) We need still photographers to document the parade.
Check out this list of 7 ways you can get involved.
What Is This?
As opposed to the city sponsored First Night, Last Night is a decentralized, collective, spontaneous, open, public New Year's Eve celebration.
DIY stands for do-it-yourself. And that is what we are doing. A little bit of planning, a little bit of work, some getting together. This is our celebration that you and I make happen. This is not a paid gig, not something organized or well-planned. It's a people's event. We are doing this just for the love of it.
The latin root of the word amateur means to love (as in te amo or mi amor). So an amateur is one who does something for the love of it. And in that sense, we are all amateurs here. Let downtown be filled with music and dancing as we ring in the new year!
see also: Last Night Peace Walk || Call for CRITICAL MASS style bike ride in the Last Night Santa Cruz DIY Parade
|
Dec 20 2005
|
Ayotte v. Planned Parenthood: A Matter of Women's Health |
|
Dec 20 2005
|
Complete Coverage of the NYC Transit Strike |
Features: STRIKE! (12/20) || TWU Workers Make Last Stand at Pataki's Office (12/19) || Talks At a Standstill (12/17) || My Day With The TWU (12/14)
From the Newswire: Bike Commute Group Ride This Evening (12/20) || New York Rising, and Going Back to Bed (12/20) || New York City Transit Workers Defy Threats (12/20) || Support the Strike (12/20) || Pix (12/20) || The Right to Strike?? || Prez of TWU Int'l
From the Blogwire: NYC Has Been Shut Down (To the Barricades, 12/20) || Strike? (Hip Hop Music, 12/20) || Strike! (jpreardon, 12/20) ||Transit Strike Reminiscence (No Land Grab, 12/20) || Nerd Solidarity with TWU (Nerds for GSOC, 12/20) || TWU Strike? Ride a Bike (Bikeblog, 12/20) || Support the Strike! (Counterhegemonic, 12/20)
|
Dec 21 2005
|
Community Gathers to Defend Hope Net from DEA Agents |
Update: DEA agents return after dark, ransack HopeNet dispensaryDec 20th, 2005: At 6:30 AM, DEA agents raided the house of the directors of HopeNet, one of San Francisco's most respected medical marijuana dispensaries. 122 plants were confiscated but there were no arrests. Later in the morning DEA vans parked in front of the dispensary itself, awaiting a search warrant. As the DEA waited, over 75 patients rallied in front of HopeNet. A press conference was held at 1:00pm. Sup. Chris Daly addressed the crowd, remarking that HopeNet was one of the most highly regarded dispensaries in the city.
Photos | Report Read More On Indybay's Drug War and San Francisco Pages
|
Dec 21 2005
|
The new technology at the root of the NSA wiretap scandal |
|
Dec 21 2005
|
The right to strike, and equal protection under law |
|
Dec 21 2005
|
Ship Breaking on the Oregon Coast? |
Bay Bridge Enterprises, based in Virginia, wants to build a ship-breaking facility to cut apart old military ships for recycling. A 59-vessel fleet of them is rusting in Suisun Bay near Benicia, Calif. Bay Bridge wants to tow these vessels up to Oregon for dismantling.
If dioxins, metals or other harmful substances are released into Yaquina Bay, the fear is they would cause outright damage to the bay, or concentrate up the food chain. These ships contain: polychlorinated biphenyls (cancer-causing PCBs), lead/chromate paint, oils, waste fuel, mercury, lead, cadmium, benzene, and asbestos that could affect bay life, including crabs, birds, oysters, commercial and sport fisheries, and HUMANS.
|
Dec 21 2005
|
Target Protest |
Once upon a time the Target Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Target Corporation, gave grants to Planned Parenthood for educational purposes, some $18,000 per year according to the conservative WorldNetDaily. Only the Minnesota branch of Planned Parenthood ever received any money, however the Target Foundation stopped these funds, earmarked for HIV and AIDS prevention, in 2001. Target officials stated a desire to remain neutral on the highly charged issue of abortion in their decision. However Target has taken a stand on emergency contraception. In a media statement dated November 10th, 2005 Target said: “In the rare event that a pharmacist’s beliefs conflict with filling a guest’s prescription for the emergency contraceptive Plan B, our policy requires our pharmacists to take responsibility for ensuring that the guest’s prescription is filled in a timely and respectful manner, either by another Target pharmacist or a different pharmacy. The emergency contraceptive Plan B is the only medication for which this policy applies.”
[Read the full article]
Austin IMC: Texas Legislature cuts funding to Planned Parenthood
|
Dec 21 2005
|
Court Report: Chelsea Gerlach Arraigned on New Charges |
The US attorney gleefully announced that Chelsea was facing 290 years in federal detention if convicted, when Chelsea's lawyer asked for another detention hearing to have Chelsea released on bail pending trial... Her lawyer asserted that the only evidence the Government has brought forth appears to be the testimony of confidential informants.
Court Report: Kevin Tubbs Arraigned on Romania Checrolet Charges
In Federal Magistrate Thomas Coffin's courtroom today, Kevin Tubbs was arraigned on 36 new charges related to the March 30th, 2001, arson at Romania Chevrolet in Eugene. He is being charged separately for each of the 35 vehicles destroyed, and faces a mandatory minimum sentence for each vehicle of 5 years, with the maximum penalty being 20 years PER VEHICLE. In addition, he is being charged with an Enhancement for the use of an "incendiary bomb" which carries a mandatory minimum sentence under Oregon's Measure 11 sentencing rules of 30 years.There will be a detention hearing for Kevin on January 3rd at 1:30 in the Federal Courthouse. Kevin's attorney will argue for his release pending trial.
|
Dec 21 2005
|
BAWC Press Release, Wed. 5pm Press Conference, West Palm Beach |
|
Dec 21 2005
|
Kong Yee Sai Mau: The Battle of Hong Kong |
We have heard reports that as many as 900 have been arrested or detained and we just got a cell call from an activist still surrounded in the streets who was had been warned that the police will start to use rubber bullets. Riot police have not been seen en masse on the streets of Hong Kong for some 20 years, and this city will never be the same after tonight.
Stop the WTO Negotiations! Save Jobs!
After ten years under the WTO, unemployment has increased everywhere in the world. The quality of present employment has often fallen. Dirty, dangerous and degrading works have become more common. Many of these jobs are precarious. More and more persons are actually forced into the informal, unprotected and unregulated economy from the formal economy, the destroyed livelihoods of small farmers and subsistence agriculture. In transnational businesses, many employees increasingly find themselves in precarious relations to the businesses for which they produce and no longer work. Their relation is determined by accident.|
Dec 21 2005
|
A Real "People's Strike"? |
Transit Strike in NYC!
I remember sitting in meetings over the past several years talking bout how 'we were going to shut down the city' or how we were going to build support for a 'peoples strike'. Well, all of a sudden we find ourselves (those who live in NYC) we find ourselves in a place where workers have literally shut down major parts of (arguably) the worlds most important city. [Read More]
|
Dec 21 2005
|
Eighty Years after the Monkey Trial: Why It Still Matters |
|
Dec 21 2005
|
Protests Demand "Ceverha Resign" |
|
Dec 21 2005
|
New York City Transit Workers Go on Strike in Spite of Legal Threats |
Read More On Indybay's Labor and US Pages
|
Dec 21 2005
|
In 1918, a Scab Motorman Caused Worst Wreck in Subway History |
On Nov. 1, 1918, ten days before the end of World War I, motormen of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers went on strike against the Brooklyn Rapid Transit Company, the forerunner of the BMT. BRT officials decided to keep the trains running, using nonstriking workers to drive them.
|
Dec 21 2005
|
1,000's attend memorial services for Stan Tookie Wiliams. |
The Bethel AME Church was packed to overflowing today, a large video screen was set up outside to handle the overflow crowd. Three blocks of Western Avenue was block off and filled with over a 1,000 people, many of whom waited in line for over four hours to pay their respects.Inside speakers included the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., Bruce Gordon of the NAACP, Minister Louis Farrakhan of the Nation of Islam, recording artist Snoop Dogg, human rights advocate Bianca Jagger and closed with a speech by Tookie’s son. The services were intensely passionate, part solemn, part outrage. But mostly it was a celebration of Williams life and his redemption.
From the Newswire: 1,000’s attend memorial services for Stan Tookie Wiliams. || VIDEO: Excessive police presence at Williams service. Audio: MP3: Snoop Dogg - Poem for Tookie || MP3: Interview with K-tone on the execution. || MP3: Rev. Jesse Jackson speech at the Memorial Services for Stan Tookie Williams.
|
Dec 21 2005
|
Complete Coverage of the NYC Transit Strike, Day 2 |
Over the coming days, NYC Indymedia will be providing complete coverage of the TWU Local 100 transit strike. Please share your stories with us. Audio: Wakeupcall || Democracy Now: Stanley Aronowitz vs the Manhattan Institute
Features: A Real "People's Strike"? (12/21) || In 1918, a Scab Motorman Caused Worst Wreck in Subway History (12/21) || STRIKE! (12/20) || TWU Workers Make Last Stand at Pataki's Office (12/19) || Talks At a Standstill (12/17) || My Day With The TWU (12/14)
From the Newswire: A Question For TWU (12/21) || The Taylor Law (12/21) || NYTimes: MTA Went to War With TWU to Save Only $20M Over 3 Years (12/21) || RTW Stike Bulletin (12/21) 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 || Determination and High Morale (12/21) || Ad Hoc TWU Work Group of the New York Metro Alliance of Anarchists Solidarity Action (12/21) || "Their fight is our fight" - Support the TWU (12/21) || Jail for TWU? (12/21) || Judge Theodore Jones threatens to imprison transit union leaders-and some COUNTERMEASURES (12/21) || Emergency Critical Mass in Transit Worker Union Solidarity? (12/21)
From the Blogwire: Blame the MTA (12/21) || Support the TWU (No Land Grab, 12/21) || Oh what fun it is to Ride...when there's a transit strike (Bike Blog, 12/21) || Transit Strike, NYC: Beyond the Nickel and Dime, Transit Strike Is Our Strike (Red Flags, 12/21)
|
Dec 21 2005
|
Big Brother Bush and the NSA Spying on Domestic Groups |
|
Dec 21 2005
|
New Issue of Indy Kids Now Out |
|
Dec 22 2005
|
Weekly Newsletter: Dec. 21-27 |
- Wed: Indymedia General meeting
- Fri: Film Screening, ACLU's "Busted"
If you'd like to see your group's event listed here, please send info to 'announce@binghamtonimc.org'
|
Dec 22 2005
|
Beyond the Nickel and Dime: Transit Strike Is Our Strike |
To read the full analysis with embedded links to background information, see Red Flags:
http://burning.typepad.com/burningman/2005/12/transit_strike_.html
|
Dec 22 2005
|
A Christmas Greeting to Bush/Cheney and Sen. Smith |
Here is a good time to tell you a story about denial:
A woman was cleaning her daughter's room and found some birth control pills; she confronted her daughter with the evidence. "Tell me!" said the mother, "These are not your pills." The daughter replied, "Mom, my name is on the pill holder, and they are filled by prescription, they are my pills." "Tell me that these pills do not belong to you," said the mother again. The daughter gave up and said, "OK, they are not mine, mom. The mother put down the pills and said, "Make sure you return the pills to their owner and we will not talk about this again."
In this short true story, the mother got what she needed; a way to deny the evidence and continue on her make believe road. She was happy and safe from the reality that her young daughter was having sex. To understand why 40-50% of Americans still support this criminal administration re-read the story.
|
Dec 22 2005
|
Audio program with interview from NYC |
Last night's TrashTalk featured a 10 minute phone call with a Brooklyn, NY resident affected by the TWU strike.
TrashTalk is a weekly one hour web radio show on Tuesday nights from 9-10pm pst. The focus of last nights show was work, working and trash. The 10 minute phone call happens around the midway point of the show. We also read articles about the transit strike and talk about getting free stuff at work. Enjoy!
listen | contribute >>
|
Dec 22 2005
|
Activists complete weekend of anti-prison actions |
|
Dec 22 2005
|
The NYC transit strike: why can't it happen here, or can it? |
|
Dec 22 2005
|
Transit Workers Take Control |
|
Dec 22 2005
|
Complete Coverage of the NYC Transit Strike, Day 3 |
Over the coming days, NYC Indymedia will be providing complete coverage of the TWU Local 100 transit strike. Please share your stories with us. Photos: Mob Scene at Penn Station || New Yorkers Live Without Public Transit || Photo Essay: NYC Transit Strike
Audio (and Video!): Building Bridges Radio Special || Wakeupcall || Democracy Now: Stanley Aronowitz vs the Manhattan Institute
Features: Transit Workers Take Control (12/22) || Beyond the Nickel and Dime, Transit Strike Is Our Strike (12/21) ||A Real "People's Strike"? (12/21) || In 1918, a Scab Motorman Caused Worst Wreck in Subway History (12/21) || STRIKE! (12/20) || TWU Workers Make Last Stand at Pataki's Office (12/19) || Talks At a Standstill (12/17) || My Day With The TWU (12/14)
From the Newswire: TWU: Blame the Mayor and the Pataki (12/22) || Anti-War Movement Meets the Strike: Troops Out Now Calls a Rally (12/22) || A Strike For Dignity (12/22) || RTW Strike Bulletin #2 (12/22) || New Strike Logistics List (12/22) || Put The Hammer Down on Spitzer (12/22) || General Strike? (12/22) || Petition (12/22)
|
Dec 23 2005
|
New York BoE to Test Unauditable Voting Machines |
The New York State Board of Elections is to start testing a DRE voting machine with no paper trail. This should be unacceptable to voters of all political parties. Test in areas of Pennsylvania and Florida have show these machines are easily hacked.
|
Dec 23 2005
|
PRESCOTT COMMUNITY MOURNS PASSING OF WILLIAM RODGERS |
Statement from the Friends of the Catalyst
We mourn the passing of our dear friend and community member, Bill Rodgers, who worked tirelessly for the causes of social justice and environmental sustainability. We ask that he be remembered as the gentle, kind, and compassionate person we all knew and loved here in Prescott. We remain committed to continuing the work of community building and ecological awareness, through the Catalyst Infoshop, as part of the legacy Bill helped to create. We wish our friend the peace and serenity that he strived so hard to create in this world. This is a great loss for our community. We love you, Bill.
Bill was found dead in a jail cell in Flagstaff early on December 22nd, where he was being held until extradition to Washington state. The Coconino County sheriff's office and medical examiner said that he had committed suicide by placing a plastic bag over his head while he was in his one-person cell.
Bill and his partner, Katie, planted the seed which grew into the Catalyst Infoshop - a bookstore, meeting space and community center in Prescott, Arizona. Bill was also a member of the Arizona Indymedia collective.
- Related Links
- The Catalyst Infoshop
- SupportBill.org
|
Dec 23 2005
|
New Documents Show FBI Spying on Domestic Activist Groups |
One of those documents is an agreement between the San Diego Police Department and the FBI in the creation of the San Diego branch of the Joint Terrorism Task Force. Download pdf here
For More Information:
ACLU Spy Files - California | New York Police Infiltrate Protests, Videotapes Show | Pentagon Surveillance of Counter-Recruitment Protests | We Will Not Be Intimidated By Pentagon Spying
|
Dec 23 2005
|
Updates About People Accused in Eco-Defense Cases |
December 22nd: There have been a number of developments in the cases of the eco-defense defendants who were arrested earlier this month and who face the holidays in prison cells. Daniel Mc Gowan was denied bail based on a conversation that was recorded without his consent. The co-defendant in the charges that he faces is apparently an informant. Bill Rodgers was found dead in an apparent suicide in his cell in Arizona, in spite of the strong support that he had received from his community. A former Animal Liberation Front prisoner has received a subpoena for a grand jury hearing. Read more on Indybay's Environment and Forest Defense, Police and Prisons, and US News Pages
|
Dec 23 2005
|
"Sex Worker": Tales of a Hotel Dick (Part II) |
|
Dec 23 2005
|
The Longest Night of the Year |
Jeff Landry can't remember now whether it was Keith Vann or Tom Potter who said that 127 or 125 cities in America have a memorial every December 21st to hold, to speak, and to honor the names of homeless people who die on the streets each year.
Many more than those whose names we held have died this year, but most agencies—-hospitals, shelters, morgues, and such can't give out information about clients who pass away because of confidentiality and the deceased person's right to privacy. Memory and word of mouth had conjured the few we would speak of tonight. An older man, homeless, said Hooper Detox was a good place for names. He'd once helped them carry out box loads of deceased people's records. "They know whenever one of us dies," he said, as though he considered himself one of the dead already.
|
Dec 23 2005
|
Effect of dams on Rio Klamath's people & salmon |
Since the arrival of European immigrants into California the Klamath River is no longer found in the same condition. At 840 feet at crest, Clear Lake dam was the first salmon blocking dam completed in 1910. The conditions of the slower velocity of the river trapped behind the dam also effect the juvenile salmon's health by raising water temperatures and depleting oxygen content from eutrophication. The process of eutrophication begins with excess nitrogen or other fertilizers entering into slow moving water promoting excess algae growth, the dead algae is decomposed by bacteria that require oxygen. This oxygen is removed from the water by bacteria at the expense of the fish.
|
Dec 23 2005
|
Strike: Winners and Losers? |
|
Dec 23 2005
|
Serving your community in 2006 |
For those seeking to have a greater voice in your communities in 2006, may I suggest that you consider exploring opportunities to serve on city or county boards or commissions.
|
Dec 23 2005
|
Millions More vrs. Sheriff |
Read a full report of the protest | See Photos
|
Dec 23 2005
|
Expecting Couple is Split Up by US Immigration Officers |
Read More On Indybay's Immigrant Rights and San Francisco Pages
|
Dec 23 2005
|
NYPD Spying On Activists |
[Undercover pig uniform this week... || NYPD's latest "Starskys and Hutches" - Undercover scooters! || How to Spot an Undercover Cop || Undercovers || A conversation with an undercover cop]
Now, revelations in this weeks New York Times further expose phony demonstrators and undercover bikers; much of the footage comes from I-Witness video and Democracy Now producer Elizabeth Press.
Also see this San Diego IMC Story: New Documents Show FBI Spying on Domestic Activist Groups
|
Dec 24 2005
|
Anti-War Bike Ride Protest: Jan 8th at Hollywood & Argyle |
|
Dec 24 2005
|
Environmentalist Witch Hunt 2005 |
Plea Bargains: Torture for Confessions
Can torture produce a legitimate confession? The debate is ancient, worldwide and ongoing. Most respected authorities agree that confessions made under duress have serious problems. Basic American contractual law acknowledges the problems therein, and thus contracts must be made with an "arm's length" bargaining, meaning parties must have a somewhat uncohersed negotiating positionality. Yet such standards are lost on the accused in America's courtrooms... | read more >>"American Taliban" Vs. "Eco-Terrorist" Sentencing Guidelines
Sentencing in American courts needs some accountability. John Walker Lindh, found hiding with Taliban in fight against US troops in Afghanistan which killed one CIA agent: 20 years. Yaser Hamdi, under similar circumstances: 3 years. Jeff Luers accused of arson on 3 SUVs in Eugene: 20 years. The Green River Murderer confesses to torturing, raping and killing over 40 women: Life in Prison. Threatened sentence on accused environmental activists arrested this week: Life. | read more >>Spying Techniques 101
All this talk about the U.S. government spying on Americans, secret CIA prisons, informants, etc., has me thinking people need to know more about spying. Spying is actually a licensed industry. I did private detective work in the late 1990's-2000, and it was an eye opening experience. I learned if you feel you are being followed, SLOW DOWN. It is almost impossible to follow a car going noticeably slow without raising suspicion... | read more >>|
Dec 24 2005
|
O2 NOLA Common Ground: Dispatch #5 |
Mardi Gras is a point of heavy contention- with many residents and community leaders expressing that it is a slap in the face for the city to throw a party when hundreds of thousands of New Orleans natives don't even have homes to return to. They feel it sends the wrong message to the rest of the country that New Orleans is OK and open for business- and more so, displays an insulting set of misplaced priorities on the part of the City Mardi Gras 2006 is scheduled for February 28
I encourage everyone to pay attention to this situation as it develops and realize this is not a regional issue to the South, or a one time disaster that will fade in relevance as time passes. This is an ongoing event of primary importance that will ripple through our future as a watershed moment in history. One way or another, what happens here will help shape the future of our world. How it does so is up to us
The situation here is extraordinarily complex, convoluted and
confounding
|
Dec 24 2005
|
Local Man Returns from ICE Detention and Tells of Horrors He Witnessed |
Kim Singh, the Executive Director of the Asian American Public Policy Institute, says, "I bring this to you after being in INS detention for 2 months. I was detained by INS (now called the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement) for no specific reason and was slated for deportation to India. While in INS custody I met with other detainees who have been in INS detention for period ranging from a few years to one Sikh detainee who has been in INS limbo for 9 years being shunted form one INS facility to another.... I managed to get released, because I am reasonably articulate and know my rights. I was raising hell when in illegal detention!" Read more on Indybay's Immigrant Rights News Page
|
Dec 24 2005
|
Court Reports: Daniel McGowan and Chelsea Gerlach |
Chelsea's lawyer presented arguments in favor of her release following the motion filed Wednesday. Her lawyer argued that Chelsea should be released and asked that the judge evaluate the motives of the two named informants that appear to be all the Gov has as evidence. He said, "The government has jumped in bed with a man who faces life, who is now loose in the community, who has admitted to setting at least three and maybe a fourth fire." The judge denied Chelsea's release pending trial stating that her defense could argue the questionability of the informant testimony in trial.
read more >>According to the Federal Courthouse in Eugene, Daniel McGowan went to court in Judge Coffin's courtroom on Dec 22, 2005. He was there for both his initial hearing and also an arraignment. He entered a NOT GUILTY plea. His counsel has 21 days to present a motion now to the court. Both sides have 10 days to exchange discovery materials now. The status conference for Daniel is set for Jan 9, 2006, at 1:30 pm, in the Eugene Federal Courthouse. The presence of the accused is required. You may call the court clerk's office at 541-465-6423 to make sure it is happening at that time close to the date. At the status conference, they will determine if the case is ready to go to trial.
read more >>|
Dec 24 2005
|
Solutions to Corporate Theft |
Please read that again. One corporation equals an $11 Million net loss to our economy EVERY YEAR. This is a theft of staggering proportion. Now consider: How many corporations do business here? And think about where their profit comes from. It's our labor, it's the property our parents held, it's our blood, our life force.
This article will explore two possible solutions to this problem: Local currency (like Ithaca Hours), and non-profit municipal ownership of public utilities.
|
Dec 24 2005
|
Buy Nothing Christmas |
This Christmas we'll be swamped with offers, ads and invitations to buy more stuff. But now there's a way to say enough and join a movement dedicated to reviving the original meaning of Christmas giving.
Buy Nothing Christmas is a national initiative started by Canadian Mennonites but open to everyone with a thirst for change and a desire for action.
Buy Nothing Christmas is a stress-reliever, and more people need to hear about it. You can change your world by simply putting up one of the posters (or make your own) in your church, place of worship, home or work. Be sneaky about it if you have to. The point is to get people thinking. It's an idea whose time has come, so get out there and make a difference!
www.BuyNothingChristmas.org
Free Information Kit | Poster | See CBC news on carollers here | Alternatives | Media | More Resources
|
Dec 24 2005
|
MTA Also Violated Taylor Law |
|
Dec 25 2005
|
Tribute to Avalon |
Avalon, gentle elfcaring spirit caught in the tumult
of these interesting times
hearing wild earth's cries
your eyes sparked
with the magic of her songs...
Caught, they thought they could
entrap you, silence your spirit,
but they knew you not -
Avalon, gentle elf,
we see you still
smiling in the swirling night's starry skies
in the spark of fire
in wild nature's eyes
as she comes up, again,
ever batting last...
http://catalystinfoshop.org
|
Dec 25 2005
|
God Rest Ye Merry Torturers |
American leaders are now debating and defending torture during this season of “Peace on Earth, Good Will towards Men” – I mean it’s all so ghastly. And the most ironic aspect in all of this argument is that those who defend this abusive policy the loudest are the very same who are fired up over the alleged “war on Christmas.” see also: 'Twas the Day Before Christmas || A Christmas Story- Devotees Arrested for Chanting Hare Krishna || Happy Holidays... to Everyone || Buy Nothing Christmas || A Christmas Greeting to Bush/Cheney and Sen. Smith || Why I Don't Really Care For Christmas
|
Dec 25 2005
|
Happy Holidays... to Everyone |
While families get together to celebrate the holidays this season, and corporations smile at their record profits, many Santa Cruzans won't be seeing any gifts, food, or even a warm place to sleep. In this 'season of giving' (so are all other seasons, times for 'not giving'?), iPods, XBoxes, jewelry and golf clubs, find their way under trees (dead or petrolium-based plastic) or next to the latkes or candle stick holders. Yet, although everything made in overseas sweatshops are brought into the home, our own homeless population remain mostly-forgotten on the street.
The whole year is a 'season of giving' for capitalism.
Happy Holidays.
|
Dec 25 2005
|
Why are We Here? |
|
Dec 25 2005
|
American School Board Journal Gets it Wrong |
|
Dec 25 2005
|
A Christmas Story- Devotees Arrested for Chanting Hare Krishna |
|
Dec 26 2005
|
Suicide watch, or psychological torture? |
Kevin is a uniquely gentle, compassionate, non-violent individual, who according to the law should be treated as innocent until proven guilty. He has been on maximum security lockdown in a 5 X 8 foot cell with only one hour out per 24 to choose from showering, trying to keep up on his case in the newspaper, shaving or using the phone to contact his girlfriend he dearly misses and loves.
All four of his requests for vegetarian meals have been denied despite a letter from his doctor saying that after 15 years of a strict vegetarian diet, his health could be seriously compromised. He is not getting enough nutrition and I know for the first week at least, he only ate fruit and water. In his prisoner's handbook it states you can request an additional blanket if you are cold. At home, Kevin could only sleep if he wore a hat, warm socks and extra blankets, he just gets very cold easily. To try and sleep he has been wrapping his sheet around his head, he only has one blanket. All his requests for an additional blanket at night were denied.
For those of us who love Kevin, our hearts are breaking for him. We are very concerned that he is being worn down. Even the strongest of individuals will have their judgement skewed when nutritionally and sleep deprived. He is still able to receive new letters so please don't stop writing.
Portland IMC Prisoner Support Page | ELP Support Page | fbiwitchhunt.com/ | North American Earth Liberation Prisoners Support Network
|
Dec 26 2005
|
'Twas the Day Before Christmas |
See Also: Costa Mesa's March to Justice | Ningún ser humano es ilegal
|
Dec 26 2005
|
Photos of Emerge Miami's D17 Adbusting Event at The Wallflower Gallery |
|
Dec 26 2005
|
Yet another Xmas present for American workers |
Remember the Byrd amendment that Senator Byrd first introduced about 5 years ago to reclaim jurisdiction over how trade penalty moneys are distributed WITHIN the United States? If you are really watching trade issues, you might know that the WTO ruled that the Byrd amendment was illegal, even though it isn't ruled out by any of the trade agreements entered into by the U.S. through fast-track legislation. And you might even know that a couple of years ago, in the fever of an election year, Congress enacted a law that codified the Byrd amendment -- the "Continued Dumping and Subsidy Offset Act (CDSOA)".
But did you know - has anyone noticed? - that the recent infamous budget resolution (also known as "Work, Marriage, and Family Promotion Reconciliation Act of 2005") also repealed the CDSOA?
In an excess of hypocrisy, the Senate had voted its support of the CDSOA just days before -- on December 15. Somehow, within just one week, all but 5 of about 30 Republicans who had been for the CDSOA on December 15 became converted to the WTO position when it came to the vote on December 21. No Democrat was similarly converted, and both Oregon senators - including Gordon Smith - remained firm in rejecting the WTO infringement of the sovereignty of the United States.
|
Dec 26 2005
|
ACLU Seeks Information about Government Spying on Anti-War Groups |
Read More On Indybay's Police State and California Pages
|
Dec 27 2005
|
Evo Morales Elected President of Bolivia with 51% of Vote |
Read More on Americas and International Pages
|
Dec 27 2005
|
A Viet Nam Veteran: His Name Was Earl |
|
Dec 27 2005
|
Why I Don't Really Care For Christmas |
|
Dec 27 2005
|
Police kill mentally-disabled man on St. Charles Ave. |
A man known to the neighborhood around Felicity and St. Charles as a harmless but friendly mentally-disabled individual was shot Monday afternoon by Sixth District New Orleans Police. Witnesses reported at least ten bullet casings on the ground after police opened fire on the man. Although the police spokesman said that the man lunged at a police officer with a [three inch] knife before he was shot, witnesses all say that the man was backing up when he was shot numerous times by police. Staff at the Burger King nearby say that the victim was a daily customer there, and never hurt or threatened anyone. Onlookers expressed anger at the police for responding with excessive force to the situation, and for taking this man's life unnecessarily. One shouted at police after the incident, "Are your officers not trained to disarm a man with a knife without using lethal force?"Sixth District officers are already under fire for their excessive behavior in several incidents, including harassment of relief volunteers and unlawful search of peoples' homes. This incident calls into question the legitimacy of a police force known both historically and recently for corruption and brutality.
Pictures from the murder scene
Other incidents of police violence:
Police beating of a relief volunteer | Common Ground Press Conference on Police Accountability after volunteer Greg Griffith was arrested | Update from Friends and Families of Louisiana's Incarcerated Children
|
Dec 27 2005
|
Prisoner Support As Civil Rights Activism |
|
Dec 27 2005
|
Apprenticeship Program Calling New Applicants! |
By the end of the program, participants will have gained the set of skills and experience necessary to work professionally as a bicycle mechanic. Additionally, participants will acquire general job skills applicable to any field that will benefit them in finding well-paying employment. The program primarily targets women and people of color who are underrepresented in the bike mechanic industry.
During the two and a half month long apprenticeship program, small groups of students have the opportunity to master skills through hands-on learning at their own individual pace. Apprentices complete 320 hours repairing bicycles with the mentorship of an experienced mechanic in the Community Cycling Center's professional bike shop. Students gain experience working with the public by teaching volunteers and assisting customers. At the successful completion of the program, apprentices receive an official bicycle mechanic certification from the Community Cycling Center. Participants also benefit from personalized guidance in seeking out future employment including tapping into our network of bike shop connections.
|
Dec 27 2005
|
Global Warming Wrap-up for 2005 |
|
Dec 27 2005
|
Class, Race, White Privilege and the MTA Strike |
|
Dec 27 2005
|
The Iron Cage that has Descended upon Modern Humanity |
|
Dec 28 2005
|
Neighborhood Public Radio in Portland |
Neighborhood Public Radio is coming to Portland on January 5th as part of red76's Ghost Town project. We are now belatedly, but actively, soliciting your participation in this endeavor. NPR will be operating a radio station from the evening of January 5th until the morning of January 10th. During that time we hope to feature the contributions of a wide variety of Portland residents. Though we will likely be under the umbrella of an "art" context we do not intend to be limited by this notion. If you have something interesting to say about Portland and it's political, cultural, economical situation then we want to hear from you. If you have a killer collection of music that you want to play for people to hear, we want to hear from you. If you know a group of teenage troublemakers who would soil their pants for an opportunity to be on the local Clear Channel Affiliate... send 'em our way. We will be broadcasting from a store front very near the Welcoming Center/ Clothing Exchange [338 NW 6th Avenue]... so passersby will ideally be interacting with us as we broadcast. It will be far more entertaining than the Today show, we promise. Read More [ Neighborhood Public Radio | red76 | Ghost Town | Welcoming Center/ Clothing Exchange ]
|
Dec 28 2005
|
THE BORDER IS A COMMON GROUND |
|
Dec 28 2005
|
Trouble Down Under - Greenpeace & Sea Shephard Battle Whalers |
Make no doubt about it, there is a MIDWAY type naval battle ocurring between Australia and Antarctica. A fleet of Japanese whalers are intent on harpooning to death any whale they see and these boats are being opposed by Greepeace and Sea Shepherd vessels. To see a first hand picture of the harpooning of a whale see Greenpeace. Although these incidents are being widely covered on Oceania Indymedia there is no news of this in the Northern Hemisphere. Remember that once there were abundant numbers of whales in the Northern Pacific. But these were long ago decimated by whaling fleets. Now they come down South, to a designated Sanctuary. Read More [ GreenPeace | Oceania Indymedia | Take action: * Tell Gorton's and Nissui that their customers do not support whaling! ]
|
Dec 28 2005
|
Celebate the Holidays |
|
Dec 28 2005
|
The NYC transit strike: why can't it happen here, or can it? |
|
Dec 28 2005
|
Support GI Resister Katherine Jashinski Now! |
|
Dec 28 2005
|
Brooklyn's Railyards: The Fight Continues |
The NY Times published four letters (click link and scroll down) in response to the November 27 article, "It's a Matter of Scale in Brooklyn."
Topics covered are:
- bypass of any local or legislative approval processes,
- importance of city planning debate (as opposed to "scale"),
- housing and
- concerns over a Brooklyn luxury housing glut.
No action by The NY Times goes unanswered by TimesRatnerReporter Norman Oder, who points out (again!) that the project isn't just over the railyards (see headline and Jay Weiser's letter) and that there was no mention of the costs of the project (the arena would be the most expensive, ever).
|
Dec 28 2005
|
Interview with One People's Project |
|
Dec 28 2005
|
Paper Politics in Brooklyn |
|
Dec 28 2005
|
Building Trades picket non-union hotel construction |
|
Dec 28 2005
|
Alito Helped Quash Black Panther Lawsuit Against the Gov't |
|
Dec 28 2005
|
Movie Review: King Kong |
|
Dec 29 2005
|
Nashville Metro Council Endorses Jesus |
|
Dec 29 2005
|
X-Mas Eve Schumacher Fur Demo Was Amped! |
When around 30 dedicated anti-fur activists arrived at SW 9th and Morrison, Greg Schumacher had rented, no doubt at considerable cost, four huge speakers on tripods which were blaring obnoxious Christmas tunes to drown out the activist's bull horn and raised voices.
Undeterred, activists started chanting with messages like, "Stop the anal electrocution, stop the pain, Schumacher Fur is to blame!" That's when the furriers got amped and turned up the volume to ear drum shattering levels. I can't overstate how loud the music got; imagine being in the front row of at a hip hop show when you can almost feel your teeth vibrating from the sound waves. The volume was lowered slightly when a couple bicycle cops arrived, but still the volume was clearly beyond anything allowed by city ordinance, even if they had a permit, which states that you can use amplification as long as it's not audible more than 150 feet away. This music could be easily heard several blocks away!
|
Dec 29 2005
|
Bush Step Down! Protest Jan. 31st and Feb. 4th! |
|
Dec 29 2005
|
Weekly Newsletter: 12/29 - 1/4 |
- SAT: First Night!
- SUN: Mayoral Inauguration
- WED: Indymedia General Meeting
If you'd like to see your group's event listed here, please send info to 'announce@binghamtonimc.org'
|
Dec 29 2005
|
TWU, MTA Reach Tentative Agreement |
Local editorial boards have weighed in. The New York Times argues that the Local 100 membershi[ has won, while the NY Post gloats that "Roger Lost." Meanwhile, New York Newsday's Jimmy Breslin looks at the racial tension behind the strike.
|
Dec 29 2005
|
Dublin Marijuana Dispensary Raided by Police on December 26th |
Read more about the Dublin Greene on Indybay's Drug War and East Bay News Pages
|
Dec 29 2005
|
Gulf Coast Environmental Catastrophes: hurricanes and petroleum spills |
|
Dec 29 2005
|
One-Half of State Was Under Air Health Advisory Over Weekend - Air Quality Standards To Get Tougher Still |
|
Dec 29 2005
|
Against The Wal Teams Up With Ruckus Society and NWA NOW To Disrupt Walmart |
|
Dec 29 2005
|
MARCH 2006 A GRASSROOTS CALL TO ACTION |
|
Dec 29 2005
|
A Patriot's Letter |
|
Dec 29 2005
|
CTA Turns Down Discounted Venezuelan Oil, Raises Fares Instead |
[permalink] Chicago, Dec 28 (TNS) - The Chicago Transit Authority is refusing an opportunity to alleviate commuting costs for hundreds of thousands in the Windy City's low-income neighborhoods. Instead of accepting deeply discounted fuel from the Venezuela-owned Citgo Petroleum Corporation, the city is insteadraising fares to solve budget shortfalls.In an October meeting with representatives from the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), the city's Department of Energy and other city officials, Citgo unveiled a plan to provide the Chicago with low-cost diesel fuel. The company's stipulation, at the bidding of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, was that the CTA, in turn, pass those savings on to poor residents in the form of free or discounted fare cards.
But two months later, despite claims of a looming budget crisis, the CTA president "has no intent or plan to accept the offer," according to CTA spokesperson Ibis Antongiorgi. She gave no explanation. Read More
Related Links: The New Standard
Related Stories: Venezuela Begins Low-Cost Heating Oil Program in New York
|
Dec 29 2005
|
In the Courts: Members of the Arlington Heights 5 Re-arrested and More |
[permalink] On December 1st, 2005, three of the five defendants in the Arlington Heights 5 arraignment were arrested for tardiness to court because of traffic and weather conditions, according to the People's Newswire. Judge Joseph J. Urso, the presiding judge of the Third Municipal District located in Rolling Meadows, IL, ordered arrest warrants for the four absent defendants just before three of them arrived. As of this writing one arrest warrant remains for an activist who did not show up for court.
National Lawyers Guild lawyer James Fennerty informed the court that the defendants had arrived and the judge subsequently had them arrested and taken for processing. The arrestees were taken to Cook County Jail at 26th & California in Chicago. Bail was set at $500 apiece.
According to one defendant, two of the arrestees were released around 1am and the third around 2am after being held in custody for nearly 17 hours. The five activists are currently being offered a plea bargain of thirty days in jail, most likely at Cook County, which they are contesting.
Defendants would like as much support as possible at their next hearing:
The Arlington Heights 5
Location: District 3, 2121 Euclid Avenue, Rolling Meadows, IL
Room: 104
Date: Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Time: 8:30am
Another activist, Giuseppe, was arrested and banned from DePaul University's campus. He requests the attendance of other activists at his trial.
Location: 555 West Harrison
Date: Monday, January 9, 2006
Time: 9:00am
Some victories in court earlier in the week for Chicago activists included a DePaul Students Against the War activist having his citation dropped for swearing at Mayor Richard M. Daley at the Colombus Day Parade and two activists having their charges dropped for obstruction at the Anarchist Halloween Parade. Read the original article here.
For other ways to help or anyone who was a witness to the arrests of the Arlington Heights 5, please email streetmilitant (at) yahoo.com and EricAntiFa (at) yahoo.com with a phone number or email address you can be reached at. Anyone with photographs or footage of the arrests will be especially useful. Both the Arlington Heights 5 and Giuseppe request donations for their legal defenses.
|
Dec 29 2005
|
Chicago Independent TV now on Dish Network |
Chicago Indymedia's monthly TV series, which has been in production for the past two years, will achieve one of the longtime aspirations of Chicago Indymedia's Video Collective with its debut on national satellite television. Free Speech TV, which broadcasts Democracy Now and Indymedia Newsreal, will also begin monthly airings of Chicago Independent Television, on Friday, December 9, 2005 at 10PM Central Time (Dish Network channel 9415). Read more. Episodes of the show will be screened at Chicago Indymedia's December 10 fundraiser benefit.
The show is also cablecast locally on CAN TV and in Chicago's suburbs.
Complete listings for Chicago - city and suburbs
Episodes are available online - DOWNLOAD NOW (Quicktime):
Episode 14 (December 2005): "InformaNation - a film critically examining the claims of military recruiters" part one | part two | part three
Episode 10 (April 2005): Our coverage of the March 19, 2005 peace protests in Chicago: part one | part two | part three
Episode 8 (February 2005): Inaugural Parody: Our coverage of 2005 George W. Bush Inauguration protests in Washington DC and Chicago:
part one | part two | part three
More Episodes Here
|
Dec 29 2005
|
40 Million Dead: Animals Tortured and Murdered for Vanity |
[permalink] On Friday, November 25th, approximately 120 Chicago animal rights activists came out in force for the annual Fur Free Friday march. Despite the bitter cold and a heavy police presence, activists congregated in Daley Plaza before marching onto fur-supporting businesses in Chicago. The march was dedicated to animal liberationist prisoner Peter Young. At the rally preceding the march, activists and other passers-by were educated to the horrors of the fur industry via bullhorn:
"Each year over 40,000,000 animals are killed by the fur industry. These animals die by gassing, trapping, anal or vaginal electrocution and other equally barbaric, grisly methods."
After visiting and agitating both consumers and business owners at brand-name companies such as Marshall Field's, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and Bloomingdales, and upscale furriers such as Andriana Furs and Elan's Furs, the march ended with a rally at Water Tower Plaza at Chicago & Michigan where Chicago Soy Dairy served vegan hot cocoa. Activists were asked to not let the day's events be their only action in support of animals for the upcoming year. It was stated that one march wasn't going to stop the fur industry, but rather that a sustained campaign, utilizing a diversity of tactics, would bring the industry to its knees.
To get involved, e-mail animalrightschicago@riseup.net or adlchicago@yahoo.com and ask to be added to the announce list to be kept up to date for future animal rights actions taking place in Chicago. Read the full article here.
Photos: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7
Additional Information: Fur Kills | Neiman Carcass | Fur Is Dead | Infurmation
|
Dec 29 2005
|
Tenants Fight Back Against Displacement |
[permalink] As the rich grab up every piece of land they can on Chicago’s South side, thousands of low-income people are being pushed out of the neighborhoods they call home. Powerful institutions like the University of Chicago and its local partner The Woodlawn Organization are colluding with Mayor Daley to subject neighborhoods like Woodlawn to a feeding frenzy by greedy developers - a nightmare for families who can no longer afford skyrocketing rents and property taxes. But as the tenants of the Kimbark Tenants Association are showing, you don't have to just pack up - you can fight back. Read more.
|
Dec 29 2005
|
Recycle Your Money - Report from the Anti-Mall 2005 |
|
Dec 30 2005
|
Why Do They Always Pick on Pacifists? |
|
Dec 30 2005
|
Another Fatal SDPD Shooting |
CARLSBAD ---- An officer-involved fatal shooting on southbound Interstate 5 Tuesday caused major traffic delays through the evening rush hour.
For other police brutality news, tune in to www.radioActiveradio.org to hear Bad Cop, No Donut every Friday at noon!
|
Dec 30 2005
|
Jeff Free Luers Dispatch for December |
"Struggle" here in the U.S. seems far more centered around feel-good activism than it does creating change; more about symbolic dissent than actual resistance. It is almost like for most people being aware of the problem and being upset by it is enough. It isn't and it never will be. Five years ago I said we were running out of time to act. In those 5 years, this movement has grown weaker and more withdrawn. There is less cell activity and more people in jail. There are fewer protests and more factionalized in-fighting. It has become easier to isolate ourselves in self-marginalized cliques pointing fingers at each other instead of raising a united fist.
This summer, I wrote a few controversial pieces about this movement. I flat-out said we had grown timid and weak. I tried to pick a fight. I wanted people to get angry. I wanted to see the lifeblood of this movement stir. I got one letter in response. One. He said he felt the same and was glad someone had the courage to voice it. The only other response was from the nice man who types these Dispatches and sends them to you. He argued with me (thanks, bro).
Today, I received 5 letters about my last Dispatch. I'm sure I'll get more. These folks were trying to cheer me up and make me smile. I appreciate the gesture and concern sincerely, make no mistake. Still, I point this out because to me it is demonstrative of our movement at large. Few people want to address the tough questions: Where are we going? Why aren't we more successful? How do we evolve our tactics? How do we create real and meaningful change? Most activists are willing to point out the good. Many are quick to get positive energy going. Even if at the end of the day nothing changes. It is easier than facing the often difficult truth.
|
Dec 30 2005
|
MTA Strike--Partial Victory at Great Cost |
|
Dec 30 2005
|
Break the Chains |
|
Dec 30 2005
|
Live From Iraq: Christian Parenti and GNN's Anthony Lappé |
• Live Music from Phantasmatrash
• $3 pints from Six Point Craft Ales
• Friday January 6th 8:00 PM
• $5 Cover includes Free Instabook of the Vox Pop interview with Christian Parenti!
|
Dec 30 2005
|
Bloomberg to signs new anti-graffiti laws |
|
Dec 30 2005
|
Suicide By Cop, or Homicide By Negligence? |
It seems to me that what is needed is a little accountability. The Sheriff is whining about a fourth of his force being on paid leave due to the recent spate of killings. Maybe if he would see to it that there were real hearings, that real consequences were meted out to those who use lethal force as a first option (rather than issuing medals, as in Popo), perhaps the training might be a little more effective, and we would not be paying time and a half, or double time, plus the wages of useless suspended officers, to cover the streets.
|
Dec 30 2005
|
A year of resistance, summary of HIMC coverage |
2005 has been a busy year worldwide and in the City of Houston. In the year of 2005, Houston Indymedia made 120 features, and countless people published stories, photos, video and audio to our open publishing newswire.Houston IMC continued it’s weekly Radio Show on KPFT, moving from Monday Nights to Fridays at 7:30 PM. We also continued our monthly film series, of radical documentary films at Rice Cinema. As of January 1st we have moved out of out space at the Midtown Arts Center, but continue to be active and look for supporters who can publish to the website, donate money or book events and find other ways to participate with the grassroots media revolution taking place in our city.
Some folks from the Editorial Collective posted some of the highlights of our coverage of happenings over the last year in Houston. We encourage people to look at this is their reflections, and continue to be active, and share our struggles through Indymedia.
Happy New Years! We hope 2006 will be full of resistance and more passionate tellings of the truth.
|
Dec 31 2005
|
"Sex Worker": Tales of a Hotel Dick (Part III) |
|
Dec 31 2005
|
High Water Soaks Rogue Valley |
A US Geological Team observed taking flow measurements this afternoon reported Bear Creek's muddy, brown water flowing at around 3000 cubic feet/second (CFS).
Interstate 5 is closed "indefinitely" near Siskiyou Pass after several mudslides sent trees, stumps and mud onto the road. Highway 66 near Ashland is also closed at milepost 9.
|
Dec 31 2005
|
Self Defence Workshop |
Everyday people are starting to say this shits played out. One of our collective members recently had to tell a conservative, Republican, member of their family that they shouldn't talk about this countries need to "kill the president" in the house. Merry Christmas indeed!
It's clear that all this oppression is unifying people. Our unity is strength. Our unity strikes fear into the hearts of the federal capitalist's government, and drives them to dump billions into snitches, under-covers, and NSA programs to spy us out, and break us up.
It's also clear that the government has a monopoly on force. When the people have had enough, every single one of us will have to defend ourselves from this dying government. The struggle needs you! We have a need, and duty to learn the skills to survive.
|
Dec 31 2005
|
KERRY 3 GO TO COURT An evidentiary hearing to dismiss charges for the Kerry 3 has been scheduled for January 5, 2006 at 2:00 pm. It will be held at Superior Court in downtown Flagstaff (200 N. San Francisco).
The Kerry 3 are facing multiple charges that include trespassing, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and aggravated assault against a police officer – all of which stem from a snatch-and-grab operation conducted by the Flagstaff Police Department and Secret Service during a rally for John Kerry in Flagstaff Aug. 8, 2004.
The young men – Joshua Sweeney, Brent Robinson and Rudy Preston – are facing felony charges that might land them in prison for 11 ½ years, 5 years, and 3-5 years, respectively.
These are trumped up charges aimed at silencing the voices of three individuals who were exercising their first amendment rights. In the age of the Orwellian Security State, it appears that shouting “hooray for the lesser of two evils!” at a public gathering is now a crime, and being forcefully dragged though a crowd by a snatch squad is synonmous with “aggravated assault against a police officer.”
If you can help with the ongoing legal defense (this case has been ongoing for over 1 ½ years), contact Flagstaff Activist Network at (928) 213-9507 or e-mail earthhug@yahoo.com or send a tax deductible donation made out to Flagstaff Activist Network (write “legal defense” on the memo line) and send it to POB 911, Flagstaff, AZ 86002.
Please come out and lend support to the Kerry 3 on January 5, 2006!
For more information about the Kerry 3, please click here.
|
Dec 31 2005
|
MIAMI-BOYCOTT CANADIAN SEAFOOD TO SAVE SEAL PUPS! |
|
Dec 31 2005
|
Call for International Campaign of Non-violent Civil Resistance |
|
Dec 31 2005
|
Critical Mass Radio Network - Year in Review |
http://CriticalMassRadio.net This month's broadcast will be a year in review, with the best in music and interviews from the Critical Mass member stations.
The schedule for this month is:
* 12-2pm - radioActive sanDiego
* 2-3pm - Michigan IMC
* 3-4pm - Portland Indymedia Radio
* 10pm-12am - Kill Radio, Los Angeles
|
Dec 31 2005
|
BLM Proposal Would Apply Pesticides in Western States |
Read more on Indybay's Environment and Forest News and US News Page
|
Dec 31 2005
|
NYC Critical Mass: Business as Usual |
|
Dec 31 2005
|
ATX Year In Review |
Despite recent setbacks, perhaps this is the year that Austin Indymedia has come into its own. We had a very busy year with many collective highlights. We hosted IndyConfernce, traveled with the CIW, traveled in Oaxaca, caught KEYE News in a lie, and brought the coverage of Austin politics that you love. We couldn’t have done it without you! Here’s a round up of this year’s big news in the Austin Independent Media Center. We hope this compilation will indicate the interconnectedness of our resistances, where we've been, and where we're walking.
|
Dec 31 2005
|
Law School As Activist Revenge |
We need to go to law school. Seriously. As activists, we are absolutely dependent on an industry of law that we know very little about and have very little influence in. Prison is serious stuff and to have so little available help within our own ranks is not acceptable or safe. Our friends and lovers are shuffled around in a system that leaves them wondering what they were actually charged with and/or convicted of and what exactly the evidence against them was. Our family are left in utter darkness about procedures and are reduced to begging for legal information from attorneys paid $200 an hour. I seriously believe we need more activist attorneys. NOW. [read more] see also: The Environmentalist Witch Hunt 2005 || Support for Political Prisoners
No one is free when others are oppressed...
A movement that doesn't support it's political internees is a movement destined to fail.
|
Jan 01 2006
|
Media Activists See Hope in Nashville's Traditionally Conservative Market |
Media Activists Organizing to Bring Air America to Nashville On Friday, December 30th local media activists, inspired by the recent successes of Radio Free Nashville, "Liberadio" on WRVU, and "The Truth" on WVOL, media activists have begun organizing to bring Air America to Nashville. Nashville, a poor media market for progressive talk radio and community media, has recently begun seeing a transformation in its market, beginning with the success of Radio Free Nashville this spring, which was the first community radio station to be formed in middle Tennessee in recent years and the first radio station to regularly host programs such as "Democracy NOW" by Amy Goodman and Free Speech Radio News.
|
Jan 01 2006
|
City Repair solicits proposals to save the world in 2006! |
Proposals for projects are due January 30th. What is a VBC project? VBC projects express the profound power of community in action. Neighbors collaborate to create welcoming gathering places. The physical projects may be very different -- past examples include artwork, playground equipment, gardens, buildings, shelters, and community notice boards or kiosks. Whatever the project, the benefits ripple throughout the community. Neighbors become a creative team, strengthening trust, connection, and hope.
[Previous VBC articles: VBC6 Request for Project Proposals! | Photos from VBC4]
|
Jan 01 2006
|
"Patriotism" Tests In School |
A reader from Washington State writes to highlight a questionnaire paper handed out to her daughter and the rest of her classmates in the 10th grade classroom.
The reader comments:
"We live in Washington state. My daughter is in 10th grade and found this to be interesting. She has a GPA of 3.75 and uses her brain. This was given to her in English class, and has nothing to do with the materials they were studying. They are grooming our kids"
(I tried to upload the original paper, I'm new at this still)
I will type the questions as seen on the paper given to the students. They had to put whether they agreed of disagreed with the question.
|
Jan 01 2006
|
Jan. 19- Lobby for the Virginia Fair Wage Act |