ANSWER Responds to Obama Speech

ANSWER Coalition Responds to President Obama's Iraq Speech of Friday, February 27
All Out for the Mass March on the Pentagon on Saturday March 21, 2009!

With his speech today, President Obama has essentially agreed to continue the criminal occupation of Iraq indefinitely. He announced that there will be an occupation force of 50,000 U.S. troops in Iraq for at least three more years. President Obama used carefully chosen words to avoid a firm commitment to remove the 50,000 occupation troops, even after 2011.

The war in Iraq was illegal. It was aggression. It was based on lies and false rationales. President Obama's speech today made Bush’s invasion sound like a liberating act and congratulated the troops for "getting the job done." More than a million Iraqis died and a cruel civil war was set into motion because of the foreign invasion. President Obama did not once criticize the invasion itself.

He has also requested an increase in war spending for Iraq and Afghanistan, and plans to double the number of U.S. troops sent to fight in Afghanistan.

President Obama has asked Congress to provide more than $200 billion for the Iraq and Afghanistan wars over the next two years, in addition to increasing the Pentagon budget by four percent.

Based on President Obama's new budget, the Pentagon would rank as the world's 17th largest economy—if it were a country. This new budget increases war spending. Total spending in 2010 would roughly equate to an average of $21,000 a second.

This is not the end of the occupation of Iraq, but rather the continuation of the occupation.

There is only one reason that tens of thousands of troops will remain in Iraq: It is because this is a colonial-type occupation of a strategically important and oil-rich country located in the Middle East where two-thirds of the world's oil reserve can be found.

Obama's speech was a major disappointment for anyone who was hoping that Obama would renounce the illegal occupation of Iraq. Today, the U.S. government spends $480 million per day to fund the occupation of Iraq. Even if 100,000 troops are drawn out by August 2010, that means the indefinite occupation of Iraq will cost more than $100 million each day. The continued occupation of Iraq for two years or three years or more makes a complete mockery out of the idea that the Iraqi people control their own destiny. It is a violation of Iraq's sovereignty and independence.

It is no wonder that John McCain came out to support President Obama's announced plan on Iraq. McCain was an supporter of former President Bush's and Vice President Cheney's war and occupation in Iraq.

Bush, Cheney and Rumsfeld—the architects of regime change in Iraq—never had the goal of indefinitely keeping 150,000 U.S. troops in Iraq. They wanted to subdue the Iraqi people and exercise control with a smaller force. The Iraqi armed resistance prolonged the stationing of 150,000 U.S. troops.

Bush's goal was domination over Iraq and its oil supplies, and domination over the region. This continues to be the goal of the U.S. political and economic establishment, including that of the new administration.

President Obama decided not to challenge the fundamental strategic orientation. That explains why he kept the Bush team—Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, and Generals Petraeus and Odierno—on the job to oversee and manage the Iraq occupation. They will also manage the widening U.S. war in Afghanistan and the aerial assaults on Pakistan. There have been over 30 U.S. bombing attacks in Pakistan in the last two months.

We are marching on Saturday, March 21 because the people of this country are fed up with the status quo. They want decent-paying jobs, and affordable health care and housing for all. Students want to study rather than be driven out by soaring tuition rates. The majority of people want a complete—not partial—withdrawal of ALL troops from Iraq. They want the war in Afghanistan to end rather than escalate. They are increasingly opposed to sending $2.6 billion each year to Israel and want an end to the colonial occupation of Palestine.

March with UFPJ on Saturday, April 4th

On April 4, 1967, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his historic speech against the war in Vietnam at NYC's Riverside Church. One year later, Dr. King was assassinated in Memphis while there to support striking sanitation workers. Dr. King's work linked the most pressing issues of his day; his life was about taking public action in the service of the struggles for equality, freedom, justice, and peace.

Today, people from every walk of life and every corner of this country are both filled with the possibilities of hope and change and struggling under the worst financial crisis of this generation. This year, on Saturday, April 4, we call on all people to take up Dr. King's example of public action and join us in the streets of New York City's financial center as we renew our common commitment to move this country in a new direction.

We will march on April 4 because the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan must be ended now! We will march on April 4 because a critical piece of addressing the economic crisis must be cutting military spending, starting with ending the flow of our tax dollars into these wars and occupations. We will march on April 4 because 'Beyond War, A New Economy Is Possible!'

We will march on April 4 filled with hope. Now is the time that our movements for racial justice and economic equality; our movements against the wars and occupations in Iraq, Afghanistan, Palestine and elsewhere; our movements for a new economy based on people's needs, green union jobs and sustainability will ALL come together to say YES WE CAN! Yes We Can move beyond war! Yes We Can build a new world of justice, equality and peace!

Barney Frank Gets the Ball Rolling

Congressman Barney Frank yesterday called a meeting on Capitol Hill to discuss his proposal to cut 25% from the military budget. He specifically invited grassroots activists and organizations interested in a less expensive, saner, less warlike military budget to come meet with him, to get the ball rolling towards reform.

Frank pushed the need for organizations and coalitions interested in domestic social needs to join the military budget cuts fight--otherwise, he said, they would not have the money for their own needed projects. He also handed out his excellent Nation essay (link below).
http://www.thenation.com/doc/20090302/frank

Congressman Frank was joined by about 75 activists, and 4 of his colleagues: Rep. Barbara Lee, new Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus; Rep. Lynn Woolsey, current Co-Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus; Rep. Dennis Kucinich; and Rep. Keith Ellison. All 5 spoke briefly, and pointed out how important this effort was, both to provide needed funding for health care and alternative energy initiatives, and to create a safer world.

Military reform experts Larry Korb and Gordon Adams also spoke, making a case for a military budget based not on political power or DOD wish lists, but based on strategy and real defense needs.

Congressman Frank then engaged in an extensive Q&A session with the audience, and made it clear that he saw this meeting as the first of many. He stressed that this will be a long fight, a drawn-out process, and that winning more funding for projects like housing the homeless might well require a two-step, year-long process: step one, putting a maximum cap on this year's military budget, forcing the DOD to make adjustments; and step two, then pushing to win more funding for domestic needs in next year's budget. He understood that no one was particularly overjoyed with this, but said that might be the only choice...


Global Network Against Weapons & Nuclear Power in Space
PO Box 652
Brunswick, ME 04011
(207) 443-9502
http://www.space4peace.org
globalnet@mindspring.com
http://space4peace.blogspot.com (Blog)

Guestworkers Call on Cooper to Stop Fraud

Striking Guestworkers Call on Congressman Cooper to Stop Fraud

Guestworkers seek support of Nashville Congressman in case against labor broker who defrauded U.S. government to import guestworkers and lease them across the South

Last week, a group of courageous workers exposed a prominent Tennessee labor broker’s manipulation of the H-2B guestworker program. In a time of economic crisis, Cumberland Environmental Resources used the guestworker program to defraud the U.S. government. The company exploited foreign workers, excluded U.S. workers, and attacked the fundamental right of all workers to organize.

Today workers accompanied by constituents from the organization Jobs with Justice will visit Congressman Jim Cooper’s office and brief staff about the fraudulent use of the H-2B visa program in Nashville, TN. Workers will call on the Congressman to take up their20case and ensure that the Department of Labor investigates Gary Lang, President of Cumberland Environmental Resources Company for fraud.

“We want the Congressman to investigate what is happening,” said Lorenzo Cotrina a Cumberland worker currently on strike. “Cumberland brought us here in debt based on false promises that have hurt us, our families and the American workers who wanted these jobs. Gary Lang should face consequences.”

“Congressman Cooper should stand up for these workers who have been cheated and exploited and stand against Gary Lang for stripping valuable jobs of dignity and labor protections,” said Megan Macaraeg of Middle Tennessee Jobs with Justice.

Guest Workers Launch Strike

Guestworkers Launch Strike To Expose Tennessee Employer
Who Violated Federal Law

Prominent labor broker defrauded US government to import guestworkers and lease them across the South; H2B visa workers were made to work on military bases.
Guestworkers trapped in Nashville, Tennessee came forward today to expose the racket of a prominent labor broker who defrauded the US government to import workers and lease them across the South. Workers launched a strike, charged the employer with illegal retaliation against organizing, and demanded that the Department of Labor investigate the employer for fraud.

Workers are members of the Alliance of Guestworkers for Dignity, a membership organization of guestworkers across the South.

The labor broker, Gary Lang, submitted fraudulent applications to the U.S. Government, claiming that workers would be working for his company, Cumberland Environmental Resources, Inc., on site in Brentwood, Tennessee. He swore to the U.S. Government that he had these jobs and he could not find U.S. workers to fill them.
Workers from Peru, Bolivia, El Salvador and Costa Rica paid thousands in recruitment fees to Cumberland's agents for the jobs. When the workers arrived, they learned that the jobs they had been promised did not exist.

Workers languished for weeks, sometimes months, waiting for the work they were promised. "We drowned our families in debt to pay thousands of dollars in recruitment fees to Cumberland's agents," said Miguel Angel Jovel, one of the workers. "Cumberland held us hostage to the hope of jobs that didn't exist."
Finally, instead of providing the promised jobs, Cumberland leased the workers out to other contractors across the South. These included contractors working on local, state, and federal government work sites. Workers were employed on Maxwell Airforce Base in Alabama, Camp Lejuene in North Carolina, Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville, Veteran's Hospital in Nashville, and universities across the South including University of Tennessee, Tennessee Tech, University of Kentucky, David Lipscomb, and others.

Workers filed an Unfair Labor Practice complaint, charging that Cumberland illegally retaliated against their efforts to organize. "Cumberland violated their contract with us – and with their own US government," said guestworker Tomas Arias. "When we asked to see our contracts, Cumberland refused." When workers asked for a meeting with Cumberland, the company threatened workers with termination and deportation, interrogated workers about their organizing efforts, and attempted to force workers to sign away their right to organize in closed-door meetings. When workers stood up for their dignity and rights and pressed for a meeting, Cumberland retaliated by firing them.

Workers and advocates called on the Department of Labor to investigate Cumberland's fraud. "Companies like Cumberland benefited when the Bush Administration passed its midnight guestworker regulations days before leaving office. The message to employers was: relax, we just made it easier for you to import and exploit foreign workers," said Saket Soni, Director of the New Orleans Workers' Center for Racial Justice. "The White House and the Department of Labor need to throw out the Bush regulations and replace them with real protections for all workers," said Soni.
The Bush Administration's H2B regulations, which came into effect just days before President Obama took office, have drawn widespread outrage from workers and advocates.

Clergy, labor, and civil rights leaders endorsed the workers' strike and their call for justice on Wednesday. Tennessee AFL-CIO president Jerry Lee expressed "shock" at Cumberland's practices. "Shame on Cumberland, and shame on our system for letting the employer exploit these workers," said Lee. "At a time when joblessness is at its highest point worldwide, this employer uses the guestworker program to exploit foreign workers and undermine American workers. And when the workers bravely speak out, the employer attacks the workers for organizing."
"That's not America," said Lee. "Or at least it shouldn't be."

Equality Day on the Hill a Success

by Marissa Richmond

A large, diverse group of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender citizens and supporters travelled from all across the state, showing that LGBT people are part of Tennessee and live and work in every community.

Those who met with their legislators talked about the importance of adding "gender identity or expression" to Tennessee's Hate Crimes statute, because it is past time to acknowledge the humanity of Tennessee's transgender residents and to put the power of state government behind the effort to stop gender based violence. They discussed the importance of repealing Tennessee's one-of-a-kind ban on gender changes on birth certificates so that those who were born in Tennessee can find closure and get on with their lives. They showed how LGBT families, which were represented by our partners and children who also participated, are legitimate families, and we should not be denied the right to adopt. They presented the concerns over new Voter ID's with gender markers that could disfranchise transgender voters. And they talked about legislation which would silence school teachers from discussing sexual diversity in society.

In the meantime, we hope you are able to travel to Washington, DC, for the National Center for Transgender Equality's Congressional Lobby Days, April 26 to 28. Among the priorities are to secure passage of the fully inclusive Employment Non Discrimination Act (ENDA), and the fully inclusive Federal Hate Crimes bill. For more information, visit the NCTE Lobby Days webpage.

Stimulus Only Temporary Help for Broken System

TN Group Warns Stimulus Only Temporary Help for Broken State Tax System

Nashville, TN - Tennessee is in the same boat as many other states -- the federal stimulus money on its way to state coffers is only a temporary fix for longer-term financial woes. But will the current crisis prompt changes to the state tax system?

The group Tennesseans for Fair Taxation has coined a new slogan: "A crisis is a terrible thing to waste." State Chair John Stewart says the message is that Tennessee's tax system, which includes the highest state sales tax in the nation, is "broken." He encourages Tennesseans to recognize the problem and consider three major changes.

"Take the tax off food. We need to lower the sales tax. And, we need to have a tax on personal income, which would have very generous, front-end exemptions."

Stewart believes the biggest problem with the current state tax system is its dependence on the sales tax.

"The traditional answer of raising the sales tax no longer works, because it's already so high, you can't raise it anymore."

If these changes were made, he says, 70 percent of Tennesseans would actually pay fewer taxes, and more of the overall tax burden would shift to the wealthy. Opponents of a state income tax have said any new taxes would hurt business and could cost jobs.

Fair & Balanced

by Richard Aberdeen

A fair and balanced perspective of the conservative Republican agenda, after Fox Noise, Limbaugh Lunacy and other deceptive political puff language is peeled back and exposed...

1. Spend as many tax dollars as possible on anything related to the military, including massive nuclear and worse weaponry stockpiles, space laser death-ray machines, expensive airplanes and ships that have no use whatsoever for the past, present or foreseeable future and similar such "proper use" of taxpayer funds. Cut back on federal funding for fire and police protection but support funding for building more prisons, as long as they are run by private companies and feed prisoners green baloney sandwiches, if they're lucky.

2. Take as much of the people's hard earned tax funds as possible away from the people and give away as much as possible to big banks, insurance companies, military contractors, pharmaceutical giants in the guise of Medicare "reform", etc. Remember it was the Bush Administration's idea to bail out the banks, not the Democrats, who only went along for the green baloney sandwich ride as the knee-jerk, spineless hypocrites they have long demonstrated themselves to be.

3. Give away as much of the taxpayer's loot as possible by privatizing as many publicly funded programs that can't be outright eliminated, as is politically feasible, including Social Security, Medicare, prisons, schools, toll bridges and private sector military auxiliary companies supplying goods and services formerly handled within the military itself. Pretend to care that no child is left behind, but oppose any use of taxpayer funds to repair and build schools, highways and bridges. Continue to pretend, in spite of the current economic disaster, that giving tax breaks to the super-wealthy will cause the economy to prosper, rather than force millions into bankruptcy. Blame the Democrats, as federal aid for education and health care is reduced as a result of these tax cuts and sales, gasoline, state income and other taxes are increased.

4. Keep the nation constantly engaged in war and more than one war when possible. This serves to continually enhance the bulging coffers of corporate cronies who in turn, pay large political bribes to keep conservative Republicans in office. Fight to have FCC regulations narrowed and eliminated, so whatever the general public hears in the media is controlled by large corporate interests, with everything to gain by supporting the conservative Neo-con lock-step agenda and everything to lose by allowing free and open discussion and debate.

5. Destroy unions and the right of workers to freely organize and thus, keep the vast majority of people as hungry and poor as possible. Thus, they can be exploited for ever lower wages, longer work days and no holiday, vacation, sick pay, health care or retirement benefits. And, get rid of those cumbersome pesky work-safety and consumer protection laws as much as politically feasible; don't let the government tell private companies that they can't sell tainted meat, bogus medicine, engage in shoddy construction practices and freely injure workers at will. After all, work safety and building code regulations are an unnecessary burden on the corporate bottom-line.

6. Pretend to believe in free markets, but don't hesitate to build a wall to interfer with the free flow of labor reacting to the markets or, to make laws that prevent labor from freely organizing. After all, conservative Republicans don't actually believe in freedom regarding the labor side of the 'free' market equation and, they especially don't believe in the free market when corporations need to be bailed out and otherwise, need helpful legislation passed to prevent the labor side of the so-called "free" market, from freely organizing.

7. Invoke God's name whenever possible to justify any and all actions; brand people who disagree with the conservative Republican agenda on even one jot or tittle, as "godless liberal, socialist, atheist, far-left kooks". Just because the U.S. Constitution begins with "we the people" and thus, the people are the government, that doesn't mean that the people who are the government can actually be trusted to know what's best for them. That would be sending a counter-productive message that conservatives actually believe in democracy, which Lord knows, is as far from reality as the east is from the west.

Richard Aberdeen
Freedom Tracks Records
615-889-1669 - 800-992-8084
707 Ward Street - Nashville, TN 37207
richard@freedomtracks.com
www.FreedomTracks.com

Sudanese Center Honors Community Leaders

The Sudanese Community and Women's Service Center hosted a reception last night at the Center at 3221 Nolensville Pike. Executive Director Gat Thach, the Staff and Volunteers acknowledged and thanked several Leaders for their benevolent work toward the defeat of the "English First" Amendment and shared how this defeat actually effects the Center and its Programs. The Honored Leaders pictured here are: Ralph Schultz-Nashville Chamber of Commerce, Avi Poster-Coalition for Education on Immigration, Renata de Soto-Conexion America, Mike Kopp-Conexion America Board, Jim Hester-Mayor's Office, Gatluak Thach, Stephen Fotopolus-TIRRC, Greg Ramos-attorney and Conexion America President, Howard Gentry-Nashville Chamber of Commerce.

Kingston Ash Spill

By Don Safer
Board President
Tennessee Environmental Council

The ash slide disaster at TVA's Kingston Coal plant should never have happened. Warnings have been issued about the inadequacy of our treatment of coal combustion waste for years. The impoundment that failed had been studied for better solutions because of numerous smaller leaks and seeps. This is another example of the oxymoronic nature of the term "clean coal." There is nothing clean about coal.

Primary responsibility certainly lies with TVA. This was their creation. In 2003, they deemed alternate disposal options or fundamental improvement expenditures of $2.6 to 25 million "too costly". (To put that into perspective, $3.2 million is this year's salary and performance bonus package for TVA CEO Tom Kilgore.) They piled this stuff up to a height of over 55 feet while applying cheaper "band-aid" solutions. Incredibly, TVA claims to have been blind-sided by the collapse and blames it on the weather: freezing temperatures and high rainfall. Adding insult to injury, in a classic case of TVA-speak, they told the press and public that no health and environmental risk were posed by this toxic mess of materials filled with known carcinogens.

Click Here To Read More

Firebrand Hosts Shelter Documentary

Anarchist Space Hosts Documentary Shelter: A Squatumentary

Nashville, 19 Feb 2009 – The Firebrand Infoshop, a cooperatively-run radical library, will be hosting a movie screening of Shelter a Squatumentary on Monday, March 7th at 7pm. Admission is by donation.

With universally skyrocketing property values, rent and home-ownership have become unaffordable at best and impossible at worst. People all over the world continue a long tradition of circumventing the expensive price tag and reclaiming this basic human right by squatting. Shelter: a Squatumentary is a documentary film that explores the squatting movement in the East Bay from 2004 to 2007. We follow three examples of the struggle for housing in an unaffordable marketplace such as the San Francisco Bay Area. Hellarity House, Banana House, and Power Machine are stories of squatters who have found one tentative solution to the ongoing housing crisis. (2008) Dobbz will be in attendance to host a panel discussion afterward on the squatter movement and property rights from an anarchist perspective.

To watch a trailer of the film and to learn more, visit http://www.killnormal.com/shelter/

Bio: Hannah E. Dobbz is a freelance writer, editor, and filmmaker. She has spent countless hours working with the now-defunct Fault Lines editorial collective and Indymedia in San Francisco, and she appeared on the 'Indymedia is Not Dead' panel at last year's Allied Media Conference in Detroit. Her articles have been published in Fault Lines and Maximum Rock 'n Roll, with topics surrounding activism, squatting, DIY, and punk.

# # #

Firebrand Infoshop is an autonomous, anti-authoritarian community space that hosts music events, art shows, lectures, and films. It shares a space 1318 Little Hamilton, an arts collective and community center.

For more information, visit us on the web at http://www.thefirebrand.org

Jobs With Justice National Update

On February 17th, President Obama signed a large scale economic
recovery package that is projected to create or save more than 3
million jobs and has substantial funding for health coverage,
medicaid, unemployment comp, school rehab, energy efficiency and
other programs.

Jobs with Justice mobilized for dozens of events across the
country and generated nearly 11,000 thousand letters in addition
to phone calls to Congress - THANK YOU to everyone who took
action! For more information on the package, see
http://www.unionvoice.org/ct/fpqDxgp1PcF6/ or
http://www.unionvoice.org/ct/f1qDxgp1PcFt/.

Jobs with Justice and other progressive groups were able to
remove several damaging provisions from the final bill,
including a misguided, anti-worker requirement to use the flawed
e-verify system.

The package is far from perfect, and Obama himself said it is
not enough to fix our economic problems. JwJ will continue to
demand a recovery that makes the economy work for everyone,
including a national Week of Action for Resistance and Recovery,
March 27 - April 4.

Millions Strong for the Employee Free Choice Act!

As our country's economy continues to fall deeper into economic
crisis with roughly half a million American's losing their jobs
each month and foreclosures continuing to leave more families
without homes, we are relieved to have passed the first Bill
which addresses the impact of the recession on working people.

Jobs with Justice understands that without workers' freedom to
bargain, the economy can't be rebuilt in a way that guarantees
the middle class will be rebuilt with it. We expect Congress to
move quickly to pass the Employee Free Choice Act. Senate
Majority Leader Reid, who is in touch with the White House on
matters of timing, recently said the Employee Free Choice would
come up in the Senate this summer. Currently there are 202
co-sponsors of the Bill in the House and 38 in the Senate. 218
represents a majority in the House, and 60 votes is required for
cloture in the Senate, in order to break a filibuster.

Jobs with Justice's role in this campaign is to clarify at every
opportunity that reforming labor law so that workers have the
right to choose if and how they want to bargain collectively is
not only a union issue, rather it is an issue of economic
fairness and sustainability, as well as democracy for us all. To
date, 43 Jobs with Justice local coalitions in 23 states are
helping to build and demonstrate broad support for Employee Free
Choice.

Since October 2008, JwJ has gathered thousands of signatures of
people who are not union members to demonstrate widespread
support for Employee Free Choice Act outside of the labor
movement. JwJ has garnered the support of nearly 100 grassroots
organizations and nearly 200 Workers' Rights Board members and
other community, faith and academic leaders who have signed a
letter, written personal statements and taken pictures or video
to show broad public support. Jobs with Justice activists have
canvassed major events such as the inauguration of the 44th
President to inform people about Employee Free Choice and to
solicit their support.

Jobs with Justice is also participating in a national media
rapid response network. Wherever the Chamber of Commerce and
their talking heads spread misinformation about the Employee
Free Choice Act, Jobs with Justice activists are there to
publicly correct the record. We have submitted dozens of Op-Eds
and Letters to the Editor, and over a dozen have been published
so far. JwJ coalitions have also provided content for dozens of
fair portrayals of the issue in newspaper articles across the
country. In addition, we are training key JwJ leaders and
Workers Rights Board members with the latest facts and messaging
to demonstrate student, religious, and broad community support
for the Employee Free Choice Act. From this, we are building a
Jobs with Justice Spokespersons' Bureau that we hope will be
there, not just for this campaign, but for future campaigns as
well.

On February 4, 2009 Jobs with Justice supported union members as
they delivered over one million of their sisters and brothers'
demand to Congress that the time is now to reform labor law in
this country by passing the Employee Free Choice Act into law.
On that same day, Jobs with Justice joined with the labor
movement to form a virtual demonstration of more than "A Million
Strong for the Employee Free Choice Act". See this as well as
other support on the JwJ homepage at:
http://www.unionvoice.org/ct/E1qDxgp1Pc-c/.

This week, during the Congressional Recess, Jobs with Justice
coalitions are showing their support for the the Employee Free
Choice Act during our "I heart worker justice" week of action.
JwJ coalitions are work with our allies in the labor movement
and the community to form delegations to visit their
congressional representatives in at least 13 districts to
educate them further on this issue and make their support a top
priority. In at least 14 cities this week, JwJ is continuing to
build our base of individuals and organizations through signing
folks up in support of Employee Free Choice as well as other
events.

We look forward to the week of March 27 ? April 4, where the
Student Labor Action Project and Jobs with Justice will have
complimentary weeks of action. The 10th Annual National Student
Labor Week of Action will activate thousands of students on
campuses and in communities to "Resist and Reclaim Our Future".
Jobs with Justice will organize a week of actions across the
country as well to "Resist and Recover". Both weeks of action
will publicly support passage of the Employee Free Choice Act in
a myriad of way, including supporting local and national worker
justice campaigns, taking on corporations and banks that
suppress workers' rights and economic justice, and educating the
public and elected officials. This week is also symbolic because
it commemorates the lives of both Cesar Chavez (born March 31)
and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (assassinated April 4 th 1968).

All of this activity contributes to a Spring Uprising that will
culminate with a DC-based event where Jobs with Justice will
take its place among the growing drum beat of progressive voices
calling for Congress and the President to even the playing field
for working families. JwJ will plan an event where Workers'
Rights Board members and other community, faith, academic and
students can articulate clearly and deeply why the Employee Free
Choice Act is long overdue.

UE Sit-Down Strikers Tour to Talk about their Victory at
Republic Windows & Doors

Resistance & Recovery Tour

In December, 260 workers at Chicago's Republic Windows & Doors,
members of the UE, occupied their plant for six days, a sit-in
strike launched in response to the closing of their plant with
only 3 days notice.

These workers chose to resist.

Jobs with Justice coalitions along with other community, faith
and labor activists from across the country mobilized in support
of these workers, helping them win a settlement from Bank of
America and Republic owners including severance pay and
compensation for unpaid earnings. Negotiations are underway now
to reopen the plant to make eco-friendly windows.

This fight is just the beginning.

As the economic crisis deepens, millions of people face jobs
loss and foreclosures. Join Jobs with Justice and other groups
in celebrating the successful resistance at Republic and launch
the broader campaign for an economic recovery that puts Main
Street before Wall Street. Join the fight as Jobs with Jutice
allies discuss how we can take direct action to resist, fight
for recovery that puts workers before wall street and keeps
people in their homes.

The workers toured 13 cities in the Midwest and Northeast.
Hundreds of activists in the came out to hear from UE Local 1110
Vice President Melvin "Ricky" Maclin, UE Local 1110 Steward Raul
Flores, UE Local 1110 President Armando Robles, and UE
International Representative Mark Meinster, and more workers.
They shared lessons and reflections on their campaign and
victory.

"You learn how to fight by fighting. This was the right time for
us and now is the right time for labor. I believe we need strong
unions and now is our time to fight," said Melvin Maclin.

"We're trying to spread the message of resistance on this tour.
Things may look dark out there, but there's hope if you stand
with you co-workers and fight. You can use bold tactics like
this and win," said Mark Meinster.

Throughout the tour, JwJ and UE activists highlighted the fight
for Employee Free Choice Act as a key next step in the fight for
a real people's economic recovery.

"Having a union made it possible for these folks to fight back
and win. We need more workers in unions, fighting back against
corporate greed to get out of this economic crisis. The Employee
Free Choice Act will make that possible," said JwJ Northeast
Organizer Laura McSpedon.

Another World is Being Born: 2009 World Social Forum in Belem,
Brazil

Under the theme "Another World is Possible, over 140,000
participants from a wide array of organizations including trade
unionists, environmentalists, indigenous peoples, women's rights
advocates, land and agrarian movements, academics, youth and
student organizers, and countless more came together in for the
9 th World Social Forum. Jobs with Justice (JwJ) sent Young
Worker Project Coordinator Carlos Jimenez as part of the
Grassroots Global Justice (GGJ) delegation of 20 participants
from a wide-range of sectors and organizations in the U.S. A few
highlights from the WSF:

GGJ was lucky to have an orientation with Walden Bello, renowned
activist and thinker from the Philippines, on the current
economic and human crisis as well as an in-depth analysis and
orientation on the World Social Forum Process from his
perspective.

Trade unions were prominent at the Forum. It was hard to go
anywhere without seeing shirts or posters of working people who
were proud to be "syndicalistas". The "El Mundo del Trabajo"
("The World of Work") was host to dozens of workshops and panels
relating to working people, trade unions, and discussions on the
Financial Crisis.

A presentation by the USW and Solidarity Center alongside the
Brazilian Chemical Worker's Union (Confederacao Nacional do Ramo
Quimico) explored the role of young workers within trade unions
and approaches being taken to mobilize, engage, and organize
younger members.

GGJ members and other US participants were invited to an
invitation-only discussion taking place between the Heads of
State of Paraguay, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Bolivia as well as
various social movements and their leaders. The discussion
focused around the "Human Crisis" and alternatives moving
forward such as the the ALBA, a different model of free trade
being promoted by Venezuela and others.

Members of the of the WSF's International Council (IC) and Tammy
Bang-Luu of the US Social Forum and C/L Strategy Center spoke
and shared their opinions on where the WSF process is headed at
a discussion on the "Future of the Forum." The WSF (and the USSF
in the U.S.) has had many positive political developments in the
host countires and relationships were built that could not have
developed any other way.

Part two of a three track session sponsored by the "Labor and
Globalization" network focused on the financial crisis and
responses taking place at the national level, with the intention
of identifying potential global responses and plans of actions.
Many of the responses and demands are similar across the globe,
with most asking for the creation of millions of new jobs in
social services, infrastructure, and the public good including
"green" jobs. Unions shared their experiences of the crisis so
far. The Brazilian CUT proclaimed that if any transnational
corporation used the crisis to cut jobs, the first and immediate
response would be to strike. European trade unions warned
right-wing fascists in their countries had used the crisis to
blame on workers and unions for what was happening.

At the "financial crisis" assembly, among the proposals were a
global week of demonstrations around the G-20 and a new demand
for "decent work" with shorter work-weeks. Potential
opportunities for upcoming global action include: March 28-April
4 th ? G-20 actions across the globe October 7 ? Decent Work
Campaign October 12 ? Indigenous resistance global day of action
against colonization and commoditization of life Actions on the
G8 Summit in Sardinia, the Climate Summit in Copenhagen, the
Summit of the Americas in Trinidad and Tobago, etc.

Another world is being born, and the current crisis presents
both danger and opportunity to create a new paradigm.

Richmond JwJ Organizes for First-Ever Virginia People's Assembly

On January 10, 2009 the first mass meeting of a newly formed
organization called the Virginia People's Assembly took place in
Richmond Virginia. In attendance, for the first time that even
life-long residents could recall, were representatives from all
aspects of the progressive movement. They came from all walks of
life and lifted up a wide-array of issues around immigrant
rights, labor, students, prison justice, the African-American
community, healthcare, anti-war, LGBT, and many others. Out of
this meeting a People's Agenda was formulated and accepted
unanimously by all in attendance.

A mass protest and rally was held on January 14, 2009 in front
of the Federal Reserve Bank with an impressive list of speakers
including Delegate Joe Morrissey (D-74th District) and King
Salim Khalfani, Executive Director Virginia State Conference of
the NAACP. VPA members braved frigid temperatures to march from
there to the Virginia General Assembly to take their Agenda to
the legislators.

The group plans to continue to keep pressure on specific
legislation that has been introduced in the session?including
opposing a proposed Right to Work Constitutional Amendment and
bills related to prison advocacy like the Restoration of Voter
rights for ex-offenders. Long-term goals include remaining a
united front focused on lifting up each others issues and
potentially preparing legislation that can be introduced in
future General Assembly sessions by allies in the legislature.

The VPA was formed through the initiation and organizing efforts
of Richmond Jobs with Justice and the Defenders for Freedom,
Justice, and Equality and has been supported through the
outreach efforts of the VPA organizing committee that is truly
representative of all aspects of the progressive movement in
Virginia.

More details can be found at a page hosted on the Richmond JwJ
website: http://www.unionvoice.org/ct/4dqDxgp1PcFB/ or by
emailing VAPeoplesAssembly@gmail.com.

Tompkins County Workers' Center/JwJ Uncovers Wage Violations;
Helps Workers Win Back Pay

The Tompkins(TCWC), in collaboration with the New York State
Department of Labor(NYSDOL), announced the results of an
investigation which found substantial labor law and wage
violations (involving 36 workers and a $28K settlement) found
against two Ithaca restaurants: Taste of Thai and Tamarind.

Two 'front of the house' workers approached the TCWC this past
summer with great concern about how they and others, especially
'back of the house' workers, were being treated with respect to
tip, overtime, and days of work violations, after feeling like
attempts to talk with restaurant ownership were rebuffed.

The TCWC then had a meeting in June with the owner and business
manager of the restaurants, who expressed interest in signing a
Community Responsibility Agreement (CRA)--see sample here--with
the TCWC. However, the TCWC was never again contacted by the
restaurants about signing the CRA. The TCWC fearing that it was
hearing only part of the story, then contacted the NYSDOL to
find out what was legal and what was not.

Says former waitperson at Taste of Thai, Deidra Cross, "I feel
it is imperative to keep open, honest communications with
superiors and co-workers in the workplace in order to establish
an honest and legal work environment. I think the results of
this situation shows that people need to have a willingness to
seek outside assistance if they feel their work environment
unjust or operating in an illegal fashion."

The news of the settlement with Taste of Thai and Tamarind comes
within the context of a growing movement to end 'wage, a serious
problem in various industries (a record level of recovered wages
in New York was reported in 2008 alone in New York State--$24.6
million for 17,000 workers, probably the tip of the iceberg).
The TCWC has a strong record in dealing with 'wage theft' and
other labor law violations (Kinko's, Pizzeria, New, and the
Plum).

Workers should know that they can contact the Workers' Center at
607-269-0409 or http://www.unionvoice.org/ct/E7qDxgp1Pc-X/ if
they have concern about their rights at the workplace, or would
like to report 'wage theft' at work.

VWC/JwJ Says: No More Budget Cuts!

The Vermont Workers' Center/JwJ, working with the Save Our State
coalition, helped organize fourteen candlelight vigils around
the state on February 1 st to send a strong message to Vermont's
governor not to balance the budget on the backs of workers.
Hundreds of Vermonters participated in the vigils, demanding no
cuts to jobs or services. After the vigils, over a dozen
Workers' Center/JwJ members met Governor Douglas at the airport
to bring their message directly to him.

The Vermont Workers' Center/JwJ is advocating for the following
principles as the state faces a budget crisis:1) Public services
are necessary for a just and sustainable society. 2) Among the
roles of government is to guarantee the human rights of all
residents. 3) A revenue shortfall is a reason to change revenue
policy not budget policy. 4) Public services, including
education, should be funded based on ability to pay, not fees or
regressive taxes like property and sales taxes. 5) Only by
concerted collective action can people ensure that
government/public policy serves the needs of the people. 6)
Healthcare is a human right, and by establishing it as a public
good it will not only be more just, but by eliminating the waste
of private insurers, we will save tens of millions of dollars.

800 Attend Portland Town Hall on the Economic Crisis

More than 800 people crowded into Portland, Oregon?s First
Unitarian Church on Saturday for a ?Town Hall on the Economic
Crisis.? In large-group plenary and a variety of action-oriented
breakout sessions, participants discussed the causes of the
financial meltdown, the government?s response and what people in
the room can do to make a difference.

Throughout the rapid-fire, five-hour program, speakers urged
their audiences to view the current economic crisis as an
opportunity. Many argued that economic stimulus proposals aimed
at ?getting the country back to some pre-meltdown state? are
inadequate for a number of reasons?not the least of which is
that inequality left large numbers of American families
struggling to survive even before the financial collapse.

Rather, people should be looking forward for ways build a new
economy that helps working people, protects the environment and
avoids unsustainable market ?bubbles.? Most felt that the
stimulus proposed by President Obama does not think big enough
nor go far enough.

The afternoon?s more than one dozen workshops included titles
like ?Stopping the Global Race to the Bottom,? ?Uniting Across
Racial and Ethnic Divides,? ?Rebuilding the Safety Net,? ?Why
Unions?? and ??Push Me? Said Obama to Progressives: But How??
Each featured presentations by local organizations that have
been working to improve the economy for many years.

This event was organized by Portland Jobs with Justice and more
than fifty other community partners from labor, environmental,
faith and social justice communities. After the closing plenary,
hundreds of people gathered in the church basement for free food
and mingled among information tables set up by groups focused on
health care, trade, peace, immigrant rights, the environment,
the Employee Free Choice Act and more. Many took home
information, signed petitions, and, most importantly,
volunteered to get involved.

To learn more about the Town Hall, and how to organize one in
your own community, visit:
http://www.unionvoice.org/ct/EdqDxgp1Pc-B/.

Community Art Benefit March 13th

1318 Little Hamilton Hosts Community Art Benefit

Nashville, 19 Feb 2009 – 1318 Little Hamilton, a cooperatively run community space, will be hosting a $5 Art Sale benefit on Friday, March 13th to raise funds for building a space for the Metro Nashville Bicycle Co-op and planting a community garden.

The event will feature prints and original art by well-known local artists and the Untitled Arts Collective. Admission is free, and everything in the gallery is only $5.

# # #

1318 Little Hamilton is an anti-authoritarian arts collective that hosts music events, art shows, lectures, and community events. It is home to the Metro Nashville Bicycle Co-op, as well as The Firebrand Infoshop—an Anarchist library and internet café.

For more information, visit us on the web at http://www.myspace.com/littlehamiltonshows or http://www.thefirebrand.org

NATO Protests Planned

60th NATO Anniversary Celebrations in Europe
to Draw Massive Protests

2009 is the 60th anniversary of NATO and the US-led alliance is planning big celebrations in Europe to promote their expanded global role as an extension of US foreign and military policy. In 1999, seeking to justify its existence after the collapse of the former Soviet Union, NATO acknowledged that it was seeking to orient itself according to a new fundamental strategic concept. From a narrow military defense alliance it was to become a broad-based alliance for the protection of the vital resource needs (oil/natural gas/etc) of its member states. Besides being mired in Afghanistan today, NATO is now expanding eastward as a tool in the aggressive US program to surround resource rich Russia. There are even discussions now within NATO to take the alliance into the Asian-Pacific to help the US militarily surround China.

From April 3-5, 40 heads of state and government leaders, including President Obama, will come to Strasbourg, France and Baden-Baden, Germany for 60th anniversary events. In response to these events activists from throughout Europe are planning protests in Strasbourg during the period of April 1-5. In order to plan these events 500 activists from 19 countries met at Marc Bloch University in Strasbourg, on February 14-15.

The No to War - No to NATO coalition issued a statement after their meeting that reads in part: "60 years are more than enough – this is the consensus uniting the participants of the peace, anti-globalization movements, leftist parties and organizations, Trade Unions, and student initiatives. They stand against the war policy of NATO, against today's wars in Afghanistan and the Middle East, against the intervention strategy and reinforce their claim to 'No to NATO'. They refuse to accept the EU linked with NATO and ask for a drastic reduction of military spending: we do not want to pay for your crisis , nor for your wars."

NATO of course is responding by trying to keep the protests away from Strasbourg. They have arranged for the city government to outlaw protests. In response No to NATO says, "We want to express our rejection of this kind of politics and want to give the citizens of Strasbourg and the social movements the opportunity to publicize their rejection without any obstacles. These are the demands for the prefecture which turned down the proposal of the NATO Preparatory Committee to demonstrate against NATO in the inner city of Strasbourg on 4th of April. The implementation of the NATO Summit will turn Strasbourg into a fortress; this is not acceptable for its own citizens and for the thousands of peaceful demonstrators form all parts of the world.

"Extraordinary security parameters will be enacted: the establishment of a red zone, the labeling of the citizens, the establishment of an all-encompassing new video surveillance system. For us this staging of heads of states in the city centre of Strasbourg – a closed off city – and its inhabitants who will be unable to have a normal daily life, having no freedom of movement, is unbearable and makes it impossible for us to unveil NATO's real face. Whereas the citizens will pay for the summit and the glorified presentation of NATO their dissenting opinion is to be marginalized."

For activists back here in the US it should be reassuring and exciting for us to see so much effort being organized to shut down the US empire. But we have to do our part as well. We can start by calling for the closing of US bases and for major cuts by Congress in the Pentagon's bloated budget. None of us have to do this on our own. When we work together as a globalized movement we can really begin to make progress.

These are the kinds of issues that will be featured at the upcoming Security Without Empire: National Organizing Conference on Foreign Military Bases that will be held at American University in Washington DC on February 27-March 2. The Global Network will be one of 20 peace groups sponsoring this important event. Key peace movement activists from around the US and all over the world will be attending and presenting. A protest vigil at the Pentagon will kick off the weekend beginning at 4:00 pm on February 27.
For registration information see the conference web site at: www.projectonmilitarybases.org


Global Network Against Weapons & Nuclear Power in Space
PO Box 652
Brunswick, ME 04011
(207) 443-9502
http://www.space4peace.org
globalnet@mindspring.com
http://space4peace.blogspot.com (Blog)

UFPJ Abandons Its Members

David Swanson on UFPJ

December 12 to 14, 2008, United for Peace and Justice (UFPJ) held its National Assembly in Chicago. Hundreds of representatives of member groups from all over the country spent most of those three days voting on the language to go in the documents that would determine what UFPJ would work on in the coming year and a half, the Unity Statement, the Strategic Framework, and the Program of Action. This last document directly determines what areas the coalition will work in. All three documents are available at http://www.unitedforpeace.org/article.php?id=4009

In past years, UFPJ has declined to put major resources into work on accountability or impeachment, arguing that these campaigns were not contained in its Program Document. This time was different. Participants in the National Assembly voted overwhelmingly to make accountability and prosecution for war crimes an item on the agenda, and part of all three documents. The full assembly even voted explicitly and overwhelmingly to make work on those campaigns just as important as work in other areas.

Enthusiasts for accountability and prosecution within UFPJ formed a Working Group and even persuaded UFPJ to send an Email to its member groups in December. But, from that point forward, the Working Group on Accountability and Prosecution was shut out, not given a webpage, not given a listserve, not consulted in planning for major events around the sixth anniversary of the invasion of Iraq and plans for a big event in New York on April 4th. On Friday, UFPJ sent its member groups a long document listing topics that people should discuss with their Congress members during the coming week's recess. It's available at
http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=6Zy7h3LJM8GJJkXGIdYl9gysd%2B1dgD05

This document closely resembles the Program Document over which hundreds of people tediously labored, discussing and voting on every section for three days, except that there are changes. Any mention of accountability or prosecution or war crimes has been deleted. That entire section is gone. Other elements have been deleted and completely new ones added that were never approved by any assembly.

UFPJ has turned its elaborate and laborious shows of democracy into a charade and to allow a certain clique of individuals to impose their will on the coalition, a procedure that should matter even to member groups opposed to working for accountability.

Here are the section headings in the document UFPJ members voted on for three straight days until it was just right:

UFPJ PROGRAM FOR ACTION
As amended and adopted at the 4th UFPJ National Assembly – 12/13/08

1) We remain committed to the urgent goal of immediately ending the U.S. wars and occupations in Iraq and Afghanistan and bringing all the troops home.
• 6th Anniversary of the War in Iraq:
• Pressure on Congress to End the War in Iraq:
• Voices of Iraqis, Humanitarian Crisis and Rebuilding Iraq:
• Afghanistan
• Support for Military Resisters, Veterans and Military Families:
• Truth In Recruiting:
• Campaign to Bring Home the National Guard:
2) Our work for peace and justice will include an action response to the economic, social and environmental crisis at home and worldwide.
• Economic Crisis and a Green Job Economy:
• End to Global Warming, Climate Justice Now:
3) We will work to prevent new wars in Pakistan, Iran and elsewhere.
• Iran – Stop Threatening, Start Talking:
• Nuclear Disarmament:
• Pakistan, Syria, North Korea, Venezuela, Cuba and elsewhere:
4) It is time to challenge the Global War on Terror and the Empire Building Agenda of the U.S.
• No Foreign Bases Campaign:
• End the Israeli Occupation of Palestinian Territories:
• Offering New Approaches for U.S. Foreign Policy:
5) Defending, protecting and expanding civil liberties, civil rights and democracy are necessary
steps to ensure our ability to achieve our other strategic goals.
• Restore Civil Liberties, End Torture:
• Accountability and prosecution of high officials guilty of war crimes, including the supreme crime of aggressive war.
• Immigrant Rights:

***

Here, in contrast, are the section headings from the new document:

BEYOND WAR - A New Economy is Possible
Send America to Work, Not to War
1. Militarism
Out of Iraq and Afghanistan
16 MONTH PLAN FOR IRAQ
AFGHANISTAN
THERE IS NO “GOOD WAR”
NUCLEAR WEAPONS
FOREIGN BASES
MILITARY INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX
THE PENTAGON IS NOT A JOBS ENGINE
HUMANITARIAN AID

2. Poverty
CUT THE MILITARY BUDGET AND FUND HUMAN NEEDS
POVETY [sic] IN THE UNITED STATES
HOME FORECLOSURES
HEALTHCARE
EMPLOYEE FREE CHOICE ACT
GET RID OF INEFFECTIVE “TRICKLE DOWN” ECONOMICS
THE GRAVITY OF THE CLIMATE CRISIS
WE SHOULD INVEST IN GREEN

3. Racism
BLACK PRISON POPULATION
BLACK POVERTY
EDUCATION

*****

Member groups of UFPJ wishing to confirm that the coalition wants their dues but not their input can contact UFPJ at (212) 868-5545 .

Sincerely,
Pete Perry & David Swanson

Nashville Urban Harvest Spring Plans

Nashville Urban Harvest is pleased to announce the return of our Spring-Summer CSA for the 2009 growing season. All produce in our CSA is grown locally at the West Nashville Community Farm, an urban farm devoted to practical education and awareness around sustainable agriculture and a vibrant local food system. For more more details please download the attached documents or visit http://nashvilleurbanharvest.org/pages/CSA-2009.

Please email csa@nashvilleurbanharvest.org for additional questions.

What is a CSA?

CSAis short for Community Supported Agriculture. It is a system that
links local growers with local communities. Individuals or families
buy a share of the vegetables and fruits that will be grown over the
season at our farm, starting in mid to late May for the middle
Tennessee region.

Why should I buy into Nashville Urban Harvest's CSA? I can just go to
the grocery store!

First, we use sustainable agriculture practices—no chemical pesticides
and improved soil health means better health for you and your family.
Second, the cost of your share supports our work directly, covering
the cost of seed, salary, and farm equipment. Most importantly, your
food is local and fresh. We pick it on Tuesday and you pick it up on
Wednesday!

What comes in my share?

Each week your share will have a mix of enough veggies for 3-4 people
for the week. A typical box has a variety—a salad mix, spinach, peas,
radishes, and a mix of greens including Swiss chard, kale, and arugula
in early summer; and tomatoes, corn, cucumbers, zucchini, potatoes,
herbs, peppers, garlic, onions, and carrots in mid-summer. Each weekly
box typically contains 5-10 different types of produce, according to
seasonal availability.

What is the cost?

Our 15 week spring-summer CSA begins when the crops are ready for
harvest, and we plan to have the first harvest ready on Wednesday, May
13th. The CSA will run through August 19th or 15 weeks after the start
date. The cost is $375, with a $30 discount for shareholders who sign
up and provide payment by March 4th. We do not offer half-shares, but
we welcome shareholders who wish to split their shares with others.

We also plan to offer a fall CSA—look for information as we enjoy the summer!

There are also subsidized shares available for families with a low
income. Please see the separate application attached or email
csa@nashvilleurbanharvest.org.

Mayors protest US Missile Defense

Three buses filled with Czech Mayors from the League of Mayors against the Radar and activists from the Nonviolence Movement will travel to Brussels to meet Members of the European Parliament on Wednesday and to protest against the “Star wars” plan. They have been invited to attend a public hearing about the controversial US Missile Defense enlargement into the Czech Republic and Poland. While in Brussels they will meet with several MEPs, Belgian Senators and the Vice-president of the European Parliament Luisa Morgantini. They will also attend a public rally against the radar held outside the European Parliament building.

Dozens of Czech Mayors will be accompanied by citizens from across the country and what originated as a plan to invite 40 people is now a two-day trip of 130. The mayors represent a delegation of a total of 130 Czech mayors who publicly oppose the project. The trip of the mayors is also supported by 13 of the total 14 heads of regional governments as well as many mayors from other European countries. As polls show, approximately 70% of Czechs are also against the plan.

"It’s not by chance that after the fall of the Berlin wall, the United States rapidly opened the doors of NATO to ex-socialist countries. In this way they were able to train the military and political leaders so that they would be closer to their interests.

"At the beginning of 2009 one of these 'Trojan Horses', the Czech Republic, took over the Presidency of the European Union; precisely for this reason we are carrying the protest to the heart of the European Parliament and we will ask it to express itself on this fundamental question,” said Giorgio Schultze, of Europe for Peace.

A press briefing will take place prior to the departure of the buses in Rokycany at 7pm tomorrow (Tuesday, February 17) in front of the Winter Stadium.

Program for Wednesday, February 18 in Brussels:

10:00 first rally outside the European Parliament (Luxembourg Plaza)
12:00 meeting of delegation with the members of the Belgian Senate
14:00 main demonstration and event “The invisibles” (Luxembourg Plaza)
14:45 Jan Tamas (Nonviolence Movement) and Josef Vondrasek (Mayor of Rozmital) will speak at the GUE/NGL meeting in the European Parliament
15:30 meeting of delegation with MEP Jill Evans
16:00 meeting of delegation with vice-president of the EP Luisa Morgantini
16:30 – 18:00 public hearing in European Parliament, building ASP, room 1G3
19:00 departure of the 3 buses back to Prague

The protest will be supported by many people across Europe with events taking place simultaneously in Madrid, Copenhagen, Berlin, Rome, Palermo, Florence, Milan, Turin, Budapest and Buenos Aires. Many international organizations are also supporting the protest, including Mayors for Peace, Pax Christi International, World Without Wars and Europe for Peace.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Global Network Against Weapons & Nuclear Power in Space
PO Box 652
Brunswick, ME 04011
(207) 443-9502
http://www.space4peace.org
globalnet@mindspring.com
http://space4peace.blogspot.com (Blog)

History Lesson I-A

Editorial by Richard Aberdeen

Carter inherited the economic mess created by the Vietnam war and to this day, most Americans blame Carter for what was caused largely by policies under Johnson and Nixon and otherwise, by a brand new cancer on society called OPEC. Carter was actually one of our very best presidents and unlike Junior, Carter stood up to OPEC and managed to bring oil under control by the end of his much shorter term, as well as he managed to get a lot of hostages set free from the grips of a rather nasty religious tyrant in the Middle East, who apparently didn't like the fact we set up a ruthless puppet dictator called the Shah of Iran and helped him enslave a comparatively 'free' Muslim population. Even Newt Gingrich, who was Carter's biggest foe in Congress, later admitted that most of what Carter tried to get passed through a dumb-ass and even dumber-elephant Congress, was right and correct for the problems he inherited. Imagine that, ol' Newt himself disagreeing completely with Phil Valentine (see below).

The first four years of Reagan's "success" were in very large part, due to the small amount of wise policy that Carter actually did manage to get through a Dumb and Dumber Congress; the second four years of Reagan's term were not as "successful" and by the end of his eight years, similar to Obama, Bush Senior. inherited a big economic mess, although it was hidden more at the time Bush Sr. took over than now under Obama and, probably not as bad. After all, it was hard even for Reagan to outdo Junior in the financial disaster column, even though with his Merry MX Missile and Star Wars death ray shot into economic black hole oblivion, he gave it his best shot.

Although I wish otherwise, I think Obama has more than a 50% chance of ending up being viewed pretty much like Carter but perhaps, not quite as bad, because unlike Carter, it is clear in the mind of average Joe American and even Republican leaders admit, that Obama did not create this financial disaster, thus he has a leg or two up on poor Carter and unlike Carter, he at least ostensibly has Congresss on his side. Nevertheless, it is likely that within a couple of years, Obama will be shoulder the brunt of the blame and the actual cause of our problems, like those under Carter and Bush Sr., will be long forgotten.

What amazes me is not the historical and especially moral ignorance of average Joe American--I can expect high school and college graduates to vote a second time for an immoral Bush Junior and worse Dick Cheney, given the amount of blatant lies on right-wing radio and counter-balancing moral censorship approved by the ACLU in our public school system. What does amaze me is the profound ignorance of many American historians, who continue to label Carter as one of our worst presidents and Reagan as one of our best, while it is clear from a fair historical perspective, that the opposite is true.

And surprisingly even to me, Nashville right-wing radio enthusiast Phil Valentine has dug far back into the dust bins of Baby Boomer generation history, blaming poor hapless Carter for our current troubles. After all I guess, right-wing radio Phil can't both look in the mirror and blame Reagan and the Bush Klan, any more than apparently he can think and chew neo-convict Bazooka bubble gum at the same time. Maybe he should take a cue from the Smothers Brothers of, when all else fails, light up a joint or two and try and forget as best we can. (Of course, not that I would ever personally light up a joint, after all, whiskey is cheaper and well proven by my ancestors to be more effective.)


Richard Aberdeen
Freedom Tracks Records
615-889-1669 - 800-992-8084
richard@freedomtracks.com
www.FreedomTracks.com

Tompkins Case Taken to the Public

Innocence Project of Florida Plans to Test Tompkins Evidence
Tompkins could be First Ever Executed Man to be Proven Innocent

Today the Innocence Project of Florida (IPF) reiterated its intent to test the remaining DNA evidence in the case of Wayne Tompkins. Mr. Tompkins was executed on Wednesday, February 11th, in Raiford, Florida after being found guilty of murdering Lisa DeCarr in 1983. IPF believes that further testing in the case could reveal that the body did not belong to the alleged victim, meaning Mr. Tompkins had been convicted of a murder that did not take place.

“We have a remarkable case with Mr. Tompkins,” said Seth Miller, Executive Director of the Innocence Project of Florida. “The State supported this match between the body and the victim with a partial dental record, which was pretty unconvincing. But on top of that, several people have signed affidavits saying that they’ve seen her alive since the murder. If that’s the case, then Florida just killed an innocent man.”

If it were found that Mr. Tompkins was innocent of the 1983 murder, it would be the first case in American history of an executed man being scientifically proven innocent posthumously. In 2000, Frank Lee Smith was exonerated by DNA testing 11 months after he died of cancer on Florida’s Death Row.

IPF sent a letter to Florida Governor Charlie Crist on Tuesday, February 10th, urging him to stay Tompkins’ execution. On the next day IPF filed a motion asking a judge to notify the appropriate authorities of their statutory obligation to preserve the evidence in Mr. Tompkins’ case for 60 days after his execution. The Thirteenth Circuit Court granted that motion the same day.

“These agencies need to know we’re serious about going forward with testing, and we want to make sure they are preserving all of the evidence pursuant to Florida law,” said Miller. “If the State Attorney is convinced that Mr. Tompkins was guilty, they should support testing to put the doubts to rest. We’ll pay for it, they just need to give us access to the evidence.”

“We look forward to working with the State Attorney’s Office to get the DNA testing,” added Miller. “We’re going to make sure we discover the truth in this case.”

The Innocence Project of Florida is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to finding and freeing innocent people in Florida prisons. IPF consulted on the DNA issues in the case of Wayne Tompkins.


Innocence Project of Florida
1100 East Park Ave
Tallahassee, FL 32301
US

Joey King Funraiser

You are invited to a special potluck fundraiser for Joey King of Veterans for Peace on Friday, February 27th at the Nashville Peace and Justice Center at 7pm. The event, which is being hosted by the Nashville Peace Coalition is intended to raise fund specifically for Joey King, a long time peace activist and organizer of the Buddhist Peace Fellowship in Nashville to support his upcoming trip to El Salvador. Guests are requested to bring a potluck dish or drink if possible. Joey King is travelling in March to El Salvador to participate in an election monitoring program.

El Salvador has suffered the effects of civil war and right wing terror for decades and there is a possibility that the paramilitary forces and death squads which impacted life there so terribly in the 1980's may be returning. As part of the efforts of the Nashville Peace Coalition to support the activites of peace both at home and around the globe, we have voted to support Joey King in his efforts as an election monitor by hosting this fundraiser potluck dinner.

The evening will begin at 7:00pm with some food and drink and then a few words from Joey King about his upcoming trip and his work with Veterans for Peace and the Buddhist Peace Fellowship. The Nashville Peace and Justice Center is located at 4732 W Longdale in Nashville on the grounds of the Southminster Presbyterian Church off of Harding Road about two miles east of I-65. If for any reason you are unable to attend this event but would like to contribute funds to help Joey out you may send a check to Veterans for Peace treasurer Michael August at 1611 Forrest Ave, Nashville, TN 37206.

Thanks for your support and we look forward to seeing you on Friday, February 27th at the Nashville Peace and Justice Center.

For more information or questions please contact:

Chris Lugo
9 Music Sq So #164
Nashville, TN 37203
615-593-0304
chris4senate@gmail.com

United Progressive New Action Center

Nashville Based United Progressives Introduces New Action Center

Members who, despite the promises and hope presented by the inauguration of Barack Obama, still believe that there is work to do to advance progressive causes may be interested to know that you can organize both locally and nationally now through our newly established Action Center.


You'll find a link in the top right hand corner of the page of our website, www.unitedprogressives.us, called "Sit-ins, Protests, Shoe Throwings, Flag Burnings, Polite Discussions." Registered members of United Progressives may exclusively post their events here.

If you follow the link alone, without logging in, you will see what is available to the public. The public may view the listed events as they are published, according to several categories that represent major political issues that concern progressives, such as health care, gay rights, war and peac issues, etc.

A couple of examples, A Charlottesville, VA, health care forum, and the Winter Soldier Hearings in Austin, TX, have already been added. A comment section is beneath each event listing that will enable people to ask questions or add useful information about related activities.

In addition, we've added a Download section, which you can find on the right sidebar under Additional Resources, where you can Download Flyers and the new combo flyer/business card we took to Washington DC with us.

We hope you will be pleased with these additions. We will be adding further features and upgrading to both our membership community, and programs that will help us advance United Progressives and build our membership. The Action Center software is still in beta by the developers and has some limitations and quirks, but things are moving ahead rather quickly, and we expect good things soon. Look forward to future notices about this.

Paul Barrow
Co-Director/ Policy and Communications


United Progressives
44 Music Square East
#702
Nashville, TN 37203
http://www.unitedprogressives.us

Occupation is a Crime

Why We're Marching on the Pentagon
Iraq, Afghanistan, Palestine ... Occupation is A Crime

The Iraq and Afghanistan war will drag on for years unless we act now. The cost in lives and resources is criminal regardless of whether the Democrats or Republicans are in charge of the government.

We must also act to end U.S. support for Israel’s ongoing war against the Palestinian people. The Bush Administration gave the green light and provided the weapons and the money for Israel’s recent war against the Palestinian people in Gaza. More than 5,000 Palestinians were killed or wounded; the majority of casualties were civilians, including hundreds of children, in this high-tech massacre. “We the People” pay the bill as the U.S. provides $2.5 billion a year for Israel’s massive military machine.

Why We Say "Bring All the Troops Home Now Not Later!"

If Bush’s war and occupation of Iraq was an illegal action of aggression—and it was—how can the new government say that it can only gradually end the war over a number of years? The Iraqis don’t want foreign military forces running their country. No one would!

The Pentagon has employed 200,000 foreign contractors (mercenaries) and 150,000 U.S. troops to maintain the occupation of Iraq. They have no right to be there. A few thousand are being brought out of Iraq only to be redeployed to occupy Afghanistan, and the fools in the media proclaim “the war is winding down.” That is not true.

President Obama decided to keep the Pentagon just as it was under Bush. He even selected Bush appointee Robert Gates to keep his position as chief of the Pentagon. Gates announced that the new administration would double the number of troops sent to Afghanistan. That is certainly not the “change” most people thought was coming following the end of Bush’s tenure.

These are wars for domination in the Middle East and Central Asia.

The people of the United States want change. We are sick and tired of wars of aggression waged abroad under false slogans of “national security.” These are wars that reap massive profits for corporate weapons-makers with the promise of winning control over the vast oil and natural gas reserves in the Middle East and Central Asia.

Working people may have another definition for “national security.” What really makes the people “insecure?” Ask the 2.3 million families who are losing their homes because they are being foreclosed when they can’t pay their steep debts to the banks. Ironically, when these same parasitic bankers couldn’t pay their debts, the federal government rushed in with a $2.5 trillion bailout using our tax dollars.

Or ask working-class students who are being laid off from their jobs just as tuition costs soar out of reach. What defines “security” for millions of young people whose future is at stake? Do they want tax dollars spent to kill poor people abroad or to finance education?

We will march on Saturday, March 21, the sixth anniversary of the start of the Iraq invasion, to demand that taxpayer dollars be used to meet people’s needs—here and everywhere. This year’s real Pentagon war budget will top $1 trillion.

This amount could create 10 million jobs, provide healthcare and education for all, rebuild New Orleans, and repair much of the damage done in Iraq, Afghanistan and Palestine. We need money for jobs, housing, health care and education, not for wars of aggression.

The occupation of Iraq alone costs $12 billion each month. This amounts to $400 million each day, $16.7 million per hour and $278,000 per minute.

The Pentagon war machine does not act in our interests. Its wars benefit the biggest corporations and banks that seek to control the markets and riches of the Middle East. The people of Iraq, Afghanistan and Palestine are not our enemies. They want to live free from colonial-type domination. Only a people’s movement demanding an end to U.S. wars and militarism can win justice for people here and abroad.

Go to http://www.pentagonmarch.org for more information.

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A.N.S.W.E.R. Coalition
http://www.answercoalition.org/
info@internationalanswer.org
National Office in Washington DC: 202-544-3389
New York City: 212-694-8720
Los Angeles: 213-251-1025
San Francisco: 415-821-6545
Chicago: 773-463-0311

March on Wall Street

Events have called upon us to make history. Future generations will look back on this moment to see whether we were able to understand what is at stake, and rise to the occasion. We call upon you to join with the Bail Out the People Movement and the many community leaders, activists and organizations that are part of it, to help organize the first National March on Wall Street on Friday, April 3 and Saturday, April 4.

Yes! This is a two-day event. The first phase of the march will begin on Friday, April 3; thousands traveling to New York City from all over the country will join us on Saturday, April 4.

The Wall Street march will take place during the same week that the G20 countries are holding their second emergency global economic crisis summit meeting in London on April 2 and 3, which will be followed immediately by a 60th Anniversary of NATO summit meeting in Strasbourg, France on April 4. Both meetings will be the focus of strong protests against war and for economic justice.

For all of who have made a serious commitment to fighting for social and economic justice, the worsening global economic depression (Yes, it is a depression. It’s time to call it what it is!) is the life-changing event that's going to define the challenges and test the seriousness of our movement.

This crisis, which is firing 20,000 workers, and evicting 15,000 from their homes every single day in the U.S. alone, is not going away. It's only going to get worse.

The crisis is overwhelming, frightening, and almost surreal. Many of us are fighting the layoffs, evictions and budget cuts at the local level. Doing so is both necessary and critical.

However, we must begin the process of coalescing around national mass actions. The big banks and their friends in Washington are way ahead of us in this regard.

Coalescing local and national activists and organizations--and most importantly, the millions of people whose living standards and survival are at stake, is the most important goal of the April 3 and 4 National March on Wall Street.

The mass anger over the continuing bank bailout has the aristocracy of Wall Street and the politicians in Washington scared. But anger that is not organized into mass movement is wasted and ultimately ignored by the powers that be.

As extraordinary as the outcome was of the November elections, clearly the elections alone have not been enough. As activists, we can no longer afford to wait for others to come forth and organize mass resistance.

The so-called “stimulus” legislation may eventually help a few people but it will not even put a dent in the layoffs, evictions, and budget-cutting contagion. The big banks are asking for another $2-3 trillion in bailout money. The money in the stimulus bill allotted to help people facing foreclosure is less than 2% of that sum.

The march on Wall Street has been planned to coincide with the anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. There are many reasons one could think of to do this.

Just as Dr. King knew that the Civil Rights Movement would not be viable unless it was also part of the antiwar movement, he knew that freedom would never be possible until everyone had the right to a job with a living wage, or an income. This was the message that Dr. King spent the last year of his life trying to convey.

And it's a message that could hardly be more relevant today. Another important message from Dr. King reminds us of what is so fundamental to his legacy, "Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed."

People have been waiting for the call for a National March on Wall Street that demands a Bail Out of the People, not the Banks. That call has been issued; support for it is growing every day with hundreds of endorsements. (See www.bailoutpeople.org for the endorsers’ list).

However, it is the commitment that you make to organize for the Wall Street march that is going to be decisive.

Let us come together and be decisive.

In solidarity,

Bail Out the People Movement


Endorse the Call for April 3 & 4: http://www.bailoutpeople.org/wallstendorse.shtml
Become a local organizer: http://www.bailoutpeople.org/wallstvolorgcent.shtml
Donate to help with organizing expenses: http://bailoutpeople.org/donate.shtml
Download the BOPM Working Paper: http://bailoutpeople.org/Workingpaper.pdf


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Also:

International Women's Day--A Salute to Women's Resistance
Bail Out Women and Their Communities
NYC Rally and March, Sunday, March 8
Assemble at Union Square, 1 p.m.
Initiated by Women's Fightback Network

Advancing Equality in Tennessee

Advancing Equality Day is next week, and the Tennessee Equality Project says that it is important for concern citizens to speak to their legislators first-hand about why they care about equality for LGBT people in Tennessee.

There are two bills of particular importance this year. First, as we mentioned before, the legislature is once again considering anti-adoption legislation. SB 78/HB 605 would prohibit adoption by individuals "cohabiting" in a sexual relationship outside of a marriage recognized in Tennessee. This mean-spirited bill is aimed directly at the LGBT community and must be stopped.

On a positive note, the legislature is considering HB 355, which would amend existing hate crimes law to add gender identity or expression as protected categories. The law currently includes sexual orientation. This is vital legislation, especially in light of ongoing violence against transgender people in Tennessee. It also provides a great opportunity to have conversations with legislators about why equality for transgender people is so important.

Speaking with legislators face to face is one of the most powerful tools we have in the fight for equality. We hope you'll be able to join our friends at TEP next week for Advancing Equality Day on the Hill. P

Advancing Equality Day on the Hill
Tuesday, February 17
8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Rymer Gallery
233 Fifth Avenue North
Nashville, TN 37219

Hate Crimes Bill Filed

Hate Crimes and Birth Certificate Bills Filed

The Tennessee Transgender Political Coalition (TTPC) is pleased to announce that, for the first time in history, a transgender inclusive Hate Crimes bill has been filed in the Tennessee General Assembly.

This week, Rep. Jeanne Richardson (D-Memphis) filed HB0335, which is accompanied by SB0253 by Sen. Beverly Marrero (D-Memphis), which would add "gender identity or expression" as a hate crimes sentencing enhancement factor to Tennessee Code Annotated 40-35-114. Passage of this bill will make it easier for state and local authorities to track and prosecute hate crimes against all LGBT Tennesseans.

Also this week, Rep. Richardson and Senator Marrero filed HB0334/SB0252
which would permit gender changes on birth certificates. Currently, Tennessee is the only state in the nation with a law that totally bans such changes.

We thank Representative Richardson and Senator Marrero for their support in these two areas. We urge Tennessee lawmakers to pass both of these vital pieces of legislation.

The Tennessee Transgender Political Coalition is also opposing, once again, a bill to ban adoption rights for unmarried, co-habiting couples, SB0078 by Senator Paul Stanley (R-Germantown). TTPC was one of several groups which mobilized thousands of responsible Tennesseans against this discriminatory, moralizing, and costly legislation in 2008, which would limit the rights of responsible adults from adopting children. We are opposing it again this year.

TTPC is also opposing all bills being filed which would require new Voter IDs:
SB0003 by Beavers/HB0009 by Weaver
SB0005 by Ketron/HB0010 by Maggart, Lynn, and Evans
SB0150 by Ketron
SB0191 by Bunch/HB0267 by Watson

TTPC has previously opposed any such legislation because of its potential disfranchising impact on transgender voters and will do so again this year.

We are continuing to monitor the filing of bills and will oppose any legislation which discriminates against LGBT Tennesseans in Civil Unions, Education, and in any other area where there is an attempt to deny full equality.

If you do not know the name of your State Senator or Representative, you can Find Your Legislator by clicking here.

As part of this effort, we strongly urge everyone to join TTPC as we support the Tennessee Equality Project's 5th Annual Advancing Equality Day on the Hill, on Tuesday, February 17. Join LGBT people and supporters from across the state in Nashville as we meet with state legislators and discuss issues of importance to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community. More details about the event are below.

If you live in Memphis, Knoxville, Nashville, Murfreesboro, Chattanooga or Tri-Cities areas, contact TEP before scheduling your meetings to avoid setting up multiple meetings with the same representatives.

Marisa Richmond
President

Keep Bredesen in Nashville

Bredesen as Secretary of Health and Human Services!

According to the recent news sources, Gov. Bredesen has actually held on through the present vetting for Health and Human Service cabinet secretary. If there is not a grassroots message received, he may get the appointment. He is the wrong person for the job that might play a key role in guiding a new national healthcare plan.

Do we want the future of American healthcare to be put in the hands of a former managed care executive who threw 170,000 people off the TennCare rolls giving our state the dubious distinction of having the largest healthcare dis-enrollment in U.S. history? Gov. Bredesen should stay in Nashville and the White House needs to know why. Please write to the White House via their email page and to the Obama team in Obama groups on Facebook and article comments on Politico.com, Huffington Post and the Nation.

Politico.com coverage: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0209/18525.html

Here's the link to the White House.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/

You can also call, write, or fax President Obama:
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500
Call: 202-456-1111 - Switchboard: 202-456-1414
FAX: 202-456-2461 - Faxes are better than mailing letters

Funeral for TN Higher Education

Gather with other students, staff, faculty, and allies to protest the death of higher education! This event is taking place outside of Governor Bredesen's State of the State Address. There will be a choir, "eulogies," and a candlelight vigil at sunset. There are teams building coffins for TBR and THEC schools for the event. Please wear black funeral attire and bring a candle. Signs are welcome, and you may even want to bring a sign in the shape of a gravestone!


Here is the agenda for the evening: *3:00-4:00 Meet at 1203 9th Ave North. There is ample parking.
*4:00-4:30 March to the Capitol.
*4:30-5:30 "Funeral" with song and eulogies for the death of higher education in the state of Tennessee.
*5:30 The group will move inside to witness Governor Bredesen's State of the State Address.

Gather at 15th Avenue Baptist Church and March to The Capitol
1203 9th Ave North (starting point)
Nashville, TN
Contact Info Phone:
615.506.2254
Email:
contact@saveourschoolslive.org

***A list of demands to be met by TBR, THEC, the Governor, and the legislature must meet in the formulation and implementation of policy that will effect TBR and THEC students, staff, and faculty. These will be released shortly.
To join the conversation at the level of decision-making, we ask that you visit http://www.saveourschoolslive.org , and join the email list.

Together, we can push for policy to be implemented that benefits -- rather than compromises -- all of our interests.

Tennessee Rally for Fair Wages

Senator Corker (R-Tenn) was happy to give $700 billion to Wall Street, but when America’s auto workers needed a bridge loan, Corker demanded deep cuts in pay and benefits for thousands of middle-class families. Why doesn’t Corker support America’s working families like he supports Wall Street? Good jobs with fair pay and benefits are the backbone of Tennessee’s economy. Slashing the income of middle-class families hurts us all. Tennessee’s 110,000 auto industry jobs are at stake, as well as livelihoods of countless other car dealers, repair shops, suppliers, and their families. In these difficult times, we need leaders who will work for the middle class – not try to score cheap political points. We’re proud of the hardworking union members around the country who make and sell American automobiles. We’re not the problem; we’re the solution.


Thursday, February 12, 2009
12:00p
Tennessee Rally for Fair Wages
Legislative Plaza on 6th Ave. N. and Charlotte
301 6th Avenue North
Nashville, TN
Invited Guest: Hon. Harold Ford

Join workers, Tennessee State Representatives, and union leaders
as we deliver thousands of handwritten letters to Sen. Corker protesting
his lack of support for America’s autoworkers and this community.

Peacemakers to Gather in Nashville

Nashville Conflict Resolution Center (NCRC) Launches
First Annual Mediation Celebration on February 12 & 13, 2009

Nashville, TN – The Nashville Conflict Resolution Center (NCRC) is hosting a two-day event, its First Annual Mediation Celebration on February 12 & 13, 2009, to raise awareness about the importance of community-based mediation and conflict resolution programs in Nashville. The premier guest speaker at the events will be international conflict expert, Dr. Mari Fitzduff from Brandeis University. Dr. Fitzduff, a native of Northern Ireland, is a renowned author, consultant on global peace processes, and director of the M.A. program in Coexistence and Conflict at Brandeis. The NCRC’s Annual Mediation Celebration will consist of three events: a public lecture at Vanderbilt Law School on February 12 at 4 p.m., a public lecture at Lipscomb University’s Institute for Conflict Management on February 13 at 1 p.m., and a dinner reception on February 13 at 6:30 p.m. at the home of Hon. Marietta Shipley. The two university lectures will be free and open to the public; the dinner reception – a fundraiser for NCRC – will cost $35 for 1 / $60 for a pair. Photo opportunities will be available at all three events.


· Vanderbilt Law School lecture: State of the Art in International Conflict Prevention, Conflict Management, Peace Processes and Post-Conflict Resolution
Feb. 12, 4 – 6:30 p.m. at Flynn Auditorium, FREE, Reception following the talk

· Lipscomb University-Institute for Conflict Management lecture: From the Global to the Local: Lessons from Northern Ireland and Around the World on Building Peace in Tennessee – Feb. 13, 1 – 2:15 p.m., at Willard Collins Alumni Auditorium, FREE

· NCRC Fundraising Dinner Reception: War in the World Today: Beyond Winning & Losing? – Feb 13, 6:30 – 9:00 p.m., at Hon. Marietta Shipley & David McMillan’s home, $35 for 1 / $60 for a pair, go to www.nashvilleconflict.org to register

The Nashville Conflict Resolution Center is a non-profit community organization that was founded by members of the Nashville Bar Association in 2000. NCRC’s mission is to provide high-quality and affordable mediation services and conflict resolution education programs to Nashville communities – empowering individuals to prevent, manage and resolve conflict without violence. By focusing the 2009 Annual Mediation Celebration on international conflict resolution issues, NCRC hopes to glean lessons from global diplomatic success in building and sustaining peace, and apply those lessons at home, in Nashville. “At a time when the global economy is facing crisis, and Middle Tennessee families are worried about their futures, NCRC can be a beacon of hope that things can and will turn around. Our First Annual Mediation Celebration will offer people strategic tools and skills to use when solving vexing problems in our society. International conflict resolution practices can motivate and inspire us to action locally,” states NCRC Executive Director Tamara Losel.



For more information and to register: www.nashvilleconflict.org or tamara@nashvilleconflict.org

March On Wall Street

March on Wall Street on the Anniversary on the day Martin Luther King gave his life fighting for social and economic justice. Why? Because we must demand that the needs of the people come before the greed of the super rich. Millions are jobless and homeless, and millions more will be living on the streets if the government continues to waste trillions of dollars on saving wealthy bankers instead of saving people.

Dr. King would have been appalled and opposed to the terrible siege of Gaza as well as the continuing occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan.

And just as King knew that the struggle for civil rights at home had to also be part of the struggle against war abroad, he understood that no one, regardless of their race would be free until everyone had the right to a decent paying job or an income for those unable to work. Most importantly, King also understood that “Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.” The time for suffering in silence has come to an end. Nothing will change unless our desperation and anger is channeled into a mighty movement that unites and fights. It’s time to march on Wall St. Come to the march, and tell everyone you know to come with you.

Below is a partial list of Endorsers of the March on Wall Street: Ad Hoc National Network to Stop Foreclosures and Evictions; Black Workers for Justice, Raleigh, NC; North Carolina Public Service Workers Union-UE Local 150; Moratorium Now! Coalition To Stop Foreclosures and Evictions (Michigan); Labor/Community Coalition to Stop Foreclosures and Evictions (Calif.); Service Employees International Union, Local 721; Latino Caucus, SEIU Local 721; BAYAN USA; May 1 Coalition For Worker and Immigrant Rights (NYC); Million Worker March Movement East; Chris Silvera, Sec-Treas., Teamster Local 808; Harlem Tenants Council, New York, NY; Private Health Insurance Must Go Coalition, New York City; NY Charles Barron, member, New York City Council*, Queers for Peace and Justice, Women's Fight back Network (Mass.),Fight Imperialism, Stand Together (FIST youth), International Action Center; Action Center For Justice, Charlotte, NC; Queers Without Borders, Hartford, CT; Maine Green Independent Party; Old Orchard Beach, ME; Guyanese American Workers United, New York, NY; Pakistan USA Freedom Forum - * For identification purposes only

Friday April 3rd & Saturday, April 4th in NYC
For more endorsers, or to endorse – go to www.bailoutpeople.org
212.633.6646 Email: bailoutpeople@safewebmail.com