Tom Nomad Speaks on a Post-Occupy World
Has political activisim in the US reached an impasse since the end of Occupy? Tom Nomad, author of The Master's Tools and other anti-political books at LBC Publishing talks about these and other issues.
Tom Nomad on Post-Occupy (audio only)
200 Rally in Rochester for Palestine
Some 200 protesters gathered in downtown Rochester on July 25 to call attention to the plight of Palestenians under the Israeli occupation of Gaza. It was the third and largest such event since the siege and subsequent ground invasion began weeks ago. The group marched to the headquarters of the local Gannett newspaper to call attention to the fact that nearly all mainstream media reporting on this war has been heavily biased toward the Israeli side. Much like Apartheid South Africa and the Jim Crow US South, Palestenian Muslims and Christians are treated as second class people by the Israeli government. They are kept separated by walls and armed guard towers. They are subject to having their property siezed whenever Israel needs land for new settlements. Borders to Gaza, about the size of Manhattan, are blockaded keeping out food, water, medicine and the building materials needed to repair damage caused by Israeli attackers.
The Gannett's local Democrat and Chronicle did do a story on the demonstrators literally on their doorstep. TV station WROC channel 8 sent a video camera. It is unknown if the footage was ever aired. There is no mention of the event on the station's news web site. Apparently four car crashes are more important.
Arabs and Jews lived side by side in Palestine for centuries as it should be.
Every Time You Flip the Switch: Western New York Utilities' Role in Mountain Top Removal
Roland Micklem and Mike Roselle have been fasting for the past 18 days, consuming only water, coffee, and juice, as a way of publicly expressing their remorse and bearing witness to the wanton destruction of Appalachian lives and culture by coal companies. This destruction comes from a mining practice many of you are already aware of: Mountain Top Removal (MTR), and make no mistake, it's impact in this region goes far beyond aesthetic enjoyment. People are dying, and the purchasing practices of industries like Kodak and utilities like R.G. & E. (click here for detailed map of industries in WNY linked to MTR) have made us directly culpable for this destruction in West Virginia.
The current impetus for Mike and Roland’s public resistance is an impending expansion of a mining site in Kanawha County, just a few miles from the West Virginia capital. From within the Kanawha State Forest you can easily view the outskirts of a massive MTR operation in progress, one that soon will expand right to the border of the protected land. These mining operations all follow the same general pattern. Clear-cut the woods, peel off all of the topsoil, then blast and strip rock down through coal seams using explosives and a 20-story crane with a dragline(essentially a gymnasium-sized backhoe). The purpose of this destructive process is to mechanize coal mining as much as possible, eliminating the labor costs associated with underground mining. Needless to say, in spite of coal company rhetoric about jobs creation, the rise of MTR has coincided with a decline in total mining jobs in West Virginia, as the total amount of coal mined has steadily risen.
View of active MTR mine from Kanawha State Forest
These mines are thousands of acres large and stay active for decades, progressively levelling verdant ridges and filling hollows and valleys where tightly knit communities have lived off the land for hundreds of years. Reclamation efforts, such as soil spreading, seeding, and tree planting, at least when pursued by mining companies, are largely futile, as everything from the topography to type of above-ground vegetative competition for seedlings to the soil chemistry of the mountain is changed by MTR.
Edge of Kayford Mountain mine, where R.G. and E. and Kodak purchased coal, 10 years after "reclamation."
However cheap it is in dollars, MTR coal is astoundingly costly in human, plant, and animal lives. For miles around every MTR site, carcinogenic dust rains down, to the extent that school cafeterias have needed to bag their cooking supplies to keep from poisoning children. Neon orange runoff pools by the side of the highway. Billions of gallons of sludge from coal washing procedures pool in lakes across the mountains, threatening communities below with inescapable toxic flash flood in the case of a containment accident.
Furthermore, even in the wake of catastrophes that have claimed hundreds of lives, (please watch Debbie Jerrel’s testimonial below) coal interests have skirted regulations regarding basic safety planning in the past, placing a coal silo within a few hundred feet of a school and developing state-mandated “escape routes” that suggest people flee directly through the path of spilled toxic chemicals in the event of an emergency.
As Debbie Jerrell says in the video above, every time we switch on a light switch a mountain explodes. It is our responisbility not just to become aware of this, but to do something about it.
So if you're in Western New York, and you're angry that this is going on in your name, please consider doing one of the following, according to your ability:
Roland and Mike have announced that their fast will end Friday, in order to give them time to build up enough strength to resist mining with direct action on Coal River Mountain. If you are prepared or can get prepared to join them, they will be announcing further details regarding this action and will be inviting others to do so. I know it's vague right now, but it is what it is. I'll post details here as I can.
Donate or volunteer with groups that protects mountains: Coal River Mountain Watch, Climate Ground Zero, Alliance For Appalachia
Consider organizing a solidarity contingent to join Appalachian leaders in Washing D.C. September 8-9, 2014 for Our water, Our Future mobilization. Information here.
Lastly, as Debbie Jerrell said call New York and West Virginia legislators and business owners, requesting they stop buying MTR coal and that the ACHE act be passed, ensuring West Virginians protection from the particulate matter released during extensive surface mining.
Governor Tomlin of West Virginia: Office Telephone: 304-558-2000 or 1-888-438-2731; Mansion Telephone: 304-558-3588
2014 Gay Pride Parade Has Message About Inequality
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Rochester's Gay Pride parade kicked off on July 19 despite rain. While most of the marchers were still celebrating New York's legalization of same-sex marriage two years ago, Rochester Red and Black was calling attention to another struggle that affects 99 percent of all genders. That matter is economic justice. The marchers led off with a banner calling for a $15 per hour minimum wage. While this might sound shocking compared to the current Federal minimum wage of $7.25, the true shock is how low $7.25 really is. The minimum wage has not kept up with increases in the cost of living. If it had, it would be
$14.75 an hour now, close to the $15 the marchers were demanding. Even more troubling is if the minimum wage had kept up with productivity increases of American workers, it would be $23 to $35 an hour depending on the industry. Instead, all of those benefits have gone to the owners who comprise less than 1 percent of the population.
What has this got to do with gay issues? The group is quick to point out what it calls "gay assimilation" where a company will embrace a popular social cause to make it appear responsible and caring, while continuing egregious and harmful practices out of sight. This is similar to Greenwashing, where a company will put up an appearance of being responsible toward the environment but keep creating pollution out of public scrutiny.
By coincidence the group marched immediately in front of the delegation from Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart is one of the largest purveyors of inequality paying its workers so poorly that most earn so little they qualify for public assistance. The Walton family, who inherieted their wealth from the founder of Wal-Mart, is the country's richest family. By coincidence again Wal-Mart is considered by many to be the nation's worst Greenwasher as well.
Town of Greece v Galloway: The Decision's Meaning & Now Where
Court decision in Town of Greece v. Galloway upholding the constitutionality of the prayer practice of the Greece Town Board left many questions in its wake. Gregory Lipper, who will help us gain clarity and answer some questions about that ruling.
Gregory Lipper is the Senior Litigation Counsel at the Americans United for Separation of Church and State's national office. He will discuss what the Greece ruling means and what may come next for this local issue with far-reaching national implications.
Reverend Stewart on What's Hot with Howard Eagle
In May of 2014, What's Hot aired an interview with Reverend Lewis Stewart. Rev. Stewart talked about United Christian Leadership Ministries--a new group he formed to fight for social justice. Rev. Stewart was involved in a push to get an independent civilian review board in the early 90's before becoming a prison chaplain. Howard Eagle engages Rev. Stewart about the past and the future of Rochester.
See the video here: http://vimeo.com/91808901
Indymedia video vindicates anti-drone protester
On April 29, 2014, Rochester Indymedia journalist Ted Forsyth and a few other witnesses testified in a court case in Dewitt--just outside of Syracuse--on behalf of John Amidon. Specifically, Amidon was arrested for attempted trespass and wearing a mask (the grim reaper) at an anti-drone demonstration last May. John got up on a barricade and was hauled off of it by Officer Brad Baker. The prosecution claimed Amidon was a potentially violent protester who was jumping the barricade in order to get others to follow. John got on the barricade to do a little dance for the crowd. Forsyth took video of his arrest and Amidon's being hauled off the barricade. The video was used in the trial multiple times.
On April 30th, the next morning, Kathy Manley--Amidon's attorney--sent this email:
"Hi Ted - If you haven't heard yet, we won on both charges. The victory may well not have happened without your video - it was really instrumental - we watched it probably 6 times during the trial and then the judge watched it again while he was deliberating. Without that the judge would likely have believed the cop claiming it looked like John was trying to/ about to cross the barrier.
"You were a great witness. Perhaps you shouldn't have been so sure about how many officers pulled him off them wall but it was an easy mistake to make, and no big deal. Thanks SO MUCH! - Kathy"
In more recent news, Judy Bello reports that, "Mary Anne Grady Flores was sentenced this evening after being convicted of Contempt of Court for violating the Order of Protection taken out by Col. Evans to keep her (and the rest of us- there are 50 outstanding) away from Hancock Base where the Upstate Coalition to Ground the Drones and End the Wars has been protesting for the last several years. She was sentenced to 1 year in Jail and a $1000 fine for walking in the road in front of the base during a demonstration despite the fact that she came as an observer and was just taking pictures. She was sent to jail immediately despite the fact that her attorney, Lance Salisbury, has made a request for a stay which will be reviewed next week."
"Everyday Revolutions" at the Left Forum
This is a video of a talk titled "Everyday Revolutions" that took place at this year's Left Forum. Speakers included Leina Bocar, Dario Azzellini, Diego Ibañez, &
Marina Sitrin. The talk happened on May 31, 2014.
Millions of people around the globe have been organizing alternative value systems and social relationships to those of capitalism -- revolutionary alternatives -- still within capitalism, but against it -- aiming to overcome it. These alternatives are part of a process of creating everyday revolutions -- beginning to prefigure our desired future while still in the present. These everyday revolutions are one part of a larger anti-capitalist movement. In this panel we will discuss what some of these everyday revolutions look like, as defined by people in movement around the world. The discussion will range from the examples of recuperated workplaces, from Latin America to Europe; the new global movements and the focus on creating horizontal social relationships and the day to day organizing in Brooklyn for housing and self organization. There is no blueprint or academic framework that once met means revolution has been achieved, but rather we see it as an ongoing and changing process in which everyday revolutions is a key element.
What is the Left Forum?
Left Forum provides a context for the critical dialogue that is essential for a stronger Left and a more just society.
Each spring Left Forum convenes the largest gathering in North America of the US and international Left. Continuing a tradition begun in the 1960s, we bring together intellectuals and organizers to share perspectives, strategies, experience and vision. For the US and the world, revitalizing an American Left has never been more urgent; Left Forum has a critical role to play in that undertaking.
Our work parallels and cross-fertilizes with the renewal of left, progressive, radical and social movement strength elsewhere—from indigenous movements in Bolivia to the South Korean farmers to the electoral gains of European and Latin American left parties. Like many movements abroad, Left Forum seeks to link the critique of neo-liberalism to anti-capitalism, and to foster radical alternatives to the established order. Left Forum provides a context for critical engagement by people of different persuasions who, nevertheless, seek common ground. Please join with us for the 2014 Left Forum conference, taking place on May 30- June 1st at John Jay College in New York City. Details for submitting proposals will be posted soon.
Find out more: http://www.leftforum.org/about
Ban the Box Passes in Rochester!
On Tuesday, May 13, 2014, a public hearing was held where the community gave nearly two hours of testimony regarding Ban the Box legislation. The legislation, The Opportunity to Compete Ordinance, was supported by a large body of public advocacy organizations as well as individuals with stories of discrimination and heartache over not being able to find legitimate work after doing their time for the crimes they committed. The bill was initially sponsored by Adam McFadden.
May 13, 2014:
City Council defered voting on the legislation because so few of the councilmembers were present. The vote was deferred to the following Tuesday, May 20.
On Tuesday, May 20, 2014, Rochester City Council voted unanimously to ban the box! According to the D&C, "The new law effects both public and private employers with four or more employees and is effective in 180 days.
"There are exceptions, such as for police and firefighters and other professions where felony convictions specifically bar a person from employment."
A collection of news articles and information on the legislation can be found at the Empire Justice website: http://www.empirejustice.org/policy-advocacy/collaborations/ban-the-box-...
May 20, 2014:
The press release from Tuesday, May 13, read: "NEED: One out of every four adults has an arrest or criminal record. 70% of employers currently ask in their job application whether an applicant has been convicted of a crime. If an applicant replies "yes", regardless of their skills and qualifications, in most cases, they will never be considered. Such discrimination not only decreases economic opportunity and public safety, but also violates New York State law and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) fair hiring recommendations.
"SOLUTION: Help the City of Rochester pass "The Opportunity to Compete Ordinance" to allow people with a conviction history to compete fairly for employment. It would require the City of Rochester, its contractors, and private employers located in the City to delay consideration of a job applicant's conviction history until after the employer conducts an initial interview or makes a conditional offer of employment.
"This Ordinance will increase fair hiring practices, reduce crime and recidivism, and allow all members of our community to meaningfully contribute to our local economy and achieve financial independence for themselves and their families.
- Removes Job Barriers
- Increases Fair Hiring Practices
- Reduces Crime and Recidivism
- Improves Public Safety
- Helps Families Achieve Financial Independence
- Is Good for the Local Economy
- Is Good for Business"
The push for Ban the Box legislation was supported by: Action for a Better Community • Bethany House • Catholic Family Center • The Center for Employment Opportunities • Center for Youth • Coffee Connection • Community Place of Greater Rochester • Delphi Drug & Alcohol Council • Empire Justice Center • Foodlink, Inc. • FR=EE Facing Race Embracing Equity • Genesee Valley Chapter of the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) NYCLU • Grace House Rochester • Judicial Process Commission - JPC • House of Mercy (Rochester, New York)• Huther-Doyle • IBERO • Legal Assistance of Western New York • Metro Justice • Mind Evolution • Pathway Houses of Rochester NY • POWER - People Organizing for Worker Empowerment & Respect (Worker Justice Group) • Poor Peoples' Coalition • Project Urge • Recovery Houses of Rochester • Rochester Interfaith Jail Ministry • Spiritus Christi Prison Outreach • Worker Justice Center of New York • YWCA • 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East •
Sister Grace and CW of House of Mercy
On July 9, 2014, Rochester Indymedia sat down with Sister Grace Miller and C.W. Earlsey of House of Mercy to discuss the current issues facing poor people and people without homes in Rochester. Sister Grace and C.W. also updated us on the ongoing struggle to find a new, bigger building for their work, the situation with the folks living in the Civic Center Garage, and the ongoing denial of the county to take responsibility for burying the poor with dignity.
Finally, Sister Grace and C.W. announced an upcoming car raffle, dinner, and garage sale fundraiser to be held at Our Lady of Mercy High School (1437 Blossom Rd, Rochester, NY) on July 19, 2014 from 9am to 5pm.
For more information,
please visit
HouseOfMercyRochester.org.
Or call at: 585-546-2580