Candlelight Vigil Against Fracking
Religious opponents of hydrofracking gathered in Cobbs Hill park on November 14 to hold a candlelight vigil against allowing fracking in New York State. The action was coordinated with other cities around the state. Approximately 50 people were present representing Christian, Catholic, Baptist, Presbyterian, Unitarian-Universalist, Jewish and Buddhist religions, among others. It is written in the scripture of all of these religions that humanity is given stewardship of the Earth. Fracking, which causes severe environmental damage is an abrogation of that responsibility.
Attention was also drawn to the proposed TPP or Trans Pacific Partnership act. This secretive agreement, if approved, would extend NAFTA-like protections to China and other East Asian countries. It could negate any environmental or labor claimed as "harmful to trade." We have seen what harm this can cause with NAFTA and TPP includes a much larger part of the world.
Recent election results indicate a strong opposition to fracking. Governor Cuomo was elected in 2010 and one of the major issues was his opposition to fracking in New York. Since then he has been under intense pressure from the industry to permit drilling. In 2012 anti-fracking candidate Ted O'Brien defeated pro-fracking Sean Hanna in the 55th Senate district. Republicans generally support fracking but even Republican Senator Joseph Robach of the 56th district has reservations. He has proposed a compromise that would allow it in counties along the southern border of New York, where groundwater has already been contaminated by fracking in Pennsylvania, but not permit it in the rest of the State.
The rally was organized by a state-wide group New Yorkers Against Fracking and local R-CAUSE Rochesterians Concerned About Unsafe Shale-gas Extraction. Their statement reads as follows:
Fracking is inherently dangerous and threatens our water, health, communities and environment. The evidence is in and the scientists and experts have spoken: Instead of white-washing fracking with a sham health study, Governor Cuomo should ban it.
They are urging residents to call the Governor's office at 866-584-6799 to support a fracking ban. November 15 has been designated as a statewide call-in day.
Zora Gussow of R-CAUSE speaks with TV reporter about why the group has assembled
The groups can be reached at their web sites for more information.
www.NYagainstFracking.org
www.r-cause.net
Anti-Drone Protest Draws Police Attention
Protesters against drone warfare were back complete with their scale model of the flying weapon at the 12 Corners in Brighton on October 24.
They were joined by a group of student reporters from Rochester Community Television (RCTV)
Video crew from RCTV interviews Bonnie Freeman of the group Rochester Against War
The protesters and video crew drew the attention of students from the nearby schools.
The action also drew a visit from the Brighton Police, despite the fact that the event organizers had permission from both the town supervisor and police chief.
Sandy Fessler of Rochester Against War shows sign to Brighton police officer
Apparently police were called because one or more residents found the protesters' signs depicting children maimed and killed by US drone strikes offensive.
Why are residents of Brighton and elsewhere offended by pictures of killed children, but not by the killings themselves? Instead of calling police they should be calling their Congresspersons, Senators and the White House demanding that the killing of the innocent be ended.
The Conversation from BOM week 2!
On Novermber 8th, folks gathered for Building Our Media: a critical discussion series on independent media. We discussed Howard Zinn's Essay: The Use and Abuse of History (download pdf of article at: http://www.sendspace.com/file/1052l6) specifically looking at the concept of objectivity in both history writing and journalism. The night was broken up into two parts--the first being smaller discussion groups that were not taped and the second part being a larger group discussion. Indymedia got a few requests to tape the conversation, so we did! See below!
Download part I here: http://www.radio4all.net/files/anonymous@radio4all.net/16-1-media_history_1.mp3
Download part II here: http://www.radio4all.net/files/anonymous@radio4all.net/16-2-media_history_2.mp3
Momentum Kept Up From October Housing March
As a follow-up to October’s “Housing is a Human Right” march organizers from Rochester’s Take Back the Land and Metro Justice hosted a group discussion series called the “Housing Justice Summit” Saturday November 3rd. The discussion which lasted several hours was divided into sub-topics to help better flesh out the housing problems that have faced Rochester for some time now. The Housing Summit was later rounded off by a communal dinner that was hosted by the local chapter of Food Not Bombs.
The first discussion that was held after the introduction was given by Metro Justice’s Colin O’Malley. At this time the group talked about what they thought will happen if the housing crisis continues to go unchecked by both the community and local government. Detroit was often referenced as a low point that Rochester could very realistically be heading towards.
“What is Our Vision of Housing Justice” was next on the agenda and featured a discussion on what those in attendance thought was fair when it came to housing rights. Questions were asked of the group like should housing be free and should housing be considered a human right. It was offered up by one participant that housing should be a basic part of the “Social Contract.” It seemed to be agreed upon that in the meantime activists should take more short term initiatives and start operations such as housing cooperatives.
The last conversation the group had as a whole was titled “What do movements look like that get us there.” This section focused on what activists could do to get involved in the housing crisis. It was suggested that something as simple as putting up lawn signs would help spread awareness.
After a short break the summit reconvened but split into two groups. Organizers from Metro Justice and Take Back the Land discussed how their organizations contribute to the housing movement. If you would like to be part of the discussion Take Back the Land has meetings at the Flying Squirrel every Wednesday at 6p.m. and you can contact Colin O’Malley for information regarding Metro Justice’s campaign.
Additional Information: Photos from Rally at City Hall for Windom-Bey Family | Community Groups Join Family In Protest at City Hall to Defend Their Home | Groups Target Chase Bank for Divestment | Victory for the Windom-Bey Family; Mayor Intervenes and Halts Eviction! | A Victory for the Windom - Bey Family | Who is Rochester Land Baron, Sure Luck Homes? | Amid Protests, City Marshal Grants 10-Day Stay on Eviction of Windom Bey Family | Bank Protest brings stories from passers-by | Grabbing the bolt-cutters with Take Back the Land | Facing Foreclosure, Leonard Spears Pledges to Stay in His Home | March Eviction Defense of Railroad Encampment | Tax Dodger Dodgeball Game
Video from October 16; Housing Is A Human Right!:
Building Our Media: a critical discussion series on independent media
Building Our Media: a critical discussion series on independent media
We can have a cynical attitude in the face of the media to say nothing can be done about the dollar power that creates itself in images, words, digital communication, and computer systems that invades not just with an invasion of power, but with a way of seeing that world, of how they think the world should look. We could say, well, 'that's the way it is' and do nothing. Or we can simply assume incredulity: we can say that any communication by the media monopolies is a total lie. We
The words above were read aloud in a statement by Subcomandante Marcos of the Zapatistas in Chiapas, Mexico. And it is with those words that the independent media center movement began to germinate, eventually springing from the ground in Seattle of 1999 during the World Trade Organization summit. The Rochester Indymedia collective, just past our 10th year of operation, felt inspired to critically reflect on what we've produced, how we've produced it, and what we hope the next 10 years will bring. With that spirit of critical engagement, we invite you, our communities, our readership, and the public, to join us for Building Our Media: a critical discussion series on independent media.
First Week (Nov. 1):
November 1st, 7-9PM
Flying Squirrel Community Space
285 Clarissa St.
Rochester, NY
At the first session of Building Our Media: A Critical Discussion Series on Independent Media, we will introduce the discussion series, hand out the BOM Zine, watch some clips of video that represent the power of the People's media to support movements and challenge the ideology contained in corporate media. There will be plenty of time for a facilitated discussion as well.
Readings in the Series and the Dates:
Building Our Media: a critical discussion series on independent media
7-9pm
Flying Squirrel Community Space
285 Clarissa St.
Rochester, NY
First Week (Nov. 1):
give out booklets / watch video clips / have discussion
Second week (Nov. 8):
(Howard Zinn) The use and abuse of history
Third Week (Nov. 15):
What is Free Culture? / Free Culture Manifesto / know your meme
Fourth Week (Nov. 29):
(Kyle Harris) Beyond Authenticity: Aesthetic Strategies and Anarchist Media
Fifth Week (Dec. 6):
(Carlos Fernandez) Movements & Militant Media: Communication Technology and Latin American Grassroots Politics
Sixth Week (Dec. 13):
(Jared Ball) Mixtape Manifesto: emancipatory journalism
Seventh Week (Dec. 20):
What's next? / general discussion and/or discussion from participant chosen article
Rochester.Indymedia.org
R-Cause Delivers 4000+ Petitions to Maggie Brooks and County Legislators Opposing Fracking Waste in Monroe County, NY
R-Cause, headed up by Nedra Harvey and Anna Sears, held a press conference at the Monroe County Office Building on Tuesday, October 9, demanding a ban on fracking and all ancillary fracking activities in Monroe County. An issue of great concern is the waste from hydrofracking being brought to Monroe county and its water treatment facitlities. Hydorfracking waste contains many toxic, carcinogen chemicals in additon to radioactive materials. Another issue is the fact that the gas industry refuses to provide a list of all the chemicals used in the fracking process claiming it is protecting trade secrets. the Monroe county water treatment facilities were not designed to designed to treat this type of waste and could risk the health and water safety of the residents.
After the press conference, a group of citizens went over to Maggie Brooks' office to deliver over 4000 letters/petitions demanding a ban on fracking and all ancillary fracking activities. One of the leaders of r-Cause, Anna Sears, politely knocked on the locked glass door. The woman in the office immediately got on the phone and called someone. After hanging up the phone, the woman came over to the door, opened it slightly using her body to block the opening and inquired about the groups purpose. Ms. Sears explained that the group was delivering letters to Maggie Brooks on behalf of many residents of the county, handed the woman them and asked for a receipt. The woman took the bundle of letters, closed and locked the door. She then placed them on the desk and wrote out a reciept. The woman then walked back over to the door, unlocked and opened it slightly and handled Ms. Sears the receipt. One woman in the group commented, "So much for open governement".
Of concern locally is the fact that the Brooks’ administration recently suggested that Monroe County might consider accepting fracking wastes for “treatment”, possibly at our local Van Lare water treatment plant. Monroe County Legislator, Justin Wilcox, has made repeated attempts since March 2012 to obtain information from the Brooks’ administration about its policy, including filing a FOIL request, . He has yet to receive any response formthe administration. “Elected County Legislators should be able to get a simple answer from the administration about an issue as important as this,” Legislator Wilcox said. “It is truly unfortunate that instead of acting in a bipartisan manner, they’ve chosen to stonewall and play games. Democratic members of the legislature are not willing to jeopardize our community’s health and safety for political games; the stakes are just too high. That’s why I’m proud to offer this resolution to prevent fracking wastewater from entering Lake Ontario or any other local waterways.”
Copies of the letters/petitions were also delivered to the Monore county Legislators and about 15 residents spoke at the public forum insupport of a ban.
Video of press conference and group at Maggie Brooks' office
Publishing Articles on RIMC Will Now Require Accounts
After a couple months of dealing with mountains of spam on the open newswire, we've decided to change the our policy on postings. From now on, in order to post to the newswire you need to register for an account on the site.
This was a hard decision to make, since we've allowed people to post articles without a login for many many years now. However, in the end, it was simply too difficult to combat spam.
It's still quite possible to post anonymously, it just requires a couple of steps that weren't required before:
- Create a new email account using a free service like riseup.net, gmail.com, yahoo.com, etc. and use that email account to post the article. This is the simplest method, however it contains some security risks. Someone like the FBI could potentially trace the posting to you if they were able to access the IMC server, find the email associated with your account, then trace the email account to you. This is pretty unlikely and would probably require a seizing the IMC server and either seizing the email server, or getting the operator to cooperate.
- Using an anonymous remailer to email the IMC editorial collective at imc-rochester-editorial@lists.indymedia.org. This process is somewhat more complicated, but secures your anonymity much better. Read the Anonymous tutorial for instructions
Housing is a Human Right March
WHERE: Washington Square Park and Marching to Rochester City Hall
WHEN: Tuesday, October 16th, 5pm
With hundreds of people homeless every night, in a city that has enough vacant properties to house them all, we know that our communities are in crisis! When thousands of homes have been foreclosed upon by massive banks in our city, we know that housing must be a human right.
Adequate access to housing is the cornerstone on which we build a thriving and vibrant community. At Metro Justice, we’ve taken that seriously and our Housing is a Human Right Campaign is growing. Our campaign makes two requests of the city that we intend to make very clear at our march on October 16th:
1. As a consequence of their awful foreclosure record across New York State and nationally, the City of Rochester should divest all public funds from JP Morgan Chase.2. Due to the widespread fraud in mortgage foreclosures by big banks, the City of Rochester should halt police participation in evictions by those banks for one year.
Co-Sponsors Include:
Band of Rebels, Citizen Action of New York, Coalition for Justice in Education, Green Party of Monroe County, International Socialist Organization – Rochester, National Organization of Women – Greater Rochester Chapter, Rochester Against War, Rochester Red & Black, Social Welfare Action Alliance – Rochester, Students for a Democratic Society – University of Rochester, Take Back the Land – Rochester, Working Families Party, Worker Justice Center of New York, Worker Justice Group
How can you help us spread the word?
- Get your organization to co-sponsor and commit to bringing some people. Call us at the office if you have any questions about this. Our number is (585)325-2560.
- Help spread the word on facebook.
- Download the poster to put up around town.
- Download the quarter sheet to hand out to others.
- If you can’t print either of these, contact us to get copies from our office!
WHERE: Washington Square Park and Marching to Rochester City Hall
WHEN: Tuesday, October 16th, 5pm
Support Tracey & SEIU healthcare workers at U of R!
1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East and SEIU Local 200United
UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER UNION NEGOTIATIONS BULLETIN
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
NEGOTIATIONS CALLED OFF UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
UR HAS OUR CHIEF NEGOTIATOR ARRESTED FOR PASSING OUT LEAFLETS AT SMH
As if it wasn’t bad enough that management proposed to take away our health benefits last Friday, UR had our chief negotiator arrested and forcibly removed from Strong Memorial Hospital the next morning for trying to communicate that fact to our union members.
Organizer Tracey Harrison was making his usual rounds at Strong Memorial on Saturday morning, September 29, when UR Security ordered him to leave the building. Tracey was distributing copies of our latest bulletin and posting it on union bulletin boards. When Tracey informed UR Security officers who he was and what he was doing, they threatened him with arrest if he did not leave the premises. Tracey stood his ground, and was turned over to Rochester Police Officers who forcibly removed him from the medical campus. The arrest took place in the public corridor outside the SMH Environmental Services office. Tracey was issued an appearance ticket for trespassing. A court date was set for October 17. UR banned Tracey from its property.
WE ARE NOT GOING TO STAND FOR THIS KIND OF HARASSMENT
Union Vice-president Bruce Popper lodged a complaint with UR officials on Saturday, demanding an end to the illegal interference with union members’ rights to be represented by Tracey. Bruce also demanded an apology and assurances that such an incident would never occur again. The joint union negotiating committee met early Monday morning, October 1. They approved the following actions:
1. Cancel negotiations until this matter is resolved.
2. File charges against UR with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).
3. File a class grievance against UR.
4. Send an official “10 Day Notice” required by law that we will picket UR Medical Center starting October 12.
On Monday, Union attorney Michael Harren filed charges with the NLRB alleging violations of Sections 8 (a) (1) and 8 (a) (5) of the National Labor Relations Act.
Later on Monday, UR lifted its ban of Tracey. He is once again free to represent our members on site at UR. Other matters remain unresolved.
On Tuesday, sixty union Delegates and members delivered the class grievance to the Human Resources Office at the UR Medical Center. The text of the grievance read:
“University of Rochester security officers denied reasonable access to union staff representative Tracey Harrison. UR further interfered with the union’s access to its members by detaining Mr. Harrison and causing his arrest. The denial and interference commenced Sept. 29, 2012 and continued until Oct. 1. Violation of Article V Union Activity #6, Article XXV Management Rights #1.
“Remedy requested: Drop charges against Mr. Harrison. Apologize to him. Assure union of no further interference.”
WE WILL NOT BE MOVED
We will not be diverted from our purpose of defending our benefits and of getting a good contract. Now, more than ever, we must unite and stand together. Here is what every member must do:
1. Wear the new sticker at work that says: “Fairness, Justice, Respect.”
2. Sign the petition to UR President Seligman being circulated by the Delegates.
3. Attend one of the union meetings set for Tuesday, October 9, at South Presbyterian Church (Mt. Hope Avenue and East Henrietta Road, across from McDonald’s).
4. Be prepared to picket and demonstrate starting Friday, October 12. We will get you information about your legal right to picket.
5. Support each other. Now is the time to stand up for ourselves, for our families, for our community. In unity, there is strength. Don’t let anyone intimidate you.
6. Stay in touch. Make sure that the union has your correct telephone number and email address.
Issued by the Joint UR Union Negotiating Committee of 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East and SEIU Local 200United.
Cobbs Hill rally against fracking
This was just going to be a collection of photos and video to document the rally against hydrofracking that was held at Cobb's Hill park on September 21 2012. But while working on the video I was asked a troubling question: “What is fracking?” Scroll down past the videos for the answer and pictures from the event.
video: Demonstrators at Cobbs Hill park Rochester NY September 21 2012
video: George Payne of the MK Gandhi Institute for Non-Violence explains how fracking is an act of violence
Fracking is short for “Hydraulic Fracturing,” a method of extracting natural gas from shale rock such as the Marcellus deposit located under southern New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio. It works by injecting huge quantities of water, sand and chemicals into the underground rock to release gas.
video: Judy Bello of Rochester Against War and Upstate NY Coalition to Ground the Drones explains the link between the need to end warfare and to protect the Earth
The chemicals used are perhaps the biggest hazard. The fracking companies will not tell anyone what chemicals are used, claiming they are “trade secrets.” However in states such as Pennsylvania where fracking is permitted, highly toxic and radioactive substances have appeared in water. Uncollected gas is also present in water, sometimes in such quantities that tap water can be lit on fire. The Earth has a finite supply of water. Fracking takes millions of gallons of fresh water out of circulation permanently, making it unavailable for irrigation and drinking. Water that isn't permanently lost is polluted, overloading local sewage treatment plants. Most of these plants were designed to treat biological, not chemical waste.
video: Drone warfare and fracking can both kill innocents. A clean energy policy would eliminate the need for both and protect the environment.
Fracking has also been shown to cause earthquakes. Ohio, Arkansas and Texas have all experienced quakes since they began allowing fracking. A quake in Ohio in 2011 was so severe that the state declared a moratorium on fracking.
Natural gas has been touted by the industry as a “clean” fuel. It is still a fossil fuel, and burning it releases CO2 into the atmosphere just as burning coal or oil does. This CO2, or carbon dioxide, is responsible for global warming and climate change. Increased reliance on gas simply prolongs fossil fuel dependency and takes resources away from the development of renewable, nonpolluting sources of energy.
Fracking is not a new technology. It has been around since the 1960's. Drillers have known it was dangerous. Until 2005, drilling companies were responsible for damage caused by their drilling. That all changed during the Bush administration when legislation was passed exempting them from damages, ultimately putting the burden on the public. It was known as the “Halliburton” loophole, named after a drilling company who stood to benefit from it. Vice President Cheney was the CEO of Halliburton before leaving to become Vice President.
According to the industry, drilling “creates jobs” but this has not been the case in most locations. Instead companies bring workers from elsewhere, often from Texas. This has driven up the price of housing to
a point that locals can no longer afford to live there. Once the gas is gone, the drillers pack up and leave, leaving local taxpayers to clean up the mess.
photos above and below show locations of fracking sites in Pennsylvania close to the New York border. Chemical contaminants from sites in Pennsylvania have already been found in wells in southern NY
Lastly we don't need the gas! Gas prices are way down. Massive compressor stations are being built so the gas can be shipped overseas. It is being used to generate electricity and power factories in India and China, the same factories that American jobs have been outsourced to.
photo: Demonstrators urge NY Governor Andrew Cuomo to permanently ban fracking in New York. Many voted for him due to what they felt was his stance against fracking.
New York has been known for over 100 years to have the best drinking water of any large city in the world. It comes from lakes and reservoirs upstate, right where they want to frack. Many US states, especially those in the West are already facing shortages of fresh water. Water is what is going to bring people and jobs back to New York in the future. That is, if we don't frack it up.
