URGENT ACTION ALERT: UAW 2865 members, including union leader Josh Brahinsky, were arrested on the picket line in Santa Cruz and released last evening. As many as twenty undergraduate supporters were arrested as well. The union called for a peaceful, legal strike in protest of management's unlawful intimidation of student-workers during our contract campaign. Please call UCSC administrator Alison Galloway TODAY to demand that all the charges be dropped and that UC stop intimidating students and workers exercising their rights: 831-459-3885.
For more information on the strike, please see our press release:
http://www.uaw2865.org/strike-press-release/
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Engaged Faith: An Update from Haitian Fr. Didi Horace
with translation by Pierre Labossiere
Friday, April 4, 2014, 7:00 P.M.
Newman Hall/ Holy Spirit Parish
2700 Dwight Way, Berkeley
Admission is Free
For more information: 510-482-1062
Many of us are familiar with “the too painful to look at” facts about Haiti: 10 years after the coup which ended the reforms of the Aristide government; four years following the earthquake which killed hundreds of thousands; the cholera epidemic carried to Haiti by UN ‘Peacekeepers;’ billions of dollars on non-disbursed foreign aid with billions more unaccounted for; luxury hotels built to promote tourism while sweatshops provide the only labor for the hundreds of thousands of Haitians still living in tent camps.
We are less familiar with the community-driven responses to these realities exemplified by the parishioners of native born Father Didi Horace. As Superior of Voluntas Dei, Haiti, he oversees its seven missions in largely rural areas of Haiti with one in Port au Prince. Each mission includes a school which also provides for the nutritional and healthcare needs of its students, some of whom walk four miles daily to attend. His ministry brings him in daily contact with both the issues of everyday life confronting rural and urban life and church-based initiatives to address them. Fr. Horace is visiting the Bay Area for the first time.
Pierre Labossiere [Co-founder of the Haiti Action Committee; Haiti Emergency Relief Fund (HERF); Haiti Committee, East Bay Sanctuary Covenant] is very familiarproviding tangible support to the Haitian poor who have been largely ignored. Besides direct aid (food, clean water systems, medical supplies) HERF funds schools, mobile health clinics staffed by visiting US medical teams, and micro loans for everything from local food production to worker cooperatives. Pierre will translate Fr. Didi’s presentation.
Newman Nonviolent Peacemakers and the Fr. Bill O’Donnell Social Justice Committee welcome Fr. Didi and Pierre as we strive with them to rekindle the faith community’s engagement with Haiti. Free will donations to HERF will be gratefully accepted.
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Please forward widely...
Celebration of Life and Struggle
Free Mumia Abu-Jamal!
Welcome Home Lynne Stewart!
Free all political prisoners! End racist mass incarceration! Abolish the death
penalty! Stop police brutality and murder!
Join Lynne Stewart and Pam Africa
Sunday, May 4, 6 pm reception; 7pm rally
Humanist Hall, 390 27th Street, between Broadway and Telegraph, Oakland
Donation $10
Initial Bay Area Tour Schedule:
Friday, May 2: San Francisco, Host: National Lawyers Guild, 6 pm 518 Valencia
St., SF
Saturday, May 3, Palo Alto, Host: Peninsula Peace and Justice Center,
afternoon
Saturday, May 3, San Jose, Host, San Jose Peace and Justice Center & NLG South
Bat, evening
Sunday, May 4, Oakland, Host: Mobilization to Free Mumia Abu-Jamal & Lynne
Stewart Defense Committee
Monday, May 5: Marin, evening
Tuesday, May 6: Sacramento, evening
Sponsors
Mobilization to Free Mumia Abu-Jamal & Lynne Stewart Defense Committee
510-268-9429 jmackler@lmi.net
Tour endorsers (initial list): SF Bay Area National Lawyers Guild • Middle
East Children’s Alliance • United National Antiwar Coalition • Labor Action
Committee to Free Mumia Abu-Jamal • World Can’t Wait • Freedom Socialist Party
• Marin Peace and Justice Center • Peninsula Peace and Justice Center •
Sacramento Area Peace Council • WILPF • SF Gray Panthers • Socialist Action •
International Action Center • Freedom Archives
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Bay
Area United Against War Newsletter
Table
of Contents:
A.
ARTICLES IN FULL
B.
EVENTS AND ACTIONS
C.
SPECIAL APPEALS AND ONGOING CAMPAIGNS
D.
VIDEO, FILM, AUDIO. ART, POETRY, ETC.
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A.
ARTICLES IN FULL
(Unless
otherwise noted)
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1) Small Area Open Near Fukushima
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2) Letter Tells of U.S. Searches for Emails and Calls
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3) Pacific Gas and Electric Charged With 12 Felonies in Explosion
3) Pacific Gas and Electric Charged With 12 Felonies in Explosion
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4) Judge Halts Execution, Cites Drug Source Secrecy
4) Judge Halts Execution, Cites Drug Source Secrecy
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2014/04/02/us/ap-us-execution-drugs-texas.html?ref=us
HOUSTON — A federal judge in Houston has stopped the scheduled execution of a serial killer until Texas officials provide his attorneys information about the supplier of a new batch of drugs that would be used to kill him.
U.S. District Judge Vanessa Gilmore on Wednesday issued a temporary injunction stopping the lethal injection of Tommy Lynn Sells. He was set to die Thursday.
State officials have insisted the identity of the supplier must be kept secret to protect it from threats of violence.
Attorneys insist the name is needed to verify the quality of the drug and keep the inmate from unconstitutional pain. Another inmate set to die next week, Ramiro Hernandez-Llanas, also is involved in the lawsuit.
It's not immediately certain if lawyers for the state will appeal Gilmore's ruling.
HOUSTON — A federal judge in Houston has stopped the scheduled execution of a serial killer until Texas officials provide his attorneys information about the supplier of a new batch of drugs that would be used to kill him.
U.S. District Judge Vanessa Gilmore on Wednesday issued a temporary injunction stopping the lethal injection of Tommy Lynn Sells. He was set to die Thursday.
State officials have insisted the identity of the supplier must be kept secret to protect it from threats of violence.
Attorneys insist the name is needed to verify the quality of the drug and keep the inmate from unconstitutional pain. Another inmate set to die next week, Ramiro Hernandez-Llanas, also is involved in the lawsuit.
It's not immediately certain if lawyers for the state will appeal Gilmore's ruling.
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5) Report from the Georgia Prisoner Hunger Strike
April 2, 2014
5) Report from the Georgia Prisoner Hunger Strike
April 2, 2014
http://sparcprariefire.wordpress.com/2014/04/02/report-from-the-georgia-prisoner-hunger-strike/
(the following was a letter sent to SPARC with the full intention
of it being published and circulated to raise awareness around the
conditions in the GDCP that have driven prisoners located in the Special
Management Unit to go on hunger strike. Below the reader will find an
initial letter, followed by an article detailing different aspects of
life in the prison, and finally a PDF file of the author’s written legal
complaint)
Well, I’m writing to you again because I have written an article concisely breaking down some of the things that is happening here at the SMU facility where I’m housed. I am sending this to you along with a copy of the civil complaint filed by me and several other inmates here regarding our rights. I would like for you to show this to your SPARC cohorts with hopes that you all can assist me with bringing much exposure to the conditions of the significant hardships that is placed upon us by prison officials here in Jackson, Georgia.
If I could be of any help to the SPARC team I am eager and willing to donate some of my time to participate in any work that will bring truth to the struggle that many of us have suffered from. I am a man of evolution and elevation who refuse to allow an evil spirit to break me of moral quality nor strip me of human dignity. There is so much that could be said of the inhumane treatment and the conditions of confinement and incarceration, I will desperately dedicate much time to shed some light on what’s being held in the dark. I am a POW and I will continue to strive harder to overcome the obstacle of oppression that try to dismantle my spirit.
Again, I would like to thank you for sending your warm wishes and expressing concern for me and my comrades, for it is definitely needed at this time in our lives. If there is any help that I am able to provide for your SPARC team then please feel free to contact me. Than you for your time and effort. May peace be unto you,
POW Robert
____________________________________________________________________
1. Classification – When an inmate is transferred to Georgia Diagnostics and Classification Prison/ Special Management Unit (GDCP/SMU) we are placed in an isolated unit on solitary confinement where we are stripped of all personal property without disciplinary sanctions or infractions being imposed, which is a due process violations. We’re held in these conditions indefinitely and we’re not given the proper classification hearing that we’re entitled to upon our initial arrival
2. Designed Cells – Upon placement after our arrival at this unit we are placed in cells that imposes psychological effects, physical and mental deterioration. Several of these cells are designed for destructive prisoners who misuse certain property, SMU staff has placed any inmate in these particular cells. There is a concrete slab that sits five inches from the ground where we are forced to sleep. A shower is installed in the cells and a drainer on the ground where all kinds of insects crawl from. This is dangerous because we’re forced to sleep on the ground which makes us easy access to these deadly insects. The drainer on the ground in the cells sometimes flood with feces and urine, this over-flooding also damage the belongings and legal paperwork that is on the ground due to there being no locker boxes and desk in the cells as is in other wings at this facility and general population. The windows in the cells are blocked (door window and back window), preventing all sunlight from entering. The Muslim prisoners are unable to offer prayer due to the blockage of daylight. All cells are designed to prevent the prisoners from conversing amongst each other.
3. Sanitation – Statewide procedure clearly states that all prisoners are to keep cells sanitized daily but we do not receive daily cell sanitation, we’re lucky to receive cell clean out once a week because officers are not willing to work which makes their job less hard. After showers we are not given any cleaning utensils or other cleaning chemicals and supplies, when defecation is excreted in the unit we are forced to eat meals while defecation is in the air. It is left desposed of for days at a time until someone cleans it.
4. Property – When a prisoner arrives to this facility he is stripped of all personal property without cause. Legal and religious material is confiscated. The property is withheld for months until the inmate moves to another wing at the facility. Such action must only be taken when disciplinary sanctions are imposed, which is also a violation of due process.
5. Recreation – E-wing is the dorm that all new arrivals enter. This is also “the hole” for those who’ve been housed here for years. We are denied out of the cell recreation for which we’re entitled to an hour a day for five days a week. In the other wings SMU officials have limited outside recreation to two days of the week, E-wing is denied completely. Statewide procedure states that all incarcerated prisoners are to receive an hour of out of cell recreation each day for five days a week, for it is a basic human need. SMU officials have continuously denied us recreation.
6. Visitation – After arriving to this facility all prisoners are denied visits for a thirty-day period then after completing the thirty days they only receive visits once a month for two hours. General population is allowed visits on weekends and holidays from 9am – 3pm. All facilities statewide operate under the same procedures.
7. Telephone – Telephone privileges are limited to one call a month. E-wing is not allowed the use of a telephone. This is another method orchestrated by SMU officials used to prevent inmates from exposing these violations to the media and family. Inmates housed in confinement at other facilities are allowed telephone use as is in general population throughout the state. We’re all under the same standard operative procedures.
8. Grievance Procedure – In order for us prisoners to being these violations to civil court we must first exhaust all administrative remedies by filing a grievance within the institution – SMU officials have established a recent tactic where our grievances are being destroyed when it threatens security and administration. Attached to all grievance forms are the receipts that are to be signed by consolers as verification of submission. SMU officials have orchestrated the grievance process to where ‘we’re not receiving our receipts when given to the counselor. Sometimes these receipts are not returned and the grievances are destroyed, which leaves us without proof of submitting the grievances.
9. Medical – At every facility statewide suppose to have a medical unit with medical personnel available 24 hours daily. At the SMU facility there is no medical staff available 24 hours daily, there’s only two nurses stationed here from 7am – 6pm on Mondays – Fridays and 4am – 4pm on weekends. There is no infirmary stationed to house the ill and treatment for other injuries nor the mentally-ill prisoners who inflict self-mutilation. On 7-17-2013 an inmate was found dead in his cell and was left there deceased nearly 24 hours before an officer noticed. I’ve witnessed this prisoner on several occasions complain about internal injuries to officers and medical staff, but no action was taken and his complaints were ignored by all staff. When he passed away SMU officials along with medical staff hid this tragedy from the media and the prisoner’s family. I have reason to believe that the investigation is on-going to this day. Medical staff are in cahoots with the administration here. When prisoners are physically abused by prison staff these nurses falsify documents in our medical files as if these incidents never existed. When prisoners give these nurses medical request forms for immediate medical treatment these request forms are sometimes destroyed, which has been a major problem for the past several years I’ve been housed at this facility.
10. Laundry – Laundry at this facility has been another problem as well. We are allowed to send out laundry twice a week when policy states daily. Even on the days laundry suppose to be washed it some times don’t go out to the laundry. The laundry officer washes laundry at her own will. When inmates need clothes or other bathing material the laundry officer has the tendency to procrastinate on supplying clothing, sometimes it takes months before we receive clothes.
11. Food Portions and Preparation – For the past two years there has been an ongoing issue pertaining to the food trays that we’re being served. We are receiving inadequate food portions, all food portions are not full according to the menu, we are not receiving the 2,800 calories that we’re entitled to daily. Instead we are getting half of the 2800 calories. We’re grown men being fed as if we are toddlers. There is no lunch being served on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and on holidays. However due to the decreased portions on those days our breakfast meals and supper meals are to be double portion, but we’re not receiving these increased portions. As of lately there has been a massive hunger strike amongst several of us prisoners who are making a non-violent stand for many different reasons which inadequate food portions and preparation as one of the reasons. There has been a constant problem with insects floating in our food (mostly when we’re served beans), SMU officials fail to rectify the problem and continuing to allow food service to serve us these filthy trays. When the prisoners complain about these servings kitchen stewardess along with prison staff boldly refuse any correction and tell us to starve to death, this is currently active.
12. Mail – Mail has also been a constant problem. Administration staff has ordered their agents to tamper with incoming and outgoing mail, especially that of the political prisoners. They do not want us exposing the harsh conditions of SMU. This action is also done to prevent prisoners who’ve been abused from pursuing litigation against prison officials. All hunger strike prisoners mail is always tampered with or confiscated. Practically every violation that SMU officials have made against prisoners housed here has been unheard of because prison officials will literally break other laws, confiscating mail so that the truth of this facility would remain hidden from security. We are sometimes denied certain law books and religious books.
13. Religious Service – I’ve been housed at this facility since 7-27-09 and never had I once seen nor spoken to a chaplain or no person of chaplaincy at this institution. Every time I request an interview with a chaplain my request goes unanswered. Muslim prisoners have filed several complaints regarding certain conditions at this facility that violates their religious rights. These violations have yet to be met.
14. Counseling – Counseling has been another matter that we have raised lately. Mental health counselors are not providing sufficient counseling to the mentally ill prisoners who’re on the MH caseload. Some inmates make threats of self harm to counselors and other departmental staff, most times these threats are not taken seriously or ignored. These threats are usually carried out. Nothing is taken seriously when it concerns the inmates. Even general counseling at this facility is inadequate. According to the Established Statewide Standard Operation Procedures (S.O.P.) counselors are to make rounds in each unit once a week. This policy is not being adhered to. We are lucky to see counselors once a month. Counselors are also part of the corruption that circulates within this facility, they assist with the administrative staff on withholding certain information from prisoners and with concealing the mistreatment that we are enduring at this facility.
15. Security – There is nothing safe or secure about this facility. There are barely any officers assigned here, there are plenty of former staff members who’ve quit or resigned due to the horrifying conditions and cruel treatment that us prisoners are experiencing, there’s MAJOR breach of security here with the shortage of staff and officers. We are left inside our cells for hours at a time nearly everyday without officers conducting their thirty minute routine checks to ensure inmate safety while being confined 24 hours daily. This is one of the reasons that prisoner died and was found in his cell hours after his death, officers fail to make rounds as policy states. There are six wings at this facility housing thirty-two inmates per wing, there is not enough staff here to work the units. Is a prisoner happens to die in his cell he will never be discovered until hours later until officers feed trays, that is the only time we see an officer. It’s even harder for diabetic inmates.
16. Discipline – When an inmate commits disciplinary infractions we’re to be sanctioned professionally then disciplinary procedure disclosed in S.O.P. However, this procedure is consistently being violated by SMU officials, who have not used proper procedures, instead they create their own rules and tactics that supersedes state policy and law. They will impose corporal punishment upon us as a sanction which is prohibited in statewide policy. This violation has continued to be in effect due to the lack of outside help for certain prisoners. Food has been withheld and often used as a form of punishment where inmates are not fed their meals at times. These issues remain secret because there’s no way such action can be proven, unless there is outside support.
17. Assaults – Most of the prisoners housed at this facility have been subject to some form of assault made by correctional officers whether sexual or flat out brutality. Several of these officers have history of assaulting prisoners. These incidents are brought to the attention of the administrative staff, but most of these complaints are disregarded to where nothing is done to resolve the incidents. There are officers who are currently assigned to the unit of their victims. They continuously harass them and often retaliate in other ways when policy states that both parties are to have no interactions. These officers make threats to harm their victims again and also refuse to feed their food trays and deny them everything they’re entitled to. Staff members at this facility implement a variety of fear tactics to keep us quiet from spreading the truth and ultimately to the place fear in our hearts. There’s only a few of us who have remained solid by standing up for what’s right, it is only a small number of us. When we take non-violent or any other peaceful actions, such as hunger strikes, to bring some form of justification to the unlawful and unnecessary sufferings that we’re bearing, prison officials will then place us in isolation then strip us of our property and clothing, place us inside a cold cell to suffer even more with hopes to break us to coming off hunger strike, this is another method used to maintain control over us, break our integrity, and dismantle our structured unification amongst each other. There are other tactics used against us such as placing us on stripped cell after gassing us with tear gas in a cell with no bedding material, completely nude for days at a time. We are left in the cell choking and gagging from the chemicals without given a shower or opportunity to rinse them chemicals off of us.
18. Law Library – Every prison has its own law library where prisoners are able to purchase legal material and other material that we’re entitled to. At the SMU facility we are denied certain law material that allow us access to the courts. This is done to impede us from knowing our prison rights as well as human rights. Prison officials have conspired with law library personnel to deny us any material that threatens the SMU facility rules and regulations. They do not want us to know the rules that they are suppose to follow. When we request certain material pertaining to prison policy the law librarian will deny us the material and send us a typed letter stating that we are not allowed any material that threatens prison rules. I have proof of this actual letter.
All that I have spoken in this article regarding the violations of the prison rules, state law, and federal law at this facility is true, at this current moment these violations are still in effect. All prisoners housed at this facility have been suffering tremendously from inhumane treatment that we are enduring. We are still being abused physically, sexually, and mentally by prison guards and other officials at this facility. The administrative staff (Warden Bruce Chatman, Deputy Wardens June Bishop and William Powell, and Unit Manager R. Logan) has continued to hide such rampant corruption from the public and families of the inmates housed here. When family or other loved ones call the prison concerning the deprivation and dehumanization that we’re encountering, prison officials will deny any wrong doing then make false accusations about us as a reason to justify their actions. These prison officials have policy and procedures to adhere to. When a prisoner commits disciplinary infractions we are punished for the action within the institution. When prison officials violate statewide policies and procedures there is no action taken as sanctioned imposed upon them. We are shown everyday that we have no rights and that they can treat us however they want and nothing will be done about it, we are treated like animals every day when we are not breaking prison rules, still we’re being punished just because we’re in prison. In their eyes, prisoners have no rights, prisoners are not considered humans. Literally it is fixed in their minds that we are not humans and that we’re bad people. There is nothing about this facility operating accordingly to policy and procedures, and law. Everything that we are entitled to has been taken away from us.
When prisoners come together in hunger strikes these prison staff will punish us even more with brutality and placing us in isolation until we break. It is a right that we have to place ourselves on these strikes, but the prison officials at SMU punish us for striking as if we’ve done something wrong. This is done spitefully and without reason or cause.
There has been another huge problem that has occurred lately where I along with several other prisoners who’ve been sexually assaulted and harassed by an officer (Lt. Michael J. Kyles) within the past 2 months. This same officer has a history of assaulting inmates while their in handcuffs, but SMU administration has continued to allow him to supervise at this unit where his victims are housed. Policy states that any-all sexual allegations are to be taken seriously and in a manner as to avoid future misconduct or threats made by prison staff. Lt. Kyles Is not supposed to be assigned around us while the investigation is ongoing. On the days when Lt. Kyles is on shift he would make it his first priority to step on the range of those who have complaints against him shooting more threats towards us. We file complaint after complaint, bringing the issue to the attention of all SMU staff, yet our complaints are treated without due respect and not taken seriously. We are denied the telephone so that we cannot report assaults to the sexual abuse hot line (PREA), which we’re entitled to.
Every event that I have written about in this article falls on the hands of the warden (Bruce Chatman) and the rest of the administrative staff of SMU, they are the individuals who’s responsible for the care and treatment of the prisoners, safety and security of all inmates, ordinary runnings of this facility. The administration are the individuals who authorize and approve everything that has taken place and is currently happening at this facility.
These problems are still existing and has been happening for the past several years that I’ve been housed at this facility yet prison officials have placed limitations on our outside support. There are no rules, policy, regulations, or procedure that authorize the way that the SMU facility is being operated and the way that we’re being treated and held captive at the special management unit here in Jackson, Georgia.
Sincerely,
Robert Watkins
Legal Complaint
Well, I’m writing to you again because I have written an article concisely breaking down some of the things that is happening here at the SMU facility where I’m housed. I am sending this to you along with a copy of the civil complaint filed by me and several other inmates here regarding our rights. I would like for you to show this to your SPARC cohorts with hopes that you all can assist me with bringing much exposure to the conditions of the significant hardships that is placed upon us by prison officials here in Jackson, Georgia.
If I could be of any help to the SPARC team I am eager and willing to donate some of my time to participate in any work that will bring truth to the struggle that many of us have suffered from. I am a man of evolution and elevation who refuse to allow an evil spirit to break me of moral quality nor strip me of human dignity. There is so much that could be said of the inhumane treatment and the conditions of confinement and incarceration, I will desperately dedicate much time to shed some light on what’s being held in the dark. I am a POW and I will continue to strive harder to overcome the obstacle of oppression that try to dismantle my spirit.
Again, I would like to thank you for sending your warm wishes and expressing concern for me and my comrades, for it is definitely needed at this time in our lives. If there is any help that I am able to provide for your SPARC team then please feel free to contact me. Than you for your time and effort. May peace be unto you,
POW Robert
____________________________________________________________________
1. Classification – When an inmate is transferred to Georgia Diagnostics and Classification Prison/ Special Management Unit (GDCP/SMU) we are placed in an isolated unit on solitary confinement where we are stripped of all personal property without disciplinary sanctions or infractions being imposed, which is a due process violations. We’re held in these conditions indefinitely and we’re not given the proper classification hearing that we’re entitled to upon our initial arrival
2. Designed Cells – Upon placement after our arrival at this unit we are placed in cells that imposes psychological effects, physical and mental deterioration. Several of these cells are designed for destructive prisoners who misuse certain property, SMU staff has placed any inmate in these particular cells. There is a concrete slab that sits five inches from the ground where we are forced to sleep. A shower is installed in the cells and a drainer on the ground where all kinds of insects crawl from. This is dangerous because we’re forced to sleep on the ground which makes us easy access to these deadly insects. The drainer on the ground in the cells sometimes flood with feces and urine, this over-flooding also damage the belongings and legal paperwork that is on the ground due to there being no locker boxes and desk in the cells as is in other wings at this facility and general population. The windows in the cells are blocked (door window and back window), preventing all sunlight from entering. The Muslim prisoners are unable to offer prayer due to the blockage of daylight. All cells are designed to prevent the prisoners from conversing amongst each other.
3. Sanitation – Statewide procedure clearly states that all prisoners are to keep cells sanitized daily but we do not receive daily cell sanitation, we’re lucky to receive cell clean out once a week because officers are not willing to work which makes their job less hard. After showers we are not given any cleaning utensils or other cleaning chemicals and supplies, when defecation is excreted in the unit we are forced to eat meals while defecation is in the air. It is left desposed of for days at a time until someone cleans it.
4. Property – When a prisoner arrives to this facility he is stripped of all personal property without cause. Legal and religious material is confiscated. The property is withheld for months until the inmate moves to another wing at the facility. Such action must only be taken when disciplinary sanctions are imposed, which is also a violation of due process.
5. Recreation – E-wing is the dorm that all new arrivals enter. This is also “the hole” for those who’ve been housed here for years. We are denied out of the cell recreation for which we’re entitled to an hour a day for five days a week. In the other wings SMU officials have limited outside recreation to two days of the week, E-wing is denied completely. Statewide procedure states that all incarcerated prisoners are to receive an hour of out of cell recreation each day for five days a week, for it is a basic human need. SMU officials have continuously denied us recreation.
6. Visitation – After arriving to this facility all prisoners are denied visits for a thirty-day period then after completing the thirty days they only receive visits once a month for two hours. General population is allowed visits on weekends and holidays from 9am – 3pm. All facilities statewide operate under the same procedures.
7. Telephone – Telephone privileges are limited to one call a month. E-wing is not allowed the use of a telephone. This is another method orchestrated by SMU officials used to prevent inmates from exposing these violations to the media and family. Inmates housed in confinement at other facilities are allowed telephone use as is in general population throughout the state. We’re all under the same standard operative procedures.
8. Grievance Procedure – In order for us prisoners to being these violations to civil court we must first exhaust all administrative remedies by filing a grievance within the institution – SMU officials have established a recent tactic where our grievances are being destroyed when it threatens security and administration. Attached to all grievance forms are the receipts that are to be signed by consolers as verification of submission. SMU officials have orchestrated the grievance process to where ‘we’re not receiving our receipts when given to the counselor. Sometimes these receipts are not returned and the grievances are destroyed, which leaves us without proof of submitting the grievances.
9. Medical – At every facility statewide suppose to have a medical unit with medical personnel available 24 hours daily. At the SMU facility there is no medical staff available 24 hours daily, there’s only two nurses stationed here from 7am – 6pm on Mondays – Fridays and 4am – 4pm on weekends. There is no infirmary stationed to house the ill and treatment for other injuries nor the mentally-ill prisoners who inflict self-mutilation. On 7-17-2013 an inmate was found dead in his cell and was left there deceased nearly 24 hours before an officer noticed. I’ve witnessed this prisoner on several occasions complain about internal injuries to officers and medical staff, but no action was taken and his complaints were ignored by all staff. When he passed away SMU officials along with medical staff hid this tragedy from the media and the prisoner’s family. I have reason to believe that the investigation is on-going to this day. Medical staff are in cahoots with the administration here. When prisoners are physically abused by prison staff these nurses falsify documents in our medical files as if these incidents never existed. When prisoners give these nurses medical request forms for immediate medical treatment these request forms are sometimes destroyed, which has been a major problem for the past several years I’ve been housed at this facility.
10. Laundry – Laundry at this facility has been another problem as well. We are allowed to send out laundry twice a week when policy states daily. Even on the days laundry suppose to be washed it some times don’t go out to the laundry. The laundry officer washes laundry at her own will. When inmates need clothes or other bathing material the laundry officer has the tendency to procrastinate on supplying clothing, sometimes it takes months before we receive clothes.
11. Food Portions and Preparation – For the past two years there has been an ongoing issue pertaining to the food trays that we’re being served. We are receiving inadequate food portions, all food portions are not full according to the menu, we are not receiving the 2,800 calories that we’re entitled to daily. Instead we are getting half of the 2800 calories. We’re grown men being fed as if we are toddlers. There is no lunch being served on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and on holidays. However due to the decreased portions on those days our breakfast meals and supper meals are to be double portion, but we’re not receiving these increased portions. As of lately there has been a massive hunger strike amongst several of us prisoners who are making a non-violent stand for many different reasons which inadequate food portions and preparation as one of the reasons. There has been a constant problem with insects floating in our food (mostly when we’re served beans), SMU officials fail to rectify the problem and continuing to allow food service to serve us these filthy trays. When the prisoners complain about these servings kitchen stewardess along with prison staff boldly refuse any correction and tell us to starve to death, this is currently active.
12. Mail – Mail has also been a constant problem. Administration staff has ordered their agents to tamper with incoming and outgoing mail, especially that of the political prisoners. They do not want us exposing the harsh conditions of SMU. This action is also done to prevent prisoners who’ve been abused from pursuing litigation against prison officials. All hunger strike prisoners mail is always tampered with or confiscated. Practically every violation that SMU officials have made against prisoners housed here has been unheard of because prison officials will literally break other laws, confiscating mail so that the truth of this facility would remain hidden from security. We are sometimes denied certain law books and religious books.
13. Religious Service – I’ve been housed at this facility since 7-27-09 and never had I once seen nor spoken to a chaplain or no person of chaplaincy at this institution. Every time I request an interview with a chaplain my request goes unanswered. Muslim prisoners have filed several complaints regarding certain conditions at this facility that violates their religious rights. These violations have yet to be met.
14. Counseling – Counseling has been another matter that we have raised lately. Mental health counselors are not providing sufficient counseling to the mentally ill prisoners who’re on the MH caseload. Some inmates make threats of self harm to counselors and other departmental staff, most times these threats are not taken seriously or ignored. These threats are usually carried out. Nothing is taken seriously when it concerns the inmates. Even general counseling at this facility is inadequate. According to the Established Statewide Standard Operation Procedures (S.O.P.) counselors are to make rounds in each unit once a week. This policy is not being adhered to. We are lucky to see counselors once a month. Counselors are also part of the corruption that circulates within this facility, they assist with the administrative staff on withholding certain information from prisoners and with concealing the mistreatment that we are enduring at this facility.
15. Security – There is nothing safe or secure about this facility. There are barely any officers assigned here, there are plenty of former staff members who’ve quit or resigned due to the horrifying conditions and cruel treatment that us prisoners are experiencing, there’s MAJOR breach of security here with the shortage of staff and officers. We are left inside our cells for hours at a time nearly everyday without officers conducting their thirty minute routine checks to ensure inmate safety while being confined 24 hours daily. This is one of the reasons that prisoner died and was found in his cell hours after his death, officers fail to make rounds as policy states. There are six wings at this facility housing thirty-two inmates per wing, there is not enough staff here to work the units. Is a prisoner happens to die in his cell he will never be discovered until hours later until officers feed trays, that is the only time we see an officer. It’s even harder for diabetic inmates.
16. Discipline – When an inmate commits disciplinary infractions we’re to be sanctioned professionally then disciplinary procedure disclosed in S.O.P. However, this procedure is consistently being violated by SMU officials, who have not used proper procedures, instead they create their own rules and tactics that supersedes state policy and law. They will impose corporal punishment upon us as a sanction which is prohibited in statewide policy. This violation has continued to be in effect due to the lack of outside help for certain prisoners. Food has been withheld and often used as a form of punishment where inmates are not fed their meals at times. These issues remain secret because there’s no way such action can be proven, unless there is outside support.
17. Assaults – Most of the prisoners housed at this facility have been subject to some form of assault made by correctional officers whether sexual or flat out brutality. Several of these officers have history of assaulting prisoners. These incidents are brought to the attention of the administrative staff, but most of these complaints are disregarded to where nothing is done to resolve the incidents. There are officers who are currently assigned to the unit of their victims. They continuously harass them and often retaliate in other ways when policy states that both parties are to have no interactions. These officers make threats to harm their victims again and also refuse to feed their food trays and deny them everything they’re entitled to. Staff members at this facility implement a variety of fear tactics to keep us quiet from spreading the truth and ultimately to the place fear in our hearts. There’s only a few of us who have remained solid by standing up for what’s right, it is only a small number of us. When we take non-violent or any other peaceful actions, such as hunger strikes, to bring some form of justification to the unlawful and unnecessary sufferings that we’re bearing, prison officials will then place us in isolation then strip us of our property and clothing, place us inside a cold cell to suffer even more with hopes to break us to coming off hunger strike, this is another method used to maintain control over us, break our integrity, and dismantle our structured unification amongst each other. There are other tactics used against us such as placing us on stripped cell after gassing us with tear gas in a cell with no bedding material, completely nude for days at a time. We are left in the cell choking and gagging from the chemicals without given a shower or opportunity to rinse them chemicals off of us.
18. Law Library – Every prison has its own law library where prisoners are able to purchase legal material and other material that we’re entitled to. At the SMU facility we are denied certain law material that allow us access to the courts. This is done to impede us from knowing our prison rights as well as human rights. Prison officials have conspired with law library personnel to deny us any material that threatens the SMU facility rules and regulations. They do not want us to know the rules that they are suppose to follow. When we request certain material pertaining to prison policy the law librarian will deny us the material and send us a typed letter stating that we are not allowed any material that threatens prison rules. I have proof of this actual letter.
All that I have spoken in this article regarding the violations of the prison rules, state law, and federal law at this facility is true, at this current moment these violations are still in effect. All prisoners housed at this facility have been suffering tremendously from inhumane treatment that we are enduring. We are still being abused physically, sexually, and mentally by prison guards and other officials at this facility. The administrative staff (Warden Bruce Chatman, Deputy Wardens June Bishop and William Powell, and Unit Manager R. Logan) has continued to hide such rampant corruption from the public and families of the inmates housed here. When family or other loved ones call the prison concerning the deprivation and dehumanization that we’re encountering, prison officials will deny any wrong doing then make false accusations about us as a reason to justify their actions. These prison officials have policy and procedures to adhere to. When a prisoner commits disciplinary infractions we are punished for the action within the institution. When prison officials violate statewide policies and procedures there is no action taken as sanctioned imposed upon them. We are shown everyday that we have no rights and that they can treat us however they want and nothing will be done about it, we are treated like animals every day when we are not breaking prison rules, still we’re being punished just because we’re in prison. In their eyes, prisoners have no rights, prisoners are not considered humans. Literally it is fixed in their minds that we are not humans and that we’re bad people. There is nothing about this facility operating accordingly to policy and procedures, and law. Everything that we are entitled to has been taken away from us.
When prisoners come together in hunger strikes these prison staff will punish us even more with brutality and placing us in isolation until we break. It is a right that we have to place ourselves on these strikes, but the prison officials at SMU punish us for striking as if we’ve done something wrong. This is done spitefully and without reason or cause.
There has been another huge problem that has occurred lately where I along with several other prisoners who’ve been sexually assaulted and harassed by an officer (Lt. Michael J. Kyles) within the past 2 months. This same officer has a history of assaulting inmates while their in handcuffs, but SMU administration has continued to allow him to supervise at this unit where his victims are housed. Policy states that any-all sexual allegations are to be taken seriously and in a manner as to avoid future misconduct or threats made by prison staff. Lt. Kyles Is not supposed to be assigned around us while the investigation is ongoing. On the days when Lt. Kyles is on shift he would make it his first priority to step on the range of those who have complaints against him shooting more threats towards us. We file complaint after complaint, bringing the issue to the attention of all SMU staff, yet our complaints are treated without due respect and not taken seriously. We are denied the telephone so that we cannot report assaults to the sexual abuse hot line (PREA), which we’re entitled to.
Every event that I have written about in this article falls on the hands of the warden (Bruce Chatman) and the rest of the administrative staff of SMU, they are the individuals who’s responsible for the care and treatment of the prisoners, safety and security of all inmates, ordinary runnings of this facility. The administration are the individuals who authorize and approve everything that has taken place and is currently happening at this facility.
These problems are still existing and has been happening for the past several years that I’ve been housed at this facility yet prison officials have placed limitations on our outside support. There are no rules, policy, regulations, or procedure that authorize the way that the SMU facility is being operated and the way that we’re being treated and held captive at the special management unit here in Jackson, Georgia.
Sincerely,
Robert Watkins
Legal Complaint
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6) Security Threat Group policy is sugarcoated racial profiling aimed at torture
by Johnny Aguilar
The experimental Security Threat Group (STG) gang identification policy is not what CDC is making it out to be. It’s a sugarcoated form of racial discrimination and racial profiling to cover their ass in torturing human beings in California’s isolation units.
We will not fall into despair until long-term solitary confinement is abolished and those that are still suffering are free from SHU and the torture has ended so that the thousands may begin a healing process from such long-term suffering. It’s another CDC experimental policy that yet again doesn’t work, and yet again wastes taxpayers’ dollars. It only contributes to hurting human beings.
Indeed, we as a society and class hold our legislation to a high standard. I agree with Mr. Ammiano on holding the lip service at the public hearings. He stated on Oct. 9, 2013, from what I read in a copy of the hearing transcript that I obtained, that it is clear that human beings have endured great suffering through the experimental policy of solitary confinement.
We cannot sit back any longer and be submissive to such policies. These acts have only contributed to the deprivation of life and of family and friendship connections that one depends on to live life.
So the point I want to make is that on April 3 the Legislature will hold a public hearing in Sacramento regarding the STG regulations that CDC is trying to implement but is yet another failure. Now here’s my research that I have personally experienced at Pelican Bay and now at Calipatria state prisons.
A total of three times 1030s were filed on me, meaning confidential informants talked to IGI in its so-called investigation saying I have some involvement with a gang, and they use that against me just because this so-called confidential informant stated it. This label CDC is using to identify prisoners involves no due process whatsoever on the lower level in challenging a gang label in the CDC 602 appeal process.
So whatever lies and stories that some guy chooses to tell just to be removed from a yard or a housing facility, the IGI will automatically assume they are true. So we are paying a high price for being labeled racially. “He’s Mexican. He’s a gang member.” “He’s popular amongst his peers. He’s a gang member.” “He shaves his head bald. He’s a gang member.” “Oh, wait a minute, he has CDC clothing on. He’s a gang member.”
We are paying a high price for being labeled racially. “He’s Mexican. He’s a gang member.” “He’s popular amongst his peers. He’s a gang member.” “He shaves his head bald. He’s a gang member.” “Oh, wait a minute, he has CDC clothing on. He’s a gang member.”
No matter what you say to defend yourself, you are guilty in the eyes of CDC. Since arriving here at Calipatria State Prison on Oct. 28, 2013, to the present date, March 6, 2014, I have experienced two lockdowns: One began Dec. 7, 2013, and we resumed normal program Feb. 8, 2014. The second started Feb. 27, 2014, and is still going.
My point is STG regulation. If anyone labeled or identified as STG I or STG II, regardless whether you’re involved or not in the individual isolated incident, you will be placed on lockdown – until the institution hierarchy feel you are not a threat.
It seems that this institution is carrying out a vendetta of retaliation and animosity towards any and all prisoners of Mexican descent with a free-for-all implementation of the STG regulations. Such experiments we cannot sit back and allow. We must stand up against CDC for reform, for change. We will not tolerate it!
I say this because I look ahead to how I want to be treated in the 10, 20, 30, 46 years to come. I only see such a policy hurting us prisoners as a whole, as a class. We will continue to value the End of Hostilities Agreement, and we will honor that agreement.
I do want to thank all those who wrote and sent the great color cards. We are here with you in this struggle for the long haul.
Send our brother some love and light: Johnny Aguilar, AF8730, CSP-GP, C-2-111, P.O. Box 5006, Calipatria, CA 92233.
6) Security Threat Group policy is sugarcoated racial profiling aimed at torture
by Johnny Aguilar
April 1, 2014
http://sfbayview.com/2014/security-threat-group-policy-is-sugarcoated-racial-profiling-aimed-at-torture/
We will not fall into despair until long-term solitary confinement is abolished and those that are still suffering are free from SHU and the torture has ended so that the thousands may begin a healing process from such long-term suffering. It’s another CDC experimental policy that yet again doesn’t work, and yet again wastes taxpayers’ dollars. It only contributes to hurting human beings.
Indeed, we as a society and class hold our legislation to a high standard. I agree with Mr. Ammiano on holding the lip service at the public hearings. He stated on Oct. 9, 2013, from what I read in a copy of the hearing transcript that I obtained, that it is clear that human beings have endured great suffering through the experimental policy of solitary confinement.
We cannot sit back any longer and be submissive to such policies. These acts have only contributed to the deprivation of life and of family and friendship connections that one depends on to live life.
So the point I want to make is that on April 3 the Legislature will hold a public hearing in Sacramento regarding the STG regulations that CDC is trying to implement but is yet another failure. Now here’s my research that I have personally experienced at Pelican Bay and now at Calipatria state prisons.
A total of three times 1030s were filed on me, meaning confidential informants talked to IGI in its so-called investigation saying I have some involvement with a gang, and they use that against me just because this so-called confidential informant stated it. This label CDC is using to identify prisoners involves no due process whatsoever on the lower level in challenging a gang label in the CDC 602 appeal process.
So whatever lies and stories that some guy chooses to tell just to be removed from a yard or a housing facility, the IGI will automatically assume they are true. So we are paying a high price for being labeled racially. “He’s Mexican. He’s a gang member.” “He’s popular amongst his peers. He’s a gang member.” “He shaves his head bald. He’s a gang member.” “Oh, wait a minute, he has CDC clothing on. He’s a gang member.”
We are paying a high price for being labeled racially. “He’s Mexican. He’s a gang member.” “He’s popular amongst his peers. He’s a gang member.” “He shaves his head bald. He’s a gang member.” “Oh, wait a minute, he has CDC clothing on. He’s a gang member.”
No matter what you say to defend yourself, you are guilty in the eyes of CDC. Since arriving here at Calipatria State Prison on Oct. 28, 2013, to the present date, March 6, 2014, I have experienced two lockdowns: One began Dec. 7, 2013, and we resumed normal program Feb. 8, 2014. The second started Feb. 27, 2014, and is still going.
My point is STG regulation. If anyone labeled or identified as STG I or STG II, regardless whether you’re involved or not in the individual isolated incident, you will be placed on lockdown – until the institution hierarchy feel you are not a threat.
It seems that this institution is carrying out a vendetta of retaliation and animosity towards any and all prisoners of Mexican descent with a free-for-all implementation of the STG regulations. Such experiments we cannot sit back and allow. We must stand up against CDC for reform, for change. We will not tolerate it!
I say this because I look ahead to how I want to be treated in the 10, 20, 30, 46 years to come. I only see such a policy hurting us prisoners as a whole, as a class. We will continue to value the End of Hostilities Agreement, and we will honor that agreement.
I do want to thank all those who wrote and sent the great color cards. We are here with you in this struggle for the long haul.
Send our brother some love and light: Johnny Aguilar, AF8730, CSP-GP, C-2-111, P.O. Box 5006, Calipatria, CA 92233.
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7) Senate Panel Votes to Reveal Report on C.I.A. Interrogations
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8) Cambodia: Illness Spreads at Factories
8) Cambodia: Illness Spreads at Factories
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9) U.S. Says It Tried to Build a Social Media Site in Cuba, but Failed
9) U.S. Says It Tried to Build a Social Media Site in Cuba, but Failed
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10) Texas: Posthumous Pardon Is Denied for Man Executed in 3 Deaths
10) Texas: Posthumous Pardon Is Denied for Man Executed in 3 Deaths
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11) ‘Real Unemployment’ Rate Points in the Wrong Direction
By NEIL IRWIN
The unemployment rate number people talk about and analyze every time the new jobs numbers come out — such as the 6.7 percent rate reported Friday morning — is not the “real” unemployment rate. And some policymakers are among them — which makes one line in particular in the report more interesting and important than usual.
While some (we’re looking at you, Donald Trump) argue that joblessness is vastly higher than the Labor Department reports, a more routine critique is that it would be better to focus on one of the government’s own, broader measures of unemployment. It is known as U-6, the most widely defined form of unemployment out of six Bureau of Labor Statistics classifications. It was 12.7 percent in March, up from 12.6 percent in February but down from 13.8 percent a year ago.
(The more widely reported joblessness number is known formally as U-3. Economic data hipsters are free to explain their own preference for the little-watched U-4 or U-5 in the comments.)
The people who count as unemployed for purposes of U-6 include all those unemployed under the conventional definition, but also people who say they have given up looking for work out of frustration with the economy and people who are working at a part-time job but would prefer full-time work. It’s not necessarily more “real” than the regular unemployment rate; it’s just capturing different things.
Dennis Lockhart, the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta president, argued this week that tracking U-6, though, could provide extra insight into whether the economy is healing. He told reporters that he would like to see the gap between U-6 and U-3 fall back to the range of 3 or 4 percentage points before the Fed raises interest rates.
That gap was 3.8 percentage points right before the recession began at the start of 2008, and peaked at 7.3 percentage points in both 2010 and 2011. In March it was 6 percentage points — actually widening a bit from February, as U-3 was unchanged and U-6 ticked up.
In other words, to the degree that policymakers are using this piece of evidence to shape their decisions, it still points to keeping easy money in place for quite some time to come.
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13) Goldman Sachs Paid CEO Blankfein $19.9 Million
While some (we’re looking at you, Donald Trump) argue that joblessness is vastly higher than the Labor Department reports, a more routine critique is that it would be better to focus on one of the government’s own, broader measures of unemployment. It is known as U-6, the most widely defined form of unemployment out of six Bureau of Labor Statistics classifications. It was 12.7 percent in March, up from 12.6 percent in February but down from 13.8 percent a year ago.
(The more widely reported joblessness number is known formally as U-3. Economic data hipsters are free to explain their own preference for the little-watched U-4 or U-5 in the comments.)
The people who count as unemployed for purposes of U-6 include all those unemployed under the conventional definition, but also people who say they have given up looking for work out of frustration with the economy and people who are working at a part-time job but would prefer full-time work. It’s not necessarily more “real” than the regular unemployment rate; it’s just capturing different things.
Dennis Lockhart, the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta president, argued this week that tracking U-6, though, could provide extra insight into whether the economy is healing. He told reporters that he would like to see the gap between U-6 and U-3 fall back to the range of 3 or 4 percentage points before the Fed raises interest rates.
That gap was 3.8 percentage points right before the recession began at the start of 2008, and peaked at 7.3 percentage points in both 2010 and 2011. In March it was 6 percentage points — actually widening a bit from February, as U-3 was unchanged and U-6 ticked up.
In other words, to the degree that policymakers are using this piece of evidence to shape their decisions, it still points to keeping easy money in place for quite some time to come.
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12) It’s Still Bad for the Long-Term Unemployed
By ANNIE LOWREY April 4, 2014
12) It’s Still Bad for the Long-Term Unemployed
By ANNIE LOWREY April 4, 2014
http://economix.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/04/04/its-still-bad-for-the-long-term-unemployed/
At first blush, it’s great news. The number of long-term unemployed Americans – meaning those out of a job for more than six months – has dropped to 3.7 million in March from a high of 6.8 million in April 2010. The ranks of the long-term jobless have plummeted by 837,000 over the past year alone, helping to drive down the unemployment rate.
But not so fast. The labor market has largely normalized in terms of short-term unemployment. But it gets worse and worse the longer you’ve been out of a job. As the chart that ran with a story I wrote today shows, short-term joblessness is actually well below its 2007 level. Long-term joblessness is still more than twice as high.
So what’s happening to the long-term unemployed? Well, some of them are getting jobs. The problem is that often those jobs are part-time, or pay far less than the ones that workers had before. About 7.4 million Americans – up from 7.2 million as of November – are working part-time but would like to be working full-time.
And new research by Alan B. Krueger, the former chairman of President Obama’s Council of Economic Advisers, and his co-authors shows that only one in 10 workers who counted themselves as long-term jobless in a given month between 2008 and 2012 had a full-time gig a year later.
The federal government is offering less and less help to the long-term jobless. In January, an emergency program that pushed the maximum duration of jobless benefits up to as many as 73 weeks expired. Now, in most states, the maximum duration of payments is 26 weeks. Once those payments run out – along with the government requirement that a worker be looking for a job while receiving them – many among the long-term jobless accept a crummy job or simply give up.
The evidence remains that the so-so recovery is not enough to help the long-term jobless. “In some ways, the job market is tougher now than in any recession,” said Janet L. Yellen, the chairman of the Federal Reserve, in a speech this week. “These workers find it exceptionally hard to find steady, regular work, and they appear to be at a severe competitive disadvantage when trying to find a job. The concern is that the long-term unemployed may remain on the sidelines, ultimately dropping out of the workforce.”
But she gave one glimmer of hope: that a faster recovery would help the long-term jobless, if it would only speed up.
At first blush, it’s great news. The number of long-term unemployed Americans – meaning those out of a job for more than six months – has dropped to 3.7 million in March from a high of 6.8 million in April 2010. The ranks of the long-term jobless have plummeted by 837,000 over the past year alone, helping to drive down the unemployment rate.
But not so fast. The labor market has largely normalized in terms of short-term unemployment. But it gets worse and worse the longer you’ve been out of a job. As the chart that ran with a story I wrote today shows, short-term joblessness is actually well below its 2007 level. Long-term joblessness is still more than twice as high.
So what’s happening to the long-term unemployed? Well, some of them are getting jobs. The problem is that often those jobs are part-time, or pay far less than the ones that workers had before. About 7.4 million Americans – up from 7.2 million as of November – are working part-time but would like to be working full-time.
And new research by Alan B. Krueger, the former chairman of President Obama’s Council of Economic Advisers, and his co-authors shows that only one in 10 workers who counted themselves as long-term jobless in a given month between 2008 and 2012 had a full-time gig a year later.
The federal government is offering less and less help to the long-term jobless. In January, an emergency program that pushed the maximum duration of jobless benefits up to as many as 73 weeks expired. Now, in most states, the maximum duration of payments is 26 weeks. Once those payments run out – along with the government requirement that a worker be looking for a job while receiving them – many among the long-term jobless accept a crummy job or simply give up.
The evidence remains that the so-so recovery is not enough to help the long-term jobless. “In some ways, the job market is tougher now than in any recession,” said Janet L. Yellen, the chairman of the Federal Reserve, in a speech this week. “These workers find it exceptionally hard to find steady, regular work, and they appear to be at a severe competitive disadvantage when trying to find a job. The concern is that the long-term unemployed may remain on the sidelines, ultimately dropping out of the workforce.”
But she gave one glimmer of hope: that a faster recovery would help the long-term jobless, if it would only speed up.
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13) Goldman Sachs Paid CEO Blankfein $19.9 Million
APRIL 4, 2014
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2014/04/04/business/ap-us-goldman-sachs-executive-compensation.html?src=busln
NEW YORK — Goldman Sachs Chairman and CEO Lloyd Blankfein's total compensation rose by almost 50 percent to $19.9 million last year, boosted by the value of his stock awards.
The value of Blankfein's stock awards more than doubled from $5.3 million to $11.3 million. Goldman's stock rose 39 percent in 2013 as the bank's profits climbed. The executive's cash bonus also increased, climbing 11 percent to $6.3 million.
Blankfein has been chairman and CEO since 2006, and has spent more than 30 years at Goldman. His base salary remained unchanged at $2 million from a year earlier. The bank's earnings rose about 9 percent last year as its investment banking revenues improved.
He also received $323,759 in other compensation, including $43,804 for a car and driver, according to a regulatory filing the bank made Friday.
The Associated Press formula calculates an executive's total compensation during the last fiscal year by adding salary, bonuses, perks, above-market interest that the company pays on deferred compensation and the estimated value of stock and stock options awarded during the year. The AP formula does not count changes in the present value of pension benefits. That makes the AP total slightly different in most cases from the total reported by companies to the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The value that a company assigned to an executive's stock and option awards was the present value of what the company expected the awards to be worth to the executive over time. Companies use one of several formulas to calculate that value. However, the number is just an estimate, and what an executive ultimately receives will depend on the performance of the company's stock in the years after the awards are granted. Most stock compensation programs require an executive to wait a specified amount of time to receive shares or exercise options.
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NEW YORK — Goldman Sachs Chairman and CEO Lloyd Blankfein's total compensation rose by almost 50 percent to $19.9 million last year, boosted by the value of his stock awards.
The value of Blankfein's stock awards more than doubled from $5.3 million to $11.3 million. Goldman's stock rose 39 percent in 2013 as the bank's profits climbed. The executive's cash bonus also increased, climbing 11 percent to $6.3 million.
Blankfein has been chairman and CEO since 2006, and has spent more than 30 years at Goldman. His base salary remained unchanged at $2 million from a year earlier. The bank's earnings rose about 9 percent last year as its investment banking revenues improved.
He also received $323,759 in other compensation, including $43,804 for a car and driver, according to a regulatory filing the bank made Friday.
The Associated Press formula calculates an executive's total compensation during the last fiscal year by adding salary, bonuses, perks, above-market interest that the company pays on deferred compensation and the estimated value of stock and stock options awarded during the year. The AP formula does not count changes in the present value of pension benefits. That makes the AP total slightly different in most cases from the total reported by companies to the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The value that a company assigned to an executive's stock and option awards was the present value of what the company expected the awards to be worth to the executive over time. Companies use one of several formulas to calculate that value. However, the number is just an estimate, and what an executive ultimately receives will depend on the performance of the company's stock in the years after the awards are granted. Most stock compensation programs require an executive to wait a specified amount of time to receive shares or exercise options.
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B.
EVENTS AND ACTIONS
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Engaged Faith: An Update from Haitian Fr. Didi Horace
with translation by Pierre Labossiere
Friday, April 4, 2014, 7:00 P.M.
Newman Hall/ Holy Spirit Parish
2700 Dwight Way, Berkeley
Admission is Free
For more information: 510-482-1062
Many of us are familiar with “the too painful to look at” facts about Haiti: 10 years after the coup which ended the reforms of the Aristide government; four years following the earthquake which killed hundreds of thousands; the cholera epidemic carried to Haiti by UN ‘Peacekeepers;’ billions of dollars on non-disbursed foreign aid with billions more unaccounted for; luxury hotels built to promote tourism while sweatshops provide the only labor for the hundreds of thousands of Haitians still living in tent camps.
We are less familiar with the community-driven responses to these realities exemplified by the parishioners of native born Father Didi Horace. As Superior of Voluntas Dei, Haiti, he oversees its seven missions in largely rural areas of Haiti with one in Port au Prince. Each mission includes a school which also provides for the nutritional and healthcare needs of its students, some of whom walk four miles daily to attend. His ministry brings him in daily contact with both the issues of everyday life confronting rural and urban life and church-based initiatives to address them. Fr. Horace is visiting the Bay Area for the first time.
Pierre Labossiere [Co-founder of the Haiti Action Committee; Haiti Emergency Relief Fund (HERF); Haiti Committee, East Bay Sanctuary Covenant] is very familiarproviding tangible support to the Haitian poor who have been largely ignored. Besides direct aid (food, clean water systems, medical supplies) HERF funds schools, mobile health clinics staffed by visiting US medical teams, and micro loans for everything from local food production to worker cooperatives. Pierre will translate Fr. Didi’s presentation.
Newman Nonviolent Peacemakers and the Fr. Bill O’Donnell Social Justice Committee welcome Fr. Didi and Pierre as we strive with them to rekindle the faith community’s engagement with Haiti. Free will donations to HERF will be gratefully accepted.
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C.
SPECIAL APPEALS AND
ONGOING
CAMPAIGNS
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Next Tuesday marks the end of the first year in office for South Korea's President Park, Geun-hye.
On that day, South Korea's trade union confederation (the KCTU) will be holding a nationwide "people's strike" together with broader social movements including organisations of peasants, the urban poor, small shop keepers, students, and youth.
They'll be marching under the slogan "After one year under Park's Government, we cannot stand it anymore!"
Human and trade union rights have been attacked and democracy in the country has been undermined since Park came to power.
Organising strikes in President Park's Korea is increasingly dangerous. Harsh repression is becoming the norm. Unions are under attack.
The Korean Teachers Union has been de-registered and the Korean Government Employees Union refused registration. Union buildings have been raided. There are eleven trade union leaders behind bars at the moment, some of them still awaiting trial, some already convicted. Four have just been bailed for trial later.
In solidarity with the 15 union leaders in prison or on bail, and with the KCTU, the global trade union movement is calling for the release of all imprisoned trade unionists.
That's why the International Trade Union Confederation has launched this new campaign on LabourStart:
http://www.labourstartcampaigns.net/show_campaign.cgi?c=2183&src=lsmm
It will take you less than one minute to show your support for our brothers and sisters on the front lines in the fight for democracy in Korea.
Once you've signed the campaign, please don't stop there -- spread the word in your union and workplace.
I know that we can count on your support.
Thank you!
Eric Lee
P.S. There's been a major show of support for Canadian workers on strike since September 2013 at Crown Holdings. The Toronto and York Region Labour Council has voted to boycott Carnival, whose CEO is board member of Crown. Have you supported this campaign yet? Please do so and spread the word.
Copyright © 2014 LabourStart, All rights reserved.
http://www.labourstart.org
Our mailing address is:
LabourStart
Unit 168, Lee Valley Technopark
Ashley Road, Tottenham
London, England N17 3LN
United Kingdom
http://lynnestewart.org/
LYNNE STEWART HAS JUST BEEN DENIED MEDICAL BENEFITS. SHE CAN'T RE-APPLY UNTIL JULY! SHE IS IN URGENT NEED OF OUR HELP NOW!
Because of a determined people’s movement, Lynne is finally home with her family. But she has urgent medical needs and costs. Lynne’s Stage 4 breast cancer spread a year ago to both lungs, back, bones and lymph nodes. Now 74, she has lost weight and has trouble breathing; doctors estimate her lifespan at 12 months. Lynne will soon begin treatment requiring her to pay deductibles and co-payments. To boost the odds, she’ll use a special diet, vitamins, and other healing methods – some costly and none covered by insurance.
Lynne’s spirit is indomitable – help her fight to survive!
“I fought lions, I fought tigers, and I’m not going to let cancer get me,” Stewart said.
Lynne has always come to the aid of those who needed her. Now it’s our turn to stand by Lynne.
SEND LYNNE A DONATION TO:
On line at:
http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/lynne-stewart-s-medical-fund
Or by USPS to:
Lynne Stewart Defense Committee
1070 Dean Street?
Brooklyn, New York 11216
Tell Maj. Gen. Buchanan why Chelsea
PVT Chelsea Manning has served nearly four years in prison, yet she’s
showing a remarkable spirit of persistence. She is unjustly imprisoned,
but not defeated. With plans to enroll in a prelaw/political science
university program, and a legal name change underway, she continues
planning for her future and working to fulfill her dreams. She is
determined to make the best of her situation. However, we know she could
contribute more to the world if she was free.
Please write a letter to Convening Authority Major General Buchanan today urging him to reduce Chelsea’s sentence!
We began collecting letters to include in PVT Manning’s clemency packet last fall. We expected that the military would finalize her record of trial last December, and that she could then submit her application to Maj. Gen. Buchanan by the end of 2013. Just like so many times before, however, the military’s process has slowed Chelsea’s ability to defend her rights. Defense attorney David Coombs now estimates that it will be at least another month before the clemency application can be submitted.
Want to make sure decision-makers know why you believe Chelsea deserves to go free? If you haven’t done so yet, please write a short letter to Maj. Gen. Buchanan. Hundreds of people have already submitted letters for us to use, including Pentagon Papers whistleblower Daniel Ellsberg and award-winning author Alice Walker.
As Alice Walker wrote:
Please share this information to friends and community leaders, urging them to add their voice to this important effort before it's too late.
Next Tuesday marks the end of the first year in office for South Korea's President Park, Geun-hye.
On that day, South Korea's trade union confederation (the KCTU) will be holding a nationwide "people's strike" together with broader social movements including organisations of peasants, the urban poor, small shop keepers, students, and youth.
They'll be marching under the slogan "After one year under Park's Government, we cannot stand it anymore!"
Human and trade union rights have been attacked and democracy in the country has been undermined since Park came to power.
Organising strikes in President Park's Korea is increasingly dangerous. Harsh repression is becoming the norm. Unions are under attack.
The Korean Teachers Union has been de-registered and the Korean Government Employees Union refused registration. Union buildings have been raided. There are eleven trade union leaders behind bars at the moment, some of them still awaiting trial, some already convicted. Four have just been bailed for trial later.
In solidarity with the 15 union leaders in prison or on bail, and with the KCTU, the global trade union movement is calling for the release of all imprisoned trade unionists.
That's why the International Trade Union Confederation has launched this new campaign on LabourStart:
http://www.labourstartcampaigns.net/show_campaign.cgi?c=2183&src=lsmm
It will take you less than one minute to show your support for our brothers and sisters on the front lines in the fight for democracy in Korea.
Once you've signed the campaign, please don't stop there -- spread the word in your union and workplace.
I know that we can count on your support.
Thank you!
Eric Lee
P.S. There's been a major show of support for Canadian workers on strike since September 2013 at Crown Holdings. The Toronto and York Region Labour Council has voted to boycott Carnival, whose CEO is board member of Crown. Have you supported this campaign yet? Please do so and spread the word.
Copyright © 2014 LabourStart, All rights reserved.
http://www.labourstart.org
Our mailing address is:
LabourStart
Unit 168, Lee Valley Technopark
Ashley Road, Tottenham
London, England N17 3LN
United Kingdom
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AN URGENT FUNDRAISER FOR LYNNE STEWART'S MEDICAL NEEDS CONTINUEShttp://lynnestewart.org/
LYNNE STEWART HAS JUST BEEN DENIED MEDICAL BENEFITS. SHE CAN'T RE-APPLY UNTIL JULY! SHE IS IN URGENT NEED OF OUR HELP NOW!
Because of a determined people’s movement, Lynne is finally home with her family. But she has urgent medical needs and costs. Lynne’s Stage 4 breast cancer spread a year ago to both lungs, back, bones and lymph nodes. Now 74, she has lost weight and has trouble breathing; doctors estimate her lifespan at 12 months. Lynne will soon begin treatment requiring her to pay deductibles and co-payments. To boost the odds, she’ll use a special diet, vitamins, and other healing methods – some costly and none covered by insurance.
Lynne’s spirit is indomitable – help her fight to survive!
“I fought lions, I fought tigers, and I’m not going to let cancer get me,” Stewart said.
Lynne has always come to the aid of those who needed her. Now it’s our turn to stand by Lynne.
SEND LYNNE A DONATION TO:
On line at:
http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/lynne-stewart-s-medical-fund
Or by USPS to:
Lynne Stewart Defense Committee
1070 Dean Street?
Brooklyn, New York 11216
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Tell Maj. Gen. Buchanan why Chelsea
deserves to be free!
 |
Please write a letter to Convening Authority Major General Buchanan today urging him to reduce Chelsea’s sentence!
We began collecting letters to include in PVT Manning’s clemency packet last fall. We expected that the military would finalize her record of trial last December, and that she could then submit her application to Maj. Gen. Buchanan by the end of 2013. Just like so many times before, however, the military’s process has slowed Chelsea’s ability to defend her rights. Defense attorney David Coombs now estimates that it will be at least another month before the clemency application can be submitted.
Want to make sure decision-makers know why you believe Chelsea deserves to go free? If you haven’t done so yet, please write a short letter to Maj. Gen. Buchanan. Hundreds of people have already submitted letters for us to use, including Pentagon Papers whistleblower Daniel Ellsberg and award-winning author Alice Walker.
As Alice Walker wrote:
Private Manning was the one soldier willing to speak out against what he thought was wrong. When others silently followed orders, Manning could not. Pvt. Manning is a humanist, meaning he sees humanity before nationality, and values human life above all else. When he released documents to WikiLeaks in 2010, he wanted the American people, and the world, to judge for themselves if the U.S. military was properly valuing human life in Iraq and Afghanistan. As taxpayers who fund that military, we deserve that opportunity.Learn now how you can write a letter to be included in Chelsea Manning’s official application for clemency!
Please share this information to friends and community leaders, urging them to add their voice to this important effort before it's too late.
http://www.privatemanning.org/pardonpetition
Help
us continue to cover 100%
of Pvt. Manning's legal fees! Donate today.
of Pvt. Manning's legal fees! Donate today.
https://co.clickandpledge.com/sp/d1/default.aspx?wid=38591
COURAGE
TO RESIST
http://couragetoresist.org
484 Lake Park Ave #41, Oakland CA 94610
510-488-3559
http://couragetoresist.org
484 Lake Park Ave #41, Oakland CA 94610
510-488-3559
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Only an Innocent Man Would Voluntarily Return
to Prison to Fight Against his Life Sentence
and For Exoneration —
That Courageous Man is Lorenzo Johnson.
The PA Attorney General’s Office Agrees to Investigate New Facts and Witnesses —
Send Your Message Now to PA AG
Kathleen Kane: Dismiss the Charges!
Free Lorenzo Johnson!
On January 29, 2014 Lorenzo Johnson’s attorney, Michael Wiseman, met with representatives of PA Attorney General Kathleen Kane to discuss the new evidence of Lorenzo Johnson’s innocence contained in legal filings now pending in the Pennsylvania courts. This includes affidavits confirming Johnson’s presence in New York City at the time of the Harrisburg murder and the identity of the actual killers, as well as police and prosecutorial misconduct.
Attorney Wiseman said Kane’s office promised to investigate these new facts in order to assess whether they merit the relief that Lorenzo Johnson seeks in his PCRA petition.
Speaking to AP reporter Mary Claire Dale on February 11, 2014 Wiseman said, “We believe the witnesses we presented to them are credible, and give a coherent version of the events. I take them at their word, that they’re going to do a straightforward, honest review.” Kane spokesman Joe Peters confirmed the meeting to AP “but said the office won’t comment on the new evidence until the court filing,” (referring to the March 31, 2014 date for the AG’s response to Johnson’s October 2013 court filing).
It is the Office of the PA Attorney General that is responsible for the false prosecution of Lorenzo Johnson from trial through appeals. And just a few months ago, the Attorney General’s office opposed a federal petition based on this new evidence saying there was no prima facie claim for relief. This resulted in the denial of Lorenzo Johnson’s Motion to File a Second Writ of Habeas Corpus in the federal court.
On December 18, 2013 a press conference called by the Campaign to Free Lorenzo Johnson protested these actions of the PA Attorney General and delivered petitions demanding dismissal of the charges and immediate freedom for Lorenzo. Tazza, Lorenzo’s wife, declared, “1,000 signatures means we are not in this alone…I won't stop until he’s home. There is nothing and no one that can stop me from fighting for what’s right.”
This is Lorenzo Johnson’s second fight for his innocence and freedom. In January 2012, after 16 years of court battles to prove his innocence, a federal appeals court held his sentence was based on insufficient evidence – a judicial acquittal. Lorenzo was freed from prison. But after a petition filed by the PA Attorney General the U.S. Supreme Court reinstated Lorenzo Johnson’s conviction and he was re-incarcerated to continue serving a life sentence without parole for a murder he did not commit.
This innocent man drove himself back to prison in June 2012—after less than five months of freedom—leaving his new wife and family, construction job and advocacy on behalf of others wrongfully convicted. The reason Lorenzo Johnson voluntarily returned to prison? Because he is innocent and fighting for full vindication.
In the words of Lorenzo Johnson, “A second is too long to be in prison when you are Innocent, so eighteen years … is Intolerable.”
Add your voices and demand again: Dismiss the charges against Lorenzo Johnson. Free Lorenzo NOW!
SIGN LORENZO JOHNSON'S FREEDOM PETITION
CONTRIBUTE TO HELP TAZZA AND THE OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS VISIT LORENZO AND STAY IN CONTACT!
Write: Lorenzo Johnson
DF 1036
SCI Mahanoy
301 Morea Rd.
Frackville, PA 17932
Email: Lorenzo Johnson through JPAY.com code:
Lorenzo Johnson DF 1036 PA DOC
www.FreeLorenzoJohnson.org
Only an Innocent Man Would Voluntarily Return
to Prison to Fight Against his Life Sentence
and For Exoneration —
That Courageous Man is Lorenzo Johnson.
The PA Attorney General’s Office Agrees to Investigate New Facts and Witnesses —
Send Your Message Now to PA AG
Kathleen Kane: Dismiss the Charges!
Free Lorenzo Johnson!
On January 29, 2014 Lorenzo Johnson’s attorney, Michael Wiseman, met with representatives of PA Attorney General Kathleen Kane to discuss the new evidence of Lorenzo Johnson’s innocence contained in legal filings now pending in the Pennsylvania courts. This includes affidavits confirming Johnson’s presence in New York City at the time of the Harrisburg murder and the identity of the actual killers, as well as police and prosecutorial misconduct.
Attorney Wiseman said Kane’s office promised to investigate these new facts in order to assess whether they merit the relief that Lorenzo Johnson seeks in his PCRA petition.
Speaking to AP reporter Mary Claire Dale on February 11, 2014 Wiseman said, “We believe the witnesses we presented to them are credible, and give a coherent version of the events. I take them at their word, that they’re going to do a straightforward, honest review.” Kane spokesman Joe Peters confirmed the meeting to AP “but said the office won’t comment on the new evidence until the court filing,” (referring to the March 31, 2014 date for the AG’s response to Johnson’s October 2013 court filing).
It is the Office of the PA Attorney General that is responsible for the false prosecution of Lorenzo Johnson from trial through appeals. And just a few months ago, the Attorney General’s office opposed a federal petition based on this new evidence saying there was no prima facie claim for relief. This resulted in the denial of Lorenzo Johnson’s Motion to File a Second Writ of Habeas Corpus in the federal court.
On December 18, 2013 a press conference called by the Campaign to Free Lorenzo Johnson protested these actions of the PA Attorney General and delivered petitions demanding dismissal of the charges and immediate freedom for Lorenzo. Tazza, Lorenzo’s wife, declared, “1,000 signatures means we are not in this alone…I won't stop until he’s home. There is nothing and no one that can stop me from fighting for what’s right.”
This is Lorenzo Johnson’s second fight for his innocence and freedom. In January 2012, after 16 years of court battles to prove his innocence, a federal appeals court held his sentence was based on insufficient evidence – a judicial acquittal. Lorenzo was freed from prison. But after a petition filed by the PA Attorney General the U.S. Supreme Court reinstated Lorenzo Johnson’s conviction and he was re-incarcerated to continue serving a life sentence without parole for a murder he did not commit.
This innocent man drove himself back to prison in June 2012—after less than five months of freedom—leaving his new wife and family, construction job and advocacy on behalf of others wrongfully convicted. The reason Lorenzo Johnson voluntarily returned to prison? Because he is innocent and fighting for full vindication.
In the words of Lorenzo Johnson, “A second is too long to be in prison when you are Innocent, so eighteen years … is Intolerable.”
Add your voices and demand again: Dismiss the charges against Lorenzo Johnson. Free Lorenzo NOW!
SIGN LORENZO JOHNSON'S FREEDOM PETITION
CONTRIBUTE TO HELP TAZZA AND THE OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS VISIT LORENZO AND STAY IN CONTACT!
Write: Lorenzo Johnson
DF 1036
SCI Mahanoy
301 Morea Rd.
Frackville, PA 17932
Email: Lorenzo Johnson through JPAY.com code:
Lorenzo Johnson DF 1036 PA DOC
www.FreeLorenzoJohnson.org
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End Drone Killing, Drone Surveillance and Global
Militarization
United National Antiwar Coalition Call for Spring Days of
Action 2014
Today we issue an international call for Spring Days of Action—2014, a coordinated campaign in April and May to end drone killings, drone surveillance and global militarization.
The campaign will focus on drone bases, drone research facilities and test sites and drone manufacturers.
The campaign will provide information on:
1. The suffering of tens-of-thousands of people in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Yemen, Somalia and Gaza who are under drone attack, documenting the killing, the wounding and the devastating impact of constant drone surveillance on community life.
2. How attack and surveillance drones have become a key element in a massive wave of surveillance, clandestine military attacks and militarization generated by the United States to protect a global system of manufacture and oil and mineral exploitation that is creating unemployment and poverty, accelerating the waste of nonrenewable resources and contributing to environmental destruction and global warming.
In addition to cases in the Middle East, Africa and Central Asia, we will examine President Obama’s “pivot” into the Asia-Pacific, where the United States has already sold and deployed drones in the vanguard of a shift of 60 percent of its military forces to try to control China and to enforce the planned Trans-Pacific Partnership. We will show, among other things, how this surge of “pivot” forces, greatly enabled by drones, and supported by the U.S. military-industrial complex, will hit every American community with even deeper cuts in the already fragile social programs on which people rely for survival. In short, we will connect drones and militarization with “austerity” in America.
3. How drone attacks have effectively destroyed international and domestic legal protection of the rights to life, privacy, freedom of assembly and free speech and have opened the way for new levels of surveillance and repression around the world, and how, in the United States, increasing drone surveillance, added to surveillance by the National Security Agency and police, provides a new weapon to repress black, Hispanic, immigrant and low-income communities and to intimidate Americans who are increasingly unsettled by lack of jobs, economic inequality, corporate control of politics and the prospect of endless war.
We will discuss how the United States government and corporations conspire secretly to monitor U.S. citizens and particularly how the Administration is accelerating drone surveillance operations and surveillance inside the United States with the same disregard for transparency and law that it applies to other countries, all with the cooperation of the Congress.
The campaign will encourage activists around the world to win passage of local laws that prohibit weaponized drones and drone surveillance from being used in their communities as well as seeking national laws to bar the use of weaponized drones and drone surveillance.
The campaign will draw attention to the call for a ban on weaponized drones by RootsAction.org that has generated a petition with over 80,000 signers:
http://act.rootsaction.org/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=6180
And to efforts by the Granny Peace Brigade (New York City), KnowDrones.org and others to achieve an international ban on both weaponized drones and drone surveillance.
The campaign will also urge participation in the World Beyond War movement.
The following individuals and organizations endorse
this Call:
Lyn Adamson, Co-chair, Canadian Voice of Women for
Peace; Dennis Apel, Guadalupe Catholic Worker, California; Judy Bello, Upstate
NY Coalition to Ground the Drones & End the Wars; Medea Benjamin, Code Pink;
Leah Bolger, Former National President, Veterans for Peace; Canadian Voice of
Women for Peace; Sung-Hee Choi, Gangjeong Village International Team, Jeju,
Korea; Chelsea C. Faria, Graduate student, Yale Divinity School; Promoting
Enduring Peace; Sandy Fessler, Rochester (NY) Against War; Joy First; Bruce K.
Gagnon, Global Network Against Weapons & Nuclear Power in Space; Holly
Gwinn Graham, Singer/songwriter, Olympia, WA; Regina Hagen, Darmstaedter
Friedensforum, Germany; Kathy Kelly, Voices for Creative Nonviolence; Malachy
Kilbride; Marilyn Levin and Joe Lombardo, Co-Coordinators, United National
Antiwar Coalition; Tamara Lorincz, Halifax Peace Coalition, Canada; Nick
Mottern, KnowDrones.org; Agneta
Norberg, Swedish Peace Council; Pepperwolf, Director, Women Against Military
Madness; Lindis Percy, Coordinator, Campaign for the Accountability of American;
Bases CAAB UK; Mathias Quackenbush, San Francisco, CA; Lisa Savage, Code
Pink, State of Maine; Janice Sevre-Duszynska; Wolfgang Schlupp-Hauck, Friedenswerkstatt
Mutlangen, Germany; Cindy Sheehan; Lucia Wilkes Smith, Convener, Women Against
Military Madness (WAMM), Ground; Military
Drones Committee; David Soumis, Veterans for Peace; No Drones Wisconsin; Debra
Sweet, World Can’t Wait; David Swanson, WarisACrime.org;
Brian Terrell, Voices for Creative Nonviolence; United National Antiwar
Coalition; Veterans for Peace; Dave Webb, Chair, Campaign for Nuclear
Disarmament (UK); Curt Wechsler, Fire John Paki Wieland, Northampton (MA)
Committee to Stop War(s); Loring Wirbel, Citizens for Peace in Space (Colorado
Springs, CO); Women Against Military Madness; Ann Wright, Retired U.S. Army
colonel and former diplomat; Leila Zand, Fellowship of Reconciliation.
United National Antiwar Coalition
UNACpeace@gmail.com
UNAC
P.O. Box 123
Delmar, NY 12054
518-227-6947
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Sireen Khudairy Appeal Update.
Sireen
Khudairy was arrested again at 4am on Tuesday 7th January 2014. According to
reports she has been taken to Huwwara military point. When the Israeli army
took her from her home they didn't show any papers to her or the person she was
with.
This
follows eight months of harassment of this 24-year-old Palestinian woman who is
a teacher, activist and supporter of the non-violent action against the Israeli
occupation. She was previously imprisoned from May to July 2013, and has been
subjected to frequent harassment ever since. See further details at:
http://freesireen.wordpress.com
Please
help by contacting your Embassies urgently to demand her release and spread her
appeal widely. Follow updates on:
https://www.facebook.com/FreeSireenKhudiri?ref=hl
Please
contact us to let us know any action you take. We will pass this information on
to her family. Thanks for your solidarity and support.
Steven Katsineris, January 2014
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U.S.
Court of Appeals Rules Against Lorenzo Johnson’s
New Legal Challenge to His Frame-up Conviction!
Demand the PA Attorney General Dismiss the Charges!
Free Lorenzo Johnson, Now!
New Legal Challenge to His Frame-up Conviction!
Demand the PA Attorney General Dismiss the Charges!
Free Lorenzo Johnson, Now!
The
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit denied Lorenzo Johnson’s motion to
file a Second Habeas Corpus Petition. The order contained the outrageous
declaration that Johnson hadn’t made a “prima facie case” that he had new
evidence of his innocence. This not only puts a legal obstacle in Johnson’s
path as his fight for freedom makes its way (again) through the state and
federal courts—but it undermines the newly filed Pennsylvania state appeal that
is pending in the Court of Common Pleas.
Stripped
of “legalese,” the court’s October 15, 2013 order says Johnson’s new
evidence was not brought into court soon enough—although it was the prosecution
and police who withheld evidence and coerced witnesses into lying or not coming
forward with the truth! This, despite over fifteen years and rounds of legal
battles to uncover the evidence of government misconduct. This is a set-back
for Lorenzo Johnson’s renewed fight for his freedom, but Johnson is even more
determined as his PA state court appeal continues.
Increased
public support and protest is needed. The fight for Lorenzo Johnson’s freedom
is not only a fight for this courageous man and family. The fight for Lorenzo
Johnson is also a fight for all the innocent others who have been framed and
are sitting in the slow death of prison. The PA Attorney General is directly
pursuing the charges against Lorenzo, despite the evidence of his innocence and
the corruption of the police. Free Lorenzo Johnson, Now!
—Rachel
Wolkenstein, Esq.
October 25, 2013
For
more on the federal court and PA state court legal filings.
Hear
Mumia’s latest commentary, “Cat Cries”
Go
to: www.FreeLorenzoJohnson.org for more information, to sign the petition, and
how to help.
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PUSH
CHELSEA'S JAILERS TO RESPECT HER IDENTITY
Call
and write Ft Leavenworth today and tell them to honor Manning's wishes around
her name and gender:
Call:
(913) 758-3600
Write
to:
Col.
Sioban Ledwith, Commander
U.S.
Detention Barracks
1301
N Warehouse Rd
Ft.
Leavenworth KS 66027
Private
Manning has been an icon both for the government transparency movement and
LGBTQ activists because of her fearlessness and acts of conscience. Now, as she
begins serving her sentence, Chelsea has asked for help with legal appeals,
family visits, education, and support for undergoing gender transition. The
latter is a decision she’s made following years of experiencing gender
dysphoria and examining her options. At a difficult time in her life, she
joined the military out of hope–the hope that she could use her service to save
lives, and also the hope that it would help to suppress her feelings of gender
dysphoria. But after serving time in Iraq, Private Manning realized what
mattered to her most was the truth, personal as well as political, even when it
proved challenging.
Now
she wants the Fort Leavenworth military prison to allow her access to hormone
replacement therapy which she has offered to pay for herself, as she pursues
the process to have her name legally changed to ‘Chelsea Elizabeth Manning.’
To
encourage the prison to honor her transgender identity, we’re calling on
progressive supporters and allies to contact Fort Leavenworth officials
demanding they acknowledge her requested name change immediately. Currently,
prison officials are not required to respect Chelsea’s identity, and can even
refuse to deliver mail addressed to the name ‘Chelsea Manning.’ However, it’s
within prison administrators’ power to begin using the name ‘Chelsea Manning’
now, in advance of the legal name change which will most likely be approved
sometime next year. It’s also up to these officials to approve Private
Manning’s request for hormone therapy.
Call:
(913) 758-3600
Write
to:
Col.
Sioban Ledwith, Commander
U.S.
Detention Barracks
1301
N Warehouse Rd
Ft.
Leavenworth KS 66027
Tell
them: “Transgender rights are human rights! Respect Private Manning’s identity
by acknowledging the name ‘Chelsea Manning’ whenever possible, including in
mail addressed to her, and by allowing her access to appropriate medical
treatment for gender dysphoria, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT).”
While
openly transgender individuals are allowed to serve in many other militaries
around the world, the US military continues to deny their existence. Now, by
speaking up for Chelsea’s right to treatment, you can support one brave
whistleblower in her personal struggle, and help set an important benchmark for
the rights of transgender individuals everywhere. (Remember that letters
written with focus and a respectful tone are more likely to be effective.) Feel
free to copy this sample letter.
Earlier
this year, the Private Manning Support Network won the title of most
“absolutely fabulous overall contingent” at the San Francisco Pride Parade, the
largest celebration of its kind for LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay Bisexual, Transgender
and Questioning) people nationwide. Over one thousand people marched for
Private Chelsea (formerly Bradley) Manning in that parade, to show LGBTQ
community pride for the Iraq War’s most well-known whistleblower.
Help
us continue to cover 100%
of Pvt. Manning's legal fees! Donate today.
of Pvt. Manning's legal fees! Donate today.
https://co.clickandpledge.com/sp/d1/default.aspx?wid=38591
COURAGE
TO RESIST
http://couragetoresist.org
484 Lake Park Ave #41, Oakland CA 94610
510-488-3559
http://couragetoresist.org
484 Lake Park Ave #41, Oakland CA 94610
510-488-3559
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SAVE
CCSF!
Posted
on August 25, 2013
Cartoon
by Anthonty Mata for CCSF Guardsman
DOE
CAMPAIGN
We
are working to ensure that the ACCJC’s authority is not renewed by the
Department of Education this December when they are up for their 5-year
renewal. Our campaign made it possible for over 50 Third Party Comments to be
sent to the DOE re: the ACCJC. Our next step in this campaign is to send a
delegation from CCSF to Washington, D.C. to give oral comments at the hearing
on December 12th. We expect to have an array of forces aligned on the other
side who have much more money and resources than we do.
So
please support this effort to get ACCJC authority revoked!
LEGAL
CAMPAIGN
Save
CCSF members have been meeting with Attorney Dan Siegel since last May to
explore legal avenues to fight the ACCJC. After much consideration, and
consultation with AFT 2121’s attorney as well as the SF City Attorney’s office,
Dan has come up with a legal strategy that is complimentary to what is already
being pursued. In fact, AFT 2121’s attorney is encouraging us to go forward.
The
total costs of pursuing this (depositions, etc.) will be substantially more
than $15,000. However, Dan is willing to do it for a fixed fee of $15,000. He
will not expect a retainer, i.e. payment in advance, but we should start
payments ASAP. If we win the ACCJC will have to pay our costs.
PLEASE
HELP BOTH OF THESE IMPORTANT EFFORTS!
Checks
can be made out to Save CCSF Coalition with “legal” in the memo line and sent
to:
Save
CCSF Coalition
2132
Prince St.
Berkeley, CA 94705
Or
you may donate online: http://www.gofundme.com/4841ns
http://www.saveccsf.org/
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16 Years in Solitary Confinement Is Like a "Living Tomb"
American
Civil Liberties Union petition to end long-term solitary confinement:
California
Corrections Secretary Jeffrey Beard: We stand with the prisoners on hunger
strike. We urge you to comply with the US Commission on Safety and Abuse in
America’s Prisons 2006 recommendations regarding an end to long-term solitary
confinement.
In
California, hundreds of prisoners have been held in solitary for more than a
decade – some for infractions as trivial as reading Machiavelli's "The
Prince."
Gabriel
Reyes describes the pain of being isolated for at least 22 hours a day for the
last 16 years:
“Unless
you have lived it, you cannot imagine what it feels like to be by yourself,
between four cold walls, with little concept of time…. It is a living tomb …’ I
have not been allowed physical contact with any of my loved ones since 1995…I
feel helpless and hopeless. In short, I am being psychologically tortured.”
That’s
why over 30,000 prisoners in California began a hunger strike – the biggest the
state has ever seen. They’re refusing food to protest prisoners being held for
decades in solitary and to push for other changes to improve their basic
conditions.
California
Corrections Secretary Jeffrey Beard has tried to dismiss the strikers and
refuses to negotiate, but the media pressure is building through the strike. If
tens of thousands of us take action, we can help keep this issue in the
spotlight so that Secretary Beard can’t ignore the inhumane treatment of
prisoners.
Sign
the petition urging Corrections Secretary Beard to end the use of long-term
solitary confinement.
Solitary
is such an extreme form of punishment that a United Nations torture rapporteur
called for an international ban on the practice except in rare occasions.
Here’s why:
The
majority of the 80,000 people held in solitary in this country are severely
mentally ill or because of a minor infraction (it’s a myth that it’s only for
violent prisoners)
Even
for people with stable mental health, solitary causes severe psychological
reactions, often leading people to attempt suicide
It
jeopardizes public safety because prisoners held in solitary have a harder time
reintegrating into society.
And
to add insult to injury, the hunger strikers are now facing retaliation – their
lawyers are being restricted from visiting and the strikers are being punished.
But the media continues to write about the hunger strike and we can help keep
the pressure on Secretary Beard by signing this petition.
Sign
the petition urging Corrections Secretary Beard to end the use of long-term
solitary confinement.
Our
criminal justice system should keep communities safe and treat people fairly.
The use of solitary confinement undermines both of these goals – but little by
little, we can help put a stop to such cruelty.
Thank
you,
Anthony
for the ACLU Action team
P.S.
The hunger strikers have developed five core demands to address their basic
conditions, the main one being an end to long-term solitary confinement. They
are:
-End
group punishment – prisoners say that officials often punish groups to address
individual rule violations
-Abolish
the debriefing policy, which is often demanded in return for better food or
release from solitary
-End
long-term solitary confinement
-Provide
adequate and nutritious food
-Expand
or provide constructive programming and privileges for indefinite SHU inmates
Sources
“Solitary
- and anger - in California's prisons.” Los Angeles Times July 13, 2013
“Pelican
Bay Prison Hunger-Strikers' Stories: Gabriel Reyes.” TruthOut July 9, 2013
“Solitary
confinement should be banned in most cases, UN expert says.” UN News October
18, 2011
"Stop
Solitary - Two Pager" ACLU.org
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What
you Didn't know about NYPD's Stop and Frisk program !
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=rfJHx0Gj6ys#at=990
*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*
Egypt:
The Next President -- a little Egyptian boy speaks his remarkable mind!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeDm2PrNV1I
*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*
Wealth
Inequality in America
[This
is a must see to believe video...bw]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=QPKKQnijnsM
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Read
the transcription of hero Bradley Manning's 35-page statement explaining why he
leaked "state secrets" to WikiLeaks.
March
1, 2013
Alternet
The
statement was read by Pfc. Bradley Manning at a providence inquiry for his
formal plea of guilty to one specification as charged and nine specifications
for lesser included offenses. He pled not guilty to 12 other specifications.
This rush transcript was taken by journalist Alexa O'Brien at Thursday's
pretrial hearing and first appeared on Salon.com.
http://www.alternet.org/news-amp-politics/bradley-mannings-surprising-statement-court-details-why-he-made-his-historic?akid=10129.229473.UZvQfK&rd=1&src=newsletter802922&t=7
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You
Have the Right to Remain Silent: NLG Guide to Law Enforcement Encounters
Posted
1 day ago on July 27, 2012, 10:28 p.m. EST by OccupyWallSt
Occupy
Wall Street is a nonviolent movement for social and economic justice, but in
recent days disturbing reports have emerged of Occupy-affiliated activists
being targeted by US law enforcement, including agents from the FBI and
Department of Homeland Security. To help ensure Occupiers and allied activists
know their rights when encountering law enforcement, we are publishing in full
the National Lawyers Guild's booklet: You Have the Right to Remain Silent. The
NLG provides invaluable support to the Occupy movement and other activists –
please click here to support the NLG.
We
strongly encourage all Occupiers to read and share the information provided
below. We also recommend you enter the NLG's national hotline number
(888-654-3265) into your cellphone (if you have one) and keep a copy handy.
This information is not a substitute for legal advice. You should contact the
NLG or a criminal defense attorney immediately if you have been visited by the
FBI or other law enforcement officials. You should also alert your relatives,
friends, co-workers and others so that they will be prepared if they are
contacted as well.
You
Have the Right to Remain Silent: A Know Your Rights Guide for Law Enforcement
Encounters
What
Rights Do I Have?
Whether
or not you're a citizen, you have rights under the United States Constitution.
The Fifth Amendment gives every person the right to remain silent: not to
answer questions asked by a police officer or government agent. The Fourth
Amendment restricts the government's power to enter and search your home or
workplace, although there are many exceptions and new laws have expanded the
government's power to conduct surveillance. The First Amendment protects your
right to speak freely and to advocate for social change. However, if you are a
non-citizen, the Department of Homeland Security may target you based on your
political activities.
Standing
Up For Free Speech
The
government's crusade against politically-active individuals is intended to
disrupt and suppress the exercise of time-honored free speech activities, such
as boycotts, protests, grassroots organizing and solidarity work. Remember that
you have the right to stand up to the intimidation tactics of FBI agents and
other law enforcement officials who, with political motives, are targeting
organizing and free speech activities. Informed resistance to these tactics and
steadfast defense of your and others' rights can bring positive results. Each
person who takes a courageous stand makes future resistance to government oppression
easier for all. The National Lawyers Guild has a long tradition of standing up
to government repression. The organization itself was labeled a
"subversive" group during the McCarthy Era and was subject to FBI
surveillance and infiltration for many years. Guild attorneys have defended
FBI-targeted members of the Black Panther Party, the American Indian Movement,
and the Puerto Rican independence movement. The NLG exposed FBI surveillance,
infiltration and disruption tactics that were detailed during the 1975-76
COINTELPRO hearings. In 1989 the NLG prevailed in a lawsuit on behalf of
several activist organizations, including the Guild, that forced the FBI to
expose the extent to which it had been spying on activist movements. Under the
settlement, the FBI turned over roughly 400,000 pages of its files on the
Guild, which are now available at the Tamiment Library at New York University.
What
if FBI Agents or Police Contact Me?
What
if an agent or police officer comes to the door?
Do
not invite the agents or police into your home. Do not answer any questions.
Tell the agent that you do not wish to talk with him or her. You can state that
your lawyer will contact them on your behalf. You can do this by stepping
outside and pulling the door behind you so that the interior of your home or
office is not visible, getting their contact information or business cards and
then returning inside. They should cease questioning after this. If the agent
or officer gives a reason for contacting you, take notes and give the
information to your attorney. Anything you say, no matter how seemingly
harmless or insignificant, may be used against you or others in the future.
Lying to or misleading a federal agent is a crime. The more you speak, the more
opportunity for federal law enforcement to find something you said (even if not
intentionally) false and assert that you lied to a federal officer.
Do
I have to answer questions?
You
have the constitutional right to remain silent. It is not a crime to refuse to
answer questions. You do not have to talk to anyone, even if you have been
arrested or are in jail. You should affirmatively and unambiguously state that
you wish to remain silent and that you wish to consult an attorney. Once you
make the request to speak to a lawyer, do not say anything else. The Supreme
Court recently ruled that answering law enforcement questions may be taken as a
waiver of your right to remain silent, so it is important that you assert your
rights and maintain them. Only a judge can order you to answer questions. There
is one exception: some states have "stop and identify" statutes which
require you to provide identity information or your name if you have been
detained on reasonable suspicion that you may have committed a crime. A lawyer
in your state can advise you of the status of these requirements where you
reside.
Do
I have to give my name?
As
above, in some states you can be detained or arrested for merely refusing to
give your name. And in any state, police do not always follow the law, and
refusing to give your name may make them suspicious or more hostile and lead to
your arrest, even without just cause, so use your judgment. Giving a false name
could in some circumstances be a crime.
Do
I need a lawyer?
You
have the right to talk to a lawyer before you decide whether to answer
questions from law enforcement. It is a good idea to talk to a lawyer if you
are considering answering any questions. You have the right to have a lawyer
present during any interview. The lawyer's job is to protect your rights. Once
you tell the agent that you want to talk to a lawyer, he or she should stop
trying to question you and should make any further contact through your lawyer.
If you do not have a lawyer, you can still tell the officer you want to speak to
one before answering questions. Remember to get the name, agency and telephone
number of any investigator who visits you, and give that information to your
lawyer. The government does not have to provide you with a free lawyer unless
you are charged with a crime, but the NLG or another organization may be able
to help you find a lawyer for free or at a reduced rate.
If
I refuse to answer questions or say I want a lawyer, won't it seem like I have
something to hide?
Anything
you say to law enforcement can be used against you and others. You can never
tell how a seemingly harmless bit of information might be used or manipulated
to hurt you or someone else. That is why the right not to talk is a fundamental
right under the Constitution. Keep in mind that although law enforcement agents
are allowed to lie to you, lying to a government agent is a crime. Remaining
silent is not. The safest things to say are "I am going to remain
silent," "I want to speak to my lawyer," and "I do not consent
to a search." It is a common practice for law enforcement agents to try to
get you to waive your rights by telling you that if you have nothing to hide
you would talk or that talking would "just clear things up." The fact
is, if they are questioning you, they are looking to incriminate you or someone
you may know, or they are engaged in political intelligence gathering. You
should feel comfortable standing firm in protection and defense of your rights
and refusing to answer questions.
Can
agents search my home or office?
You
do not have to let police or agents into your home or office unless they have
and produce a valid search warrant. A search warrant is a written court order
that allows the police to conduct a specified search. Interfering with a
warrantless search probably will not stop it and you might get arrested. But
you should say "I do not consent to a search," and call a criminal
defense lawyer or the NLG. You should be aware that a roommate or guest can
legally consent to a search of your house if the police believe that person has
the authority to give consent, and your employer can consent to a search of
your workspace without your permission.
What
if agents have a search warrant?
If
you are present when agents come for the search, you can ask to see the
warrant. The warrant must specify in detail the places to be searched and the
people or things to be taken away. Tell the agents you do not consent to the
search so that they cannot go beyond what the warrant authorizes. Ask if you
are allowed to watch the search; if you are allowed to, you should. Take notes,
including names, badge numbers, what agency each officer is from, where they
searched and what they took. If others are present, have them act as witnesses
to watch carefully what is happening. If the agents ask you to give them
documents, your computer, or anything else, look to see if the item is listed
in the warrant. If it is not, do not consent to them taking it without talking
to a lawyer. You do not have to answer questions. Talk to a lawyer first.
(Note: If agents present an arrest warrant, they may only perform a cursory
visual search of the premises to see if the person named in the arrest warrant
is present.)
Do
I have to answer questions if I have been arrested?
No.
If you are arrested, you do not have to answer any questions. You should
affirmatively and unambiguously state that you wish to assert your right to
remain silent. Ask for a lawyer right away. Do not say anything else. Repeat to
every officer who tries to talk to or question you that you wish to remain
silent and that you wish to speak to a lawyer. You should always talk to a
lawyer before you decide to answer any questions.
What
if I speak to government agents anyway?
Even
if you have already answered some questions, you can refuse to answer other
questions until you have a lawyer. If you find yourself talking, stop. Assert
that you wish to remain silent and that you wish to speak to a lawyer.
What
if the police stop me on the street?
Ask
if you are free to go. If the answer is yes, consider just walking away. If the
police say you are not under arrest, but are not free to go, then you are being
detained. The police can pat down the outside of your clothing if they have
reason to suspect you might be armed and dangerous. If they search any more
than this, say clearly, "I do not consent to a search." They may keep
searching anyway. If this happens, do not resist because you can be charged
with assault or resisting arrest. You do not have to answer any questions. You
do not have to open bags or any closed container. Tell the officers you do not
consent to a search of your bags or other property.
What
if police or agents stop me in my car?
Keep
your hands where the police can see them. If you are driving a vehicle, you
must show your license, registration and, in some states, proof of insurance.
You do not have to consent to a search. But the police may have legal grounds
to search your car anyway. Clearly state that you do not consent. Officers may
separate passengers and drivers from each other to question them, but no one
has to answer any questions.
What
if I am treated badly by the police or the FBI?
Write
down the officer's badge number, name or other identifying information. You
have a right to ask the officer for this information. Try to find witnesses and
their names and phone numbers. If you are injured, seek medical attention and
take pictures of the injuries as soon as you can. Call a lawyer as soon as
possible.
What
if the police or FBI threaten me with a grand jury subpoena if I don't answer
their questions?
A
grand jury subpoena is a written order for you to go to court and testify about
information you may have. It is common for the FBI to threaten you with a
subpoena to get you to talk to them. If they are going to subpoena you, they
will do so anyway. You should not volunteer to speak just because you are
threatened with a subpoena. You should consult a lawyer.
What
if I receive a grand jury subpoena?
Grand
jury proceedings are not the same as testifying at an open court trial. You are
not allowed to have a lawyer present (although one may wait in the hallway and
you may ask to consult with him or her after each question) and you may be asked
to answer questions about your activities and associations. Because of the
witness's limited rights in this situation, the government has frequently used
grand jury subpoenas to gather information about activists and political
organizations. It is common for the FBI to threaten activists with a subpoena
in order to elicit information about their political views and activities and
those of their associates. There are legal grounds for stopping
("quashing") subpoenas, and receiving one does not necessarily mean
that you are suspected of a crime. If you do receive a subpoena, call the NLG
National Hotline at 888-NLG-ECOL (888-654-3265) or call a criminal defense
attorney immediately.
The
government regularly uses grand jury subpoena power to investigate and seek
evidence related to politically-active individuals and social movements. This
practice is aimed at prosecuting activists and, through intimidation and
disruption, discouraging continued activism.
Federal
grand jury subpoenas are served in person. If you receive one, it is critically
important that you retain the services of an attorney, preferably one who
understands your goals and, if applicable, understands the nature of your
political work, and has experience with these issues. Most lawyers are trained
to provide the best legal defense for their client, often at the expense of
others. Beware lawyers who summarily advise you to cooperate with grand juries,
testify against friends, or cut off contact with your friends and political
activists. Cooperation usually leads to others being subpoenaed and
investigated. You also run the risk of being charged with perjury, a felony,
should you omit any pertinent information or should there be inconsistencies in
your testimony.
Frequently
prosecutors will offer "use immunity," meaning that the prosecutor is
prohibited from using your testimony or any leads from it to bring charges
against you. If a subsequent prosecution is brought, the prosecutor bears the
burden of proving that all of its evidence was obtained independent of the
immunized testimony. You should be aware, however, that they will use anything
you say to manipulate associates into sharing more information about you by
suggesting that you have betrayed confidences.
In
front of a grand jury you can "take the Fifth" (exercise your right
to remain silent). However, the prosecutor may impose immunity on you, which
strips you of Fifth Amendment protection and subjects you to the possibility of
being cited for contempt and jailed if you refuse to answer further. In front
of a grand jury you have no Sixth Amendment right to counsel, although you can
consult with a lawyer outside the grand jury room after each question.
What
if I don't cooperate with the grand jury?
If
you receive a grand jury subpoena and elect to not cooperate, you may be held
in civil contempt. There is a chance that you may be jailed or imprisoned for
the length of the grand jury in an effort to coerce you to cooperate. Regular
grand juries sit for a basic term of 18 months, which can be extended up to a
total of 24 months. It is lawful to hold you in order to coerce your
cooperation, but unlawful to hold you as a means of punishment. In rare
instances you may face criminal contempt charges.
What
If I Am Not a Citizen and the DHS Contacts Me?
The
Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) is now part of the Department of
Homeland Security (DHS) and has been renamed and reorganized into: 1. The
Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS); 2. The Bureau of Customs
and Border Protection (CBP); and 3. The Bureau of Immigration and Customs
Enforcement (ICE). All three bureaus will be referred to as DHS for the
purposes of this pamphlet.
?
Assert your rights. If you do not demand your rights or if you sign papers
waiving your rights, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may deport you
before you see a lawyer or an immigration judge. Never sign anything without
reading, understanding and knowing the consequences of signing it.
?
Talk to a lawyer. If possible, carry with you the name and telephone number of
an immigration lawyer who will take your calls. The immigration laws are hard
to understand and there have been many recent changes. DHS will not explain
your options to you. As soon as you encounter a DHS agent, call your attorney.
If you can't do it right away, keep trying. Always talk to an immigration
lawyer before leaving the U.S. Even some legal permanent residents can be
barred from returning.
Based
on today's laws, regulations and DHS guidelines, non-citizens usually have the
following rights, no matter what their immigration status. This information may
change, so it is important to contact a lawyer. The following rights apply to
non-citizens who are inside the U.S. Non-citizens at the border who are trying
to enter the U.S. do not have all the same rights.
Do
I have the right to talk to a lawyer before answering any DHS questions or
signing any DHS papers?
Yes.
You have the right to call a lawyer or your family if you are detained, and you
have the right to be visited by a lawyer in detention. You have the right to
have your attorney with you at any hearing before an immigration judge. You do
not have the right to a government-appointed attorney for immigration
proceedings, but if you have been arrested, immigration officials must show you
a list of free or low cost legal service providers.
Should
I carry my green card or other immigration papers with me?
If
you have documents authorizing you to stay in the U.S., you must carry them
with you. Presenting false or expired papers to DHS may lead to deportation or
criminal prosecution. An unexpired green card, I-94, Employment Authorization
Card, Border Crossing Card or other papers that prove you are in legal status
will satisfy this requirement. If you do not carry these papers with you, you
could be charged with a crime. Always keep a copy of your immigration papers
with a trusted family member or friend who can fax them to you, if need be.
Check with your immigration lawyer about your specific case.
Am
I required to talk to government officers about my immigration history?
If
you are undocumented, out of status, a legal permanent resident (green card
holder), or a citizen, you do not have to answer any questions about your
immigration history. (You may want to consider giving your name; see above for
more information about this.) If you are not in any of these categories, and
you are being questioned by a DHS or FBI agent, then you may create problems
with your immigration status if you refuse to provide information requested by
the agent. If you have a lawyer, you can tell the agent that your lawyer will
answer questions on your behalf. If answering questions could lead the agent to
information that connects you with criminal activity, you should consider
refusing to talk to the agent at all.
If
I am arrested for immigration violations, do I have the right to a hearing
before an immigration judge to defend myself against deportation charges?
Yes.
In most cases only an immigration judge can order you deported. But if you
waive your rights or take "voluntary departure," agreeing to leave
the country, you could be deported without a hearing. If you have criminal
convictions, were arrested at the border, came to the U.S. through the visa
waiver program or have been ordered deported in the past, you could be deported
without a hearing. Contact a lawyer immediately to see if there is any relief
for you.
Can
I call my consulate if I am arrested?
Yes.
Non-citizens arrested in the U.S. have the right to call their consulate or to
have the police tell the consulate of your arrest. The police must let your
consulate visit or speak with you if consular officials decide to do so. Your
consulate might help you find a lawyer or offer other help. You also have the
right to refuse help from your consulate.
What
happens if I give up my right to a hearing or leave the U.S. before the hearing
is over?
You
could lose your eligibility for certain immigration benefits, and you could be
barred from returning to the U.S. for a number of years. You should always talk
to an immigration lawyer before you decide to give up your right to a hearing.
What
should I do if I want to contact DHS?
Always
talk to a lawyer before contacting DHS, even on the phone. Many DHS officers
view "enforcement" as their primary job and will not explain all of
your options to you.
What
Are My Rights at Airports?
IMPORTANT
NOTE: It is illegal for law enforcement to perform any stops, searches,
detentions or removals based solely on your race, national origin, religion,
sex or ethnicity.
If
I am entering the U.S. with valid travel papers can a U.S. customs agent stop
and search me?
Yes.
Customs agents have the right to stop, detain and search every person and item.
Can
my bags or I be searched after going through metal detectors with no problem or
after security sees that my bags do not contain a weapon?
Yes.
Even if the initial screen of your bags reveals nothing suspicious, the
screeners have the authority to conduct a further search of you or your bags.
If
I am on an airplane, can an airline employee interrogate me or ask me to get
off the plane?
The
pilot of an airplane has the right to refuse to fly a passenger if he or she
believes the passenger is a threat to the safety of the flight. The pilot's decision
must be reasonable and based on observations of you, not stereotypes.
What
If I Am Under 18?
Do
I have to answer questions?
No.
Minors too have the right to remain silent. You cannot be arrested for refusing
to talk to the police, probation officers, or school officials, except in some
states you may have to give your name if you have been detained.
What
if I am detained?
If
you are detained at a community detention facility or Juvenile Hall, you
normally must be released to a parent or guardian. If charges are filed against
you, in most states you are entitled to counsel (just like an adult) at no
cost.
Do
I have the right to express political views at school?
Public
school students generally have a First Amendment right to politically organize
at school by passing out leaflets, holding meetings, etc., as long as those
activities are not disruptive and do not violate legitimate school rules. You
may not be singled out based on your politics, ethnicity or religion.
Can
my backpack or locker be searched?
School
officials can search students' backpacks and lockers without a warrant if they
reasonably suspect that you are involved in criminal activity or carrying drugs
or weapons. Do not consent to the police or school officials searching your property,
but do not physically resist or you may face criminal charges.
Disclaimer
This
booklet is not a substitute for legal advice. You should contact an attorney if
you have been visited by the FBI or other law enforcement officials. You should
also alert your relatives, friends, co-workers and others so that they will be
prepared if they are contacted as well.
NLG
National Hotline for Activists Contacted by the FBI
888-NLG-ECOL
(888-654-3265)
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*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*
Free
Mumia NOW!
Prisonradio.org
Write
to Mumia:
Mumia
Abu-Jamal AM 8335
SCI
Mahanoy
301
Morea Road
Frackville,
PA 17932
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Rachel Wolkenstein
August
21, 2011 (917) 689-4009
MUMIA
ABU-JAMAL ILLEGALLY SENTENCED TO
LIFE
IMPRISONMENT WITHOUT PAROLE!
FREE
MUMIA NOW!
www.FreeMumia.com
http://blacktalkradionetwork.com/profiles/blogs/mumia-is-formally-sentenced-to-life-in-prison-w-out-hearing-he-s
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"A
Child's View from Gaza: Palestinian Children's Art and the Fight Against
Censorship"
book
https://www.mecaforpeace.org/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=25
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Justice
for Albert Woodfox and Herman Wallace: Decades of isolation in Louisiana
state
prisons must end
Take
Action -- Sign Petition Here:
http://www.amnesty.org/en/appeals-for-action/justice-for-albert-woodfox-and-herm\
an-wallace
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WITNESS
GAZA
http://www.witnessgaza.com/
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*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*
Write
to Bradley
http://bradleymanning.org/donate
View
the new 90 second "I am Bradley Manning" video:
I
am Bradley Manning
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-P3OXML00s
Courage
to Resist
484
Lake Park Ave. #41
Oakland,
CA 94610
510-488-3559
couragetoresist.org
"A
Fort Leavenworth mailing address has been released for Bradley Manning:
Bradley
Manning 89289
830
Sabalu Road
Fort
Leavenworth, KS 66027
The
receptionist at the military barracks confirmed that if someone sends
Bradley
Manning a letter to that address, it will be delivered to him."
http://www.bradleymanning.org/news/update-42811
This
is also a Facebook event
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=207100509321891#!/event.php?eid=2071005093\
21891
Courage
to Resist needs your support
Please
donate today:
https://co.clickandpledge.com/sp/d1/default.aspx?wid=38590
"Soldiers
sworn oath is to defend and support the Constitution. Bradley Manning
has
been defending and supporting our Constitution." --Dan Ellsberg, Pentagon
Papers
whistle-blower
Jeff
Paterson
Project
Director, Courage to Resist
First
US military service member to refuse to fight in Iraq
Please
donate today.
https://co.clickandpledge.com/sp/d1/default.aspx?wid=38590
P.S.
I'm asking that you consider a contribution of $50 or more, or possibly
becoming
a sustainer at $15 a month. Of course, now is also a perfect time to
make
a end of year tax-deductible donation. Thanks again for your support!
Please
click here to forward this to a friend who might also be interested in
supporting
GI resisters.
http://ymlp.com/forward.php?id=lS3tR&e=bonnieweinstein@yahoo.com
*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*
*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*
The
Battle Is Still On To
FREE
MUMIA ABU-JAMAL!
The
Labor Action Committee To Free Mumia Abu-Jamal
PO
Box 16222 • Oakland CA 94610
www.laboractionmumia.org
*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*
*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*
KEVIN
COOPER IS INNOCENT! FREE KEVIN COOPER!
Reasonable
doubts about executing Kevin Cooper
Chronicle
Editorial
Monday,
December 13, 2010
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/12/13/EDG81GP0I7.DTL
Death
penalty -- Kevin Cooper is Innocent! Help save his life from San Quentin's
death
row!
http://www.savekevincooper.org/
http://www.savekevincooper.org/pages/essays_content.html?ID=255
URGENT
ACTION APPEAL
-
From Amnesty International USA
17
December 2010
Click
here to take action online:
http://takeaction.amnestyusa.org/siteapps/advocacy/index.aspx?c=jhKPIXPCIoE&\
b=2590179&template=x.ascx&action=15084
To
learn about recent Urgent Action successes and updates, go to
http://www.amnestyusa.org/iar/success
For
a print-friendly version of this Urgent Action (PDF):
http://www.amnestyusa.org/actioncenter/actions/uaa25910.pdf
*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*
*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*
Short
Video About Al-Awda's Work
The
following link is to a short video which provides an overview of Al-Awda's
work
since the founding of our organization in 2000. This video was first shown
on
Saturday May 23, 2009 at the fundraising banquet of the 7th Annual Int'l
Al-Awda
Convention in Anaheim California. It was produced from footage collected
over
the past nine years.
Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTiAkbB5uC0&eurl
Support
Al-Awda, a Great Organization and Cause!
Al-Awda,
The Palestine Right to Return Coalition, depends on your financial
support
to carry out its work.
To
submit your tax-deductible donation to support our work, go to
http://www.al-awda.org/donate.html
and
follow the simple instructions.
Thank
you for your generosity!
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D.
VIDEO, FILM, AUDIO. ART, POETRY, ETC.:
[Some
of these videos are embeded on the BAUAW website:
http://bauaw.blogspot.com/
or bauaw.org ...bw]
*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*
*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*
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Published on Jan 28, 2014
"Checkpoint" is based on the
oppression and discrimination Jasiri X witnessed firsthand during his
recent trip to Palestine and Israel "Checkpoint" is produced by Agent of
Change, and directed by Haute Muslim. Download "Checkpoint" at https://jasirix.bandcamp.com/track/ch....
Follow Jasiri X at https://twitter.com/jasiri_x
LYRICS
Journal of the hard times tales from the dark side
Evidence of the settlements on my hard drive
Man I swear my heart died at the end of that car ride
When I saw that checkpoint welcome to apartheid
Soldiers wear military green at the checkpoint
Automatic guns that's machine at the checkpoint
Tavors not m16s at the checkpoint
Fingers on the trigger you'll get leaned at the checkpoint
Little children grown adults or teens at the checkpoint
All ya papers better be clean at the checkpoint
You gotta but your finger on the screen at the checkpoint
And pray that red light turns green at the check point
If Martin Luther King had a dream of the checkpoint
He wake with loud screams from the scenes at the checkpoint
It's Malcolm X by any means at the check point
Imagine if you daily routine was the checkpoint
Separation walls that's surrounding the checkpoint
On top is barbwire like a crown on the checkpoint
Better have ya permits if your found at the checkpoint
Gunmen on the tower aiming down at the checkpoint
The idea is to keep you in fear of the checkpoint
You enter through the cage in the rear of the checkpoint
It feels like prison on a tier at the check point
I'd rather be anywhere but here at this checkpoint
Nelson Mandela wasn't blind to the check point
He stood for free Palestine not a check point
Support BDS don't give a dime to the checkpoint
This is international crime at the checkpoint
Arabs get treated like dogs at the checkpoint
Cause discrimination is the law at the checkpoint
Criminalized without a cause at the checkpoint
I'm just telling you what I saw at the checkpoint
Soldiers got bad attitudes at the checkpoint
Condescending and real rude at the checkpoint
Don't look em in they eyes when they move at the checkpoint
They might strip a man or woman nude at the checkpoint
Soldiers might blow you out of ya shoes at the checkpoint
Gas you up and then light the fuse at the checkpoint
Everyday you stand to be accused at the checkpoint
Each time your life you could lose at the checkpoint
If Martin Luther King had a dream of the checkpoint
He wake with loud screams from the scenes at the checkpoint
It's Malcolm X by any means at the check point
Imagine if you daily routine was the checkpoint
At the airport in Tel Aviv is a checkpoint
They pulled over our taxi at the checkpoint
Passport visa ID at the checkpoint
Soldiers going all through my things at the checkpoint
Said I was high risk security at the checkpoint
Because of the oppression I see at the checkpoint
Occupation in the 3rd degree at the checkpoint
All a nigga wanna do is leave fuck a checkpoint
Follow Jasiri X at https://twitter.com/jasiri_x
LYRICS
Journal of the hard times tales from the dark side
Evidence of the settlements on my hard drive
Man I swear my heart died at the end of that car ride
When I saw that checkpoint welcome to apartheid
Soldiers wear military green at the checkpoint
Automatic guns that's machine at the checkpoint
Tavors not m16s at the checkpoint
Fingers on the trigger you'll get leaned at the checkpoint
Little children grown adults or teens at the checkpoint
All ya papers better be clean at the checkpoint
You gotta but your finger on the screen at the checkpoint
And pray that red light turns green at the check point
If Martin Luther King had a dream of the checkpoint
He wake with loud screams from the scenes at the checkpoint
It's Malcolm X by any means at the check point
Imagine if you daily routine was the checkpoint
Separation walls that's surrounding the checkpoint
On top is barbwire like a crown on the checkpoint
Better have ya permits if your found at the checkpoint
Gunmen on the tower aiming down at the checkpoint
The idea is to keep you in fear of the checkpoint
You enter through the cage in the rear of the checkpoint
It feels like prison on a tier at the check point
I'd rather be anywhere but here at this checkpoint
Nelson Mandela wasn't blind to the check point
He stood for free Palestine not a check point
Support BDS don't give a dime to the checkpoint
This is international crime at the checkpoint
Arabs get treated like dogs at the checkpoint
Cause discrimination is the law at the checkpoint
Criminalized without a cause at the checkpoint
I'm just telling you what I saw at the checkpoint
Soldiers got bad attitudes at the checkpoint
Condescending and real rude at the checkpoint
Don't look em in they eyes when they move at the checkpoint
They might strip a man or woman nude at the checkpoint
Soldiers might blow you out of ya shoes at the checkpoint
Gas you up and then light the fuse at the checkpoint
Everyday you stand to be accused at the checkpoint
Each time your life you could lose at the checkpoint
If Martin Luther King had a dream of the checkpoint
He wake with loud screams from the scenes at the checkpoint
It's Malcolm X by any means at the check point
Imagine if you daily routine was the checkpoint
At the airport in Tel Aviv is a checkpoint
They pulled over our taxi at the checkpoint
Passport visa ID at the checkpoint
Soldiers going all through my things at the checkpoint
Said I was high risk security at the checkpoint
Because of the oppression I see at the checkpoint
Occupation in the 3rd degree at the checkpoint
All a nigga wanna do is leave fuck a checkpoint
*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*
*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*
Exceptional
art from the streets of Oakland:
Oakland
Street Dancing
*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*
NYC
RESTAURANT WORKERS DANCE & SING FOR A WAGE HIKE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_s8e1R6rG8&feature=player_embedded
*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*
On
Gun Control, Martin Luther King, the Deacons of Defense and the history of
Black Liberation
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzYKisvBN1o&feature=player_embedded
*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*
Fukushima
Never Again
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU-Z4VLDGxU
"Fukushima,
Never Again" tells the story of the Fukushima nuclear plant meltdowns in
north east Japan in March of 2011 and exposes the cover-up by Tepco and the
Japanese government.
This
is the first film that interviews the Mothers Of Fukushima, nuclear power
experts and trade unionists who are fighting for justice and the protection of
the children and the people of Japan and the world. The residents and citizens
were forced to buy their own geiger counters and radiation dosimeters in order
to test their communities to find out if they were in danger.
The
government said contaminated soil in children's school grounds was safe and
then
when
the people found out it was contaminated and removed the top soil, the
government and TEPCO refused to remove it from the school grounds.
It
also relays how the nuclear energy program for "peaceful atoms" was brought
to Japan under the auspices of the US military occupation and also the criminal
cover-up of the safety dangers of the plant by TEPCO and GE management which
built the plant in Fukushima. It also interviews Kei Sugaoka, the GE nulcear
plant inspector from the bay area who exposed cover-ups in the safety at the
Fukushima plant and was retaliated against by GE. This documentary allows the
voices of the people and workers to speak out about the reality of the disaster
and what this means not only for the people of Japan but the people of the
world as the US government and nuclear industry continue to push for more new
plants and government subsidies. This film breaks
the
information blockade story line of the corporate media in Japan, the US and
around the world that Fukushima is over.
Production
Of Labor Video Project
P.O.
Box 720027
San
Francisco, CA 94172
www.laborvideo.org
lvpsf@laborvideo.org
For
information on obtaining the video go to:
www.fukushimaneveragain.com
(415)282-1908
*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*
1000
year of war through the world
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiG8neU4_bs&feature=share
*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*
Anatomy
of a Massacre - Afganistan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6BnRc11aug&feature=player_embedded
Afghans
accuse multiple soldiers of pre-meditated murder
To
see more go to http://www.youtube.com/user/journeymanpictures
Follow
us on Facebook (http://goo.gl/YRw42) or Twitter
(http://www.twitter.com/journeymanvod)
The
recent massacre of 17 civilians by a rogue US soldier has been shrouded in
mystery.
But through unprecedented access to those involved, this report
confronts
the accusations that Bales didn't act alone.
"They
came into my room and they killed my family". Stories like this are common
amongst
the survivors in Aklozai and Najiban. As are the shocking accusations
that
Sergeant Bales was not acting alone. Even President Karzai has announced
"one
man can not do that". Chief investigator, General Karimi, is suspicious
that
despite being fully armed, Bales freely left his base without raising
alarm.
"How come he leaves at night and nobody is aware? Every time we have
weapon
accountability and personal accountability." These are just a few of the
questions
the American army and government are yet to answer. One thing however
is
very clear, the massacre has unleashed a wave of grief and outrage which
means
relations in Kandahar will be tense for years to come: "If I could lay my
hands
on those infidels, I would rip them apart with my bare hands."
A
Film By SBS
Distributed
By Journeyman Pictures
April
2012
*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*
Photo
of George Zimmerman, in 2005 photo, left, and in a more recent photo.
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2012/04/02/us/the-events-leading-to-the-sooti\
ng-of-trayvon-martin.html?hp
SPD
Security Cams.wmv
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WWDNbQUgm4&feature=player_embedded
*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*
Kids
being put on buses and transported from school to "alternate
locations" in
Terror
Drills
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFia_w8adWQ
*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*
Private
prisons,
a
recession resistant investment opportunity
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIGLDOxx9Vg
*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*
Attack
Dogs used on a High School Walkout in MD, Four Students Charged With
"Thought
Crimes"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wafMaML17w
*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*
Common
forms of misconduct by Law Enforcement Officials and Prosecutors
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViSpM4K276w&feature=related
*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*
Organizing
and Instigating: OCCUPY - Ronnie Goodman
http://arthazelwood.com/instigator/occupy/occupy-birth-video.html
*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*
Rep
News 12: Yes We Kony
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68GbzIkYdc8
*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*
The
New Black by The Mavrix - Official Music Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4rLfja8488
*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*
Japan
One Year Later
http://www.onlineschools.org/japan-one-year-later/
*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*
The
CIA's Heart Attack Gun
http://www.brasschecktv.com/videos/assassination-studies/the-cias-heart-attack-g\
un-.html
*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*
The
Invisible American Workforce
http://www.democracynow.org/2011/8/5/new_expos_tracks_alec_private_prison
*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*
Labor
Beat: NATO vs The 1st Amendment
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbQxnb4so3U
For
more detailed information, send us a request at mail@laborbeat.org.
*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*
The
Battle of Oakland
by
brandon jourdan plus
http://vimeo.com/36256273
*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*
Officers
Pulled Off Street After Tape of Beating Surfaces
By
ANDY NEWMAN
February
1, 2012, 10:56 am
http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/02/01/officers-pulled-off-street-after-ta\
pe-of-beating-surfaces/?ref=nyregion
*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*
This
is excellent! Michelle Alexander pulls no punches!
Michelle
Alexander, Author of The New Jim Crow, speaks about the political
strategy
behind
the War on Drugs and its connection to the mass incarceration of Black
and
Brown people in the United States.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P75cbEdNo2U&feature=player_embedded
If
you think Bill Clinton was "the first black President" you need to
watch this
video
and see how much damage his administration caused for the black community
as
a result of his get tough attitude on crime that appealed to white swing
voters.
This
speech took place at Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem on January 12,
2012.
*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*
FREE
BRADLEY MANNING
http://www.bradleymanning.org/news/national-call-in-for-bradley
I
received the following reply from the White House November 18, 2011 regarding
the
Bradley Manning petition I signed:
"Why
We Can't Comment on Bradley Manning
"Thank
you for signing the petition 'Free PFC Bradley Manning, the accused
WikiLeaks
whistleblower.' We appreciate your participation in the We the People
platform
on WhiteHouse.gov.
The
We the People Terms of Participation explain that 'the White House may
decline
to address certain procurement, law enforcement, adjudicatory, or
similar
matters properly within the jurisdiction of federal departments or
agencies,
federal courts, or state and local government.' The military justice
system
is charged with enforcing the Uniform Code of
Military
Justice. Accordingly, the White House declines to comment on the
specific
case raised in this petition...
That's
funny! I guess Obama didn't get this memo. Here's what Obama said about
Bradley:
BRADLEY
MANNING "BROKE THE LAW" SAYS OBAMA!
"He
broke the law!" says Obama about Bradley Manning who has yet to even be
charged,
let alone, gone to trial and found guilty. How horrendous is it for the
President
to declare someone guilty before going to trial or being charged with
a
crime! Justice in the U.S.A.!
Obama
on FREE BRADLEY MANNING protest... San Francisco, CA. April 21, 2011-
Presidential
remarks on interrupt/interaction/performance art happening at
fundraiser.
Logan Price queries Barack after org. FRESH JUICE PARTY political
action:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfmtUpd4id0&feature=youtu.be
Release
Bradley Manning
Almost
Gone (The Ballad Of Bradley Manning)
Written
by Graham Nash and James Raymond (son of David Crosby)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAYG7yJpBbQ&feature=player_embedded
*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*
Julian
Assange: Why the world needs WikiLeaks
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVGqE726OAo&feature=player_embedded
*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*
School
police increasingly arresting American students?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zl-efNBvjUU&feature=player_embedded
*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*
FYI:
Nuclear
Detonation Timeline "1945-1998"
The
2053 nuclear tests and explosions that took place between 1945 and 1998 are
plotted
visually and audibly on a world map.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9lquok4Pdk&feature=share&mid=5408
*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*
We
Are the 99 Percent
We
are the 99 percent. We are getting kicked out of our homes. We are forced to
choose
between groceries and rent. We are denied quality medical care. We are
suffering
from environmental pollution. We are working long hours for little pay
and
no rights, if we're working at all. We are getting nothing while the other 1
percent
is getting everything. We are the 99 percent.
Brought
to you by the people who occupy wall street. Why will YOU occupy?
OccupyWallSt.org
Occupytogether.org
wearethe99percentuk.tumblr.com
http://wearethe99percent.tumblr.com/
*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*
We
Are The People Who Will Save Our Schools
YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFAOJsBxAxY
*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*
In
honor of the 75th Anniversary of the 44-Day Flint Michigan sit-down strike at
GM
that began December 30, 1936:
According
to Michael Moore, (Although he has done some good things, this clip
isn't
one of them) in this clip from his film, "Capitalism a Love Story,"
it was
Roosevelt
who saved the day!):
"After
a bloody battle one evening, the Governor of Michigan, with the support
of
the President of the United States, Franklin Roosevelt, sent in the National
Guard.
But the guns and the soldiers weren't used on the workers; they were
pointed
at the police and the hired goons warning them to leave these workers
alone.
For Mr. Roosevelt believed that the men inside had a right to a redress
of
their grievances." -Michael Moore's 'Capitalism: A Love Story'
-
Flint Sit-Down Strike http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8x1_q9wg58
But
those cannons were not aimed at the goons and cops! They were aimed straight
at
the factory filled with strikers! Watch what REALLY happened and how the
strike
was really won!
'With
babies & banners' -- 75 years since the 44-day Flint sit-down strike
http://links.org.au/node/2681
--Inspiring
*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*
HALLELUJAH
CORPORATIONS (revised edition).mov
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ws0WSNRpy3g
*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*
ONE
OF THE GREATEST POSTS ON YOUTUBE SO FAR!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8C-qIgbP9o&feature=share&mid=552
*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*
ILWU
Local 10 Longshore Workers Speak-Out At Oakland Port Shutdown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JUpBpZYwms
Uploaded
by laborvideo on Dec 13, 2011
ILWU
Local 10 longshore workers speak out during a blockade of the Port of
Oakland
called for by Occupy Oakland. Anthony Levieges and Clarence Thomas rank
and
file members of the union. The action took place on December 12, 2011 and
the
interview took place at Pier 30 on the Oakland docks.
For
more information on the ILWU Local 21 Longview EGT struggle go to
http://www.facebook.com/groups/256313837734192/
For
further info on the action and the press conferernce go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jz3fE-Vhrw8&feature=youtu.be
Production
of Labor Video Project www.laborvideo.org
*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*
UC
Davis Police Violence Adds Fuel to Fire
By
Scott Galindez, Reader Supported News
19
November 11
http://readersupportednews.org/opinion2/275-42/8485-uc-davis-police-violence-add\
s-fuel-to-fire
UC
Davis Protestors Pepper Sprayed
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AdDLhPwpp4&feature=player_embedded
Police
PEPPER SPRAY UC Davis STUDENT PROTESTERS!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuWEx6Cfn-I&feature=player_embedded
Police
pepper spraying and arresting students at UC Davis
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmJmmnMkuEM&feature=player_embedded
*---------*
UC
Davis Chancellor Katehi walks to her car
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=CZ0t9ez_EGI#!
Occupy
Seattle - 84 Year Old Woman Dorli Rainey Pepper Sprayed
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTIyE_JlJzw&feature=related
*---------*
THE
BEST VIDEO ON "OCCUPY THE WORLD"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S880UldxB1o
*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*
Shot
by police with rubber bullet at Occupy Oakland
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0pX9LeE-g8&feature=player_embedded
*---------*
Copwatch@Occupy
Oakland: Beware of Police Infiltrators and Provocateurs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrvMzqopHH0
*---------*
Occupy
Oakland 11-2 Strike: Police Tear Gas, Black Bloc, War in the Streets
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Tu_D8SFYck&feature=player_embedded
*----*
Quebec
police admitted that, in 2007, thugs carrying rocks to a peaceful protest
were
actually undercover Quebec police officers:
POLICE
STATE Criminal Cops EXPOSED As Agent Provocateurs @ SPP Protest
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KoiisMMCFT0&feature=player_embedded
*----*
Quebec
police admit going undercover at montebello protests
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAfzUOx53Rg&feature=player_embedded
G20:
Epic Undercover Police Fail
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrJ7aU-n1L8&feature=player_embedded
*----*
WHAT
HAPPENED IN OAKLAND TUESDAY NIGHT, OCTOBER 25:
Occupy
Oakland Protest
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlPs-REyl-0&feature=player_embedded
Cops
make mass arrests at occupy Oakland
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R27kD2_7PwU&feature=player_embedded
Raw
Video: Protesters Clash With Oakland Police
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpO-lJr2BQY&feature=player_embedded
Occupy
Oakland - Flashbangs USED on protesters OPD LIES
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqNOPZLw03Q&feature=player_embedded
KTVU
TV Video of Police violence
http://www.ktvu.com/video/29587714/index.html
Marine
Vet wounded, tear gas & flash-bang grenades thrown in downtown
Oakland
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMUgPTCgwcQ&feature=player_embedded
Tear
Gas billowing through 14th & Broadway in Downtown Oakland
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OU4Y0pwJtWE&feature=player_embedded
Arrests
at Occupy Atlanta -- This is what a police state looks like
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YStWz6jbeZA&feature=player_embedded
*---------*
Labor
Beat: Hey You Billionaire, Pay Your Fair Share
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PY8isD33f-I
*---------*
Voices
of Occupy Boston 2011 - Kwame Somburu (Paul Boutelle) Part I
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DA48gmfGB6U&feature=youtu.be
Voices
of Occupy Boston 2011 - Kwame Somburu (Paul Boutelle) Part II
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjKZpOk7TyM&feature=related
*---------*
#Occupy
Wall Street In Washington Square: Mohammed Ezzeldin, former occupier of
Egypt's
Tahrir Square Speaks at Washington Square!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ziodsFWEb5Y&feature=player_embedded
*---------*
#OccupyTheHood,
Occupy Wall Street
By
adele pham
http://vimeo.com/30146870
*---------*
Live
arrest at brooklyn bridge #occupywallstreet by We are Change
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yULSI-31Pto&feature=player_embedded
*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*
FREE
THE CUBAN FIVE!
http://www.thecuban5.org/wordpress/index.php
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmS4kHC_OlY&feature=player_embedded
*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*
One
World One Revolution -- MUST SEE VIDEO -- Powerful and beautiful...bw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aE3R1BQrYCw&feature=player_embedded
"When
injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty." Thomas Jefferson
*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*
Japan:
angry Fukushima citizens confront government (video)
Posted
by Xeni Jardin on Monday, Jul 25th at 11:36am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVuGwc9dlhQ&feature=player_embedded
*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*
Labor
Beat: Labor Stands with Subpoenaed Activists Against FBI Raids and Grand
Jury
Investigation of antiwar and social justice activists.
"If
trouble is not at your door. It's on it's way, or it just left."
"Investigate
the Billionaires...Full investigation into Wall Street..." Jesse
Sharkey,
Vice
President,
Chicago Teachers Union
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSNUSIGZCMQ
*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*
Coal
Ash: One Valley's Tale
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6E7h-DNvwx4&feature=player_embedded
*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*
*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*
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