| Home | Cable Access Shows | Calendar | Labor | Native American | Social Justice |
| Environment | Links | Video | Photo | Politics |
|
(New Content posted (06/23/08)
(New Content posted (05/01/08)
(New Content posted (03/29/08)
(New Content posted (03/17/08)
(New Content posted (03/03/08)
(New Content posted (02/23/08)
(New Content posted (01/16/08) (From the January 16, 2008 Media Advisory) On January 16, 2008, the National Day of Action on Toxic Trade, the United
Steelworkers (USW) took the fight against the importation of toxic toys to
100 members of Congress at Congressional offices in 40 states to protect 100
million children. In Portland, labor, environmental, consumer and fair trade advocates rallied
outside the downtown office of Oregon Senator Gordon Smith to urge his support
for the Food and Product Responsibility Act. The USW was joined at the event
by members of the Oregon AFL-CIO, Working America, Portland Jobs with Justice,
the Oregon Environmental Coalition, the Sweat Free Northwest Campaign, the
Oregon Fair Trade Campaign, the Northwest Oregon Labor Council, the Oregon
Public Interest Research Group, the Oregon Center for Environmental Health, and others. "The recalls we keep hearing about week after week are the predictable
results of shifting manufacturing to countries that don't meet the same basic
consumer protection standards that Americans deem critical," said Arthur
Stamoulis, director of the Oregon Fair Trade Campaign. "Threats to consumer
safety go hand-in-hand with the massive job loss we've experienced as a result
of our government's backwards trade policy." The Unhealthy cheap goods that are coming into the country means that
somewhere in the world, other workers are being exposed to low wages and higher
levels of dangerous chemicals and work conditions than in the United States.,
added Eliana Machuca, of Portland Jobs with Justice. "The door to the morality of the multi-national corporations has opened, and
as we peer in we begin to understand they do not care about us, or kids, the
future of the planet," continued Tom Chamberlin, president of the FL-CIO. "They
car about themselves; they care about profit at all costs. And to hell with
everything else." Picket signs at the rally depicted forty different recalled items imported
from China. Hazards associated with the recalls included excessive lead content
in paint, risk of children swallowing small magnets, chocking and strangulation
risk, even one which is known to have caused comas in two different children
after swallowing several pieces of the product. All of the recalled products on the signs at the Portland event were issued
since September 2007. One of the recalls was issued this month. Many of the
recalled items sat on the shelves and in the hands of consumers for months, and
in some cases years before the item was recalled for refund or replacement. End of Media Advisory Excerpt. The event was moderated by Ronald Rodgers, United Steelworkers, event
coordinator. Speakers from several organizations brought their particular
perspective to this important issue. No Corporate media was in attendance,
though this is an extremely important and popular ongoing story. Rodgers
introduced the speakers, and they all spoke briefly and eloquently to the crowd
of about 40 who had gathered in the cold outside the World Trade Center in
downtown Portland. Speakers for the Press Conference: Eliana Muchaca, Portland Jobs with Justice Elizebeth Swager, Sweat Free Northwest
Campaign Arthur Stamoulis, Director of
Oregon Fair Trade Campaign. Matt Wallace, Oregon Public Interest
Research Group Graham Trainor, Director, Working
America-Oregon Tom Chamberlin, President, Oregon AFL-CIO This is a 21 minute audio file of the speakers, who give a good understanding
of the issue and what's at stake. Get the LEAD
Out: Stop Toxic Toys, RealPlayer Get the LEAD
Out: Stop Toxic Toys, MP3 After the presentations, Ronald announced that, since Sen. Smith's office was short staffed that day, on one from the group would be allowed admittance. Instead, a representative would come down to accept whatever comments or
materials were intended for the Senator. This has been an on going situation
with Sen, Smith, choosing to situate his office in privately owned offices, who
then can legally refuse access to citizens seeking audience with their elected Senator. At this point Richard Krikava, field representative for Senator Gordon Smith
came down and spoke briefly with those who were prohibited from entering the
office of the Senator, paid for by the citizens of this country. Many wanted to
urge that he vote for the S. 2081, the Food and Product Responsibility Act. Krikava stated that the bill was now in Committee, and that he had no idea when it would be brought out for a vote. Examples of products to watch out for: TEETHING RINGS: Many contain phthalates, a toxic chemical used to soften and
smoothen plastics; PLASTIC BABY BOTTLES AND SIPPY CUPS: (labeled as #7 plastics): Many contain
polycarbonate, an ingredient in plastic, which can leach bisphenol-A, a
suspected hormone disruptor that mimics estrogen. That can cause low sperm
count, obesity and neurological problems. PACIFIERS: Rubber pacifiers or bottle nipples can contain chemical
nitrosamines, which can cause cancer. This chemical is often used in cosmetics
and pesticides. DIAPERS: Contained excessive levels of fungus. For those wishing further research: In the United States, the Consumer Product Safety Commission routinely posts recall information. Visit this site for up-to-date lists of recalled products and item numbers and for information about what to do if you have the products in your home. Various USW- run Web sites related to Toxic Trade campaign: www.usw.org for latest news and podcasts. www.stoptoxicimports.org for
campaign specific info, including online petition and online tool kit request
form, Associate member application, event calendar and videos. www.protect-our-kids.org same
as the above web site. www.uspainfonet.org United
Steelworkers Press Association site contains read-made graphics, information
about campaign, press release template and other helpful information. Need
username and password.
(New Content posted (12/17/07)
(New Content posted (12/16/07) Today, December 16, 2007, is the 234th anniversary of the Boston Tea
Party, where American Colonists dumped tea into Boston Harbor to protest the
passage of the Tea Act, "which allowed the East India Company to sell tea to the
colonies directly and without 'payment of any customs or duties whatsoever' in
Britain, instead paying the much lower American duty." "This tax break allowed the East India Company to sell tea for half the old
price and cheaper than the price of tea in England, enabling them to undercut
the prices offered by the colonial merchants and smugglers." (Wikipedia) Not so
different from today, when government gives wealthy Corporations the rights of
living, breathing human beings and puts their profit margins above the interests
of the People. For this reason the tea was dumped into the harbor. And for these same
reasons members of Code Pink,
Veterans for Peace, Chapter 72, and
other supporters of the Constitution, dumped bags of compost symbolizing tea
over the side of the Hawthorne bridge soon after reading aloud the U.S.
Constitution and a list of current grievances. The reading took place at Salmon Spring fountain where the gathering had
marched after singing rewritten Christmas carols to the Christmas shoppers
at Pioneer Square. These Carols had been brought up to date to portray the
situation in our Nation, the gradual loss of human and civil rights; the use and
justification for torture against enemies, real and imagined; the "taxation for
global domination." The event began at Peace
Memorial Park on the East side of the Steel Bridge, where the group burned
copies of the USA PATRIOT Act, before boarding the Max train to Pioneer Square. The day was not without adversity. When the gathering had taken the Max train from the Peace Memorial Park down to Pioneer Square, a rambunctious, or maybe ambitious, Tri Met official demanded that the Protesters stop Caroling on the Max train and also that we stop taping him. After dumping the tea into the Willamette River, the crowd slowly dispersed. Portland
Tea Party, RealPlayer
(New Content posted (12/12/07)
(New Content posted (12/11/07) Naomi Klein, whose most recent book,
The Shock Doctrine: the Rise
of Disaster Capitalism has been an international best-seller, spoke to an
overflowing house in Portland Oregon on Friday, December 7, 2007. The crowd completely filled the available space and the overflow were
provided with television coverage in the basement of the
First Unitarian Church
where she was speaking. Klein, whose parents went to
Canada seeking political asylum because of the Viet Nam war, was born in
Montreal in 1970, spoke for about an hour, answered questions for about an hour
afterwards, and concluded her talk with a
6 minute video. She begins, "it's wonderful to be at the heart of Portland's legendary
Progressive community; thank you for all the work you have done over the years
in keeping up this fight. It is a revolutionary moment. There are moments when
it feels less so, and Portland keeps on keeping' on, which we appreciate." Arriving here from Los Angeles, which is still recovering from the wild fires
of recent months, she was met with television images of people who have lost
their homes to floods, highways collapses, mudslides and road closures.
"These are very familiar images to me , because I've spent the last four years
immersed in disaster zones. ...It reminds me of what I've seen in Biloxi
Mississippi after Katrina, or New Orleans after Katrina, or Sri Lanka after the
tsunami." "We're going to be talking about disaster tonight, we're going to be talking
about disaster capitalism, and it seems only appropriate for us to begin
this discussion by thinking about these disasters unfolding in this region, in
other parts of the country, around the world......Think about when we see these
images, when a community is living through these disasters, what our initial
human response is. ...." "The initial human response to a disaster is not to exploit it for personal
gain, that's not what most people want to do. What most people want to do is
help When they see i t on television from far away, they want to help. That was
the response to the tsunami, that was the response to Katrina, that was the
response in this state.........The message that I have is that we are not
inevitably exploited in the face of a disaster. There are choices at all of
these junctures, and I think we need to remember that." "This phenomenon that I call Disaster Capitalism is really the opposite of
that initial human response that we all felt....What Disaster Capital sees in a
crisis is really the opposite of that. They see, this phrase which comes up over
and over again in the book, in this research, a 'blank slate,' a 'clean sheet.'
They somehow confuse rubble with renewable, and there is this idea, -I saw this
in New Orleans just 10 days after the levees broke, meeting lobbyists and
politicians, and that famous quote from Richard Baker the Republican Congressman
who said that "we couldn't clean out New Orleans housing projects, but God did."
"That's what he saw; he saw an act of cleansing." Klein continues, drawing deeply from the extensive research in her book,
describing how disasters, natural and man made provide momentum for Disaster
Capitalism, using shock and crisis, to reshape the world, for the profit of a
few. Speaking of the War on Terror, "if you think of it as a military plan it doesn't make much sense, but if you think of it as an economic plan it makes alot of sense. I think what we need to understand is that the Bush Administration is not an administration, they do not administer. They think other people should do that. They've outsourced administering. The role they have played in the War on Terror is not that of an administrator, but that of a venture capitalist, a deep pocket venture capitalist that says, okay, here is your business plan, here's your market, fight evil everywhere forever. Terrorists and immigrants too while you are at it." This was an enlightening presentation, but it did so by drawing together many
ideas and common insights lying loose in the minds of the audience and directed
them lasar-like, to obvious conclusions. She weaves a fabric from many threads
available to all who dig beneath the veneer of Corporate Media complicity in the
social engineering which passes for political and religious belief systems. This audio file is just under 1 hour in length.
(New Content posted (11/12/07)
(New Content posted (10/8/07)
(New Content posted (10/01/07)
(New Content posted (09/30/07)
(New Content posted (09/09/07) Today, September 9, 2007, the monthly Bark field trip hiked to an area
outside Zig Zag in the Mt. Hood National Forest, first checking out a bridge washed out last November and then hiked part of the Ramona Falls trail. This bridge was across the main road approaching the Ramona Falls trail,
forcing a long detour to those wishing to enjoy the beauty of their Public
Lands. During the Hike Amy Harwood, the Bark hike leader, spoke about upcoming
opportunities to address some of the problems caused by the many decades which
the Forest Service has emphasized logging at the expense of recreation and other
values. Off Road Vehicle Comments, RealPlayer Off Road Vehicle Comments, MP3 We presently have a unique opportunity influence the future of Mt. Hood
National Forests for decades to come. Until the end of October the Forest Service will be accepting written comments regarding their travel management revisions. They need to hear from the public concerning out love of the Forest, our need for access to favorite places as well as access to those places we haven't as yet visited. Background and Information about this opportunity can be found on
the Bark website A brief synopsis: This solution does not provide for enhanced enforcement, and also fails to
consider our entire forest wide system of roads and the watersheds currently
threatened by these aging and unsupported roadways. Thousands of miles of roads are closed, but are being used illegally by off
roaders. Hundreds of culverts have become non functioning after years of
maintenance backlog, bringing increased sedimentation and chemical runoff into
our drinking water sources, a perfect recipe for catastrophic landslides And further, dozens of our favorite campsites have become inaccessible by
washouts on major roadways, taking sometimes years for the U.S.F.S. to
prioritize repairs. The modernization of the Forest Travel Planning Rule was an opportunity for
the Forest Service to face some of these issues, consult with the public and
devise working solutions to these escalating problems, problems caused by
decades of mismanagement. Yet they have failed to do so, and will succeed in
dismissing their duties to the public if this public does not take a stand and
call them on their lack of stewardship. Again, background and Information about this opportunity can be found on
the Bark website
(New Content posted (07/09/07)
(New Content posted (07/09/07) This afternoon, July 9, 2007, a coalition of peace groups,
PDX Peace, organized a Rally at Holladay
Park in Portland Oregon and marched to the military recruiters office on NE
Broadway. The event featured Conscientious Objector Agustin Aguayo, recently
released from an 8 month prison term for desertion. After serving a one year deployment to Iraq, Aguayo applied for Conscientious
Objector status, which was denied and his unit was subsequently redeployed back
to Iraq. Agustin refused to leave with his unit and went absent without leave
(AWOL). Since serving his prison term, Aguayo has been actively working with at-risk
youth, dedicating his life to informing high risk youth of the other side
recruits don't see in military recruitment ads. Various groups, including Portland Recruiter Watch, were involved in the
event: Veterans for Peace, chapter 72 Portland American Friends
Service Committee After a few words from Helga Aguayo, Agustin's wife, the gathering moved off
from the Park and headed towards the military recruiters office on NE Broadway.
The march received scores of honks and vocalizations of approval from people
walking and driving by, and arrived at the recruiters office for a few brief
words from Agustin. After these words, they marched back to the Park, for more
networking and words of inspiration from organizers of the event. I was fortunate to get a quick interview with Aguayo after the event, and
this is a 5 minute audio file of that interview.
(New Content posted (07/03/07) Democratic Presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich spoke to a large gathering
Sunday evening, July 1, 2007 at Benson High School, his speech focusing mainly
on the need for universal health care and Globalization. His talk lasted abut 25 minutes, and the remainder of this 47 minute audio
file is questions and answers from the audience. Oddly, he didn't mention the
Iraq war that much, or even his early ongoing opposition to it. Dennis, as is usually the case, was very eloquent, to the point and
demonstrated a way to take our country back from corporate control. Yes, he
skirted the 911 issue; yes, he wasn't extremely forthcoming concerning some
issues dear to the far left. But, he only had so much time and I believe he made
good use of this hour. "This is the beauty of this country, because as we link peace and security
and prosperity, we know that we can reject the entire basis that has formed this
government that currently exists of war, fear and poverty. And we see the
connection, what this campaign is about is standing for the truth, it's about
being able to challenge the corruption that underlies what's wrong with America
today. Let's look at the links, okay?" "War, oil, corruption, so that's one; we have war because of a corrupt
government which is all about oil. Let's look at the next connection here. Lack
of health care, private insurers controlling our health care system, corruption;
that's the link, think about that...........and then you think about so many
people out of work, or not having the jobs they once had, and you think about
NAFTA. It's about a race to the bottom and even slave labor." And you look at the Immigration issue. At the root of the Immigration issue
is corruption; it's the use of slave labor and exploitation of people. So, does
any of that represent who we are? What this election is about, this is a moment
to explain who we are, the deeper meaning of 'We the People.'" Dennis was interrupted numerous times to thunderous applause and standing
ovations, and deservedly so. He understands his Progressive constituency; he
understands and laments the corruption of Democracy as it has been slowly and
deliberately undermined by the present administration. He see clearly and
speaks, I believe, from his heart. But, hear his words for yourself. He hasn't had the career of Ralph
Nader, but he speaks the same language, speaks for the people. He hasn't the
connections of Hillary, the good looks of Edwards, or the charisma of Obama, but
he has heart, and, from where I stand, this is exactly what is lacking in this
disgustingly money dripping and hallow travesty foisted upon us as the 2008
presidential campaign.
(New Content posted (06/26/07) This is a 44 minute audio file of the speeches which took place at the ICE
building, before the march to Pioneer Square. The list includes, among others,
a teacher, a Latino student, a representative from the Mayors office, someone
from the labor unions, as well as a mother arrested during the raids. For a more detailed report and some photographs, go to The audio report begins with some spirited Latino music and is moderated by
Shuzuko Hashimoto, of Portland Central America
Solidarity Committee. Immigrant
Rights Rally, RealPlayer
(New Content posted (06/25/07) The program for the evening was introduced by Peter Huhtala of
Pacific Marine Conservation Council.
Before
introducing the first speaker, he mentions the second speaker, Dimitri who came
from Russia to give a Power Point presentation on the legacy of Liquid Natural
Gas production in his country, the point origin for a portion of the LNG which will
be coming to this country through facilities proposed to be built in Oregon,
along the Columbia estuary. Dimitri's organization in Russia is
Sakhalin Environment Watch,
which has been monitoring the Sakhalin 11 Oil and Gas Project. Since 1994, Shell has been spearheading an oil and gas extraction
project in Sakhalin Island, a far eastern Russian territory. This development
will affect the world's last 100 or so western pacific grey whales; it will
destroy the marine environment; and it will threaten the livelihood of local fishermen. This project is already well along the way to having
already done so. Peter then introduces the first speaker, Loretta Lynch, former President of
the California Public Utilities Board. Both speakers provided Power Point
presentations to accompany their remarks. Of the two, Loretta's works best as an
audio file, without the benefit of the visual component. But both do convey
their content well enough to educate the listener to the importance of this
subject to Oregonians in particular, and all U.S. citizens in general. Basically what these International Corporations are seeking to do is lock us
into this Liquid Natural Gas infrastructure as we were all locked into the
petroleum energy structure in the last century. This is being done with promises
of "clean energy," fooling shallow thinking politicians who wish to appear
forward thinking by providing alternatives to our addiction to coal and
petroleum." According to Loretta Lynch, this is a false contention, as is the assertion
that the production, transportation and storage of this highly volatile
compressed liquid natural gas is environmentally safe. And, unfortunately,
90% of the liquid natural gas will be passing through Oregon to California. Next to speak was Dimitri, who provided a power point presentation about what
is happening in the Sakharin district of Russia. There are many organizations who are dealing with this threat. Friends of Living Waters (FLOW) A Coalition, the Clean Energy Alliance, has also been formed under the
auspices of Columbia Riverkeeer
(New Content posted (06/22/07)
(New Content posted (05/01/07) Today, May 1, 2007, the Northwest Constitutional Rights Center and the
Portland Chapter of the National Lawyers Guild released the report, "Whose
Streets? Recommendations to Improve the Portland Police Bureau's Response to
First Amendment Assemblies." The Press Conference was moderated by Alejandro Queral, Director of the
Northwest Constitutional Rights Center.
Alejandro spoke briefly about why these recommendations are necessary. "The
report presents recommendations on what the Police Department needs to do to
improve it's crowd control tactics. Over the years we have seen time and again
the Portland Police Bureau using excessive force against protesters, ranging
from just a show of force all the ay to using impact munitions, such as bean
bags and rubber bullets. There have been a number of incidents over the years
involving pepper spray...we have also seen the use of mounted patrol as crowd
control tactics which have resulted in injuries, panic by the crowd and adverse
reactions by the crowd." "So what we are presenting here are a series of policies that are calling
for, first a ban on pepper spray as a means of crowd control, particularly at
first amendment assemblies. We're also calling for a ban of less than lethal
munitions and the use of horses to control crowds." After a few more brief comments, Alejandro introduced Ashlee Albies, Chair of
the Portland chapter of the National Lawyers Guild, who first gave an a little
history of the National Lawyers Guild. Ashlee then addressed the importance of
First Amendment rights, "essential components of a Democracy. The right to
express ones views in a public arena, and where that expression is one of
disagreement with current policies, it deserves even more protection because we
need to create a society where people feel comfortable expressing their
disagreement with the government." She finished by stating that the two Civil Rights groups are "committed to
stemming the abuses described in this report, and we strongly urge the PPD to
adopt these modifications and to affirm the rights of Free Speech and Free
Assembly." Next, two citizens who have experienced first hand the abuses of police power
described in the report spoke a little of their experiences, both at the October
5, 2006 World Can't Wait Protest and March through downtown Portland.
Steve Geiger and Stacy Mullins both relayed their experiences at the march, and
their outrage at police tactics against peaceful protesters. A video was also played, demonstrating the police abuses this report intends
to remedy. Shauna Curphy, staff attorney for the North West Constitutional
Rights Center, narrated the video, pointing out and discussing various instances
of police abuses and over reaction. This audio file is about 12 minutes in length.
(New Content posted (04/25/07) Greg Palast, investigative
reporter visited Portland Wednesday evening, April 24, 2007, promoting the
addition of two chapters to his most recent book, "Armed Madhouse." The event
was co sponsored by KBOO Radio, and was a
benefit for the Portland Alliance
Newspaper. Palast was in town last year on his Armed Madhouse Tour, and this visit
presented some of the same information. Though he did review much of the earlier
material, the additional two chapters added much that was new, especially his
investigation of the Federal Debacle in New Orleans leading up to and after
Hurricane Katrina. The event was extremely well attended, filling up the majority of the seats
at the First Unitarian Church, probably about 300-350 people. Greg began his one hour presentation with some of material from his
last visit to Portland, his Armed Madhouse Tour. Since some of this is already
familiar to those who have read his book, attended his lectures or seen the
video on Public Access television or the internet, I've broken the audio files
up into three sections. To see a one hour video of Greg's Armed Madhouse Tour to Portland The first section goes over much of his earlier material and is about 20
minutes in length. He reiterates much of the statistics from his most recent
book, "Armed Madhouse," concerning the 2000 and 2004 elections., where millions
of votes were not counted. According to Palast, over three million votes were
thrown out and in various parts of the country the chances of your vote not
being counted increased according to the color of your skin. Greg Palast,
Part One, RealPlayer The second section, about 16 minutes, is about David Iglesias, the U.S.
Attorney from New Mexico who was one of many U.S. Attorneys fired by the Justice Department for apparently political reasons. Greg Palast,
Part Two, RealPlayer The third segment is about 24 minutes in length and addresses the Bush
administration debacle in New Orleans. Greg Palast,
Part Three, RealPlayer
(New Content posted (03/30/07)
(New Content posted (03/06/07) Radical human rights attorney Lynne Stewart is acclaimed
for defending poor people, radicals of color and controversial figures. Because
of this she has been falsely accused of helping terrorists. Now convicted, she
recently received a 28 month sentence, but is free on bail pending appeal. On Tuesday, April 9, 2002, she was arrested and agents
searched her Manhattan office for documents. She was arraigned before Manhattan
federal Judge John Koeltl. This is an obvious attempt by the U.S. government to
silence dissent, curtail vigorous defense lawyers, and install fear in those who
would fight against the U.S. government's racism, seek to help Arabs and Muslims
being prosecuted for free speech and defend the rights of all oppressed people.
Lynne Stewart
was in Portland tonight, March 6, 2007, at Portland State University, as part of
a West coast fund raising tour. She spoke for about 45 minutes, in part about
her case, but much, much more. As she says at the outset, "this really isn't
about the case and me, as much as it is about lawyering and what has become of
lawyering over the past five years......my perception about this is....that we
have seen a freezing of the playing field upon which lawyers operate. And this
has to do of course with the sense that we have of who controls the court." She continues speaking about her case, but mostly as an
example of government overreaching and attempts to instill fear in the community
of lawyers who defend American citizens. Her trial was a horrendous mockery,
being held a few blocks from Ground Zero in New Your City, before a jury of
local citizens, "who each had their own 911 story to tell." And at one point in
this trial a large photograph of Osama Ben Laden was somehow introduced to the
jury. The judge permitted this. One of many grounds to fuel their appeal. After much commentary on the Bush Administration and
analysis of the what is going on, she gives some sound advice to those in the
audience. "there's much important work to be doing out here, but I really think
that the most important thing we can do is to 'keep on keeping on,' as they used
to say, and really make our voices heard, make ourselves an irritant, making the
causes we champion, and we have different causes........all of the causes that
are out there that we can certainly bring to the forefront, and try to educate
our fellow Americans to connect the dots, to see the Imperial design, to
understand that this is not happenstantial, that we got into a bad place in Iraq
by accident." "We have lots to do, that's for sure; we are the grass
roots, agitate, agitate, resist, resist. I cannot urge it more strongly."
(New Content posted (02/23/07)
(New Content posted (02/03/07) Today,just 9 days before facing a military court martial for refusing deployment to Iraq, Lt. Ehren Watada spoke to an overflowing house at the Langston Hughes
center in Seattle Washington. He is the first commissioned officer to refuse
deployment, and has garnered enormous respect and support from the people of
this country. His keynote speech came at the end of a Seattle rally and march attracting at
least 1000 people, protesting the war and Occupation of Iraq, as well as his
upcoming court martial, scheduled for February 5, 2007 at Fort Lewis Washington.
On that day there will be a gathering in support of his act of conscience, at
the overpass to Interstate 5, exit 119, beginning sometime around noon. Watada began by expressing his
respect and admiration for all the GI's who have opposed the Occupation. He then
requested that all " those listening keep in your thoughts and your prayers my
step mother who just had a stroke at the Washington D.C. rallies," referring to
the demonstration held in D.C. on this same day which gathered 150,000 - 200,000
people. From here, he goes right to the heart of the matter: "in opposition to my
position, the argument will be made that soldiers don't have the right to pick
and choose their wars. I would respond that it is not only our right, but our
constitutional duty. Many seem to forget that service members swear loyalty, not
to one man or an institution, but to this country and its people. We don't
swear to fight in wars or just do our job, nor blindly obey orders, but to
protect the promise, principles and laws of this country at all costs." "My intent is never to disparage the military or dishonor the sacrifices of
troops ineither the past or present. Instead, I want to show you my fellow
Americans, that while we focus on the minute issue of whether Lt. Watada is
legally right or wrong, this country is falling apart around us. 66% of the
300,000,000 people in this country believe the war to be wrong, yet what are
they dong to sacrifice something of themselves to stop it? Our own government
has concluded that the mere presence of American troops in Iraq is making
America less safe to terrorism. 80 - 90 % of Iraqis want us to withdraw within
six months." Lt. Watada continues, "we aren't there to protect America, we aren't there to
protect Iraqis..........we are all being used for the pride and profit of a few
in our society, and we are all paying for it it blood and treasure." Following these remarks, Watada describes how his court martial will go, how
he cannot in any sense of the word be given a fair trial. This is followed by a
litany of the crimes and errors of the current Administration over the last six
years, culminating in their imperialistic fumbling of the Occupation of Iraq. "There are so many injustices committed by this administration....the Iraq
war itself, founded by defrauding the American people has had the most
devastating and obvious effects." He goes on to list a mountain of misery
visited upon this country not only by the Bush Administration, but also by the
people of this country. These deaths and living miseries began not just with the
recent invasion and occupation, but with Desert Storm, the use of thousands upon
thousand tons of Depleted Uranium munitions and then the long years of
sanctions, which tortured the people, but left those ruling the country without
harm. "This is what I learned in just a year and a half alone. The pieces are
there. Finding them and putting the puzzle together takes just a little effort.
Our country is being led in the wrong direction, an illegal and immoral
direction. But to know that our country was sent to war and devastated another
civilization over falsehoods is something I will never stand for." "There are some things that we just cannot do. Without principles, without
sacrificing for what we believe, what is the point? Send me to prison, torture
me, or kill me, I will never enable or condone the waging of war on another
country over lies." At this point the audience broke into repeated loud cheers,
chanting and stomping the ground, "they're our brother, they're our sisters, we
support war resisters." Watada then continued, "We as a free society live under the rule of peace,
law and justice. We should never stand for this. It is our duty as children of
God, it is our duty as human beings. No longer can we sit on the fence, no
longer can we remain ignorant. If we ignore this responsibility, then we are
equally culpable in these crimes, regardless if we are directly responsible." Spoken quietly, deliberately, and eloquently, his words entered every heart
and mind, exiting as loud applause and cheers of agreement and solidarity
throughout this remarkable presentation. Watada spoke for 20 minutes, and
in much greater detail than I have chronicled here in this brief report. He
finishes, "my fellow Americans, I thank you for coming here today....you have
taken the first step. We need to include all our brother and sister Americans in
this fight against injustice and oppression by our country against its people
and those around the world." "I ask of you to keep hope and always have courage. In the end, we will win." Please don't forget that Lt. Watada needs our support on February 5, 2007 at
his court martial. Supporters will be gathering off I-5 at exit 119 from
around 11:00 until about 6:00 in the evening. Ongoing and updated information
concerning details of this important event can be found at
Courage to Resist Other websites: Iraq Veterans Against the War Deployed
(New Content posted (01/17/07) On Friday, January 5, 2007, I was honored to attend an event featuring former
US servicemen who have the Courage To Resist the Occupation of Iraq. Dennis Kyne,
a veteran of the first Gulf War, spoke for about 6 minutes, first a little about
his own experiences and then setting the stage for Darrel Anderson, the feature
speaker of the evening and a member of the organization
Iraqi Veterans Against the War. Coming from 4 generations of combatants, Dennis spent 15 years in the army.
"My obligations since I have returned from the battlefield, even as a soldier,
even though I stayed in after I got back, was to reach down one generation and
talk to the young people." " I was in Desert Storm in 1991; Darrel was in Operation Iraqi Freedom in
2003, there's your 12 year generation gap. I'm 12 years older than him and our
battles are 12 years apart. However, it's the same war..............the book,
the Federal Administration Handbook of Federal Benefits, which I get because I'm
a 20% disabled veterans, states specifically that the Gulf War started on 2
August 1990 and will end on a date to be determined by Congress. It ain't over
yet; Darrel and I were in the same war." Though Dennis was in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm and the
overall conflict in which Darrel served was called Operation Desert Fox,
Operation Desert Watch etc., " what you can see here is that in the old days
you'd have one war and a bunch of battles,...... battle of the bulge, battles,
battles battles. They don't do that to us anymore, one war, a bunch of
operations. Wordsmithing, Depleted Uranium used to be called Depleted Uranium
Low Level Radioactive Material. After 1991 it was referred to as DU. The Department of
Defense is professional at word smithing, that's how they dupe guys like Darrel
and I into thinking that we're defending something when we're actually
aggressors." Darrel states that the armed services uses people up. He quotes from a
book, "On Killing," that we are using Pavlovian and
R.E Skinner techniques to train soldiers. Whereas during World War ll,
only "the statistics were that 15% of the troops would engage downrange
and kill somebody," today "96% of the soldiers will go downrange and kill. It's
not brainwashing, it's just reprogramming." After a few more comments Dennis then introduces Darrel Anderson. Darrel speaks for 30 minutes about how he came to join the service, his
experiences in Iraq and what led him to refuse redeployment and oppose the
Occupation. "In January '03 I decided to join the military because, I was broke.
I was tired of dealing drugs on the streets and I was tired of living with my
grandparents and I was tired of not going to school and I was tired of being an
American without healthcare." According to his own words, he figured he could
get "join the military. They'll give me 50 G's for college; they'll straighten
me out." Though his mom freaked out, telling him that he'll go to war, Darrel
responded, "I want to go to war, I've been waiting my whole life to go to
combat, to do something crazy like that. I don't have much to live for, what's
me being dead going to matter? I'll be remembered as a great person, instead of
that dude who worked at the grocery store. So I signed up, shipped off, took a
year of training." Eventually ending up in Iraq, Darrel found out that what was expected
of him was much less than honorable, at least not honorable according to his own
personal ethics. In the ranks around him he discovered a deep racism against the
Iraqis.' When I first got there I realized the racism that the soldiers had. It
was obvious to me when they called them towel heads and every other name they
could think of, and it really took me back. And I thought, wow, my whole life
I've been taught that this is wrong, we can't be treating people like this." " But it was obvious that it came from higher up than that....they were
brainwashed into believing that the Iraqi's were less than them., and they're
all terrorists, and if you kill an Iraq it's okay, because another dead Iraq is
a good Iraqi.. I didn't agree with this." Soon after his arrival Darrel began witnessing the many war crimes by
American soldiers inflicted upon innocent Iraqi civilians. And too, the pressure
to join in these everyday, commonplace occurrences. With every US soldier lost
in combat the temptation to kill anyone, anywhere in retaliation became
stronger, especially since it was not only commonplace, but that it was expected
of him by other soldiers and by his commanding officers. "The more guys we lost the more drastic our procedures became. And we had
some procedures that went like this: if we're in this crowd and one of you, just
one of you, you could all be peaceful protestors in downtown Baghdad, and if one
of you shoots at me, my superiors told me, if you get shot at, shoot
everybody that is there. Now this wasn't our procedure in January, February and
March, but once we were scraping our buddies off the concrete, we started to act
out, just like they did in Viet Nam." Darrel then took the audience through two days of combat in Baghdad, days
when he had to choose whether or not to shoot an unarmed young teenager, days
when he did take part in a mortar attack which left 100 Iraqis dead, most of
them innocent civilians. He says that the army trains these young men to kill
and sends them to where that is what they must do to survive. Who is to blame,
the soldier, society. Weighty questions to struggle with here in the safely of
the U.S., but much weightier questions, questions of immediate life and
death to those in active combat. Leaving Iraq Darrel struggles with his conscience and the question of
redeployment to Iraq. He decides to go to Canada and remains there for a year
and a half, returning to stand beside those who have spoken out against the war,
like Lt Ehren Watada, the first
commissioned officer to refuse deployment to Iraq. He mentions Watada by name,
as well as many others who have stood up, risking ridicule, court martial and
prison for their acts of conscience. Concluding his talk, Darrell speaks a little about what the soldiers are
doing to resist this Occupation and emphasizes how crucial it is to that the
anti war movement work to support these actions. Both he and Dennis stress how
important it is to go to Fort Lewis on February 5 to support the actions of Lt.
Watada during his court martial, where he is facing up to six years in prison
for his courageous stand. During his talk he mentions another IVAW
website, Iraq Veterans Against the War
Deployed, After Darrel spoke he
fielded questions from the audience. I've included about 20 minutes of the
interchange between the speakers and the audience. Many of the questions are
more statements than questions, but the audience has a good grasp of the issues
involved, and the interchange betweem them is enlightening and educational. Here are a few websites about soldiers in resistance to the Iraqi Occupation. Iraq Pledge of Resistance,
founded in September of 2002, is a nationwide
network of activists and organizations committed to ending the war in Iraq
through nonviolent, Gandhian and Kingian resistance. This event was taped by Jim Wrathal, Public Access producer, who produces and hosts
an every other Saturday program
from Portland Community Media. This program, the "TVSet," has been airing since
1991, and features guests, video of local events, and a good selection of
relevant material from the internet, including a segment of foreign cartoons. For those with cable, this is worth checking out!
(New Content posted (01/11/07) About 500 people gathered at Pioneer Square this evening, January 11, 2007,
to protest the imminent escalation of the U.S. Occupation in Iraq, as announced
by George W. Bush in a speech to the nation the day before. According to the first speaker this protest, organized in 36 hours by
MoveOn.org, was one of about 1000 protests
taking place nationwide. The speakers stood at the bottom of the Square,
addressing the gathering who stood on the steps. The crowd covered the entire
south side steps as well as a small portion of the ground level. Kelly Campbell from American Friends Service
Committee spoke briefly before introducing
Daryl
Anderson, and Iraqi war veteran who went AWOL to protest the war. Kelly says
that "we not only have to stop this surge, but we have to stop this war....we
need to use our energy to spread peace around the world rather than to spread
war, which is what we are doing right now." Darryl, a member of Iraq Veterans Against the
War spoke about his experiences in Iraq and what led him to go AWOL and take
refuge in Canada. After spending about 1 1/2 years in Canada, he was inspired to
return by the actions of Lt. Ehren Watada,
the first commissioned officer to refuse deployment to Iraq. Darryl spoke about the experiences which led him to take decisive action in
opposing the war. "basically, my friends, my brothers, they beat prisoners to
death, we did massacres in Baghdad, and I saw a lot of war crimes when I was
over there. I came back and watched my fellow soldiers put themselves in holes
or turn to drinking when we came back." Receiving a purple heart for injuries sustained in combat, Anderson soon
"came to the decision that it was my obligation as a soldier to report these war
crimes and speak out." Returning from Canada he joined others who have taken the
same path: Suzanne Swift, Ricky Clausen and
Mark Wilkerson.
He speaks passionately and asks for the support of the citizens of this country
in what he and others are doing to end this war. "The only ting that will stop this war is the GI resistance.....just realize
that there are other resisters out there. They're in jail they're resisting in
ranks; I'm in touch with a few guys in Iraq who are resisting there. And we're
putting our lives on the line, and all we ask is when we go to prison and we go
to our court martials that you're there. A lot of times the movement hasn't been
there for us. We're asking the time is now. Don't let us go to jail without a
fight." Next to speak was Betsy Toll of
Living Earth. She began ,"
the moral authority of soldiers speaking out against war cannot be surpassed,
and we have a level of opposition within the military to this war that has not
been seen before in this country. We have to honor that, we have to stand behind
our soldiers who are saying NO! She agrees with Darryl that we cannot expect
much from the Democrats. "The Democrats are not going to stand up for you and me, they're not going to
stand up for the GI's, they're not going to stand up for the people of Iraq. It
is up to us to do that, and we have to hold our representatives feet to the
fire. This war threatens the stability of the entire world and it has ripped
apart the soul of our nation. It has ripped apart the soul of the people of
Iraq. For that reason I would like us to acknowledge the solemnity, acknowledge
how monumental this issue is." This was an introduction to a brief moment of silent reflection, after which
the moderator introduced Curt Bell of
Oregonians Against the War. Curt began by urging people to call their state
representatives and ask them to oppose this war and call for it to end. In
response to the presidents speech on Tuesday in which he announced that he will
be sending 21,500 more troops into Iraq, Curt made two points. The first was that this was an escalation of the conflict, not just the
additional troops, "but we have what is close to a declaration of war against
Syria and Iran. In the last few days we have seen an attack by the US military
on Consulates for Iran in Iraq. We have seen the sending of a third carrier
group to the waters of the Gulf, threatening Iran...The President said that one
of the reasons we have not succeeded so far is that our military has been
operating under restrictions. That means that over the next few months we may
see further bombing of civilian areas of Baghdad, like we saw in Fallujah, and
which we have not seen on our tv's, but which has happened nevertheless." Curt also remarks that nowhere in the presidents speech did he mention the
suffering of the Iraqi people in all this; no mention of the 650,000 dead, of
the hundreds of thousands of wounded, of the 1.8 million refugees, of the lack
of security, and the fear that has dominated Iraq. Nowhere was that
mentioned.......the only issue for him ws whether the Iraqi deaths will serve
American strategic interests." After this speaker had finished, Will, the moderator acknowledged the
organization, Military Families Speak Out,
who had a banner at the event, and at many of the past peace events here in
Portland and across the nation. Another organization mentioned later was Code Pink Here Will apprises the crowd of the upcoming march, which will go south to
the offices of the Oregonian. He thanks the Oregonian for coming out against the
surge, but wants to ask "a editorial right wing chicken hawk columnist Rienhart
to come out and talk to us, and answer why he has not volunteered to go to Iraq. At this point a person spontaneously spoke above the crowd, a medic from the
Viet Nam conflict. Passionate, infused with anger and horror at what he sees
unfolding before his eyes again. "I had blood on my hands and brains in my lap.
When I was in Viet Nam George Bush had cocaine up his nose; when I was in Viet
Nam Dick Cheney had five deferments to get out of the military. When I was in
Viet Nam I was seeing the suicides, the homicides, the drug addictions, the
shoot outs, the racial tension, I was seeing America disintegrate in Viet Nam,
and that's what we'll see in Iraq. These guys are going to come back and they
will be soldiers in pill bottles." The gathering then marched on the sidewalk up SW Broadway to the Oregonian. A
few took to the streets, though the majority of the crowd remained on the
sidewalks. There was very little police presence, at least visibly. No attempt
was made to arrest the people in the street, and only a few of those on the
sidewalk seemed upset by this action. Others might have had a different
experience about this. After collecting at the Oregonian for a few rousing chants, the crowd moved
back down Broadway to Pioneer Square, for festivities, which included chants and
music with improvised instruments. The evening finished off with a song, "All we
are saying, is give Impeachment a chance." This is a 20 mintute audio file of the rally and march.
AUDIO FILE: John Trudell
A talk given by John Trudell, Native American Spoken Word artist as a benefit for Give Love Give Life.
This organization asks that the men and women of America prioritize National Healthcare Insurance for the women and children as a first step towards national health care.
John Trudell
Part of his talk speaks more specifically to the issue of Health Care for women and children. This audio is separate from the larger presentation.
Audio: Give Love Give Life
AUDIO FILE: New Approaches to Protecting Labor Standards in the Informal Economy
A Forum at the AFSCME Union Hall on Tuesday, April 29, sponsored by VOZ and moderated by Romeo Sosa of Voz.(Voice)
Presenters: Nik Theodore, Director of the Center for Urban Economic Development at the University of Illinois.
Pablo Alvarado, Director of the National Day Labor Organizing Network Organized by VOZ and the National Day Labor Network.
After some introductory remarks by Sosa, Nik Theodore speaks about a study recently concluded by the Center for Urban Development. This study is based on extensive interviews with 60 senior staff of Worker Centers in 15 states focused on the impact of these centers to improve working conditions, wages, safety, and the day labor market. Come and learn about the informal economy in the U.S. and the importance of Day Labor Worker Centers. As the opening of our own local Worker Center approaches, we look forward for the Community of Portland to participate.
Alvarado speaks about the Day Labor situation from the perspective of those who are seeking work.
For more information please call VOZ at 503-233-6787
Day Labor Forum
AUDIO FILE: We the People, Building a Movement for the Future We Want. Antonia Juhasz and Rev. Lennox Yearwood
Speaking at a March 3, 2008 event organized by The Backbone Campaign
Antonia speaks for about 25 minutes and Rev. Yearwood for the remainder of this 59 minute audio file.
Building a Movement for the Future We Want, RealPlayer
Building a Movement for the Future We Want, MP3
AUDIO FILE: March 15, Iraq War Anniversary Rally
Speeches from the March 15 Iraq War Anniversary Rally in downtown Portland at the Portland State University South Park Blocks.
M15 Rally, RealPlayer
M15 Rally, MP3
AUDIO FILE: Tre Arrow Arraignment in Federal Court
Right out of the gate, the attorney for the prosecution moved to disqualify Paul Loney due to a conflict of interest stemming from a period of time when he shared an office at the Belmont Law Center with Stu Sugarman, who from June of 2000 to August of 2001, was the attorney for Jacob Sherman, one of the witnesses who will be testifying against Tre Arrow.
Claiming that a substantial part of the Defense would be to discredit these witnesses due to deals made with the government for drastically reduced sentences, the prosecution claimed that by sharing an office with Sugarman, Loney would have been privy to confidential information.
This was vehemently denied by Loney, who says that there was no communication between him and Sherman, and all he did was stand in for Sugarman for a court date. He also added that this was a common practice and does not constitute conflict of interest.
The judge said that this was not his decision and that any final decision would have to be made by District Court Judge James A. Redden, who will be hearing the case.
The prosecution had two charges against Tre, but informed the judge that the first would be subsequently dropped, as it was not included in the request for Tre's extradition from Canada.
Arrow's attorney made a request as well. He requested that the indictments and attendant paperwork list Tre Arrow as Tre Arrow and not Michael Scarpiiti as some of the documents had done. The judge ruled that both names would go forward in the court documents at least for the time being.
Also Loney requested that a special diet be afforded Tre Arrow, who insists upon a raw food diet, according to the teachings of the Essene Faith. The judge ordered the Marshals to accommodate this request.
When the prosecuting attorney claimed that Arrow was a flight risk and a danger to the community,
Loney reserved the right to a detention hearing for a future time concerning the question of bail.
Tre waived his right to a formal reading of the charges against him. Loney requested that Tre remain in the Multnomah County jail to be more easily accessible to attorneys, family and friends. But, the judge ruled that the Marshals had to make no special arrangements for Tre in this regard and left the matter in the Marshal's friends.
Trial was set for May 6, 2008, giving the Prosecution 10 days to provide the Defense with what is legally referred to to as Discovery. It is the evidence intended to be presented against him in the trial and there is only a period of 21 days to submit legal Motions to the judge.
A brief interview with Shuana Scarpiti, sister of Tre Arrow, before the arraignment:
Shauna Scarpiti, RealPlayer
Shauna Scarpiti, MP3
A brief interview with Attorney Paul Loney, after the arraignment:
Paul Loney, RealPlayer
Paul Loney, MP3
Future developments on this case will be posted to Tre Arrow Website.
AUDIO FILE: Stephen Kinzer: A Voice Against War With Iran
On February 9, 2008 the American Iranian Friendship Council of Portland Oregon sponsored an event entitled the American Iranian Peace Forum 2008.
The Keynote speaker for the event was Stephen Kinzer, veteran correspondent for the New York Times and author of many books, including, "All the Shah's Men: An American Coup and the Roots of Middle East Terror,"
Kinzer speaks about the recent history of Iran, the meddling and machinations of the American Central Intelligence Agency which brought down a democratically elected parliament and prime minister who wanted to nationalize Iran’s oil reserves.
He also speaks about the importance that people be vigilant concerning the present Administration’s desire to attack Iran, using similar justifications which brought about the disastrous Occupation of Iraq.
He draws on a depth and breadth of experience living in Iran as a correspondent, which led him to write the book, “All the Shah’s Men,” and finishes with ways that we can work to stop this catastrophe before it is launched.
For an audio file of this presentation:
Stephen Kinzer, RealPlayer
Stephen Kinzer, MP3
To watch a 43 ½ minute video of his presentation posted to Google.com
Stephen Kinzer, A voice Against War With Iran
AUDIO FILE: Toxic Toys Campaign
AUDIO FILE: Naomi Klein, Q & A
This is the final 46 minutes or so of Naomi Klein's presentation from December 7, 2007, containing the Q & A session.
Naomi handled the session differently than I had ever seen before, probably due to the extremely long line of those wishing to comment or ask questions of her. She would first take a number of questions from the audience while taking notes of them and then respond to this collection of questions at one time.
Interesting strategy, and she pulled it off well. She responded to a multitude of questions and comments, including impeachment and 911.
As I said, the lines were long, and she was extremely gracious, even to those who seemed more determined to offer their own viewpoints than ask a question of her.
AUDIO FILE: Portland Tea Party
And, at the Square three citizens were outraged by
the signs alluding to Bush Administration complicity in the 911 terrorist attack
on the World Trade Center. These three actually claimed to be against the war,
and no friends of the Bush Administration, but believed that these allegations
went too far and somehow denigrated those who died there that September day.
This is an audio file of the highlights of the event, about 25 minutes in length. It includes testimony from a few of the attendees, some of the revamped Christmas Carols, the Tri Met officer, the three citizens protesting the protesters and the reading of the U.S. Constitution with current grievances.
AUDIO FILE: Liquefied Natural Gas Protest in Portland.
Today, December 12, 2007, 200 people gathered at the offices of Northwest Natural Gas in downtown Portland Oregon to protest Liquefied Natural gas facilities proposed for the Columbia River Estuary by Energy speculators from Texas, New York and California.
The turn out was huge and the gathering was high spirited and well informed. Many were from the areas of Oregon which would be affected by the LNG facilities or the pipelines which would funnel the gas down to energy consumers in California. Farmers from Mollala and Gayles Creek, full time fishing guides, commercial fisherman, were just a few of the people who turned out to insist that this project be abandoned and to demand that Oregon Governor Kulongowski weigh in against this project.
This is a 20 minute audio file of the speakers from the days event. The Protest was moderated by Brent Foster, director of Columbia Riverkeeper who introduced a number of speakers. These weren't activists or staff from conservation organizations, but every day working Oregonians, giving their perspective on the dire consequences of locating this facility in the Columbia river estuary.
Speakers were:
Susan Hansen, a farmer from Molala, where I believe the spur pipeline from the Oregon coast to California is going to pass through. She is with the groups, Northwest Property Rights Coalition and Citizens Against LNG
Bob Reese, a full time Fishing Guide.
John Platt, speaking for Columbia River Intertribal fish Commission.
Greg Jacob, representing the Oregon Chapter of the Sierra Club.
Jack, a 3rd generation comercial fisherman on the Columbia River.
Monica, from Cascadia Rising Tide
Susan Fosberg, a forester from Gayles Creek.
And last, a farmer, who didn't give his name, and his wife Nancy.
All spoke eloquently and passionately about how this facility and piple line would adversely affect their quality of life and that of Oregonians in general. From the destruction of family farms, to the destruction of the salmon to the enormous burden put upon Oregonians to construct an infrastructure based on unsustainable fossil fuels, everyone was here today to say that this is a bad idea. It is not a half step towards a sustainable energy future, as some would have us believe.
LNG Protest, RealPlayer
LNG Protest, MP3
AUDIO FILE: The Shock Doctrine
Engaging, but casual, smart and eloquent, but easily understood, her
presentation charmed the crowd as much by its style as by its content. Though
speaking from a podium, she seemed very much a part of, rather than apart from
the gathering
AUDIO FILE: Cynthia McKinney Speaking in Portland
Cynthia McKinney, Green Party presidential candidate, appeared in Portland this evening, November 12, 2007, for a fund raising event at the First Unitarian Church in Portland Oregon, speaking for about 10 minutes and then answering questions for about another 40 minutes.
A room of about 50 people gathered to hear her speak and question her concerning her perspective about many things. The first questioner asked how it affected her to be around characters like Dick Cheney, Don Rumsfeld and Condoleza Rice. Her answer was that she was not affected by them so much as trying to affect them.
She was questioned about many things, and thanked for her stand for 911 truth, being given a thank you card by a local 911 Truth organization, signed with many signatures from that group.
Her answers were to the point, no dodging, hedging or dancing around. Refreshing. I found her to be a real lady and well as a lady that's real. Here is an audio file, slightly edited, of the evening event.
Cynthia McKinney, RealPlayer
Cynthia McKinney, MP3
AUDIO FILE: Nazis Not Welcome! Unite Against Racism!
In response to a three day gathering of white supremacists in the Portland area, community members and anti-racists gathered at Lents Park in S.E. Portland, Oregon to voice their opposition to racism and fascism.
This event, attended by about 150 people, was moderated by Peter Little of the Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism and Fascism, which has called the Rally in opposition to the “Hammerfest,” a three day event subsequent to the Rally found to be taking place at a hotel in Sherwood, Oregon.
Founded this September, the Ad-Hoc Committee is dedicated to monitoring and opposing white supremacist groupings in Portland and beyond. As large neo-Nazi rallies have often been preceded by attacks on Jewish people and people of color, sexual minorities, as well as activists, the Ad-Hoc Committee wishes to work with community groups and people of good conscience who want to respond to fascist mobilization. “If we come together, the bigots don’t stand a chance,” says one committee member, “This rally is only a beginning.”
Peter makes some introductory remarks and introduced speakers with experience from many different fronts of the ongoing threats from and struggle against racism.
Peter speaks about the racist past of Portland and the people’s struggle to protect themselves from racism. He states that racism takes many faces, is not only the obvious skinheads and neo nazi types, but also, among others, anti-immigration organizations.
This is an ongoing theme throughout the Demonstration- that racism is insidious and is hidden all around us.
First to speak was Walidah Imarisha, a spoken word war-rior woman who fights the power with protest poetry. She speaks eloquently about how these groups have co-opted the language of the left, often sounding like environmentalists and other progressive groups. Walidah finishes by reciting one of her poems.
Next to speak was Claire Oliveros, of the Portland Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines, followed by Pablo, who spoke in Spanish with a translator about the Latin American economic conditions leading to immigration to the U.S.
Pablo was followed by Amy Dudley, of the Rural Organizing Project, who spoke at length about the various racist and anti-immigrant organizations. She gives much information about these groups, how they are organized and how they easily slip beneath the radar.
Mic Crenshaw, from the rap group Hungry Mob
Last to speak, briefly was Chris Francisco, an Indigenous speaker from the Native Youth Movement.
This file is about one hour in length.
No Racism, RealPlayer
No Racism, MP3
AUDIO FILE: Government Persecution of Progressive Groups
Audio from an event which took place at the First Unitarian Church on September 27, 2007.
The program for the evening was moderated by Alejandro Queral, Executive Director of Northwest Constitutional Rights Center
Alejandro spoke a little about his organization before introducing the speakers.
First to speak was Attorney Robert Meeropol, Executive Director of the Rosenberg Fund for Children and son of Ethel and Julius Rosenberg who were wrongfully executed in 1953 for conspiring to steal the secret of the atomic bomb.
The second speaker was Attorney Lauren Regan, Executive Director of the Civil Liberties Defense Center, a non-profit whose goal is to make the progressive social change movement stronger, more informed, and more effective by educating people about their rights,
defending activists from corporate and government attacks, and exposing and confronting the persistent erosion of civil liberties and the Bill of Rights.
Government Persecution, RealPlayer
Government Persecution, MP3
AUDIO FILE: S29 Rally in Portland Oregon
An audio file of the speakers from the S29 anti war Rally which took place in Portland Oregon on September 29, 2007.
The file features, for the most part, the entire presentations given by the various speakers, before, during and after the March from the NW Park Blocks to the World Trade Center. I think I missed part of the presentation by Ghourdz Eghtedari. and one speaker at the end.
The 30 minute or so file contains the two speakers from before the March, two during, and those after the March reached its destination.
S29 Rally, RealPlayer
S29 Rally, MP3
AUDIO FILE: Public Lands Protection Opportunities
The Forest Service is accepting comments until October 31 on its proposal to create six off-road playgrounds on Mt. Hood.
For those requiring assistance in preparing their comments, Bark is hosting a comment writing session in our Portland office. Bark staff will be on-hand to answer questions, explain the travel planning process, and provide the necessary resources to help you craft an effective response that the Forest Service will have to consider!
Tuesday, October 30th at 5:00 pm.
The U.S. Forest Service has just finalized their Travel
Planning Rule, which ignores any use but Off Highway Vehicles. They are
proposing 6 large playgrounds for the OHVs; 55,000 acres of Mt. Hood that will
be unsuitable for hiking, mountainbiking and horseriding access, not to mention
the loss of wildlife habitat.
AUDIO FILE: Reportback on Human "Dam" Blockade at PacifiCorp in Portland.
At noon today, August 14, 2007, three protesters blockaded the main entrance to PacifiCorp's headquarters in NE Portland Oregon, locking down to four 600 pound concrete barrels and demanding the removal of the Klamath River dams.
(Excerpted from the News media packet.)
"We're locked down to demonstrate our soldiarity with affected communities and the salmon of the Klamath River who are fighting for their health and survival," said WIll Munger, one of the blackaders. "We demand the immediate removal of PacifiCorp's dams."
Another blockader, Cedar Knoll, said, "PacifiCorp is a climate criminal and salmon killer living in the heart of Portland."
Continuing from the news media packet:
The protest follow the Convergence for Climate action which took place in Skamokawa, WA over the past week. Yesterday, protesters from the camp occupied the proposed Liquified Natural Gas terminal at Bradwood, Oregon for several hours. A simultaneous occupation took place in Asheville, North Carolina on Monday, where a Bank of America branch was shut down by protesters for its lead role in financing the coal industry."
And, Today in London an affiliated "Camp for Climate Action" begins just outside of Heathrow Airport, where two thousand participants plan to target airline industry giants profiteering amidst the climate crisis. The London gathering has garnered front page media attention across the UK, where more that 1800 police have been mobilized and anti-terrorism laws have been activated for the camp's surveillance.
I arrived late and missed the theater with hazmats suits and fake blood, intending to draw attention to the poisonous conditions on the Klamath River. But, I did arrive in time to interview three of those who were there, including two of the blockaders.
In one of the interviews, Will Munger speaks of conditions in Mexico, where similar outrages against the people are occurring. He urges people to go to the website, Root Force for more information.
Included in this report is an 8 minute audio file of the protest.
Human Dam Blockade, RealPlayer
AUDIO FILE: Interview with Agustin Aguayo at Anti-war Rally and March
AUDIO FILE: Presidential Candidate Dennis Kucinich Speaking In Portland
AUDIO FILE: Demonstration to Support Immigrant Rights
AUDIO FILE: The Case Against Liquid Natural Gas
AUDIO FILE: Road From Ar Ramadi
Tonight, June 22, 2007, Camilo Mejia, the first Conscientious Objector to walk off the front lines in Iraq spoke at the First Unitarian Church in Portland Oregon.
On May 21, 2004, a U.S. military court sentenced Staff Sergeant Camilo Mejia
Castillo of the Florida National Guard to the maximum penalty of one year's
imprisonment for desertion. He had refused to return to his unit in Iraq,
citing moral reasons, the legality of the war and the conduct of US troops
towards Iraqi civilians and prisoners.
Amnesty International considers him to be a prisoner of conscience,
imprisoned for his conscientious opposition to participating in war.
After a few brief introductory comments, Camilo Mejia read excerpts from his brand new book, "Road From Ar Ramadi"
Camilo joined the service at age 19, served as an infantryman for 8 years, was a staff sargant and squad leader. "I had done the training and had the knowledge and the expertise to do my job in Iraq."
Though trained to kill, and ignore the collateral damage of civilian casualties, he says that "there's no training to prepare one for that type of experience." He states further that "at 19 years of age we are not allowed to buy alcohol, yet when a young person decides not to participate in war they say that you knew what you were doing when you signed that contract."
He recounts numerous experiences in Ar Ramadi, witnessing abuse, and worse, of civilians.
The presentation is about 38 minutes in length.
Camilo Mejia, RealPlayer
Camilo Mejia, MP3
AUDIO FILE: Whose Streets?
This video and narration is not included in the audio report, though the video
itself is available on YouTube at:
Whose Streets, Video
AUDIO FILE: How Bush Drowned New Orleans and the Theft of 2008.
AUDIO FILE: Col. Ann Wright (Ret.) Speaking at Military Recruiters Protest in Portland.
This is an interview with Col. Ann Wright (ret.), a 29 year Army veteran and diplomat who resigned in opposition to the invasion of Iraq. She was in attendance at the Surge Brigade protest in front of the military recruiters offices on NE Broadway today, March 30, 2007.
Accompanying her were members of the Iraq Veterans Against the War,
Veterans for Peace, Chapter 72,
Code Pink Women for Peace,
911 Families for Peaceful Tomorrows,
and the Portland Peaceful Response Coalition.
Many members of the Portland Peace Community were also in attendance, about 30 people in total
I interviewed Ann Wright for about 8 minutes, and also include a 5 minute talk she gave to the crowd. Altogether the audio file is 13 minutes in length. The file begins with music from David Rovics
Col. Ann Wright, RealPlayer
Col. Ann Wright, MP3
AUDIO FILE: Lynne Steward Speaking in Portland
AUDIO FILE: RALPH NADER SPEAKING IN PORTLAND ABOUT HIS NEW BOOK 17 TRADITIONS
Ralph Nader was in Portland on February 13, 2007, appearing at the Baghdad Theater to speak about his new book, "17 Traditions."
"I've never written a book like this before, and I want to explain why I wrote it, in addition to being a love story, for my mom and dad and my sisters and brother. I wrote it because...if you are looking for active citizens to help you make a better country or community, after a while you run out of exhortations and you ask yourself, 'how do we get more active citizens?'"
"Sometimes you have a demonstration, you have a march, people come and they connect, or somebody has a tragedy and forms something like Mothers Against Drunk Drivers. Or they might come out of the Universities, perchance, having some sort of mission, whether in science, engineering, politics, economics, organizing, whatever. But it's never enough, there are never enough active citizens."
"And if you look at the generation of citizens who are active from the getgo, you go back to the family."
From here Nader speaks about the Family in America, how it has become "a political football," coming under tremendous "economic pressure, the separation hour after hour of the parents and the children, long commutes.....commercial pressure; we're in the first generation of systematic direct commercial marketing to little children, bypassing their parents and undermining parental authority....."
These remarks continue, criticizing what he calls, "corporate child molesters," leading up to the foundation for his book, the upbringing he received by his parents. As he states early on, "the quality of the world is traced to the quality of upbringing."
His parents arrived in America at age nineteen from Lebanon , having to learn a new culture and language, in great part from their children. "They had a tradition of reciprocity, their children of course immediately being born here....they taught the parents, and the parents integrated it into their own framework, ethical and advisory framework. And the tradition of reciprocity never left us."
Nader slowly goes through the 17 traditions by which he was raised., the first of which was learning to listen. His stories are close to his heart and therefore, I believe, will strike a resounding cord in anyone who listens to his words. Flush with anecdotes of life at home and brimming with love and respect for his parents, this presentation is much different than the usual Nader critique of government and society, though such criticism is at the heart of the need for these traditions.
He finishes with, "their strengths were my metabolism, they propelled me to try to reach as many people as I could, and to try to show them that most of our problems have solutions, if only people would give of themselves enough time to stand up and be counted. And if only some of us would stand up and lead. For the people do have the power, but only if they recognize it and take the time to apply it."
"That is the biggest IF in politics, isn't it? But that is the best reason for trying to make the flowers of Democracy bloom."
This presentation is about 45 minutes in length, including a brief exhortation by Greg Kafoury, a local lawyer and a close friend of Nader, urging folks to check out the documentary about Ralph Nader, An Unreasonable Man, which will be playing at Cinema 21 on NW 21st Avenue in Portland from March 2 through March 8.
And, many thanks to Will Seaman, who taped the event, from which this audio file was produced.
17 Traditions, RealPlayer
17 Traditions, MP3
AUDIO FILE: LT. EHREN WATADA SPEAKING IN SEATTLE, JANUARY 27, 2007
AUDIO FILE: US VETERANS SPEAK OUT AGAINST IRAQ OCCUPATION
AUDIO FILE: PORTLAND RALLY IN RESPONSE TO TROOP ESCALATION IN IRAQ
Will spoke harshly of the Presidents words on Tuesday, referring to when Bush took responsibility for the failures in Iraq. "If he would have accepted responsibility for not just the 3000 servicemen that he sent off to his great fun adventure in Middle Eastern dominance, but the 650,000 Iraqis who have died because of his criminal policy, I would say that would be accepting some responsibility."