You want to impeach this President, then you gotta elect these Democrats

Urgent message from Democracy for America, who is leading the charge to get Darcy Burner elected. This Thursday you will have a chance to get involved.

Here's the message:

Dear Jeff,

Join Thursday's
Emergency Meeting!
I'm in Bellevue, Washington working to win for Darcy Burner, and I need your help to do it.

Darcy is on the cusp of victory but she needs OUR HELP to win. This race is extremely close and David Reichert is running scared, so the National Republican Congressional Committee is pouring $400,000 into negative ads in an attempt to save Reichert and protect the Republican majority in Congress.

It's crunch time. Democrats need 15 seats to take back congress. DFA can put Darcy over the top, but not without your help. Can you attend an Emergency Volunteer Meeting Thursday?

Let me be clear. We will not win this race without a massive volunteer effort. We need to get your boots on the ground now.

The good news is that we have an emergency volunteer plan and a field program in place across the district that can win this election. We want to let you in on our Get Out The Vote strategy from here to Election Day and fill you in on all the juicy details of the campaign.

I held an Emergency Meeting last night which was a great success and connected many new DFA members to the campaign. But we can't reach the critical mass needed to win without YOU! Please come to our Emergency Meeting Thursday! It is urgent and important. I need you to be there.

Bellevue Regional Library
1111 110th Ave NE
Bellevue, WA 98005
Meeting Room 3

Google Map

Thursday, Nov 2
5:30 to 6:30pm

I look forward to meeting you!

Charles

Charles Chamberlain
Field Director
Local # (425) 454-0519

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Mexican armed forces destroying Oaxaca City to crush strikers' rebellion

This is urgent, folks. Call your Senators and Congressmen and demand an end to this murderous rage by the Mexican military and polcie state against the innocent people of Oaxaca City.

Here's the link to NYC Indymedia. Bookmark it, and email it to your friends. Their coverage of this nightmare is in realtime.

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Revolutionary songwriter David Rovics on the death of Brad Will

This message comes to us from David Rovics, whose Halliburton Boardroom Massacre is one of the finest albums available anywhere on the constant struggle of working people in today's screwed up world. He knew Brad Will, and sent this to all his fans to let them know what kind of person Brad was.

brad will was a dear friend, and a true revolutionary. he died the way countless and uncounted numbers of beautiful people have died in recent centuries -- he was shot in the chest by rightwing paramilitaries. he was filming the scene around one of thousands of barricades that have shut down oaxaca city since last june, when the governor there tried to ban public expressions of dissent, thus throwing one more historical spark into one more historical powder keg.

brad embodied the spirit of indymedia. he was not just covering stories that the "mainstream" press ignores, such as the exciting, violent revolutionary moment which has gripped oaxaca for several months now. brad was not risking his life to get a good shot of a confrontation at a barricade because he might get a photo on the cover of a newspaper, get some (perhaps well-deserved) fame and money -- he was posting his communiques on indymedia, for free.

sure, brad was filming in order to cover history. but he was there also to make history. brad knew that a camera is a weapon, or hopefully a shield of some sort, and sometimes can serve to de-escalate a situation, to protect people from being violated, beaten, killed. and brad knew that if the independent media didn't document history, nobody else would.

brad deeply appreciated the power of music and culture. if he didn't have a camera in his hands, he often had a guitar. during some of his many travels around latin america he wrote emails to me about the musicians he met, with whom he shared my songs and recordings. he particularly liked my song "saint patrick battalion," and reportedly shared his rendition of it with lots of people. he would not live to know just how much his life and death would resemble the san patricios, who died fighting for mexico during the first u.s. invasion of that country in the 1840's.

through all brad did and saw on large swaths of three different continents, he somehow continually brought with him a boundless enthusiasm and obvious love of life, love, a good party, or a good riot. he was my favorite kind of person, my favorite kind of revolutionary -- the sort who is just as comfortable talking about revolutionary theory, current events, music, relationships or smoking a bowl on a manhattan rooftop at sunset. the kind of person who is alive, in mind, body and spirit, in equal proportions.

brad became a radical long before it was briefly fashionable in the u.s. (with the wto protests in seattle), and long since it became unfashionable there (september 11th, 2001). the kinds of tactics and politics that the global justice movement became briefly known for were practiced by people like brad in the squatters' movement in new york city and the radical environmental movement on the west coast in the 1990's. brad was in both places and many more. brad was somewhere near the ground floor of many other more recent anarchist institutions -- food not bombs, critical mass, reclaim the streets, guerrilla gardening, indymedia. he saw the connections, deeply understood the concept of "the commons," and went for it, as an activist, a videojournalist, a musician and a cheerleader.

i never knew brad's last name until he was murdered. for me he was just brad. in my cell phone he was "brad nyc" (to distinguish him from another good friend named brad, who lives in baltimore). i don't remember talking with him much about his past, where he grew up, how he became a revolutionary, though we may have talked about that sort of thing. but generally i saw him in the course of events, whether it was a film showing/concert on a brooklyn rooftop, a land occupation in the bronx, or, just as often, a large demonstration against an evil financial institution somewhere in the world.

i've sung at many such events, and brad has been at most of them -- and he's been present at many which i didn't make it to. they're all such a blur, i don't remember which ones anymore. but the many encounters always start out with a warm smile and a hug, and usually involve some kind of chaos going on, with brad comfortably in the middle of it. sometimes -- all too rarely, i suddenly realize -- the encounters would continue after the chaos subsided, and we could be in a quiet place with a small group of people, chilling and talking about life, my favorite bits.

there have been many debates about whether it is more useful to organize large events or to focus on community organizing locally. whether to focus on recording history or making it. whether to educate or to act. whether to have a party or have a meeting. brad clearly decided that the correct answer is "all of the above." the reality of this is easy to demonstrate -- talk to anybody in new york city involved with just about any aspect of the progressive movement. it's a city of 8 million people, but if they are serious participants in the more grassroots end of the movement, they know brad. though they may not have known his last name. he's just brad, the tall, thin guy with long hair who is often flashing a warm, gentle smile with a compassionate, intelligent glint in his eye. he's often described with a connector like "brad from indymedia" or "brad from more gardens" or "brad the musician."

i haven't seen him in a while. several months at least. but suddenly i miss him so much. i miss hanging out with him in the lower east side, chilling at his place there, swapping stories. i miss the rejuvinating warmth of his presence. i miss the unspoken, mutual admiration. i miss the feeling that i was in the presence of someone who so deeply felt his connection to the world. the feeling that here was someone who would die for me, and me for him, no questions asked. and now, like so many others before him, he's done just that.

like all of the rest of us, over the generations his memory will fade and eventually disappear. but for those of us alive today who had the honor of being one of brad's large circle of friends, his memory will be with us painfully, deeply, lovingly, until we all join him beneath the ground -- hopefully only after each of us has managed to have the kind of impact on each other, on the movement, and the world that brad surely had in his short 36 years.


[To be removed from my email list just reply to this message and tell me to unsubscribe you.]

David Rovics
www.davidrovics.com
www.soundclick.com/davidrovics
www.myspace.com/davidrovics

DRovics@aol.com
(617) 872-5124
P.O. Box 300995
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
U$A

Halliburton Boardroom Massacre CD/DVD now in a store near you, distributed throughout North America and Europe! Please go to your local record store and make sure they have some in stock! If they don't, they can order copies through Caroline Distribution -- www.caroline.com (EMI).

Halliburton Boardroom Massacre World Tour happening now! Check out www.davidrovics.com for more information!

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Brad Will's last communique

Here it is, the last dispatch from a witness on the front line of the global class war. Think of the friends and the families that this man leaves behind, and the good work he helped make possible, as you read this.

Death in Oaxaca by Brad Will early dawn, oct16

yesterday i went for a walk with the good people of oaxaca -- was walking all day really -- in the afternoon they showed me where the bullets hit the wall -- they numbered the ones they could reach -- it reminded me of the doorway of amadou diallos home -- but here the grafitti was there before the shooting began -- one bullet they didnt number was still in his head -- he was 41 years old -- alejandro garcia hernandez -- at the neighborhood barricade every night -- that night he came out to join his wife and sons to let an ambulance through -- then a pickup tried to follow -- he took their bullet when he told them they could not pass -- they never did -- these military men in civilian dress shot their way out of there

a young man who wanted to only be called marco was with them when the shooting happened -- a bullet passed through his shoulder -- he was clearly in shock when we met -- 19 years old -- said he hadnt told his parents yet -- said he had been at the barricade every night -- said he was going back as soon as the wound closed -- absolutely

just days before there was a delegation of senators visiting to determine the ungovernability of the state -- they got a taste -- the call went out to shut down the rest of the government -- dozens went walking out of the zocalo city center with big sticks and a box full of spray paint -- they took control of 3 city buses and went around the city all morning visiting local government buildings and informing them that that they were closed -- and we appreciate your voluntary cooperation -- and they filed out preturbed but still getting paid -- shut -- as they pulled away from the last stop 3 gunmen came out and started shooting -- 2 buses had already pulled away -- mayhem -- 10 minute battle with stones and slingshots and screaming -- one headwound -- another through the leg -- made their way to the hospital while the fighting continued -- shout out on the radio and people came from all parts -- the gunmen were around the side of the building -- they got away -- they were inside -- no one sure -- watchful -- undercover police were reported lurking around the hospital and folks went running to stand watch over the wounded

what can you say about this movement -- this revolutionary moment -- you know it is building, growing, shaping -- you can feel it -- trying desperately for a direct democracy -- in november appo will have a state wide conference for the formation of a state wide assemblea estatal del pueblo de oaxaca (aepo) -- now there are 11 of 33 states in mexico that have declared formation of assemblea populares like appo -- and on la otra lado in the usa a few -- the marines have returned to sea even though the federal police who ravaged atenco remain close by -- the new encampment in mexico has begun a hunger strike -- the senate can expell URO -- whats next nobodies sure -- it is a point of light pressed through glass -- ready to burn or show the way -- it is clear that this is more than a strike, more than expulsion of a governor, more than a blockade, more than a coalition of fragments -- it is a genuine peoples revolt -- and after decades of pri rule by bribe, fraud, and bullet the people are tired -- they call him the tyrant -- they talk of destroying this authoritarianism -- you cannot mistake the whisper of the lancandon jungle in the streets -- in every street corner deciding together to hold -- you see it their faces -- indigenous, women, children -- so brave -- watchful at night -- proud and resolute

went walking back from alejandros barricade with a group of supporters who came from an outlying district a half hour away -- went walking with angry folk on their way to the morgue -- went inside and saw him -- havent seen too many bodies in my life -- eats you up -- a stack of nameless corpes in the corner -- about the number who had died -- no refrigeration -- the smell -- they had to open his skull to pull the bullet out -- walked back with him and his people

and now alejandro waits in the zocalo -- like the others at their plantones -- hes waiting for an impasse, a change, an exit, a way forward, a way out, a solution -- waiting for the earth to shift and open -- waiting for november when he can sit with his loved ones on the day of the dead and share food and drink and a song -- waiting for the plaza to turn itself over to him and burst -- he will only wait until morning but tonight he is waiting for the governor and his lot to never come back -- one more death -- one more martyr in a dirty war -- one more time to cry and hurt -- one more time to know power and its ugly head -- one more bullet cracks the night -- one more night at the barricades -- some keep the fires -- others curl up and sleep -- but all of them are with him as he rests one last night at his watch

Categories: World News, Revolution, Media Activism

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Independent journalist Brad Will murdered in Oaxaca

Here's the latest Oaxaca update from friend and colleague and local Wobbly activist Arthur Miller, from a Press Release about the attack.

October 28, 2006, 12:40 a.m. Contact:
Beka Economopoulos, (917) 202-5479
Brandon Jourdan, (646) 342-8169
Eric Laursen, (917) 806-6452

WILLIAM BRADLEY ROLAND, U.S. JOURNALIST/CAMERMAN, KILLED BY OAXACA PARAMILITARIES ­ KILLER ID'D - ACTIONS BEING PLANNED IN U.S.

William Bradley Roland, aka Brad Will, a U.S. journalist and camerman, was shot and killed yesterday in Oaxaca, Mexico, by paramiliaries affiliated with the PRI, the former Mexican ruling party. Will was in Oaxaca covering the continued resistance of teachers and other workers against the PRI-controlled government of the State of Oaxaca. According to reports from New York City Independent Media Center and La Jornada, Will, 36, was shot at the Santa Lucia Barricade from a distance of 30-40 meters in the pit of the stomach by plainclothes paramilitaries and died while enroute to the Red Cross.

Centro de Medias Libres (http://vientos.info/cml) in Mexico City reports that from Will's recovered videiotapes, they have identified his killer as a paramilitary named Pedro Carmona, ex-president of Felipe Carrillo Puerto de Santa Lucia del Camino, a colonia in Oaxaca.

At last report, Will was one of five people who died in the last day, along with 17 wounded, as paramilitaries and federal police poured in to retake the city, according to Centro de Medias Libres. The city had been in the hands of the workers for five months. Will is the first American to be killed in the months-long confrontation. A longtime journalist and activist, he covered land occupations in the Pacific Northwest of the U.S., direct actions and rebellions in Argentina and Ecuador, land occupations in Brazil, and anti-privatization struggles in Bolivia. He was a much-beloved figure in the global justice movement in the U.S. and leaves behind many grieving friends.

Friends of Brad in the U.S. will be calling actions in the next day to demand that the U.S. State Department press the Mexican government to investigate Brad's murder and address the terroristic regime that made it possible. Additionally, they will press for solidarity in the U.S. with the Mexican movement for social justice that Brad gave his life to document in Oaxaca.

Categories: World News, Revolution, Media Activism

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Help elect a progressive legislature with Progressive Majority!

This is the text of an email I just received from Progressive Majority. If you've never heard of them, they're a great organization working to build a progressive movement that gets working family friendly legislators elected around the country. You really need to read this message and respond by getting involved. Of course, Progressive Majority is a direct competitor to my organization, America in Solidarity, by I'm okay with a little competition, as long as it results in folks getting involved in the political process. Check it out, and get active. Your democracy requires it!

Have a few hours to help Washington Progressives?

Dear Jeff,

Do you have a few extra hours to spare?

It is only 11 days to Election Day and our Progressive Majority candidates need your help TODAY!

This Election is in Your Hands… Volunteer today!
People make the critical difference in politics and we need your help to achieve a Progressive Majority!

Are you willing to give a few hours to help our candidates? Making phone calls? Doorbelling? Passing out literature? We can accommodate day and evening schedules.

And, we can plug you in wherever you live - in Seattle, the peninsula, the Eastside, Spokane, Vancouver, or other communities statewide.

Please call us today at (206) 443-5566 or email egliss@progressivemajority.org to help.

Why We Can't Go Back
The last time the state senate was controlled by the conservatives-

* They cut 40,000 children of state-run health care;
* They gutted the state's unemployment system;
* They passed a charter school bill; and
* They filed no fewer than 13 bills to decimate the state's minimum wage.

We must fight to protect the gains progressives have made in Washington since 2003-2004 and continue to expand our opportunities to make progress. With more progressives in office and in leadership, we can have the kind of government in Washington that reflects our values:

* Progressives will provide women birth control and the morning-after pill;
* Progressives will expand the basic health plan to cover all children;
* Progressives will develop creative solutions around health care;
* Progressives will clean-up the Puget Sound;
* Progressives will finally change the supermajority requirement on school levies – and much more!

Call us today at (206) 443-5566 or email egilliss@progressivemajority.org if you can help. We'll help get you placed where you can do the most good.

Dean M. Nielsen
Washington State Director
Progressive Majority

Help Us Build a Progressive Majority: We're building a progressive network of candidates, activists and friends. Tell five friends about Progressive Majority's work and email list and help us build the movement across the country!

Support Progressive Majority: Progressive Majority is on the ground, working with progressive candidates and campaigns to make sure they have the skills and knowledge to win! Your support of Progressive Majority can make all the difference in ensuring we have qualified candidates running for office.

Categories: Free & Fair Elections, Politics - Local

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Suzanne Swift's mother speaks to her son and to the nation

A letter to my Son and to my Nation

Dear Jake,

I know it has been very difficult for you to watch me work night and day to protect your sister, Suzanne, and the hundreds of other people sexually abused and harassed in the military. It has been hard, but nothing compares to the stress we went through when Suzanne was in Iraq for that very long year. I watch your face as Suzanne tells her stories of being in Iraq and being shot at more times that she can count. You have been so strong and loving through this all. For a 12 year old boy you are very compassionate and intelligent. I was so proud of you for wearing your "Impeach Bush and Cheney" shirt today and that you want to be V from "V for Vendetta" for halloween. It makes me smile to know you have a mind to see what has to be done in our nation to begin to regain some national pride.

You have heard my story about watching the movie "Sir, No Sir" and how it slammed my heart to hear the story of the Vietnam Veteran and how he was 11 when he watched the beginning of the Vietnam invasion on television. By the time he was 18, he was drafted and fighting against the Vietnamese. This had a very deep and real impact on me. I was thinking that you, my loving, gentle, basketball playing boy could in 6 short years be drafted to fight a possible World War 3. I thought, there
is no way in hell my son is going to be forced to kill. And even if there is a "noble cause", we all will know the history. I tell my friends about this very possible future. They who sit by while I rant, rave and take to the streets daily to work for peace, refusing to be silent. They reply that they will just take their child to Canada or New Zealand. Can you imagine my anger at this elitist way of thinking? Not only is it elitist but it is faulty. Canada is not taking our young people anymore. Our AWOL soldiers are being sent back to face court martial for standing up and saying no to this illegal and immoral genocide, supported by our corrupt government.

I attended the opening of Arlington West in Olympia, Washington last week. As I was placing the symbolic headstones for our fallen soldiers on their spikes, my heart broke. Not only for the soldiers, many of them 19 and 20, but for the mothers, fathers, wives, husbands and children that are being left behind. My worst fear when my daughter Suzanne was in Iraq for an entire year was that I would get the official
military notification visit that my friends Cindy and Carlos & Melida describe with such painful clarity. As I placed each headstone tears began to stream down my face as I whispered, "So sorry buddy, so sorry." At times I can't sleep because I think about what more can I personally do to bring the troops home now. And what can I do NOW to keep my son from being drafted and sent to the very likely start of World War 3. How can we heal the middle east and let them establish the type of community
structure that works for them. Let's stop funding Israel and start funding medical care and education for every child. I tell you Jake, you are lucky you have health care and a bright future. I am working everyday to ensure that you have every opportunity to grow and thrive.

After the struggle I have had trying to get our elected officials to really help your sister to be treated fairly and justly, I realized something very scary and profound. Hearing about the congressional abuses of power to exploit minors and their subsequent cover ups, and reading the book, "The Franklin Cover-Up" by John W. Decamp, I realized that our nation does not value our children. As evolved, powerful and wealthy as we proclaim we are, our lack of action belies our words. Starting with poor prenatal care, to the lack of funding for our nations schools, and allowing the US military to have access to our children and prey upon them by lying to them in order to enlist them. Our elected officials seem only to respond to numbers, dollars and statistics. Who is covering up for whom? How can we be allowing this flagrant disregard for our children to continue? Jake, can you imagine some of your
friends who do not have the financial options that you do being sent to war in 6 years? Look around your school or at your buddies on your basketball team. Can you imagine Malik, Tristan or Keidran being sent over to war? I know you understand why I am doing this and why I spend so many weekends away trying to raise awareness and increase the number of people singing and screaming in our choir so we can start protecting our children.

Once again, our nation is turning it's back on our children and soldiers. Why is it that a child can enlist and be sent off to kill before they are 21 yet they are not allowed to drink alcohol? If our Nation truly wanted to protect our children, why don't we raise the enlistment age to 21. At least by then the frontal lobes of the brain have begun to connect and some level of maturity has started to surface. I think this is criminal to allow these predators into our schools to seduce and lie to our children.

Children are our most precious resource, NOT OIL. We have to stop our addiction to oil. By investing in alternative energy solutions we can stop the war/oil mongering that is running our country into a financial and spiritual nightmare. I would rather give up my car forever than risk your precious life for oil. We have passed the 2,800 US soldiers to have died now in this illegal and immoral conflict. How many more of our children are going to be sacrificed? Why are our Congressional Representatives and Senators not working day and night to Impeach Bush and Cheney? Or even better: to bring our troops home now and take care of them when they get here! You know I have been working hard to get your sister out of the military where she was allowed to be sexually used and abused by her superior officers. I want her to have the benefits
that the recruiter told her she would receive for serving her country. It almost seems unfair for me to work so hard for these benefits when the VA is swamped and denying claims left and right. They do not have the resources to provide for the physical and mental devastation that is being inflicted upon the Iraq Veterans. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is at an epidemic high for our Veterans. Depleted Uranium poisoning is not widely known about. Why aren't we interviewing these families who are having deformed babies resulting from their soldier parents exposure to
illegal chemical weapons?

By getting people to see that this is affecting them right now, I am hoping to motivate them to action. To write letters to their editorial boards and elected officials. These officials took an oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States. Hold them to this oath with daily vigor. Support groups like Gold Star families for Peace, MilitaryFamilies Speak Out , Vets for Peace, Iraq Veterans
Against the War and Codepink. Or help our war resisters, Ricky, Darrell, Mark, Kyle, Agustin, Melanie, Kevin, Camilo, Catherine and Ehren. They are all heroes in my book.

We have to help our nation and world move away from the religions and politics that divide us and move towards seeing our common divine humanity. After reading Sam Harris's book, "Letter to a Christian Nation" it was clear that this shift is one of the most vital moves we can make to create peace and social change for our lives and the generations to follow. This type of evolutionary process is happening in small
ways all over our country and it is time to support it with all our hearts.

I want to give you hope, Jake. I want you to believe in our country and trust that a government official would not lie or manipulate you. I want you to grow old in a peaceful world where we value our children and make war mongering extinct, instead of destroying our civilization. Along with your sister being free and healthy living a life full of love and laughter, I want you to be in college and playing
basketball for the Tarheels in 6 years, not being drafted and fighting World War 3.

Peace, everyday it is our goal~

Love,
Mom,
aka Sara Rich
aka the proud mom of Suzanne, Sonja, Brandy and Jake.

P.S. Suzanne's attorney just called. He is flying out to do pretrial work in December and court martial is tentatively set sometime in January. We will keep you posted.

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Buy Webster Tarpley's "9/11: Synthetic Terror" and then see the author in Seattle

Webster Tarpley is one of the foremost experts on covert operations and false flag terrorism, as we saw happen to the US on 9/11. His latest book, "9/11: Synthetic Terror - Made in the USA" is the number one book of its kind and comes highly recommended. Robert Steele, the #1 Reviewer at amazon.com, gives this book his highest rating.

I would urge everyone who wants to know more about what happened to us on 9/11, and who wants to find out who's responsible for that crime, to purchase this book.

Whether you buy the book or not, you absolutely must go to Seattle and see Webster Tarpley live in person this October 28th. Click "Read More!" to see all the details:

JOIN US FOR A PUBLIC FORUM

Saturday Evening, October 28th

9/11: Search for Truth

Trinity United Methodist Church, Ballard (co-sponsor)
6512 23rd Ave. NW (NW 65th & 23rd NW)
7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Doors Open at 6:00 p.m.
Admission $10

Tickets will be sold at the door and thru Brown Paper Tickets

Moderated by Richard Curtis, Ph.D., and Presentations by

Morgan Reynolds, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Economics, Texas A&M & former Chief Economist for the Department of Labor for President George W. Bush: "Proof 9/11 Was an Inside Job"

Judy Wood, Ph.D., Mechanical Engineer (with degrees in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Engineering Mechanics, and Materials Engineering Science): "How Indeed did the WTC Disintegrate"

and "Recent Updates on Whistleblower Revelations" by Wayne Madsen, investigative journalist, author of "Jaded Tasks: Brass Plates, Black Ops & Big Oil, The Blood Politics of George Bush & Co."

(booksigning at 6:00 p.m.)
Forum Questioners will include: Representatives from mainstream media, scientific community, and local activist community, plus an Audience Q & A

Check for updates at
www.seattle911visibilityproject.org

Affiliated websites:
www.911truth.org www.scholarsfor911truth.org www.mujca.com www.911truthgroups.org

Categories: 9/11 Truth, Local Events, Recommended Reads

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Tell the TNT their endorsement of Reichert is total crap

This is your chance, voters, to tell your local corporate rag how much you think they suck. They can go ahead and support candidates who will continue to let the President torture and murder innocent civilians, and let the corporate criminals who do the torturing off without any accountability whatsoever, but we the People should express our outrage at this policy.

Darcy Burner may be young and inxeperienced, but she's a damn sight better than a camera-hungry Sheriff who cares more about good press than he does about doing the right thing, and holding the bad guys accountable for their crimes. George Bush is no better, in this humble writer's opinion, than Gary Ridgeway was five years into his killing spree. It's time we told the TNT what we think of their right-wing coddling of this crappy Congress. (And donated to Darcy's campaign!)

Here's my letter, in full:

"The Tribune's endorsement of Dave Reichert for Congress makes no sense. In his most recent votes, he has given the President total immunity from prosecution for illegally wiretapping Americans without warrants, for torturing detainees and holding them indefinitely without charge, and throughout his tenure in Congress has sat back and said nothing while Halliburton and other contractors steal BILLIONS in Iraq and New Orleans, all while business and government whistleblowers continue scream out loudly about this.

Reichert may be considered moderate by the editors of the TNT, who consider borrowing hundreds of billions of dollars from the Social Security Trust Fund to pay for unnecessary wars and tax cuts for billionaires "conservative", but this fiscally conservative liberal finds that position insane.

More likely, the editors of the TNT see having one "conservative" Republican in Western Washington as a good way of pleasing their wealthy, right-wing advertisers who are loath to see a Democratic Congress in charge in Washington. I think the TNT should listen to the people who subscribe to their paper instead and support a candidate who will actually work to investigate the crimes of the Administration and their corporate cronies. This election is about two words: subpeona power, and possibly one other word that the TNT is highly unlikely to mention: impeachment."

Categories: Local News, Politics - Local, Media Criticism

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Urgent message from teachers in Oaxaca, Mexico

At the Pierce County Central Labor Council, one of the delegates brought the situation of our fellow workers down in Oaxaca to our attention. The military and the government down there are very close to declaring all-out war on the striking teachers and their supporters, so it's up to us to put the pressure on. Please send cards, letters, phone calls and emails to your representatives in Washington, to urge them to stop this senseless violence, and to call for a peaceful end to this strike.

While you're on the phone, you can also call officials and media people in Mexico. They'd love to hear from you. Arthur Miller of Tacoma IWW and the Tacoma Leonard Peltier Support Group has this urgent update:

Greetings friends, 10.18.06


There has been a turn for the worse today, following a relative calm that followed the surge in attention on Oaxaca two weeks ago. The teacher's union, Seccion 22 and the coalition of popular support, APPO, have barricaded the city with renewed intensity in the face of another murder of a movement leader tonight, and the killing 4 days ago of a young man manning a barricade. The local PRI members in support of Ruiz have distributed machetes to hired thugs to clear the barricades.

CONTACT HUMAN RIGHTS ORGANIZATIONS- We are asking that you contact Human Rights organizations at this crucial moment to stop the ongoing murder of movement members and in response to the renewed threat of military intervention in Oaxaca. Contacting NPR and Democracy Now has been effective, also the Washington Post. CNN did show up.

SENATE DECIDES AGAINST THE PEOPLE- After sending 3 senators to Oaxaca to "judge governability" the Mexican senate has now declared it cannot legally decide for or against the elected official, Ulises Ruiz, the governor the people oppose.

HUNGER STRIKE- Some of the Oaxacan teachers who walked 19 days to demonstrate in front of the Senate in Mexico City have started a hunger strike. The original 5000 have been joined by another 3000. There has been enthusiastic support for the caravan the entire route, and the group swelled to 30,000 enthusiastic supporters the time the teachers reached the Senate building.

ONGOING MURDERS- Another movement leader was shot and killed tonight, a young man quarding one of the barricades was shot 4 nights ago. ID of a federal policeman was found at the scene, with military shells. 9 unarmed members of the movement have been killed since June 14.

PRISON REMODELING- The Tlacoluca prison in Oaxaca valley has been "remodeled" to double its capacity. The work project is nearly complete.

MOVEMENT SPREADING- Guerrero, Michoacan, and the state of Mexico now have active people's movements of their own, and in Los Angeles, CA there is an APPO in solidarity, and growing international support as information gets out.

A PIVOTAL MOMENT occurred last week when 16 representatives from the 16 Indigenous Communities of Oaxaca, accompanied by the artist Francisco Toledo who is Zapotec, appeared at negotiations with the government. With 70% of the population of Oaxaca Indigenous, specifically Indigenous issues are increasingly surfacing.

The CITIZEN'S INITIATIVE of DIALOGUE for PEACE, DEMOCRACY, and JUSTICE in OAXACA- Citizens are actively defining Oaxaca's future post-Ulises: 1. New Democracy and Governability in Oaxaca, 2. Social Economics and Solidarity, 3. New Educational System in Oaxaca, 4. Harmony, Justice and Social Equity, 5 Historical, Cultural and Natural Heritage, 6. Media at the service of the community.

Thank you to everyone who has rallied in support of Oaxaca. There was a tremendous and effective response to the last threat of imminant military intervention. We are facing another one now. This chess game is on; you can see that for every move there is a counter-move. The people continue to be amazingly resilient and creative in their responses, but they are also angry and frustrated. The government, both state and federal have their backs against the wall. There is such a reality gap between government and the people that real negotiation is not occurring. Irratic violence is increasing alongside the renewed and open threat of organized military intervention. Please keep us in your prayers.

Thank you,
Ann Miller Frances

Human Rights Watch: www.hrw.org/contact.html.
www.amnesty.org
www.washingtonpost
mail@democracynow.org
http://www.refdesk.com lists direct contacts for mainstream media on
their front page under NEWS SOURCES (BBC, NPR, CNN, AP, etc.). They each have a "contact us" somewhere on their main page.
NYTnews@nytimes.com
editor@wiredmag.com
themail@newyorker.com
editor@utne.com
letters@thenation.com
letters@harpers.com

There was a cyber blitz on these gentlemen, but you may be able to get through now:
Secretary of Government: Carlos Abascal:
SECRETARIO DE GOBERNACIÓN
FAX + 55 50 93 34 14,
cabascal@segob.gov.mx
President Elect Felipe Calderon Hinojosa:
felipe@felipe.org.mx

DR. JOSÉ LUIS SOBERANES
President of the National Comnission on Human Rights/
Presidente de la Comision Nacional de Derechos Humanos
FAX + 55 56 81 71 99,
correo@cndh.gob.mx

DANIEL CABEZA DE VACA
PROCURADOR GENERAL DE LA REPÚBLICA
FAX: +55 53460908,
ofproc@pgr.gob.mx
Lic. Ulises Ruiz Ortiz
Governor of the State of Oaxaxa/Gobernador del Estado de Oaxaca
Fax: 011 52 951 5020530
gobernador@oaxaca.gob.mx

Vicente Fox Quesada
(Presidencia, Los Pinos)
Telephone:
011 52 (55) 2789 1100
011 52 (55) 18 7501 Atencion Ciudadana
Fax: (55) 52 77 23 76
vicente.fox.quesada@presidencia.gob.mx
There is a list of Mexican consulates in the US and Canada at http://elenemigocomun.net/128 though i've heard from several people that the consulates have been unresponsive:
Portland- 503 274 1442
San Francisco- 415 354 1700

Reliable current and background information:

-APPO
www.asambleapopulardeoaxaca.com
-La Jornada
www.jornada.unam.mx
articles daily in Spanish
-Democracy Now
http://www.democracynow.org
Oct 4 article: http://www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid=06/10/04/1428217
-Progressive Independent
www.progressiveindependent.com
Oct 4 article: http://www.progressiveindependent.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=44834&mesg_id=44834
-Moviemiento Socialismo
www.movimientoalsocialismo.com
-Amnesty International
amnesty.org
Aug 26 http://www.amnestyusa.org/regions/americas/document.do?id=ENGAMR410422006
-Upside Down World
upsidedownworld.org
Sept 11 article: http://upsidedownworld.org/main/content/view/426/1/
-Narco Newswww.narconews.com
-Radio APPO: Radio en Linea: http://elenemigocomun.net/133, http://elenemigocomun.net
-Oaxaca solidarity list: http://lists.riseup.net/www/info/oaxaca
-Oaxaca Facing Imminent Attack: http://elenemigocomun.net/127
-Daily Kos
http://www.dailykos.com
-Contra G8
http://contrag8.revolt.org
-Google
Google Alerts
-Organization Indigenous For Human Rights in Oaxaca/
Organizaciones Indias Por Los Derechos Humanos en Oaxaca- OIDHO -
Capulines #4B Prolongación Buenavista
Col. Forestal
Santa María Atzompa, Oaxaca, México
C.P. 71 220
tel.: 951 54 91916
e-mail: oidho@yahoo. com.mx

Categories: Revolution, Organized Labor, World News, Workers' Rights

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Aaron Dixon arrested - debate is weaker for it

Well, the Man chose to exclude Aaron Dixon from the televised debates last night, opting instead to have him arrested and carted off the premises in a police cruiser.

Here are some links to blogs and/or news sites that wrote about the incident:

An early report
This one has video
The libertarian perspective
NWCN's coverage
KOMO News
Seattle Times
Kudos from a supporter
And the Stranger

All I can say is, "Go Aaron, Go Aaron!" This is a war, people. A war against the poor and the middle class of this country, and a war against human life and a sustainable economy in Iraq. Maria Cantwell actually highlighted in her closing statement her pride in voting for CAFTA for God sakes. The woman doesn't give a damn about the ordinary farmer, or the ordinary Washingtonian. She cares about one thing: money.

I say let's all rush the next one, and flush this whole steaming mainstream media crap-fest down the toilet bowl.

And how about those questioners? Was every single one of them from the establishment media? Yes. Not one college radio host or independent media professional. This is why Americans vote in such pathetically poor numbers. They don't trust the process to be fair and open.

All I can really say is thank you to Bruce Guthrie, for having the stones to put his house on the line to get into that debate. Hopefully he peels some votes off both candidates.

As for Aaron, I'd like to know if they kept him overnight, and if so, have they turned him over to the CIA and is he halfway to Syria by now?

Categories: Local News, Politics - Local, Local Events, Free & Fair Elections

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Dahr Jamail on the new Iraqi death figures

In his latest piece for truthout.org, Dahr highlights the Lancet Study, criticism to it by supposed anti-war group, Iraq Body Count (IBC) and reactions to it from people actually in Iraq.

Here's a quote from a human rights advocate in Iraq:

This is a mayday call to all colleagues around the world to STOP writing about the Iraqi issue without having enough information from reliable sources. People are getting killed here and the country is virtually dying and it is not so human to rob the dead! IBC supposedly worked to correct the number of Iraqis killed because of the US occupation of Iraq. All I saw in this violent attack upon The Lancet was a harsh offensive that adds the killing of truth to whatever number of killings that actually took place by gunfire and bombs.

Dahr Jamail is a Project Censored Award-winning journalist who dropped his comfortable life in the US and moved to Iraq to provide honest coverage of the nightmare that was taking place there. His reporting has appeared in In These Times, Democracy Now! and truthout.org, and you can read everything he's written in the last three years over at his website: www.dahrjamailiraq.com

If you like what you read, check out this interview I did earlier in the year with Dahr. In addition to Iraq, we also discuss the complicity of the corporate media in the rush to war and the failure of the corporate media to expose the truth behind the 9/11 attacks. Let me know what you think.

Categories: War & Peace, Alternative Media

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Support Aaron Dixon - protest exclusionary debates!

*REMINDER! PLEASE BE THERE TOMORROW*

Dear Aaron Dixon supporters,

If there is one thing that you do this week to support the Dixon
campaign, let
it be this:

*WHAT*
A demonstration to protest Aaron Dixon's exclusion from the KING-5 U.S.
Senate debates.

*WHERE*
Denny Park in Seattle, right across the street from KING-5 Studios
100 Dexter Ave N
Seattle, WA 98109

*WHEN*
Tuesday, October 17 at 1:30 PM

*WHO*
You, along with all other supporters of a democracy that is not up for
sale.

We will gather in the park and then march across the street to KING-5
studios.

If you are within driving distance of Seattle, please join us!

Aram Falsafi
for the Aaron Dixon for US Senate campaign
_______________________________________________
Aarondixon-volunteers mailing list
Aarondixon-volunteers@dixon4senate.com
http://two.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/aarondixon-volunteers

Categories: Politics - Local, Media Activism

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Civil Rights Attorney wins her freedom

The war sure isn't over, but in this battle, Lynne Stewart came out on top. The judge gave her a light sentence, which in my opinion is way too harsh for what she is alleged to have done (served as a communications hub for terrorist detainees), but it's way better than what she could have got, which was thirty years in the pokey.

Considering she's out on bail awaiting appeal, this is very good news for democracy and the rule of law, not to mention Lynne and her friends and family.

And the progressive movement for change in this country should rejoice. It's not every day we get a victory like this one. Every honest defender of human rights not locked up in prison is a champion for the causes we all believe in able to continue using their voices and their bodies to effect change. I would urge everyone reading this post to go to Democracy Now! and read the transcript of her interview today, or watch and/or listen to the interview yourself. This woman is truly one of the good guys.

And for John Ashcroft and "Torture Boy" Gonzalez and the rest of these autocratic assclowns, I hope they lose every important case in the courts from here until the fall of the House of Bush.

If you, like me, are glad this courageous woman is still a free woman, why not drop her a line and tell her how proud you are of her for defending those who cannot defend themselves? She'd love to hear from you. You can also go to her website at www.lynnestewart.org

Categories: National Security State, National News

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Help a mother remember her son

This message comes to me courtesy of Marilyn Kimmerling and Larry Kalb, two good local patriots who care about their country. Please read this message, and donate as much as you can to this effort, and when you have, please email this link to everyone you know:

Two years ago today our doorbell rang at six o’clock in the morning. It is a sound I will never forget.

"On behalf of the President of the United States and the United States Army, we regret to inform you that your son, Specialist Jonathan J Santos, was killed while serving in the line of duty, in Karabilah Iraq . On behalf of a grateful nation..."

Jonathan left us many tangible gifts: his wonderfully written journal; six video cassettes of everyone and everything he saw in his life that he could capture on film, a powerfully written letter home that I received two days after his death, photos of his deployment to Haiti, and two messages left on my cell phone voicemail.

For those of you who have lost a child, you know the depths of pain I am feeling today and everyday. For those of you who have not buried a child, you don't even want to try and imagine this fate. But there is a way you can help me and honor Jonathan.

Many of you have offered these words:

'Is there anything I can do to help?'
'Call me if you need me.'
'Let me know if you need anything.'
'I wish I could help.'

I need you today.

On this second year anniversary since my beautiful son was killed defending our country, I humbly ask you to please donate at least $25 so we can finish and distribute our film, The Corporal's Trilogy. Film production and distribution is expensive but if you can donate $25 and ask ten people you know to donate $25 today and through this next week, that will honor Jonathan and lighten this burden in my life. You see, Dr. Patricia Boiko, the producer and director, and I are the only ones marketing the film. She is a full time family physician and is producing this film with all the other hours in her day. Taking care of Jared and Justin and advocating for the care of our veterans is about all I can handle right now. Coordinating fundraisers is way too daunting of a task for either of us.

Please honor Jonathan and help me today (October 15-20, 2006) by:

1) donating at least $25 to complete this film; Send donation to NW Film Forum 1515 12th Ave, Seattle WA 98122 Note 'The Corporal's Trilogy' and

2) persuading ten other people in your life to do the same.

You can read Jonathan's journal, see pictures, and find out more about this project at http://www.winningpicturesllc.com/corporalsboots/

With all my love and hope,

Doris Kent

Categories: War & Peace, Alternative Media

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I hereby endorse Darcy Burner, and you should too

Okay, I know what you're thinking. "The liberal left-wing wacko Tahoma Activist is supporting a middle-of-the-road run-of-the-mill Democrat for Congress? What the hell is going on? I thought you were a Pinko Commie Green!"

It's true, I am a pinko commie green (although I abhor totalitarianism in all its forms). But this is about the future of our democracy. And while I can't quite bring myself to support Senator Cantwell, given that her free trade policies and pro-war belligerence are just way too anti-human for me, I can support a candidate who will be possibly tipping the balance between Democrats winning Congress by a hair and Democrats having a safe, comfortable lead with which to leverage an impeachment.

I want an impeachment, both of Dick and George Bush. I want it more than anything I've ever wanted in my entire fucking life. (And yes, I did just swear. I know I never swear on this page, but I really want Bush in prison, like now) And the only way we're getting an impeachment of these two murderers is if we have a strong lead in the House, such that Democrats will feel politically safe enough to pursue something that will be seen as a political attack on the President.

If Darcy wins, due to the heavy pouring of money by the Democratic Party, she will be matched by heavy spending by the Republican Party for Reichert. And the way I see it, every dollar spent to move Democrats to the polls is like four dollars spent to convince Republican-leaning folks to hold their nose and vote for this turkey, which means four dollars that won't be spent on protecting Doc Hastings or Cathy McMorris, or any of the other republican turkeys that need to be kicked out of office in this state. But most importantly, supporting Darcy Burner with cash will show the big boys in Washington that the Netroots has what it takes to deliver the goods, even in fairly low-level races like this one.

If we can do this in this state, it's my belief that this movement will spread, and hopefully, we'll have enough power to knock these Rethugs off their perch for a long, long time.

Yeah, yeah, she's got good ideas on this or that liberal policy, but most important for us on the Left is she will represent a Democratic tide that wins in November.

Put your money where your mouth is, Washington. This is your chance to make democracy work for We the People.

Do it today. And be glad you had the chance to save this country from the worst President this country has ever had.

Here's a link to my Act Blue Page for Darcy Burner.

Categories: Free & Fair Elections, Politics - Local

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Join Aaron Dixon in protesting rigged debates!

Here's an urgent message from the Aaron Dixon campaign:

Everyone,
I want to thank you all for the calls you made to KING-5 and the Seattle Times to demand fair and open debates. According to David Boardman of the Times, he received "hundreds of calls" that made it very hard for him to ignore us.
But...they haven't budged. Aaron Dixon, the Green Party candidate for U.S. Senate is still being excluded from the October 17th Debates at KING-5 Studios.
KING-5 is even apparently not committing to allowing the Libertarian nominee, Bruce Guthrie the Libertarian candidate to debate, EVEN when he met their criteria for inclusion.
The major party candidates agree on Iraq, the USA PATRIOT Act and far too many issues at odds with Washington voters. Don't let KING-5 cut important and opposing views from the debate!
WE FILLED THEIR VOICE MAIL BOXES AND NOW IT'S TIME TO FILL THE STREETS!
PROTEST THE EXCLUSIONARY KING-5 U.S. SENATE DEBATES!
Where: Outside KING-5 Studios
333 Dexter Ave. N.
Seattle, WA 98109
When: Tuesday, October 17 at 1:30 PM
BRING YOUR SIGNS OR GRAB A DIXON SIGNS FROM A VOLUNTEER NEARBY!
We'll be joined in our demonstration for fair and open debates by the Bruce Guthrie campaign and the Libertarians and form a united front against the sort of exclusionary criteria and tactics of the the mainstream media and the Democrats and Republicans!
PLEASE JOIN US!!
Regards,
Mike Gillis
Press Secretary, Aaron Dixon for U.S. Senate
www.dixon4senate.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
URGENT: Please Forward this Email to any and all people, email lists, blogs or MySpace accounts that care about free and fair elections and real debates! GET THE WORD OUT!

Categories: Media Activism, Free & Fair Elections, Politics - Local, Local Events

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When Democrats win, we have some demands

It looks like the Democrats will be winning one or both houses of Congress this November. When they do, we need a movement to be waiting to push them forward for democracy.

Click here to learn more, and to join this critically important movement for our future: Congratulationsdemocratsnowdoyourjob.com

And bloggers, please link to this page. You'll be doing right by our democracy, and serving to support future generations of truth-seekers.

Categories: War & Peace, 9/11 Truth

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PI prints guest editorial in favor of Amendment 3

Tacoma's own Richard Anderson-Connolly, professor at UPS and instant-runoff voting advocate, wrote an excellent opinion piece on what Amendment 3 is and what a similar initiative could do for Seattle and King County.

Read the full piece here, then leave a message here for the good professor.

Here's my favorite quote from the piece:

Because instant-runoff voting eliminates the lesser-of-two-evils approach to voting, independent and third-party candidates will receive many first-choice votes from those who are only weakly attached to the two major parties, a growing number almost every year. The parties may have a bit more control internally but they will face more serious competition externally -- more candidates and thus more voices will participate in the instant-runoff voting election.

Categories: Free & Fair Elections, Local News

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Guess the October Surprise and win a copy of Thom Hartmann's new book "Screwed"!

Hey, I just made an entry in Thom Hartmann's message board contest, "Guess the October Surprise"!

You can read my post here, or write your own. It's easy, although if you haven't signed up to post on the message board, you will have to register. It doesn't take long, and if you win, you'll get a signed copy of Thom's new book "Screwed: The Undeclared War Against the Middle Class and What We Can Do About It".

Let me know what you think of my guess, and tell us about yours!

Categories: Alternative Media

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Aaron Dixon campaign comes to Tacoma!

Special thanks to Tom McCarthy of the Progressive Roundtable for this update:

Come support Aaron's message of "Out of the war...and into the community" this Saturday at 2-4 PM.

Mike of the Visibility Project is coming down to Tacoma to help us kick off a month of doorbelling for social justice in Hilltop. Now this project has banners, a sound system, and signs, but it needs a few good volunteers to bring this event to life. This means you!

So October 7th, from 2-4 PM at 6th & Sprague, come wave a sign and pass out flyers to get out Aaron Dixon's message. Your presence will make a real difference because it will start to create a buzz that Aaron's on the Hill and people will be expecting us in the coming weeks when we're doorbelling in the neighborhoods.

Busy Saturday? Come out Sunday at 2 PM to doorbell for Aaron. We're meeting at 801 S. Cushman Ave. for a brief training and then into the neighborhood. Our experience has been that people are interested in Aaron record of fighting for justice, back in the day with the Seattle chapter of the Panthers or for the past 40 years with at-risk youth. So help get Aaron's message of social justice out this Sunday or on the three following weekends. Call the number below to sign up.

Also, there will be a "Meet Aaron Dixon" event on Thursday, October 19th from 6-8 PM at the People's Community Center (MLK & 16th.)

So come out and get Aaron's message out there. Check www.aarondixon.org or call (253) 250-9290 for further information on the Dixon campaign in Tacoma.

The Tacoma Greens

Categories: Local Events, Politics - Local

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Tahoma Progressive Media Conference

This is it, bloggers! The Tahoma Progressive Media Conference is here! Get up off your duffs and hoof it on down to T-Town to discuss the future of our country and help us build a brand-new citizens' media movement!

This is the time - this is how we're going to save our country!

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Thom Hartmann's new book is amazing!

I urge every progressive and liberal-minded person in America to read Thom Hartmann's new book, Screwed - The Undeclared War Against the Middle Class. It is the most concise and well-written explanation of the problems facing us today, and what we can do to turn the tables on the "cons" that are making it all worse.

Do yourself a favor. Buy this book, and then go out and make this November an election to remember. Together, we can change the world, for the good of all mankind. Let's do it!

Categories: Recommended Reads

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Suzanne Swift's mother coming to Tacoma

Urgent message from The Tahoma Activist Calendar

Suzanne Swift, the female soldier who went AWOL to escape relentless sexual harrassment from her superior officers, has been charged and is facing court martial. Her mother, Sara Rich, will be in Tacoma this weekend to speak about her daughter's experience. This is the text of a message I received from Marilyn Kimmerling of the Progressive Roundtable:

Sara Rich, Suzanne Swift's mother, will speak in First United Methodist's 'Peace Conversations' class

When: Sunday, Oct 8, 10:45 AM

Where: 209 S. 'J' St., Tacoma (corner of Division). This is FUMC's interim space, and is the education wing of First Congregational Church. The class is held downstairs. Signs will be posted.

Background: Spc. Swift, facing a redeployment to Iraq while serving under the command of the same individuals that allowed her to be raped and sexual harassed, suffered a breakdown due to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and went absent without leave rather than subject herself to the horrors she experienced during her first tour of duty. Suzanne's mother Sara has just returned from Washington DC where she was advocating for her daughter in Congress. Suzanne has recently been charged with being AWOL and
refusing to obey an order; she is being held at Ft. Lewis.

Please join us and hear this important story. Join with others all over the country who are supporting Suzanne.

For more information:


Susan Dobkins
Director, The Micah Project
First United Methodist Church/FIRST Center
209 S. "J" St.
Tacoma WA 98405
253-973-7080 cell
253-627-0129 office

'What does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?' Micah 6:8

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New video from DickEatsBush.com on Iraq

Special thanks to DickEatsBush.com for creating this stirring video of wartime in Iraq, set to David Rovics' "Waiting for the Fall", from his latest album "Halliburton Boardroom Massacre".

Here's the link: http://www.dickeatsbush.com/wat4fall.htm

If you like what you see, feel free to leave a message for the creator in the comments section, and we'll be sure he gets it!

Don't forget, the Tahoma Progressive Media Conference is Saturday, October 7th, from 10 to 2 PM at the IBEW Hall - 3049 S. 36th, Tacoma, WA. Be there or be left out of the process of building a true citizens' media, committed to improving the lives of all Americans and building real, livable communities where real peoples' stories or highlighted. The slogan for this event: "Don't hate the media, become the media!"

Categories: War & Peace, Alternative Media, Media Activism

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Oaxaca rebellion continues - you can help your fellow workers!

The following are realtime updates from Wobblies in Oaxaca State in Mexico, where the APPO (Popular People's Assembly of Oaxaca) has taken over buildings and formed their own mini-civil society, under siege by paramilitary and military forces. If you can, please consider sending some money to help in this effort, and tell everyone you know what's happening down there:

From Wobbly in Oaxaca

probably, we think, because at about 4 pm military helicopters started circling over Oaxaca's centro, and now I heard two jets have passed over. It makes sense. Sunday morning is probably the one time of the week the locals aren't out on the streets, and, besides, everyone knows what's going to happen. They were here for the "desalojo" on June 14.

Of course, they could just be trying to scare us, which they try to do every time they launch a few rounds at us at the barricades, at night, or when the PRI's plainclothes, speed-addicted mercenaries beat up some locals (but blame it on the "terrorists" -- ie, the striking teachers and assembly (appo memnbers)), or shove companeros into a car, put a bag over their heads, and say they're going to kill them.

Things aren't quite so tense during the day (and, in fact, life in the Oaxaca Commune is fantastic, in general), but the pulse of the city changed when the helicopters started to circle (and divebomb) today. I'm attaching a photo of some of the "terrorists" occuping the central city, so you have a better idea.

Four indigenous women are running the CIPO house now, and none of them drive, so, hilariously, I'm one of the main "choferes," and today when the helicopters came we rushed to the zocalo to pick up two Mixe women who are staying at the house who wanted to sell some pillowcases and shirts. We figured they'd be terrified. They may have been, but they didn't show it.

It's already dark. We're off soon.

Abrazos combativos,
"Bill"

II. Firefight at the Camino Real

Well, they had guns at least, and fired around 40 shots at us (a group of about 100, mostly Oaxacans) who had just taken, occupied, and searched a fancy hotel in central Oaxaca City. There may have been some shots from our side, but most of us -- unprepared for the news that the hated governor might actually be *inside* Oaxaca City, and *inside* this hotel -- had only thick sticks, expropriated police billy clubs, or just a little solidarity in our hearts.

The result: two wounded (on our side), several beaten (on our side), and two kidnapped (first quickly beaten, then shoved into cars). The battle took maybe 1 minute.

After we had occupied the hotel, we had decided (democratically, assembly-style, because that{s how most things are decided in this leaderless movement) to kick out the guests and close up the hotel. It was then that someone several yards from me saw the politicians and their paramilitaries try to escape from a side door. We gave chase. And that{s when they started shooting. Some, perhaps more familiar with the pinging and whizzing of bullets around them (or perhaps simply a lot braver than I), stayed near or took cover right there. Most of us, including me, ran the other way and took cover when the bullets started coming.

Neighborhood assemblies have been constructing and coordinating barricades in their neighborhoods and towns throughout the state. I{ve been to a couple of the main APPO (Popular People's Assembly of Oaxaca), the "coalition," you might call it, that is the heart of this popular rebellion) as an IWW delegate, and the breadth of the democratic spirit here is incredible.

Many APPO folks, on strike and at the occupations and barricades, and many many many Oaxacans, are going hungry. It's been almost 4 months now.

Abrazos combativos,
"Bill"

"Kandahar" wrote:

Keep your eyes on Oaxaca.

The people in the popular movement against the government are in immediate risk of assault.

After three days of strong rumors that the police are on their way, today several military helicopters pulled into Oaxaca, circling the zocalo and unloading at the airport. The current rumors are that as many as 30,000 police and military units have arrived from Veracruz and Puebla.

The People of Oaxaca are preparing.

For those that wish to, here are some addresses and phone numbers which you may voice your protests or concerns.

EX -Gobernador del Estado de Oaxaca.: gobernador@oaxaca.gob.mx

Secretaria de Gobierno del Estado de Oaxaca: Tel. (951) 5153175, 5157490:
sriagral@oaxaca.gob.mx, sriagral2@oaxaca.gob.mx

A la Comisión Estatal de Derechos Humanos de Oaxaca para presionarlos y no solape:
quejas@cedhoax.org

Tel. 044 951 104 43 06 o envíe un mensaje al: 512-90-20 clave 956, Fax: (951)
513-5185, 513-5191, 513-5197, correo@cedhoax.org

Presidente: Vicente Fox Quesada email: vicente.fox.quesada@presidencia.gob.mx,
radio@presidencia.gob.mx, webadmon@op.presidencia.gob.mx

Telefonos (55) 50911100 y (55)151794

Secretario de gobernación: Carlos Abascal Carranza. Telefono (00-52) 5-55-546 Email
segob@rtn.net.mx

Procurador General de la República: Cabeza de Vaca. Teléfono (00 53) 4 60 904
Email: ofproc@pgr.gob.mx

Also call your local government representatives, the Mexican Embassy of the US, and
whoever you feel like...

From: "Wolf"
IWW Needs Financial Assistance in Oaxaca

From IWW-GEB Chairperson

Wobs:

FW "Hill", in Oaxaca, has sent to me and FW "Grodin" his bank account information
with Citizens Bank. For those that wish to send him money directly for food,
as people are running low, please get in touch (I'll connect you) and if I know you, I'll give you
his account info.

Best thing to me would be to go to a Citizens Bank on Sunday, so that money will
be available more or less immediately. I would imagine there would be no
problems sending him money for food by filling out a deposit slip and
depositing cash into his account.

Here is a branch locator to see where branches are open on Sundays:

http://www.citizensbank.com/branchlocator/

Solidarity, "Wolf"

Categories: Indigenous People, Revolution

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