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Groups > Crime, Criminals, Prison & Rehabilitation > Discussions > Topic: Thx / invite; intro.; STOP CHILD EXECUTIONS: Here and abroad :)
Topic: Thx / invite; intro.; STOP CHILD EXECUTIONS: Here and abroad :)

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James M N.	act for social justice :) Friday, 9:05 AM http://criminaljustice.change.org/actions/view/act_for_social_justice http://www.change.org/profile/189788/actions http://www.change.org/profiles/reality This holiday season, don't forget to struggle for the most abused, act for social, prison, and human justice Abolition Times - December 23, 2009 DECEMBER 23, 2009 Happy Holidays! The Board of Directors and Staff of the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty wishes you and yours a joyous Holiday Season and a safe, healthy and happy New Year! Office Closed Next Week The NCADP office will close at mid-day on Thursday, December 24, and re-open on Monday, January 4 at 9 a.m. EST. If you need anything related to the conference, please email Aimee Gabel, conference coordinator, at aimee@ncadp.org. You can also contact Sachin Chheda, Deputy Director, anytime at sachin@ncadp.org or via phone at 414-412-6099. New Witness in Troy Davis Case Names Another Person as Policeman's Killer The extraordinary U.S. Supreme Court-ordered evidentiary hearing for Troy Anthony Davis in Georgia has not been scheduled yet. But developments continue to give supporters of Davis hope that his strong claims of actual innocence will be heard and get Davis off death row. Recently, yet another witness has come forward and said that another man confessed to her that he, not Davis, committed the murder of a Savannah police officer. See an Atlanta Journal-Constitution analysis. Troy Davis' sister, Martina Correia, will have more information about the case and will discuss her experiences fighting to obtain clemency for her brother at the 2010 NCADP Conference in Louisville, Kentucky, January 14-17. Register today! Speaking of the Conference, It's Not Too Late The NCADP Annual Conference is coming up fast. Please join us in Louisville, Kentucky, from January 14-17, 2010, for the largest and best annual gathering of abolitionists! Hotel rooms are still available at the discounted rate of $114 a night, but you must make your reservation before Friday. After Friday, rooms may still be available but we cannot guarantee the discounted rate. The Faith-Based Community and Abolition This year marks the 20th anniversary of NCADP's "Lighting the Torch of Conscience" campaign, which mobilized organizations and individuals of many faith traditions to work to end the death penalty. A holiday-themed op-ed posted in the Washington Post's "On Faith" blog and co-authored by United Church of Christ's General Minister and President Geoffrey Black; Reverend Linda Jaramillo, United Church of Christ's Executive Minister, Justice and Witness Ministries; and Rabbi David Saperstein, Director and Counsel, Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, recounts the campaign, and suggests that faith-based communities still have a key role to play in the abolition movement. DPIC Year End Report Says 2009 Death Sentences at Record Low The Death Penalty Information Center's (DPIC) 2009 Year End Report says that the imposition of death sentences this year was at an all-time low, that costs involved in implementing capital punishment prompted eleven states to consider ending it, and that several were only one legislative house or a few votes short of repeal. AP Story. Texas Story. Full Report (pdf). Texan of the Year The Dallas Morning News has nominated former Texas Forensic Science Commission Chair Sam Bassett as its "Texan of the Year" for the calm and poise he displayed after his sudden removal from the Commission. Governor Rick Perry fired Bassett, and three others, just days prior to the panel's review of a report by fire scientist Craig Beyler, confirming that the fire which destroyed Cameron Todd Willingham's house in 1991 and killed his children could not be proved to have been caused by arson - a finding which indicates that Willingham was wrongly convicted and executed. Although he is no longer a Commissioner, Bassett has refused to remain silent about Governor Perry's apparent efforts to suppress the Beyler report. Kansas Legislature to Consider Death Penalty Repeal Kansas is confronting the fact that in difficult budget times, an expensive, failing death penalty system is hard to justify keeping. We are working closely with our state affiliate, the Kansas Coalition Against the Death Penalty (KsCADP), to educate the public about the failings of the death penalty, as Kansas' state legislature prepares for hearings in January to discuss repeal. New Hampshire House Leaders Block Bill to Expand Death Penalty In the Granite State, our affiliate, the New Hampshire Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty, in cooperation with Equal Justice USA, is working hard to end capital punishment. Local activists had a great victory as the New Hampshire House Rules Committee voted against an effort to expand the death penalty to include the crime of home invasions. A commission is studying the death penalty there, and recently heard testimony about cost. Hoosiers Take Note The death penalty does nothing to deter crime in Indiana, it costs too much, and it frequently results in convictions and executions of innocent people. For details, read the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette op-ed, "Hoosiers should examine what executions accomplish," by Will McAuliffe, Executive Director of the Indiana Coalition Acting to Suspend Executions, an NCADP affiliate. State Legislators' Organization Endorses the Crime Victims Fund Preservation Act The National Conference of State Legislators, a bipartisan organization which advocates for the interests [ send green star]
James M N.	good human rights day :) December 13, 2009 3:32 AM These Actions, on Change.org, the url good human rights day http://globalhealth.change.org/actions/view/good_human_rights_day http://www.change.org/profile/189788/actions Time for a Real Deal on Climate Change http://www.theelders.org/media/mediareleases/elders-appeal-directly-world-leaders-climate-change "Leaders of the world - as you prepare for Copenhagen, look into the eyes of your children and grandchildren and think of their future. Millions of lives depend on the decisions you will make." - Desmond Tutu In personal letters to 192 Heads of State and Government, The Elders have called for a fair, ambitious and effective deal in Copenhagen that will lead to a legally binding agreement. Desmond Tutu, Kofi Annan, Gro Brundtland, Jimmy Carter, Mary Robinson and their fellow Elders urged leaders to attend the climate talks in person. Read The Elders' letter to World leaders. http://www.theelders.org/media/mediareleases/elders-appeal-directly-world-leaders-climate-change Now the Elders are calling on YOU to join them by demanding a REAL DEAL on climate change when world leaders meet in Copenhagen this week. Join The Elders and the TCK TCK TCK campaign, along with millions of people around the world, in a GLOBAL DAY OF ACTION on 12 DECEMBER. http://tcktcktck.org/realdeal Urgent Action for Crimes Against Humanity in Burma Call Your Congressperson, for Burma Direct Contact info.: Congressional switchboard (202) 224-3121 US House of Representatives http://www.house.gov/ US Senate http://www.senate.gov Sites to send emails, letters, and letters to the editor, et al http://capwiz.com/fconl/home http://www.congress.org/ Easy instructions here http://uscampaignforburma.org/res898 Crimes against humanity, including rape as a weapon of war, continue in Burma unabated. House Resolution 898 confronts this problem and we need you to ask your member of Congress to sign on as a Cosponsor ASAP! Soon Congress will retire for winter recess. We need Rep. Moran to support House Resolution 898 before Congress leaves for its winter break. Dial (202) 225-2715 and ask Jason Wiens, his staffer in charge of foreign policy, if Rep. Moran will cosponsor House Resolution 898, to help end mass atrocities in Burma. President Obama's new policy calls for Burma's junta to be held accountable for the their crimes against humanity. However, his policy does not provide a mechanism to hold them accountable for these crimes. House Resolution 898 fills this gap by calling for the United States to support a Security Council Commission of Inquiry into war crimes and crimes against humanity in Burma. Ask your Rep. Moran to co-sponsor and show strong support! Click here for detailed instructions http://uscampaignforburma.org/res898 about what to say. Please write to me to let me know how your call goes, at mike@uscampaignforburma.org! If you have questions before you call, don't hesitate to write or call me at (202) 234-8022. Michael Haack PS: You don't have to be able to vote to call your member of Congress. If you live in the Congressperson's district, you are a constituent. They represent EVERYONE in their districts, so please call today! Here's What You Can Do Now http://uscampaignforburma.org/take-action Support 1991 Nobel Peace Prize recipient Aung San Suu Kyi and the struggle for freedom and democracy in Burma: Become a member of the U.S. Campaign for Burma. Or, make a tax-deductible donation today. https://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/1189/t/5102/shop/custom.jsp?donate_page_KEY=4622 What does Oneness look like to you? http://humanitysteam.org/ We in Humanity's Team are excited about Awakening the World to Oneness! And we wonder . . . what does "Oneness" look like to you? How do you express it? We would love for you to show us - on video! Free Hugs? Meditation? Helping others? Show us your spirituality in action! Show us how you experience and express Oneness! Feel free to use a mobile phone, webcam or full-size video camera. The most creative, touching and motivating submissions will be featured on the Humanity's Team web site. We also plan to combine these videos into a larger video to help inspire the world to further demonstrations of humanity's true global state of being! Visit our Oneness Video Collaboration page http://www.humanitysteam.org/node/1233 (P.S. If you project that you can skip struggling through all [ send green star]
James M N.	Newer actions and updates: Free Jailed Falsely :) December 09, 2009 2:43 AM Help Mr. Leonard Peltier get the freedom he, and humanity, truly deserves, advocate and evoke Leonard has carried a constant burden for all of humanity, for over 35 years straight, graciously, courageously, and with great generosity, and, besides thanking him, we have a responsibility to act, not just to right the wrongs of this world, to act to lessen Leonard's, and those like Leonard's, burdens; they've humbly born for us all. Luckily, "we, the people...", can still be the voice for those unheard; let us do what we can do to support Leonard's freedom. Thanx, again. Ciao. reality This Action, on Change.org, the url Free Jailed Falsely http://humanitarianrelief.change.org/actions/view/free_jailed_falsely http://www.change.org/profile/189788/actions14 Very latest from Friends Digest Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 16 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8939 [Friends of Peltier] Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 15 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8931 [Friends of Peltier] Announcement of New LPDOC Campaign http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8923 Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 14 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8902 Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 13 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8893 Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 12 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8871 Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 11 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8834 LP-DOC Actions: LP: I'm Obama's Political Prisoner Now; etc.. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8825 Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 9 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8803 Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 8 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8793 Friends Digest Acts: Attorney Seitz on denial of parole; etc.. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8769 Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 7 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8759 Shout Out to NH and Surrounding Area http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8756 Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 6 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8748 News from Lewisburg http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8744 Newer Actions, on Change.org, the url Won't you treat Leonard Peltier compassionately? http://www.change.org/actions/view/wont_you_treat_leonard_peltier_compassionately Previous Actions, on Change.org, the url free falsely jailed http://humanitarianrelief.change.org/actions/view/free_falsely_jailed Act to Protect Leonard Peltier, severely beaten, institutionally abused, etc.. http://humanitarianrelief.change.org/actions/view/act_to_protect_leonard_peltier_severely_beaten_institutionally http://www.change.org/profile/189788/actions19 Other Actions for Leonard on Change.org Demand an Executive Review of the Peltier Case http://criminaljustice.change.org/actions/view/demand_an_executive_review_of_the_peltier_case Leonard Peltier Petition http://criminaljustice.change.org/actions/view/leonard_peltier_petition Leonard Peltier Petition (newer) [ send green star]
James M N.	rest :) Newer actions and updates: Free Jailed Falsely :) November 18, 2009 1:20 PM free falsely jailed http://humanitarianrelief.change.org/actions/view/free_falsely_jailed Act to Protect Leonard Peltier, severely beaten, institutionally abused, etc.. http://humanitarianrelief.change.org/actions/view/act_to_protect_leonard_peltier_severely_beaten_institutionally http://www.change.org/profile/189788/actions18 Other Actions for Leonard on Change.org Demand an Executive Review of the Peltier Case http://criminaljustice.change.org/actions/view/demand_an_executive_review_of_the_peltier_case Leonard Peltier Petition http://criminaljustice.change.org/actions/view/leonard_peltier_petition Leonard Peltier Petition (newer) http://humanitarianrelief.change.org/actions/view/leonard_peltier_petition_2 [ send green star]
James M N.	Newer actions and updates: Free Jailed Falsely :) November 18, 2009 1:08 PM Newer actions and updates: Free Jailed Falsely Help Mr. Leonard Peltier get the freedom he, and humanity, truly deserves, advocate and evoke Leonard has carried a constant burden for all of humanity, for over 35 years straight, graciously, courageously, and with great generosity, and, besides thanking him, we have a responsibility to act, not just to right the wrongs of this world, to act to lessen Leonard's, and those like Leonard's, burdens; they've humbly born for us all. Luckily, "we, the people...", can still be the voice for those unheard; let us do what we can do to support Leonard's freedom. Thanx, again. Ciao. reality This Action, on Change.org, the url Free Jailed Falsely http://humanitarianrelief.change.org/actions/view/free_jailed_falsely http://www.change.org/profile/189788/actions9 Very latest from Friends Digest [Friends of Peltier] Announcement of New LPDOC Campaign http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8923 Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 14 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8902 Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 13 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8893 Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 12 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8871 Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 11 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8834 LP-DOC Actions: LP: I'm Obama's Political Prisoner Now; etc.. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8825 Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 9 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8803 Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 8 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8793 Friends Digest Acts: Attorney Seitz on denial of parole; etc.. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8769 Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 7 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8759 Shout Out to NH and Surrounding Area http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8756 Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 6 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8748 News from Lewisburg http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8744 Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 5 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8727 Eyes On Members of Congress http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8707 Peltier Medical Alert http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8677 June 26th Statement from Leonard Peltier http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8670 34th Anniversary Events http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8666 LP-DOC: Acts: Update on the Lewisburg Vigil, 7-28-09; etc.. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8660 LP-DOC: Acts: Health Alert: Peltier Needs Medical Assist; etc.. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8655 Previous Focus Parole, Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 4 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8650 Newer Actions, on Change.org, the url Won't you treat Leonard Peltier compassionately? http://www.change.org/actions/view/wont_you_treat_leonard_peltier_compassionately Previous Actions, on Change.org, the url [ send green star]
anonymous	Newer actions and updates: Free Jailed Falsely :) November 09, 2009 6:14 AM "...We, the people...", should still be the voice for those unheard; let us do what we can do to support Leonard's freedom. Thanx, again. Ciao. reality This Action, on Change.org, the url Free Jailed Falsely http://humanitarianrelief.change.org/actions/view/free_jailed_falsely http://www.change.org/profile/189788/actions8 Very latest from Friends Digest Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 14 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8902 Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 13 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8893 Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 12 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8871 Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 11 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8834 LP-DOC Actions: LP: I'm Obama's Political Prisoner Now; etc.. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8825 Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 9 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8803 Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 8 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8793 Friends Digest Acts: Attorney Seitz on denial of parole; etc.. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8769 Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 7 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8759 Shout Out to NH and Surrounding Area http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8756 Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 6 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8748 News from Lewisburg http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8744 Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 5 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8727 Eyes On Members of Congress http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8707 Peltier Medical Alert http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8677 June 26th Statement from Leonard Peltier http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8670 34th Anniversary Events http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8666 LP-DOC: Acts: Update on the Lewisburg Vigil, 7-28-09; etc.. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8660 LP-DOC: Acts: Health Alert: Peltier Needs Medical Assist; etc.. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8655 Previous Focus Parole, Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 4 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8650 Previous Actions, on Change.org, the url free falsely jailed http://humanitarianrelief.change.org/actions/view/free_falsely_jailed Act to Protect Leonard Peltier, severely beaten, institutionally abused, etc.. http://humanitarianrelief.change.org/actions/view/act_to_protect_leonard_peltier_severely_beaten_institutionally http://www.change.org/profile/189788/actions17 Other Actions for Leonard on Change.org Demand an Executive Review of the Peltier Case http://criminaljustice.change.org/actions/view/demand_an_executive_review_of_the_peltier_case Leonard Peltier P [report anonymous abuse]
James M N.	Faulty Forensics and the Ultimate Injustice :) November 09, 2009 6:02 AM Faulty Forensics and the Ultimate Injustice This Action, on Change.org, the url ultimately injustice http://criminaljustice.change.org/actions/view/ultimately_injustice http://www.change.org/profile/189788/actions Reunited by Exoneration Youth and Innocence Why I Give: A Donor Profile News from the innocence movement around the United States A Partnership for Forensic Reform A new group launched this month by the Innocence Project and partners across the country will seek to raise awareness and support for the creation of federal forensic standards to help prevent wrongful convictions. The Campaign for National Forensic Science Standards is a coalition of local leaders united in advocating for federal forensic reform. Visit the Just Science Coalition website for more. http://www.just-science.org/ An Inactive Innocence Commission An editorial in the Connecticut Law Tribune this month called on the Connecticut Advisory Commission on Wrongful Convictions to meet its obligations under state law to review the causes of injustice in the state and recommend reforms. Read more. Three Men Cleared in Dallas Richard Miles served 14 years behind bars in Texas before evidence of his innocence led to his release October 13. Miles, who was represented by Centurion Ministries, was freed after a judge ruled that prosecutors had failed to alert defense after learning of an alternate suspect. Read more. Two other men, Claude Simmons Jr. and Christopher Scott, were freed Friday in Dallas after spending 12 years in prison for a murder evidence now shows they didn’t commit. Dallas District Attorney Craig Watkins said their exoneration should persuade prosecutors and police departments around the country to reinvestigate cases of possible wrongful conviction. Read more. Journalism Program in Standoff with Prosecutors An investigative journalism class at Northwestern University in Illinois is in a standoff with prosecutors after the state requested student records such as grades, notes and emails. Students have uncovered new evidence that a man imprisoned for 31 years is actually innocent. In a case filing, prosecutors requested student records. The university is refusing to hand over the requested materials. Read more. A New Trial After a Quarter-Century A New York judge has granted a new trial in the case of Dewey Bozella, who has been in prison for more than 25 years for a murder he says he didn’t commit. "It was like a miracle had happened," Bozella said of learning of the new trial. The Innocence Project represented Bozella until it became clear that evidence for DNA testing no longer existed; in 2008, the Innocence Project brought the case to the law firm of WilmerHale, which has represented Bozella pro bono. Read more Use our easy online form to forward this message to friends, family and colleagues. Connect with other Innocence Project supporters on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and YouTube. We welcome your feedback. Please contact us at the address below. Cases for review must be submitted via postal mail. The Innocence Project Cardozo School of Law at Yeshiva Unversity 100 Fifth Ave., 3rd Floor New York, NY 10011 info@innocenceproject.org Faulty Forensics and the Ultimate Injustice Cameron Todd Willingham’s case is capturing national attention, more than three years after the Innocence Project compiled strong evidence that faulty forensic evidence led to his wrongful execution. Willingham's conviction hinged largely on forensic analysts’ determination that a fire in Willingham’s home was arson – a determination that has been soundly rejected by nine leading scientists in several independent reviews. The Innocence Project took the case to Texas’ Forensic Science Commission, whose investigation was derailed earlier this month when Gov. Rick Perry replaced several members of the commission less than 48 hours before they were to meet about the case. On November 10, the Texas State Senate will hold a hearing to ask Gov. Perry’s new pick to chair the Forensic Science Commission about the panel’s ongoing work. The Innocence Project is focused on making sure that the objective, independent, thoughtful investigation of this case continues. Last week, a group of more than 400 Texans -- including 15 people exonerated through DNA -- sent a letter to Bradley, urging him to ensure that the commission's work continues. "Undue delay -- much less a complete change of course - seems destined to sweep this investigation, Texans' faith in forensic evidence and our criminal justice system, maybe even jurors' willingness to convict, away with it," the letter reads, in part. The Innocence Project’s formal allegation that sparked the Forensic Science Commission investigation points out that an unknown number of other arson convictions in Texas may have involved the same kind of faulty forensic analysis that led to Willingham’s conviction. In the meantime, a year-long investigation by The New Yorker undermined all of the other evidence that was used to convict Willingham. The case is now the strongest on record of an innocent person having been executed since the reinstatement of capital punishment. The case has been covered this month by countless media outlets and commentators. Visit our Willingham Resource Center to access reports from the Houston Chronicle, New York Times, CNN’s Anderson Cooper, the New Yorker and many [ send green star]
James M N.	New actions and updates: Free Jailed Falsely :) October 13, 2009 11:45 AM New actions and updates: Free Jailed Falsely Help Mr. Leonard Peltier get the parole he, and humanity, truly deserves, advocate and evoke Leonard has carried a constant burden for all of humanity, for over 34 years straight, graciously, courageously, and with great generosity, and, besides thanking him, we have a responsibility to act, not just to right the wrongs of this world, to act to lessen Leonard's, and those like Leonard's, burdens; they've humbly born for us all. Luckily, "we, the people...", can still be the voice for those unheard; let us do what we can do to support Leonard's parole. Thanx, again. Ciao. reality This Action, on Change.org, the url Free Jailed Falsely http://humanitarianrelief.change.org/actions/view/free_jailed_falsely http://www.change.org/profile/189788/actions16 Very latest from Friends Digest Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 12 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8871 Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 11 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8834 LP-DOC Actions: LP: I'm Obama's Political Prisoner Now; etc.. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8825 Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 9 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8803 Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 8 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8793 Friends Digest Acts: Attorney Seitz on denial of parole; etc.. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8769 Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 7 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8759 Shout Out to NH and Surrounding Area http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8756 Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 6 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8748 News from Lewisburg http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8744 Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 5 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8727 Eyes On Members of Congress http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8707 Peltier Medical Alert http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8677 June 26th Statement from Leonard Peltier http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8670 34th Anniversary Events http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8666 LP-DOC: Acts: Update on the Lewisburg Vigil, 7-28-09; etc.. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8660 LP-DOC: Acts: Health Alert: Peltier Needs Medical Assist; etc.. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8655 Previous Focus Parole, Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 4 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8650 Previous Actions, on Change.org, the url free falsely jailed http://humanitarianrelief.change.org/actions/view/free_falsely_jailed Act to Protect Leonard Peltier, severely beaten, institutionally abused, etc.. http://humanitarianrelief.change.org/actions/view/act_to_protect_leonard_peltier_severely_beaten_institutionally Other Actions for Leonard on Change.org Demand an Executive Review of the Peltier Case http://criminaljustice.change.org/actions/view/demand_an_executive_review_of_the_peltier_case Leonard Peltier Petition [ send green star]
James M N.	New actions and updates: Free Jailed Falsely :) September 26, 2009 10:30 AM New actions and updates: Free Jailed Falsely Help Mr. Leonard Peltier get the parole he, and humanity, truly deserves, advocate and evoke Leonard has carried a constant burden for all of humanity, for over 34 years straight, graciously, courageously, and with great generosity, and, besides thanking him, we have a responsibility to act, not just to right the wrongs of this world, to act to lessen Leonard's, and those like Leonard's, burdens; they've humbly born for us all. Luckily, "we, the people...", can still be the voice for those unheard; let us do what we can do to support Leonard's parole. Thanx, again. Ciao. reality This Action, on Change.org, the url Free Jailed Falsely http://humanitarianrelief.change.org/actions/view/free_jailed_falsely http://www.change.org/profile/189788/actions16 Very latest from Friends Digest Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 11 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8834 LP-DOC Actions: LP: I'm Obama's Political Prisoner Now; etc.. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8825 Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 9 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8803 Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 8 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8793 Friends Digest Acts: Attorney Seitz on denial of parole; etc.. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8769 Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 7 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8759 Shout Out to NH and Surrounding Area http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8756 Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 6 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8748 News from Lewisburg http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8744 Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 5 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8727 Eyes On Members of Congress http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8707 Peltier Medical Alert http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8677 June 26th Statement from Leonard Peltier http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8670 34th Anniversary Events http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8666 LP-DOC: Acts: Update on the Lewisburg Vigil, 7-28-09; etc.. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8660 LP-DOC: Acts: Health Alert: Peltier Needs Medical Assist; etc.. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8655 Previous Focus Parole, Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 4 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8650 Previous Actions, on Change.org, the url free falsely jailed http://humanitarianrelief.change.org/actions/view/free_falsely_jailed Act to Protect Leonard Peltier, severely beaten, institutionally abused, etc.. http://humanitarianrelief.change.org/actions/view/act_to_protect_leonard_peltier_severely_beaten_institutionally Other Actions for Leonard on Change.org Demand an Executive Review of the Peltier Case http://criminaljustice.change.org/actions/view/demand_an_executive_review_of_the_peltier_case Leonard Peltier Petition http://criminaljustice.change.org/actions/view/leonard_peltier_petition Leonard Peltier Petition [ send green star]
James M N.	Latest: Free Jailed Falsely :) September 11, 2009 9:23 PM Free Jailed Falsely Help Mr. Leonard Peltier get the parole he, and humanity, truly deserves, advocate and evoke Leonard has carried a constant burden for all of humanity, for over 34 years straight, graciously, courageously, and with great generosity, and, besides thanking him, we have a responsibility to act, not just to right the wrongs of this world, to act to lessen Leonard's, and those like Leonard's, burdens; they've humbly born for us all. Luckily, "we, the people...", can still be the voice for those unheard; let us do what we can do to support Leonard's parole. Thanx, again. Ciao. reality This Action, on Change.org, the url Free Jailed Falsely http://humanitarianrelief.change.org/actions/view/free_jailed_falsely http://www.change.org/profile/189788/actions10 Very latest from Friends Digest LP-DOC Actions: LP: I'm Obama's Political Prisoner Now; etc.. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8825 Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 9 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8803 Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 8 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8793 Friends Digest Acts: Attorney Seitz on denial of parole; etc.. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8769 Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 7 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8759 Shout Out to NH and Surrounding Area http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8756 Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 6 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8748 News from Lewisburg http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8744 Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 5 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8727 Eyes On Members of Congress http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8707 Peltier Medical Alert http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8677 June 26th Statement from Leonard Peltier http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8670 34th Anniversary Events http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8666 LP-DOC: Acts: Update on the Lewisburg Vigil, 7-28-09; etc.. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8660 LP-DOC: Acts: Health Alert: Peltier Needs Medical Assist; etc.. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8655 Previous Focus Parole, Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 4 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8650 Previous Actions, on Change.org, the url free falsely jailed http://humanitarianrelief.change.org/actions/view/free_falsely_jailed Act to Protect Leonard Peltier, severely beaten, institutionally abused, etc.. http://humanitarianrelief.change.org/actions/view/act_to_protect_leonard_peltier_severely_beaten_institutionally Other Actions for Leonard on Change.org Leonard Peltier Petition http://criminaljustice.change.org/actions/view/leonard_peltier_petition Leonard Peltier Petition http://humanitarianrelief.change.org/actions/view/leonard_peltier_petition_2 [ send green star]
James M N.	Free Jailed Falsely :) September 03, 2009 2:12 AM Free Jailed Falsely Help Mr. Leonard Peltier get the parole he, and humanity, truly deserves, advocate and evoke Leonard has carried a constant burden for all of humanity, for over 34 years straight, graciously, courageously, and with great generosity, and, besides thanking him, we have a responsibility to act, not just to right the wrongs of this world, to act to lessen Leonard's, and those like Leonard's, burdens; they've humbly born for us all. Luckily, "we, the people...", can still be the voice for those unheard; let us do what we can do to support Leonard's parole. Thanx, again. Ciao. reality This Action, on Change.org, the url Free Jailed Falsely http://humanitarianrelief.change.org/actions/view/free_jailed_falsely http://www.change.org/profile/189788/actions10 Very latest from Friends Digest Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 8 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8793 Friends Digest Acts: Attorney Seitz on denial of parole; etc.. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8769 Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 7 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8759 Shout Out to NH and Surrounding Area http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8756 Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 6 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8748 News from Lewisburg http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8744 Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 5 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8727 Eyes On Members of Congress http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8707 Peltier Medical Alert http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8677 June 26th Statement from Leonard Peltier http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8670 34th Anniversary Events http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8666 LP-DOC: Acts: Update on the Lewisburg Vigil, 7-28-09; etc.. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8660 LP-DOC: Acts: Health Alert: Peltier Needs Medical Assist; etc.. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8655 Previous Focus Parole, Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 4 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8650 Previous Actions, on Change.org, the url free falsely jailed http://humanitarianrelief.change.org/actions/view/free_falsely_jailed Act to Protect Leonard Peltier, severely beaten, institutionally abused, etc.. http://humanitarianrelief.change.org/actions/view/act_to_protect_leonard_peltier_severely_beaten_institutionally Other Actions for Leonard on Change.org Leonard Peltier Petition http://criminaljustice.change.org/actions/view/leonard_peltier_petition Leonard Peltier Petition http://humanitarianrelief.change.org/actions/view/leonard_peltier_petition_2 [ send green star]
James M N.	History is Made: Sotomayor Sworn in as Supreme Court Justice September 03, 2009 2:05 AM This Action, on Change.org, the url Justice for the Supreme Court http://immigration.change.org/actions/view/justice_for_the_supreme_court http://www.change.org/profile/189788/actions Learn and talk about the confirmation of Justice for the Supreme Court, Sonia Sotomayor http://www.civilrights.org/judiciary/supreme-court-nominees/sotomayor/ Take Action! http://www.nclr.org/section/act_now/ Thank the senators who made this historic moment possible! This month, history was made twice. On August 6, 2009, the Senate approved the nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor by a vote of 68 to 31, and on August 8, 2009, a swearing-in ceremony made her the third woman and first Hispanic to sit on the Supreme Court. On August 12, 2009, she met with President Obama at an official White House reception in her honor. Find out how your senators voted! On August 6, Janet Murguía, President and CEO of the National Council of La Raza (NCLR), shared her thoughts with the American people: "Finally, our community is represented on the highest court in the land. For that reason and many others, this vote matters to Latinos, and it matters to our country. Latinos will always remember who recognized the significance of this nomination and did everything possible to make this long-deferred dream a reality for the Hispanic community." Now it's time to SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS! http://www.nclr.org/section/act_now/ If you were one of the many Americans who wrote to your senators to encourage them to vote for Justice Sotomayor, thank you for helping make history! If you didn't have a chance to write to your senator, now is your opportunity! Tell your senator how much you appreciate their vote, or how much you wish they had voted to make history! Unfortunately, 31 senators chose to ignore Justice Sotomayor's 30 years of extensive experience in the law, 17 notable years on the federal bench, and dedication to the Constitution and the rule of law. It's important for all members of the Senate to understand the significance of this moment for the Latino community and hold them accountable for their votes. Email your senator today! http://capwiz.com/nclr/issues/ [ send green star]
James M N.	Suu Kyi Found Guilty, What You Can Do :) September 03, 2009 2:02 AM Suu Kyi Found Guilty, What You Can Do This Action, on Change.org, the url diminish genocide http://genocide.change.org/actions/view/diminish_genocide http://www.change.org/profile/189788/actions http://www.clearviewproject.org Diminish genocide, discuss and advocate for Aung San Suu Kyi, and the Burmese people First, the bad news: today, Aung San Suu Kyi was convicted http://uscampaignforburma.org/pr/2009-activists-condemn-imprisonment-of-burmas-aung-san-suu-kyi-urge-concrete-international-action.html by Burma's sham court system and will be sent back to house arrest for an additional 18 months. Her sentence also stipulated that if the regime finds another false pretext, it can simply extend her sentence, as it has done during the past 20 years. Now, the good news: key leaders around the world are moving beyond words and calling for concrete action -- 14 Nobel Peace Prize recipients, including Mikhail Gorbachev, Desmond Tutu, Elie Wiesel, and Jody Williams are calling for the UN Security Council http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/08/11/myanmar.suukyi.reax/ to establish a commission of inquiry (investigation) into crimes against humanity committed by the military regime. Further, the British and French governments are calling for the UN Security Council to impose a global arms embargo on the regime, with the British Prime Minister Gordon Brown stating that "nothing less than global arms embargo" should be imposed on the Burmese regime. Brown also said "I also believe that the UN Security Council - whose will has been flouted - must also now respond resolutely and impose a worldwide ban on the sale of arms to the regime." Now, it's time for the United State to join the UK and France in action, and help build a powerful effort to overcome China's resistance at the UN Security Council. What you can do. An organization that works on Burma named "Avaaz" is currently circulating a global petition to press the United States and United Kingdom to propose a resolution at the UN Security Council. Right now, there is a unique opportunity since the U.K. and U.S. serve as consecutive Presidents of the UN Security Council in August and September. Let them hear from you, click here to sign the Avaaz petition, http://uscampaignforburma.org/action/2009-sign-the-petition-avaaz-calls-for-action-from-the-security-council.html and if you have yet to sign our petition, http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/1189/t/5102/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=1308 click here. Sincerely, Mike Haack and Jeremy Woodrum ps. Want to read what everyone is saying (including musicians, politicians, and more) about Aung San Suu Kyi's verdict? Click here. Support 1991 Nobel Peace Prize recipient Aung San Suu Kyi and the struggle for freedom and democracy in Burma: Become a member of the U.S. Campaign for Burma. Or, make a tax-deductible donation today. [ send green star]
James M N.	New Book: Racial Disparity Discussed in "Integration Debate,"... September 03, 2009 2:00 AM New Book: Racial Disparity Discussed in "Integration Debate,"... New Book: Racial Disparity Discussed in "Integration Debate," Featuring Marc Mauer This Action, on Change.org, the url racial disparity + justice http://criminaljustice.change.org/actions/view/racial_disparity_justice http://www.change.org/profile/189788/actions The Sentencing Project [ http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102654342654&s=12636&e=001TVV_UITlJDYGu7FzYMXR3jxe9j21htfvVkStVKvBPf5AMGaurtMRfhhHP-FrwjAGiTj3eN6DzKTbRIajfEchqxgzh-vE7ikHQgqPCQXmDYYOkKPahOzzDA== ] 514 10th St, NW Suite 1000 Washington, DC 20004 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Sentencing Project is pleased to announce the publication of "The Integration Debate: Competing Futures for American Cities" Edited by Chester Hartman and Gregory D. Squires Featuring a chapter by The Sentencing Project's Executive Director, Marc Mauer, entitled, "Two-Tiered Justice: Race, Class, and Crime Policy," this book "explores both long-standing and emerging controversies over the nation's ongoing struggles with discrimination and segregation. More urgently, it offers guidance on how these barriers can be overcome to achieve truly balanced and integrated living patterns." The book covers policy analysis and reform strategies in the areas of school desegregation, housing market discrimination, health disparities, and other areas of social policy. "The Integration Debate" also features a closing essay on "The Legacy of Segregation: Smashing Through the Generations," by Roger Wilkins. Chester Hartman is Director of Research for the Washington, DC-based Poverty & Race Research Action Council. Gregory D. Squires is a Professor of Sociology, and Public Policy and Public Administration at George Washington University. Click here [ http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102654342654&s=12636&e=001TVV_UITlJDZo_n94gPMUdrivCZYbhBWTz4yjnlEXYteVuSSHHH_8n4dqjmSjp0c3jigKJGtywCCLkOQ5EMbh7Yrihm3_YRhzZC8gltj-8DWJtEaE0O4f9aYy_2S9kXsDC7D3v1z84i6ep9X5_Tpm7ftFTZ7D6-ILpX9DzLjjKv7LEQU9BHj8Vw== ] for more information or to order online. Privacy Policy: http://ui.constantcontact.com/roving/CCPrivacyPolicy.jsp The Sentencing Project \| 514 10th St, NW \| Suite 1000 \| Washington \| DC \| 20004 [ send green star]
James M N.	Urge Congress to take action on forensic reform September 03, 2009 1:59 AM This Action, on Change.org, the url act / forensic reform http://criminaljustice.change.org/actions/view/act_forensic_reform http://www.change.org/profile/189788/actions After Two Decades, On the Verge of Freedom Reevaluating Lineups Take Action for Forensic Reform http://www.just-science.org/ Why I Give: A Donor Profile News from the innocence movement around the United States Dog Scent Evidence Challenged Two lawsuits in Texas allege that dog scent evidence implicated innocent people for crimes they didn’t commit. Both men have been cleared, but their suits allege that a dog handler provided questionable evidence to implicate them. Dog scent evidence has been involved in at least three wrongful convictions overturned by DNA testing. A report on dog scent evidence and wrongful convictions is scheduled to appear on Anderson Cooper 360 tonight on CNN. Read more. Two Freed After 20 Years Ronald Kitchen and Martin Reeves were freed in Chicago on July 7 after spending 21 years in prison for murders they’ve always said they didn’t commit. Kitchen says he falsely confessed after officers allegedly beat him during an interrogation. Read more and watch a video of their release. DNA Evidence Found After 20 Years Shane Sebastian Davis has spent nearly two decades behind bars for a murder he says he didn’t commit. DNA evidence from the crime scene — previously believed to be lost or destroyed — has been located. Davis’ attorneys, working with the Griffith University Innocence Project - a member of the Innocence Network, are seeking testing on the evidence. Read more. Art and Innocence An exhibition of paintings by artist Dan Bolick is currently on display at the Westmoreland Museum in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. Bolick painted large portraits of 10 people who were exonerated after spending years in prison. Above is his painting of Pennsylana exoneree Drew Whitley. Bolick wrote about his experiences meeting and painting the exonerated on the Innocence Blog this month. Read his posts. Aidan Quinn and Brooke Shields In two new Innocence Project videos, Aidan Quinn and Brooke Shields perform scenes from the award-winning play “The Exonerated.” Watch the videos on our YouTube page. Learn more about how the arts and entertainment community is helping address and prevent wrongful convictions through the Innocence Project Artists’ Committee. . Use our easy online form to forward this message to friends, family and colleagues. Connect with other Innocence Project supporters on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and YouTube. We welcome your feedback. Please contact us at the address below. Cases for review must be submitted via postal mail. The Innocence Project Cardozo School of Law at Yeshiva Unversity 100 Fifth Ave., 3rd Floor New York, NY 10011 info@innocenceproject.org After Two Decades, On the Verge of Freedom Lebrew Jones, who has served more than two decades in prison for a New York City murder he has always said he didn’t commit, learned last week that he’ll be released on parole in November. His parole follows mounting evidence of his innocence and comes as his legal team — including attorneys at the Innocence Project — seeks DNA testing in the case. Jones (above, photo by Tom Bushey, Times Herald-Record) had no criminal record before he was convicted in 1989 of killing a 21-year-old woman in Manhattan. He has maintained his innocence for two decades and his case was the subject of an award-winning investigative series by the Times Herald-Record newspaper. Included in his parole application was a letter from Lois Hall, the mother of the murder victim, saying she believes he is innocent and should be paroled while his quest to clear his name continues. "Oh my God, I'm so happy," Hall told a reporter upon hearing he will be released. "The only sad part about this is he had to do 22 years for something he never did." Although biological evidence that could potentially prove Jones’ innocence was collected from the crime scene, it has been reported as lost or destroyed. The Innocence Project is consulting on DNA issues in Jones’ case with his lead attorneys at the law firm of Davis, Polk and Wardwell. Jones’ case is not the only one affected by lost evidence in New York City, where the Innocence Project continues calling for improvements in evidence preservation and storage practices. Approximately half of all New York City cases closed by the Innocence Project in recent years were closed because of lost or destroyed evidence. In 2006, evidence in Alan Newton’s case was located after being falsely reported destroyed for eight years. The tests exonerated Newton and he was freed after 22 years in prison. Read more about Jones’ case and explore the Times Herald-Record’s multimedia feature on the case, including video interviews with Jones in New York’s Otisville State Prison. Tweet This Article - Post to Facebook Reevaluating Lineups — in North Carolina and Nationwide When Police Chief Darrel Stephens first implemented changes to eyewitness identification procedures in his department in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, North Carolina, he met some resistance. But the effectiveness of improved lineups soon became apparent to his department and the reform has since spread to the entire state. “Police officers are like most people — change is difficult, particularly when they don’t understand the basis for the change [ send green star]
James M N.	Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 6 August 04, 2009 7:39 PM "Do not depend on the hope of results. Concentrate on the value and the truth of the work itself." -- Thomas Merton * White House Alert * Obama is said to read five letters daily from plain ol' folks like us. So, write a letter. Mr. President, Free Peltier Now! The address: President Barack Obama, The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, DC 20500. Fax a letter every day: 202-456-2461. * Sleepy Days of Summer * Everyone's nervously awaiting the parole decision, we know. Well, we've heard it said that the best way to quiet shaking knees is to bounce a baby on them. Our baby? The work, always the work. In August, Washington becomes a ghost town. Members of Congress will be heading back to their home states/districts very soon. So... Request a meeting with your Member of Congress: --Find your congressional district and senators' and representative's contact information. See <http://www.FreePeltierNow.org/congressmaster.htm>. --Send a fax or e-mail to the scheduler requesting a meeting: Include the date and time of day you will be available to meet with the Member, but be flexible about scheduling your visit because Members of Congress have busy calendars; Offer to meet with a staff member if the Member of Congress is not available (i.e., a Legislative Assistant); Include the issue you would like to discuss (a congressional investigation into the Pine Ridge Reign of Terror, for example); Provide a phone number and/or e-mail address where the scheduler can reach you. --Follow up with a phone call in one week's time if you have not heard back from the congressional office. --When the meeting is scheduled, find accurate information as to the physical location for your legislator's office. --Be on time for the meeting. Staff in most Capitol Hill and district offices are busy and work on tight schedules. Remember that their time is valuable. --Establish a rapport. After introductions and handshakes, talk about things or relationships you might have in common. A little bit of research can pay off, so find out all you can about your Members of Congress. For instance, maybe you have a mutual friend, or perhaps you both went to the same elementary school. Thank your senator or representative for all that he or she does on Capitol Hill to represent your state or district. --If several people will attend the meeting, select a spokesperson. If everyone there will have a role, select one person to move the meeting along in a timely manner. --State your purpose. For example, you might say, "Congressman Lee, we are here to talk with you about hearings on the long-term effects of COINTELPRO. Specifically, we would like to have your support for hearings on the Reign of Terror on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in the early 1970s." --Make the issue real. Legislators are people; they are sympathetic to stories about real people. For example, humanize the events on the Pine Ridge Reservation during the 1970s by sharing published stories. Offer the member a copy of "Incident at Oglala" for viewing or a copy of Peter Matthiessen's book, "In the Spirit of Crazy Horse". --Make a clear request. Tell your Member of Congress exactly what you would like him or her to do, and do not leave without learning the legislator's position on your issue. For example, you might say that you would like your legislator to sign a letter in support of a congressional investigation into the Pine Ridge Reign of Terror. Then, ask the member or their staff to outline the legislator's current position. --Very soon after the meeting, write a thank you letter to your member for taking the time to visit with you. It's common for some congressional members to view the events of the 1970s as history only and unimportant to today's world. Don't be dissuaded by this. Instead, use some creativity to make the events on Pine Ridge important in light of the issues of the day, as well as the political landscape in Washington, DC. Monitor congressional actions, debates, proposed Bills, etc. Pay attention to current events. Use the opportunities presented to you to couch your comments and concerns about the Reign of Terror in such a way that they compliment your member's legislative priorities. You can identify those priorities by visiting your representative's or senators' Web pages. A congressional contact-whether by phone, letter, and/or face-to-face-should be approached as an ongoing endeavor. Send follow up letters, place additional calls, and plan more congressional visits so as to keep your issue of concern before your representative and senators. * Parole * There is no decision on parole as yet. We'll let you know as soon as there's news. In the meantime, you may be interested in this video of attorney Eric Seitz following the 28 July hearing: <http://FreePeltierNow.blogspot.com/2009/08/video-attorney-eric-seitz-following.html>. We also have a link on our home page to a Q&A that may answer your questions about federal parole: <http://www.FreePeltierNow.org>. "Never cease in the fight for peace, justice, and equality for all people. Be persistent in all that you do and don't allow anyone to sway you from your conscience." -- Leonard Pelt [ send green star]
James M N.	Free Jailed Falsely :) July 29, 2009 6:59 AM Free Jailed Falsely Help Mr. Leonard Peltier get the parole he, and humanity, truly deserves, advocate and evoke Leonard has carried a constant burden for all of humanity, for over 34 years straight, graciously, courageously, and with great generosity, and, besides thanking him, we have a responsibility to act, not just to right the wrongs of this world, to act to lessen Leonard's, and those like Leonard's, burdens; they've humbly born for us all. Thanx, again Luckily, "we, the people...", can still be the voice for those unheard; let us do what we can do to support Leonard's parole. Thanx, again. Ciao. reality This Action, on Change.org, the url Free Jailed Falsely http://humanitarianrelief.change.org/actions/view/free_jailed_falsely http://www.change.org/profile/189788/actions3 Very latest from Friends Digest News from Lewisburg http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8744 Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 5 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8727 Eyes On Members of Congress http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8707 Peltier Medical Alert http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8677 June 26th Statement from Leonard Peltier http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8670 34th Anniversary Events http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8666 LP-DOC: Acts: Update on the Lewisburg Vigil, 7-28-09; etc.. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8660 LP-DOC: Acts: Health Alert: Peltier Needs Medical Assist; etc.. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8655 Previous Focus Parole, Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 4 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8650 Previous Actions, on Change.org, the url free falsely jailed http://humanitarianrelief.change.org/actions/view/free_falsely_jailed Act to Protect Leonard Peltier, severely beaten, institutionally abused, etc.. http://humanitarianrelief.change.org/actions/view/act_to_protect_leonard_peltier_severely_beaten_institutionally Other Actions for Leonard on Change.org Leonard Peltier Petition http://criminaljustice.change.org/actions/view/leonard_peltier_petition Leonard Peltier Petition http://humanitarianrelief.change.org/actions/view/leonard_peltier_petition_2 [ send green star]
James M N.	Free Jailed Falsely :) July 21, 2009 5:45 AM Free Jailed Falsely Help Mr. Leonard Peltier get the parole he, and humanity, truly deserves, advocate and evoke Leonard has carried a constant burden for all of humanity, for over 34 years straight, graciously, courageously, and with great generosity, and, besides thanking him, we have a responsibility to act, not just to right the wrongs of this world, to act to lessen Leonard's, and those like Leonard's, burdens; they've humbly born for us all. Thanx, again Luckily, "we, the people...", can still be the voice for those unheard; let us do what we can do to support Leonard's parole. Thanx, again. Ciao. reality This Action, on Change.org, the url Free Jailed Falsely http://humanitarianrelief.change.org/actions/view/free_jailed_falsely http://www.change.org/profile/189788/actions3 Very latest from Friends Digest Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 5 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8727 Eyes On Members of Congress http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8707 Peltier Medical Alert http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8677 June 26th Statement from Leonard Peltier http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8670 34th Anniversary Events http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8666 LP-DOC: Acts: Update on the Lewisburg Vigil, 7-28-09; etc.. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8660 LP-DOC: Acts: Health Alert: Peltier Needs Medical Assist; etc.. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8655 Previous Focus Parole, Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 4 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8650 Previous Actions, on Change.org, the url free falsely jailed http://humanitarianrelief.change.org/actions/view/free_falsely_jailed Act to Protect Leonard Peltier, severely beaten, institutionally abused, etc.. http://humanitarianrelief.change.org/actions/view/act_to_protect_leonard_peltier_severely_beaten_institutionally Other Actions for Leonard on Change.org Leonard Peltier Petition http://criminaljustice.change.org/actions/view/leonard_peltier_petition Leonard Peltier Petition http://humanitarianrelief.change.org/actions/view/leonard_peltier_petition_2 [ send green star]
James M N.	rest :) Eyes On Members of Congress July 11, 2009 12:58 AM IMPORTANT NOTE TO ALL SUPPORTERS: When you write a letter in support of Leonard's parole, mail the letter directly to the U.S. Parole Commission, but also please send a copy of your correspondence to the Peltier Legal Team, c/o LP-DOC, P.O. Box 7488, Fargo, ND 58106. Time to set him free... Because it is the RIGHT thing to do. Friends of Peltier http://www.FreePeltierNow.org ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To subscribe, send a blank message to freepeltiernow-on@mail-list.com [ send green star]
James M N.	Eyes On Members of Congress July 11, 2009 12:53 AM Friends, Your help is urgently needed. Please, everyone, take a few minutes to contact your Members of Congress and urge them to write a letter to the U.S. Parole Commission by TUESDAY, JULY 14, on behalf of Leonard Peltier. Use fax or e-mail. You may also consult your senators' and representative's Web sites for telephone numbers. Get started now. <http://www.FreePeltierNow.org/congressmaster.htm> Please also contact the following Members of Congress who have supported Peltier in the past to urge them to immediately write a letter to the U.S. Parole Commission. --> Rep. John Conyers, Jr., Chairman, House Judiciary Committee. Call 202-225-3951. --> Sen. Daniel Inouye via the Committee on Indian Affairs at (202) 224-2251; <comments@indian.senate.gov>. A SHOUT OUT to Minnesota: Remember that your new senator, Al Franken, is the newest member of the Committee on Indian Affairs. Drop him a line, too. --> The members of the Congressional Black Caucus at 202-226-9776; <congressionalblackcaucus@mail.house.gov>. Remind them of the congressional briefing with the CBC on the Peltier case on May 17, 2000. A number of the members supported Leonard a decade ago and must do so again. They can help to educate their newer members, as well. But time is of the essence. Members of special note include Rep. John Conyers, Jr., (MI), Rep. John Lewis (GA), Rep. Maxine Waters (CA), and Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC). The Leonard Peltier Defense Offense Committee also has asked that all supporters contact Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi to urge her also to renew her commitment to Leonard's freedom. Contact the Speaker of the House at 202-225-0100. Or use e-mail: <http://speaker.house.gov/contact/> or <AmericanVoices@mail.house.gov>. San Francisco constituents may also reach Ms. Pelosi at (415) 556-4862 or at her DC office (202-225-4965). ----- Additions Sample Letter United States Parole Commission 5550 Friendship Boulevard Suite 420 Chevy Chase, MD 20815-7286 (Insert Date) Re: LEONARD PELTIER #89637-132 Dear Commissioners, Convicted in connection with the deaths on June 26, 1975, of Ronald Williams and Jack Coler, agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Mr. Leonard Peltier remains imprisoned at the United States Penitentiary in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. The court record in this case clearly shows that government prosecutors have long held that they do not know who killed Mr. Coler and Mr. Williams nor what role Leonard Peltier "may have" played in the tragic shoot-out. Further, in a decision filed by the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals on December 18, 2002, Mr. Peltier’s sentences "were imposed in violation of [Peltier's] due process rights because they were based on information that was false due to government misconduct,” and, according to the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals, in 2003: "…Much of the government’s behavior at the Pine Ridge Reservation and its prosecution of Leonard Peltier is to be condemned. The government withheld evidence. It intimidated witnesses. These facts are not disputed." Despite these admissions, Leonard Peltier has served over 33 years in prison. After careful consideration of the facts in Leonard Peltier's case, I have concluded that Leonard Peltier does not represent a risk to the public. First, Leonard Peltier has no prior convictions and has advocated for non-violence throughout his prison term. Furthermore, Leonard Peltier has been a model prisoner. He has received excellent evaluations from his work supervisors on a regular basis. He continues to mentor young Native prisoners, encouraging them to lead clean and sober lives. He has used his time productively, disciplining himself to be a talented painter and an expressive writer. Although Leonard Peltier maintains that he did not kill the agents, he has openly expressed remorse and sadness over their deaths. Most admirably, Mr. Peltier contributes regular support to those in need. He donates his paintings to charities including battered women's shelters, half way houses, alcohol and drug treatment programs, and Native American scholarship funds. He also coordinates an annual holiday gift drive for the children of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Leonard Peltier is widely recognized for his good deeds and in turn has won several awards including the North Star Frederick Douglas Award; Federation of Labour (Ontario, Canada) Humanist of the Year Award; Human Rights Commission of Spain International Human Rights Prize; and 2004 Silver Arrow Award for Lifetime Achievement. Mr. Peltier also has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize six times. Leonard Peltier is now over 60 years of age—a great-grandfather—and suffers from partial blindness, diabetes, a heart condition, and high blood pressure. I recognize the grave nature of the events of June 26, 1975, and I extend my deepest sympathy to the families of those who died that day. However, I find aspects of this case to also be of concern and I believe Leonard Peltier deserves to be reunited with his family and allowed to live the remaining years of his life in peace. I also believe that, rather than presenting a threat to the public, Mr. Peltier’s release would help to heal a wound that has long impeded better relations between the federal government and American Indians. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely yours, Signature (Your Name) (Your Street Address) (Your City, State, and Zip Code) IMPORTANT NOTE TO ALL SUPPORTERS: [ send green star]
James M N.	Additions to LP medical alert :) July 06, 2009 8:58 AM Additions to LP medical alert Sample letter, email, or talking points for calls Warden Bledsoe Warden for Lewisburg Prison, PA Email: LEW/EXECASSISTANT@BOP.GOV Subject: Concerning Leonard Peltier, #89637-132 Dear Warden Bledsoe, Hello. As you may be aware, Leonard Peltier, #89637-132, has had a scare with prostate cancer. He is now having blood in his urine and he desperately needs to have an oncologist examine him. A general practitioner operating in the prison system is not sufficient; he needs to be seen by a specialist. The urgency is due to his previous scare of cancer and his current, urgent, medical needs; only a specialist can determine the state of his health. According to his medical he is supposed to receive an exam every three months, but according to Leonard he has only been seen once a year. How can this be? As everyone knows one examination can give you warning, anyone who has had a prognosis or scare with prostate cancer, that is, you need to see an oncologist and be examined regularly. Again, Warden, please give Leonard Peltier the proper medical attention he has the right to. Thanx. Goodbye. Truly, [ send green star]
James M N.	New: Free Jailed Falsely :) July 03, 2009 8:05 PM Urgent. Free Jailed Falsely Help Mr. Leonard Peltier get the parole he, and humanity, truly deserves, advocate and evoke Leonard has carried a constant burden for all of humanity, for over 34 years straight, graciously, courageously, and with great generosity, and, besides thanking him, we have a responsibility to act, not just to right the wrongs of this world, to act to lessen Leonard's, and those like Leonard's, burdens; they've humbly born for us all. Thanx, again Luckily, "we, the people...", can still be the voice for those unheard; let us do what we can do to support Leonard's parole. Thanx, again. Ciao. reality This Action, on Change.org, the url Free Jailed Falsely http://humanitarianrelief.change.org/actions/view/free_jailed_falsely http://www.change.org/profile/189788/actions3 Very latest from Friends Digest Peltier Medical Alert http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8677 June 26th Statement from Leonard Peltier http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8670 34th Anniversary Events http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8666 LP-DOC: Acts: Update on the Lewisburg Vigil, 7-28-09; etc.. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8660 LP-DOC: Acts: Health Alert: Peltier Needs Medical Assist; etc.. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8655 Previous Focus Parole, Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 4 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8650 Previous Actions, on Change.org, the url free falsely jailed http://humanitarianrelief.change.org/actions/view/free_falsely_jailed Act to Protect Leonard Peltier, severely beaten, institutionally abused, etc.. http://humanitarianrelief.change.org/actions/view/act_to_protect_leonard_peltier_severely_beaten_institutionally Other Actions for Leonard on Change.org Leonard Peltier Petition http://criminaljustice.change.org/actions/view/leonard_peltier_petition Leonard Peltier Petition http://humanitarianrelief.change.org/actions/view/leonard_peltier_petition_2 Thanx. [ send green star]
James M N.	O'siyo. Additions :) June 26, 2009 11:41 PM Free Jailed Falsely http://humanitarianrelief.change.org/actions/view/free_jailed_falsely Very latest from Friends Digest June 26th Statement from Leonard Peltier http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8670 34th Anniversary Events http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8666 Thanx. Ciao. reality [ send green star]
James M N.	Free Jailed Falsely :) June 23, 2009 10:43 AM Free Jailed Falsely Help Mr. Leonard Peltier get the parole he, and humanity, truly deserves, advocate and evoke Leonard has carried a constant burden for all of humanity, for over 34 years straight, graciously, courageously, and with great generosity, and, besides thanking him, we have a responsibility to act, not just to right the wrongs of this world, to act to lessen Leonard's, and those like Leonard's, burdens; they've humbly born for us all. Thanx, again Luckily, "we, the people...", can still be the voice for those unheard; let us do what we can do to support Leonard's parole. Thanx, again. Ciao. reality This Action, on Change.org, the url Free Jailed Falsely http://humanitarianrelief.change.org/actions/view/free_jailed_falsely Latest from Friends Digest LP-DOC: Acts: Update on the Lewisburg Vigil, 7-28-09; etc.. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8660 LP-DOC: Acts: Health Alert: Peltier Needs Medical Assist; etc.. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8655 Previous Focus Parole, Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 4 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8650 Previous Actions, on Change.org, the url free falsely jailed http://humanitarianrelief.change.org/actions/view/free_falsely_jailed Act to Protect Leonard Peltier, severely beaten, institutionally abused, etc.. http://humanitarianrelief.change.org/actions/view/act_to_protect_leonard_peltier_severely_beaten_institutionally Other Actions for Leonard on Change.org Leonard Peltier Petition http://criminaljustice.change.org/actions/view/leonard_peltier_petition Leonard Peltier Petition http://humanitarianrelief.change.org/actions/view/leonard_peltier_petition_2 [ send green star]
James M N.	LP-DOC: Acts: Health Alert: Peltier Needs Medical Assist; etc.. June 21, 2009 11:53 PM Health Alert: Peltier In Need of Medical Assistance Forwarded on behalf of the Leonard Peltier Defense Offense Committee Kari Ann Cowan, Peltier's niece, reported tonight (Friday) from the prison at Lewisburg that Leonard may have suffered a heart attack. "He had hard time breathing. He was in his cell and had an ache in his chest. He was kinda scared he was having a heart attack. He raised his hands, breathed slowly and finally felt better." We need to call the prison and ask them to get Leonard to the hospital in Rochester (MN) as soon as possible for a check up. Be polite and courteous and express your concern for his health and welfare. We gotta step up. Make reference to Leonard Peltier #89637-132. Call Warden Scott Dodrill at (570) 523-1251. Fax numbers: (570) 522-7745 and (570) 522-7519 E-mail address: LEW/EXECASSISTANT@BOP.GOV In the Spirit of Crazy Horse, Wanbli Co-Support Group Coordinator and LP-DOC Spokesperson Time to set him free... Because it is the RIGHT thing to do. Friends of Peltier http://www.FreePeltierNow.org Update: Parole Date Changed to July 28 '``':-.,_,.-:'``':-.,_,.-:'``':-.,_,.-:'``' "An error does not become truth by reason of multiplied propagation, nor does truth become error because nobody sees it." -- Gandhi '``':-.,_,.-:'``':-.,_,.-:'``':-.,_,.-:'``' * Parole Update * Leonard Peltier's parole hearing has been changed to July 28. To be considered by the commissioners, your letters of support must arrive at the U.S. Parole Commission no later than July 1. Not a lot of time left. Folks, get out there on the streets and get folks to sign as many letters as possible. For a sample letter, visit <www.FreePeltierNow.org>. Have you signed the parole petition on Mr. Peltier's behalf? If not, do it today. <http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/parole2008/> We'll be closing down the petition on or around June 26. * Lewisburg * Join other Peltier supporters at the entrance of USP-Lewisburg on July 27 between 7:00 and 7:30 a.m. for a peaceful protest and vigil. Meet at the corner of Route 15 and William Penn Road. USP-Lewisburg is located in central Pennsylvania, 200 miles north of Washington, DC, and 170 miles west of Philadelphia. Days Inn will give a discount to anyone attending the Peltier vigil. The motel is 1 mile from the prison. The phone number is 570-523-1171. You perhaps can't make the trip to Lewisburg. What to do? First, write that letter in support of parole. It's EXTREMELY important that everyone write a letter. You can find sample language and other guidance at <http://FreePeltierNow.blogspot.com/2009/06/write-that-parole-letter-today.html>. Also call the White House to express your support for Leonard's freedom: 202-456-1111 or -1112. Do this often. In solidarity with the protesters in Lewisburg, mount your own peaceful protest and/or vigil at a local federal courthouse. Our brothers and sisters across the world also can participate. On July 27, gather outside the closest U.S. embassy. Now is the time. Do something! Make your voices heard. * A shoutout to Portland, OR * Come by the NW-AIM table at the powwow at Delta Park this weekend. The powwow runs from Friday evening (tonight) through Sunday and admission is free. Information and letters for folks to sign will be available. You'll be able to purchase a raffle ticket to win an original Peltier painting, too. * Donate * Pocket change, $1, $5, or more... For the sake of freedom, no amount is too small. Funds are needed to meet expenses associated with Leonard Peltier's parole hearing next month. The need is urgent. Please give what you can. Mail donations to: LP-DOC, PO Box 7488, Fargo, ND 58106. Or donate by credit card: <http://www.whoisleonardpeltier.info/donate.htm>. * June 26 - 34th Anniversary of the Oglala Tragedy * -- The 10th annual Oglala Commemoration. See <http://www.oglalacommemoration.com>. -- London, UK. Picnic and Vigil. Supporters will gather at the "Fountain of Life" in Hyde Park from 12 noon until 2 pm, to give folks a chance to get there. From there the supporter will make their way to the US Embassy in Grosvener Sq. The nearest tube station is Marble Arch on the central line. '``':-.,_,.-:'``':-.,_,.-:'``':-.,_,.-:'``' "Never cease in the fight for peace, justice, and equality for all people. Be persistent in all that you do and don't allow anyone to sway you from your conscience." -- Leonard Peltier '``':-.,_,.-:'``':-.,_,.-:'``':-.,_,.-:'``' Also frequently visit <http://www.FreePeltierNow.org> and our main Blog at <http://FreePeltierNow.blogspot.com>. The Blog is updated daily. Register to receive e-mail announcements. It's easy. Go to our homepage at < [ send green star]
James M N.	Read about National Criminal Justice Commission Act of 2009 :) June 21, 2009 11:51 PM Read about National Criminal Justice Commission Act of 2009 These Actions, on Change.org, the url Read NCJCA of '09 http://criminaljustice.change.org/actions/view/read_ncjca_of_09 http://www.change.org/profile/189788/actions The Sentencing Project [ send green star]
James M N.	Focus Parole, Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 4 June 21, 2009 11:50 PM Focus Parole, Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 4 '``':-.,_,.-:'``':-.,_,.-:'``':-.,_,.-:'``' "An error does not become truth by reason of multiplied propagation, nor does truth become error because nobody sees it." -- Gandhi '``':-.,_,.-:'``':-.,_,.-:'``':-.,_,.-:'``' * Parole Expenses * Pocket change, $1, $5, or more... For the sake of freedom, no amount is too small. Funds are needed to meet expenses associated with Leonard Peltier's parole hearing next month. The need is urgent. Please give what you can. Mail donations to: LP-DOC, PO Box 7488, Fargo, ND 58106. Or donate by credit card: <http://www.whoisleonardpeltier.info/donate.htm>. * Parole Letters * It's EXTREMELY important that everyone write a letter in support of Leonard's parole. You can find sample language at <http://FreePeltierNow.blogspot.com/2009/06/write-that-parole-letter-today.html> . * Online Parole Petition * Have you signed the parole petition on Mr. Peltier's behalf? If not, do it today. <http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/parole2008/> We'll be closing down the petition around June 26 so that data can be compiled for delivery to the U.S. Parole Commission. So don't wait. Do it now. Not sure if you've signed? Sign again. Any duplicates will be deleted before the signatures are submitted to the Parole Commission. Do more than sign. Forward the above link to all your friends, family members, colleagues, etc., and urge them also to support parole for Leonard Peltier. Post the link on electronic bulletin boards, in chat rooms, on blogs and Web sites... Do it and keep doing it. * Gather at USP-Lewisburg on July 27 * Leonard Peltier's parole hearing is scheduled for July 27. Join other Peltier supporters at the entrance of USP-Lewisburg at 7:30 a.m. Meet at the corner of Route 15 and William Penn Road. Help spread the word. The Parole Examiner has to pass by to enter the prison, so wear Peltier shirts and carry signs. USP-Lewisburg is located in central Pennsylvania, 200 miles north of Washington, DC, and 170 miles west of Philadelphia. Map and Directions: < [ send green star]
James M N.	center / constitutional rights: Act: Free San Francisco 8 June 08, 2009 1:42 PM center / constitutional rights: Act: Free San Francisco 8 Take Action: Free the San Francisco 8! http://www.freethesf8.org/ Dear Supporter: In less than one week, the San Francisco 8 - former Black Panthers and other activists - will have a preliminary hearing in San Francisco. They are being charged with the murder of a police officer in 1971. The charges are based on confessions extracted by torture, and it is clear that the indictments against these men are an attempt to rewrite the history of the Black Panthers and the gains of the Civil Rights movement. Take action today and support the San Francisco 8. In 1973, New Orleans police employed torture over the course of several days to obtain information from members of the Black Panthers about the death of Sergeant John Young, an officer of the San Francisco Police Department. The men were stripped naked, beaten, blindfolded, covered in blankets soaked with boiling water and had electric probes placed on their genitals, among other methods. In 1974, a court ruled that both San Francisco and New Orleans police officers had engaged in torture to extract a confession, and a San Francisco judge dismissed charges against three men in 1975 based on that ruling. In January 2007, eight elder activists - Richard Brown, Richard O'Neal, Ray Boudreaux, Hank Jones, Francisco Torres, Harold Taylor, Herman Bell and Jalil Muntaqim - were arrested after a grand jury convened in San Francisco to reopen the case. The state Attorney General of California initiated the prosecution of the San Francisco 8, and he is the person who has the power to stop it. Put the pressure on and write Attorney General Jerry Brown to demand the charges against these activists be dropped. Stand for justice and support the San Francisco 8 today. Sincerely, Annette Dickerson Director of Education and Outreach Take Action http://www.freethesf8.org/ Send a fax http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/383/t/4089/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=27347 Sign the Open Letter http://www.freethesf8.org/what_to_do.html Center for Constitutional Rights ll 666 Broadway 7th floor NY, NY 10012 ll 212-614-6464 ll http://www.ccrjustice.org [ send green star]
James M N.	rest :) Free Native American Leader, falsely incarcerated for 33 years :) June 08, 2009 1:14 PM to the public, Mr. Peltier's release would help to heal a wound that has long impeded better relations between the federal government and American Indians. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely yours, Signature (Your Name) (Your Street Address) (Your City, State, and Zip Code) For Family and Friends As with any professional correspondence, your support letter should be on letterhead (if you have Microsoft Word or another similar program you can easily create professional-looking letterhead from a template). The letterhead should include all of your contact information including your name, address, phone number(s) and e-mail address if applicable. Describe your relationship with Leonard -- how do you know him, for how long, etc. Write about his character, and his accomplishments both before and during imprisonment. Discuss improvements made since being incarcerated such as education and his philanthropic work. Discuss Leonard's positive attitude and, despite his innocence, the fact that he has openly expressed remorse and sadness over the deaths that occurred on June 26, 1975. Finish your support letter by telling the Parole Board how you will support Leonard once he is granted parole. Your support might be financial, such as a place to live, use of a vehicle, or help finding job offers. Your support can also be emotional such as providing advice and encouragement. IMPORTANT NOTE TO ALL SUPPORTERS: When you write a letter in support of Leonard's parole, mail the letter directly to the U.S. Parole Commission, but also please send a copy of your correspondence to the Peltier Legal Team, c/o LP-DOC, P.O. Box 7488, Fargo, ND 58106. Time to set him free... Because it is the RIGHT thing to do. Friends of Peltier http://www.FreePeltierNow.org [ send green star]
James M N.	Free Native American Leader, falsely incarcerated for 33 years :) June 08, 2009 1:12 PM Free Native American Leader, falsely incarcerated for 33 years Please, especially now, your efforts in support of parole for Leonard Peltier, are greatly needed These Actions, on Change.org, the url free falsely jailed http://humanitarianrelief.change.org/actions/view/free_falsely_jailed Previous Actions, on Change.org, the url Act to Protect Leonard Peltier, severely beaten, institutionally abused, etc.. http://humanitarianrelief.change.org/actions/view/act_to_protect_leonard_peltier_severely_beaten_institutionally_abused_etc Leonard Peltier's first full parole hearing was held in 1993, at which time his case was continued for a 15-year reconsideration. On Wednesday, it was announced (in Portland, OR) that Mr. Peltier has recently applied for and been granted a parole hearing. The hearing is scheduled for July 27, 2009. All supporters are encouraged to step up their efforts in support of parole for Leonard Peltier. Letters in Support of Parole It is really important that everyone write letters in support of Leonard's petition for parole. These letters can be quite simple and should cover the basic points important for parole decisions. A sample letter follows. Feel free to use it, but know that it's even better if you write one in your own words. Be courteous and concise. Get as many people to sign similar letters, as well. Carry a sheaf of spare letters with you. Get one signature per letter, that is, rather than using a petition format. Mail them to the Parole Commission, but also send copies to the Leonard Peltier Defense Offense Committee (contact information below). Guidelines for General Supporters First, we ask that you sign the online at http://www.msplinks.com/http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/parole2008/. Next, draft correspondence to the U.S. Parole Commission. A sample letter follows. Sample Letter United States Parole Commission 5550 Friendship Boulevard Suite 420 Chevy Chase, MD 20815-7286 (Insert Date) Re: LEONARD PELTIER #89637-132 Dear Commissioners, Convicted in connection with the deaths on June 26, 1975, of Ronald Williams and Jack Coler, agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Mr. Leonard Peltier remains imprisoned at the United States Penitentiary in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. The court record in this case clearly shows that government prosecutors have long held that they do not know who killed Mr. Coler and Mr. Williams nor what role Leonard Peltier "may have" played in the tragic shoot-out. Further, in a decision filed by the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals on December 18, 2002, Mr. Peltier's sentences "were imposed in violation of [Peltier's] due process rights because they were based on information that was false due to government misconduct," and, according to the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals, in 2003: ".Much of the government's behavior at the Pine Ridge Reservation and its prosecution of Leonard Peltier is to be condemned. The government withheld evidence. It intimidated witnesses. These facts are not disputed." Despite these admissions, Leonard Peltier has served over 33 years in prison. After careful consideration of the facts in Leonard Peltier's case, I have concluded that Leonard Peltier does not represent a risk to the public. First, Leonard Peltier has no prior convictions and has advocated for non-violence throughout his prison term. Furthermore, Leonard Peltier has been a model prisoner. He has received excellent evaluations from his work supervisors on a regular basis. He continues to mentor young Native prisoners, encouraging them to lead clean and sober lives. He has used his time productively, disciplining himself to be a talented painter and an expressive writer. Although Leonard Peltier maintains that he did not kill the agents, he has openly expressed remorse and sadness over their deaths. Most admirably, Mr. Peltier contributes regular support to those in need. He donates his paintings to charities including battered women's shelters, half way houses, alcohol and drug treatment programs, and Native American scholarship funds. He also coordinates an annual holiday gift drive for the children of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Leonard Peltier is widely recognized for his good deeds and in turn has won several awards including the North Star Frederick Douglas Award; Federation of Labour (Ontario, Canada) Humanist of the Year Award; Human Rights Commission of Spain International Human Rights Prize; and 2004 Silver Arrow Award for Lifetime Achievement. Mr. Peltier also has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize six times. Leonard Peltier is now over 60 years of age-a great-grandfather-and suffers from partial blindness, diabetes, a heart condition, and high blood pressure. I recognize the grave nature of the events of June 26, 1975, and I extend my deepest sympathy to the families of those who died that day. However, I find aspects of this case to also be of concern and I believe Leonard Peltier deserves to be reunited with his family and allowed to live the remaining years of his life in peace. I also believe that, rather than presenting a threat [ send green star]
James M N.	Troy Anthony Davis Global Day of Action May 20, 2009 10:13 PM Troy Anthony Davis Global Day of Action These Actions, on Change.org, the url act / abolition http://criminaljustice.change.org/actions/view/act_abolition Dear Fellow Abolitionists, Tomorrow, Tuesday, May 19, is Troy Anthony Davis Global Day of Action. http://takeaction.amnestyusa.org/siteapps/advocacy/index.aspx?c=jhKPIXPCIoE&b=2590179&template=x.ascx&action=12168 This is an opportunity to "shout from the rooftops" in opposition to what could be the execution of an innocent man. We invite you to join NCADP by participating in this day of action in some meaningful way. More on that is below. We also wanted to take the opportunity to thank each of the 649 supporters who posted a comment in support of NCADP on the Jenzabar Foundation blog. We here at NCADP were deeply touched by your support and comments. While NCADP received the most comments and that is what got us to the finals, the Jenzabar Foundation chose to make its award to another worthy organization called Forge, which helps refugees in Africa. We applaud the folks at Forge, and we thank the Jenzabar Foundation for its work and for the benefits NCADP has derived from participating in the contest. Again, thank you. Troy Anthony Davis Global Day of Action http://takeaction.amnestyusa.org/siteapps/advocacy/index.aspx?c=jhKPIXPCIoE&b=2590179&template=x.ascx&action=12168 Troy Anthony Davis is currently on death row in Georgia, where he awaits a decision in his case by the U.S. Supreme Court. If the Court refuses to hear his case or otherwise grant relief, his execution date could be set at any time. Tuesday, May 19th is Troy Anthony Davis Global Day of Action, an event sponsored by Amnesty International and endorsed by the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty. Learn more and take action here. NCADP Executive Director Diann Rust-Tierney wrote about this case last week on the Huffington Post - read that here. Additional Background In 1991, Troy was convicted in the murder of off-duty police officer Mark MacPhail largely on the basis of eyewitness testimony - no physical evidence links him to the crime. Since his trial, seven of nine eyewitnesses have recanted their original statements, yet federal law prevents these new eyewitness statements from being heard. Troy's execution had been scheduled for September 23rd, 2008. On September 12, 2008 he was denied clemency by the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles. Two hours before he was to be killed he received stay from the U.S. Supreme Court pending its decision as to whether it would hear his appeal. On October 14, 2008, the Court denied his request for relief so that his evidence of innocence could be heard in a legal proceeding. Just one day later, Troy Davis' execution was set for October 27 at 7pm EST. On October 24, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals issued a stay pending further examination and possible acceptance of a new appeal. On April 16, by a 2-1 vote the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals denied Troy's appeal but issued a 30 stay to allow time for an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. The stay has now expired. Learn more about this case and take action here. Thank you. --abe Abraham J. Bonowitz Director of Affiliate Support NCADP is proud to be making an impact online! Visit : http://www.huffingtonpost.com/diann-rusttierney to read articles by NCADP Executive Director Diann Rust-Tierney. Visit our blog to read the latest death penalty news! http://ncadp.org/blog.cfm Click here to join NCADP on Facebook Click here to sign up for Twitter updates from NCADP [ send green star]
James M N.	NCADP Acts: Call / Prayer/Meditation / CO Victims Bill; etc.. May 09, 2009 9:43 PM Actions, on Change.org, the url NCADP Acts http://criminaljustice.change.org/actions/view/ncadp_acts We're in 2nd place and need your help today! Dear Friends, As you know, the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty (NCADP) is up for The Jenzabar Foundation http://thejenzabarfoundationblog.com/2009/04/22/the-national-coalition-to-abolish-the-death-penalty/ Social Media Leadership Award, which provides a $3,000 grant to a non-profit organization based on its use of social media to raise awareness of its cause. Social media plays an integral part in our campaign to end the death penalty across the country, as evidenced by our use of our blog, Twitter, and Facebook over the past week to keep you informed of the developments on the death penalty repeal bill in Colorado. The deadline for voting has been extended to Friday, May 8th, with the winners to be announced on May 11th. We're currently in 2nd place, and we need your help to keep us going. Please consider leaving a comment on The Jenzabar Foundation blog today. Or, if you've already voted, please consider getting as many friends and family to vote as you can. This grant would mean a lot for our efforts, but we need your help! Thanks so much for all your support! http://www.ncadp.org/ Diann Rust-Tierney Executive Director PS: You can also help NCADP directly by visiting our website and making a secure donation today You can see also our work online in several ways: By joining one of our many affiliates Read articles by NCADP Executive Director Diann Rust-Tierney at the Huffington Post?? Visit our blog to read the latest death penalty news?? Join NCADP on Facebook?? Sign up for Twitter updates from NCADP GLOBAL Call for Prayer/Meditation for Colorado Murder Victims Families Bill Please Forward... Dear Friends, Today, May 6 is the final day of the 2009 Colorado Legislative Session. Coloradans Against the Death Penalty is launching an all day presence at the Colorado Capitol in support of HB-1274. HB 1274, the "Cold Case Bill," repeals the death penalty and redirects the funds saved to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation's Cold Case Unit for the purpose of resolving unsolved homicides. It is a primary effort of the Colorado organization, "Families of Homicide Victims and Missing Persons" Start Time: 8:45am MDT (10:45am EDT) End Time: Midnight, or when the bill passes (or dies) in the Senate and the House We are asking for prayer/meditation in solidarity with the Vigil for Justice for the Murder Victims Families of Colorado at the Colorado Statehouse. Please take a few minutes to pray, meditate, or reflect in solidarity with the Vigil in Colorado. Please ask others you know to do the same. Follow the action in the live blog at http://www.ncadp.org/blog.cfm and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/ncadp REFLECTION/PRAYER - Adjust as you see fit "I am in solidarity with the Vigil for Justice for the Murder Victims Families of Colorado going on right now at the Colorado Statehouse. With all of my heart and soul I am (praying/willing) for Justice and Mercy at the State Capitol in Denver, Colorado today. May the Legislators and those who advise them act with wisdom, love and compassion to repeal the death penalty and instead help murder victims families know the truth about what happened to their loved ones by passing The Cold Case Bill, HB 1274." Below is the alert being sent to the e-mail lists of the many Colorado organizations involved in this effort. Thank you for your participation. --abe Abraham J. Bonowitz Director of Affiliate Support National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty http://www.NCADP.org abe@ncadp.org mobile: 561-371-5204 -----Original Message----- From: cadp@yahoogroups.com on behalf of Lisa Cisneros Sent: Tue 05-May-09 7:09 PM To: Subject: [CADP] COME TO THE CAPITOL May 6 all day: Vigil For Justice for Colorado Families of Murder Victims COME TO THE CAPITOL May 6 all day: Vigil For Justice for Colorado Families of Murder Victims Please forward this message Dear Friends, Starting a 8:45am tomorrow (Wednesday, May 6, 2009) and throughout the last day of the 2009 Colorado legislative session, please come to the Capitol in Denver to lend your personal presence in a "Vigil for Justice for the Murder Victims Families of Colorado." The vigil will go until both the House and the Senate vote on our bill. This can be any time from 9am to midnight. Please come all day, or for whatever part of the day you can be there. Come as early as you can and stay as long as you can, but come - even if it is just for 15 minutes. To help maximize our presence WEAR A WHITE SHIRT (no message shirts allowed in the galleries), WEAR YOUR FOHVAMP BUTTON IF YOU HAVE IT, AND GATHER TOGETHER WHERE YOU SEE OTHERS OF US. For our location updates, text 561-371-5204 (preferred) or call toll free 800-973-6548. PLEASE NOTE: This is not a "demonstration." This Vigil for Justice is simply a presence of like minded people. Our goal is to be present and witness as the Legislature does the right thing by passing HB-1274 in its original form. ALSO, we are not alerting the media. We expect that when enough of us [ send green star]
James M N.	New Findings: Decline in Black Incarceration for Drug Offenses :) April 16, 2009 1:41 AM New Findings: Decline in Black Incarceration for Drug Offenses These Actions, on Change.org, the url Sentencing Project http://uspoverty.change.org/actions/view/sentencing_project Dear Friend, For the first time in 25 years, since the inception of the "war on drugs," the number of African Americans incarcerated in state prisons for drug offenses has declined substantially, according to a study released today by The Sentencing Project. It finds a 21.6% drop in the number of blacks incarcerated for a drug offense, a decline of 31,000 people during the period 1999-2005. The study, The Changing Racial Dynamics of the War on Drugs [ http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102550526920&s=12636&e=001Vf-tSjxoenS6RTxxRYfdKt7iTo2jy25Jk8kpKPmcLMjvKdYf9BDY4J1hGAKPUK4xdeARB9wL6LDr2uRdTRYrq96OR3hnjqI4gRw8XnzveGiMqvngXLs2__D5ZdgSX74R-QXjRJpjzg2hGsmuylNO6sCB86zuEIidA-mp9RWOz6UNOjnJ-ZvfolX0dPQFH-15CiwSsY7Sx34= ] , also documents a corresponding rise in the number of whites in state prison for a drug offense, an increase of 42.6% during this time frame, or more than 21,000 people. The number of Latinos incarcerated for state drug offenses was virtually unchanged. The study notes that the black declines in incarceration represent "the end result of 50 state law enforcement and sentencing systems" which need to be examined individually. But overall, the decline in blacks incarcerated for a drug offense follows upon declining arrest and conviction rates for blacks as well. The study suggests much of the disparity resulting from the drug war has been a function of police targeting of open-air drug markets. As crack use and sales have declined, or moved indoors in some cases, law enforcement activity may have been reduced correspondingly. Because of the rising number of whites in prison for a drug offense, the overall number of persons serving state prison time for a drug offense remained at a record 250,000 during the study period. The white increase may be related in part to more aggressive enforcement of methamphetamine laws, according to the study. While methamphetamine is only used at significant levels in a relative handful of states, data from states such as Iowa and Minnesota show a substantial influx of these cases during this time period. The analysis by The Sentencing Project also documented a sharp contrast between state and federal prison populations. While the number of persons in state prisons for a drug offense rose by less than 1% during the study period, the increase in federal prisons was more than 32%. These latter changes are attributed to ongoing aggressive enforcement of drug laws, including application of harsh mandatory sentencing policies. Despite declines in the use of crack cocaine, federal prosecution and incarceration levels for crack offenses remain high and have a stark racially disparate impact. In reviewing the study's findings, Mauer noted that despite the new trend, African Americans are still imprisoned at more than six times the rate of whites for all offenses. Moreover, high incarceration rates for low-level drug offenses remain a function of the largely punitive approach to drug abuse that has proven expensive and ineffective. Today's study is based on an analysis of government data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics, FBI, and the Department of Health and Human Services. Click here [ http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102550526920&s=12636&e=001Vf-tSjxoenS6RTxxRYfdKt7iTo2jy25Jk8kpKPmcLMjvKdYf9BDY4J1hGAKPUK4xdeARB9wL6LDr2uRdTRYrq96OR3hnjqI4gRw8XnzveGiMqvngXLs2__D5ZdgSX74R-QXjRJpjzg2hGsmuylNO6sCB86zuEIidA-mp9RWOz6UNOjnJ-ZvfolX0dPQFH-15CiwSsY7Sx34= ] to read The Sentencing Project's report, The Changing Racial Dynamics of the War on Drugs. -The Sentencing Project Privacy Policy: http://ui.constantcontact.com/roving/CCPrivacyPolicy.jsp The Sentencing Project \| 514 10th St, NW \| Suite 1000 \| Washington \| DC \| 20004 [ send green star]
James M N.	Cesar E. Chavez and Abolish the Death Penalty :) April 10, 2009 4:26 PM These Actions, on Change.org, the url Chavez + Abolish Death Penalty http://criminaljustice.change.org/actions/view/chavez_abolish_death_penalty Give Thanks for Repeal in New Mexico, But We Must Do More! Dear Friends, The National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty (NCADP) is proud of our efforts to help our affiliate, the New Mexico Coalition to Repeal the Death Penalty, bring that state to abolition. If you have not done so, please take a few minutes to send brief, hand written thank you notes to Governor Richardson and the sponsor of the abolition bill, Representative Gail Chasey. Their addresses are as follows: Honorable Bill Richardson Office of the Governor 490 Old Santa Fe Trail, Room 400 Santa Fe, NM 87501 Rep. Gail Chasey 1206 Las Lomas Rd. NE Albuquerque, NM 87106 We cannot rest, however. As I write this, pro-death penalty forces seek to bring the death penalty to Alaska for the first time since it became a state. Our opponents in New Mexico are already waging a campaign to overturn the repeal bill Governor Richardson signed into law last month. There is good news - thanks to the work of NCADP and our network of affiliates, there are more allies than ever working in the states to fight the death penalty. Because of NCADP's crucial training programs and tools, these abolitionists are better prepared than they have ever been to lead efforts to repeal the death penalty in the state legislatures and to educate the public through the news media. Just as we did in New Mexico in March, we will prevail! Thank you. Diann Rust-TierneyExecutive Director PS: You can keep up with our work in several ways: Join one of our many affiliates http://www.huffingtonpost.com/diann-rusttierney to read articles by NCADP Executive Director Diann Rust-Tierney on the death penalty and current events. Visit our blog at http://ncadp.org/blog.cfm to read the latest death penalty news! Go to http://www.causes.com/ncadp or http://apps.facebook.com/causes/104077 to join NCADP on Facebook Go to http://twitter.com/ncadp to sign up for Twitter updates from NCADP Honoring the Legacy of Cesar Chavez Dear Fellow Abolitionists, Today, March 31, would have been the 82nd birthday of the late farm worker leader and champion of nonviolence, Cesar E. Chavez. Cesar Chavez Day of Service and Learning is a holiday in eight states now: AZ, CA, CO, MI, NM, TX, UT and WI. People across the country are celebrating this day by honoring the life, work, and values of Cesar Chavez by serving in their communities, making the holiday a day on, not a day off. I know from talking with his family, Cesar Chavez was a death penalty abolitionist. More broadly, he was an organizer and an activist for human rights. The active involvement of people from all walks of life in Chavez Day reflects the significance of Cesar's legacy and his special place in American history. Nearly 16 years after his passing, Cesar's philosophy of service to others continues to thrive. He once said, "We can choose to use our lives for others to bring about a better world for our children... in giving of yourself you will discover a whole new life full of meaning." Much of what I know about organizing strategy and tactics I learned while I was working for my friend and mentor, Magdaleno Rose-Avila, the first executive director of the Cesar E. Chavez Foundation, a part of the broader farm worker movement. Magdaleno was a farm worker himself, and an organizer for the United Farm Workers labor union. I met him when he was director of Amnesty International USA's Program to Abolish the Death Penalty. He was recognized as the NCADP's Abolitionist of the Year in 1994, and he continues to contribute to our struggle to this day. Magdaleno wrote a reflection about Cesar and nonviolence on NCADP's blog today. As we continue the struggle to end the death penalty, the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty salutes the spirit and the legacy of Cesar Chavez, and urges you to join us today with a special contribution in Cesar's honor. Thank you. Si Se Puede! (Yes we can!), --abe Abraham J. Bonowitz Director of Affiliate Support National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty 1705 DeSales St., NW Fifth Floor Washington, DC 20036 http://www.NCADP.org abe@ncadp.org Join the Petition Drive for a National Cesar E. Chavez Holiday! http://www.ufwaction.org/campaign/chavezholiday09/e63nwu2y7685new? Previous related pledges, actions on Change.org, the url Chavez Day Walk & Festival http://immigration.change.org/actions/view/chavez_day_walk_festival Previous related pledges, actions on Change.org, the url Latino Actions: Rising Tide http://immigration.change.org/actions/view/latino_actions_rising_tide Previous related pledges, actions, on Change.org, the url Sentencing Project Acts [ send green star]
James M N.	Sentencing Project Acts: Crack Disparity News: Advocacy Mth; etc.. April 04, 2009 1:01 AM The Sentencing Project: Fundraising Page Put your shadow behind you, give the gift that keeps on giving, a hand to a sister and/or brother, Started by james m nordlund http://www.change.org/the_sentencing_project/projects/fundraising/put_your_shadow_behind_you_give_the_gift_that_keeps_on_giving_a_hand_to_a_sister_andor_brother_4 These Actions, on Change.org, the url Sentencing Project Acts http://criminaljustice.change.org/actions/view/sentencing_project_acts Crack the Disparity Newsletter: Month of Advocacy CRACK THE DISPARITY NEWSLETTER Volume 1, No. 4, Spring 2009, In This Issue Crack the Disparity Month of Advocacy Kicks Off Hearing from the Folks Back Home - April In-District Meeting Crack Cocaine and Powder Cocaine Sentencing Disparity Talking Points Cheatsheets for Writing Your Members of Congress and Newspaper Editors Save the Date Media Momentum ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Feature Story: Now That He's Released, Lawrence Garrison's First Priority is Reform By Zerline Hughes Lawrence Garrison is home. After spending more than 10 years of a 15-year crack cocaine sentence, Garrison is rebuilding his life in his hometown of Washington, DC. Despite being released from prison a few years early as a result of the United States Sentencing Commission's retroactive guideline amendment implemented last year, Garrison isn't yet at peace. His twin brother, Lamont, is still incarcerated - and has about nine more years to go. "It didn't hit me until I went to the bus station that I was released - unsupervised," recalled Garrison. "The only thing I could think about was my twin. He was supposed to be with me. We walked in together; we should have walked out together." The brothers - who continue to maintain their innocence - were separately convicted of conspiracy to distribute powder and crack cocaine just a few months after having graduated from Howard University. They were charged with conspiracy as part of a 20-person powder and crack cocaine operation, implicated by a target of the investigation, the owner of a Maryland auto body shop who received a reduced 36-month prison sentence in exchange for information. Although no drugs, paraphernalia or drug money were found in the Garrison's home, or on their person, they were subject to the harsh, mandatory minimum sentence that crack cocaine offenses deliver. For the first time, the Garrison twins were separated in 1998 - by unfair, draconian sentencing. Lawrence served his sentence in Elkton, Ohio, while his brother remains at a prison in Manchester, Kentucky. Lawrence Garrison returned to Washington in January and resides with his mother and great uncle. He clearly remembers his first family meal upon returning: a salad, with broccoli, cheese, ranch dressing, and a slice of cheesecake which he shared with his grandmother and mother, Karen Garrison, who also is an active advocate for sentencing reform and works for Families Against Mandatory Minimums. He's currently living with his mother in the home he and his brother were raised in together, which keeps him motivated to continue to advocate on behalf of his brother and others like him. "We're contemplating a commutation for my brother," said Garrison who celebrates his 36th birthday this month. "I've been on the Hill a couple of times. Everywhere I speak, every organization I speak to, I advocate for my brother. The same way my mom has for the last 10 1/2 years." Garrison is grateful to be able to speak to his twin on the phone - a luxury he was not permitted while incarcerated. He also appreciates what he calls "those little things," like being treated with respect and "not hearing keys jingle and doors being locked behind me." Click here to read more [ http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102536987633&s=12636&e=001p-FLYaOcqmo8uD3Bmx0KpoTf26MXobqZ1XcMfsmv_MX4M8s5HxeYPEbviS0IrQT-bc_iu0n82kjoG78OWP-OEg9VPWGwmA0X1YJu7DESHVlgvjNII6NjevfUzCVtREjZshM0SBtpLhA= ]. [ http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102536987633&s=12636&e=001p-FLYaOcqmo8uD3Bmx0KpoTf26MXobqZ1XcMfsmv_MX4M8s5HxeYPEbviS0IrQT-bc_iu0n82kjoG78OWP-OEg9VPWGwmA0X1YJu7DESHVlgvjNII6NjevfUzCVtREjZshM0SBtpLhA= ] Crack the Disparity Coalition Takes Message to Hill Two defendants appear before a federal judge on drug charges.One is charged with possession of five grams of crack cocaine; theother is charged with trafficking 500 grams of powder cocaine. Neither person has any prior convictions.Who gets the longer sentence, the crack cocaine addict or the powder cocaine trafficker? The most likely answer is that both will get the same mandatory five-year sentence, despite the fact that the cocaine seller had 100 times more cocaine than the crack cocaine user. This question was posed to staffers [ send green star]
James M N.	rest:) Urgent: Write, e-mail, call AG Holder re transfer Peltier March 29, 2009 2:27 AM .-:'``':-.,_,.-:'``':-.,_,.-:'``' Also frequently visit <http://www.FreePeltierNow.org> and our main Blog at <http://FreePeltierNow.blogspot.com>. The Blog is updated daily. Register to receive e-mail announcements. It's easy. Go to our homepage at <http://www.FreePeltierNow.org/welcome.htm>. Scroll down the page until you see "Join Us" on the left sidebar. Enter your e-mail address in the text box. Then point to and click on "Subscribe". Or send a blank e-mail message to <FreePeltierNow-on@mail-list.com>. We encourage other sites to link to our Web site and blogs. No prior permission is required. Visit us on your preferred social network, too (MySpace, Facebook, etc.): <http://www.FreePeltierNow.org/networks.htm>. ----- Time to set him free... Because it is the RIGHT thing to do. Friends of Peltier http://www.FreePeltierNow.org [ send green star]
James M N.	Urgent: Write, e-mail, call AG Holder re transfer Peltier March 29, 2009 2:25 AM Urgent: Write, e-mail, call AG Holder re transfer for Peltier '``':-.,_,.-:'``':-.,_,.-:'``':-.,_,.-:'``' "If you tremble indignation at every injustice then you are a comrade of mine."-- Ernesto 'Che' Guevara '``':-.,_,.-:'``':-.,_,.-:'``':-.,_,.-:'``' * Call to Action * So you've written to the BOP's designation center in Texas on Leonard Peltier's behalf, as well as Director Lappin of the Bureau of Prisons. If you received responses at all, they've been less than satisfactory, right? The next step is to contact the Attorney General of the United States. You can send an e-mail to AskDOJ@usdoj.gov. IMPORTANT: Be certain to address your comments to the attention of Eric Holder, Attorney General. Better yet, take just a few minutes to place a phone call. The phone number of the Office of the Attorney General is 202-353-1555. The following is sample text that you may use for your communication with the Attorney General. The text also may be adapted as talking points during a phone call. [Begin] The Honorable Eric Holder Office of the Attorney General U.S. Department of Justice 950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20530-0001 (Date) Re: Leonard Peltier #89637-132 Dear Mr. Holder, First, thank you for overturning the strict guidelines as regards Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. If, as you ordered, "a presumption of disclosure" is applied by the Department of Justice (specifically, the Federal Bureau of Investigation) when handling Leonard Peltier's FOIA requests, his attorneys can expect to finally have access to thousands of government documents withheld at trial 33 YEARS AGO! I strongly agree that the American people have the right to information about their government's activities, as well as to hold any government agency accountable for its failure to support and defend the U.S. Constitution. I am writing, today, because I am alarmed by the treatment of Mr. Peltier by the Bureau of Prisons (BOP). As you likely know, due to a change in mission at USP-Lewisburg, Leonard Peltier was transferred to USP-Canaan on January 13. I was outraged to learn that he was immediately attacked and injured by young gang members there. I recently wrote to the BOP's Designation and Sentence Computation Center (DSCC) to ask that Peltier's recent application for transfer be honored. The DSCC's response implied that Mr. Peltier did not apply for a transfer and/or follow procedures for doing so. However, last August, Mr. Peltier properly submitted a formal application for transfer to an institution close to his home in North Dakota-either the prison at Sandstone, Minnesota, or the facility in Oxford, Wisconsin. I was disgusted to discover that Mr. Peltier has never been placed within a 500-mile radius of his home during the past over 33 years. It's apparent that Mr. Peltier hasn't been afforded fair consideration and equal treatment by the BOP. The assignment requested by Mr. Peltier would comply with Program Statement 5100.08 which states that the BOP is to make every effort to keep prisoners within a 500-mile radius of their homes so that prisoners can maintain ties to their families and communities. When I apprised DSSC of these facts, I was told that Mr. Peltier has the right to appeal a designation made by the DSCC. However, to date, Mr. Peltier's request for a transfer has not been formally approved or rejected. There has, in fact, been no response whatsoever. What is there to appeal? In addition, Mr. Peltier's attorney wrote to Director Lappin about Peltier's request for a transfer. To date, there has been no reply. I also have written to Director Lappin and have received no reply. You also should know that, in late 2008, the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians sent a resolution to Director Lappin (and later to the White House) offering a third option, i.e., that their tribesman Peltier be transferred to that Nation's custody to serve the remainder of his sentence. These are the facts: Mr. Peltier has been a model prisoner for the past 30 years. In recognition of this, the BOP has greatly reduced his security rating. Peltier shouldn't be imprisoned in a maximum security facility anymore. Peltier's reduced security rating, his application for a transfer, and his Tribal Council's request should have been but clearly weren't taken into account in the BOP's recent decision to transfer Peltier to yet another maximum security prison where the BOP's inability to protect Mr. Peltier became clearly evident. First and foremost, I look to you to protect and defend the Constitution and ensure equal rights for all. I would hope that you expect the same from all of your subordinates in the Department of Justice. Mr. Holder, I ask that you truly embrace government transparency-and accountability-within the DOJ. The only remedy to the current situation is for you to immediately transfer Mr. Peltier to one of the above, more appropriate facilities. I strongly urge you to do so. Thank you for your consideration and rapid response. Sincerely, (Your Name) (Your Address) (Your City, State and Zip Code) [end] '``':-.,_,.-:'``':-.,_,.-:'``':-.,_,.-:'``' "Never cease in the fight for peace, justice, and equality for all people. Be persistent in all that you do and don't allow anyone to sway you from your conscience." -- Leonard Peltier '``':-.,_,.-:*'` [ send green star]
James M N.	DC Residents Voice in Congress :) March 14, 2009 2:55 PM DC Residents Voice in Congress These Actions on Change.org, the url DC'ers Voice in Congress http://uspoverty.change.org/actions/view/dcers_voice_in_congress Call Representative: Give DC Residents Voice in Congress Urge Your Member of Congress to Pass the D.C. House Voting Rights Act Take Action Now: Call 202-224-3121 and urge your member of Congress to pass the District of Columbia House Voting Rights Act (H.R. 157) without any amendments and provide D.C. residents a voice in the U.S. House of Representatives. http://www.civilrights.org/action_center/urge-your-representative-to.html UPDATE: Amendments Stall Voting Rights Legislation Amendments Stall Voting Rights Legislation Movement of the District of Columbia House Voting Rights Act of 2009 through Congress has been stalled. Even though the bill passed the Senate, debate in the House has been postponed. Opponents of DC voting rights are attempting to derail the bill using an amendment that would repeal DC's gun laws. Click here to see how your Senators voted. The vote that was scheduled for March 5 has been postponed. Now, more than ever, it is important to urge your Representative to support DC voting rights and oppose all amendments! http://capwiz.com/lwv/issues/alert/?alertid=12768106 Voting Rights, Representation in Congress For DC Residents; More previous Actions on Change.org, the url Voting Rights For DC http://education.change.org/actions/view/voting_rights_for_dc Sites to send emails, letters, and letters to the editor, et al http://capwiz.com/fconl/home http://www.congress.org/ Please, you can make calls to your Congressmen and Congresswomen, here, too Find your elected officials phone #'s, etc. http://capwiz.com/fconl/home Some groups where you can independently advocate on http://change.gov/openforquestions http://www.change.org/ Tell President Obama what you think, etc. Phone: To just leave a comment message: 202-456-1414 Direct Comment: 202-456-1111 FAX: 202-456-2461 TTY/TDD Comments: 202-456-6213 E-Mail: You can use BOTH of the following: http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/ Office of Public Liaison: http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/opl/ Previous Actions on Change.org, the url DC Voting Rights Act http://humanitarianrelief.change.org/actions/view/dc_voting_rights_act Direct Contact info.: Congressional switchboard (202) 224-3121 US House of Representatives http://www.house.gov/ US Senate http://www.senate.gov [ send green star]
James M N.	It's Abolition Day - Take Action! March 02, 2009 1:30 AM See Below for Special Maryland and New Mexico actions, and more! Greetings Abolitionists! Tomorrow is March 1st, International Death Penalty Abolition Day, which marks the anniversary of the date in 1847 in which the State of Michigan officially became the first English-speaking territory in the world to abolish capital punishment. It is a day to remember the victims of violent crime and their survivors; it is a day to remember those killed by state sanctioned violence - guilty or not- and their survivors; and it is a day for intensified education and action for alternatives to the death penalty. See the link to more info on our Blog. Abolition Day is especially exciting this year because so much is happening in state legislatures to advance our cause. Below are several things you can do to help. Please take action now! #1 - Take Action in Maryland. (This action is for Maryland residents only. If you do not live in Maryland, please forward this to friends, relatives, colleagues etc. who you know who do live in Maryland.) The Maryland Senate will vote on whether to repeal the death penalty THIS TUESDAY. The time to act is now! Email your Senator today at www.mdcase.org! Follow-up your e-mail with a phone call. The General Assembly switchboard is 1-800-492-7122 (toll free in Maryland) Tell your Senator to vote for a fair vote in the full Senate AND to vote for the repeal bill. Background: This past Friday, the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee voted 5-5 on Governor O'Malley's death penalty repeal bill. For most bills, this would have been its end. But there is just too much momentum in Maryland for repealing the death penalty - thanks to Governor O'Malley's leadership, the recent findings and recommendation of the Maryland Commission on Capital Punishment, and people like you! The Senate leadership has agreed to consider motions that will allow the bill to get a full Senate vote despite the committee's vote. We must win both the motions and the repeal vote itself in order to repeal the death penalty in Maryland. Take action now at www.mdcase.org and please forward this mailing to friends or colleagues. All of our efforts to end the death penalty must come to bear this week! #2 - Take Action in New Mexico! (This action is for everyone!) Please IMMEDIATELY contact Governor Bill Richardson and thank him for openly reconsidering his position on the death penalty, and urge him to support HB 285 to repeal the death penalty and HB 211 and HB 284 to enhance support for murder victim families in our state. A short, hand written note sent in the mail is the single most important action you can take. You can also call or fax a letter, but please send your short note in the mail first. Contact NM Governor Bill Richardson at: Office of the Governor 490 Old Santa Fe Trail Room 400 Santa Fe, NM 87501 Telephone: (505)827-3000 Fax: (505)827-3026 #3 - Make certain that you are on your state affiliate contact list so that they may reach you quickly and efficiently when it is time to contact your state legislators. Click here to learn who to contact in your state: Especially if you live in the following states, sign up and take action TODAY: Encourage people you know who live in those states to sign up also. Thank you! Colorado - http://www.coadp.org Kansas - http://www.kscadp.org Montana - http://www.mtabolitionco.org/ Nebraska - http://www.nadp.net/ #4 - Make a special Abolition Day contribution to support the work of the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty. Thank you! Yours in the Struggle, --abe Abraham J. Bonowitz Director of Affiliate Support National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty http://www.NCADP.org abe@ncadp.org [ send green star]
James M N.	Actions For Black History Month :) February 26, 2009 8:33 AM These Actions on Change.org, the url Act Black History Month http://uspoverty.change.org/actions/view/act_black_history_month DC Voting Rights Actions These Actions on Change.org, the url http://humanitarianrelief.change.org/actions/view/dc_voting_rights_act Bring our troops home -- yes, we can! http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8398 Click To Donate Free These Actions on Change.org, the url http://globalwarming.change.org/actions/view/click_to_donate_free Urgent: Tell your reps to attend health care forum! http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8400 Natl Nuke Lobby Day--Feb 27 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8397 Extremist threat to Obama http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8389 Please help out the homeless These Actions on Change.org, the url Help Homeless http://homelessness.change.org/actions/view/help_homeless NCADP Online and in the News! http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8405 Previous related alert: Black History Month Act http://criminaljustice.change.org/actions/view/black_history_month_act Sites to send emails, letters, and letters to the editor, et al http://capwiz.com/fconl/home http://www.congress.org/ Please, make calls to your Political Representatives, too. Find your elected officials phone #'s, etc. http://capwiz.com/fconl/home Some groups where you can independently advocate on http://change.gov/openforquestions http://www.change.org/ Tell President Obama what you think, etc. Phone: To just leave a comment message: 202-456-1414 Direct Comment: 202-456-1111 FAX: 202-456-2461 TTY/TDD Comments: 202-456-6213 E-Mail: You can use BOTH of the following: http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/ Office of Public Liaison: http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/opl/ [ send green star]
James M N.	NCADP Online and in the News! February 26, 2009 8:32 AM NCADP Online and in the News! NCADP is proud to be making an impact online! Visit the Huffington Post to read an article by Diann Rust-Tierney discussing the link between the abolition of slavery and the abolition of the death penalty. http://ncadp.org/index.cfm?content=3 Visit She Source to see Diann's biography and publications on She Source, an online resource guide for journalists and broadcast talk show guest schedulers seeking female experts to interview about breaking news issues. Visit our blog to see pictures and news of Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley's march with Maryland clergy this morning, calling for an end to the death penalty in that state! Sign up for Twitter updates from NCADP. NCADP recognizes how critically important it is to share our message with the broader community. Your support empowers us to do so. Only by convincing a greater number of Americans to speak out can we finally end capital punishment in this country. Please make a gift to NCADP today to help us reach an ever greater audience. In Solidarity, Margaret Summers Director of Communications National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty [ send green star]
James M N.	DC Voting Rights Act :) February 25, 2009 7:21 AM DC Voting Rights Act This Action on Change.org, the url DC Voting Rights Act http://humanitarianrelief.change.org/actions/view/dc_voting_rights_act Senators will vote on the District of Columbia House Voting Rights Act (S.160) Call your senators toll-free at 888-999-6775* between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, and urge their support of the DC Voting Rights Act. Or, email them, at LCCR http://civilrightscoalition.org/campaign/DCVRA2009_Senate Our nation was founded on the belief that every American should have a voice in governing this country. However, for the nearly 600,000 residents of the District of Columbia, this is not a reality. Washington, D.C., residents pay federal income taxes and serve in the military, but do not have full-voting representation in the U.S. Congress. Passage of S.160 will remedy this injustice by providing Washington, D.C., residents with a full-voting member in the House of Representatives for the first time in our nation's history. Call your senators today and tell them that voting representation is a fundamental civil right of all Americans - one that is long overdue for the District of Columbia. Should D.C. Get a Seat in the House? Tell Congress Send a letter, or email them, at Congress.org http://www.congress.org/congressorg/issues/alert/?alertid=12702446&type=ML Sites to send emails, letters, and letters to the editor, et al http://capwiz.com/fconl/home http://www.congress.org/ Please, you can make calls to your Congressmen and Congresswomen, here too Find your elected officials phone #'s, etc. http://capwiz.com/fconl/home Some groups where you can independently advocate on http://change.gov/openforquestions http://www.change.org/ Tell President Obama what you think, etc. Phone: To just leave a comment message: 202-456-1414 Direct Comment: 202-456-1111 FAX: 202-456-2461 TTY/TDD Comments: 202-456-6213 E-Mail: You can use BOTH of the following: http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/ Office of Public Liaison: http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/opl/ [ send green star]
James M N.	Stop the Execution, Listen Live, Sign On, Take Action! February 18, 2009 2:14 AM As you know, NCADP lists all pending executions prominently on its web page at www.NCADP.org, in most cases linking to our state affiliate site for direction on actions to take. We want to highlight the upcoming execution this week of Edward Nathaniel Bell, scheduled to be killed by the Commonwealth of Virginia at 9 p.m. on February 19th, 2009 for the shooting death of Sgt. Ricky L. Timbrook, 32, from the Winchester Police Department during a late evening police chase on Oct. 29, 1999. The case of Edward Bell presents Virginia Governor Kaine with one serious question and two facts. The question is one of innocence, and the facts of this case are that too many gross procedural irregularities have occurred in getting a man with intellectual disabilities to the death chamber in Virginia. Please read more about this case on Virginians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty's web page at http://www.VADP.org and take the action requested there. Please also click on the following link to sign on RIGHT NOW to a special on-line petition which will be presented to Governor Kaine in the coming days: http://www.clemency4eddie.net/ LEGISLATIVE OPPORTUNITIES As noted last week, Legislative sessions are in full swing across the United States. The new trend seems to be that real attention is now being paid to the wasteful costs of the death penalty. NCADP Executive Director Diann Rust-Tierney was featured in a national Associated Press article on the subject this past week - Click here to read it and several related articles. In New Mexico, with bi-partisan support the NM House of Representatives voted 40 to 28 to approve the abolition bill and send it to the NM Senate. Further action has not yet been scheduled, but watch for updates on the NM Repeal web page. In Montana, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed the Montana abolition bill and it to the Senate floor where it is expected to be debated and voted on TOMORROW in a session that starts at 1pm Mountain time. Listen live on the MT Legislature site. Get updates here: http://www.mtabolitionco.org/ This Wednesday at 12:30pm in the Maryland Senate Judiciary Committee, MD Governor O'Malley is scheduled to testify on the abolition bill that he himself is sponsoring. And next week on Ash Wednesday, Governor O'Malley is leading a public march to rally for the abolition bill. Learn more here: http://www.mdcase.org/ See the NCADP Blog for a report on NM Lobby Day and a bit about the participants in the Montana Judiciary Committee Hearing. And more as the week progresses... JOIN NCADP ON FACEBOOK! Are you on Facebook? Join our Facebook Cause and help build the NCADP presence! HELP NCADP HELP ITS AFFILIATES! Once again, the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty is working hard to assist its affiliates on the front lines and to that end, we want to encourage you to sign up with your state affiliate. Click here to use NCADP's state affiliate list to find and sign up with your state group. Finally, please support NCADP and help us help our state affiliates. Positive legislation is going on now in Colorado, Kansas, Maryland, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico and other places. Your support to NCADP helps us support the efforts in those states and across our nation. Support NCADP today! Thank you. Yours in the Struggle, --abe Abraham J. Bonowitz Director of Affiliate Support National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty http://www.NCADP.org abe@ncadp.org [ send green star]
James M N.	rest :) RE: HELP DEBUNK THE NAYSAYERS ABOUT Closing GITMO :) February 13, 2009 5:48 PM reality's geocities website : http://www.geocities.com/jamesmnordlund/index.html Poets For Human Rights : http://groups.google.com/group/Poets-for-Human-Rights/web/realitys- twigs-of-poetree-pour-vous Poets For Human Rights http://poetsforhumanrights.ning.com/profile/reality What do you think? "Painting is poetry which is seen and not heard, and poetry is a painting which is heard but not seen." ~ Leonardo da Vinci. For those interested "of or pertaining to the morning, day relating to or happening in the morning or in the early part of the day ( formal ), (Mid-16th century, from late Latin matutinalis, from Matuta, goddess of the dawn.)". As always, feel free to copy and share, as well. Thanx! Enjoy a festive eve' as you can. Ciao, for now. Matutinally Yours, james m nordlund reality (aja) RE: HELP DEBUNK THE NAYSAYERS ABOUT Closing GITMO "I WANT TO SUGGEST THAT THE LETTER HAS A MISTAKE. IF YOU DON'T CARE,THAT'S OK TOO BUT IT IS AN ALL TOO COMMON MISTAKE. SHEIK OMAR WAS NEVER CHARGED OR CONVICTED IN WTC1. HIS IMAGE IN DARK GLASSES AND TURBAN WAS ALWAYS USED BY THE MEDIA WITH THE BACKDROP OF THE SMOKING BUILDING. HE WAS CONVICTED OF CONSPIRACY TO COMMITT SEDITION BY BOMBING NY LANDMARKS.(NO BOMBINGS OCCURED). INCLUDED IN A LAUNDRYLIST OF OVERT ACTS WAS WTC 1 BUT WE DON'T KNOW WHAT THE JURY DECIDED. THERE WAS ONLY A GUILTY VERDICT OF THE CONSPIRACY; NO SPECIFICS. ALSO SHEIK OMAR IS CURRENTLY HELD AT A MEDICAL FACILITY IN BUTTNER NC (BLIND, DIABETIC,HEART) I DO THINK IT'S A SLIPPERY SLOPE TO EXTOL THE VIRTUES OF THE ON SHORE GUANTANAMOS. IT ALSO PRESUPPOSES EVERYONE'S GUILTY AS CHARGED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND AND THAT THEY DESERVE TO BE ENTOMBED IN THE FEDERAL PRISON SYSTEM. LOVE STRUGGLE LYNNE" Dear Lynne Stewart, Ni hao. Thanx for the efforts, your work is impressive. I hope you and yours are well and will continue to be. Very cool, yet, maybe you could correct the National office of the ACLU about it, as it's their talking points, altered to provide a SAMPLE letter to the editor (more people will participate if we make it easier for them to), I'd hope people would alter as they see fit (see the title of their alert and a link to it in my alert); as it would mean extremely more to them if you did- and, I do care about everything, not just accuracy! Additions Actions on Change.org, the url Close GITMO Now http://criminaljustice.change.org/actions/view/close_gitmo_now "Painting is poetry which is seen and not heard, and poetry is a painting which is heard but not seen." ~ Leonardo da Vinci. Enjoy a festive eve' as you can. Lest "we" forget, if you don't exercise responsibility, its Siamese twin sister, freedom, will wither, like a muscle, as well. Sadly, now, it first needs to be exorcized before its exercised. Viva la evolution! Matutinally Yours, james m nordlund reality (aja) Music is life's song accompanying the abundance of joy's Spring. For those interested "of or pertaining to the morning, day: relating to or happening in the morning or in the early part of the day (formal), (Mid-16th century, from late Latin matutinalis, from Matuta, goddess of the dawn.)". I look forward to hearing from you. Copy, share, as you will. Goodbye. [ send green star]
James M N.	HELP DEBUNK THE NAYSAYERS ABOUT Closing GITMO :) February 13, 2009 5:47 PM HELP DEBUNK THE NAYSAYERS ABOUT Closing GITMO A Sample Letter Dear Sirs, Hello. Convicted terrorists have been prosecuted and successfully incarcerated in high-security federal prisons -- including Colorado´s Supermax facility -- without posing any risk to the public´s safety, including Omar Abdel Rahman, the blind sheik convicted in the first World Trade Center attacks. Our justice system, although not perfect, is the best in the world. It is fully capable of handling sensitive national security issues without compromising fundamental rights. The federal prison system has proven time and again that it is capable of holding convicted terrorists. Some of the convicted terrorists in federal prisons include Omar Abdel Rahman, the blind sheik convicted in the first World Trade Center attacks and Richard Reid, known as the ´shoe bomber.´ Dangerous criminals who have committed horrible crimes are locked up in prisons all over this country every day and nobody wages campaigns objecting to that. This is clearly a politically motivated fear-mongering effort from those who wish to perpetuate the Bush administration´s failed illegal detention policies. It was the Bush administration´s detention and torture policies that made us less safe and more reviled by the Muslim world. Former President Bush´s torture and detention policies certainly radicalized many individuals across the Muslim world, and President Obama´s executive orders are a first step to defusing that hatred and giving us an America we can be proud of again. Guantánamo and the sham military commissions are more likely to produce terrorists– both those detained in Guantánamo and elsewhere – than adherence to the rule of law and a return to American values. Thank you for your attention, time, and all your efforts. Truly, (add your name, address, and phone # (needed for letters to the editor)) Sites to send emails, letters, and letters to the editor, et al http://capwiz.com/fconl/home http://www.congress.org/ Actions on Change.org Close GITMO Now http://criminaljustice.change.org/actions/view/close_gitmo_now Please, Make calls to your Congressmen and Congresswomen, too Find your elected officials phone #'s, etc. http://capwiz.com/fconl/home HELP DEBUNK THE NAYSAYERS ABOUT Closing GITMO Link http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/643/t/8679/letter/? letter_KEY=1093 Some groups where you can independently advocate on http://change.gov/openforquestions http://www.change.org/ Yet, that will not be enough to realize the possibility of the stopping of the extinction of humanity and large mammals we can see racing towards us from the future, on the horizon; we must change everything. Tell Everyone what you think http://globalwarming.change.org/actions/view/tell_congress_your_priori ty Tell President Obama that you agree with him, etc. Phone: To just leave a comment message: 202-456-1414 Direct Comment: 202-456-1111 FAX: 202-456-2461 TTY/TDD Comments: 202-456-6213 E-Mail: You can use BOTH of the following: http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/ Office of Public Liaison: http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/opl/ Some of the groups I moderate, etc. Disabled Greens News and discussion, Group: http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/ Abuse in Therapy, Group : http://www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AbuseinTherapy/ Diffabled, Mental Health, all related issues, advocacy, and professionals: Invite link: http://passport.care2.net/invite.html?g=880 , Homepage: http://www.care2.com/c2c/group/Diffabled_MentalHealth_Action reality's 360 page and blog : http://360.yahoo.com/jamesmnordlund reality's My Space page, blog : http://myspace.com/jamesmnordlund Rights for Imprisoned People with Psychiatric Disabilities: United to Demand Justice and Social Change: http://rippdnycnetwork.ning.com/profile/realiteee Prison Abuse Social Network! Welcome to all Abolitionists: http://sdicks4msnetwork.ning.com/profile/realiteee reality's Windows Live Space : http://jamesmnordlundreality.spaces.live.com/default.aspx? owner=1&wa=wsignin1.0 reality's [ send green star]
James M N.	Black History Month, Celebrate With Reflection and Action :) February 06, 2009 2:00 PM With All, These actions, etc., on Change.org, the url http://criminaljustice.change.org/actions/view/black_history_month_act Emergency letter to the editor http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8373 Two cops assaulted Oscar Grant- your voice is needed again http://www.colorofchange.org/grant/?id=1593-67632 Prison Profiteerism Victimizes Children and Mental Patients http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8360 GP Acts: McKinney speech / HR's conf Damascus; blked lvng US; etc.. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8284 CAIR: Bush Abandoned US in Gaza / Muslims Mark Inaug w Peace Dove http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8339 Secret Dossiers Kept on Muslims / TX Muslims On Airwaves http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8255 1st Nat. Black TEEN Empowerment Expo: FAME: Fashion, Art, Music & Education http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8372 Yet, that will not be enough to realize the possibility of the stopping of the extinction of humanity and large mammals we can see racing towards us from the future, on the horizon; we must change everything. Tell Everyone what you think http://globalwarming.change.org/actions/view/tell_congress_your_priority Sites to send emails and letters, et al http://capwiz.com/fconl/home http://www.congress.org/ Some groups where you can independently act on http://change.gov/openforquestions http://www.change.org/ Some of the groups I moderate, etc. Disabled Greens News and discussion, Group: http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/ Abuse in Therapy, Group : http://www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AbuseinTherapy/ Diffabled, Mental Health, all related issues, advocacy, and professionals: Invite link: http://passport.care2.net/invite.html?g=880 , Homepage: http://www.care2.com/c2c/group/Diffabled_MentalHealth_Action reality's 360 page and blog : http://360.yahoo.com/jamesmnordlund reality's My Space page, blog : http://myspace.com/jamesmnordlund Rights for Imprisoned People with Psychiatric Disabilities: United to Demand Justice and Social Change: http://rippdnycnetwork.ning.com/profile/realiteee Prison Abuse Social Network! Welcome to all Abolitionists: http://sdicks4msnetwork.ning.com/profile/realiteee reality's Windows Live Space : http://jamesmnordlundreality.spaces.live.com/default.aspx?owner=1&wa=wsignin1.0 reality's geocities website : http://www.geocities.com/jamesmnordlund/index.html Poets For Human Rights : http://groups.google.com/group/Poets-for-Human-Rights/web/realitys-twigs-of-poetree-pour-vous Poets For Human Rights http://poetsforhumanrights.ning.com/profile/reality What do you think? "Painting is poetry which is seen and not heard, and poetry is a painting which is heard but not seen." ~ Leonardo da Vinci. For those interested "of or pertaining to the morning, day relating to or happening in the morning or in the early part of the day ( formal ), (Mid-16th century, from late Latin matutinalis, from Matuta, goddess of the dawn.)". As always, feel free to copy and share, as well. Thanx! Enjoy a festive eve' as you can. Ciao, for now. Matutinally Yours, james m nordlund reality (aja) [ send green star]
James M N.	Two cops assaulted Oscar Grant - your voice is needed again February 01, 2009 10:30 AM Two cops assaulted Oscar Grant - your voice is needed again Dear James, It wasn't just one cop attacking Oscar Grant on New Year's Eve. A new video shows that before Grant was killed, officer Tony Pirone punched him in the face without cause, hitting him so hard that he dropped to the ground. Experts have called it criminal. So why has the District Attorney said he's not pursuing charges? It took two weeks and thousands of people speaking out before the DA charged Oscar Grant's killer with murder. Clearly, it will take continued public pressure to see that justice is served throughout this case. This is a moment to demand accountability, and your voice is critical. Please take a moment to click the link below. By adding your voice, you'll help us publicly confront District Attorney Tom Orloff, and put pressure on California's Attorney General to keep an eye on how Orloff handles the case. It only takes a second. And please ask your friends and family to do the same. http://www.colorofchange.org/grant/?id=1593-67632 Local news reported on the video showing Pirone assaulting Oscar Grant last week,1,2 but it has been on the Internet for weeks.3 As with the shooting, the video doesn't leave a lot of room for explaining away Pirone's actions. It makes it clear that with no physical provocation, he punched Oscar Grant so hard that Grant immediately went down. This is assault, and it is a crime. Unfortunately, it appears that Alameda County District Attorney Tom Orloff is once again falling asleep at the wheel. First, he took two long weeks to make the decision to file charges against Oscar Grant's murderer. Then he declared that he was "not actively pursuing"4 charges against other officers, even though he had access to all the video we've seen, BART's internal investigative report, and the evidence collected under his own investigation. Law professor Peter Keane from UC Hastings College of the Law, couldn't have said it any clearer: "If the district attorney is saying he's not going to charge any officer except Mehserle, in my opinion he's not doing his job."5 Orloff's inaction further calls into question his commitment to justice for Oscar Grant. Given Alameda County's terrible record of prosecuting police abuses, we cannot simply trust that Orloff's office has the will to pursue justice wherever it leads. That's why we're asking the California Attorney General to once again place an observer in the Alameda County District Attorney's office for the duration of any prosecutions related to Oscar Grant's murder. And we want to hear Orloff tell the public how not seeking charges against Pirone could possibly be in the interest of justice. Please join our call for justice, and ask your friends and family to do the same. It only takes a minute: http://www.colorofchange.org/grant/?id=1593-67632 Thanks and Peace, -- James, Gabriel, Clarissa, William, Dani, and the rest of the ColorOfChange.org team January 28th, 2009 References 1. "BART SHOOTING: Rita Williams Reports On Footage Showing Grant Punched Before Being Shot," KTVU, 1-23-09 http://tinyurl.com/c8dxov 2. "Video shows another BART cop hitting passenger," San Francisco Chronicle, 1-25-09 http://tinyurl.com/ar53bc 3. "When Assault Becomes Murder," Injustice in Seattle, 01-11-09 http://tinyurl.com/a5favy 4. "Highlights Of DA Tom Orloff's Wednesday News Conference On Murder Charge," KTVU, 1-14-09 http://tinyurl.com/b7mteh 5. See reference 1. [ send green star]
James M N.	additions :) LPDOC Acts: Contacts: Take Action to Protect Peltier; etc.. January 22, 2009 4:14 AM Additions Please, make phone calls too E-mail: http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/ For the online form and phone calls, sample Hello. Mr. Leonard Peltier, #89637-132, a model prisoner, was severely beaten upon his arrival at the Canaan Federal Penitentiary; when he went into population after his transfer, some inmates assaulted him- the severity of his injuries is that he suffered numerous blows to his head and body, receiving a large bump on his head, possibly a concussion, and numerous bruises, etc.! I‘m asking for your support in requesting an investigation of these events by the Bureau of Prisons. Thank you. Matutinally Yours, james m nordlund reality (aja) [ send green star]
James M N.	rest :) LPDOC Acts: Contacts: Take Action to Protect Peltier; etc.. January 21, 2009 4:34 AM after his transfer, some inmates assaulted him. The severity of his injuries is that he suffered numerous blows to his head and body, receiving a large bump on his head, possibly a concussion, and numerous bruises. Also, one of his fingers is swollen and discolored and he has pain in his chest and ribcage. There was blood everywhere from his injuries. We feel that prison authorities at the prompting of the FBI orchestrated this attack and thus, we are greatly concerned about his safety. It may be that the attackers, whom Leonard did not even know, were offered reduced sentences for carrying out this heinous assault. Since Leonard is up for parole soon, this could be a conspiracy to discredit a model prisoner. He was placed in solitary confinement and only given one meal, this is generally done when you won't name your attackers; incidentally being only given one meal seriously jeopardizes his health because of his diabetes. Prison officials refuse to release any info to the family, but they need to hear from his supporters to protect his safety, as does President Obama. His attorneys are trying to get calls into him now. This attack on LP comes on the heels of the FBI's recent letter, prompting this attack by FBI supporters as an attempt to discredit LP as a model prisoner. Anyone who has been in the prison system knows well that if you refuse to name your attackers or file charges against them, then you lose your status as a victim and/or given points against your possible parole and labeled as a perpetrator. It is not uncommon, in fact is quite common for the government to use Indian against Indian and they still operate under the old adage "it takes an Indian to catch an Indian". In 1978, they made an attempt to assassinate him through another Indian man who was also at Marion prison with LP. But Standing Deer chose to reveal the plot to him instead of taking his life in exchange FOR A CHANCE AT FREEDOM. When Standing Deer was released in 2001, he joined the former Leonard Peltier Defense Committee as a board member. He also began to speak on Leonard's behalf until his murder six years ago today. Prior to his murder, Standing Deer confided with close friends and associates that the same man who visited him in Marion to assassinate Peltier, had came to Houston, TX and told him that he had better stay away from Peltier and anything to do with him. We are aware that currently, the FBI is actively seeking support for his continued imprisonment of Leonard Peltier and also seeking support from Native People. So please be aware, and keep Leonard in your prayers. The FBI is apparently afraid of the impact we are having. If they will set him up to blemish his record just before a parole hearing, what will they do when it looks like his freedom will become a reality? We need to make sure that nothing happens to him again! Please write the President, send it priority or registered mail. Email to Change.gov or email President Obama. Call your congressional representatives and write letters, not email, to them. Do what you can to get the word out to insure that LP is receiving adequate medical attention for his injuries. I am asking you, supporters of Leonard and advocates of justice at this time to help. I don't know what else to do. Please Help! Thank you Betty Peltier-Solano Executive Coordinator Leonard Peltier Defense Offense Committee Also call and request Leonard be treated with dignity and respect. Canaan Federal Prison 570-488-8000 ----- Time to set him free... Because it is the RIGHT thing to do. Friends of Peltier http://www.FreePeltierNow.org ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To subscribe, send a blank message to freepeltiernow-on@mail-list.com To contact the list owner, send your message to freepeltiernow-list-owner@mail-list.com mail-list.com 1302 Waugh Dr. #438 Houston, Texas 77019 USA [ send green star]
James M N.	LPDOC Acts: Contacts: Take Action to Protect Peltier; etc.. January 21, 2009 4:31 AM LPDOC Acts: Contacts: Take Action to Protect Peltier; etc.. Act, Protect Peltier, severely beaten, institutionally abused and discriminated against, now! Pursuant to Betty Ann Peltier Solano's letter about her brother, let the Bureau of Prisons know that the public will hold them accountable for the safety and wellbeing of Leonard Peltier. A sample letter Dear Sirs, Hello. I was OUTRAGED to hear that Mr. Leonard Peltier, #89637-132, a greatly respected member of our society, and a model prisoner was severely beaten upon his arrival at the Canaan Federal Penitentiary; when he went into population after his transfer, some inmates assaulted him- the severity of his injuries is that he suffered numerous blows to his head and body, receiving a large bump on his head, possibly a concussion, and numerous bruises! Also, one of his fingers is swollen and discolored and he has pain in his chest and ribcage. I‘m writing you today seeking consideration for Mr. Leonard Peltier, as the Bureau of Prisons is accountable for his safety and wellbeing, and you should know that the public will hold your offices accountable in that regard. Please, also note that He was placed in solitary confinement and only given one meal, this is generally done when you won't name your attackers, whose names he doesn't know; and being only given one meal seriously jeopardizes his health, because of his diabetes. As well, to insure that he is receiving adequate medical attention for his injuries, prison officials are releasing information on him to his family, and that he is not being discriminated against, institutionally abused, nor, being treated without dignity and respect. Certainly, your administration must be aware of what high esteem, and with what regard Mr. Leonard Peltier, is held and viewed in the world community, and your, as well as humanities, responsibility to insure his safety and wellbeing are preserved. Thank you for your attention, time, and all your efforts. Sincerely, (add your name, address, and phone # (needed for letters to the editor)) Make calls too Warden Ronnie R. Holt, Warden USP-Canaan U.S. Penitentiary 3057 Easton Turnpike Waymart, PA 18472 Phone: 570-488-8000 Fax: 570-488-8130 E-mail address: CAA/EXECASSISTANT@BOP.GOV D. Scott Dodrill, Director Northeast Regional Office Federal Bureau of Prisons 2nd & Chesnut Streets., 7th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19106 Phone: 215-521-7301 E-mail: NERO/EXECASSISTANT@BOP.GOV Harley G. Lappin, Director Bureau of Prisons U.S. Department of Justice 320 First Street, NW, Room 654 Washington, DC 20534 Phone: 202-307-3250 Fax: 202-514-6878 Ask President Obama to investigate this incident: The Honorable Barack H. Obama The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20500 Comments: 202-456-1111 Switchboard: 202-456-1414 Fax: 202-456-2461 E-mail: http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/ Sites to send emails and letters http://capwiz.com/fconl/home http://www.congress.org Some groups where you can independently act on http://change.gov/openforquestions http://www.change.org/ Action on change.org http://humanitarianrelief.change.org/actions/view/act_to_protect_leonard_peltier_severely_beaten_institutionally_abused_etc What do you think? Copy, share, as you will. Viva la evolution! I look forward to hearing from you. For those interested "of or pertaining to the morning, day: relating to or happening in the morning or in the early part of the day (formal), (Mid-16th century, from late Latin matutinalis, from Matuta, goddess of the dawn.)". Ciao, for now. Matutinally Yours, james m nordlund reality (aja) Contacts: Take Action to Protect Peltier Pursuant to Betty Ann Peltier Solano's letter about her brother, let the Bureau of Prisons know that the public will hold them accountable for the safety and wellbeing of Leonard Peltier. Warden Ronnie R. Holt, Warden USP-Canaan U.S. Penitentiary 3057 Easton Turnpike Waymart, PA 18472 Phone: 570-488-8000 Fax: 570-488-8130 E-mail address: CAA/EXECASSISTANT@BOP.GOV D. Scott Dodrill, Director Northeast Regional Office Federal Bureau of Prisons 2nd & Chesnut Streets., 7th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19106 Phone: 215-521-7301 E-mail: NERO/EXECASSISTANT@BOP.GOV Harley G. Lappin, Director Bureau of Prisons U.S. Department of Justice 320 First Street, NW, Room 654 Washington, DC 20534 Phone: 202-307-3250 Fax: 202-514-6878 Ask President Obama to investigate this incident: The Honorable Barack H. Obama The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20500 Comments: 202-456-1111 Switchboard: 202-456-1414 Fax: 202-456-2461 E-mail: http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/ ----- Pick Up That Phone Forwarded on behalf of the Leonard Peltier Defense Offense Committee URGENT! Leonard Peltier's Safety in Jeopardy! Dear LP Supporters, I am so OUTRAGED! My brother Leonard was severely beaten upon his arrival at the Canaan Federal Penitentiary. When he went into population [ send green star]
James M N.	Great Martin Luther King, Jr., Day :) January 19, 2009 3:12 AM Hiya. Great Martin Luther King, Jr., Day and wishing you the Happiest of New Years, all the way through.... Thanx for the efforts, friends, your work here is impressive. An injustice to any is an injustice to all, "we, the people...", can't allow it For e.g., the fundamental thing taught by Jesus was destruction and murder are of no profit or pleasure, something almost all supposed Christians are anti-thetically opposed to, as is your gov't; and a gleaning from Native American teaching, et al, all life are needed threads in the fabric of life. The more art is given, the more it is, as is life. Very cool site, I like it, even though I've only been on it for a couple days, and, unlike many others that are similar, this one's 'buzz' seems to be keeping it growing; which is necessary. A twig of poetree Cityscape Hustled and bustled, Still, hands only put to heart, Beings, only art. ____HugHugHug_________HugHugHug ___HugHugHugHug_____HugHugHugHug __HugHugHugHugHHu_gHugHugHugHugHu _HugHugHugHugHugHugHugHugHugHugHug _HugHugHugHugHugHugHugHugHugHugHug _HugHugHugHugHugHugHugHugHugHugHug __HugHugHugHugHugHugHugHugHugHugH ___HugHugHugHugHugHugHugHugHugHu ____HugHugHugHugHugHugHugHugHug _____HugHugHugHugHugHugHugHug ________HugHugHugHugHugHugHu __________HugHugHugHugHugH _____________HugHugHugHu ________________HugHug __________________Hug Put your shadow behind you, give the gift that keeps on giving, a hand to a sister and/or brother. Yet, that will not be enough to realize the possibility of the stopping of the extinction of humanity and large mammals we can see racing towards us from the future, on the horizon; we must change everything http://globalwarming.change.org/actions/view/tell_congress_your_priority Some of the groups I moderate, etc. Disabled Greens News and discussion, Group: http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/ Abuse in Therapy, Group : http://www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AbuseinTherapy/ Diffabled, Mental Health, all related issues, advocacy, and professionals: Invite link: http://passport.care2.net/invite.html?g=880 , Homepage: http://www.care2.com/c2c/group/Diffabled_MentalHealth_Action reality's 360 page and blog : http://360.yahoo.com/jamesmnordlund reality's My Space page, blog : http://myspace.com/jamesmnordlund Rights for Imprisoned People with Psychiatric Disabilities: United to Demand Justice and Social Change: http://rippdnycnetwork.ning.com/profile/realiteee Prison Abuse Social Network! Welcome to all Abolitionists: http://sdicks4msnetwork.ning.com/profile/realiteee reality's Windows Live Space : http://jamesmnordlundreality.spaces.live.com/default.aspx?owner=1&wa=wsignin1.0 reality's geocities website : http://www.geocities.com/jamesmnordlund/index.html Poets For Human Rights : http://groups.google.com/group/Poets-for-Human-Rights/web/realitys-twigs-of-poetree-pour-vous Poets For Human Rights http://poetsforhumanrights.ning.com/profile/reality What do you think? "Painting is poetry which is seen and not heard, and poetry is a painting which is heard but not seen." ~ Leonardo da Vinci. For those interested "of or pertaining to the morning, day relating to or happening in the morning or in the early part of the day ( formal ), (Mid-16th century, from late Latin matutinalis, from Matuta, goddess of the dawn.)". As always, feel free to copy and share, as well. Thanx! Enjoy a festive eve' as you can. Ciao, for now. Matutinally Yours, james m nordlund reality (aja) [ send green star]
James M N.	MD Gov. to Introduce Abolition Bill- who do you know in MD? January 17, 2009 8:40 AM MD Gov. to Introduce Abolition Bill- who do you know in MD? Maryland Governor to Introduce Abolition Bill - who do you know in MD? Greetings All! http://www.ncadp.org/ First, happy new year! We here at the National Coalition wish you and yours all the best in 2009, and we look forward to seeing many of you at "Training for the Long Run: NCADP 2009," our national conference next week in Harrisburg, PA. Please visit www.NCADP.org to learn more and register today! Now for the big news. The Maryland repeal effort is now officially in it's next phase -- the Governor announced today that he will personally sponsor the repeal bill and will do everything he can to pass it. This obviously is tremendous news, and something we've been hoping for for a long time. The campaign now kicks up many notches! The Governor's institutional support gives great weight to the bill, but it is still a long road ahead and Governor O'Malley needs the full support of the larger abolition community to be very strongly behind him in order for him to be successful. But please note: the opportunities are different depending on where you live. Do you live outside of Maryland? If so, please do NOT contact Maryland legislators or the Governor. It is much better that Maryland policy makers hear from their own voters/citizens/tax payers. So the question is, who do you know in Maryland? If you have friends, family, colleagues, etc. who live in Maryland, please ask them to sign up with Maryland Citizens Against State Executions at http://www.mdcase.org/ and to take the actions suggested by that organization. Do you live in Maryland? This is all hands on deck. We need Marylanders all across the state calling and writing their legislators, hosting events, tabling at churches, distributing yard signs, and more. This is the time. If everyone makes repeal in Maryland a priority, we will be another state down in less than 90 days! Sign up today at www.mdcase.org and get involved! Thank you for taking action today. --abe Abraham J. Bonowitz Director of Affiliate Support National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty www.NCADP.org abe@ncadp.org Here's the Washington Post article from this morning. O'Malley Begins Quest To Repeal Death Penalty By John Wagner Washington Post Staff Writer Friday, January 16, 2009; A01 Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) said yesterday that he will for the first time personally sponsor a bill and do "everything in [his] power" to abolish capital punishment in Maryland, signaling his desire to make the issue a chief accomplishment as he enters the second half of his term. O'Malley said in an interview that he plans to invest heavy political capital to persuade the General Assembly to pass a repeal bill during its current 90-day legislation session, even asking lawmakers to work around a Senate committee that has kept such a bill from passing before if necessary. During his first two years, the governor has established a track record of muscling through difficult legislation, including a bill setting up a public vote on slot-machine gambling and a package of tax increases and spending cuts. But his promised introduction of a death-penalty repeal bill will face strong opposition, probably leading to a major political battle. O'Malley said the death penalty is not a deterrent, wastes resources that could be better spent fighting violent crime and leaves the state open to the possibility of executing innocent people. "That risk alone should be enough to repeal it and substitute it with life without parole," he said. The governor's stepped-up effort comes at a time when other states have been rethinking the merits of the death penalty and with Maryland at a crossroads on the issue. A state commission led by former U.S. attorney general Benjamin R. Civiletti recently recommended abolition, but local prosecutors who support capital punishment have urged O'Malley to issue the regulations needed to end a court-imposed moratorium on executions. The 37 executions that took place nationally last year marked a 14-year low and continued a downward trend after peaking in 1999, according to the Death Penalty Information Center. In late 2007, New Jersey became the first state in a generation to abolish the death penalty; others are considering it. "I'm going to lobby people on the merits of the issue," said O'Malley, a Catholic who has long opposed the death penalty. "I just feel personally compelled to try." After a meeting with O'Malley yesterday, Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. (D-Calvert), a capital punishment supporter, said he would continue to talk with the governor but said changing votes will be tough. "When you're middle-aged, your mind is pretty much set on issues like this," Miller said. "It's not an issue you can lobby. He's going to push hard, but I'm not sure he's going to be successful." It is unclear how many minds O'Malley would need to change, because repeal bills have not been debated by the full House or Senate in recent years. Death penalty opponents claim that a majority in both chambers support repeal, although the bill could face a filibuster in the Senate, further complicating passage. Maryland has executed five people since it reinstated the death penalty in 1978. Five inmates are on death row. The state has had a de facto moratorium on capital punishment since December 2006, the month before O'Malley took office, after the state's highest court ruled that procedure [ send green star]
James M N.	Hola, All. Oops, I forgot a link to the action on one site :) January 05, 2009 5:42 AM Hola, All. Oops, I forgot a link to the action on one site http://globalwarming.change.org/actions/view/tell_congress_your_priority What do you think? "Painting is poetry which is seen and not heard, and poetry is a painting which is heard but not seen." ~ Leonardo da Vinci. Enjoy a festive eve' as you can. Copy, share, as you will. Lest "we" forget, if you don't exercise responsibility, its Siamese twin sister, freedom, will wither, like a muscle, as well. Sadly, now, it first needs to be exorcized before its exercised. Viva la evolution, viva Green Party! Music is life's song accompanying the abundance of joy's Spring. I look forward to hearing from you. Goodbye. For those interested "of or pertaining to the morning, day: relating to or happening in the morning or in the early part of the day (formal), (Mid-16th century, from late Latin matutinalis, from Matuta, goddess of the dawn.)". Ciao, for now. Matutinally Yours, james m nordlund reality (aja) [ send green star]
James M N.	Tell Congress, Obama, etc., what their priorities should be :) January 04, 2009 11:19 PM Sample letter: National green jobs movement help many areas of society, that won't be enough; change everything: http://www.change.org/ideas/view/all_changing_everything Areas of priority the duopoly seems determined to dictate as the upcoming agenda for the future. Provide a Path to Citizenship for All Immigrants (Legal or Illegal) in the Country at This Time: Without extraordinary waiting periods, and definitely none of them in their "countries of origin" (for, that would just be a way to politically pick and choose which are republicans and deserve 'citizenship', allow the gov'ts of origin to destroy or murder those who fled for their lives, etc.), also, no extraordinarily large 'buy-ins' (possibly, a sliding scale one), this isn't a pyramid scam or a whorehouse; it's supposed to be a democratic country. Definitively ignoring the republican extremists calling for, "Deport All Illegal Immigrants"; although, allowing for the concerns of those that say, "Secure the Borders First, Then Address Citizenship", while not going along with them- amnesty first, securing the borders a close second. Republicans Priority: Capital Gains Taxes - What Should Congress Do? If the democrats want to have a good chance in 2010 and 2012, they better not increase anyone's taxes; just let the tax cut giveaway to the rich expire when it does. So, leave Capitol Gains Taxes, alone. Democrats Priority: Children's Health Insurance - Draft a New Bill Giving All Children Full Coverage: The core of the corporate structure's convolutions enforcer, the republican conspiracies, technique of increasing the slow motion blitzkrieg against all life’s speed (for the last 4 decades), has been their genocide against youth, programs, such as the infantcide: 'sucking' infants to death in the crib and having criminal doctors call it 'natural crib death', etc.; pedocide: raping, kids, destroying infants and kids testicles, sexually assaulting, abusing, over stimulating kids with the military, Roman Catholic empire, the psychic terrorism, the 'suck', etc.; etc.. For, a destroyed kid, regardless of how much, will devolve into the 'survival mode' of lowest common denominator, materialistic, autonomic existence, centralizing what delusional profits and pleasures they can to themselves, and, therefore, not be able to practice their civic responsibility (because of 'la machine', the technocracies, taking over the sociological lifestyle of most usa citizens, and defining it in Cartesian based terms, as opposed to life's, etc., due to the profane bastardization of it, through its uber reliance on materialism and greed, lack of time, $, concentration of their solutions with reality, etc.), let alone their duty, thinking they're abdicating their responsibility to their supposed political leaders, when they can't, and abdicating their political power to them, when they shouldn't, because of their arrested psychological and sociological development, thereby, being more fascist, if not nazi, and increasingly so as time goes on (more republican, etc.)- according to the republicans. So, if we want to slow their devolutionary direction and, potentially, stop their blitzkrieg, we must overtly protect, and uplift kids, their health, welfare, education, etc.- first, as they will be the future of humanity, if the republican conspiracy doesn't succeed in dictating its and large mammals extinction, first. Republicans Priority: Child Tax Credits - What Should Congress Do? Leave the Child Tax Credit Where It Is. We don't want to promote population growth right now; we've enough problems. Democrats Priority: Stem Cell Research - What Should Congress do? Leave it alone, its not a priority. Republicans Priority: Offshore and Domestic Oil Drilling - What Should Congress Do? Do Not Allow Oil Drilling Offshore Or Any Domestic Area Not Already Permitted: The only way to send the necessitated strong message to the market that the age of destroying the earth for profit and pleasure, and, thereby, dictating the extinction of humanity and large mammals, must be over, is to stop going in their devolutionary direction, at minimum; you can't destroy the earth to save the economy- we need radical advances in alternative fuels, especially solar, "the beacon in the sky, meant to catch your eye", as Happy Rhodes sings. The way to get them is to determine whatever green jobs market increases that can be made, immediately, with those future advances in mind, and stop the spigot; allowing the market to adjust to reality immediately and solely- sending that same strong message to the populace, so, they'll be on board with the adjusting the market period that must take place. Necessity might be the mother of invention, yet, its father is the evolution. Thanx. Truly, (add name, address, phone #) http://capwiz.com/fconl/home/ http://www.congress.org/congressorg/issues/alert/?alertid=12218526&type=CO http://change.gov/openforquestions http://www.change.org/ Disabled Greens News + discussion: http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/ Abuse in Therapy: http://www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AbuseinTherapy/ Diffabled, Mental Health: http://www.care2.com/c2c/group/Diffabled_MentalHealth_Action r [ send green star]
James M N.	Thanx for sharing, posting, caring, all :) January 01, 2009 1:24 AM Hiya All, Happy New Year. Thanx for the efforts, friends, your work here is impressive. An injustice to any is an injustice to all, "we, the people...", can't allow it For e.g., the fundamental thing taught by Jesus was destruction and murder are of no profit or pleasure, something almost all supposed Christians are anti-thetically opposed to, as is your gov't; and a gleaning from Native American teaching, et al, all life are needed threads in the fabric of life. Put your shadow behind you, give the gift that keeps on giving, a hand to a sister and/or brother The more art is given, the more it is, as is life. Very cool site, I like it, even though I've only been on it for a couple days, and, unlike many others that are similar, this one's 'buzz' seems to be keeping it growing; which is necessary. A twig of poetree Cityscape Hustled and bustled, Still, hands only put to heart, Beings, only art. ____HugHugHug_________HugHugHug ___HugHugHugHug_____HugHugHugHug __HugHugHugHugHHu_gHugHugHugHugHu _HugHugHugHugHugHugHugHugHugHugHug _HugHugHugHugHugHugHugHugHugHugHug _HugHugHugHugHugHugHugHugHugHugHug __HugHugHugHugHugHugHugHugHugHugH ___HugHugHugHugHugHugHugHugHugHu ____HugHugHugHugHugHugHugHugHug _____HugHugHugHugHugHugHugHug ________HugHugHugHugHugHugHu __________HugHugHugHugHugH _____________HugHugHugHu ________________HugHug __________________Hug Put your shadow behind you, give the gift that keeps on giving, a hand to a sister and/or brother. Yet, that will not be enough to realize the possibility of the stopping of the extinction of humanity and large mammals we can see racing towards us from the future, on the horizon; we must change everything http://www.change.org/ideas/view/all_changing_everything I look forward to hearing from you. Goodbye. For those interested "of or pertaining to the morning, day: relating to or happening in the morning or in the early part of the day (formal), (Mid-16th century, from late Latin matutinalis, from Matuta, goddess of the dawn.)". Matutinally Yours, james m nordlund reality (aja) [ send green star]
James M N.	Friends Digest Vol. 2, No. 15 December 15, 2008 10:09 PM * January 20: Inauguration Day * Eight years ago, on January 20, then President Bill Clinton left office without taking action to free Leonard Peltier. On this Inauguration Day, folks around the country will celebrate change. We encourage you not only to celebrate what we hope will be a new beginning for all, but to actively work for Leonard's freedom. A shout out to supporters in the Mid-Atlantic region: Plan to attend festivities in Washington, DC, during the 4-day celebration there. Create a presence for Leonard... Along the parade route, on the Mall, adjacent to the National Museum of the American Indian. Carry signs, wear shirts. Take a clipboard or two along. Why? Carry a sheaf of spare clemency letters with you. See <http://www.FreePeltierNow.org/LEGAL/uploads/clemencyletter.doc>. Educate people face-to-face and get one signature per letter. Because personal letters often are more effective, also carry spare paper and pens. Encourage folks to write their own brief letters. They can use your sample letter as a guide. Leave notes, flowers, and tobacco ties inside the National Museum of the American Indian. An inscription for Leonard Peltier is located at Panel 2.04 (line 28) on the Honor Wall inside the museum. What can the rest of us do? Host an Inaugural party of your own to celebrate new hope for Leonard Peltier. Gather with friends, family members, and people in your community to educate others about Peltier's case. Show "Incident at Oglala," or read from "Prison Writings: My Life Is My Sun Dance". Motivate everyone to get and stay involved. The incoming Administration has announced that one day of the four-day Inauguration celebration will be a Day of Service. So, take ACTion. Some ideas: +Chalk It Up--Assemble your group of supporters, hand out chalk, and spread out around your town. Write slogans in support of Leonard's freedom on sidewalks, e.g., "Free Peltier NOW. You can add a web address, too: whoisleonardpeltier.info, for example. (CAUTION: We recommend that you consult graffiti ordinances in your area and use only chalk because such markings are not permanent.) Also leaflet nearby to generate more awareness. Select handouts at <www.FreePeltierNow.org/downloads.htm>. +Personal Touch--Instead of signing a petition or writing letters of support, try a more personal approach in communicating your message. Make a big sign that says "I Stand with Obama on Freeing Peltier." Take a photograph of each person in your group--with the sign being held by the supporter or hung as a background for the photo. Make certain that the supporter's face and the sign's message are clearly visible, and make certain to record the name and address of the person photographed. (That information can and should be written on the back of the photo once it is developed.) If we all do this, tens of thousands of photographs can be assembled and delivered to the White House in the months ahead. But, for now, let's stockpile the photos for delivery to the White House en masse. And don't stop there. Keep collecting photos! You can find other ideas at <http://www.FreePeltierNow.org/educate.htm>. Don't hesitate. Start planning your Inauguration activities now. Also remember that the 33rd anniversary of Leonard's arrest is February 6. But don't restrict yourself only to commemorative occasions. Make Leonard's freedom a 24/7/365 endeavor. Friends, our time is now. Stand up. Move your lips and agitate your tongues. Make a noise. Whatever it takes. Do it and keep doing it until Leonard is free! * Op-Ed * Read "12,000 Days" at <http://freepeltiernow.blogspot.com/2008/12/its-been-12000-days.html>. * Raffle for Freedom * First Place, Painting by Leonard Peltier Second Place, Poster-size Lithograph of Painting Third Place, "Incident at Oglala" DVD, "Songs for Leonard Peltier" CD, and T-Shirt Cost: $5 ea. or 5 tickets for $20. Send checks or money orders (be sure to indicate it's for raffle tickets) to: LP-DOC, Box 7488, Fargo, ND 58106. The drawing will be held at the end of December. * Last Call * Remember to ship your gift for a child at the Pine Ridge and/or Turtle Mountain. Mail gifts to: Tamara Patneaud PO Box 308 Rolla, ND 58367 701-278-6121 Rosyln Jumping Bull Box 207 Oglala, SD 57764 605-867-2231 * Remember Leonard, Too * This season is a difficult time for all prisoners. You are all working hard for Leonard's freedom, we know, as well as being busy with your lives and preparing to spend the holidays with friends and family. But with a simple gesture, you can bring comfort and joy to someone who is very far from home and missing his family and friends. Let's all take a minute out of this day to each send a holiday card, newsy letter, or note of encouragement... The address: Leonard Peltier #89637-132 USP-Lewisburg US Penitentiary PO Box 1000 Lewisburg, PA 17837-1000 Friends of Peltier http://www.FreePeltierNow.org To subscribe, send a blank message to freepeltiernow-on@mail- list.com [ send green star]
James M N.	Solidarity Project- HIV + Indigenous Peoples: Trauma Aftermath November 27, 2008 11:31 PM Solidarity Project- HIV + Indigenous Peoples: Trauma Aftermath New Solidarity Project - HIV and Indigenous Peoples: In the Aftermath of Trauma December 2008 • Issue 9 In this issue: http://www.champnetwork.org/solidarity_project/2008/12/en/take-action-%E2%80%93-what-you-can-do?utm_source=20081125_SolidarityProject&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=SolidarityProject HIV and Indigenous Peoples: In the Aftermath of Trauma Cultural Healing: Native American Activists Say Boarding School Abuses Harmed the Health of Generations Land and Freedom: Indigenous Communities in Oaxaca, Mexico Fight HIV and Repression TAKE ACTION - What You Can Do RESOURCES Solidarity Workshop HIV Prevention Toolkit for Native Communities: Historical and Socioeconomic Health Risks -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Download PDF En Español About Solidarity Project -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- HIV and Indigenous Peoples: In the Aftermath of Trauma -Suzy SubwaysWhen stigma is attached to HIV, people's vulnerability to the virus is discussed in terms of individual behavioral choices, and a community with disproportionately high HIV rates is blamed for its supposed failures. The injustice that drives HIV is covered up. But when we take the stigma away and look at history, we see that homophobia shapes the epidemic among gay men to a devastating degree, and that sexism makes women vulnerable. In Native American communities, homophobia and sexism also drive the epidemic, but in ways that are deeply rooted in racism, colonialism, and genocide. "When conducting research among Native Americans, dispossession must be considered as the underlying cause of the many existing health disparities, including those that result in HIV/AIDS," according to a 2007 research brief by John Lowe for the Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care called "The Need for Historically Grounded HIV/AIDS Prevention Research Among Native Americans." Lowe continues: "The policies enacted by the United States government that enforced the dispossession of Native American Indian lands and termination or assimilation of Native American culture have resulted in a trauma of catastrophic proportions with destructive outcomes. Aside from disease, these include disenfranchisement; extermination of tradition, language, and land rights; broken treaties; sterilization of women; placement of children in Indian boarding schools; and other strategies of colonization." Read More -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cultural Healing: Native American Activists Say Boarding School Abuses Harmed the Health of Generations "Many of the problems of alcoholism and drug abuse now prevalent in Indian country can be traced back to the physical, emotional and sexual abuse suffered at the hands of our keepers in the BIA [Bureau of Indian Affairs] and mission boarding schools," Lakota journalist and boarding school survivor Tim Giago wrote in the Huffington Post. Government-sponsored boarding schools have created a legacy of trauma among Native American peoples in the United States. Read MoreLand and Freedom: Indigenous Communities in Oaxaca, Mexico Fight HIV and RepressionThe United States has twice the HIV prevalence of Mexico, so it isn't surprising that the need to cross the border for work has increased Mexican communities' vulnerability to HIV. But the reasons for HIV's increase in some places in Mexico - indigenous, rural communities far from the border - may not be so obvious. "The state of Oaxaca has the highest HIV rate in Southeastern Mexico," Oaxacan queer activist Leonardo Tlahui says. "One of the primary factors is immigration. Read MoreSolidarity WorkshopHIV Prevention Toolkit for Native Communities: Historical and Socioeconomic Health Risks The National Native American AIDS Prevention Center (NNAAPC) created this HIV Prevention Toolkit for Native Communities to help public health workers better serve Native communities. With this toolkit, we hope to enhance your knowledge, skills, abilities, attitudes, and behaviors as they pertain to HIV/AIDS prevention among Native peoples. Read More Home \| Subscribe \| Donate \| Unsubscribe 32 Broadway, Suite 1801, New York, NY 10004 Tel: 212-937-7955 • Fax: 401.633.7793 • E-mail: champ at champnetwork.org www.champnetwork.org [ send green star]
James M N.	rest :) Agree w. the duopoly on areas of priority? Tell Congress, etc.. November 24, 2008 5:47 AM Homepage: http://www.care2.com/c2c/group/Diffabled_MentalHealth_Action reality's 360 page and blog : http://360.yahoo.com/jamesmnordlund reality's My Space page, blog : http://myspace.com/jamesmnordlund Rights for Imprisoned People with Psychiatric Disabilities: United to Demand Justice and Social Change: http://rippdnycnetwork.ning.com/profile/realiteee Prison Abuse Social Network! Welcome to all Abolitionists: http://sdicks4msnetwork.ning.com/profile/realiteee reality's Windows Live Space : http://jamesmnordlundreality.spaces.live.com/default.aspx?owner=1&wa=wsignin1.0 reality's geocities website : http://www.geocities.com/jamesmnordlund/index.html Poets For Human Rights : http://groups.google.com/group/Poets-for-Human-Rights/web/realitys-twigs-of-poetree-pour-vous Poets For Human Rights http://poetsforhumanrights.ning.com/profile/reality What do you think? "Painting is poetry which is seen and not heard, and poetry is a painting which is heard but not seen." ~ Leonardo da Vinci. Enjoy a festive eve' as you can. Copy, share, as you will. Lest "we" forget, if you don't exercise responsibility, its Siamese twin sister, freedom, will wither, like a muscle, as well. Sadly, now, it first needs to be exorcized before its exercised. Viva la evolution, viva Green Party! Music is life's song accompanying the abundance of joy's Spring. I look forward to hearing from you. Goodbye. For those interested "of or pertaining to the morning, day: relating to or happening in the morning or in the early part of the day (formal), (Mid-16th century, from late Latin matutinalis, from Matuta, goddess of the dawn.)". Matutinally Yours, james m nordlund reality (aja) [ send green star]
James M N.	Agree w. the duopoly on areas of priority? Tell Congress, etc.. November 24, 2008 5:45 AM With All, Ni hao. Cool, thanx for sharing, caring, all you do, and don't. A sample letter Concerning the following areas of priority the duopoly seems determined to dictate as the upcoming agenda for the next Administration and session of Congress, here are my views; abridged. Provide a Path to Citizenship for All Immigrants (Legal or Illegal) in the Country at This Time: Without extraordinary waiting periods, and definitely none of them in their "countries of origin" (for, that would just be a way to politically pick and choose which are republicans and deserve 'citizenship', allow the gov'ts of origin to destroy or murder those who fled for their lives, etc.), also, no extraordinarily large 'buy-ins' (possibly, a sliding scale one), this isn't a pyramid scam or a whorehouse; it's supposed to be a democratic country. Definitively ignoring the republican extremists calling for, "Deport All Illegal Immigrants"; although, allowing for the concerns of those that say, "Secure the Borders First, Then Address Citizenship", while not going along with them- amnesty first, securing the borders a close second. Republicans Priority: Capital Gains Taxes - What Should Congress Do? We should, "Increase Capitol Gains Taxes", yet, if the democrats want to have a good chance in 2010 and 2012, they better not increase anyone's taxes; just let the tax cut giveaway to the rich expire when it does. So, leave Capitol Gains Taxes, alone. Democrats Priority: Children's Health Insurance - What Should Congress Do? Draft a New Bill Giving All Children Full Coverage: The core of the corporate structure's convolutions enforcer, the republican conspiracies, technique of increasing the slow motion blitzkrieg against all life’s speed (for the last 4 decades), has been their genocide against youth, programs, such as the infantcide: 'sucking' infants to death in the crib and having criminal doctors call it 'natural crib death', etc.; pedocide: raping, kids, destroying infants and kids testicles, sexually assaulting, abusing, over stimulating kids with the military, Roman Catholic empire, the psychic terrorism, the 'suck', etc.; etc.. For, a destroyed kid, regardless of how much, will devolve into the 'survival mode' of lowest common denominator, materialistic, autonomic existence, centralizing what delusional profits and pleasures they can to themselves, and, therefore, not be able to practice their civic responsibility (because of 'la machine', the technocracies, taking over the sociological lifestyle of most usa citizens, and defining it in Cartesian based terms, as opposed to life's, etc., due to the profane bastardization of it, through its uber reliance on materialism and greed, lack of time, $, concentration of their solutions with reality, etc.), let alone their duty, thinking they're abdicating their responsibility to their supposed political leaders, when they can't, and abdicating their political power to them, when they shouldn't, because of their arrested psychological and sociological development, thereby, being more fascist, if not nazi, and increasingly so as time goes on (more republican, etc.)- according to the republicans. So, if we want to slow their devolutionary direction and, potentially, stop their blitzkrieg, we must overtly protect, and uplift kids, their health, welfare, education, etc.- first, as they will be the future of humanity, if the republican conspiracy doesn't succeed in dictating its and large mammals extinction, first. Republicans Priority: Child Tax Credits - What Should Congress Do? Leave the Child Tax Credit Where It Is. We don't want to promote population growth right now; we've enough problems. Democrats Priority: Stem Cell Research - What Should Congress do? Leave it alone, its not a priority. Republicans Priority: Offshore and Domestic Oil Drilling - What Should Congress Do? Do Not Allow Oil Drilling Offshore Or Any Domestic Area Not Already Permitted: The only way to send the necessitated strong message to the market that the age of destroying the earth for profit and pleasure, and, thereby, dictating the extinction of humanity and large mammals, must be over, is to stop going in their devolutionary direction, at minimum; you can't destroy the earth to save the economy- we need radical advances in alternative fuels, especially solar, "the beacon in the sky, meant to catch your eye", as Happy Rhodes sings. The way to get them is to determine whatever green jobs market increases that can be made, immediately, with those future advances in mind, and stop the spigot; allowing the market to adjust to reality immediately and solely- sending that same strong message to the populace, so, they'll be on board with the adjusting the market period that must take place. Necessity might be the mother of invention, yet, its father is the evolution. Thanx Truly, (add your name, address, and phone # (needed for letters to the editor)) http://capwiz.com/fconl/home/ http://www.congress.org/congressorg/issues/alert/?alertid=12218526&type=CO Some of the groups I moderate : Disabled Greens News and discussion, Group : http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/ Abuse in Therapy, Group : http://www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AbuseinTherapy/ Diffabled, Mental Health, all related issues, advocacy, and professionals: Invite link: http://passport.care2.net/invite.html?g=880 , Homepage: [ send green star]
James M N.	Two Executions This Week in Texas November 18, 2008 5:23 AM 2 weeks after the first African-American was elected President of the United States, two African-Americans are set to be executed in Texas this week. Last week, Texas also executed two African-Americans. The week before that Texas also executed an African-American. 40 percent of the people on death row in Texas are black, although blacks comprise only 11.9 percent of the Texas population. According to the TDCJ website, of the fourteen executions starting with the one on Nov 6, Elkie Taylor, and going until March 11, 2009, all the people scheduled for execution in Texas are either African-American (8) or Hispanic (5). For more information on the issue of race and the death penalty, visit this page at the Death Penalty Information Center. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Help Us Win a Membership Contest so that We Can Help Some Families of People on Death Row http://www.amazee.com/node/3382/ Click here to join the "Abolish the Death Penalty Project" on Amazee.com and help us win a membership contest. We could win up to $5,000 to use against the death penalty. The project with the most members by Jan 22 wins. This is one of the easiest actions you can take to make a big impact for some of the families of people on death row, if we win. We plan to use one-half of any prize money we win to help needy families of people on death row travel to visit their loved ones on death row. We will use the other half of the prize money to fight against the death penalty. You have to go to the project page, click on "join project" on the right hand side, then click on "register". Then to qualify as one of the members who count towards the contest, you have to upload a profile picture or avatar of yourself. You don't have to do anything else to help us win the membership contest, just join the project. We were all moved by the family members who spoke at the 9th Annual March to Stop Executions in Houston, so we were thinking of how we could help them. We all know that the death penalty is reserved for the poor. There are no rich people on death row. We want to use one half of any prize money we get through this contest to help family members visit their loved ones on death row. Many families have a hard time making ends meet and the extra cost of traveling long distances to visit their loved ones on death row is a great financial burden. Some of the people on death row have young children who rarely get to visit them. We will decide which needy families to help in consultation with the other groups in Texas that work together against the death penalty, including Texas Students Against the Death Penalty, Campaign to End the Death Penalty and the Texas Death Penalty Abolition Movement. If we win the first place prize of $5,000, then $2500 will be reserved to help with trips to death row for families of people sentenced to death who need financial help to visit their loved ones. The other $2,500 would be used for activities during the upcoming Texas legislative session, such as a big anti-death penalty rally in Austin and other projects. If we only win third place, then we would have $1000 for the families and $1,000 for other expenses. But let's aim for first place! Thanks to Amazee for helping non-profits achieve their missions! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- November Executions in Texas Elkie Taylor November 6 EXECUTED TDCJ Info on Elkie Taylor George Whitaker III Nov 12 EXECUTED TDCJ Info on George Whitaker III Denard Manns Nov 13 EXECUTED TDCJ Info on Denard Manns Eric Cathey Nov 18 Facebook Group for Cathey TDCJ Info on Eric Cathey Petition for Cathey Rogelio Cannady Nov 19 STAYED Online Diary of Rogelio Cannady Sign Petition for Cannady http://www.petitiononline.com/SaveRoy/petition.html TDCJ Info on Rogelio Cannady Robert Hudson Nov 20 Sign a petition for Robert Hudson http://www.petitiononline.com/rjh1963/petition.html Facebook Group for Hudson TDCJ Info on Robert Hudson To send the Governor of Texas an email denouncing these executions, go to: http://governor.state.tx.us/contact You can also call and leave him a voice message: Telephone numbers for Governor Rick Perry of Texas * Citizen's Opinion Hotline [for Texas callers] : (800) 252-9600 * Information and Referral and Opinion Hotline [for Austin, Texas and out-of-state callers] : (512) 463-1782 * Office of the Governor Main Switchboard [office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST] : (512) 463-2000 * Citizen's Assistance Telecommunications Device If you are using a telecommunication device for the deaf (TDD), call 711 to reach Relay Texas * Office of the Governor Fax: (512) 463-1849 Mailing Address: Office of the Governor P.O. Box 12428 Austin, Texas 78711-2428 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Photos From 9th Annual March to Stop Executions Scott Cobb has put some photos from the 9th Annual March to Stop Executions online. Clarence Brandley speaking at 9th Annual March to Stop Executions in Houston, Oct 25, 2008. Clarence is an innocent person who spent ten years on death row in Texas before being fully exonerated. Thank you to all the sponsors and attendees of the march, especially to the many family members of people on death row who attended and spoke out against the death pen [ send green star]
James M N.	Southern Poverty Law Center Acts: Victory: KY Klan Trial; etc.. November 17, 2008 1:22 AM Victory in Kentucky Klan Trial Nov. 14, 2008 Dear James, We won a great victory today in our lawsuit against the Imperial Klans of America (IKA) and its leader, Ron Edwards. The jury awarded a $2.5 million verdict to our client, Jordan Gruver, who was brutally beaten by IKA members while attending a county fair in Brandenburg, Ky. The people of Meade County, Kentucky, have spoken loudly and clearly. And what they've said is that ethnic violence has no place in our society, that those who promote hate and violence will be held accountable and made to pay a steep price. Jordan is understandably gratified by the verdict. And he's relieved that the ordeal of the trial is over, though he will never fully recover from his nightmare. We know the IKA does not have the assets to pay the full verdict. But we look forward to collecting every dime that we can for Jordan and to putting this violent organization out of business. Details about the case and verdict are available on our website. http://www.splcenter.org/news/item.jsp? aid=345&splcnewsletter=dnewsgen-111408 We've received numerous messages of support over the past few days. We greatly appreciate your commitment to tolerance and justice. Sincerely, Morris Dees Founder You can donate to the Southern Poverty Law Center online. http://www.splcenter.org/center/contact.jsp?splcnewsletter=dnewsgen- 111408 We welcome your feedback. Contact us online. Klan trial update, day 2 Nov. 13, 2008 Dear James, We heard remarkable testimony at trial today in our case against Ron Edwards, the leader of the Imperial Klans of America (IKA) and his top lieutenant, Jarred Hensley. A former Klansman stunned the courtroom when he told the jury that Edwards ordered him to kill SPLC founder and chief trial counsel Morris Dees in the late 1990s. Fortunately, an undercover FBI investigation foiled the plot. The would-be assassin served three years in prison, but Edwards was never charged — and the extent of his involvement had not been disclosed until today. We also heard testimony today from two Klansmen who were present the night our client, Jordan Gruver, was brutally beaten by IKA members recruiting at a county fair in Brandenburg, Ky. They testified that Edwards is motivated by greed and obsessed with recruiting new members so that he can fill his coffers with donations and membership dues. You can read full coverage of today's testimony on our blog. We have long believed that litigation is but one tool we can use to fight injustice and intolerance. We also believe that by reaching children before their minds are filled with bias, we can prevent some of the hatred that resulted in the case we're trying today. We're pleased to report that today an estimated four million students in thousands of schools participated in our annual Mix It Up At Lunch Day and crossed social and racial boundaries by sitting down with someone new at lunch. Morris and I would like to thank you for your support. We'll continue updating you over the next couple of days as we wrap up the trial. Sincerely, Richard Cohen CEO and President https://secure.splcenter.org/donate/online/online.jsp? You can donate to the Southern Poverty Law Center online. Klan trial update, day 1 Nov. 12, 2008 Dear James, Morris Dees and I are here in Brandenburg, Kentucky, where we just finished the first day of trial in our lawsuit against Ron Edwards, leader of the Imperial Klans of America, and one of his key lieutenants. Our client, Jordan Gruver, was severely beaten, knocked to the ground, and kicked by two Klansmen wearing steel-toed boots. This morning, we selected a jury and called as witnesses one police officer who saw Jordan being kicked by two Klansmen, and another who interviewed Jordan after the attack and described him as a physical and emotional wreck. Jordan's jaw was wired shut, and he was afraid for his life. We also put Imperial Wizard Edwards on the stand and presented evidence about the annual white-power rally he hosts, where Klansmen, racist skinheads and neo-Nazis are encouraged to commit violence against minorities. Edwards will be back on the stand tomorrow. You can read more coverage of the trial on our blog. http://www.splcenter.org/blog/2008/11/12/steel-toed-boots-help-splc- make-case-against-klan-group/?splcnewsletter=dnewsgen-111308 I'll update you again after tomorrow's testimony. Thanks for standing with us in our fight against hate and injustice. Sincerely, Richard Cohen CEO and President You can donate to the Southern Poverty Law Center online. We welcome your feedback. Contact us online. Or by mail: Southern Poverty Law Center 400 Washington Ave. Montgomery, AL 36104 [ send green star]
James M N.	Urgent, It's Time to Protect Your Vote by voting early :) November 02, 2008 10:16 PM Cara All, Ni hao. Cool, thanx for sharing, caring, and go vote early, http://colorofchange.org/earlyvote08/?id=1593-67632 , from http://www.colorOfChange.org ; it's a great way to make sure the remocrats don't discount your vote and steal the elections! Thanx All, twigs of poetree YOU CAN Talk the talk, walk the walk, and even Be the be, but, if you don't vote the vote, You won't ever be livin' in a democracy! Thanx While feeling sacred on This All Hallow's Day, I also feel pangs of the Hungry, so wrought by The profane; for the food Wasted by us could feed All the world's. Yet, Betwixt, in the mundane It's only hurled. clarity Sword that cuts all ways, Without, for, there's no cutting; And a pointless point. normal I don't suffer, or, suffer from, Eurocentrism, northern malaise, Nor, academia; a blood disease. Injustices Addressing, not addressing them have costs, the former is individual, the later is global, as well. ends or means Neither do I embrace. Rather, the struggle well run, Which uplifts us uncrowned, Every moment humans race! Responsibility If you don't exercise it, Its Siamese twin sister, freedom, Will wither, like a muscle, as well. if One lived as prayer, Their light adding To the well of light, Their every step in grace, Leaving no footprints; That will echo always. why As acid rain from your closed eye, An acre of rainforest falls each Second, and the earths tears bleed; For, all you see is grey. grace Feeling with your spirits hands, See with the eye of your heart, Hear with the ear of your soul, And know with the body Of life's knowledge, We can be prayer; Being forever answered. Tone Life's signs and meanings Perceived by all our senses and Being's foci of attention, can Divine from within and without. That's if our inner-eye Isn't clouded by false-ego, Self-conscious self, or doubt. Cityscape Hustled and bustled, Still, hands only put to heart, Beings, only art. Artist Their innerselves, stretched canvasses On that frameless frame, the world. They being painted by life itself, With reality as the brush. The painting ever evolving, The frame continually changing, Their beingness as gleaned meanings For all to share; seen through..., If they were there. Some of the groups I moderate : Disabled Greens News and discussion, Group : http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/ Abuse in Therapy, Group : http://www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AbuseinTherapy/ Diffabled, Mental Health, all related issues, advocacy, and professionals: Invite link: http://passport.care2.net/invite.html?g=880 , Homepage: http://www.care2.com/c2c/group/Diffabled_MentalHealth_Action reality's 360 page and blog : http://360.yahoo.com/jamesmnordlund reality's My Space page, blog : http://myspace.com/jamesmnordlund Rights for Imprisoned People with Psychiatric Disabilities: United to Demand Justice and Social Change: http://rippdnycnetwork.ning.com/profile/realiteee Prison Abuse Social Network! Welcome to all Abolitionists: http://sdicks4msnetwork.ning.com/profile/realiteee reality's Windows Live Space : http://jamesmnordlundreality.spaces.live.com/default.aspx?owner=1&wa=wsignin1.0 reality's geocities website : http://www.geocities.com/jamesmnordlund/index.html Poets For Human Rights : http://groups.google.com/group/Poets-for-Human-Rights/web/realitys-twigs-of-poetree-pour-vous Poets For Human Rights http://poetsforhumanrights.ning.com/profile/reality What do you think? "Painting is poetry which is seen and not heard, and poetry is a painting which is heard but not seen." ~ Leonardo da Vinci. Enjoy a festive eve' as you can. Copy, share, as you will. Lest "we" forget, if you don't exercise responsibility, its Siamese twin sister, freedom, will wither, like a muscle, as well. Sadly, now, it first needs to be exorcized before its exercised. Viva la evolution, viva Green Party! Music is life's song accompanying the abundance of joy's Spring. I look forward to hearing from you. Goodbye. For those interested "of or pertaining to the morning, day: relating to or happening in the morning or in the early part of the day (formal), (Mid-16th [ send green star]
James M N.	USCFB Actions: Major Trials: Activists Underway: Burma; etc.. November 02, 2008 10:14 PM Major Trials of Activists Underway in Burma Dear Friends of Burma, Many of you have asked us about the incredible trials going on right now in Burma, so we have compiled some information below to share with you. We are closely monitoring the trials and sending information to the United Nations and governments throughout the world. Detailed information and many photos of the students can be found below, but here is a brief explanation of what is going on: there is a group of courageous young men and women known as the 88 Generation Students http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6958363.stm who spearheaded the Autumn, 2007 nationwide demonstrations by Burma's Buddhist monks. After Nobel Peace Prize recipient Aung San Suu Kyi, http://uscampaignforburma.org/learn-about-burma/aung-san-suu-kyi these student leaders are the most prominent democracy activists inside Burma. Most have been arrested because they encouraged people to participate in peaceful marches calling for change in Burma. They are currently being hauled before Burmese "courts" and are charged with "crimes" that could put them in jail for over 100 years. Refusing to accept the unfairness of the trials in Burma's court system, which is 100% controlled by the ruling military junta, the 88 Generation Students stood up and actively objected at their trials. Read on to see what happened... Aung Din, Jeremy Woodrum, Mike Haack, Jennifer Quigley, Jacqui Pilch Current Trials of Burmese Democracy Activists (an abbreviated version of a longer report that can be read on our blog, blog.uscampaignforburma.org) http://doiyeh.wordpress.com/ Since July 2008, the Burmese military regime has been sending democracy activists, arrested during peaceful protests in 2007, for trial before various Township and District courts. Most of the trials are being held inside the Insein Prison http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insein_Prison compound in Rangoon and Oo-Bo Prison compound in Mandalay. Defendants were brought to the court in handcuffs and not allowed to meet with their lawyers in the initial hearings. Later, they were allowed to meet with their lawyers, and their family members were also allowed to attend the courts' hearings. However, since Oct 3, 2008, the authorities stopped allowing family members to attend the trials and moved their family prison visits to the weekends. The family members sent a letter to the Chief Justice, asking permission to attend future hearings, but there is no response from the Chief Justice as of this writing. Meanwhile, the court hearings are more and more restricted and unjust. The judges do not allocate sufficient time for the defense lawyers to ask counter-questions. The judges refuse to allow defendants' family members to attend the hearings. The prosecutors have demanded the judges sanction defendants who simply asked for a fair trial. In case of Daw Win Mya Mya and five National League for Democracy (NLD) leaders in Mandalay, the authorities refused even to allow the prison officials to to confirm the date of arrest. Min Ko Naing and Eight Members of the 88 Generation Students Transferred to Ma-ubin Prison in the Delta Today (October 31st), the prison authorities transferred Min Ko Naing and eight members of the 88 Generation Students to prisons far from their familes -- nearly a five hour drive. The 88 Students were sentenced to six months imprisonment each on Oct 29 by a judge for "contempt of court". Apparently, seeking a fair trial is considered "contempt" by the Burmese military regime. On Oct 30, 2008, the Rangoon Northern District Court, held inside the Insein Prison Compound, held a hearing against Min Ko Naing and 22 defendants. Min Ko Naing and eight members of the group were brought before the court with blue colored-prison uniforms while other defendants wore civilian dress (since they were not yet convicted). During the hearing, Min Ko Naing and all the defendants claimed that they have no trust in the court's fairness, and therefore withdrew power of attorney from their lawyers in protest. The next day, the nine including Min Ko Naing, Ko Ko Gyi, Mya Aye, Nyan Linn, Pyone Choe (aka) Htay Win Aung, Aung Thu, Hla Myo Naung, and Aung Naing (aka) Myo Aung Naing were transferred to Ma-ubin Prison with heavy security guards. Ma-ubin is in a region hit by Cyclone Nargis, and conditions are terrible. On Oct 31, the judges from Rangoon Southern District Court and Northern District Court continued hearings of other members of the 88 Generation Students inside the Insein Prison Compound. Min Ko Naing and the eight were not present in the trials. The regime's prosecutors requested that the judges drop the cases against the nine, and the judges agreed. Instead, it appears that the Burmese military regime is planning to move the cases against Min Ko Naing and the eight to Ma-ubin District Court where it will be very difficult to obtain any information. Four Farmers, Who Asked the ILO for Help, Arrested, Others in Hiding The 88 Students are not the only people facing arrest and trial. A group of framers from Aunglan (Myede) and Natmauk Townships in Magway Division wrote to the International Labor Organization (a United Nations agency) office in Rangoon in July 2008, reporting that their farmlands were forcibly confiscated by the military regime. They asked the ILO for help, and shortly thereafter the ILO liaison officer came to their areas to investigate. On Oct 20, the three farmers who signed the letter to the I [ send green star]
James M N.	Online Petition: SUPPORT Sean Bell Arrestees! October 24, 2008 7:00 PM SUPPORT - Sean Bell Arrestees Send a message of “NOT Guilty” to Judge Larry Stephen Act NOW! Your message will also go to the media so that they cannot ignore continued police violence in NYC. Click the link below to send a message directly to presiding Judge Larry Stephen, Mayor Bloomberg, Gov Paterson, Senators Clinton and Schumer, the New York State Legislature, and members of the media! Sentencing is 2:15pm - Wed, Oct 8, 2008 100 Center Street, 4th Floor, Jury 2 & C, If you are in NYC make every effort to attend the sentencing. Call for a “Not Guilty” verdict It is outrageous that the police who killed Sean Bell with 50 bullets on Nov 25, 2006 - the morning of his wedding and wounded Trent Benafield and Joseph Guzman can be found “Not Guilty” of any charge in NYC Criminal Courts. Yet those who responded to the verdict in wholly justified protests may be found “Guilty”. It is a crime that the NYC District Attorney’s office has continued with this outrageous prosecution. The arrestees do not deny that they took part in the May 7 well organized, orderly and cohesive civil disobedience protests to raise an urgent life and death issue. This is an issue of deep concern to millions of people nationally who are outraged at unrestrained, unpunished, continuing police violence. A “Not Guilty” verdict is the only acceptable ending to these charges on civil rights activists. Many hundreds of people blocked evening rush hour traffic at bridges and tunnels including the Triboro, Brooklyn, Queensboro and Manhattan Bridges and the Holland and Midtown Tunnels. Many Thousands of others surrounded them, supporting their justified action The organized protest followed the outrageous “Not Guilty” verdict for the police who killed Sean Bell. Anger was enormous at the unchecked racist police violence in Black and Latino communities of NYC. More than 250 people were arrested at the May 7 protest. Charges were quickly dropped on the overwhelming majority of arrestees. However for 7 participants facing sentencing on Wednesday, October 8th , charges were not dropped. Those facing sentencing include Rev Al Sharpton - a key organizer of the May 7th civil disobedience action - and a handful of others who have participated in civil disobedience actions in the past. Once charged, these defendants refused to plead ‘guilty’ to any charges stemming from their justified protests while police who commit murder with 50 bullets are found ‘not guilty’. International Action Center activists took part in the Civil Disobedience mass actions at several locations in Manhattan and Sara Flounders, Co-Director of the International Action Center is also one of the defendants due to be sentenced on Wednesday afternoon. The other defendants are: Anthony Estes, formerly a victim of a brutal police attack, James Patnaude, Donna Gould, Manijeh Saba and Felton Davis. At their trial of October 6th Attorneys Michael Hardy and Wylie Stecklow attempted to raise an important political defense of “justified necessity”. The actions against continuing police killings were justified and necessary. In summary: the participants acted because there were no adequate legal means to avoid this harm, and they acted to avoid grave harm not of their own making and to avert an impending danger of more police killings. Judge Larry Stephen, formerly of the NYC District Attorney office, refused to allow this defense of “justified necessity” to be introduced. He limited the testimony to police descriptions of the street arrests. Support these justified actions to protest a racist, violent police and court system. Fill the NY Criminal Court 100 Center Street, Jury 2 & C Wednesday at 2:15pm. Sign the message to Judge Larry Stephen. http://www.iacenter.org/seanbellarresteespetition http://www.iacenter.org/seanbellarresteespetition Action.News-subscribe@organizerweb.com http://www.organizerweb.com/mailman/listinfo/action.news Subscribing can also be done on the Web at The text of the online petition message follows: PETITION TO JUDGE LARRY STEPHEN, with copies to Governor Paterson, Senators Clinton and Schumer, Mayor Bloomberg, the New York Legislature and members of the media: Dear Judge Larry Stephen, I am deeply concerned with the continuing police violence against unarmed and defenseless people in NYC, especially in communities of color. I am even more concerned that this uncontrolled police violence has no form of redress. Every parent worries for the safety of their children. The danger is imminent and all pervasive, yet it is systematically i [ send green star]
James M N.	URGENT! ACT NOW STOP EXECUTION OF TROY DAVIS scheduled 10-27 October 24, 2008 5:22 PM URGENT! ACT NOW TO STOP THE EXECUTION OF TROY DAVIS, scheduled for MON OCT 27! Act NOW to STOP THE EXECUTION OF TROY DAVIS! TELL THE GEORGIA GOV., LEGISLATURE, PARDONS AND PAROLE BOARD, BUSH, OBAMA, MCCAIN, CONGRESS AND THE MEDIA: STOP THE EXECUTION OF TROY DAVIS! Please join the online campaign to STOP THE EXECUTION! FREE TROY DAVIS NOW! YOUR EMERGENCY ACTION IS NEEDED NOW! Click HERE to http://www.iacenter.org/troydavis/ Fill in Online Form Tell Gov. Perdue and the Georgia Pardons and Parole Board: STOP THE EXECUTION! FREE TROY DAVIS! On Monday, October 27, Troy Davis, an African American on death row in Georgia, is scheduled to be legally lynched by the state of Georgia. Davis was convicted in the 1989 killing of a police officer despite what Amnesty International calls "overwhelming doubts about his guilt." No physical forensic evidence was presented at Davis' trial, and 7 of the 9 witnesses have recanted their testimony, with at least two saying they were pressured by police to finger Davis as the killer. Yet on October 14 the Supreme Court refused to allow a new hearing in his case. TAKE ACTION NOW using the link below to let the Georgia Parole Board, Governor, Legislature, and congressional delegation as well as President Bush, Senators Obama and McCain, U.N. Secretary-General Ban, Congressional leaders and members of the media know you demand No Execution of Troy Davis! To fill in the online form, go to: http://www.iacenter.org/troydavis Your messages will go to hundreds of public officials, including the Governor of Georgia, the entire Georgia legislature, each member of the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles, the full Georgia Congressional delegation, as well as President Bush, Senators Obama and McCain, Congressional leaders, U.N. Secretary-General Ban, and national and local media representatives. The text of the message reads as follows (you will have the opportunity to edit it if you wish): To: Governor Perdue, Georgia Pardons and Parole Board, Georgia Legislature, Georgia Congressional Delegation, Senators Obama and McCain, President Bush, Congressional Leaders, U.N. Secretary General Ban cc: members of the media On Monday, October 27, Troy Davis, an innocent man, is scheduled to be executed unless you act to prevent it. He was convicted solely on witness testimony, and 7 of the 9 witnesses have since recanted, many alleging that police coerced them into making false statements. I join with millions in the US and around the world in demanding that you Stop the execution of Troy Davis. Innocence matters to me. Justice matters to everyone. I urge you to act now. ----------- International Action Center c/o Solidarity Center 55 W 17th ST #5C New York, NY 10011 www.iacenter.org iacenter@iacenter.org 212-633-6646 Anyone can subscribe. Send an email request to Action.News-subscribe@organizerweb.com Subscribing can also be done on the Web at http://www.organizerweb.com/mailman/listinfo/action.news [ send green star]
James M N.	Troy Davis Global Action Day October 24, 2008 5:21 PM To clarify, Iran has banned the execution of minors for drug-related crimes, but will still allow the sentence to be imposed against juveniles convicted of murder, according to a statement made by Iran's Assistant Attorney General for Judicial Affairs Hossein Zabhi on Saturday. And now on to the Troy Davis update. http://takeaction.amnestyusa.org/siteapps/advocacy/index.aspx?c=jhKPIXPCIoE&b=2590179&template=x.ascx&action=11330 Activists and lawyers are working around the clock to stop the scheduled execution of Troy Davis from happening on October 27. New appeals were filed yesterday. The time is now to attend actions and contact public officials (contact info listed at the bottom of this message). Amnesty International has issued a call for a Global Day of Action set for today (Thursday, October 23) in conjunction with a large rally at the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta to stop the execution of Troy Davis. The rally will begin at 6 PM. The National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty http://www.ncadp.org/ supports this initiative and is encouraging all of our members, supporters and allies to participate in some way. http://www.gfadp.org/ If you can attend the rally in Atlanta, please do so. If not, find an action in your community and attend. Those we know of are listed below. Also scroll down to the bottom of this email for contact info of Georgia public officials you can contact. Here is a list of scheduled actions: ATLANTA, GEORGIA RALLY AT THE CAPITOL STEPS 206 Washington Street SW Speakers: Reverend Al Sharpton, National Action Network Larry Cox, Executive Director Amnesty International Steve Hawkins, NAACP Executive Vice President MC'd by Lorraine Jacques White, radio host on WAOK Sponsored by Amnesty International, NAACP and National Action Network For more info call 404-876-5661 x13 __________________________________________________________ SOLIDARITY ACTIONS (See below for full announcements): Arizona California Colorado Washington, DC Georgia Illinois Michigan New Hampshire New York Pennsylvania Virginia Washington Also: Belgium France Italy UK __________________________________________________________ ARIZONA Thursday, October 23, 4 PM Solidarity Rally for Troy Davis Memorial Union, Arizona State University Tempe Contact Sarah.R.Oliver@asu.edu or mlkubik@asu.edu __________________________________________________________ CALIFORNIA PALM SPRINGS: Solidarity Rally for Troy Davis Desert Sun, 750 N. Gene Autry Trail Thursday, Oct. 23 noon More info: fsmotr@earthlink.net BAY AREA: Join the Global Day of Action for Troy Davis Thursday, October 23rd 5:00 pm, Powell and Market, San Francisco Help us gather petition signatures Speak out on the day of the scheduled execution Stand in solidarity with Troy Monday, October 27th 3:00 pm, Federal Building, 450 Golden Gate Ave, San Francisco Stand in solidarity with Troy For more info call: 510-394-8925 Sponsored by the CEDP and Death Penalty Focus __________________________________________________________ COLORADO Action at Old Town Square, Fort Collins Th. Oct. 23, 4 PM More info: swanson.marla@gmail.com __________________________________________________________ DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Columbia Heights: Th. Oct. 23, 6 PM STAND FIRM FOR JUSTICE: Solidarity Rally for Troy Davis Corner of 14th St. and Park Rd. NW (the paved triangular area), right by the Columbia Heights Metro. jcohn@aiusa.org Howard University: Th. Oct. 23, 12:30 PM Solidarity Rally for Troy Davis Outside Douglass Jall, by flagpole More info: lindsayparme@hotmail.com __________________________________________________________ GEORGIA Atlanta: 10-26-08, 6 PM Prayer rally for Troy Davis and Friends of God Concert Immanuel Baptist Church, 644 Memorial Drive More info: Pastor George, micaiah_1@msn.com Kennesaw: Oct. 23, noon Emergency SpeakOut to Save Troy Davis Campus green, Kennesaw State University GET ON THE BUS! Passenger vans will be transporting students and others to/from Kennesaw State University to the 6 PM downtown rally at the capitol. Seats reserved on a first-come/first-served basis. Call 607-280-4070 to reserve your seat now. More info: call Matt at 404-452-2697 __________________________________________________________ ILLINOIS Chicago: October 23, 5:30 PM Speak-out for Troy Davis! DePaul University Student Center, 2250 N. Sheffield March to Quad for candlelight vigil Sponsored by Amnesty International--DePaul Chapter and Midwest Regional Office; Campaign to End the Death Penalty; DePaul Students Against the Death Penalty; and National Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression Contact aweger@students.depaul.edu for more info. Monday, October 27 5 PM Speak-out to Save Troy Davis! Federal Plaza, Adams & Dearborn For more info contact the Campaign to End the Death Penalty at julien@nodeathpenalty.org or 773-955-4841 __________________________________________________________ MICHIGAN Monday, October 27 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Protest the execution of Troy Davis on the campus of Muskegon Community College Muskegon, MI More info: tracy.holt@muskegoncc.edu _______________________ [ send green star]
James M N.	Death Penalty Report: CA Death Penalty: Costly, Dysfunctional July 26, 2008 3:39 PM Death Penalty Report Shows the California's Death Penalty is Costly and Dysfunctional Dear Friend, We need your help. On June 30th the California Commission on the Fair Administration of Justice, created by the California State Senate after years of lobbying by Death Penalty Focus and its coalition partners, released its landmark report on the death penalty. Their findings reveal that California's death penalty system is excessively costly and riddled with problems leading to unconscionable inequities and wrongful convictions. Death Penalty Focus has worked for the past two and a half years to ensure that our members (including law enforcement, the family and friends of murder victims, faith leaders, experts, and activists who oppose the death penalty) were present at every single Commission hearing. We submitted a report detailing the serious problem of wrongful conviction in capital cases, provided compelling testimony at the public hearings, and helped to generate hundreds of letters - including two letters signed by more than 50 judges, prosecutors, cops and corrections officials - to the Commission. Two legislative bills aimed at eliminating and remedying wrongful convictions (SB 1589 & AB 2937), based on the Commission's recommendations, are currently moving through the legislature, please take just 30 seconds to send a letter in support of these important bills: TAKE ACTION! https://death.rdsecure.org/article.php?list=type&type=15 We also hope you will consider making a donation or making a pledge of just $5 or $10 a month for the next year (the cost of just a few cups of coffee a month) to Death Penalty Focus. This will allow us to distribute this report to legislators, journalists, members of law enforcement, teachers, and to Californians around the state. We are at a critical juncture; now is the time to seize this opportunity and use it to build even more momentum toward our ultimate goal of ending the death penalty in our lifetime. We are truly grateful to our members for their unyielding support. Sincerely, Lance Lindsey Executive Director P.S. Your donation, no matter how small, will make a genuine difference in our work to end the barbaric practice of state- sanctioned killing. You received this email from Death Penalty Focus because you signed the petition calling for a moratorium on executions in California. Visit our website to learn more or make a donation. [ send green star]
James M N.	State of Confusion: Pol Manipulation + Assault on Amer Mind July 26, 2008 3:38 PM Reactions to the New Book by Dr. Bryant Welch Dear Colleagues, A few weeks ago we advised you of the fascinating new book by Dr. Bryant Welch entitled State of Confusion: Political Manipulation and the Assault on the American Mind. We thought you should see the reactions from some of those who have read this wonderful book to date. Buy the book from Amazon Advance Praise for State of Confusion Laurence H. Tribe, Carl M. Loeb University Professor, Harvard Law School "Bryant Welch was born to write this vitally important and highly readable investigation of how a cadre of ethically challenged political operatives and their religious and journalistic allies have gradually distorted and disabled the minds of ordinary Americans-and have all but crippled the once- extraordinary mind of America. It is not too late for us to reclaim our identity, but we will succeed only if we take to heart the lessons so lucidly laid bare by the remarkable work of this insightful psychologist and experienced political activist." Nancy McWilliams, Ph.D., president of the Division of Psychoanalysis, American Psychological Association, and professor, Rutgers Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology "Dr. Welch is a master of making complex psychological concepts understandable and using them to explain the disturbing political climate of our time. This beautifully written, urgently relevant work should be on the bookshelf of everyone who cares about the survival of American democracy." Robert Shrum, senior strategist of the Gore and Kerry presidential campaigns and author of No Excuses: Concessions of a Serial Campaigner "Bryant Welch makes a fascinating and compelling case that right-wing politics has subverted our democracy by infecting us with a form of national political neurosis. This book unmasks the politics of fear---the deeper chords touched by campaigns that appeal to the dark side." Buy the book from Amazon Responses to our recent mailing announcing the publication of State of Confusion It is brilliant -- what a wonderful application of psychology to politics with a trumpet call to Americans to be more reflective and thoughtful to protect themselves and the future of the country! Bryant Welch's emphasis on the need to face the true complexity of our millennium reality is imperative for psychotherapists, politicians, and voters alike. Todd Walker, Psy.D. Cincinnati, Ohio All I can say is "Bravo!" - While reading State of Confusion I remembered that when I decided to major in psychology (during the Nixon Administration, the Vietnam War, political assassinations) I wanted viable answers to why our nation was so crazy. Forty years later I had all but given up hope that psychology could be of much help countering the formidable power of self-serving politicos and marketers. Reading Bryant Welch's book rekindled my optimism. Robert Welker, Ph.D. Milwaukee "Dr. Bryant Welch's book, State Of Confusion is one of the most important books I have read in the last ten years. Dr. Welch explains the public relations charade he calls gaslighting that is making us as a nation crazy and leads citizens to begin to doubt their own minds." David G. Markham, L.C.S.W. New York Bryant Welch's unique analysis reveals the underlying unconscious "battleground states" of mind that have been so successfully exploited by political and corporate interests. Scary, compelling and ultimately hopeful, this book points the way to reclaiming our ability to adapt, to think critically and to move forward as a nation on a well-reasoned and logical course. Lisa K. Weiss, Ph.D. New York Bryant Welch submits his comprehensive knowledge (both broad and deep) of global and domestic conflicts to an incisive psychological analysis so that we may understand the oft-times puzzling actions of our leaders and our country. No matter your political persuasion, this is a book for everyone to read - you will have more substance to your arguments with Welch's analysis behind them! Andrea Celenza, Ph.D. Boston, Mass. Buy the book from Amazon Book Description Finally, the answer to the many questions that have been preying on the minds of millions of Americans has arrived. Why are Americans so vulnerable to divisive political tactics? Why did Americans get dragged into such an unwise war in Iraq? Why do fundamentalist religious groups, Fox News, and right- wing radio still play such influential roles in America's political landscape? And why are long- accepted rational scientific ideas like evolution under siege? These questions hold America's future in the balance. Ultimately, they are questions about the American mind. Psychologist-attorney Dr. Bryant Welch has the answers. If America is going to change the mind-set that led us to war in Iraq and left us unable to confront our serious national problems, this book is vitally important. Drawing on his unique experience both as a clinical psychologist and a Washington, D.C., political figure with the American Psychological Association, Dr. Welch shows how the long-term effects of sophisticated new forms of political manipulation have not only led to our debacle in Iraq but are also currently undercutting America's ability to address its [ send green star]
James M N.	Regards: Art/Act: Twig of poetree in progress + Welcome All New Members :) July 07, 2008 11:42 PM Final ones, for these twigs: Stark's/ Hunger strike against Iraqi War funding Going strong, with Medea and Codepink. "No more funds for war and occupation, "We..." need healthcare and education". "12 billion wasted on this war a month, That's $5000. every second"; trillions Your grandkids will pay higher taxes for Their whole lives! Supplemental war Bill will be voted on in a few days, Bush wants another 184 million for it, An unnecessary one, they hope to make "Unending", Kofi Annan called "illegal"; McCain says, "it may last a 100 years"- Don't let remocrats rob you, your kids, Grandkids of their livlihoods, stop war Funding, stop the war, now, bring our Troops home; if you support them. Liz Yelled across the street, "time to go", Then cops arrested her, we were going Home, it didn't matter, more police Crime against free speech. Unlike the Cries of 10 year old boys not let out of Fallujah with their families so the next 2 generations of Iraqi men can be killed Now, "We,...", will not be silenced. They can't silence the global thundering Cry for justice, "We, the people...", Won't let them; tell Congress we want Our families home. Stop the war, now! Armageddiup/ A 60 th: birth of Israel, and Al Nakba, mournful Remembrance of atrocities in Palestine; you and I. Two sides of the same coin? Spoils of war, what's Left for.., after all has been..? Coin of the realm, The destruction, murder that made it, and sides. At 16 I said USSR and USA were these sides, racing Towards each other, the closer they got, the more Alike…, exigency replacing humanity, globally; They're them in the Middle East, a mix of la Machine, beast, et al; extinction incarnate. Why there won't be anything but their peacing on Each other, til they can war, waring pays 10 times More and they broke the sky; as everybody knows?! They just have to keep the convolutions show going Long enough, deluding enough, so, you don't be Change evolution needs; to stop the extermination Of humanity they dictate. When 100 million are Dying annually from unnatural disasters, instead Of 10, when war over food, water, is more common, And only military rules everywhere; peace will be A notion, like love conquering all, dwindling moms Tell kids, only when dads aren't around. Then, Humanity will be dead, after that, human species, Large mammals extinct. Why, `cause you believed Their cons now, like sides existing, to destroy, Kill, is profit, pleasure, etc.. If they wanted Peace there would be. Why do the convolutions lies Fly, `cause you let them. The life is indivisible, Divide and conquer only works on the divided. Be. DC WA$H/ Assbackwards, just the way the terrible twos, Bipolar axi, remocrat/totalitarian conspiracy Like it. The gloves, their collaborators, Dempublicans, socialists, making humanities Extermination now, extinction later, reality. Supposedly, they're diametrically opposed, While they collaborate in genocide, etc.. War On every nonremocrat male, from middle-class To poor, you must be one side, or the other; Not them, you're the enemy. In capitalist Society, totalitarians play a supporting role, As money plays in totalitarian ones; the ol' Cold war fix still in. Their rabid militarist Jaws locked on, humanity can't exist until They're gone. Pedocide programs, remocrats Pride and joy, one, where military sexually Abuse kids with potential, who they deem Won't grow up to be remocrat; target group, White boys- destroy their competition before They become it, and adults. All conspiracies Collaborate with them to varying degrees, Manufacturing rule by most nazi conspiracy; And nazism as way of life. We, the people, Shouldn't grind up the seeds. How did this Happen, by almost all embracing their Devolutionary direction, the corporate Structures, la machines, convolution. Only Way to change that, is to change everything, Uplifting all life, devaluing conspiracy in Everyway, every moment, everyday; feeling. Thinking through their bricks of illusions, That make their walls of delusions, in their Mental cells, their personal hell; human, Being alival, not, la machines survival- now. Disabled Greens News and discussion, Group http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/ Abuse in Therapy, Group http://www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AbuseinTherapy/ Diffabled, Mental Health, all related issues, advocacy, and professionals http://www.care2.com/c2c/group/Diffabled_MentalHealth_Action reality's 360 page and blog : http://360.yahoo.com/jamesmnordlund reality's My Space page, blog : http://myspace.com/jamesmnordlund reality's reality's geocities website http://www.geocities.com/jamesmnordlund/index.html Poets / Human Rights http://groups.google.com/group/Poets-for-Human-Rights/web/realitys- Poets / Human Rights http://poetsforhumanrights.ning.com/profile/reality [ send green star]
James M N.	HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH Acts: Reforming Juvenile Injustice; etc.. July 07, 2008 12:25 AM Reforming Juvenile Injustice HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH http://hrw.org/children/juvenile_justice.htm Reforming Juvenile Injustice By Carol Chodroff, advocacy director, US Program, published in The Huffington Post WASHINGTON, DC – I was Anthony's teacher and I couldn't help him. Anthony, a 15-year-old boy who suffered from depression, was beaten up and slashed with a razor in a California juvenile detention center. He was incarcerated as a "status offender" for running away from his group home. (A status offense is not a crime if committed by an adult.) I tried to bring Anthony his books so he could do his homework. But Anthony was not allowed to have books in his cell. So he turned to the older kids, with more criminal experience, for lessons. Upon release, Anthony was addicted to meth. Our nation's juvenile justice policies are replete with contradictions between practices proven to prevent crime, and punitive laws politicians promote to get elected. Juvenile and criminal justice principles, scientific research on prevention, intervention, and adolescent brain development, and US treaty obligations argue against the "lock 'em up and throw away the key" policies that harm children, increase recidivism and exacerbate crime. The Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Reauthorization Act (JJDPA), first enacted in 1974 and overdue for reauthorization, is pending in Congress. Next week, the Senate will consider this legislation and amendments to improve juvenile justice in this country. And improvement is long overdue. Current juvenile justice practices ignore children's age and amenability to rehabilitation. On any given night in the United States, almost 10,000 children are held in adult jails and prisons, where they are particularly vulnerable to victimization because of their size and youth. The Centers for Disease Control recently reported that after release, children who are incarcerated in adult prisons commit more crimes, and more serious crimes, than children with similar histories held in juvenile facilities. But sentencing children to die in prison is not the solution. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which only the United States and Somalia have failed to ratify, prohibits sentencing youth to life without parole. In the United States, 2,484 people are currently sentenced to die in prison for an offense they committed when they were under 18. In contrast, not a single youth is serving this sentence anywhere else in the world. Nearly 100,000 children, some as young as 10, are confined in juvenile detention and residential facilities, which are often plagued by harsh and abusive conditions. Representative George Miller (D-CA) recently lamented the thousands of documented child abuse and neglect cases in youth residential programs, including examples of children being forced to remain for hours in "stress" positions that make the facility "look more like Guantanamo Bay than a care facility for American children." Study after study shows that over-reliance on institutionalization neither protects the public nor rehabilitates youth. And correctional confinement is not cheap: up to $300 per youth per day, far more than even the most intensive home- and community-based treatment model. The good news is that effective prevention and intervention programs, mental health and drug treatment services can foster resiliency and help children move out of the criminal justice system, return to school, and become responsible, hard-working members of our communities. And voters appreciate sound policy. MacArthur Foundation polling reveals that taxpayers overwhelmingly favor paying for rehabilitation programs rather than incarceration of youthful offenders. Reauthorization of the act will provide federal support to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in the justice system, increase mental health and drug treatment services for youth, and eliminate disproportionate sanctions for minor and predictable adolescent misbehavior. Reducing unnecessary and inappropriate incarceration of youth will increase opportunities for positive youth development and community safety. There is no question that youth who commit crimes must be held accountable. The government has an obligation to keep the public safe and protect the rights of victims. But no juvenile court disposition, regardless of the offense, should ever include abuse, mental health deterioration, or death in prison. Nor should it increase crime. Children are different from adults, and the punishment imposed for their offenses should reflect their age, level of development, and greater potential for rehabilitation. Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT), a former prosecutor and co-sponsor of the act, put it best: "I know well the importance of holding criminals accountable for their crimes with strong sentences. But when we are talking about children, we must also think about how best to help them become responsible, contributing members of society as adults. That keeps us all safer." Congress should act now to improve juvenile justice. Winston Churchill said you can judge a civilization by how it treats its prisoners. If so, we're in trouble – especially when our prisoners are children. Carol Chodroff is the US Program advocacy director at Human Rights Watch and a former teacher for high school students in the juvenile justice system. Related Material More on juvenile justice Thematic Page More on children's rights in the United States France: Guilty-by-Association Prosecutions Violate Rights HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH http://www.hrw.org/doc?t=europe&c=france France: Guilty-by-Association Prosecutions Violate Rights Improve Cr [ send green star]
James M N.	WSDP, ARDEN, IEN Actions: Fwd: Medical Alert: Update; etc.. July 06, 2008 6:33 AM [Fwd: FW: Medical Alert: Update] Hi--Hope you can act on this NOW. Blessings & strength--we'll be needing plenty of both. /Harvey PS: Please CC me your emails to Warden Bledsoe etc at harveyarden@starpower.net -----Original Message----- From: messagebot@harry.flamingtext.com [mailto:messagebot@harry.flamingtext.com] On Behalf Of contact@whoisleonardpeltier.info Sent: Tuesday, July 01, 2008 2:11 PM To: harveyarden@starpower.net Subject: Medical Alert: Update This is being sent on behalf of contact@whoisleonardpeltier.info as part of the mailing list that you joined. List: NDLPSG URL: http://www.whoisleonardpeltier.info ------------------------------------------------------------ - Please Post Widely - Dear Friends and Supporters, First, Leonard and I want to thank you for the outpouring of support. With your help, we're hopeful that Leonard will receive proper medical care from prison authorities. Within the last several days, Leonard has finally been able to see a doctor. Together, they discussed Leonard's care and reviewed his medications and such. However, the issue of the diabetes testing kit remains. Citing security reasons, U.S. Penitentiary-Lewisburg will not allow Leonard to have a diabetes testing kit in his cell. But Leonard is not asking that he be allowed to have a kit in his cell. Often, when he goes to the infirmary, there is no one there to help him and he has to keep returning to the infirmary until he's able to speak with medical personnel. The infirmary has a "general" kit, too. It's used by other prisoners and due to the embedded memory in the monitor, Leonard could be getting false readings. We're asking that Leonard be allowed to have his own kit at the pharmacy for accurate readings, as well as easy and regular access. In this way, he'll be able to test himself three or four times a day and hopefully achieve a balanced blood glucose level. Please continue to urge prison authorities to provide Leonard with a diabetes test kit so that he can control his diabetes. We also want to see to it that Leonard receives diabetic shoes that will help him with his diabetes-related foot problems. If the prison cannot provide such things, the family will work with an approved medical supply company to see to it that Leonard gets what he needs. All supporters are requested to continue to contact: Warden Bledsoe USP Lewisburg US Penitentiary 2400 Robert F. Miller Drive Lewisburg, PA 17837 Phone: 570-523-1251 Fax: 570-522-7745 E-mail: lew/execassistant@bop.gov Also contact: D. Scott Dodrill, Regional Director Northeast Regional Office US Custom House 2nd & Chesnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19106 Phone: 215-521-7301 E-mail: nero/execassistant@bop.gov Harley G. Lappin, Director Federal Bureau of Prisons 320 First Street., NW Washington, DC 20534 Phone: 202-307-3198 Thank you for your concern. Betty Ann Peltier Solano Coordinator Leonard Peltier Defense Offense Committee PO Box 7488, Fargo, ND 58106 Phone: 701/235-2206 E-mail: contact@whoisleonardpeltier.info Web: www.whoisleonardpeltier.info --- Amnesty International considers Leonard Peltier a "political prisoner" who should be "immediately and unconditionally released." Leonard Peltier, now a great-grandfather, is a citizen of the Anishinabe and Dakota/Lakota Nations and a tireless advocate for Indigenous Rights. A participant in the American Indian Movement, he went to assist the Oglala Lakota people on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in the mid-1970s where, on June 26, 1975, a tragic shoot out occurred. He was wrongfully convicted in the deaths of two agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and has been illegally incarcerated since 1976. Federal prosecutors have twice admitted before the Courts of Appeal that they don't know who fired the fatal shots. The government also has admitted that it isn't known what role Leonard Peltier "may have played" in the incident. Since his politically motivated prosecution and conviction, proof of fabricated and suppressed evidence, as well as coerced testimony, has been uncovered. The Courts of Appeal have repeatedly acknowledged investigative and prosecutorial misconduct in this case, but have failed to take corrective action. A model prisoner, Leonard continues to maintain his innocence and has consequently been denied fair consideration for parole. Join with numerous internationally recognized human rights organizations, civil rights leaders, celebrities and other luminaries who have called for the immediate release of Leonard Peltier. Visit www.whoisleonardpeltier.info. 15th Protecting Mother Earth Conference - Western Shoshone territory If you are planning on attending the Protecting Mother Earth conference this summer and plan on flying out – please book your tickets now – flight prices are supposed to increase substantially in the next week or so. Thank you and hope to see you soon! 15th Protecting Mother Earth Conference July 17-20, 2008 "Enough is enough. This earth is our mother. If we keep on contaminating her and abusing her where are we going to go? Everything should come to a standstill and we should take a look at ourselves and what we are doing to the earth. Carrie Dann Western Shoshone Grandmother As Western Shoshone, we are honored to welcome our brothers and si [ send green star]
James M N.	June 28, 2008 9:45 AM "It Will Always Be This Way" They dictate, "Write the Articles Of the Evolution". I already Wrote its co-founding document, Coalescing of E, in '95. Besides, There are none, it's self-evident And perceivable by all. They Want them to attack them, I feel. Also, no writings can confer on One what they refuse to be, free. They deride, "freedom is your Prison", well, let me tell you, This nonexistent cells floor, walls Ceiling couldn't vaster be. I'm in Constant relation with trillions, Like you and me. An expanding Universe, possibly, one of an Infinite number of verses; and Only a gleaning of our inner-verse- Indivisible, immutable, illimitable Soma, in potentia, evolving, only Part of the immensity of "We, …". Stark's Hungerstrike against Iraqi War funding Going strong, with Medea and Codepink. "No more funds for war and occupation, "We..." need healthcare and education". "12 billion wasted on this war a month, That's $5000. every second"; trillions Your grandkids will pay higher taxes for Their whole lives! Supplemental war Bill will be voted on in a few days, Bush wants another 184 million for it, An unnecessary one, they hope to make "Unending", Kofi Annan called "illegal"; McCain says, "it may last a 100 years"- Don't let remocrats rob you, your kids, Grandkids of their livlihoods, stop war Funding, stop the war, now, bring our Troops home; if you support them. Liz Yelled across the street, "time to go", Then cops arrested her, we were going Home, it didn't matter, more police Crime against free speech. Unlike the Cries of 10 year old boys not let out of Fallujah with their families so the next 2 generations of Iraqi men can be killed Now, "We,..." will not be silenced. They can't silence the global thundering Cry for justice, "We, the people..." Won't let them; tell Congress we want Our families home. Stop the war, now! Armageddiup A 60 th: birth of Israel, and Al Nakba, mournful Remembrance of atrocities in Palestine; you and I. Two sides of the same coin? Spoils of war, what's Left for.., after all has been..? Coin of the realm, The destruction, murder that made it, and sides. At 16 I said USSR and USA were these sides, racing Towards each other, the closer they got, the more Alike…, exigency replacing humanity, globally; They're them in the Middle East, a mix of la Machine, beast, et al; extinction incarnate. Why there won't be anything but their peacing on Each other, til they can war, waring pays 10 times More and they broke the sky; as everybody knows?! They just have to keep the convolutions show going Long enough, deluding enough, so, you don't be Change evolution needs; to stop the extermination Of humanity they dictate. When 100 million are Dying annually from unnatural disasters, instead Of 10, when war over food, water, is more common, And only military rules everywhere; peace will be A notion, like love conquering all, dwindling moms Tell kids, only when dads aren't around. Then, Humanity will be dead, after that, human species, Large mammals extinct. Why, `cause you believed Their cons now, like sides existing, to destroy, Kill, is profit, pleasure, etc.. If they wanted Peace there would be. Why do the convolutions lies Fly, `cause you let them. The life is indivisible, Divide and conquer only works on the divided. Be. DC WA$H Assbackwards, just the way the terrible twos, Bipolar axi, remocrat/totalitarian conspiracy Like it. The gloves, their collaborators, Dempublicans, socialists, making humanities Extermination now, extinction later, reality. Supposedly, they're diametrically opposed, While they collaborate in genocide, etc.. War On every nonremocrat male, from middle-class To poor, you must be one side, or the other; Not them, you're the enemy. In capitalist Society, totalitarians play a supporting role, As money plays in totalitarian ones; the ol' Cold war fix still in. Their rabid militarist Jaws locked on, humanity can't exist until They're gone. Pedocide programs, remocrats Pride and joy, one, where military sexually Abuse kids with potential, who they deem Won't grow up to be remocrat; target group, White boys- destroy their competition before They become it, and adults. All conspiracies Collaborate with them to varying degrees, Manufacturing rule by most nazi conspiracy; And nazism as way of life. We, the people, Shouldn't grind up the seeds. How did this Happen, by almost all embracing their Devolutionary direction, the corporate Structures, la machines, convolution. Only Way to change that, is to change everything, Uplifting all life, devaluing conspiracy in Everyway, every moment, everyday; feeling. Thinking through their bricks of illusions, That make their walls of delusions, in their Mental cells, their personal hell; human, Being alival, not, la machines survival- now. [ send green star]
James M N.	HELP STOP VIRGINIAS 100TH EXECUTION - JUNE 25TH June 28, 2008 8:30 AM www.NCADP.org abe@ncadp.org 202-331-4090, 561-371-5204 (Mobile) But First - For over 30 years the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty has worked to abolish capital punishment in the United States . With death sentences on the decline and a growing number of Americans convinced the death penalty is unjust and unfair, we are building our capacity to end the death penalty in the U.S. once and for all. Please take a minute to support the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty with your financial contribution. Whether it is $5, $50, $500, $5,000 or even more, please help us make the difference by clicking here now! MESSAGE CONTENTS: Help Stop Virginia 's 100th Execution Other Scheduled Executions New News Resource March from NC to DC - Blog Reports New Movement Jobs! Religious Perspective HELP STOP VIRGINIA 'S 100TH EXECUTION Robert Yarbrough is scheduled to be killed by the people of Virginia at 9pm on June 25, 2008 for the slaying of Cyril Hugh Hamby on May 8, 1997 . At a time when much of the country is turning away from the death penalty, Virginia has three executions scheduled in the coming months. Second only to Texas in the number of prisoners killed since 1977, next week's scheduled killing of Robert Yarbrough could be Virginia 's 100th execution. Please take a few minutes right now to say "Enough!" and help stop this execution. Please take one or more of the following actions - Details below: Contact Virginia Governor Tim Kaine and ask him to stop the execution Forward this and ask people you know to also contact Governor Kaine Attend the execution protest and vigil Support VADP's Efforts Write a letter to the editor ACTION #1: Contact Gov. Tim Kaine RIGHT NOW by telephone and/or fax and politely ask him to grant clemency (show mercy) to Robert Yarbrough by commuting his death sentence to life without the possibility of parole. If you live in Virginia , be sure to start by stating your name and where you live. Gov. Tim Kaine Phone: (804) 786-2211 Fax: (804) 371-6351 NOTE: You can e-mail Gov. Kaine via his web page, but in order to stress the urgency of this matter we are urging more personal/tangible contact at this time (i.e. make a phone call or send a fax - something that forces the recipient to acknowledge your communication.) ACTION #2 : Ask others to join you in taking action. Calls may be made and faxes may be sent as late as 8pm on June 25th, so please forward this action to others. Ask people you know to also contact Governor Kaine, including people at religious services or other activities you attend. Print it out so that you have the information with you when you bump into a friend who might call. ACTION #3 : If no stay or commutation has been granted by the afternoon of the execution, attend the execution protest and vigil outside Greensville Correctional Center at Jarratt. Because this is execution #100, we urge all who can to attend the vigil at the prison. Jarratt is about 50 miles south of Richmond on I-95. If you cannot travel to the prison, please attend a vigil closer to where you live. Details on scheduled vigils are at http://vadp.org/attend-a-vigil.html For last minute information about whether a stay has been granted, please call VADP at 888-567-VADP. You can also check the web page at www.VADP.org ACTION #4: Please support VADP's efforts on-line HERE or by sending a donation to VADP P.O. Box 4804 Charlottesville , VA 22905 ACTION #5: Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper calling for Virginia stop executions and abolish the death penalty. If you would like some helpful hints about points you could make in your brief letter, send a message to office@vadp.org Thank you for supporting these actions: https://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/206/shop/custom.jsp? d OTHER SCHEDULED EXECUTIONS And CLICK HERE to read more about the kinky aspects to why tonight's Texecution is particularly wrong... NEW NEWS RESOURCE http://deathpenaltynews.blogspot.com/ [ send green star]
James M N.	Re: Art/Act: Twig of poetree in progress + Welcome All New Members :) June 17, 2008 3:34 PM All, a view of my latest poem in its evolution, so, below is the fourth draft; and every draft after will be posted in this thread: Stark's Hungerstrike against Iraqi War funding Going strong, with Medea and Codepink. "No more funds for war and occupation, "We..." need healthcare and education". "12 billion wasted on this war a month, That's $5000. every second"; trillions Your grandkids will pay higher taxes for Their whole lives! Supplemental war Bill will be voted on in a few days, Bush wants another 184 million for it, An unnecessary one, they hope to make "Unending", Kofi Annan called "illegal"; McCain says, "it may last a 100 years"- Don't let remocrats rob you, your kids, Grandkids of their livlihoods, stop war Funding, stop the war, now, bring our Troops home; if you support them. Liz Yelled across the street, "time to go", Then cops arrested her, we were going Home, it didn't matter, more police Crime against free speech. Unlike the Cries of 10 year old boys not let out of Fallujah with their families so the next 2 generations of Iraqi men can be killed Now, "We,..." will not be silenced. They can't silence the global thundering Cry for justice, "We, the people..." Won't let them; tell Congress we want our Families home. Stop the war, now! unkaliedescopic eye needled, rich can't go through to heaven. there, surrounded, life, at ease, sees me. i see, feel welcome. an unneedles eye asks why? Revisions: 'Stark's' is its own twig, startb another one with the notes below. Make twice the size; timeframed events separated alittle, vigil demonstrations, State Dept. demonstrations, demonstrations in Congress, presence at hearings; include prop1.org 27 year vigil against nuclear weapons, etc., by Thomas and Concepcion of Wash., D.C., Peacehouse, in front of the Whitehouse, if can; also, partial victory with the House voting it down, and now onto the Senate, with the Senate passing it, tragically; put .org on groups names in poem (Codepinkalert.org, Prop1.org); include more testimony by Iraqi War Vets against the war, than you've here, you witnessed in Rayburn building: "What makes the green grass grow", the drill Sgt. asks, and "blood, blood, blood", is the required answer. Routinely received orders, on point, "any observer be fired upon", including anyone on a cell phone, onlookers, etc.. "For the longest there was no tracking and intelligence operations on the Syrian/Iraqi border, etc., contributing to thousands of coalition troops deaths".- etc.. Keys Fathomless, oceans Murk, unrevealed, and my water, Know, our day is done. (possibly half of a couplet of haiku, after write larger twig) Keys Way To the Keys (another language), baby blue to pastel gray, immobile (or, with a sense of immobility) Michaelangelos fill a sun trying to sky. More, taller, palms guide (another term) the highway. Miamiscape (another name for, origin, and/or o. language). Just behind us (now), purple hue adieu. Stoic, now, low laying (another word), undance, (with) illumined. Past Cutter Reef, Miami South, purple (another) hazed (meeting) water shine; eye leaning right (another language, French), (all) grassland giving way, marsh, ocean (a.l.). (skipping through, part of totality, a.l.) Our world, impermanent, begins to pale�. Key Largo, (keys curl out right, a.l.). Islamorada, massive darkness of ocean, after all. (finding origins of Miami, a.l. of origin, another name for) (possible view from strato, ionospere, or space allows for realistic perspective of universe stalking us, relation to earlier stepping stones, et al, skipping like a stone) (gulf side, going out, on atlantic side returning) Left hustle, though, not riders bustle, behind (comment on worldview due to vs. nature`s balance, etc., possibly vs. theme already in poem). Feeling oceans depth, breath is real, et al. Disabled Greens News and discussion, Group http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/ Abuse in Therapy, Group http://www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AbuseinTherapy/ Diffabled, Mental Health, all related issues, advocacy, and professionals: Invite link http://passport.care2.net/invite.html?g=880 , Homepage http://www.care2.com/c2c/group/Diffabled_MentalHealth_Action reality's 360 page and blog : http://360.yahoo.com/jamesmnordlund reality's My Space page, blog : http://myspace.com/jamesmnordlund Prison Abuse Social Network! Welcome to all Abolitionists http://sdicks4msnetwork.ning.com/profile/realiteee reality's geocities website http://www.geocities.com/jamesmnordlund/index.html Poets For Human Rights http://groups.google.com/group/Poets-for-Human-Rights/web/realitys-twigs-of-poetree-pour-vous Poets For Human Rights [ send green star]
James M N.	Re: Art/Act: Twig of poetree in progress + Welcome All New Members :) June 09, 2008 5:13 PM Ni hao. Cool! It's said that art has no words, it's of the eye, yours are, as is your site, work, life, vision. Allowing everyone a view of my latest twigs in their evolution: Stark's Hungerstrike against Iraqi War funding Going strong, with Medea and Codepink. "No more funds for war and occupation, "We..." need healthcare and education". "12 billion wasted on this war a month, That's $5000. every second"; trillions Your grandkids will pay higher taxes for Their whole lives! Supplemental war Bill will be voted on in a few days, Bush wants another 184 million for it, An unnecessary one, they hope to make "Unending", Kofi Annan called "illegal"; McCain says, "it may last a 100 years"- Don't let remocrats rob you, your kids, Grandkids of their livlihoods, stop war Funding, stop the war, now, bring our Troops home; if you support them. Liz Yelled across the street, "time to go", Then cops arrested her, we were going Home, it didn't matter, more police Crime against free speech. Unlike the Cries of 10 year old boys not let out of Fallujah with their families so the next 2 generations of Iraqi men can be killed Now, "We,..." will not be silenced. They can't silence the global thundering Cry for justice, "We, the people..." Won't let them; tell Congress we want our Families home. Stop the war, now! unkaliedescopic eye needled, rich can't go through to heaven. there, surrounded, life, at ease, sees me. i see, feel welcome. an unneedles eye asks why? Notes for revisions: 'Stark's' is its own twig, startb another one with the notes below. Make twice the size; timeframed events separated alittle, vigil demonstrations, State Dept. demonstrations, demonstrations in Congress, presence at hearings; include prop1.org 27 year vigil against nuclear weapons, etc., by Thomas and Concepcion of Wash., D.C., Peacehouse, in front of the Whitehouse, if can; also, partial victory with the House voting it down, and now onto the Senate, with the Senate passing it, tragically; put .org on groups names in poem (Codepinkalert.org, Prop1.org); include more testimony by Iraqi War Vets against the war, than you've here, you witnessed in Rayburn building: "What makes the green grass grow", the drill Sgt. asks, and "blood, blood, blood", is the required answer. Routinely received orders, on point, "any observer be fired upon", including anyone on a cell phone, onlookers, etc.. "For the longest there was no tracking and intelligence operations on the Syrian/Iraqi border, etc., contributing to thousands of coalition troops deaths".- etc.. A poems line comes to mind "...and death (murder) shall have no dominion...", Dylan Thomas. Wrote this twig of poetree in a similar style C'est La Unvie A million monarchs lie dead, though, No less sociological programming of Upper-middle to rich classes with Decadence, affluence, inclusion, is. No less societal determination of Middle to lower, being excluded by Division and conquering, privation. Yet, they, on wing no more, still fly In our spirit's eye, heal humanities' Heart. While their silent cry echoes The 33,000 species extinct each year, A rate not seen since the last ice age Ensued; does it move you? Does your curiosity ask why? Will you, on this 33rd Earth Day, allow A tear for all life's fallen? Consider The losses economic apartheid incurs, Mirrored by the divide human-centricity Has levied? Our underlying duplicitous Disregard for life, greed and oil fueled, Won't abate for our existence, will you? (For beautiful butterflies, written 1 1/2 yrs before the 33rd) Disabled Greens News + discussion: http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/ Abuse in Therapy: http://www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AbuseinTherapy/ Diffabled, Mental Health, advocacy + professionals: http://www.care2.com/c2c/group/Diffabled_MentalHealth_Action reality's 360 page, blog: http://360.yahoo.com/jamesmnordlund reality's My Space page, blog: http://myspace.com/jamesmnordlund Rights / Imprisoned People w. Psychiatric Disabilities: http://rippdnycnetwork.ning.com/profile/realiteee Prison Abuse Social Network: http://sdicks4msnetwork.ning.com/profile/realiteee reality's Windows Live Space: http://jamesmnordlundreality.spaces.live.com/default.aspx?owner=1&wa=wsignin1.0 reality's geocities website: http://www.geocities.com/jamesmnordlund/index.html Poets / Human Rights: http://groups.google.com/group/Poets- for-Human-Rights/web/realitys-twigs-of-poetree-pour-vous Poets / Human Rights: [ send green star]
James M N.	WSDP Acts: First nations leaders released from prison; etc.. May 29, 2008 1:19 PM FW: first nations leaders released from prison Good News!! First Nations leaders to be released from prison: Attorney-General Canwest News Service Published: Friday, May 23, 2008 http://www.nationalpost.com:80/rss/story. html?id=535888 TORONTO -- Six First Nations leaders will be released from prison today after serving more than two months for ignoring a court order to allow a mining company to drill on their traditional territory, a spokesman for Ontario's Attorney General confirmed Friday. Six members of the Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) First Nation will be back home by this evening after a court granted a motion for a stay pending the appeal of their six-month sentence for contempt, said KI spokeswoman Susan Nanokeesic. "We are so happy, it's overwhelming," Ms. Nanokeesic said. "This is good news." The appeal is to be heard Wednesday in Toronto. The jailing of the leaders in March for disobeying a court order allowing Platinex Inc. to conduct exploratory drilling has drawn harsh criticism from Canadian authors and activists. Most recently Robert F. Kennedy Jr. sent Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty a letter decrying their incarceration as "appalling." Earlier this week, Platinex announced it has launched a $70-million lawsuit against the province. The company said it has suffered "substantial wasted expenditures" because it has been unable to gain access to the land near Big Trout Lake in northern Ontario because of actions by KI. Platinex claims the Ontario government failed in its duty to consult with KI and also failed to warn the company it would not enforce its mining claims. FW: Bear Butte action alert FYI – Letters needed to protect Mato Paha (Bear Butte). Please send questions, etc. directly to website listed below. *********** Action Alert~ Letters needed for Bear Butte Body: Please forward this Action Alert in its entirety. Thank you. *begin Hello everyone, The upcoming hearing for both NEW and renewal Malt Beverage applications will be held at Meade County Commissioners on Thursday, June 5th at 3:30 p.m. We are requesting as many supporters as possible attend this hearing. It is important for both locals and Tribes with interest surrounding Bear Butte to attend this hearing, to voice your oppositions to this NEW license for Broken Spoke Campground, formally known as Sturgis County Line. Many of you may already be aware, on April 14th, 2008 Jay Allen announced he was in the process of transferring Sturgis County Line, to Target Logistics Corporation dba Broken Spoke Campground, LLC. Their new General Manager David Shoe has taken over the business. Target Logistics is a multi-million dollar corporation, that has the intent of expanding and further developing Broken Spoke Campground, adjacent to Bear Butte. They recently announced they would be opening the location year round, and will be hosting biker events in June, July and August. This issue is more critical than ever, we need your support and your opposition letters! Enclosed is a sample letter that can be sent to Meade County, just copy and paste it into a new email and send to the provided email address for Meade County. Or create your own letter, but PLEASE use the issues in bold as your focal points, suitability of location and character are the only two legal measures, for revocation or denial of new liquor licenses or renewals. Please don't forget to add your legal name and address in your emails, this will assure that your email is counted! DEADLINE for letters is JUNE 4th at 5:00 p.m. (Mountain Time) Here is a complete list of all renewals of establishments located directly around Bear Butte: Iron Horse Campground, Richard Arneson, Tract D & E of BH Subdivision, lying in Tract W1/2 of Sec. 32, T6N, R6E, BHM, Meade County, SD – On-Off Sale; Buffalo Chip Campground LLC. N1/2 NW1/4, NE1/4, Sec. 8, T5N, R6E, SW1/4, Sec. 4, T5N, R6E, BHM, Meade County, SD – On-Off Sale and Off-Sale SD Wine; Bear Butte Creek Campground, Mary Hershey Lot 2 & 3, SE1/4NW1/4, S1/2NE1/4, less portion, Sec. 5, T5N, R6E, BHM, Meade County, SD – On-Off Sale; Full Throttle Saloon & Campground LLC, Lot B of Brennon Subdivision of the NE1/4, Sec. 12, T5N, R5E, BHM, Meade County, SD, On-Off Sale; Glencoe CampResort, Inc. d/b/a Double J Enterprises Glencoe Subtract B Lots 1 & 5, less 7 acres (2nd revision), Sec. 1, T5N, R5E, BHM; Lots 1 thru 5 S1/2NE1/4, Sec. 6, T5N, R6E, BHM; SE1/4NW1/4, less Tract A (2nd revision), Sec. 31, T6N, R6E, BHM; SE1/4SW1/4 Lot 4, Sec. 31, T6N, R6E, BHM; Lot 1 & 2, Sec. 36, T6N, R5E, BHM; less Govt. Lot 4; SE1/4 SW1/4, SW1/4 SE1/4, E1/2 NW1/4 SE1/4 of Sec. 31, T6N, R6E, BHM, E1/2 N1/2 of Govt. Lot 1 of Sec. 1, T5N, R5E, BHM, Govt. Lot 2 of Sec. 6, T5N, R6E, BHM, Meade County, SD – On-Off Sale; Dragpipe Saloon LLC, N1/2SE1/4 Sec. 1, T6N, R5E, BHM, Meade County, SD - On-Off Sale; Free Spirit Campground, LLC – W1/2SW1/4NE1/4 and N1/2NW1/4SE1/4, Section 18, Township 6 North, Range 6 East, BHM, Meade County, SD (retail on-off sale malt beverage). Crazy Coyoteys LLC., Government Lot 6 in Section 25, Township 6 North, Range 5 East, of the BHM, Meade County, SD less Fritz Subdivision thereof. – On-Off Sale; Ride N Rest LLC., Lot 1 & Lot 2 BH Subdivision located in the SW1/4SW1/4 of Sec. 32, T6N, R6E, BHM, Meade County, SD – On-Off Sale; Sample Letter: Add Today's Date: ____________ Attn: Meade County Auditor Meade County Board of Commissioners 1425 Sherman Street Sturgis, SD 67625 Via fax: 605-347-5925 via ema [ send green star]
James M N.	Art/Act: Twig of poetree in progress + Welcome All New Members :) May 20, 2008 3:12 PM Very cool, thanx for all you do and don't, et al! It's said that art has no words, it's of the eye. I thought I'd allow everyone a view of my latest poem in its evolution, so, below is the fourth draft; and every draft after will be posted in this thread- 'til the final one. Stark's Hungerstrike against Iraqi War funding Going strong, with Medea and Codepink. "No more funds for war and occupation, "We..." need healthcare andf education". "12 billion wasted on this war a month, That's $5000. every second"; trillions Your grandkids will pay higher taxes for Their whole lives! Supplemental war Bill will be voted on in a few days, Bush wants another 184 million for it, An unnecessary one, they hop[e to make "Unending", Kofi Anan said is "illegal"; McCain says, "it may last 100 years"- Don't let remocrats robe you, your kids, Grandkids of their livlihoods, stop war Funding, stop the war, now, bring our Troops home; if you support them. Liz Yelled across the street, "time to go", Then cops arrested her, we were going Home, it didn't matter, more police Crime against free speech. Unlike the Cries of 10 year old boys not let out of Fallujah with their families so the next 2 generations of Iraqi men can be killed Now, "We,..." will not be silenced. They can't silence the thundering cry For justice globally, "We, the people..." Won't let them; tell Congress we want our Families home. Stop the war, now! Notes for revisions: Make twice the size; timeframed events separated alittle, vigil demonstrations, State Dept. demonstrations, demonstrations in Congress, presence at hearings; include prop1.org 27 year vigil against nuclear weapons, etc., by Thomas and Concepcion of Wash., D.C., Peacehouse, in front of the Whitehouse, if can; also, partial victory with the House voting it down, and now onto the Senate; put .org on groups names in poem; include some testimony by Iraqi War Vets against the war you witnessed in Rayburn building: "What makes the Green grass grow", the drill Sgt. asks, and "blood, blood, blood", is the required answer. Routinely received orders, on point, "any observer be fired upon", including anyone on a cell phone, onlookers, etc.. "For the longest there was no tracking and intelligence operations on the Syrian/Iraqi border, etc., contributing to thousands of coalitions trooops deaths".- etc.. A poems line comes to mind "...and death (murder) shall have no dominion...", Dylan Thomas. Wrote this twig of poetree in a similar style C'est La Unvie A million monarchs lie dead, though, No less sociological programming of Upper-middle to rich classes with Decadence, affluence, inclusion, is. No less societal determination of Middle to lower, being excluded by Division and conquering, privation. Yet, they, on wing no more, still fly In our spirit's eye, heal humanities' Heart. While their silent cry echoes The 33,000 species extinct each year, A rate not seen since the last ice age Ensued; does it move you? Does your curiosity ask why? Will you, on this 33rd Earth Day, allow A tear for all life's fallen? Consider The losses economic apartheid incurs, Mirrored by the divide human-centricity Has levied? Our underlying duplicitous Disregard for life, greed and oil fueled, Won't abate for our existence, will you? ( For the beautiful butterflies, et tu, mon amis; written one and a half years before the 33rd. ) Some of the groups I moderate Disabled Greens News and discussion, Group : http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/ Abuse in Therapy, Group : http://www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AbuseinTherapy/ Diffabled, Mental Health, all related issues, advocacy, and professionals: Invite link: http://passport.care2.net/invite.html?g=880 , Homepage: http://www.care2.com/c2c/group/Diffabled_MentalHealth_Action reality's 360 page and blog : http://360.yahoo.com/jamesmnordlund reality's My Space page, blog : http://myspace.com/jamesmnordlund Rights for Imprisoned People with Psychiatric Disabilities: United to Demand Justice and Social Change: http://rippdnycnetwork.ning.com/profile/realiteee Prison Abuse Social Network! Welcome to all Abolitionists: http://sdicks4msnetwork.ning.com/profile/realiteee reality's Windows Live Space : http://jamesmnordlundreality.spaces.live.com/default.aspx? owner=1&wa=wsignin1.0 reality's geocities website : http://www.geocities.com/jamesmnordlund/index.html Poets For Human Rights : http://groups.google.com/group/Poets-for- Human- Rights/web/realitys-twigs-of-poetree-pour-vous Poets For Human Rights [ send green star]
James M N.	Executions Resume – Take Action! May 01, 2008 11:41 PM 1 May 2008 Greetings All, First, welcome to everyone who has joined this list since our last post, including the folks who signed up at last weeks Amnesty International Annual General Meeting in Virginia . CONTENTS OF THIS MESSAGE Executions Resume - First post-Baze execution is May 6 What to Do from Far Far Away Catching Up With Capital X Nebraska Notes Bumper Stickers, Buttons & Shirts Farewell to David Elliot EXECUTIONS RESUME - FIRST POST-BAZE EXECUTION IS MAY 6 Return to Executions …But U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stevens Changes His Mind. After the longest moratorium in 25 years, executions are set to resume in the U.S. next week in Georgia , where William Lynd is scheduled to be killed on May 6, 2008 in response to his murders of Virginia "Ginger" Moore and Leslie Joan Sharkey. A number of other southern states - including Oklahoma , Texas and Virginia - have also set execution dates. (Please see the top right section at http://www.NCADP.org for more details and action alerts. Especially if you have a fax machine or are willing to overnight a letter to the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles for delivery not later than 9am Monday morning, please follow that link and take that action.) In a way, this is simply a resumption of the status quo before the U.S. Supreme Court announced in September 2007 that it would review one state's lethal injection protocol. The Court handed down its decision on April 16, thus clearing the way for new execution dates to be set. However it is perhaps more important to note what the Court did not consider. The Court did not argue that the death penalty is a meritorious public policy. The Court did not declare that capital punishment is free of blunders, biases and bureaucracies - blunders because of the number of innocent people sentenced to death; biases because of the class and racial inequities that plague the system; and bureaucracies because of the cumbersome and time-consuming nature of death penalty appeals. These things about the death penalty were true before the moratorium began. They are just as true now that the moratorium has ended. Indeed, after more than 30 years of supporting executions, Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens changed his mind and now concludes that the death penalty violates the constitutionbecause it amounts to no more than the pointless infliction of pain. In his opinion in the Baze decision, Stevens indicated that if it were up to him, he would do away with the death penalty altogether. He challenges all of us to engage in "… a dispassionate, impartial comparison of the enormous costs that death penalty litigation imposes on society with the benefits that it produces…." As executions resume in the U.S. , it indeed is time for such a contemplation. Today your work to oppose - and abolish - capital punishment is more important than ever before. Please click here to help NCADP pay for the work that needs to be done. *** WHAT TO DO FROM FAR FAR AWAY Recently Alison wrote to me: I have been a subscriber to the newsletter for sometime now, but to tell you the truth I live in a small town in NSW, Australia . As you know, Australia doesn't have the death penalty anymore, but I would really like to see it stopped in the USA . Is there anything that I can do, given I am not a US citizen, or live there? I would be interested in being involved in someway if you can think of something. Anyway, it is great to read the newsletters anyway, Thanks Abe There is a list of ten things you can do here on our web page: Clearly not all of these ideas work for our friends outside of the U.S. , but take a look and think about how you can use the circles that you travel in to further the cause you believe in. Here's a few more ideas: * Write a letter to the editor of your local paper about why you oppose the death penalty. When it is published, send a copy to the U.S. Ambassador to your country, and to your Ambassador to the U.S. , with a note asking them to raise this as an issue of concern with their higher ups. * Rent a film with a death penalty film and invite friends to watch and discuss it with you, or hold a public showing and discussion at the library or a local faith community. You can add an action component such as asking everyone to write a letter protesting an upcoming execution, and/or take up a collection to help support the work of the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty. * Think about other things that you can do, and share those ideas with me here at abe@NCADP.org - I'll compile and share some of them every once in a while. *** CATCHING UP WITH CAPITAL X Esther Brown of Project Hope to Abolish the Death Penalty in Alabama writes this update on Capital X, who is walking from Trenton , NJ to Austin , TX to raise awareness about the death penalty: Lots is happening! X will be in Birmingham in a couple of days and is open to doing speaking and or interviews. He is an extraordinary man in every sense of the word and we are grateful for his friendship. If you would like to meet with him please contact him at 281 818 8935 or at his email projectrevolution2010@gmail.com or call me at 334 499 0003 Esther The video blog is here: http://onloq.com/channels/from-the-front-lines/ More is on the Journey of Hope Blog at http://www.thejourneyofhope.blogspot.com/ http://www.NCADP.org abe@ncadp.org mobile: 561-371-5204 [ send green star]
James M N.	Excellent posts, thanx a bunch :) April 28, 2008 8:16 PM Dear All, G'day. Good Women's History and poetree month to all! It's said that art has no words, for, it's mainly of the eye, and yours are, as is your site, work, life and vision; Blessed be.... In a vain attempt to keep the man from liquidating my assets and ass, I'm going to be doing far less in any and all my groups, 'til then, if more members don't step up, those groups won't continue to grow. A poems line comes to mind "...and death (murder) shall have no dominion...", Dylan Thomas. As an ode to him, I wrote the following twig of poetree, in a similar style; and it's ro be evoked as such C'est La Unvie A million monarchs lie dead, though, No less sociological programming of Upper-middle to rich classes with Decadence, affluence, inclusion, is. No less societal determination of Middle to lower, being excluded by Division and conquering, privation. Yet, they, on wing no more, still fly In our spirit's eye, heal humanities' Heart. While their silent cry echoes The 33,000 species extinct each year, A rate not seen since the last ice age Ensued; does it move you? Does your curiosity ask why? Will you, on this 33rd Earth Day, allow A tear for all life's fallen? Consider The losses economic apartheid incurs, Mirrored by the divide human-centricity Has levied? Our underlying duplicitous Disregard for life, greed and oil fueled, Won't abate for our existence, will you? ( For the beautiful butterflies, et tu, mon amis; written one and a half years before the 33rd. ) Some of the groups I moderate Disabled Greens News and discussion, Group : http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/ Abuse in Therapy, Group : http://www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AbuseinTherapy/ Diffabled, Mental Health, all related issues, advocacy, and professionals: Invite link: http://passport.care2.net/invite.html?g=880 , Homepage: http://www.care2.com/c2c/group/Diffabled_MentalHealth_Action reality's 360 page and blog : http://360.yahoo.com/jamesmnordlund reality's My Space page, blog : http://myspace.com/jamesmnordlund Rights for Imprisoned People with Psychiatric Disabilities: United to Demand Justice and Social Change: http://rippdnycnetwork.ning.com/profile/realiteee Prison Abuse Social Network! Welcome to all Abolitionists: http://sdicks4msnetwork.ning.com/profile/realiteee reality's Windows Live Space : http://jamesmnordlundreality.spaces.live.com/default.aspx? owner=1&wa=wsignin1.0 reality's geocities website : http://www.geocities.com/jamesmnordlund/index.html Poets For Human Rights : http://groups.google.com/group/Poets-for- Human-Rights/web/realitys-twigs-of-poetree-pour-vous Poets For Human Rights http://poetsforhumanrights.ning.com/profile/reality No worries. Ciao, for now. i look forward.... Matutinally Yours, james m nordlund reality (aja) [ send green star]
James M N.	Good Global Womens Day, Poetree Month + welcome all new members March 20, 2008 1:54 PM G'day. All, aural upliftment awaits A tone I felt in common, inklings of my imagined evocations of your brush, aurally stroked on my canvasses ear, inspired thus, my latest twig of poetree Sole Silences An echoing inward, within, Unbeckoning one, unheard, Unfelt, unknowable, unsung, Through which only one and A universe can unsing co-creation being, Awakening, without, without. It's said that art has no words, for, it's mainly of the eye, yet, yours do and are, as is your site, work, life and vision; Blessed be... A poems line comes to mind "...and death (murder) shall have no dominion...", Dylan Thomas. As an ode to him, I wrote the following twig of poetree, in a similar style C'est La Unvie A million monarchs lie dead, though, No less sociological programming of Upper-middle to rich classes with Decadence, affluence, inclusion, is. No less societal determination of Middle to lower, being excluded by Division and conquering, privation. Yet, they, on wing no more, still fly In our spirit's eye, heal humanities' Heart. While their silent cry echoes The 33,000 species extinct each year, A rate not seen since the last ice age Ensued; does it move you? Does your curiosity ask why? Will you, on this 33rd Earth Day, allow A tear for all life's fallen? Consider The losses economic apartheid incurs, Mirrored by the divide human-centricity Has levied? Our underlying duplicitous Disregard for life, greed and oil fueled, Won't abate for our existence, will you? ( For the beautiful butterflies, et tu, mon amis, written one and a half years before the 33rd. ) Some of the groups I moderate : Disabled Greens News and discussion, Group : http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/ Abuse in Therapy, Group : http://www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AbuseinTherapy/ Diffabled, Mental Health, all related issues, advocacy, and professionals: Invite link: http://passport.care2.net/invite.html?g=880 , Homepage: http://www.care2.com/c2c/group/Diffabled_MentalHealth_Action reality's 360 page and blog : http://360.yahoo.com/jamesmnordlund reality's My Space page, blog : http://myspace.com/jamesmnordlund Rights for Imprisoned People with Psychiatric Disabilities: United to Demand Justice and Social Change: http://rippdnycnetwork.ning.com/profile/realiteee Prison Abuse Social Network! Welcome to all Abolitionists: http://sdicks4msnetwork.ning.com/profile/realiteee reality's Windows Live Space : http://jamesmnordlundreality.spaces.live.com/default.aspx?owner=1&wa=wsignin1.0 reality's geocities website : http://www.geocities.com/jamesmnordlund/index.html Poets For Human Rights : http://groups.google.com/group/Poets-for-Human-Rights/web/realitys-twigs-of-poetree-pour-vous Poets For Human Rights http://poetsforhumanrights.ning.com/profile/reality No worries. Ciao, for now. i look forward.... Matutinally Yours, james m nordlund reality (aja) [ send green star]
James M N.	Death Penalty Focus has launched a new, interactive website! March 15, 2008 3:26 AM Dear Friends, We are thrilled to announce that Death Penalty Focus has launched a new, interactive website! We hope you will check it out: http://www.deathpenalty.org Our new website features: a Blog Profiles of individuals personally touched by the death penalty An updated facts section on the death penalty An easy to use letter-to-the-editor tool An urgent action center New information on DPF's Projects A new and improved, secure donation page We hope you like our new site. Please feel free to email your feedback or suggestions to information@deathpenalty.org. Sincerely, The Staff of Death Penalty Focus Visit our website to learn more or make a donation. [ send green star]
James M N.	3/17 CHAMP Teleconference Training: Prison Sntncng Reform, HIV March 13, 2008 9:28 PM 3/17 CHAMP Teleconference Training on Prison Sentencing Reform & HIV TELECONFERENCE TRAINING Prison Sentencing Reform and Its Potential for HIV Prevention Justice Monday, March 17: 2pm Eastern http://www.preventionjustice.org/ Please join us for a teleconference to discuss how sentencing reform could ease the burden of HIV on individuals and communities affected by incarceration. Monday, March 17, 2008 2:00-3:00p Eastern / 1:00-2:00p Central / 12:00-1:00p Mountain / 11:00-12:00p Pacific Domestic dial-in: 1-866-247-3147, passcode 4277# International dial-in: 1-212-990-8010, passcode 4277# Please register by clicking here. If you require assistance with registration, please contact Josh Thomas: josh at champnetwork dot org / 401-427-7030 Everyone is welcome to join the call! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODERATOR: * Kenyon Farrow, Director of Communications, CHAMP, New York, NY PRESENTERS: * Bill McColl, Political Director, AIDS Action, Washington, DC * Mimi Budnick, Community Organizer, Direct Action for Rights and Equality (DARE), Providence, RI Our presenters will: Share their experiences with legislative efforts to end mandatory minimums and other sentencing practices; Offer opportunities for individuals and groups to join promising reform efforts; Describe how: sentencing practices drive high rates of imprisonment and target members of communities of color at risk of HIV, incarceration creates community-level vulnerability to HIV by destabilizing neighborhoods, families and interpersonal relationships, and formerly incarcerated people are denied rights that limit their social and economic participation in the community. A discussion/Q&A period will follow the presentations. Please feel free to email questions to the presenters in advance by clicking here. Background: According to a new Pew Center report, the United States incarcerates a higher proportion of its population than any other country, with over 2.3 million people - 1 in 100 Americans - behind bars. Policing and sentencing practices in the US disproportionately affect people of color, especially African Americans. In addition, they significantly impact people living with HIV/AIDS. More than 25% of all HIV+ persons in the US are or have been incarcerated. Contrary to popular belief, research to-date suggests that imprisonment itself does not necessarily drive HIV transmission inside prisons and jails, though certainly infection does occur. While the majority of prisoners leaving prisons with HIV were already HIV-positive when they went in, our efforts include interventions inside and outside the setting of incarceration. Incarceration drives the HIV epidemic by increasing community-level risk through financial, social and interpersonal destabilization in the communities most affected by HIV. For that reason, reducing new infections and easing the HIV/AIDS epidemic in communities requires simultaneous and multi-pronged HIV prevention efforts. This could include comprehensive prevention interventions and medical care inside prison walls, as well as structural interventions to reduce the total prison population and length of time served. Sentencing reform reduces the number of people living with and at risk of HIV in the criminal justice system. Mass imprisonment itself adversely impacts community health, and drives higher rates of HIV within communities most impacted by policing and sentencing strategies and laws. A high proportion of the incarcerated are convicted of drug-related charges or parole violation offenses, which are often subjected to mandatory minimum sentencing laws that require judges to impose certain lengths of incarceration instead of diversion or alternative programs. ---- Josh Thomas CHAMP - Community HIV/AIDS Mobilization Project 232 West Exchange St., Providence, RI 02903 www.champnetwork.org www.preventionjustice.org (O) 401.427.7030 direct dial (O) 401.427.2302, ext. 30 (M) 917.539.7016 (fax) 401.633.7703 Home \| Subscribe \| Donate \| Unsubscribe 32 Broadway, Suite 1801, New York, NY 10004 â€¢ 232 West Exchange St., Providence, RI 02903 Tel: 212.937.7955 â€¢ Fax: 401.633.7793 â€¢ E-mail: champ at champnetwork.org www.champnetwork.org [ send green star]
James M N.	Law Project for Psychiatric Rights: Reporter needs a hand March 01, 2008 7:49 AM Fwd: Reporter needs a hand Hi Everyone, You are receiving this because I think you are interested in PsychRights' mission of fighting forced psychiatric drugging and electroshock in the United States. If, however, you want to be removed from this list, just let me know. We only send out a few a year. This is a special one, though, because Allen Jones, the courageous (former) investigator for the Pennsylvania Office of Inspector General who was fired for refusing to back off on investigating corruption around the promotion of the "atypical" neuroleptics for use by state agencies has written trying to identify some people who might be able to help a reporter on a story. Allen's whistleblower report is available at http://psychrights.org/Drugs/AllenJonesTMAPJanuary20.pdf and I think it must be approaching having been downloaded 100,000 times. Before I get to Allen's information, though, I have been wanting to let you all know about a fabulous book I read over the holidays, 5150: One Who Flew Into the Cuckoo's Nest, by Kathi Stringer. Hopefully, the link will work to take you to where you can purchase the book from Amazon.Com and I have written a short review. Okay, now for the note from Allen: From: Allen Jones Date: Fri, 15 Feb 2008 20:38:15 EST Subject: Reporter needs a hand To: jim.gottstein@psychrights.org, Deb Erdley, a reporter with the Pittsburgh Times Tribune is working on a story regarding atypical antipsychotic use in Pennsylvania. She is an intelligent journalist with an excellent grasp of the issues. She is intrigued by the fact that PA fired two Whistleblowers (Dr. K and myself) for trying to raise an alarm in 2004 - only to see antipsychotic use increase to budget-strangling proportion - particularly among young people. Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell (the man who fired me) has filed a lawsuit on behalf of the state against makers of 3 atypical antipsychotics. The suit alleges essentially what Stefan and I were fired for trying to expose. All the while, PA continues to embrace the programs and drugs we have all worked to expose. The irony is not lost on Deb. Her insight and slant on the story represents the best chance I have seen in 5 1/2 years to expose the political/pharma circle-jerk which led to the situation in PA and your states as well. Deb would like to find victims of antipsychotic drugging in Pennsylvania to showcase in her story. Anything any of you could do individually or through your networks to locate such folks would be greatly appreciated. Feel free to share this request with people who you believe could help. Thanks to all. Allen Ms. Erdley can be contacted as follows: Debra Erdley, reporter Pittsburgh Tribune-Review 503 Martindale St. D.L. Clark Bldg., 3rd floor Pittsburgh, PA 15212 412-320-7996(voice) 412-320-7965(fax) derdley@tribweb.com James B. (Jim) Gottstein, Esq. President/CEO Law Project for Psychiatric Rights 406 G Street, Suite 206 Anchorage, Alaska 99501 USA Phone: (907) 274-7686) Fax: (907) 274-9493 jim.gottstein[[at]]psychrights.org http://psychrights.org/ Psych Rights ® Law Project for Psychiatric Rights The Law Project for Psychiatric Rights is a public interest law firm devoted to the defense of people facing the horrors of forced psychiatric drugging. We are further dedicated to exposing the truth about these drugs and the courts being misled into ordering people to be drugged and subjected to other brain and body damaging interventions against their will. Extensive information about this is available on our web site, http://psychrights.org/. Please donate generously. Our work is fueled with your IRS 501(c) tax deductible donations. Thank you for your ongoing help and support. If you have any questions about this list, e-mail contact@psychrights.org. [ send green star]
James M N.	US: Electric Chair Banned as Cruel, Unusual Punishment February 16, 2008 9:14 AM Nebraska Ruling Brings US Closer to Ending This Inhumane Form of Execution in US (New York, February 8, 2008) - The Nebraska Supreme Court's ruling today that use of the electric chair violates the state constitution's ban on cruel and unusual punishment is an important step toward eliminating inherently inhumane executions in the United States, Human Rights Watch said today. Nebraska is the only state to use the electric chair as its sole method of execution; all other US death penalty jurisdictions use lethal injection. "This ruling abolishes the barbaric practice of electrocutions in the state of Nebraska," said Sarah Tofte, US researcher at Human Rights Watch and co-author of a 2006 report on executions by lethal injection in the United States. The Nebraska Supreme Court ruled today that execution by electrocution violates the ban on cruel and unusual punishment found in Article I, section 9 of the Nebraska Constitution. "Condemned prisoners must not be tortured to death, regardless of their crimes," the court wrote. Since 1994, Nebraska has electrocuted three condemned prisoners. Since the death penalty was reinstated in the US in 1976, there have been at least 10 visibly botched electrocutions, including the 1997 electrocution of Pedro Medina in Florida. During his execution, flames shot out from the headpiece, filling the execution chamber with a cloud of thick smoke and gagging the two dozen official witnesses. An official then threw a switch to manually cut off the power and prematurely end the two-minute cycle of 2,000 volts. Medina's chest continued to heave until the flames stopped, and then he died. As a result of today's ruling, the task falls to the Nebraska legislature to consider an alternative method of execution if it wishes to retain the death penalty. Although the court contends that lethal injection "is universally recognized as the most humane method of execution," Human Rights Watch urged the Nebraska legislature to carefully examine the risk of suffering posed by the three-drug protocol currently used in lethal injections in other states. In January, the US Supreme Court heard arguments on the constitutionality of lethal injection. Pending the court's decision, there is a de facto moratorium on lethal injections in the country. "Lethal injection is not as humane as it might appear to be," said Tofte. "There is mounting evidence that condemned prisoners are at risk of suffering excruciating pain. With today's ruling, the Nebraska legislature has an opportunity to reject methods of execution that cause inhumane pain and suffering." Human Rights Watch opposes the death penalty in all circumstances as an inherently cruel and unusual form of punishment and a violation of fundamental human rights. To view the Nebraska Supreme Court opinion, please click here. Related Material So Long as They Die: Lethal Injections in the United States Report, April 24, 2006 HRW's Work on the Death Penalty Thematic Page, February 8, 2007 From: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2008/02/08/usdom18025.htm © Copyright 2003, Human Rights Watch 350 Fifth Avenue, 34th Floor New York, NY 10118-3299 USA [ send green star]
James M N.	Breath & Shadow: January Issue - Institutions February 16, 2008 9:10 AM Breath & Shadow http://www.abilitymaine.org/breath/ A Journal of Disability Culture and Literature Volume 5, Number 1, the new issue of Breath & Shadow, AbilityMaine's Journal of Literature and Disability Culture, is now online. This month's theme is "Institutions" Read this Month's Issue www.abilitymaine.org/breath From the Ultimate Talking Dictionary: 5 senses of institution. Sense 1, establishment -- (an organization founded and united for a specific purpose). Sense 2, an establishment consisting of a building or complex of buildings where an organization for the promotion of some cause is situated. Sense 3, a custom that for a long time has been an important feature of some group or society; "the institution of marriage"; "the institution of slavery"; "he had become an institution in the theater". Sense 4, initiation, founding, foundation, institution, origination, creation, innovation, instauration -- (the act of starting something for the first time; introducing something new) Sense 5, mental hospital, psychiatric hospital, mental institution, institution, mental home, insane asylum, asylum -- (a hospital for mentally incompetent or unbalanced persons) In this issue of Breath and Shadow, we tackle all five aspects of institution--exploring, questioning, and establishing our place among them in the field of disability culture. Read this Month's Issue www.abilitymaine.org/breath Sharon Wachsler Chief Editor Chris Kuell Managing Editor breathandshadow@gmail.com This site created by Norman Meldrum. abilitymaine@gmail.com Part of the cost of keeping this site online has been donated by Midcoast Internet Solutions. http://www.midcoast.com [ send green star]
James M N.	Social and inter-cultural topics and psychological health January 24, 2008 9:18 AM Many of you know that I am a supporter for North American Indians, especially Lakota (Sioux) for more than 10 years. The main focus is on linguistic preservation, suicide prevention and introduction of charitable projects of Native Americans and First Peoples. My name is Evelin Cervenkova and I am the founder of the Lakota Oyate Information homepage in East-Germany. I am the first who introduces the Lakota language on German homepages: You can find these German Lakota language homepages at: http://lakotaoyateinfo.gratishp.com/Grammatik.htm http://lakotaoyateinfo.gratishp.com/SDeutschLakota.htm http://lakotaoyateinfo.gratishp.com/SLakotaDeutsch.htm http://lakotaoyateinfo.gratishp.com/WDeutschLakota.htm http://lakotaoyateinfo.gratishp.com/WLakotaDeutsch.htm These Lakota language homepages are recommended by the director of the Lakota Student Alliance and the Lakota Elder Leonard Little Finger (the great-great grandson of Chief Big Foot). HP of Leonard Little Finger: www.lakotacirclevillage.org I am the only one who writes on German homepages about suicide prevention: http://lakotaoyateinfo.gratishp.com/Suizidpraevention.htm This German hompeage concerns â€œSpiritual Warrior Vision - Experiential Psychotherapyâ€œ: http://www.spirit-warrior.ca/ I have also an English homepage about suicide prevention of Native Americans http://lakotaoyateinfo.gratishp.com/Suicideprevention.htm Also I am a member of the network for psychological health and self- help groups in Saxony. German information you can find at: http://www.netzwerk-selbsthilfe-seelische-gesundheit.de/ My Native American link list offers many current information about North American Indians in English at: http://lakotaoyateinfo.gratishp.com/NAIndianer.htm. Since 1st October 2007 I am working in the House Steinstrasse Association(English: stone street) in Leipzig as project manager for social-cultural matters and I am responsible for the public relations (press releases). The House Steinstrasse is a charitable association for education, culture and contacts. German information at: http: // www.haus- steinstrasse.de/. In the projects are promoted positive social abilities of children and young people. The house Steinstrasse is open for several generations and you can visit there the roof theatre, roof cinema, the cafe Yellow and courses for adults. Some weeks ago I helped to prepare the exhibition "Afroball", a violence prevention project for children and young people. From the 4th to the 8th of November this exhibition was to seen in Leipzig. The project manager is a certificate psychologist and spent his childhood in Angola. I had invited the manager of UNICEF in Leipzig, I had informed hoards, schools, kindergartens, lecturers of the institute of Afrikanistic and Leipzig television. You can find German information about Mateus Fernandes and his violence and addiction prevention project at: http://www.haus-steinstrasse.de/kurse/gewalt_und_suchtpraevention/. On 28th and 29th November I took part in Hamburg in the meeting of the members of the Association of German Educational Organizations. English information at: http://www.adb.de/adb/english.php. The meeting was about political education for youth, adults and immigrants. In the future the education should be strengthened against right-wing extremism. In addition, it is offered to work off the German division and GDR history. The association is disappointed that are not interested East Germans in it. On Thursday morning (29th November) should be spoken about the educational situation in the individual federal states of Germany. From a few East Germans who were present I was the only one from Saxony. I reported about the action "Five for Leipzig". German information at: http://www.soziokultur-leipzig.de/fuenf-fuer-leipzig/die- kampagne.html Sociocultural institutions like the House Steinstrasse in Leipzig receive only 1.8% of the cultural budget, although about one million people visit our institutions. Also about one million people visit opera, theatre, the concert house etc. These cultural institutions receive 98% from the cultural budget, although just so many people use our sociocultural buildings. Therefore, we demand 5% of the cultural budget. - - - - - At the moment I am preparing the 13-th children youth art exhibition. The presentation and exhibition opening takes place on the 12th January 2008 in the Cafe of the Leipzig art museum. Glad Christmas wishes to you and [ send green star]
James M N.	To honor Dr King: Challenge Ohio prison system, Jan 19 January 19, 2008 2:56 AM To honor Dr. King: Challenge the Ohio prison system on Jan. 19 In 1995 five innocent men were sent to death row in connection with the prison uprising in Lucasville, Ohio in 1993. Siddique Abdullah Hasan, George Skatzes, Jason Robb, Namir Abdul Mateen, and Bomani Hondo Shakur (Keith Lamar) were convicted of capital murder in relation to the deaths of a guard and nine inmates. Four of the five were actually involved in negotiating a resolution of grievances and ending the uprising. The fifth, Bomani Shakur, was one who simply refused to testify falsely. None of the Five had any involvement in these killings or the decision to carry them out. Other inmates had their sentences reduced in exchange for perjured testimony, which some of them have now recanted. When the African-American and specifically the Muslim defendants were on trial, the prosecution appealed to racism and anti-Islamic prejudice. They have been in solitary confinement for almost 15 years and their appeals are running out. Twenty-five other prisoners are still in prison in connection with the Lucasville uprising, with sentences ranging from 25 years to life. In many cases, charges were brought against these men because they would not provide false testimony against the Five. Some of these prisoners are also in solitary confinement. YOU CAN HELP REVERSE THIS HORRIBLE INJUSTICE! JOIN US FOR TWO EVENTS HONORING DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.'S BIRTHDAY Gather at 12:00 on January 19 for a press conference at 1:00 pm at St. Augustine Episcopal Church, 614 Parmalee Ave., in Youngstown, OH. The Lucasville prisoners have joined with prisoner advocacy organizations to launch a campaign for contact visits with family members and loved ones for all death-sentenced prisoners. Eleven states allow regular full contact visits for death row prisoners but Ohio does not. For prisoners in solitary, hugs should be a human right! Demonstrate January 19 at 2:00 PM outside the Ohio State Penitentiary (OSP). OSP is a supermax prison located at 878 Coitsville-Hubbard Rd., Youngstown, OH. Four of the Lucasville Five are held in OSP as well as most of Ohio's 183 other death row prisoners. Transportation is being organized from Cleveland. For bus reservations or more info, call (216) 481-6671 or email pfcenter@sbcglobal.net. *On February 4, participate in the National Unity Day of Action. Demand that Ohio Governor Ted Strickland overturn the wrongful convictions of all prisoners with charges related to the Lucasville rebellion. Write to him at Riffe Center, 30th Floor, 77 S. High Street, 30th Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215, FAX (614) 466-9354, call him at (614) 466-3555 or email him at http://governor.ohio.gov/. Anyone can subscribe. Send an email request to Action.News-subscribe@organizerweb.com Subscribing can also be done on the Web at http://www.organizerweb.com/mailman/listinfo/action.news [ send green star]
James M N.	USCTETIO Acts: Shut Down Guantanamo Day To Act, 1-11; etc.. January 10, 2008 9:47 PM Shut Down Guantanamo! Day of Action, Jan. 11 http://www.witnesstorture.org/jan11_events The US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation has endorsed a day of action, organized by Witness against Torture, on Friday, January 11 to Shut Down Guantanamo! January 11 marks the 6th anniversary of the first prisoners brought to Guantanamo . In Guantanamo , prisoners of the U.S. "war on terror" are illegally transferred to a foreign country (Fourth Geneva Convention, Articles 49 and 76), are held without charge and without the right of habeas corpus, and are subjected to treatments and interrogation methods which clearly violate the UN Convention Against Torture's ban on cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment. Similarly, Palestinian prisoners of Israel 's "war on terror" are also illegally transferred out of Occupied Palestinian Territories , are held indefinitely without charge under "administrative detention," and are also subjected to torture. The US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation calls on its member groups and its individual supporters to take part in the Shut Down Guantanamo! day of action and protest U.S. and Israeli human rights abuses against prisoners. WHAT YOU CAN DO: 1. Join the US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation in Washington , DC on Friday, January 11 for a demonstration on the National Mall and march to the Supreme Court. For logistical details, click here. 2. Join local events taking place in more than 30 cities around the world on January 11. For logistical details, click here. 3. Educate people about the similarities between U.S. and Israeli human rights abuses in the "war on terror" by downloading and distributing the US Campaign's fact sheet "Torture in the 'War against Terrorism'". To download the fact sheet, click here. 4. Wear orange on January 11 to show your support for shutting down Guantanamo . For more action ideas and resources, click here. War with No End, US Campaign Book Club Selection http://www.endtheoccupation.org/article.php?list=type&type=142 The US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation is pleased to announce the start of a monthly book club. Each month, we'll select a new book which we think you might be interested in reading. The inaugural book for our new Book Club is "War with No End," an important new anthology of essays published by Verso Books in conjunction with United for Peace and Justice and the Stop the War Coalition (UK). The book features contributions from two US Campaign Steering Committee members, Judith LeBlanc (Introduction) and Phyllis Bennis ("The Global War on Terror: What It Is, What It's Done to the World"). Other important essays include: Click here to purchase "War with No End," the US Campaign's January Book Club Selection * "Come September," by Arundhati Roy * "Human Shield," by John Berger * "Songs of Resistance," by Haifa Zangana * "Weddings and Beheadings," by Hanif Kureishi * "Down! Up!," by Joe Sacco * "Mezzaterra," by Ahdaf Soueif * "Homeland Wars," by Tram Nguyen * "Not in Our Names," by Sept. 11 Families for Peaceful Tomorrows * "Building a Booming Economy Based on War with No End: The Lessons of Israel ," by Naomi Klein You can purchase this book for $15 (plus $2 shipping and handling) by clicking here. From the book's back cover: "On October 7th 2001, US-led forces invaded Afghanistan , marking the start of George Bush and Tony Blair's "War on Terror." Six years on, where have the policies of Bush and Blair left us? Bringing together some of the finest contemporary writers, this wide-ranging anthology, from reportage and "faction" to fiction, explores the impact of this "long war" throughout the world, from Palestine to Iraq , Abu Ghraib, the curtailment of civil liberties and manipulation of public opinion. Published in conjunction with Stop the War coalition and United for Peace and Justice, it provides an urgent, necessary reflection on the causes and consequences of the ideological War on Terror." Purchase this book and browse the US Campaign's other merchandise by clicking here. Thank you for your support and happy reading! US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation DONATE \| SUBSCRIBE \| War with No End, US Campaign Book Club Selection The US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation is pleased to announce the start of a monthly book club. Each month, we'll select a new book which we think you might be interested in reading. The inaugural book for our new Book Club is "War with No End," an important new anthology of essays published by Verso Books in conjunction [ send green star]
James M N.	Cool, thanx for all :) Happy holidays December 30, 2007 9:50 AM Bonjour. Cool, thanx for all Happy holidays. I've been an advocate/activist on all issues, et al, for 32 years of my 48; please, do what you can for humanity. Dylan Thomas' poem line comes to mind, "...and death (murder) shall have no dominion..."; as others might say, "we, the people...", can make it so! Some groups I moderate: Disabled Greens News and discussion, home page: http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/ , Abuse in Therapy: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AbuseinTherapy / , Diffabled, Mental Health, all related issues, advocacy, and professionals: Invite link: http://passport.care2.net/invite.html?g=880 Homepage: http://www.care2.com/c2c/group/Diffabled_MentalHealth_Action , reality's 360 page and blog http://360.yahoo.com/jamesmnordlund reality's My Space page, blog http://myspace.com/jamesmnordlund Rights for Imprisoned People with Psychiatric Disabilities: United to Demand Justice and Social Change http://rippdnycnetwork.ning.com/profile/realiteee Prison Abuse Social Network: Welcome to all Abolitionists http://sdicks4msnetwork.ning.com/profile/realiteee reality's Windows Live Space http://jamesmnordlundreality.spaces.live.com/default.aspx?owner=1&wa=wsignin1.0 reality's geocities website http://www.geocities.com/jamesmnordlund/index.html Poets For Human Rights http://groups.google.com/group/Poets-for-Human-Rights/web/realitys-twigs-of-poetree-pour-vous Enjoy a festive eve' as you can. Copy, share, as you will. Lest "we" forget, if you don't exercise responsibility, its Siamese twin sister, freedom, will wither like a muscle, as well. Sadly, now, it first needs to be exorcized, before its exercised. Viva la evolution, viva Green Party! Matutinally Yours, james m nordlund reality (aja) [ send green star]
James M N.	CHAMP: Prevention Justice Mobilization is in full swing December 04, 2007 12:21 PM The Prevention Justice Mobilization is in full swing! http://www.champnetwork.org Home Blog Endorse http://www.preventionjustice.org/endorse?utm_source=200712_PJM_Read_the_PJM_Blog&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=PJM Affiliate Donate The Prevention Justice Mobilization is in full swing! Recent Blog Posts Viral Marketing Remarks from the openly HIV-positive co-chair of the HIV Advisory Committee for CDC and HRSA electrified an otherwise sedated opening plenary. read more » Washington, D.C. Rally at the White House Brings Together Local, National, and International HIV Demands New Solidarity Project Puts Face to "Prevention Justice" PJM Featured on International Radio Show As the National HIV Prevention Conference starts in earnest today, the PJM is going to be providing coverage of the NHPC panels, briefings, and other sessions at www.preventionjustice.org. We will also be covering our own PJM events! So if you want to keep abreast of the latest news from inside the NHPC, be sure to read the PJM Blog. We'll be blogging several times a day from inside the workshops of the NHPC and keeping you up to date with the PJM activities as well. If you find articles interesting or you have more insight to add, please post comments! Here are some of the many talented bloggers we have scheduled to blog during the NHPC: Jeanne Bergman Center for HIV Law & Policy Emily Bass AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition Julie Davids Community HIV/AIDS Mobilization Project (CHAMP) Dazon Dixon Diallo Sister Love, Inc. Kenyon Farrow Community HIV/AIDS Mobilization Project (CHAMP) Linda Freeman Walker SisterSong David Holtgrave Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University Ebony Johnson Children's National Medical Center Erik Libbey AIDS Rochester Mark McLaurin New York State Black Gay Network and National Black Gay Men's Advocacy Coalition David Munar AIDS Foundation of Chicago and National Association of People with AIDS (NAPWA) Jacqui Patterson Action AID Jim Pickett AIDS Foundation Chicago and the International Rectal Microbicide Working Group Dr. Walt Senterfitt Community HIV/AIDS Mobilization Project (CHAMP) Waheedah Shabazz-el ACT UP Philadelphia and Community HIV/AIDS Mobilization Project (CHAMP) /ACT-UP Philly Suzy Subways Community HIV/AIDS Mobilization Project (CHAMP) Healy Thomspon Center for Gender Health & Equity Home Endorse Donate [ send green star]
James M N.	Abu Ghraib October 27, 2007 6:37 AM Stand against torture This November, shed some light on human rights abuses. Host a "Ghosts of Abu Ghraib" screening party and demand an end to torture. Dear James http://www.amnestyusa.org/houseparty/ghosts/index.html?tr=y&auid=3122147 "If there were no photographs, there would be no Abu Ghraib," a guard stationed at the infamous detention facility commented. Host a "Ghosts of Abu Ghraib" house party . Images are the only evidence for an American conscience that the unimaginable horrors of Abu Ghraib were real. Host a "Ghosts of Abu Ghraib" house party as November's "86 days" campaign action and help educate your community about this tragic truth. Through extensive interviews and documentation, "Ghosts of Abu Graib" demonstrates that the President and his senior advisors are responsible for the abuses at the prison. When Congress passed the Military Commissions Act one year ago, the U.S. abandoned its core founding principles. The Administration continues to give a green light to policies that place guilt before innocence, imprisonment without charge, and fear above all else. When a government sanctions the use of torture tactics, it disposes of justice and the rule of law, and thereby, discards our freedom. Join with Amnesty advocates in new ways each month to call attention to these violations as a part of our "86 days" campaign. Invite your neighbors and help educate your community by hosting a special screening of the documentary "Ghosts of Abu Ghraib". Witness how poor policies against the "war on terror" breed tragedies like the human rights abuses at Abu Ghraib. Images shouldn't be the only proof of Abu Ghraib's existence...our conscience reminds us that Abu Graib exists when the principals of decency and democracy do not. In solidarity, Kevin Spidel Campaign Manager [ send green star]
James M N.	rest :) Check out these Disabilities, Prisoners and Green Groups October 13, 2007 2:39 AM http://groups.google.com/group/Poets-for-Human-Rights/web/realitys-twigs-of-poetree-pour-vous "Painting is poetry which is seen and not heard, and poetry is a painting which is heard but not seen." ~ Leonardo da Vinci Enjoy an estival eve' as you can. Lest "we" forget, if you don't exercise responsibility, its Siamese twin sister, freedom, will wither, like a muscle, as well. Sadly, now, it first needs to be exorcized before its exercised. Viva la evolution! Matutinally Yours, james m nordlund reality (aja) Music is life's song accompanying the abundance of joy's Spring. For those interested "of or pertaining to the morning, day: relating to or happening in the morning or in the early part of the day (formal), (Mid-16th century, from late Latin matutinalis, from Matuta, goddess of the dawn.)". I look forward to hearing from you. Copy, share, as you will. Goodbye. [ send green star]
James M N.	Check out these Disabilities, prisons and Green Groups :) October 13, 2007 2:37 AM Dear All, Gutten hagen. Welcome, cool, thanx for posting! I hope you and yours are well and will continue to be. Glad to hear it, and I hope it works out for all. These groups, and/or mine, will provide what you're looking for: Check out any of these groups for the info., using their searches would be the quickest way About.com, Search, Disabilities: http://search.about.com/fullsearch.htmterms=disabilities&IAM=URL_ disabilities Welcome to the ADAPT home page. There's no place like home, and we mean real homes, not nursing homes. We are fighting so people with disabilities can live in the community with real supports instead of being locked away in nursing homes and other institutions: http://www.adapt.org/ http://www.disrights.org/ http://www.disabilitynews.com http://theresourcesite.com/ Disability-SSD-SSI · Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income Information..Support Group...Provides Advice and Answers to Qstns: DescriptionThis is a group to help answer questions pertaining to and not limited to Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income Claims and Benefits. Some Public Aid questions as well. I will try to answer all questions and help give reassurance and advice to the best of my ability. I work for an Advocacy for the Disabled, in which all I do everyday is represent individuals in pursuit of SOcial Security Disability Claims and Supplemental Security Income Claims. Everyone can also just make remarks or share their advice or stories as well. Most people need reassurance and support as this can be a very trying time in their lives: Group Email Addresses ost message: Disability-SSD-SSI@yahoogroups.com Subscribe: Disability-SSD-SSI-subscribe@yahoogroups.com Homepage: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Disability-SSD-SSI/ disabledgreens · Disability Caucus of the US Green Party: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/disabledgreens/?yguid=62987550 Description: A discussion list for Greens with disabilities interested in forming a United States Green Party Caucus. We welcome everyone with an interest in this area. Anyone who does not meet the criteria for a voting member may join us in discussion and activism as an adjunct member. All list members must provide their full name and US state (or country) (required for adjunct membership). To be a voting member of the Caucus you also need to give us your mailing address, state that you are disabled, and be registered as a Green in the US (or otherwise connected with the party if you can not vote or there is no GP in your state). Please consider joining as a voting member even if you do not have the energy to participate in all discussions. We have an alternate list for official caucus business only (no discussion). This is where votes and other important items will go. There is no need to read both lists but if you can't keep up with this one, do join DisabledGreensVotes at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/disabledgreensvotes/ If you join the other list, please also join this one and ask for "Special Notices" which will give you no email but full access to archives and web features. Please visit our website at http://immuneweb.org/dg/ What do you think? From the heart in the heart of the heartland. Some of the groups I moderate Disabled Greens News and discussion, Group http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/ Abuse in Therapy, Group http://www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AbuseinTherapy/ Diffabled, Mental Health, all related issues, advocacy, and professionals: Invite link: http://passport.care2.net/invite.html?g=880 , Homepage: http://www.care2.com/c2c/group/Diffabled_MentalHealth_Action reality's 360 page and blog http://360.yahoo.com/jamesmnordlund reality's My Space page, blog http://myspace.com/jamesmnordlund Rights for Imprisoned People with Psychiatric Disabilities: United to Demand Justice and Social Change: http://rippdnycnetwork.ning.com/profile/realiteee Prison Abuse Social Network! Welcome to all Abolitionists: http://sdicks4msnetwork.ning.com/profile/realiteee reality's Windows Live Space http://jamesmnordlundreality.spaces.live.com/default.aspx?owner=1&wa=wsignin1.0 reality's geocities website http://www.geocities.com/jamesmnordlund/index.html Poets For Human Rights http://groups.googl [ send green star]
James M N.	SUPPORT DRUG SENTENCING REFORM October 08, 2007 6:53 AM FOR HIV PREVENTION JUSTICE! The link between incarceration and the HIV epidemic is deeply rooted and complex. Unfair sentencing guidelines that punish crack cocaine offenses 100 times more severely than powder cocaine have devastated poor African American communities across the country. By locking up large numbers of African American young men in long prison terms instead of providing drug treatment for low level drug offenders, this policy continues to create the conditions that drive the HIV epidemic deeper into African American communities. If the United States is going to seriously address systemic causes of the domestic HIV epidemic, drug sentencing reform is a critical starting point. Please join CHAMP in supporting Break The Chainâ€™s http://www.breakchains.org/ effort in urging Congress and the Administration to begin to address this injustice. Sign on to the letter (full text at the end of this email) by providing the following info and send it to champ@champnetwork.org: Name: Organization: Address: City/State/Zip: Phone: email: ----------------------------------- Interested in finding out what more you can do to mobilize for HIV Prevention Justice? Here are two more ways you can participate: 1. Join the Prevention Justice Mobilization Planning Teleconference, including a briefing on the failure of a HIV vaccine last week by Emily Bass of the AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition (AVAC), and what this news means for the future of vaccine development and HIV prevention. Tuesday, October 9, 2007 5p Eastern, 4p Central, 3p Mountain, 2p Pacific Dial-in: 1-866-438-5720 Passcode: 3528# 2. Join CHAMPâ€™s monthly teleconference training on mobilizing our organizations for prevention justice, including a new World AIDS Day action kit with useful tools for public events. Wednesday, October 10 2p Eastern, 1p Central, 12p Mountain, 11a Pacific, 10a Alaskan Toll-free number: 866-247-3147 Passcode: 4277# The Prevention Justice Mobilization (PJM) is a series of HIV-prevention events and actions around the United States. from November 15 to December 15, 2007. Convened by national, local and grassroots HIV/AIDS organizations, the PJM demands comprehensive HIV prevention policies and full-on resources to address the root causes that drive the HIV/AIDS epidemic, including poverty, racism, homophobia and gender-based violence. Prevention Justice Mobilization events are concentrated around World AIDS Day (December 1) and the National HIV Prevention Conference in Atlanta (December 2-5, 2007). The PJM events are also an opportunity for coalition-building, skills-sharing, political education and strengthening solidarity between different constituencies fighting for prevention justice. ------------------------------------ Full text of the Sentencing Reform Sign-on letter: President George Bush Senators and Representatives Forty years ago this nation declared a â€œwar on drugsâ€. Unfortunately, despite billions of dollars spent on this war, the rate of drug use and addiction has remained pretty much the same. The human and social costs of the â€œwar on drugsâ€ have been steep, especially for poor black communities. From racial profiling to incarceration and post-conviction sanctions, to drug treatment and disease prevention, African-American communities are being devastated by discriminatory drug law enforcement and punitive sentencing policies. In 1986 Congress enacted new laws creating mandatory prison sentences for most drug offenses and abolishing parole in the federal system. In response to a serious outbreak of cocaine abuse, involving a new, smokeable form of the drug known as â€˜rockâ€™ or â€˜crack cocaineâ€™ Congress singled out crack cocaine offenses for the severest penalties. Under these provisions crack cocaine offenses are punished 100 times more severely than powder cocaine offenses. A five year mandatory prison sentence is imposed for the sale of a mere five grams of crack cocaine; it takes the sale of more than 500 grams of powder cocaine to receive the same sentence. Congress further singled out crack cocaine for special punishment when it required a sentence of five (5) years for a first offense of possession of five grams or more of crack cocaine. There is no federal mandatory minimum sentence for first time possession of powder cocaine or any other currently illicit drug. Over the past 20 years, there has been widespread criticism by civil rights organizations, jurists, criminal justice professionals and others regarding the 100:1 disparity and its impact on African-American defendants. Government surveys have consistently shown that drug use rates are similar among all racial and ethnic groups. For crack cocaine, two-thirds of users in the U.S. are white or Hispanic. Research demonstrates that the majority of drug users buy from people who are of the same racial or ethnic background as they are which means that the majority of crack cocaine sellers in the U.S. are not black. Despite these well known facts African-Americans continue to bear the brunt of federal crack cocaine prosecutions. Indeed in 2005, more than 80% of federal crack cocaine defendants were African-American. Reforming the current crack cocaine sentencing scheme would reestablish flexibility in the process, redirect federal resources towards major drug traffickers and restore some confidence in our commitment to an unbiased justice system. The United States Sentencing Com [ send green star]
James M N.	rest :) A.I. Acts: ready / National Weekend of Faith in Action?; etc.. September 29, 2007 6:36 AM who may well be innocent, was granted a new hearing by that state's Supreme Court, after coming within 24 hours of execution. His bid for life and justice was supported by thousands of people from all walks of life and from all parts of the country. And in Texas, Kenneth Foster had his death sentence commuted by the Governor, after a national and international outcry that he had been sentenced to die despite never having killed. These outcomes would not have been possible without the fundamental questioning of the death penalty that is occurring, not just in Georgia and Texas, but all across the United States, and it is people of faith who are leading the way in promoting and expanding this debate. Your participation in the National Weekend of Faith in Action will ensure that we build on this current momentum, and lay the groundwork for more successes in the future. Help us organize this nationwide examination of the death penalty! How to get started this year: Read more about the NWFA and check out some of the activities that took place last year Register as a participant using a quick and easy form Start planning your activity or event for October (a NWFA organizing packet will be sent to all registered participants; it contains a wealth of ideas and resources) Thank you for your activism, and we look forward to working with you on this important national event. Brian Evans NWFA Coordinator Amnesty International USA 202-544-0200 x 496 who may well be innocent, was granted a new hearing by that state's Supreme Court, after coming within 24 hours of execution. His bid for life and justice was supported by thousands of people from all walks of life and from all parts of the country. And in Texas, Kenneth Foster had his death sentence commuted by the Governor, after a national and international outcry that he had been sentenced to die despite never having killed. These outcomes would not have been possible without the fundamental questioning of the death penalty that is occurring, not just in Georgia and Texas, but all across the United States, and it is people of faith who are leading the way in promoting and expanding this debate. Your participation in the National Weekend of Faith in Action will ensure that we build on this current momentum, and lay the groundwork for more successes in the future. Help us organize this nationwide examination of the death penalty! How to get started this year: Read more about the NWFA and check out some of the activities that took place last year Register as a participant using a quick and easy form Start planning your activity or event for October (a NWFA organizing packet will be sent to all registered participants; it contains a wealth of ideas and resources) Thank you for your activism, and we look forward to working with you on this important national event. Brian Evans NWFA Coordinator Amnesty International USA 202-544-0200 x 496 [ send green star]
James M N.	A.I. Acts: ready / National Weekend of Faith in Action?; etc.. September 29, 2007 6:32 AM 86 Days to 86 Guantanamo Dear James "The more I scream they will laugh and do it again...my screams all in vain." â?" GuantÃ¡namo detainee Omar Deghayes http://www.amnestyusa.org/Torture/86days/page.do?id=1011410&n1=3&n2=38&n3=1447&tr=y&auid=3013851 I wanted to let you be the first to know about Amnesty International's fall 86 day "86 it" campaign. 86 days separate two infamous dates: October 17th marks the first year anniversary of the Military Commissions Act and January 11th marks the anniversary of the first detainee held at GuantÃ¡namo Bay. Both dates represent all that is wrong with this administration's policies: torture, indefinite detention, guilty until proven innocent. It's time to "86" the administration's failed policies and restore our nation's reputation as a leader on human rights . We are calling on activists across the country to stand in solidarity against torture: to call for the closure of the detention facilities at GuantÃ¡namo Bay, the repair of the MCA so that it reflects international legal norms, and the end of torture in the name of "security." Find out how you can join the 86 Days campaign . Your efforts, along with thousands of other activists across the country, will help spread Amnesty's anti-torture message in a big way. This 10/17 action guide has all the materials you'll need to get started: and, it is only just the beginning! In the months to follow, you'll receive new information on actions and mobilizations that will help you to continue to mobilize around this critical issue. Upcoming actions will include: NOVEMBER: House Party Action Kit-Ghost of Abu Ghraib (coming your way in October) DECEMBER: Letter Writing to detainee's families (November) JANUARY: Mobilization in protest of GuantÃ¡namo Bay's detention facilities (December) Visit our 86 Days of Action campaign site and sign up for actions these coming months. With your support we will continue to shape the America you believe in as a nation that does not condone, legislate, or execute torture. In Solidarity, Kevin Spidel Campaign Manager, Denounce Torture Amnesty International, USA http://www.tearitdown.org/ P.S. And if you haven't already seen it, check out www.tearitdown.org, Amnesty International's new exciting campaign where you can virtually tear down GuantÃ¡namo Bay! Amnesty International speaker on the War on Terror: Human Rights at Risk Dear James, War on Terror: Human Rights at Risk Jumana Musa, Amnesty International's Advocacy Director on Domestic Human Rights and International Justice. Speaker http://www.amnestyusa.org/Midwest/September_20_21_amp_22_Speaker/page.do?id=1091260&n1=5&n2=50&n3=803 September 20, 21 & 22 Kansas City, Manhattan & Emporia, KS Amnesty International invites you to a special presentation: "War on Terror: Human Rights at Risk". The speaker will be Jumana Musa. Ms. Musa is Amnesty International's Advocacy Director on Domestic Human Rights and International Justice. She has served as AI's legal observer at hearings for detainees at Guantanamo Bay Cuba. She is well versed on how the war on terror impacts the human rights of all persons, not just detainees. She will be presenting in the following cities: Kansas City: Thursday, Sept. 20, 2007 7p.m. Location: The Westport Coffeehouse Theater, 4010 Pennsylvania Manhattan: Friday, Sept. 21, 2007, 7 p.m. Location: KSU Campus, K-State Union, Room 213 Emporia: Saturday, Sept. 22, 2007, 7 p.m. Location: Emporia State University, Memorial Union Ballroom For more information contact, Ms. Amanda Flott, AI Kansas Field Organizer. Phone is 312-435-6386. Email is aflott@aiusa.org Get ready for the National Weekend of Faith in Action Dear James, http://www.amnestyusa.org/Death_Penalty/National_Weekend_of_Faith_in_Action/page.do?id=1104336&n1=3&n2=28&n3=81 This October 19-21, hundreds of faith communities, interfaith organizations, and human rights groups will participate in Amnesty International USA's annual National Weekend of Faith in Action on the Death Penalty (NWFA). From small group discussions, to film screenings, to religious services, to public vigils and demonstrations, NWFA participants will organize a wide variety of events and activities for that weekend, all focusing attention on the death penalty in the United States. What will YOU be doing for the NWFA? Over the summer, tremendous public pressure helped halt executions in two critical cases. In Georgia, Troy Davis, [ send green star]
James M N.	rest :) [CHRI] INB 9/23/07: Rally at Georgia Prison; No-Match Protest September 27, 2007 5:31 AM protest. Samano said he was confused about apparently being fired for not documenting his employment eligibility, although he had been working at the plant for eight years. Ballco declined to comment on the firings. [Chicago Tribune 9/22/07] 4. BORDER AGENCY ARRESTS 202 IN ALABAMA Between Sept. 2 and 14, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents arrested 202 out-of-status immigrants in Mobile County, Alabama, according to Ken Fuller, the agent in charge of the CBP station in Mobile. The two-week crackdown, dubbed "Operation Uniforce III," targeted migrants who were traveling through Alabama by vehicle after crossing into the US from Mexico. In announcing the arrests on Sept. 17, Fuller said that more important than the number of people arrested is the information gathered from those arrested, including when, how and where they crossed from Mexico into Texas. The Border Patrol, in partnership with other law enforcement agencies, plans to continue these operations in the future. [Press-Register (Mobile, AL) 9/7/07, 9/17/07] ---------------------------------------------------------------- END Immigration News Briefs (IN, a weekly English-language summary of US immigration news, is forwarded out to the email list of the Coalition for the Human Rights of Immigrants (CHRI). If you receive INB as a forwarded message, and you wish to subscribe directly to INB, or to the CHRI email list (which includes INB and local NYC area events, average 4-5 messages a week), write to nicajg@panix.com (indicate "CHRI list" or "INB only"). Immigration News Briefs (IN, un resumen semanal en ingles de noticias sobre inmigracion en los EE.UU., es enviado cada semana a la lista de correo electronico de la Coalicion para los Derechos Humanos de los Inmigrantes. Si el INB le llega como mensaje reenviado, y usted quiere subscribir directamente al INB, o a la lista de correo de CHRI (que incluye INB, mas anuncios de actividades en el area de NYC, promedio de 4-5 mensajes por semana), escriba al nicajg@panix.com (indique si quiere "lista de CHRI" o "solo INB"). ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Contributions toward Immigration News Briefs are gladly accepted: they should be made payable and sent to Nicaragua Solidarity Network, 339 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10012. (Tax-deductible contributions of $50 or more may be made payable to the A.J. Muste Memorial Institute and earmarked for "NSN".) ************************************************************************* ORDER "The Politics of Immigration: Questions and Answers," a new book by the editors of Immigration News Briefs and Weekly News Update on the Americas, out now on Monthly Review Press: for details see publisher website: http://monthlyreview.org/politicsofimmigration.htm book website: http://thepoliticsofimmigration.org authors' blog: http://thepoliticsofimmigration.blogspot.com [ send green star]
James M N.	[CHRI] INB 9/23/07: Rally at Georgia Prison; No-Match Protest September 27, 2007 5:26 AM Immigration News Briefs Vol. 10, No. 24 - September 23, 2007 1. Marchers Rally at Georgia Prison 2. Arrests at Texas Military Base 3. Illinois Workers Fired Over No-Match 4. Border Agency Arrests 202 in Alabama Immigration News Briefs is a weekly supplement to Weekly News Update on the Americas, published by Nicaragua Solidarity Network, 339 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10012; tel 212-674-9499; fax 212-674-9139; wnu@igc.org. INB is also distributed free via email; see below or contact nicajg@panix.com for info. You may reprint or distribute items from INB, but please credit us and tell people how to subscribe. 1. MARCHERS RALLY AT GEORGIA PRISON On Sept. 15, some 100 people rallied outside the Stewart Detention Center in Lumpkin, Georgia, a privately-run immigration prison, to protest the treatment of detainees. The rally culminated a week-long 105-mile march through six counties, organized by the Prison & Jail Project, a 15-year-old civil rights and prisoner rights advocacy group based in Americus, Georgia. The group's annual "Freedom Walk"--now in its 12th year--highlights racial and social inequities in the criminal justice system in rural southwest Georgia. About eight people from the Minuteman Civil Defense Corps and the Atlanta Minuteman Project held a counter-demonstration with banners reading: "Enforce our existing laws" and "Secure our borders." The Stewart Detention Center is operated by the Corrections Corporation of America, a for-profit prison company, under contract for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). It opened in October 2006 and with about 500 employees it has become the largest employer in Stewart County, one of the poorest counties in Georgia. "This is a for-profit prison. Is America about turning prisoners into commodities?" asked Anton Flores, a leader of the faith-based Alterna community, which co-sponsored the Lumpkin protest. The groups also pointed out that the prison's remote location makes it difficult for attorneys or family members to visit detainees. Flores said he planned to visit detainees from El Salvador and Colombia later in the day. "I will let them know that there are people who see them as people," he said. [Associated Press 9/15/07; WALB.com (Albany, GA) 9/13/07; Email Message from Anton Flores 9/18/07] 2. ARRESTS AT TEXAS MILITARY BASE On Sept. 14, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrested 12 construction workers at the Fort Bliss US Army post in El Paso County, Texas, for lacking proper work permits. The 12 were detained after Military Police and ICE agents interviewed 335 workers at a housing construction site at Fort Bliss and one at Biggs Army Airfield on the base. Most of the workers were employed by four subcontractors for Balfour Beatty Construction, said Winn Maddrey, a Balfour Beatty spokesperson. The four companies were doing framing, drywall, rock-wall building and flooring at the sites. Maddrey said the subcontractors are required to provide documentation of workers' immigration status to Balfour Beatty, and it is the subcontractor's responsibility to verify the information. The prospective employee must present a copy of the form certifying his documentation and personal identification before he is issued a work badge, Maddrey said. ICE agents will continue an investigation into the source of the false documentation, post officials said. Fort Bliss spokeswoman Jean Offutt said it will be up to the prime contractor for Fort Bliss housing to determine whether any action will be taken against the subcontractors. [El Paso Times 9/15/07] *3. ILLINOIS WORKERS FIRED OVER NO-MATCH On Sept. 19, eight Latino workers were fired from the Ballco Manufacturing plant in Aurora, Illinois, apparently over allegedly mismatched Social Security numbers. The next day, Sept. 20, a number of other workers walked off the job at Ballco and joined their fired co-workers on a picket line outside the plant. Early on Sept. 21, 15 of the workers who protested the firings were also fired. On Sept. 21, more than 20 workers formed two picket lines outside Ballco, carrying signs that read "Unfair Labor Practice Strike" and "Honk for Justice." The protesters said they had been called individually into a supervisor's office and told that the Social Security numbers they had provided did not match government records. "They just told me, 'There's a problem with your Social Security number, so we're going to have to fire you,'" said Arturo Lopez, a machine operator at the plant, which manufactures steel balls, valves and pipe fittings. Another machine operator, Gonzalo Bello, said: "They said if I ever fix the problem with my Social Security number that I can try to come back." Marcos Samano, a supervisor at the plant, said he was initially told to stay at Ballco through the end of the year to train new employees, but he was fired after walking out to join other workers in the pr [ send green star]
James M N.	restest :) WSDP Acts: Historic Milestone / Indigenous Peoples Worldwide: UN Adopts Rights Declara September 21, 2007 9:52 AM Mirian Masaquiza,, tel: 917.367.6006, e-mail: IndigenousPermanentForum@un.org [ send green star]
James M N.	Rest :) WSDP Acts: Historic Milestone / Indigenous Peoples Worldwide: UN Adopts Rights Declaratio September 21, 2007 9:48 AM Press Release: Historic Milestone for Indigenous Peoples Worldwide as UN Adopts Rights Declaration FYI - Great news!! UN General Assembly adopts Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples For media enquiries, please contact: Renata Sivacolundhu, Department of Public Information, tel: 212.963.2932, e-mail: sivacolundhu@un.org For Secretariat of the Permanent Forum, please contact: Mirian Masaquiza,, tel: 917.367.6006, e-mail: IndigenousPermanentForum@un.org From: Indigenous Permanent Forum PRESS RELEASE Historic Milestone for Indigenous Peoples Worldwide as UN Adopts Rights Declaration New York, 13 September - Marking an historic achievement for the more than 370 million indigenous peoples worldwide, the General Assembly today adopted the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the result of more than two decades of consultation and dialogue among governments and indigenous peoples from all regions. "Today, by adopting the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples we are making further progress to improve the situation of indigenous peoples around the world," stated General Assembly President Haya Al Khalifa. "We are also taking another major step forward towards the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all." Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon warmly welcomed the adoption, calling it "a triumph for indigenous peoples around the world." He further noted that "this marks a historic moment when UN Member States and indigenous peoples reconciled with their painful histories and resolved to move forward together on the path of human rights, justice and development for all." Adopted by the Human Rights Council in June 2006, the Declaration emphasizes the rights of indigenous peoples to maintain and strengthen their own institutions, cultures and traditions and to pursue their development in keeping with their own needs and aspirations. It establishes an important standard for eliminating human rights violations against indigenous peoples worldwide and for combating discrimination and marginalization. "The 13th of September 2007 will be remembered as an international human rights day for the Indigenous Peoples of the world, a day that the United Nations and its Member States, together with Indigenous Peoples, reconciled with past painful histories and decided to march into the future on the path of human rights," said Ms. Vicky Tauli-Corpuz, Chairperson of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. The Declaration addresses both individual and collective rights, cultural rights and identity, rights to education, health, employment, language and others. The Declaration explicitly encourages harmonious and cooperative relations between States and Indigenous Peoples. It prohibits discrimination against indigenous peoples and promotes their full and effective participation in all matters that concern them. Calling the Declaration "tangible proof of the increasing cooperation of States, Indigenous Peoples and the international community as a whole for the promotion and protection of the human rights of indigenous peoples", Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, Mr. Sha Zukang said that the UN "has fulfilled its role as the world's parliament and has responded to the trust that Indigenous Peoples around the world placed in it, that it will stand for dignity and justice, development and peace for all, without discrimination." The Declaration was adopted by an overwhelming majority of the General Assembly, with 143 countries voting in support, 4 voting against (Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States) and 11 abstaining (Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burundi, Colombia, Georgia, Kenya, Nigeria, Russian Federation, Samoa, Ukraine). To view a webcast of the General Assembly session, see: www.un.org/webcast/ga.html For more information on the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, please see: http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii/en/declaration.html For media enquiries, please contact: Renata Sivacolundhu, Department of Public Information, tel: 212.963.2932, e-mail: sivacolundhu@un.org For Secretariat of the Permanent Forum, please contact: Mirian Masaquiza,, tel: 917.367.6006, e-mail: IndigenousPermanentForum@un.org Press Release: Historic Milestone for Indigenous Peoples Worldwide as UN Adopts Rights Declaration FYI - Great news!! UN General Assembly adopts Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples For media enquiries, please contact: Renata Sivacolundhu, Department of Public Information, tel: 212.963.2932, e-mail: sivacolundhu@un.org For Secretariat of the Permanent Forum, please contact: Mirian Masaqu [ send green star]
James M N.	moew :) WSDP Acts: Historic Milestone / Indigenous Peoples Worldwide: UN Adopts Rights Declaratio September 21, 2007 9:43 AM the regional coordinators listed below to locate specific persons or to set up media responses from particular regions. For general media inquiries please contact: Rainy Blue Cloud 1 530 559 0192 Regional Media Contacts: Africa Saoudata Aboubacrine (French Speaker) Email: tinhinanbf@yahoo.fr Tel: 1 646 763 4006 Arctic Mattias Ahren Email: mattias.ahren@saamicouncil.net Tel: 1 474 737 9161 Hjalmar Dahl Email: hjalmar@inuit.org Tel: 011 45 29362659 Asia Vicky Tauli-Corpuz Email: vicky@tebtebba.org Tel: 1 347 761 4315 Latin America Hector Huertas (Spanish Speaker) Email: oloubili@hotmail.com Adelfo Regino Montes serayuuk@yahoo.com.mx ayuuk33@hotmail.com Or contact via Rainy Blue Cloud Tel: 1 530 559 0192 North America Grand Chief Ed John Tel: 1 778 772 8218 email: edjohn@fns.bc.ca Pacific Les Malezer Email: les.malezer@faira.org.au Or contact via Rainy Blue Cloud Tel: 1 530 559 0192 FW: Press Conference: UN Declaration on Rights of Indigenous Peoples-Friday 9/14 at 11:00 AM Breaking News ---TODAY ---- United Nations General Assembly Adopts the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples -- Western Shoshon Defense Project So-Ho-Bi (South Fork) office: 775-744-2565 (fax and phone) Main office: P.O. Box 211308 Crescent Valley, NV 89821 Newe Sogobi 775-468-0230 775-468-0237 (fax) -----Original Message----- Subject: Press Conference: UN Declaration on Rights of Indigenous Peoples-Friday 9/14 at 11:00 AM TONATIERRA MEDIA ADVISORY FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SEPTEMBER 13TH, 2007 Contact: Tupac Enrique Acosta (602) 466-8367; Jose Matus (520) 979-2125 UN DECLARATION ON THE RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES UNITED NATIONS DECLARES INHERENT RIGHTS OF SELF DETERMINATION OF THE INDIGENOUS PEOPLES OF THE WORLD PRESS CONFERENCE ALIANZA INDIGENA SIN FRONTERAS INDIGENOUS ALLIANCE WITHOUT BORDERS Friday September 14th, 2007 11:00 AM NAHUACALLI Embassy of the Indigenous Peoples 802 N. 7th Street Phoenix, Arizona Phoenix, AZ - After more than three decades of struggle at the international levels of UN diplomacy and centuries of outright genocide and forced assimilation programs, the Indigenous Peoples of the world today will be finally acknowledged as full members of global society with inherent rights of Self Determination under international law. The act comes in the form of passage of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples by the UN General Assembly today, which addresses both individual and collective rights, cultural rights and identity, rights to education, health, employment, language and others. The UN Human Rights Council adopted the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples on June 29th, 2006. Today's adoption by the General Assembly of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples outlaws discrimination against indigenous peoples and promotes their full and effective participation in all matters that concern them. It also ensures their right to remain distinct and to pursue their own visions of economic, social and cultural development. The Declaration explicitly encourages harmonious and cooperative relations between States and Indigenous Peoples. LINKS: http://www.un.org/webcast/pc2007.ht http://www.un.org//News/briefings/docs/2007/070906_Indigenous.doc.htm. To view the UN news story, see http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=23728&Cr=indigenous&Cr1=# For more information on the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, please see: http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii/en/declaration.html http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii/index.html http://www.indigenasinfronteras.org www.tonatierra.org [ send green star]
James M N.	WSDP Acts: Historic Milestone / Indigenous Peoples Worldwide: UN Adopts Rights Declaration September 21, 2007 9:38 AM FW: Statements from Indigenous Peoples' Caucus Regional Steering Committee, Global Regions' Indigenous Peoples, the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and others concerning the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples FYI - Western Shoshone Defense Project So-Ho-Bi (South Fork) office: 775-744-2565 (fax and phone) Main office: P.O. Box 211308 Crescent Valley, NV 89821 Newe Sogobi 775-468-0230 775-468-0237 (fax) -----Original Message----- From: Andrea Carmen [mailto:Andrea@treatycouncil.org] Sent: Thursday, September 13, 2007 4:14 PM To: Andrea Carmen Executive Director, IITC 456 N. Alaska St. Palmer AK 99645 phone: (907) 745-4482, fax: (907) 745-4484 email: andrea@treatycouncil.org Web site: www.treatycouncil.org _____ From: Marilyn Teneese [mailto:MTeneese@fns.bc.ca] Sent: Canadian NGOs, PTOs and Leaders The following message is sent on behalf of Grand Chief Edward John, Executive member of the First Nations Summit, Representative of the Assembly of First Nations on international issues, and Co-Coordinator of the North American Regional Indigenous Peoples Caucus. He has asked that this important information be provided to you. Contact information for Edward John: EdJohn@fns.bc.ca Following is Ed John's personal statement concerning the Declaration: What a tremendous day. It's all over now and we have in our hands a Declaration we helped construct and one on which we can proudly stand. Notwithstanding Canada's "NO" vote they will have to be accountable against the Declaration's standards. It cannot pick and choose the human rights it wants. We should all be proud in our collective achievement. I was proud to be a part of our tremendous effort and achievement! Attached and below is information concerning the just passed UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The message below contains the text of the press release by the Indigenous Peoples' Caucus Steering Committee. The attachments contain * Statements of the Indigenous Peoples from the following regions: o Africa o Arctic o North America o Pacific o Asia * Statements from the following: o Assembly of First Nations o International Non-Governmental Organizations o The United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Peoples Thank you. -----Original Message----- From: Ed John Sent: September 13, 2007 12:50 PM Subject: Fw: PRESS RELEASE: Indigenous Peoples¹ Caucus Regional Steering Committee Please circulate widely ----- Original Message ----- From: Rainy Blue Cloud <rbluecloud@ifg.org> Sent: Thu Sep 13 12:23:27 2007 Subject: PRESS RELEASE: Indigenous Peoples¹ Caucus Regional Steering Committee FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Indigenous Peoples' Caucus Regional Steering Committee 13 September 2007 UNITED Nations General assembly adopts the UNITED NATIONS Declaration on the rights of Indigenous Peoples New York, New York Today, the United Nations General Assembly, the highest body of the United Nations system, in an historic session adopted the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, after more than 20 years of intensive negotiations between nation-states and Indigenous Peoples. The vote won with an overwhelming majority in favour, 143 with only 4 negative votes cast (Canada, Australia, New Zealand, United States) and 11 abstentions (Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burundi, Colombia, Georgia, Kenya, Nigeria, Russian Federation, Samoa, Ukraine). Indigenous peoples from around the world, many of whom have worked tirelessly for the adoption of the Declaration since its inception, were present to witness its passage at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. As Les Malezer, Chair of the Global Indigenous Peoples' Caucus states: "The Declaration does not represent solely the viewpoint of the United Nations, nor does it represent solely the viewpoint of the Indigenous Peoples. It is a Declaration which combines our views and interests and which sets the framework for the future. It is a tool for peace and justice, based upon mutual recognition and mutual respect." Attached please find the Indigenous Peoples' Global Caucus Statement, as well as Regional Caucus Statements, in regards to the Declaration's adoption. **************************************************************************** As many of the Indigenous Leaders will still be in NYC available for comment, please contact [ send green star]
James M N.	rest :) ADAPT Acts: 55 Arrested as ADAPT Makes House Call on AMA; etc.. September 15, 2007 6:42 PM live in the legally required "most integrated setting," and provide the AMA membership with continuing medical education programs about community-based alternatives to institutionalization; * Develop an AMA ethics policy requiring doctors to disclose to their patients any financial interest they have in a nursing facility when they are discussing long-term care with those patients, and to not refer any patient to a nursing home in which the doctor has a financial interest; * Require that AMA Board of Trustees and leadership divest themselves of all financial interests in nursing facilities, etc. "With the swipe of a pen, a doctor can take away your freedom by sending you to a nursing home when you're discharged from a hospital rather than exploring options in the community," said Diane Coleman, ADAPT Organizer from Chicago. "I can only wonder if a number of those referrals come because many doctors have ownership interest in nursing homes." ADAPT wrote Dr. Maves in July, 2007, asking the AMA to join 500 other national, state and local organizations in endorsing the Community Choice Act, asking for a response by September 7. Monday's protest followed the lack of an appropriate response by Maves to the ADAPT letter, and the ten-year long lack of AMA endorsement for legislation similar to the current Community Choice Act. "If the AMA thinks that today is the end of our fight, they are sadly mistaken," added Patrick. Doctors make a very good living on the backs of people with disabilities, and we will not let them continue to push us around and put us in institutions." ADAPT Housing Forum Exposes Individual Problems and HUD Inaction For Immediate Release, September 9, 2007 For Information contact: Bruce DarlingB 585-370-6690 Marsha Katz 406-544-9504 Gary Arnold 773-425-2536 ADAPT Housing Forum Exposes Individual Problems and HUD Inaction Chicago---Officials from HUD traveled to Chicago from Washington, D.C. to meet with 500 ADAPT activists, but incited the crowd to anger when they communicated a tired message that hasn't been supported with action promised in May by HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson. Their appearance at the National Housing Forum sponsored by ADAPT followed two hours of testimony about the lack of affordable, accessible integrated housing articulated by disability rights activists from across the nation. "We just heard the same old rhetoric, lots of promises, but no action," said Cassie James, ADAPT Organizer from Philadelphia who moderated the Housing Forum. "Last May, Sec. Jackson made a number of commitments to us, and he hasn't honored one of them." In a May meeting in Washington, D.C., ADAPT confronted Secretary Jackson about the 58% loss in housing vouchers that the disability community suffered due to a combination of federal budget cuts, and misappropriation of the vouchers by local entities that administer the voucher program in communities across the country. Jackson promised to report to ADAPT before the September action in Chicago how many of those housing vouchers for people with disabilities he has recovered. Jackson, who had also promised in May to meet with ADAPT three times a year, failed to show in Chicago, sending Kim Kendrick, Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, andB Paula Blunt, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing in his place. Neither Kendrick nor Blunt provided the numbers promised by their boss in May. "The all-talk-and-no-action we heard today is the same thing we experienced with HUD here in Chicago last May," said Darrell Price of Chicago ADAPT, "We had a housing conference where Ms. Kendrick was also present and heard Mike Grice talk about how long he'd been waiting for his landlord to make his kitchen accessible. Ms. Kendrick talked to the landlord, but it's four months later and the landlord hasn't done a thing. Mike testified at the forum today that he still can't use his kitchen, and once again the HUD folks said they'd look into it, but we aren't holding out any hope on the follow through." ADAPT is in Chicago all week to send a clear message to HUD, the Governor of Illinois, the nation's medical community, and Congress that denying affordable, accessible housing to people with disabilities and thus supporting the incarceration of people in institutions for the "crime" of disability will not be tolerated. "And we won't listen to any more "we feel your pain" speeches from HUD and other officials in suits." added James, while our brothers and sisters are s [ send green star]
James M N.	more :) ADAPT Acts: 55 Arrested as ADAPT Makes House Call on AMA; etc.. September 15, 2007 6:37 PM * Work with Chicago ADAPT to assure that any person in an institution who wants to move out will have the opportunity to do so, and not face denial of their request to move for any reason; * Increase funding for community-based long term care by 5%/year for the next five years; * Amend state budget law to allow funds currently paying for institutional placement to be used for community-based services. According to 2006 figures compiled by researchers at Thompson Healthcare from data supplied by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, Illinois ranks in the bottom four states in funding community services for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities, and in the bottom ten states for providing overall community-based long term care. "It's imperative that Illinois starts respecting the civil rights of its citizens with disabilities, and starts to do a much better job of funding long term care services and supports in the community," said Rahnee Patrick, Chicago ADAPT Organizer. "We want to live in our own homes like anyone else, and we will continue to fight until we have real homes in the community, not warehousing in nursing homes and other institutions. This is not rocket science! It's common sense!" ADAPT continues its week of action in Chicago today by approaching another organization that needs to get on board to make home and community-based services for people with disabilities the first and preferred option. "There's no place like home," reminded Mike Oxford, ADAPT Organizer from Kansas. Fw: MDS Active Resident Information Report - Age of Residents in Nursing Homes From: Bob Kafka Sent: Tuesday, September 11, 2007 12:53 PM Subject: MDS Active Resident Information Report - Age of Residents in Nursing Homes http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MDSPubQIandResRep/04_activeresreport.asp?isSubmitted=r es3&var=RSaGE&date=19 MDS Data Second Quarter 2007 = CMS website - Compiled by The ADAPT Community Total Residents Surveyed 1,394,781 Age of Residents - National figures - Approximate because of rounding AGE NUMBER OF RESIDENTS 1-30 8,369 31-64 184,111 65-74 182,716 75-84 430,987 85-95 517,464 95+ 69,739 COMBINED FIGURES under 31 8,369 under 65 192,479 under 75 375,195 under 85 806,182 85+ 587,203 55 Arrested as ADAPT Makes House Call on AMA For Information contact: Bruce Darling 585-370-6690B Marsha Katz 406-544-9504 Gary Arnold 773-425-2536 55 Arrested as ADAPT Makes House Call on AMA Chicago---ADAPT and the American Medical Association (AMA) both experienced "deja-vu" Monday as 55 members of ADAPT were arrested outside AMA headquarters when they demanded to meet with AMA Executive Vice President and CEO, Michael Maves. Fifteen years ago in 1992 in Chicago, ADAPT pressed the AMA to endorse home and community-based long-term care services and supports for older and disabled Americans instead of forcing them into nursing homes and other institutions. "It's a sad commentary that we're back on the AMA's doorstep about the same issue," said Rahnee Patrick, Chicago ADAPT Organizer. "It's an even sadder commentary that after 15 years the AMA still has the same arrogant, paternalistic attitude about people with disabilities, and that they're so afraid of us they'd rather see us arrested than sit at the table and work together with us." ADAPT had four demands for the AMA including: * Endorse the Community Choice Act (S. 799, H.R. 1621) which is federal legislation that would give people eligible for nursing home and/or institutional placement a choice to choose community services instead; * Work with ADAPT to develop an action plan that assures that people with disabilities and seniors get REAL CHOICE in long-term care services/supports so they are able to l [ send green star]
James M N.	ADAPT Acts: 55 Arrested as ADAPT Makes House Call on AMA; etc.. September 15, 2007 6:32 PM Community Choice Act Hearing in Senate -- September 25th! WE NEED YOUR HELP! The hearing for the Community Choice Act, CCA, (S. 799) in the Senate Finance Committee is still on for September 25. Just about 2 weeks from now. It will be held at 10:00 AM in the Dirksen Senate Office Building, Room G-50. Senate Finance is the "committee of jurisdiction" for the CCA in the Senate. That means they are the committee that will decide about the bill moving on to the full Senate for passage. We want to make sure ALL the Finance Committee members attend the hearing. Sometimes only one or 2 are there, but the more we can get to attend, the more will learn about the bill and these issues. We need your help to ensure that as many of the committee members attend as possible. Below is a list of Senators on the Senate Finance Committee: Democrats MAX BAUCUS, MT (Chair of the Committee) JOHN D. ROCKEFELLER IV, WV KENT CONRAD, ND JEFF BINGAMAN, NM JOHN F. KERRY, MA BLANCHE L. LINCOLN, AR RON WYDEN, OR CHARLES E. SCHUMER, NY (co-sponsor) DEBBIE STABENOW, MI MARIA CANTWELL, WA KEN SALAZAR, CO (co-sponsor) Republicans CHARLES GRASSLEY, IA (Ranking Minority Member) ORRIN G. HATCH, UT TRENT LOTT, MS OLYMPIA J. SNOWE, ME JON KYL, AZ GORDON SMITH, OR JIM BUNNING, KY MIKE CRAPO, ID PAT ROBERTS, KS JOHN ENSIGN, NV And if people want to try, other Senators can sit in on Committee hearings... If YOU can attend, that would be TERRIFIC. If you have an orange T-Shirt wear it! In addition, though only invited people can testify to the committee, anyone can submit written testimony. If people want to send written testimony to the committee, here is the address: Committee On Finance 219 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510-6200 If you do send written testimony, we would appreciate your sending ADAPT a copy so we can use it -- if needed -- in the future. (It's hard to get ahold of this kind of written testimony, though it does become part of the public record.) You can email it to adapt@adapt.org or send a hard copy to: ADAPT of TX 1640-A East 2nd ST, Suite 100 Austin, TX 78702 (note NEW ADDRES or fax to: 512/442-0522. NATIONAL ADAPT MAILING LIST - Adapt Community Choice Act List http://www.adapt.org ADAPT Closes Institution, Scores Seat at MFP Table and Meeting with Governor For Immediate release September 12, 2007 For Information contact: Bruce DarlingB 585-370-6690 Marsha Katz 406-544-9504 Gary Arnold 773-425-2536 http://www.adapt.org ADAPT Closes Institution, Scores Seat at MFP Table and Meeting with Governor Chicago --- ADAPT convinced Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich to permanently shut down the statebs Lincoln Developmental Center (LDC) institution when 500 activists filled the Thompson Center state office building and shut down the building's elevators, escalators, and public transit entries for six hours. Keeping the historically troubled Lincoln Center closed was one of three victories announced jointly by Rahnee Patrick of ADAPT, Matt Summy, Blagojevich's deputy chief of staffB and Grace Hou, the Assistant Secretary of Programs, Illinois Department of Human Services. "In addition to the Governorb's commitment not to re-open the Lincoln Developmental Center," said Diane Coleman, Chicago ADAPT Organizer, "he also committed to meet with ADAPT before October 17 to discuss our additional demands, and he promised ADAPT a seat at the table where operational protocols will be developed for the Illinois Money Follows the Person Demonstration Program. There were three TV cameras documenting his commitment, so there will be no mistake about what was promised." Additional demands that ADAPT will discuss in the meeting with Blagojevich include: * The Governor keeping his promise to address the institutional bias in the state of Illinois; [ send green star]
James M N.	Rest :) CUADP: Dan Rather: "Did Texas Execute Innocent Men?", 9-4 September 04, 2007 4:49 PM a conflict of interest,to begin with. Prosecutors want the death penalty. Alberto Gonzales...to be in the hands of just one person, who happens to have been Gov. Bush's legal counsel on death penalty matters in Texas, where they had so many executions. So, clearly, this is a pro-death penalty, not a neutral observer that the courts were supposed to be. BETWEEN THE LINES: I suppose it's possible with a different administration, that there might be an attorney general who's not in favor of the death penalty. RICHARD DIETER: That's correct. That's exactly right, but I think that just underscores the fact that this is the wrong place for the decision to be made, because sometimes you'll have a pro-death penalty attorney general, sometimes anti. You know, that's not what should determine whether a state has good lawyers defending death penalty clients. That's an objective determination, not a political determination. The attorney general's office is clearly a political office, which will rise and fall or sway back and forth with elections. And this is why we have our courts and our independent federal judiciary and lifetime appointments, etc., so people can make decisions based on the facts and not on their particular persuasion on the death penalty. Men Threatened With the Death Penalty May Have Confessed to a Crime They Didn't Commit Posted: August 22, 2007 Other Links addressing the death penalty--including ABA info http://www.ncadp.org/index.cfm?content=7 http://www.smu.edu/humanrights/links.html (See the long list of death penalty-related links) Groups http://www.cuadp.org/links.html#national http://www.ncadp.org http://www.cuadp.org To subscribe: mailto:cuadpupdate-subscribe@cuadp.org List archives: http://lists.compar.com/cuadpupdate/ [ send green star]
James M N.	CUADP: Dan Rather: "Did Texas Execute Innocent Men?", 9-4 September 04, 2007 4:36 PM CUADP: Dan Rather: "Did Texas Execute Innocent Men?", 9-4 [CUADPUpdate] Dan Rather Reports - "Did Texas Execute Innocent Men?" Tuesday, Sept 4 Hello All, Don't forget to thank a labor unionist for the weekend you just completed. Unions brought us safer working conditions, the five day work week and the 8 hour work day, benefits, pensions, and the right to seek redress to grievances in the work place.... anyway.... I forward several items of interest - have an excellent week! --abe ******* DID TEXAS EXECUTE INNOCENT MEN? DAN RATHER REPORTS INVESTIGATES SIGNIFICANT FLAWS IN TWO TEXAS DEATH PENALTY CASES DAN RATHER REPORTS Examines the Death Penalty Cases of Ruben Cantu and Carlos De Luna, September 4 at 8:00 p.m. ET Dallas, TX (August 29, 2007) - Next Tuesday's DAN RATHER REPORTS will reveal new details surrounding two capital murder cases in Texas - leading to the executions of two men that may have occurred as the result of flawed evidence. The episode airs on Tuesday, September 4 at 8:00 p.m. on HDNet. A clip of the program can be viewed at the following link: http://www.hd.net/drr229 In "Did Texas Execute Innocent Men?" Dan Rather speaks with key players in the cases of both Ruben Cantu and Carlos De Luna both of whom died by lethal injection in Texas where more than one-third of the nation's executions take place. Ruben Cantu was never convicted of a crime before the November 1984 murder case that led to his execution in 1993. In his investigation, Dan Rather speaks with former San Antonio district attorney Sam Millsap who originally sought the death penalty for Cantu but now believes he made a mistake. Rather also speaks with principal investigators in the case and eyewitnesses, who expose serious discrepancies in the evidence that ultimately led to the execution of Cantu, who was only 17 at the time of his arrest. DAN RATHER REPORTS also investigates the 1989 execution of Carlos De Luna, whose conviction relied on uncertain eyewitness testimony. No physical evidence was ever found linking De Luna to the murder for which he was convicted, and for the first time on television, the private investigator who scrutinized the case discloses new information which could have exonerated De Luna 17 years ago. Were Cantu and De Luna innocent and wrongly executed? Rather delves into these gripping cases on DAN RATHER REPORTS, Tuesday, September 4 on HDNet at 8:00 pm. ET. The program also airs at 11:00 pm ET, to accommodate West Coast prime time television. About HDNet Launched in 2001 by Mark Cuban and General Manager Philip Garvin, the HDNet networks are available on AT&T, Bright House Networks, Charter Communications, DIRECTV, DISH Network, Insight, Mediacom, Time Warner Cable, Verizon and more than 40 NCTC cable affiliate companies. For more information visit www.hd.net. / / / / / Rwanda: Kagame Encourages Other Countries to Abolish the Death Penalty <http://www.hirondelle.org/>Hirondelle News Agency (Lausanne) The Rwandan President, Paul Kagame, encouraged other countries to follow the example of his country, as he received Thursday in Rome, Italy, an award for the abolition of the death penalty. ---------- Rwanda is the first country of the African Great Lakes Region to have abolished the death penalty. <http://allafrica.com/stories/200709010018.html>http://allafrica.com/stories/200709010018.html / / / / / / / / Patriot Act Revision Gives A-G Power on Death Row From the radio newsmagazine Between The Lines http://www.btlonline.org Between the Lines Q&A A weekly column featuring progressiv [ send green star]
James M N.	S'more Linx + Welcome All New Members :) September 04, 2007 3:27 PM Cara All, Gutten hagen. I hope you and yours are well and will continue to be. Cool, thanx for the replies, et al Your posts and sites are great. I've been an advocate/activist on all issues, et al, for 32 years of my 48; please, do what you can for humanity. Dylan Thomas' poem line comes to mind, "...and death (murder) shall have no dominion..."; as others might say, "we, the people...", can make it so! Some groups I moderate: Disabled Greens News and discussion, home page: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/ , Abuse in Therapy: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AbuseinTherapy/ , Diffabled, Mental Health, all related issues, advocacy, and professionals: Invite link: http://passport.care2.net/invite.html?g=880 Homepage: http://www.care2.com/c2c/group/Diffabled_MentalHealth_Action , reality's 360 page and blog http://360.yahoo.com/jamesmnordlund reality's My Space page, blog http://myspace.com/jamesmnordlund Rights for Imprisoned People with Psychiatric Disabilities: United to Demand Justice and Social Change http://rippdnycnetwork.ning.com/profile/realiteee Prison Abuse Social Network: Welcome to all Abolitionists http://sdicks4msnetwork.ning.com/profile/realiteee reality's Windows Live Space http://jamesmnordlundreality.spaces.live.com/default.aspx? owner=1&wa=wsignin1.0 "Painting is poetry which is seen and not heard, and poetry is a painting which is heard but not seen." ~ Leonardo da Vinci. Enjoy an estival eve' as you can. Copy, share, as you will. Lest "we" forget, if you don't exercise responsibility, its Siamese twin sister, freedom, will wither like a muscle, as well. Sadly, now, it first needs to be exorcized, before its exercised. Viva la evolution, viva Green Party! Matutinally Yours, james m nordlund reality (aja) For those interested "of or pertaining to the morning, day: relating to or happening in the morning or in the early part of the day (formal), (Mid-16th century, from late Latin matutinalis, from Matuta, goddess of the dawn.)" Music is life's song accompanying the abundance of joy's Spring. I look forward to hearing from you. Goodbye. [ send green star]
James M N.	Rest: Prison Activist and related action, Resources list updated :) July 18, 2007 12:52 AM The Sentencing Project. Promotes reduced reliance on incarceration and increased use of more effective and humane alternatives to deal with crime. http://www.noprisons.org The Coalition For The Abolition of Prisons, critical resistance: http://www.criticalresistance.org Yahoo groups: SoulfulChemistry/ShackledVoices, http://www.freedomarchives.org/BPP/torture.html EndTheDeathPenalty, InnocentInPrison http://www.fbiwitchhunt.com/BP.html Focusing on the Prison Industrial Complex. Based out of California. Prison Activist Resource Center: http://prisonactivist.org "Here's the new petition to the House Govt Reform Committee asking them to include the Reign of Terror & the case of Leonard Peltier in their investigation of the FBI. Please sign & distribute widely. John G, http://www.PetitionOnline.com/balpsg01/petition.html " http://www.itsabouttimebpp.com/home/home.html Leonards' latest petition at http://www.leonardpeltier.org http://www.thejerichomovement.com More http://www.getconnectedus.net http://www.yahoogroups.com/messages/AriseAction http://www.assatashakur.org http://www.prisonjustice.ca/politics/abolition_alternatives.html http://www.takingaim.net/2004roundtable http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Peltier_for_President http://www.nytimes.com/2004/04/06/opinion/06TUE2.html?th http://wtw.doleta.gov/documents/fedbonding.asp http://www.lac.org/activities/legal.html http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Liberation_Army subscribe free at http://www.ncadp.org/signup.html http://www.ncadp.org/execution_alerts.html http://www.alternet.org/story.html?StoryID=18447 http://www.fadp.org/killfordeath.html http://www.abolitionnetwork.org http://www.curenational.org/bells (sign up for e-mail list!) http://www.cdhrsupport.org "Great spirits have always found violent opposition from mediocrities. The latter cannot understand it when a man does not thoughtlessly submit to hereditary prejudices but honestly and courageously uses his intelligence." ~ Albert Einstein Injustices Addressing, not addressing them have costs, the former is individual, the later is global, as well. All, what do you think? Lest "we" forget, if you don't exercise responsibility, its Siamese twin sister, freedom, will wither, like a muscle, as well. Sadly, now, it first needs to be exorcized before its exercised. Viva la evolution! Music is life's song accompanying the abundance of joy's Spring. "Painting is poetry which is seen and not heard, and poetry is a painting which is heard but not seen." ~ Leonardo da Vinci Enjoy an estival eve' as you can. I look forward to hearing from you. Ciao, for now. Matutinally Yours, james m nordlund reality (aja) For those interested "of or pertaining to the morning, day: relating to or happening in the morning or in the early part of the day (formal), (Mid-16th century, from late Latin matutinalis, from Matuta, goddess of the dawn.)" Copy, share, as you will. [ send green star]
James M N.	+ even more: Prison Activist and related action, Resources list updated :) July 18, 2007 12:48 AM prison-reach-subscribe@yahoogroups.com PrisonTalk1-subscribe@yahoogroups.com PrisonTalkOnline-subscribe@yahoogroups.com PTO_Death_Penalty_Reform-subscribe@yahoogroups.com stop-polabuse-subscribe@yahoogroups.com prison-psychrights@yahoogroups.com <prison-psychrights@yahoogroups.com> StopInmateOrganHarvesting-subscribe@yahoogroups.com TheYoungLion-subscribe@yahoogroups.com WisconsinPrisonerSupportGroup-subscribe@yahoogroups.com racism-subscribe@yahoogroups.com http://www.november.org http://www.stopbadjustice.com http://www.kscadp.org http://www.ncadp.org http://www.petitiononline.com/idaw2003/petition.html 3rd Version of the Stolen Lives Book >CONTACT: Office@october22.org or call 1-888-NO >BRUTALITY > SF Bay Area: Oct22sf@energy-net.org > 415 864-5153." www.deathpenaltyreligious.org and link from there. CRU, American Friends Service Committee 215-241-7137 bmatschek@afsc.org Moratorium Campaign Supporter, click the link below to send your message today http://www.capwiz.com/moratorium/is...1235911&type=CO Visit the web site http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/ Visit <http://www.cuadp.org> or call 800-973-6548 http://www.progressiveportal.org/letters/deathpenalty/ http://takeaction.amnestyusa.org/ct...u=253792&l=1996 http://www.NCADP.org http://www.ABOLITION.org http://www.FADP.org http://www.SAMREESESHEPPARD.org http://www.nationalactionnetwork.org http://www.prisonjustice.ca/politics/abolition_alternatives.html http://www.sentencingproject.org Th [ send green star]
James M N.	even more: Prison Activist and related action, Resources list updated :) July 18, 2007 12:44 AM abolishing their tool of terror which determines most follow their leaders out of fear, if little else? For, we all know the innocent are premeditatedly murdered by the state to that purpose, the death penalty being a tool of the war on freedom. For all you do and don't, these Prison Activist and related Resources list updated, is for thee http://www.PrisonLinks.com http://www.PetitionPetition.com http://www.speakout.com http://www.e-thepeople.com http://www.petitiononline.com http://www.alphacdc.com http://www.progressivesecretary.org http://www.workingforchange.com http://www.actionize.com http://www.halftheplanet.com http://www.nationalactionnetwork.org http://www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AbuseinTherapy/ http://www.care2.com/c2c/group/Diffabled_MentalHealth_Action http://www.millikin.edu/multicultural/newsletter/DRUM_april_2004.htm http://www.bpf.org http://www.angelfire.com/fl4/fci/ronaldclarkjr.html join CUADPUpdate: http://www.cuadp.org/esubscribe.html http://www.ABOLITION.org Native American sites SouthDakotaPrisonerSupportGroup-subscribe@yahoogroups.com justice4eddie-subscribe@yahoogroups.com oyateunderground-subscribe@yahoogroups.com NativeAmericans-subscribe@yahoogroups.com To subscribe, send a blank message to lpdc-on@mail-list.com lpdc-on@mail-list.com http://www.onelist.com/community/NativeAmericans http://www.peltiersupport.org http://www.mutualaid.org http://neraim.org jailsupport-subscribe@yahoogroups.com innocentinprison-subscribe@yahoogroups.com human_rights_forum-subscribe@yahoogroups.com http://thoughtsforliving.tripod.com http://www.giveaminute.org/ Other DisabledGreensNews, Group home page : http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews AbuseinTherapy, Group homepage : http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AbuseinTherapy/ http://www.PrisonLinks.com http://www.PrisonTalk.com inmate-advocates-subscribe@yahoogroups.com [ send green star]
James M N.	+ more: Prison Activist and related action, Resources list updated :) July 18, 2007 12:40 AM humanities', alone. For e.g., we must study to relax, also, if one pushes themselves or others too hard, reality usually pushes back. The slow-motion blitzkrieg that "we" have all been facing for decades from the republican conspiracy (which is facilitated by the dempublicans), has been focused on some individuals, groups, demographics more than others, and more or less intensely at varying times; in order for them to facilitate their delusions like 'have it like that', etc., and the division and conquering of a formidable opposition to it. How, because most or parts of most of that formidable opposition have thought they 'have it like that', and have facilitated their and others evolving processes demise. Now that the republican conspiracy has seemingly successfully taken it to the whole world, life may be realizing it has to stand against it to avert humanities' and large mammals extinction, or even to just slow it down; so, there's hope. Not hope for one, or any group, but, rather, for all people and life, as all life are threads in the whole of its fabric. Yet, it will always need mending, and if my life was just a stitch in time in life's fabric, that may have saved nine, that slowed 'la machine's' 'krieg, then so be it. The losses of humanity and life will be astronomical before the delusional constructs of destruction and murder, etc., defined as 'power', etc., are dissipated; and reality is left more evident and real than ever before. You know if "we" waste the time to dwell on life's losses, it's time not spent in its defense. You know if someone's not taking bullets, they're making them; a lesson humanity learned from WWII. If "we" don't find the ways, or trailblaze them, to unify in a common direction, albeit only paralleling at times, the evolution, you and I know 'they' will end any hope. You, and I friend, will continue to the breach, singing our own song of fraternity while we appreciate others'.... In closing, here's a question that could easily be said to sum up "we" the people's evolutionary and spiritual dilemma. If the roots of lack of compassion for the diseased, disadvantaged, children, etc. and the en vogue economic tool war, one being psycho-pathic greed, aren't addressed in Western societies sociological programming of their populaces, won't the corporate structure's convolution's devolutionary direction eventually determine more apathy and social pathos in global society; ergo, less funding for prevention, treatment, and research into curing AIDS, defense of reproductive rights, and opposition to war as a substitute for economic growth and foreign policy, in the long run? Yet, who will entertain it, let alone pose it? What does the fact that it won't be posed, like the question of spiritual relations with others, portend for the existence of whole continents, like Africa, nay humanity itself? Sample Letter To Editor: Deaths of those in all gov't institutions: The fact that inmates are dying in record numbers is indicative of the fact that the Justice system is broken, just as the fact that the death penalty is unfairly applied to lower income citizens and minorities is, as well. Before it becomes the injustice system, it needs fixing. State Initiatives, like Sonny Scroggins in Kansas, which look to establish programs that can independently investigate any death of a person held in institutions by the gov't, can go a long way towards addressing these injustices. We've a moral obligation as citizens to insure that no person held in institutions of our gov't are abused, or killed. Therefore, there should be a full investigation when anyone dies while in any gov't institution. For, being American isn't only having the rights guaranteed to us by the Constitution and Declaration of Independence, it's also affording them to others. As well, while rights are being taken away from one, they are slowly being chipped away from all. So, when we are doing our civic duty by insuring the rights of those held in institutions, we're also insuring that our and our families' rights will be upheld. We must remember Angela Davis' words, "Prisons don't disappear problems, they disappear human beings." Also, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.s', "We're caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, effects all indirectly." Lest "we" forget, if you don't exercise responsibility, its Siamese twin sister, freedom, will wither, like a muscle, as well. Also, injustices have costs, if addressed their individual, if not addressed, their global, too. For example, the U.S. has 5% of the world population, yet, 29% of its prisoners. The number of immigrants in the Federal system grew 90% in the last 7 years, although 98.5% are of them are nonviolent. If we really wish to address the unrest in the world, we have to start in our own back yard, for e.g., violent offenders being cut loose very early to make room for all the 'new' non- violent ones they wish to put into the system. Thank you. Truly Yours, Remember: "We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, effects all indirectly." ~ Martin Luther King, Jr. ~ Mahatma Gandhi, "we must be the changes we wish to see in the world." "Prison is designed to break everyone's spirit and destroy one's resolve. To do this, the authorities attempt to exploit every weakness, demolish every initiative, negate all signs of individuality, all with the idea of stamping out that spark that makes each of us human and each of us who we are." ~ Nelson Mandela "We" can challenge ourselves and society by challenging defacto-slavery established by the injustice system in the U.S. and everywhere it is? Isn't an important part of that challenging, working towards abolis [ send green star]
James M N.	More: Prison Activist and related action, Resources list updated :) July 17, 2007 11:58 PM humanities', alone. For e.g., we must study to relax, also, if one pushes themselves or others too hard, reality usually pushes back. The slow-motion blitzkrieg that "we" have all been facing for decades from the republican conspiracy (which is facilitated by the dempublicans), has been focused on some individuals, groups, demographics more than others, and more or less intensely at varying times; in order for them to facilitate their delusions like 'have it like that', etc., and the division and conquering of a formidable opposition to it. How, because most or parts of most of that formidable opposition have thought they 'have it like that', and have facilitated their and others evolving processes demise. Now that the republican conspiracy has seemingly successfully taken it to the whole world, life may be realizing it has to stand against it to avert humanities' and large mammals extinction, or even to just slow it down; so, there's hope. Not hope for one, or any group, but, rather, for all people and life, as all life are threads in the whole of its fabric. Yet, it will always need mending, and if my life was just a stitch in time in life's fabric, that may have saved nine, that slowed 'la machine's' 'krieg, then so be it. The losses of humanity and life will be astronomical before the delusional constructs of destruction and murder, etc., defined as 'power', etc., are dissipated; and reality is left more evident and real than ever before. You know if "we" waste the time to dwell on life's losses, it's time not spent in its defense. You know if someone's not taking bullets, they're making them; a lesson humanity learned from WWII. If "we" don't find the ways, or trailblaze them, to unify in a common direction, albeit only paralleling at times, the evolution, you and I know 'they' will end any hope. You, and I friend, will continue to the breach, singing our own song of fraternity while we appreciate others'.... In closing, here's a question that could easily be said to sum up "we" the people's evolutionary and spiritual dilemma. If the roots of lack of compassion for the diseased, disadvantaged, children, etc. and the en vogue economic tool war, one being psycho-pathic greed, aren't addressed in Western societies sociological programming of their populaces, won't the corporate structure's convolution's devolutionary direction eventually determine more apathy and social pathos in global society; ergo, less funding for prevention, treatment, and research into curing AIDS, defense of reproductive rights, and opposition to war as a substitute for economic growth and foreign policy, in the long run? Yet, who will entertain it, let alone pose it? What does the fact that it won't be posed, like the question of spiritual relations with others, portend for the existence of whole continents, like Africa, nay humanity itself? Sample Letter To Editor: Deaths of those in all gov't institutions: The fact that inmates are dying in record numbers is indicative of the fact that the Justice system is broken, just as the fact that the death penalty is unfairly applied to lower income citizens and minorities is, as well. Before it becomes the injustice system, it needs fixing. State Initiatives, like Sonny Scroggins in Kansas, which look to establish programs that can independently investigate any death of a person held in institutions by the gov't, can go a long way towards addressing these injustices. We've a moral obligation as citizens to insure that no person held in institutions of our gov't are abused, or killed. Therefore, there should be a full investigation when anyone dies while in any gov't institution. For, being American isn't only having the rights guaranteed to us by the Constitution and Declaration of Independence, it's also affording them to others. As well, while rights are being taken away from one, they are slowly being chipped away from all. So, when we are doing our civic duty by insuring the rights of those held in institutions, we're also insuring that our and our families' rights will be upheld. We must remember Angela Davis' words, "Prisons don't disappear problems, they disappear human beings." Also, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.s', "We're caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, effects all indirectly." Lest "we" forget, if you don't exercise responsibility, its Siamese twin sister, freedom, will wither, like a muscle, as well. Also, injustices have costs, if addressed their individual, if not addressed, their global, too. For example, the U.S. has 5% of the world population, yet, 29% of its prisoners. The number of immigrants in the Federal system grew 90% in the last 7 years, although 98.5% are of them are nonviolent. If we really wish to address the unrest in the world, we have to start in our own back yard, for e.g., violent offenders being cut loose very early to make room for all the 'new' non- violent ones they wish to put into the system. Thank you. Truly Yours, Remember: "We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, effects all indirectly." ~ Martin Luther King, Jr. ~ Mahatma Gandhi, "we must be the changes we wish to see in the world." "Prison is designed to break everyone's spirit and destroy one's resolve. To do this, the authorities attempt to exploit every weakness, demolish every initiative, negate all signs of individuality, all with the idea of stamping out that spark that makes each of us human and each of us who we are." ~ Nelson Mandela "We" can challenge ourselves and society by challenging defacto-slavery established by the injustice system in the U.S. and everywhere it is? Isn't an important part of that challenging, working towards abolis [ send green star]
James M N.	Prison Activist and related action, Resources list updated :) July 17, 2007 11:55 PM Good day, all. Thanx for posting, great groups, etc.! I hope you and yours are well and will continue to be. Excellent articles, cool. This post I post routinely As well, a partial synopsis of what I've DONE in my lifelong struggle against the death penalty in the last year alone A member in dozens of organizations, projects, etc. (several in other countries), that are struggling against the death penalty, globally; and have done advocacy for hundreds of organizations that do the same globally; as well as donating to them, buying their advocacy merchandise and mailing to those I think would be interested, for example, purchased 30 death penalty shirts, most long-sleeved, almost all distributed (at no small expense to me, a diffabled person on a low fixed income with 2 kids); working on the municipal, state, national, international gov't levels to end the death penalty through petitions, demonstrations, conferences (amnesty international faith based for example), online events, hundreds of phone calls, faxes, letters, letters to editors, emails, conversations, postings, et al; which I think would indicate to the rational that I'm struggling for the death penalty to end! D'accord. Yes, all people, as all life, are threads in the whole of the fabric of life, which will always need mending; yet, "we" can't allow it to be torn asunder. The latest trends, since you're interested, though, I've been saying these for decades a) The discernments of the prison industrial complexes defacto-slavery (of inmates mainly) as an historical linkage to, and lineage of (in capitalist terms and plans) the post-slavery period and abolitionist movements charge. As the abolitionists of today are also charged, and taught by that history. Yet, I would add that these movements including the struggle against nuclear war, arms, and energy, are all linked, inextricably, as they have all life, like flies; snared in those webs. b) The re-education, reiteration of humanities evolutionary growth, as charge, and charges as growth, to meet the needs of the 'materialism' defined relation of middle to lower class as no more than those flies, all caught; just when, where, and why, varying. This conception of those classes as food for the military to prison industrial complexes, in a multitude of ways (especially men), thereby all dependent, on all sides, on its growth, is historically linked, and has sociological linkage to the same set of patriarchal sociological definitions of being as the empires of old; ergo, a key to opening the prison of globalization. c) The enabling and perpetuating of these societal cages determined by sociological programming, by other puppets of the corporate structure, like organized religions, academia, etc., underlies the conspiratorial processes efficacy across the broad spectrum of humanity, bound by these shores, for e.g.. Original sin, poverty as sin, inability to get work as failure, emotional life, communication, coordination and cooperation as weakness and justification for the perpetuation of determination of failure, etc., are some examples. Just as the hypocrisy of their redemption, etc., in supposed Christian dogma, also determines the same in a society where the delusional construct of winning or losing, kill or be killed, predator or prey, user or used prevails; and is determinedly propagated for those purposes, all based on the mothers milk of capitalism, 'materialism', which doesn't even exist. A shaky house of cards they've built, no? Yet, will "we" break those links in the chain of premeditated mass- murder, when we seem satisfied to only weaken them occasionally? Will "we", be the people that demand a gov't be "of..., for..., and by..."? Or will one man one vote never exist, as they demand? Yet, I know that, in no small degree, what is the only possibility of all that fine stuff happening universally, in reality, is if "we" address the corporate structure's convolutions global direction of devolution; in a sentence. Without addressing the sociological effects that the causes of the delusional constructs, like 'materialism', have wrought on society at large and small, we would just be manifesting mirror images of the same societal constructions that determined the position the earth finds itself in; at this time. Some would suggest dialectical, dichotomous approaches would be popular, and therefore pragmatic, in terms of efficacy, Yet, the constraints of the duality of such social scenarios leaves those, and related solutions wanting. More elemental work with perception, discernment of experience, and the study of any and all relations is a minimum; in a word, the evolution. "We" can't avoid the reality, as we can't avoid their machine like mental cells they operate out of, made of walls of delusions, built with bricks of illusions; technocrats doing away with life, itself. Is there any wonder the extinction of humanity and large mammals is racing towards us from the future, and that we can see it in everything, as clearly as it can be seen on our horizon? What of this study of realism, this common language that binds us and sets us free, can "we" be it; can it be? Your good sojourning is an important step in the evolutionary path, thanx! Still, we must ask, what do the people do who don't discern la machine's machinations for what they are; and suffer under the yoke of 'materialism', for e.g.. I've found, as you probably have too, that no matter how much losses, nor how much 'they' take away from me, I am my soul, and spirit, manifesting as it does. I've always known 'using', 'having' are illusions, and 'possessing' a delusion, experientially; that knowledge has helped me and all a great deal. For, whose strength is in the arm that outstretched gives another a hand up, no matter how strong or weak the hand of either? I've always known it wasn't mine, or our common humanit [ send green star]
James M N.	[Action Alert] Call Congress: Restore Habeas Corpus + End Torture July 05, 2007 1:22 PM [Action Alert] Call Congress to Restore Habeas Corpus and End Torture Please forward widely. http://www.bordc.org On the day after the June 26 rally in Washington, DC, and other communities, we can make sure our elected representatives get the full thrust of our message to restore habeas corpus! On Wednesday, June 27, join the Bill of Rights Defense Committee and allies throughout the U.S. in a national call-in to Congress. Let's make this an overwhelming grassroots repudiation of the Military Commissions Act--an act that denies detainees the right of habeas corpus, allows testimony coerced via torture to be used as evidence against them, ignores the Geneva Conventions, and gives the president the power to declare anyone an "unlawful enemy combatant" and to detain them indefinitely. BORDC and other organizations (see below) have organized a national call-in to Congress the week of June 25. BORDC supporters will be calling on Wednesday, June 27. If that day is not convenient for you, choose another day, but please call. Our March 2007 coalition call-in week generated over 20,000 calls to congressional representatives and gained 18 new cosponsors for bills to restore habeas corpus. Let's keep those phones ringing in the halls of Congress all week long! To reach your representatives, call the Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121 (24 hours) and ask the operator to connect you. Or use the BORDC Call-in page to find your legislators' phone numbers and to let us know how your calls went. Key Messages Call both of your Senators and your Representative, and tell the person who answers the phone that you urge Senator or Representative _____ to: Restore habeas corpus and due process for all human beings. Support the Restoring the Constitution Act of (S. 576 in the Senate and HR 1415 in the House) End torture and secret prisons. Stop so-called "extraordinary rendition" flights where people are secretly kidnapped and sent to countries that torture. (Support HR 1352 in the House) Close the Guantánamo Bay detention center and provide all detainees with access to lawyers and speedy trials. (Support S. 1249 and 1469 in the Senate, and HR 2212 in the House) Investigate wrongdoing and ensure those who broke the law are held accountable. For more information: On the Military Commissions Act, click here . On Legislation to restore habeas corpus, click here. Organizations Supporting the Call-in Week (partial list) ACLU, Alliance for Justice, Bill of Rights Defense Committee, Hip-Hop Caucus, MoveOn.org Political Action, National Religious Campaign Against Torture, People For the American Way, Progressive Democrats of America, and Religious Action Center. Please forward this message widely, and don't forget to call both your Senators and your Representative during the week of June 25-29. You can call more than once! Thank you for all you do! The Bill of Rights Defense Committee Nancy Talanian, Director Hope Marston, Organizer, West Region Ben Grosscup, Organizer, East Region Susan Heitker, Administrator Keep the BORDC going with your tax-deductible contribution. To donate funds or stock online, go to www.bordc.org/donate.php, or mail a check or money order to: 8 Bridge Street, Suite A, Northampton, MA, 01060 [ send green star]
James M N.	Human Rights Advocates Report to Prison - Join the Nationwide Fast! April 23, 2007 5:28 AM School of the Americas Watch www.SOAW.org \| 202-234-3440 \| Click to subscrib The SOA 16 - Human Rights Advocates Report to Prison Join the Nationwide Fast to close the SOA/WHINSEC http://www.soaw.org/article.php?id=1456 Eight of the sixteen SOA Watch activists who were sentenced for carrying their protest to close the SOA/WHINSEC onto the Fort Benning Military Reservation on the weekend of November 17-19, 2006 will be reporting to Federal Prison facilities across the United States today, Tuesday, April 17. The sixteen received sentences which ranged from one year probation to six months in federal prison. Tina Busch-Nema, Don Coleman, Valerie Fillenwarth, Martina Leforce, Julienne Oldfield, Sheila Salmon, Nathan Slater and Mike Vosburg-Casey will be joining Melissa Helman, Cathy Webster, Alice Gerard, Philip Gates, Joshua Harris and Graymon Ward who reported to prison on Wednesday, March 21. Katherine Whitney Ray, 17 years old, was sentenced to one year of probation and 50 hours of community service and Margaret Bryant-Gainer was released after serving 71 days in Muscogee County Jail after refusing to post bail on November 19, 2006. Write to the Prisoners of Conscience: Tina Busch-Nema, 48, Kirkwood, Missouri You can write Tina at: CHRISTINE M. BUSCH-NEMA #92944-020 FMC CARSWELL FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTER P.O. BOX 27137 FORT WORTH, TX 76127 On Monday January 29, 2007 Tina was sentenced to 2 months in federal prison, her report date is April 17th. Don Coleman, 69, Chicago, Illinois You can write to Don at: ARTHUR D. COLEMAN #92949-020 MCC CHICAGO METROPOLITAN CORRECTIONAL CENTER 71 WEST VAN BUREN STREET CHICAGO, IL 60605 On Monday, January 29 - 2007, Don Coleman was sentenced to 2 months in federal prison, his report date is April 17, 2007. Valerie Fillenwarth, 64, Indianapolis, Indiana You can write Valerie at: VALERIE A. FILLENWARTH #92956-020 FCI DANBURY FEDERAL CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION ROUTE 37 DANBURY, CT 06811 On Monday, January 29 - 2007, Valerie Fillenwarth was sentenced to 3 months and 10 days in federal prison, her report date is April 17, 2007. Philip Gates, 70, Prescott, Arizona You can write Phil at: PHILIP E. GATES #92947-020 MDC LOS ANGELES METROPOLITAN DETENTION CENTER P.O. BOX 1500 LOS ANGELES, CA 90053 On Monday, January, 29 - 2007, Philip Gates was sentenced to 2 months in federal prison. Philip's report date was March 21, 2007 Alice Gerard, 50, Grand Island, New York You can write Alice at: ALICE E. GERARD #92095-020 FCI DANBURY FEDERAL CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION ROUTE 37 DANBURY, CT 06811 On Monday, January 29 - 2007, Alice Gerard was sentenced to 6 months in federal prison. Her report date was March 21, 2007. Joshua Harris, 30, San Diego, California You can write Josh at: JOSHUA C. HARRIS #92946-020 TCI Unit A1B P.O. BOX 7001 TAFT, CA 93268 On Monday, January 29 - 2007, Joshua Harris was sentenced to 2 months in federal prison. His report date was March 21, 2007. Melissa Helman, 23, Ashland, Wisconsin You can write Melissa at: MELISSA S. HELMAN #92952-020 FCI PEKIN SATELLITE CAMP P.O. BOX 5000 PEKIN, IL 61555 On Monday, January 29 - 2007, Melissa Helman was sentenced to 2 months in federal prison. Her report date was March 21, 2007. Martina Leforce, 22, Berea, Kentucky You can write Martina at: MARTINA E. LEFORCE #92951-020 FDC PHILADELPHIA FEDERAL DETENTION CENTER P.O. BOX 562 PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106 On Monday, January 29 - 2007, Martina Leforce was sentenced to 2 months in federal prison. Her report date is April 17, 2007. Julienne Oldfield, 69, Syracuse, New York You can write Julianne at: JULIENNE OLDFIELD #92954-020 FDC PHILADELPHIA FEDERAL DETENTION CENTER P.O. BOX 562 PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106 On Monday, January 29 - 2007, Julienne Oldfield was sentenced to 3 months in federal prison. Her report date is April 17, 2007. Sheila Salmon, 71, Sebastian, Florida You can write Sheila at: SHEILA T. SALMON #92953-020 FCI TALLAHASSEE FEDERAL CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION 501 CAPITAL CIRCLE, NE TALLAHASSEE, FL 32301 On Monday, January 29 - 2007, Sister Sheila Salmon was sentenced to 3 months & 10 days in federal prison. Her report date is April 17, 2007. Nathan Slater, 23, Berea / Edmonton, Kentucky You can write to Nathan at: NATHAN W SLATER #92950-020 FCI ASHLAND SATELLITE CAMP P.O. BOX 6000 ASHLAND, KY 41105 On Monday, January 29 - 2007, Nathan Slater was sentenced to 2 months in federal prison. His report date is April 17, 2007. Mike Vosburg-Casey, 32, Atlanta, Georgia You can write Mike at: MICHAEL E. VOSBURG-CASEY #92955-020 FCI JESUP FEDERAL CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION FEDERAL SATELLITE LOW 2680 301 SOUTH JESUP, GA 31599 On Monday January 29, 2007, Mike Vosburg-Casey was sentenced to 3 months & 10 days in federal prison. His report date is April 17, 2007. Graymon Ward, 20, Raleigh, North Carolina You can write Graymon at: GRAYMON WARD #92945-020 VANCE COUNTY JAIL 516 BRECKENRIDE ST. HENDERSON, NC 27536 On Monday, January 29 - 2007 Graymon Ward was sentenced to 1 month in federal prison. His report date was March 21, 2007. Cathy Webster, 61, Chico, California You can write Cathy at: WEBSTER, CATHERINE X-4310736 SLFRAM19 RIO COS [ send green star]
James M N.	Perry Set to Tie Bush's Execution Record; CNN to Report Tonight on Innocent Man Executed in Texas April 10, 2007 6:19 AM Perry Set to Tie Bush's Execution Record; CNN to Report Tonight on Innocent Man Executed in Texas http://www.democracyinaction.org/dia/organizationsORG/tmn/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=7169 Greetings! Please use this action alert to write Texas Gov Rick Perry to protest the execution of James Clark on April 11. As we told you last week, Gov Perry is about to equal the record of executions while in office that was set by former Governor Bush. 152 people were executed by Bush while he was governor. On April 11, Perry could reach number 152. The person's name who could become number 152 is James Clark. You can read more about him on his website. Clark may have mental retardation, so his execution should be stopped at least to make sure that Texas is not executing a person with mental retardation. Cathy Henderson's execution has been stayed and rescheduled for June 13, 2007. For anyone who wonders about stays on the day of an execution here is a number to call: TDCJ Public information---1-936-437-1303 ----just ask if the execution is still scheduled. Check out TMN's MySpace page. We have been on MySpace for a long time. Our page was created by Crystal Caviel, one of our hardest working volunteers. If you would like to volunteer with us, just reply to this email. There is a lot of work to be done, if we are to stop executions in Texas. There are also lots of other interesting death penalty related pages on MySpace, such as Kerry Cook's page. There are also lots of pages put up by friends or family members of people currently on Texas death row. This just in: DNA evidence clears 13th Dallas County man. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CNN's "Anderson Cooper 360," which airs at 9 p.m. Central time (check your local listings) is expected to air an investigative piece on Cameron Todd Willingham tonight. The report may be preempted if another important news story breaks today. From Cooper's blog: Cameron Todd Willingham was just 23 when he was convicted of setting a fire that killed his three little girls - 2-year-old Amber and 1-year-old twins, Kameron and Karmon. Willingham told police he tried to save his girls, who all died in the 1991 fire at the family's Corsicana, Texas home, but fire investigators say clues at the scene told them he'd actually set the fire. He was convicted of arson homicide. But today, some leading fire investigators around the country say the old method of determining whether or not a fire was arson is outdated and unreliable. Pour patterns on the floor are no longer considered proof an accelerant was used, they say. There is a newly understood phenomenon called "flashover" that can cause such patterns without an accelerant ever being introduced. Cameron Todd Willingham is one of three cases that have come to light in recent years of innocent people being executed by Texas. The Chicago Tribune broke the Willingham story in 2004 and followed up in 2006. Accompanied by 300 supporters standing outside the gates of the Texas Governor's Mansion, family members of Cameron Todd Willingham delivered a letter to Gov Perry on October 28, 2006 asking him to stop executions and investigate the case of their step son/uncle to determine if he was wrongfully executed. Eugenia Willingham slipped the letter, along with a copy of an article from the Chicago Tribune that concluded that her stepson was probably innocent, through the bars of the front gate of the mansion and left it lying on the walkway leading to the front door of the mansion. A DPS trooper on duty refused to take the letter, so Eugenia left it on the walkway. According to a Public Information Request sent to Perry by TMN, we know that his staff later retrieved the letter and delivered it to Perry's office, however he never responded to Willingham's family. Below is a copy of the letter The Honorable Rick Perry Governor of Texas Austin, Texas October 28, 2006 Dear Governor Perry, We are the family of Cameron Todd Willingham. Our names are Eugenia Willingham, Trina Willingham Quinton and Joshua Easley. Todd was an innocent person executed by Texas on February 17, 2004. We have come to Austin today from Ardmore, Oklahoma to stand outside the Texas Governor's Mansion and attempt to deliver this letter to you in person, because we want to make sure that you know about Todd's innocence and to urge you to stop executions in Texas and determine why innocent people are being executed in Texas. Todd was not the only innocent person who has been executed in Texas. There have been reports in the media that Ruben Cantu and Carlos De Luna were also innocent people who were executed in Texas. It is too late to save Todd's life or the lives of Ruben Cantu or Carlos De Luna, but it is not too late to save other innocent people from being executed. We are here today to urge you to be the leader that Texas needs in order to make sure that Texas never executes another innocent person. There is a crisis in Texas regarding the death penalty and we ask you to address the crisis. Because the public can no longer be certain that Texas is not executing innocent people, we urge you to stop all e [ send green star]
James M N.	Action: Opportunity to Restore Habeas Corpus March 06, 2007 10:31 AM FCNL Legislative Action Message - March 1, 2007 You can read this message online at: http://www.fcnl.org/action/alert.htm The new Congress has the chance to restore one of the oldest and most important checks on arbitrary governmental power, the protection of habeas corpus. This principle -- that no government is above the law and that all detainees can challenge the fairness of their detention in front of an independent court -- has been a cornerstone of Anglo-Saxton legal systems for 800 years. In 2006, at the president's request, Congress changed U.S. law so that certain detainees who are not citizens can now be denied the ability to question whether they are being wrongfully detained. We at FCNL believe a majority of senators support restoring habeas corpus rights for non-citizen detainees, but these senators need to be encouraged to act. The Habeas Corpus Restoration Act (S. 185), - http://capwiz.com/fconl/issues/bills/?bill=9251101 - a bipartisan bill introduced by Senators Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Arlen Specter (R-PA), the chair and ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, would restore the right of detainees held by the U.S. at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and elsewhere around the world to challenge the legality of their detention in a U.S. federal court. As of March 1, the legislation has six co-sponsors. In order for the Senate to move forward on this bill, it needs more members' support, much more support. Take Action Please contact your senators and ask them to cosponsor S. 185, the Habeas Corpus Restoration Act. If they are already cosponsors, thank them and urge them to encourage their colleagues to schedule a hearing and a vote on this bill: http://capwiz.com/fconl/issues/alert/?alertid=9253661&type=CO Background U.S. detainees labeled "unlawful enemy combatants," imprisoned at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and elsewhere around the world, currently do not have any procedure by which they can petition an independent judicial body to claim that they are being wrongfully detained. In October 2006, with the passage of the Military Commissions Act (MCA), Congress and the president stripped non-citizen detainees of the ability to question the legality of their detention in U.S. federal courts. The Habeas Corpus Restoration Act (S. 185) is a short, simple bill that would repeal the habeas corpus-stripping provision of the MCA. The bill, introduced by Senators Leahy and Specter, is cosponsored as of March 1 by Senators Sherrod Brown (OH), Dianne Feinstein (CA), Frank Lautenberg (NJ), Russ Feingold (WI), Hillary Clinton (NY) and Ken Salazar (CO). We at FCNL are urging more senators to cosponsor this legislation, to urge the Senate to hold hearings on the bill, and to schedule a vote. Habeas corpus has been a part of Anglo-Saxon legal tradition for nearly 800 years. It is a fundamental principle of the rule of law, protecting detainees from wrongful imprisonment. The Habeas Corpus Restoration Act would right the shameful legislative action in the MCA, and would allow independent courts to examine U.S. detention of non-citizen individuals labeled by the administration as "unlawful enemy combatants." Read More The Military Commissions Act at a Glance: http://www.fcnl.org/issues/item.php?item_id=2135&issue_id=70 More on habeas corpus: http://www.fcnl.org/torture/ _______________________________________ The Next Step for Iraq: Join FCNL's Iraq Campaign, http://www.fcnl.org/iraq/ Contact Congress and the Administration: http://capwiz.com/fconl/dbq/officials/ Order FCNL publications and "War is Not the Answer" campaign bumper stickers and yard signs: http://www.fcnl.org/pubs/ http://www.fcnl.org/forms/forms.php?type=bump Contribute to FCNL: http://www.fcnl.org/donate/ Subscribe or to this list: http://capwiz.com/fconl/mlm/. Subscribe to other FCNL legislative, policy, and action alert lists: http://www.fcnl.org/forms/forms.php?type=ls. ________________________________________ Friends Committee on National Legislation 245 Second St. NE, Washington, DC 20002-5795 fcnl@fcnl.org http://www.fcnl.org phone: (202)547-6000 * toll-free: (800)630-1330 We seek a world free of war and the threat of war We seek a society with equity and justice for all We seek a community where every person's potential may be fulfilled We seek an earth restored. [ send green star]
James M N.	Alliance for Justice: SAVE HABEAS CORPUS: Sign the Petition! February 12, 2007 2:03 AM SAVE HABEAS CORPUS: Sign the Petition! Habeas Petition Status Report: The response to our original email was overwhelming -- thanks to the thousands of you who lent your names to the petition and joined our effort to restore habeas corpus. But we REALLY want to make our voice heard. If you haven't signed on yet, now is the time to join your friends and sign the petition (below) to restore habeas corpus and protect our Constitution and our rights. Remember to forward this message on to your friends! The more signatures we accumulate, the more powerful our voice. ******* RESTORE HABEAS CORPUS Sign Online Petition and Forward to Your Friends Last September, Congress passed the Military Commissions Act of 2006 (MCA), which restricted habeas corpus rights, allowing the government to continue holding prisoners at Guantanamo indefinitely with no access to a fair hearing in court. Indefinite imprisonment without a fair trial or hearing is unconstitutional and fundamentally un-American. Senators Arlen Specter (R-PA), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), and Christopher Dodd (D-CT) have authored legislation to restore the right of habeas corpus. The impact of the habeas corpus restrictions in the new MCA go far beyond the walls of Guantanamo prison. The law allows the government to arrest any non-citizen -- including permanent residents in the United States -- and hold them indefinitely without charge and with no access to an attorney or a fair hearing. WHAT YOU CAN DO...There are three important steps you can take: 1. Add your name to the national on-line petition supporting restoration of full habeas corpus rights - you can read the petition online or below. To add your name, included below or online, email us at: allianceforjustice@afj.org with your name and organization. 2. Forward this email or our web page to your friends and encourage them to sign the petition. Our web page for the campaign to restore habeas corpus is at: http://ga1.org/campaign/restore_habeas_corpus_2007/explanation 3. Send a letter to your Senators and House members supporting the Specter-Leahy-Dodd legislation to restore habeas corpus rights by going to: http://ga1.org/campaign/restore_habeas_corpus_2007 The restore habeas corpus petition is BELOW and online at http://www.afj.org/restorehabeascorpus.pdf ********************** PETITION TO RESTORE HABEAS CORPUS We call on the United States Congress to enact legislation that will restore our Nation's commitment to law and freedom. In the fall of 2006, Congress passed a law governing military commissions, which included a provision that stripped certain detainees of their habeas corpus rights. Habeas corpus has been the bedrock of our justice system for centuries. The Supreme Court asserted that it "is the fundamental instrument for safeguarding individual freedom against arbitrary and lawless state action." Without habeas rights, detainees are denied a fair hearing in federal court to challenge the lawfulness of their detention. The government is left free to imprison people indefinitely without charge or trial or other fair hearing, no matter how inhumane the conditions of confinement or the treatment of the detainees. Such a policy is not only unconstitutional, it is also fundamentally un-American and undermines our national character. It is time to join the scores of lawyers, law deans and professors, politicians, religious leaders and military officials who have condemned the denial of habeas corpus rights to detainees and have called for a restoration of our constitutional values. It is incumbent upon Congress to ensure that our laws reflect who we are as a society, that we are a people committed to accountability and basic fairness. In the face of adversity, adhering to our values does not make us less secure, but rather strengthens us as a nation. Protect freedom, fairness and due process of law. Restore habeas corpus. [YOUR NAME HERE] -------------------------------------------------- Visit the web address below to tell your friends about this. http://ga1.org/join-forward.html?domain=afj&r=JdxuL6615XEe If you received this message from a friend, you can sign up for Alliance for Justice at: http://ga1.org/afj/join.html?r=JdxuL6615XEeE [ send green star]
James M N.	Next LD Talk: LD & the Juvenile Justice System January 22, 2007 8:02 PM Save the Date! Next LD Talk Tuesday, January 23, 2007 2:00 - 3:00 PM ET (11:00 AM - 12:00 PM PT, 1:00 AM - 2:00 PM CT) LD & the Juvenile Justice System: Understanding At-Risk Behavior and Ensuring Effective Services and Supports Individuals with learning disabilities (LD), and especially teenagers and young adults, are at increased risk of involvement with the juvenile justice system. Many people with LD (and ADD/ADHD) struggle to stay focused and well-organized, have trouble with expressive and receptive language, are poor listeners and experience delays or deficits in listening and reading comprehension, and are prone to process information too quickly or too slowly and inefficiently. It is especially important to know how to recognize features associated with LD in matters involving juvenile justice so the actions and intentions of these teens and young adults can be properly understood so they can be provided the services and protections they deserve. Join us on January 23rd at 2:00 p.m. for an hour-long live online discussion with Peter Leone and Lili Garfinkel, two national experts on this topic, who will answer questions and reflect upon the specific types of behaviors that place kids with LD at-risk. The chat will provide information and resources about how parents, schools, mental health providers, juvenile justice professionals and others can provide options, appropriate treatment, solutions and resources. How to Participate: Submit advance questions for the discussion now or join in at discussion time to http://www.ldtalk.org/ . No special equipment other than Internet access is needed to participate in this text-based discussion. A transcript will be posted shortly after the discussion. About the experts: Lili Garfinkel is the coordinator of the Juvenile Justice Project at the PACER Center in Minneapolis (www.pacer.org). PACER is a parent center for families of children and young adults with physical, emotional, cognitive and learning disabilities. PACER provides workshops, resources, individual advocacy, training and technical assistance for parents and professionals both in Minnesota and nationally. Educated at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, with some post graduate work in Minnesota, Mrs. Garfinkel has worked with underrepresented groups in Canada and Minnesota. She coordinated the Lets Prevent Abuse project for PACER in 1984-87, and started the Juvenile Justice Project in 1994, the first in the United States to consider the relationship between Juvenile Justice and the presence of disabilities. From 1999-2006 she was a member of the National Center on Education Disability and Juvenile Justice, a unique partnership which provided research, training and technical assistance as well as parent advocacy in this emerging field. Mrs. Garfinkel has been published widely and has presented across the country on a variety of topics pertaining to mental health, juvenile justice, special education and working with families. She has developed a handbook on Juvenile Justice and Mental health titled "Unique Challenges, Hopeful Responses," which is currently being revised and expanded to include more disability information, new IDEA regulations and issues including competency in court. She also co-authored a book with Dr. Andrew Slaby, "No One Saw My Pain" (Norton, 1994). Peter Leone is a professor in the Department of Special Education at the University of Maryland. A former middle school special education teacher, Peter has spent a number of years studying the challenges faced by youth with disabilities who come into contact with the juvenile and criminal justice systems. He has directed the National Center on Education, Disability, and Juvenile Justice (EDJJ.org), worked with the courts and advocates in ensuring that incarcerated youth receive services to which they are entitled, and has published studies and reports related to school discipline, exclusion, and prevention. Dr. Leone received his B.A. in history and M.A. in Special Education from the University of Iowa and received his Ph.D. in special education at the University of Washington. He and his wife Diane have three children, Andrew, 19, Kimberly 16, and Matthew 10. Our discussion will be moderated by Laura Kaloi, Director, Public Policy at the National Center for Learning Disabilities. How to Participate Submit advance questions for the discussion now or join in at discussion time to http://www.ldtalk.org/ . No special equipment other than Internet access is needed to participate in this text-based discussion. A transcript will be posted shortly after the discussion. Transcripts of previous discussions are available for your review at http://www.ncld.org/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=899 . The National Center for Learning Disabilities brings you LDTalk.org, the Internet's only Web site featuring discussions on issues critically important to people with learning disabilities. Funding for LD Talk is provided by the Charles and Helen Schwab Foundation, a nonprofit which also supports SchwabLearning.org and SparkTop.org, resources that provide parents of kids with learning difficulties, and kids themselves, with practical information, empathic support, and trustworthy guidance. --------------------------------------- [ send green star]
James M N.	Immigrant Detainees Treatment Unconstitutional; US Death Exceed 9/11 Count; Bush's Worst Lies of '06 December 28, 2006 1:07 AM Immigrant Detainees Treatment Unconstitutional; US Death Exceed 9/11 Count; Bush's Worst Lies of '06; McCain's Shameless Call / Escalation in Iraq; Soldiers Call / Iraq Withdrawal; Powell: Army Is Almost Broken; FBI: Military Recruiters Ran Cocaine; Cheney to Be Defense Witness: CIA Leak Case US Deaths in Iraq Exceed 9/11 Count http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/122606J.shtml On Tuesday, the US military announced the deaths of six more American soldiers, pushing the US military death toll since the beginning of the Iraq War in March 2003 to at least 2,978 - five more than the number killed in the September 11 attacks in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania. Eleanor Clift \| Bush's Worst Lies of 2006 http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/122406A.shtml "In the spirit of holding our political leaders accountable, this year-end review will tabulate the worst lies told by Bush and company, along with several stories that were underreported in the media," says Eleanor Clift. "Much of what was generated got lost in the fog of war, but the long arm of history will retrieve these moments." Cheney to Be Defense Witness in CIA Leak Case http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/121906R.shtml Vice President Dick Cheney will be called as a defense witness in the CIA leak case, an attorney for Cheney's former chief of staff told a federal judge Tuesday. FBI: Military Recruiters Ran Cocaine http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/121806A.shtml A Midtown strip mall that should have housed the best of the best served as Corruption Central in Tucson. Two military recruiting stations sit side-by-side there, one run by the Army, the other by the Marines. Between them, a total of seven recruiters were on the take, secretly accepting bribes to transport cocaine, even as most spent their days visiting local high schools. They had help from several more recruiters at an Army National Guard office, where one recruiter was said to be selling cocaine from the trunk of his recruiting vehicle. Colin Powell: "Army Is Almost Broken" http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/121806J.shtml Former secretary of state Colin L. Powell said today that the United States is losing what he described as a "civil war" in Iraq and that he is not persuaded an increase in US troops there would reverse the situation. FOCUS \| About Face: Soldiers Call for Iraq Withdrawal http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/121606Z.shtml An organized, robust movement of active-duty US military personnel has publicly surfaced to oppose a war in which they are serving. Those involved plan to petition Congress to withdraw American troops from Iraq. Not since 1969, when some 1,300 active-duty military personnel signed an open letter in the New York Times opposing the war in Vietnam, has there been such a dramatic barometer of rising military dissent. Allan Uthman \| McCain's Shameless Call for Escalation in Iraq http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/121506A.shtml Allen Uthman writes: "Early indicators of the depths to which McCain will stoop to win include his freshly-appointed campaign manager, professional scumbag Terry Nelson. Nelson, Bush's national political director for his 2004 re-election campaign and an unindicted co-conspirator named in Tom Delay's money-laundering indictment, is responsible for the infamous below-the-belt white bimbo ad that helped sink Harold Ford Jr.'s senatorial campaign this year by exciting the powerful anti-miscegenation Neanderthal demographic in Tennessee. The appallingly racist ad drew so much heat that Nelson was fired by Wal-Mart, but McCain apparently has lower standards." Judge: Immigrant Detainees' Treatment Unconstitutional http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/121406R.shtml In the first legal decision on a federal law that denies access to US courts to detainees in the war on terrorism, a federal judge ruled Wednesday that foreign prisoners held at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, could not sue for freedom. But, in a split decision, US District Judge James Robertson also ruled that the law's denial of that right to the more than 12 million legal immigrants living in the United States was unconstitutional. Go directly to our issues page: http://www.truthout.org/issues.shtml You are subscribed as: realiteee1@yahoo.com Click to REMOVE -> mailto:leave-1092174-1231602G@news.truthout.org Go directly to our home page: http://www.truthout.org Click to SUBSCRIBE -> http://truthout.org/subscribe.htm Our Privacy Policy -> http://www.truthout.org/privacypolicy.shtml [ send green star]
James M N.	Happy holidays :) December 26, 2006 6:18 AM Thanx to you, for all you do! Disabled Greens News and discussion: http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/ Abuse in Therapy: http://www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AbuseinTherapy/ Diffabled, Mental Health, activism and advocacy, for all... http://www.care2.com/c2c/group/Diffabled_MentalHealth_Action reality's webpage/blog http://360.yahoo.com/jamesmnordlund Matutinally Yours, james m nordlund reality (aja) [ send green star]
James M N.	Human Rights Watch Acts: FL + CA: Lethal Injection Under Attack; etc.. December 20, 2006 3:35 AM Florida, California: Lethal Injection Under Attack US States Must Put Moratorium on Executions Available on-line at: http://hrw-news.c.topica.com/maafs3NabvscAbspkJpbaeQyvL/ (New York, December 15, 2006) - All US states that conduct lethal injection executions should immediately impose a moratorium on the death penalty and order a review of their execution procedures, Human Rights Watch said today. The urgency of such scrutiny was underscored today by a California court ruling and the decision by Florida's governor that current methods require immediate review, Human Rights Watch said. All 37 states that conduct lethal injection executions use the same three-drug method and basic protocol. "Every day the evidence mounts that the United States is using unacceptably cruel methods to put people to death," said Jamie Fellner, director of the US program at Human Rights Watch. "After so many botched executions, states cannot continue to execute prisoners using their current methods." A federal court ruling issued today said that California must review its procedure for lethal injection executions because the present method is "broken." The decision comes as state lethal injection protocols are under increasing scrutiny around the country because of concerns that they cause unnecessary pain and suffering before death, as documented by the April 2006 Human Rights Watch report, "So Long as They Die: Lethal Injections in the United States" In Florida, Governor Jeb Bush ordered a commission of inquiry into the execution by lethal injection of Angel Nieves Diaz on December 13, and halted the signing of any new death warrants until he hears back from the commission. Bush's decision came after an autopsy revealed that Diaz had suffered burns on his arms during an execution that lasted 34 minutes because lethal chemicals intended for his veins had mistakenly entered the soft tissue in his arms. In September 2006, Human Rights Watch called upon Bush to investigate Florida's lethal injection protocols because of concerns that condemned prisoners experienced intense and extended pain during executions. "Up to now, Florida has refused to discuss publicly how it kills its prisoners," said Fellner. "Bush's new commission should end that tradition by conducting a thorough and impartial public investigation of its lethal injection protocol with the participation of independent pharmacologists and other experts." In California, federal District Judge Jeremy Fogel ruled on December 15 that California's lethal injections lack "reliability and transparency." He described the evidence about lethal injections given in court as "deeply disturbing." He urged Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger of California to correct the many deficiencies with the state's methods of lethal injection executions because as they are now administered, they pose an "undue risk" of causing pain "so extreme" that it offends the US Constitution's ban on cruel and unusual punishment. The lethal injection methods examined by Judge Fogel were concocted in 1977 by an Oklahoma medical examiner with no pharmacology experience. Under this system, the prisoner is injected with a massive dose of the anesthetic sodium pentothal, which should render him unconscious and stop his breathing. Next, he is injected with pancuronium bromide, a drug that paralyzes voluntary muscles, including the lungs and diaphragm. Finally, he is injected with potassium chloride, which should bring swift cardiac arrest. When the drugs in the three-drug lethal injection protocol are administered properly, the prisoner should be motionless - as well as unable to feel pain - within a minute or two. In 2005, Michael Angelo Morales filed suit alleging California's lethal injection protocol put him at risk of experiencing excruciating pain during his execution. In hearings held in February and September 2006, testimony and execution logs revealed that at least six prisoners' chests were moving up and down long after the anesthetic drug was administered - suggesting they had not been properly anesthetized. If the prisoners were not sufficiently anesthetized - as the chest movements suggest - they may have felt themselves suffocating from the pancuronium bromide, or they may have felt their veins burning up as the potassium chloride coursed to their hearts. California regulations did not require a determination of the prisoner's level of anesthesia and consciousness before the second and third drugs were administered. Information on botched and problematic lethal injections in other states has also prompted other judges and public officials to question the three-drug lethal injection protocol. In July, a federal judge in Missouri suspended the state's lethal injections after toxicology reports suggested some prisoners had been inadequately anesthetized before they were killed. In September, South Dakota Governor Mike Rounds suspended lethal injections for all the state's death row inmates because of discrepancies between the state's lethal injection statute and its Department of Corrections lethal injection protocol. Earlier this year, a judge in North Carolina temporarily halted lethal injections after toxicology reports suggested prisoners may have been awake and suffering during their lethal injections. There are at least 41 lethal injecti [ send green star]
James M N.	Request for Sign-on: Support HIV Prevention Bill for Federal Prisons October 28, 2006 12:14 AM [please excuse cross-postings] Help Prevent HIV in Federal Prisons Request for Organizational Sign-on There is a disproportionately high rate of HIV/AIDS among incarcerated persons, especially for African-American and Latino inmates. Approximately 25 percent of people living with HIV/AIDS in the U.S. pass through correctional facilities each year, and the rate of confirmed AIDS cases is three times higher among incarcerated individuals than in the general population. Please sign on to the statement below and join the list of organizations endorsing Rep. Barbara Lee's new bill in Congress for evidence-based HIV prevention measures in federal prisons. The JUSTICE Act of 2006 (H.R. 6038) would allow community-based organizations to provide condoms to inmates, encourage increased voluntary testing and counseling, and require the Attorney General to develop a five-year plan to reduce STI incidence. To sign-on, send an email to sean@champnetwork.org with your organization as you would like it to be listed and the city/state where your main office is. Deadline to sign-on (although we¹ll continue taking endorsements): November 10th. This sign-on statement and JUSTICE Act legislation are available for download at http://www.champnetwork.org/index.php?name=JUSTICE-Act Please contact me at sean@champnetwork.org if you have any questions. October 26th, 2006 Statement of Support for the JUSTICE Act of 2006 We the undersigned organizations endorse the Justice for the Unprotected Against Sexually Transmitted Infections among the Confined and Exposed (JUSTICE) Act of 2006[1], introduced by Representative Barbara Lee on September 14, 2006. We are local, regional, and national HIV/AIDS organizations representing people living with HIV/AIDS, advocates, and providers who are committed to evidence-based approaches to disease prevention in our communities. The JUSTICE Act would have a substantial impact on reducing transmission of HIV and other STIs by allowing community-based organizations to make condoms available in federal prisons, as well as expand STI education and voluntary testing and counseling. In addition, the legislation would expand research on STIs in correctional settings and require the Attorney General to develop a five-year plan to reduce STI rates in those settings. There is a disproportionately high rate of HIV/AIDS among incarcerated persons, especially for African-American and Latino inmates. Approximately 25 percent of people living with HIV/AIDS in the U.S. pass through correctional facilities each year, and the rate of confirmed AIDS cases is three times higher among incarcerated individuals than in the general population. A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study in 2005 confirmed that HIV transmission does occur in prisons and recommended prison authorities consider making condoms available.[2] Successful condom availability programs are already underway in statewide prison systems in Mississippi and Vermont, the District of Columbia, and in county jails in Los Angeles, New York City, Philadelphia, and San Francisco. Common arguments against making condoms available have been refuted by the experience from these programs. There is no evidence that condoms have been used as a weapon or otherwise posed major threats to security, or that their availability has led to increased sexual activity among inmates. This public health intervention has also been endorsed by leading HIV and STI prevention experts like the American Public Health Association (APHA) and the World Health Organization (WHO). We urge members of Congress to co-sponsor this visionary legislation that will help incarcerated persons protect their health and the health of the communities that the vast majority of them will ultimately return to. Signed, [List in formation] ACT UP Austin, Austin, TX ACT UP Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), Lose Angeles, CA AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA), Los Angeles, CA BIENESTAR, Southern California Center for Health Justice, West Hollywood, CA Community HIV/AIDS Mobilization Project (CHAMP), Providence, RI Gay Men¹s Health Crisis (GMHC), New York, NY National Minority AIDS Council (NMAC), Washington, DC San Francisco AIDS Foundation (SFAF), San Francisco, CA Southern California HIV Advocacy Coalition (SCHAC) The AIDS Institute (TAI), Washington, DC [1] Bill number H.R. 6083 [2] CDC. HIV Transmission Among Male Inmates in a State Prison System --- Georgia, 1992<2005. MMWR 2006:55:421-426. -- Lei Chou, Director of Mobilization CHAMP - Community HIV/AIDS Mobilization Project 32 Broadway, Suite 1801 New York, NY 10004 t. 212.937.7955 x. 4 c. 646-342-4191 F. 401.633.7793 leichou@champnetwork.org www.champnetwork.org [ send green star]
James M N.	Fwd: Putting Something In The Bowl October 08, 2006 12:44 PM Something That Feels Right Kobutsu Malone has run the Enlightened Zen Foundation (www.engaged-zen.org) for more than a decade. He lives a very simple life. For a while in New Jersey he was working emptying trucks. More recently his been living in Maine and collecting disability. His health has not been good. He has been a tireless advocate for and a spiritual adviser for numerous death row inmates and other prisoners across America and he's been a staunch abolitionist. He is the author of a wonderful book about buddhism in prison, Prison Chaplaincy Guidelines for Zen Buddhism. And he is my friend. I was surprised when he told me a few days ago that soon he was going to go to live in a monastery in Japan and that he needed funds to make the trip. I was thinking about what I could tell you about why we all should contribute to this journey when the following email arrived. I pass it on to you in the hope that you will want to join me in assisting Kobutsu's first trip to Japan and Asia: A personal appeal from Kobutsu: Things have changed in my life, there is now nothing here in Maine but another cold winter coming on. After spending the night in the hospital last weekend, I have decided to re-enter monastic training and go to Sogen-Ji in Okayama-shi, Japan and practice with my oldest son Ryushin under Venerable Shodo Harada Roshi. The Abbot has extended his warmest welcome and they have offered me the guest cottage or a little room next to the kitchen. I can take part in as much of or as little of the monastic schedule as suits my physical abilities and with the knowledge that I still have EZF to run.... The Roshi says "COME!!!" I will try to visit as many Japanese prisons and even death row if they permit me to. In addition, I have been welcomed by a number of Buddhist centers in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia to teach and lecture there. They will fly me from Japan to Kuala Lumpur and back. I will also try to get into the Malaysian prisons. My host in Malaysia says, "Please don't worry when you step into Malaysia. We have a tradition here of taking care of monks. If you need an assistant, I can get you one. Also, accomodation, transport and all other expenses needed when you are here will be taken care of. I just need to know how much you need to pay for the air tickets to Kuala Lumpur." I'm scheduled to perform a wedding here in Maine and I have a friend on a scheduled visit. I can leave from Boston on October 28th. I need to get prescriptions for three month supplies of all my medications and purchase the whole lot. (Around $1,500 ) I need to get an Apple laptop computer (around $1,500) so I can stay on line..... much of the grunt work answering mail and stuff will be done with students and volunteers but I'll still need to keep tabs on stuff like the Rayburn situation, handle ongoing major correspondence and be able to continue some of the counseling work I do with people on the net. I need to get a good quality rolling suitcase thing to carry my stuff..... $200 to $400 I'll need $1000 cash for "Funeral Money" that is presented to the Abbot in a sealed envelope on entering Sogen-Ji..... that hopefully I get back on leaving or it goes on the propane for my cremation I guess. I'll need to get a ticket with an open ended return around ($3,500) Cash for trains (the bullet train from Osaka to Okayama is $140 each way) and car fare. I'll need a few clothes, a Samugi (formal leisure suit about $350) and I may have to buy that from a sumo wrestler's clothing supply store, because I am considerably larger than most Japanese men. My feet have become so swollen with the edema that I can no longer fit into my tabi (white temple foot ware) (now going for around $40 a pop) and I may have to buy a few more pairs of them since I need to wear these "anti-embolism" stockings now full time.... $100 a pop. and I guess I'll need some pocket money. I plan on keeping my apartment and car here.... Dakota is still on the lease and I want her to be able to stay here should she need in my absence and supply funds for her food and basic needs from my disability check if need be. In any event, I have to do this fund raiser and somehow come up with around 6 grand.... So to that end, I blow the dust off my begging bowl and proffer it forth... In dynamic peace, Kobutsu Checks may be made out to EZF (Kobutsu Pilgrimage Fund) The Engaged Zen Foundation Post Office Box 213 Sedgwick, Maine 04676-0213 So there you have it. It feels right to me to help Kobutsu make this journey, and I hope that you, dear reader, will feel the same. There is no minimum amount, no maximum. Just take this as an opportunity to help somebody who's asking for it. May all who are incarcerated be spared. May all on Death Row be spared. May all of those who fight for these in the courts and in the public eye, and especially Kobutsu, prosper and have renewed strength. Peace. OK TO COPY AND FORWARD david David Seth Michaels Attorney at Law PO Box 96; 1028 Route 203 Spencertown, New York 12165 Phone : (518) 392-9150 FAX: (518) 392-9130 blog: www.dreamantilles.blogspot.com WEB: www.davidseth.com * * * * * * * * * * * * * "Things are not as they appear, nor are they otherwise" Lankavatara Sutra [ send green star]
James M N.	Welcome, we look forward.... :) August 12, 2006 8:22 PM Dear Kara, et al, Good day. Very cool posts and responses, thanx! I hope you and yours are well and will continue to be. Sorry for the delay in responding, I've been medically ill and my landlord is trying to evict me. I've been an advocate/activist on all issues, et al, for 31 years of my 46; please, do what you can for humanity. Dylan Thomas' poem line comes to mind, "...and death (murder) shall have no dominion..."; as others might say, "we, the people...", can make it so! "Discipline is the art of feeling awe.", Carlos Casteneda. What do you think? From the heart in the heart of the heartland. Some groups I moderate: Disabled Greens News and discussion, home page: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/ , Abuse in Therapy, homepage: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AbuseinTherapy/ Diffabled, Mental Health, all related issues, advocacy, and professionals: Invite link: http://passport.care2.net/invite.html?g=880 Homepage: http://www.care2.com/c2c/group/Diffabled_MentalHealth_Action reality's webpage, blog http://360.yahoo.com/jamesmnordlund "Painting is poetry which is seen and not heard, and poetry is a painting which is heard but not seen." ~ Leonardo da Vinci Enjoy an estival eve' as you can. Copy, share, as you will. Lest "we" forget, if you don't exercise responsibility, its Siamese twin sister, freedom, will wither like a muscle, as well. Sadly, now, it first needs to be exorcized, before its exercised. Viva la evolution! Matutinally Yours, james m nordlund reality (aja) For those interested "of or pertaining to the morning, day: relating to or happening in the morning or in the early part of the day (formal), (Mid-16th century, from late Latin matutinalis, from Matuta, goddess of the dawn.)" Music is life's song accompanying the abundance of joy's Spring. I look forward to hearing from you. Ciao. [ send green star]
anonymous	June 28, 2006 5:40 PM Just another note...besides linking to some of the sites i joined the Grens and Native Yahoo groups....Both look to be great groups!! Thnx again for the info and links. [report anonymous abuse] [ accepted]
anonymous	June 28, 2006 5:11 PM Hello to the group. I don't have any links to add. I have been busy checking out alot of the 1's posted in here and Thnx. I was living on the streets for 6 yrs. I havta say that only when it's time for someone to get elected does anyone give a crap about the homeless children or adults. There are such horror stories that i could pass on but i don't wish to make any one cry in here.....but maybe some of these people out here need just that. Thnx for including me in your group!! [report anonymous abuse] [ accepted]
James M N.	Rest :) A.I. Alerts: Discussion: Life w.o. Parole / Kid Offenders January 19, 2006 5:54 PM Two weeks left until the STATE OF THE UNION JAN 31 2006 Ask the President to tell the truth about our country's acts of torture at home and abroad when he gives his address this month. Add your name to the growing number of Americans calling for truth & accountability. Click here. Please, join us in demanding answers to these critical questions. Copyright © 2006 Amnesty International USA 5 Penn Plaza New York, NY 10001 Tel: 212.807.8400 [ send green star]
James M N.	A.I. Alerts: Discussion: Life w.o. Parole / Kid Offenders; AGM Early January 19, 2006 5:53 PM A.I. Alerts: Discussion: Life w.o. Parole / Kid Offenders; AGM Early Bird Deadline, etc.. Upcoming Events: Discussion on Life without Parole for Child Offenders; AGM Early Bird Deadline Approaches Ask Amnesty: Life without Parole for Child Offenders in the United States Please join David Berger, pro bono counsel to Amnesty International USA, to discuss the key findings of the report, The Rest of Their Lives: Life without Parole for Child Offenders in the United States, and learn why the sentence of life without the possibility of parole is never appropriate for youth offenders. Around the world, children can and do commit terrible crimes. But the United States is one of only a handful of countries that sentence children to life imprisonment without parole.Today, there are 2,225 such youth in prisons throughout the country. In the thirteen other countries that still have laws allowing for the sentence, there are only about a dozen youth serving life without parole. Such worldwide rejection of the sentence is due in part to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which prohibits sentencing child offenders to life without the possibility of release. The recently released report by Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, The Rest of Their Lives: Life without Parole for Child Offenders in the United States, is the first ever study of youth offenders sentenced to life without parole in the United States. Drawing on unique data analysis and hundreds of letters and interviews, this report presents the history of the life without parole sentence, explores the rate and prevalence of its use nationwide and state by state, and examines the backgrounds of youth serving the sentence as well as their experiences in adult prison. Please join David Berger, pro bono counsel to Amnesty International USA, to discuss the key findings of the report, and why the sentence of life without the possibility of parole is never appropriate for youth offenders. » Submit a question http://www.amnestyusa.org/askamnesty/live/display.php?topic=49 » Read more http://www.amnestyusa.org/news/document.do?id=ENGUSA2005101205002 Amnesty International USA Annual General Meeting Early Bird Registration Deadline Approaches You are cordially invited to participate in the 2006 Annual General Meeting (AGM) April 28-30 in Portland, Oregon. Now more then ever, the victims of hate, torture and injustice need the members and activists of Amnesty International USA to make some noise for human rights at high volume! Sign up by January 31st and save on registration. » Register now +++++++++++++++++++++++ Do not reply to this message. Messages sent to this email address are not read. If you have a question or comment, please use our interactive online help system. Tell the truth about torture, Mr. President Two weeks left until the STATE OF THE UNION JAN 31 2006 Dear Friend, The White House has dodged the truth about torture for too long. With reports of American acts of torture in the news every day, it is imperative that the President and his administration end the secrecy and end the torture. You and I have a critical opportunity right now to demand that President Bush tell the truth and to call for accountability through an independent investigation. Click here to ask President Bush for the truth during his State of the Union address and demand that torture in our names is never committed again. With your help, Amnesty International can continue our unwavering pursuit of truth and justice by urging the United States to defend human rights principles. Secret prisons and the outsourcing of torture to countries including Syria and Egypt are unacceptable and undermine human rights. Together we can tell the Bush administration that torture is not a part of our American values. We can urge Congress to stop the President from allowing any future acts of torture and inhumane treatment. And we can join together as Americans who will not allow our government to hide the facts about torture any longer. We only have two weeks until President Bush addresses our nation. Join us and demand the truth about torture and justice for acts that have already been committed. Click here and call for the end of torture. Sincerely, Bill Schulz Executive Director http://www.tellthetruthabouttorture.org/site/c.fgLRI3OCKnF/b.1354133/ k.B617/TellTheTruthAboutTortureorg/apps/ka/ct/contactcustom.asp? msource=ttat1dp&auid=1343401 P.S. After you sign the petition, spread the truth. Pass the petition along to friends and make sure the President comes clean about American acts of torture. http://www.tellthetruthabouttorture.org/c.fgLRI3OCKnF/b.1344283/k.8F7 [ send green star]
James M N.	Rest :) Invitation to Disability Caucus of Green Party + Happy New Year's January 08, 2006 1:29 PM be patient. Contact People: Email (mailing lists, website, general questions): Cyndi Norman at cyndi@... Email (membership committee and verification questions): Erica Freeman at greencaucus@... Voice Telephone: Ruthanne Shpiner at (510) 524-9680 (Pacific Time). Weekdays late morning/noon, weekends anytime before 5 PM. Heidi Friedman at 617-666-7816 (Eastern Time). Noon-8:00 pm. TTY Telephone: Sharon Wachsler at (413) 625-9820 (Eastern Time). TTY calls only. Includes TTY answering machine. Please allow time for me to switch over from voice to TTY. Snail Mail: Green Party Disability Caucus, attn: Heidi c/o Havurat Shalom 113 College Ave, Somerville MA 02144 Website: http://immuneweb.org/dg/ Feel free to forward this announcement to appropriate individuals or groups." What do you think? From the heart in the heart of the heartland. Some groups I moderate: Disabled Greens News and discussion, Group home page "http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/" , Abuse in Therapy, Group homepage "http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AbuseinTherapy/" Diffabled, Mental Health, all related issues, advocacy, and professionals: Invite link: "http://passport.care2.net/invite.html?g=880" Homepage: "http://www.care2.com/c2c/group/Diffabled_MentalHealth_Action" "Painting is poetry which is seen and not heard, and poetry is a painting which is heard but not seen." ~ Leonardo da Vinci Enjoy a festive eve' as you can. Copy, share, as you will. Lest "we" forget, if you don't exercise responsibility, its Siamese twin sister, freedom, will wither like a muscle, as well. Sadly, now, it first needs to be exorcized before its exercised. Viva la evolution! Matutinally Yours, james m nordlund reality (aja) For those interested "of or pertaining to the morning, day: relating to or happening in the morning or in the early part of the day (formal), (Mid-16th century, from late Latin matutinalis, from Matuta, goddess of the dawn.)" Music is life's song accompanying the abundance of joy's Spring. I look forward to hearing from you. Goodbye. [ send green star]
James M N.	Invitation to Disability Caucus of Green Party + Happy New Year's January 08, 2006 1:27 PM Good Day. Very cool responses, thanx! I hope you and yours are well and will continue to be. Happy holidays! I've been an advocate/activist on all issues, et al, for 31 years of my 46; please, do what you can for humanity. Dylan Thomas' poem line comes to mind "...and death (murder) shall have no dominion...".; as others might say, "we, the people...", can make it so! "Invitation to Join the Disability Caucus of the Green Party The Disability Caucus is an Identity Caucus of the United States Green Party. Once we are accredited, we will have the same status as state parties do within the Green Party (except that we can not cast a vote for our presidential nominee). There are several other Identity Caucuses, including Black, Latino, Women, and Lavender. Verified Members: Please join us by becoming a verified member aka a voting member. We need 100 verified members, spread out over at least 15 states, in order to be accredited as a Caucus. As of September 2004, we have 84 people in 23 states. To be a verified member you must meet the following requirements: 1. Be registered to vote as a Green in your US State; OR (if your state does not have a Green Party or you are not eligible to vote) be connected to the Green Party in some tangible way (fairly flexible). 2. Be a person with a disability. We may allow some non-disabled voting members but so far have not made that decision. 3. Agree to follow major discussions and participate in votes. 4. Send your information to our Membership Committee at greencaucus@.... We will need your legal name, snail mail address, email address, phone number, date of birth, connection to the Green Party (are you registered Green?), and if you are disabled or a friend of the disabled community. This information is for internal Green Party use only and will not be made public. If you are joining as an adjunct member (a nonvoting friend of the Caucus), please let the membership committee know. If you aren't sure if you want to become a verified member, just let them know that too. Adjunct Members: If you do not qualify as a verified (voting) member but want to be part of the Caucus, we welcome you to join the mailing list and participate in the discussions. Please let the Membership Committee know who you are and that you are an adjunct member. We require your real name and a brief description of why you are here. Adjunct members include people living outside the United States, those whose hearts are Green but who are not part of the Green Party at this time, and people who are not themselves disabled (or do not qualify if we offer expanded membership). Disabled Greens Mailing List: Our discussions and votes take place on the Disabled Greens mailing list. If possible, please join this list. We average 1-4 messages a day, but this can vary a lot. The list is to discuss Caucus business and related activism work only. We are not a disability support group. To join the Disabled Greens mailing list: Please go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/disabledgreens/ Or send email to disabledgreens-subscribe@yahoogroups.com For more information, contact Cyndi Norman at cyndi@... Disabled Greens Votes Mailing List: This is an announcement list for official caucus business only (no discussion). This is where votes and other important items will go. Only the list moderators can post. Nothing will go here that won't also be on Disabled Greens. If you do not have the energy to keep up with the regular Disabled Greens list, you can join Disabled Greens Votes to make sure you won't miss anything important. If you join this list, please also join Disabled Greens as at least a Special Notices subscriber so you will be able to read posts on the webpage (or switch back to receiving posts) when you wish to follow a particular discussion. To join the Disabled Greens Votes mailing list: Please go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/disabledgreensvotes Or send email to disabledgreens-subscribe@yahoogroups.com For more information, contact Cyndi Norman at cyndi@... Non-Internet Members: We recognize that some potential members will not be able to have internet access, either for financial reasons or due to their disability. We encourage everyone who can get internet access (it's free at the public library) to take advantage of it, but if you can't, we would still like to have you be a member of this Caucus. To join as a non-internet member, please use one of the following contact people and give them all the information for verification (see list above). You will be able to choose phone, TTY, or snail mail contact, though it will make it easier if you are able to do more than one. You will be assigned another member (if you don't already know one) who will keep you up to date on discussions and send in a proxy for your votes. We are still working out these details so please be pa [ send green star]
James M N.	Happy holidays All :) December 15, 2005 6:41 AM Dear All, Hello. Good Day. Very cool responses, thanx! I hope you and yours are well and will continue to be. Happy holidays! I've been an advocate/activist on homelessness, et al, for 31 years of my 46; please, do what you can for humanity. Dylan Thomas' poem comes to mind "...and death (murder) shall have no dominion...".; as others might say, "we, the people..." can make it so! What do you think? From the heart in the heart of the heartland. Some groups I moderate Disabled Greens News and discussion, Group home page "http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/" , Abuse in Therapy, Group homepage "http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AbuseinTherapy/" Diffabled, Mental Health, all related issues, advocacy, and professionals: Invite link: "http://passport.care2.net/invite.html?g=880" Homepage: "http://www.care2.com/c2c/group/Diffabled_MentalHealth_Action" "Painting is poetry which is seen and not heard, and poetry is a painting which is heard but not seen." ~ Leonardo da Vinci Enjoy a festive eve' as you can. Copy, share, as you will. Lest "we" forget, if you don't exercise responsibility, its Siamese sister, freedom, will wither, as well. Sadly, now, it first needs to be exorcized be fore its exercised. Viva la evolution! Matutinally Yours, james m nordlund reality (aja) For those interested "of or pertaining to the morning, day: relating to or happening in the morning or in the early part of the day (formal), (Mid-16th century, from late Latin matutinalis, from Matuta, goddess of the dawn.)" Music is life's song accompanying the abundance of joy's Spring. I look forward to hearing from you. Goodbye. [ send green star]
James M N.	Rest :) December 12, 2005 7:52 PM for more information. - SANTA CRUZ, Calif. Vigil Against the Death Penalty At 8 pm at the town clock. Sponsored by the Santa Cruz Chapter of Death Penalty Focus. - SEATTLE Screening of "Redemption" At 7 pm at Garfield Community Center, 2323 E. Cherry St. $5 donation requested at the door. Email vjambor@msn.com or call 206-851-4862 for information. - WASHINGTON, D.C. Emergency Action for Tookie At 4:30 pm at the U.S. Justice Department, 950 Pennsylvania Ave. NW (Pennsylvania Ave., between 9th and 10th Streets). Metro Center, Federal Triangle or Archives Metro Stations. Call 301-801-7616 or e-mail cedp_dc@hotmail.com for information. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ - SIGN A PETITION CALLING ON THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT TO STOP STAN'S EXECUTION The Campaign to End the Death Penalty and other supporters of Stan are circulating a petition calling on the Justice Department to intervene and take immediate action against Stan's pending execution. Activists will deliver the petition at an emergency demonstration for Stan at 4:30 pm at the U.S. Justice Department, 950 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. If you would like to sign, email cedp_dc@hotmail.com, or contact David Thurston at 646-382-4181. The petition statement reads: We, the undersigned, oppose the state of California's plan to execute reformed gang leader Stanley Tookie Williams at midnight on December 13, 2005. Although we remain hopeful that the Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger will grant clemency to Stanley Tookie Williams, we call upon the Department of Justice and US Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales to intervene on behalf of Williams and stop his execution. The case of Stanley Williams is a measure of the fairness of the criminal justice system in The United States. The state's case against him is deeply flawed, and Williams's work over the past fifteen years preventing gang violence has shown that redemption is possible. If the State of California refuses to take the side of justice in the case of Stan Tookie Williams, then it is imperative that the government of the United States intervene on Willams's behalf. We call on the attorney general, the Civil Rights Division, and the U.S. Supreme Court to take immediate action to prevent this unjust execution. Sign the petition statement by e-mail (give your organization for identification purposes only): cedp_dc@hotmail.com ********** Southern trees bear a strange fruit Blood on the leaves and blood at the roots Black bodies swingin' in the southern breeze Strange fruit hangin' from the poplar trees Pastoral scene of the gallant south The bulging eyes and twisted mouth Scent of magnolias sweet and fresh And the sudden smell of burning flesh Here is the fruit For the crows to pluck For the rain to gather For the wind to suck For the sun to rot For the tree to drop Here is a strange and bitter crop --Lewis Allen/Billie Holiday "Strange Fruit" 1939 ********** SENT BY: Abraham J. Bonowitz Director, CUADP <abe@cuadp.org> ****************************************************** YES FRIENDS! There is an Alternative to the Death Penalty Citizens United for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (CUADP) works to end the death penalty in the United States through aggressive campaigns of public education and the promotion of tactical grassroots activism. Visit <http://www.cuadp.org> or call 800-973-6548 PMB 335, 2603 NW 13th St (AKA Dr. MLK Jr. Hwy) Gainesville, FL 32609 [ send green star]
James M N.	[CUADPUpdate] Tookie Actions Around the Country December 12, 2005 7:50 PM Hi All, With apologies for two messages to this list in the same day, here's info on California execution protests around the country. Please go out to protest the extermination of Stan "Tookie" Williams, and ALSO to remind the people who are out for Tookie that executions happen all the time and we need them out for every one of them - not only the highly politicized cases like Tookie. Info on every execution is at www.NCADP.org ALSO, Please See: >http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/editorials/2005-12-11-our- view_x.htm >Monday, December 12, 2005 > >Death penalty support ebbs as tough new option arises > >Recent coverage of the death penalty has focused on two stories: the 1,000th >execution since the U.S. Supreme Court reinstated capital punishment, and >California gang leader Stanley "Tookie" Williams' appeal for clemency. >(Related: Opposing view) > >These headlines, however, have obscured two important trends: The nation is >losing its enthusiasm for the death penalty, and life imprisonment without >parole is an increasingly acceptable alternative to execution. *** Forwarded from the Campaign to End the Death Penalty GOVERNOR ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER DENIES CLEMENCY Just moments ago it was announced that Governor Schwarzenegger denied Stan Tookie Williams clemency. This is a travesty of justice. Below are actions taking place today in several major cities across the country. I urge people to come out to show and voice their opposition to this injustice. We will not bear witness to this murder in silence! Here are the various actions taking place across the country. PLEASE JOIN! - AUSTIN, Texas Protest and Banner Display for Tookie Please join us for another Texas show of support for clemency for Stan Tookie Williams! At 5:30 pm, in front of the Capitol at 11th and Congress. Call 494-0667 or email lilymae30@hotmail.com for information - BURLINGTON, Vt. Press Conference and Phone-a-Thon Beginning at 8 am, at Johnson State College, students, faculty and staff plan to flood the governor's office with calls, faxes and e-mails demanding clemency for Stan Tookie Williams. We will also be screening the film "Redemption" with Jamie Foxx all day long so people can be better educated about this injustice. - CHICAGO Emergency Protest for Stan At 4:30 pm at Federal Plaza (Dearborn and Monroe). Sponsored by the Campaign to End the Death Penalty, call 773-955-4841 for more information. - CLEVELAND Save the Peace Maker Rally and Vigil At 5:30 pm at Cleveland City Hall. Sponsored by Peace In The Hood and the Task Force for Community Mobilization. Contact RStandiford9@aol.com for information. - DENVER Block Party Protest Speakers include Ernesto Vigil (Crusade for Justice), Ward Churchill (American Indian Movement), and Ramona Africa (MOVE). At 3 pm at the Colorado State Capitol, 15th and Colfax. For more information, or to volunteer, contact Earl Armstrong 303-208-9138, Shareef Aleem 720- 436-7606 or Steve Nash 720-309-1418. - NEW YORK CITY Victory Rally or Protest for Stan At 5:30 pm at the north end of Union Square Park (17th Street). Call 518-253-5029 for information - SAN FRANCISCO TO SAN QUENTION Walk for Abolition The Walk For Abolition begins at the Palace of Legion of Honor in San Francisco at 7 am and ends at the gates of San Quentin Prison around 6 pm. For information, contact Rev. Lyle Grosjean at 510-895-8203 or email l.grosjean@sbcglobal.net. - SAN QUENTIN, Calif. PROTEST AT THE PRISON >From the Save Tookie Committee: We believe that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will do the right thing and grant clemency to Stan Tookie Williams. However, if we have not received a decision or if he does not grant clemency, we plan to have a large peaceful protest at San Quentin. At 8 pm at the East Gate of San Quentin Prison. You can park on Francisco Blvd. E, but expect to walk 1 to 1.5 miles to get to the east gate. It will be dark, and there is uneven pavement. We suggest you bring a flashlight, water, and wear good shoes and warm clothing. This will be a peaceful protest. Please listen to security people and don't engage the opposition as it only encourages them. Contact the Save Tookie Committee at 510-253-5418 or 510-333-7966, or e-mail info@savetookie.org [ send green star]
James M N.	104 Arrested as ADAPT Occupies House and Senate Leadership September 26, 2005 8:29 AM For Immediate Release, September 20, 2005 For Information Contact: Bob Kafka 512-431-4085 Marsha Katz 406-544-9504 104 Arrested as ADAPT Occupies House and Senate Leadership Offices Washington, D.C.---Fed up with being the targets of Congressional Medicaid cuts, and being pitted against Katrina survivors for essential services, 500 ADAPT activists occupied the offices of Congressional leaders for 5 hours Monday, resulting in 104 arrests. "Low income people with disabilities are hemorrhaging as a result of the continual cuts to Medicaid by the states and Congress," said Barb Toomer, ADAPT Organizer from Utah. "The leaders of the House and Senate are obviously in a position to stop the bleeding, so we came directly to them. We feel these cuts very personally, and we wanted the Senators and Representatives to feel it personally, too." Entering the offices of Sen. Bill Frist (R-TN), Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Sen. Harry Reid ( D-NV), and Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Rep. J. Dennis Hastert (R-IL), Rep. Tom Delay (R-TX), Rep. Joe Barton (R-TX), ADAPT presented each with the following demands; 1. Support restoration of the proposed $10 billion Medicaid cuts. 2. No arbitrary caps on Medicaid, or block granting of Medicaid funds. 3. Eliminate the institutional bias in Medicaid by supporting MiCASSA (S .401, H.R. 910 ) and Money Follows the Person (S. 528, H.R. 3063) 4. Fund HUD housing vouchers for all people transitioning from nursing homes and other institutions to integrated community living. 5. Sponsor an initiative to address long term care services, durable medical equipment, assistive technology, support services, service animals and community housing for Katrina evacuees with disabilities. The occupation of the offices in the Hart, Cannon, and Rayburn buildings followed a morning press conference held next to FEMA Headquarters, and attended by FEMA staff. ADAPT Organizers from Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama called into the press conference from their home states to inform the crowd by speakerphone about the state of affairs for Katrina survivors with disabilities in their respective areas. They spoke of people with disabilities being the last people evacuated, being actually turned away from shelters because of their disabilities or because they had no attendants with them, being separated from family, caregivers and necessary equipment and service animals, and now languishing in nursing homes and other institutions unconnected to the official resources being made available to the majority of Katrina survivors. "This really is a matter of our life and death," said Randy Alexander, Tennessee ADAPT Organizer. "A few months ago, Tennessee Gov. Bredesen drastically cut back TennCare, including home care services for people who use ventilators. He openly admitted that he was forcing these people into nursing homes. Just today we got word that we have suffered the first death of a ventilator user, the first casualty of Gov. Bredesen's heartless cuts. Unless Congress acts, the deaths will continue." ADAPT is in Washington through Thursday of this week to demand legislation and policy from any corner of the federal government with the power to assure that people with disabilities of all ages have what they need to live lives of dignity and choice in their communities. ### [ send green star]
James M N.	HRW: New Orleans murdered prisoners: rest September 26, 2005 7:59 AM Several corrections officers told Human Rights Watch there was no evacuation plan for the prison, even though the facility had been evacuated during floods in the 1990s. "It was complete chaos," said a corrections officer with more than 30 years of service at Orleans Parish Prison. When asked what he thought happened to the inmates in Templeman III, he shook his head and said: "Ain't no tellin' what happened to those people." "At best, the inmates were left to fend for themselves," said Carey. "At worst, some may have died." Human Rights Watch was not able to speak directly with Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin N. Gussman or the ranking official in charge of Templeman III. A spokeswoman for the sheriff's department told Human Rights Watch that search-and-rescue teams had gone to the prison and she insisted that "nobody drowned, nobody was left behind." Human Rights Watch compared an official list of all inmates held at Orleans Parish Prison immediately prior to the hurricane with the most recent list of the evacuated inmates compiled by the state Department of Corrections and Public Safety (which was entitled, "All Offenders Evacuated"). However, the list did not include 517 inmates from the jail, including 130 from Templeman III. Many of the men held at jail had been arrested for offenses like criminal trespass, public drunkenness or disorderly conduct. Many had not even been brought before a judge and charged, much less been convicted. ---------------------------------------------------------- © Copyright 2003, Human Rights Watch 350 Fifth Avenue, 34th Floor New York, NY 10118-3299 USA [ send green star]
James M N.	Fwd: N.O.: Prisoners Abandoned to Floodwaters: Human Rights Watch September 26, 2005 7:58 AM New Orleans: Prisoners Abandoned to Floodwaters: Human Rights Watch From: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2005/09/22/usdom11773.htm HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH New Orleans: Prisoners Abandoned to Floodwaters Officers Deserted a Jail Building, Leaving Inmates Locked in Cells (New York, September 22, 2005) - As Hurricane Katrina began pounding New Orleans, the sheriff's department abandoned hundreds of inmates imprisoned in the city's jail, Human Rights Watch said today. Inmates in Templeman III, one of several buildings in the Orleans Parish Prison compound, reported that as of Monday, August 29, there were no correctional officers in the building, which held more than 600 inmates. These inmates, including some who were locked in ground-floor cells, were not evacuated until Thursday, September 1, four days after flood waters in the jail had reached chest-level. "Of all the nightmares during Hurricane Katrina, this must be one of the worst," said Corinne Carey, researcher from Human Rights Watch. "Prisoners were abandoned in their cells without food or water for days as floodwaters rose toward the ceiling." Human Rights Watch called on the U.S. Department of Justice to conduct an investigation into the conduct of the Orleans Sheriff's Department, which runs the jail, and to establish the fate of the prisoners who had been locked in the jail. The Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections, which oversaw the evacuation, and the Orleans Sheriff's Department should account for the 517 inmates who are missing from list of people evacuated from the jail. Carey spent five days in Louisiana, conducting dozens of interviews with inmates evacuated from Orleans Parish Prison, correctional officers, state officials, lawyers and their investigators who had interviewed more than 1,000 inmates evacuated from the prison. The sheriff of Orleans Parish, Marlin N. Gusman, did not call for help in evacuating the prison until midnight on Monday, August 29, a state Department of Corrections and Public Safety spokeswoman told Human Rights Watch. Other parish prisons, she said, had called for help on the previous Saturday and Sunday. The evacuation of Orleans Parish Prison was not completed until Friday, September 2. According to officers who worked at two of the jail buildings, Templeman 1 and 2, they began to evacuate prisoners from those buildings on Tuesday, August 30, when the floodwaters reached chest level inside. These prisoners were taken by boat to the Broad Street overpass bridge, and ultimately transported to correctional facilities outside New Orleans. But at Templeman III, which housed about 600 inmates, there was no prison staff to help the prisoners. Inmates interviewed by Human Rights Watch varied about when they last remember seeing guards at the facility, but they all insisted that there were no correctional officers in the facility on Monday, August 29. A spokeswoman for the Orleans parish sheriff's department told Human Rights Watch she did not know whether the officers at Templeman III had left the building before the evacuation. According to inmates interviewed by Human Rights Watch, they had no food or water from the inmate's last meal over the weekend of August 27-28 until they were evacuated on Thursday, September 1. By Monday, August 29, the generators had died, leaving them without lights and sealed in without air circulation. The toilets backed up, creating an unbearable stench. "They left us to die there," Dan Bright, an Orleans Parish Prison inmate told Human Rights Watch at Rapides Parish Prison, where he was sent after the evacuation. As the water began rising on the first floor, prisoners became anxious and then desperate. Some of the inmates were able to force open their cell doors, helped by inmates held in the common area. All of them, however, remained trapped in the locked facility. "The water started rising, it was getting to here," said Earrand Kelly, an inmate from Templeman III, as he pointed at his neck. "We was calling down to the guys in the cells under us, talking to them every couple of minutes. They were crying, they were scared. The one that I was cool with, he was saying 'I'm scared. I feel like I'm about to drown.' He was crying." Some inmates from Templeman III have said they saw bodies floating in the floodwaters as they were evacuated from the prison. A number of inmates told Human Rights Watch that they were not able to get everyone out from their cells. Inmates broke jail windows to let air in. They also set fire to blankets and shirts and hung them out of the windows to let people know they were still in the facility. Apparently at least a dozen inmates jumped out of the windows. "We started to see people in T3 hangin' shirts on fire out the windows," Brooke Moss, an Orleans Parish Prison officer told Human Rights Watch. "They were wavin' em. Then we saw them jumping out of the windows ... Later on, we saw a sign, I think somebody wrote 'help' on it." As of yesterday, signs reading "Help Us," and "One Man Down," could still be seen hanging from a window in the third floor of Templeman III. [ send green star]
James M N.	LPNET: Greatest Indian? Leonard could use your vote... September 08, 2005 2:21 PM LPNET: Greatest Indian? Leonard could use your vote... Who is the Greatest NDN of all time? Check out http://terrrijean.smartwriters.com/index.2ts?page=gna I vote for Leonard Peltier--because he represents all the others./Harvey ~Please FWD to your list. We CAN reach the WHOLE WORLD with YOUR help!~ [ send green star]
James M N.	Stop Ohio Execution Surrounded by Doubt September 08, 2005 2:03 PM Stop Ohio Execution Surrounded by Doubt Amnesty International USA, Program to Abolish the Death Penalty (PADP), 9-05 - - - - - - - - - - - - TAKE ACTION STOP OHIO EXECUTION SURROUNDED BY DOUBT John Spirko is scheduled to be executed on September 20, 2005. He was sentenced to death in 1984 though he denies carrying out the murder and no physical or forensic evidence links him to the crime. Call on authorities to consider the accusations of a false case against John Spirko and the lack of evidence against him, and urge them to recommend clemency in his case. ACT NOW: http://takeaction.amnestyusa.org/ctt.asp?u=253792&l=14339 - - - - OPPOSE EXECUTION OF TEXAS WOMAN WITH INNOCENCE CLAIM Frances Newton is scheduled to be executed in Texas on September 14, 2005. She was convicted of the murder of her husband and two children on circumstantial evidence and maintains that she did not commit the murder. ACT NOW: http://takeaction.amnestyusa.org/ctt.asp?u=253792&l=14340 - - - - - - - - - - - - RESOURCES ONLINE The Program to Abolish the Death Penalty updates the information below on a regular basis. Follow the links below for the latest information on these topics. Pending Executions: http://takeaction.amnestyusa.org/ctt.asp?u=253792&l=14341 Case Updates: http://takeaction.amnestyusa.org/ctt.asp?u=253792&l=14342 Select State and National Updates: http://takeaction.amnestyusa.org/ctt.asp?u=253792&l=14343 Upcoming Events: http://takeaction.amnestyusa.org/ctt.asp?u=253792&l=14344 - - - - - - - - - - - - DEATH PENALTY NEWS DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED FOR MENTALLY ILL INDIANA MAN On 29 August, just two days before Arthur Baird was due to be executed, Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels commuted his death sentence and imposed a sentence of life without parole. Thank you to all our activists who took action on this case and made this victory possible! In his Executive Order commuting the sentence, Governor Daniels stated that he took this action because of "certain unusual, probably unique circumstances," making "a different outcome [seem] more just." The Order mentioned a number of key facts about the case: that the jury who originally sentenced him to death did not have the option of sentencing him instead to life without parole, and several jury members had stated that they would have imposed such a sentence instead of the death penalty had this option been available to them; that family members have said that they believed life without parole was the most appropriate penalty, and that Baird had rejected the equivalent of a life without parole plea agreement offered to him by the state before trial "apparently due to his delusional state." MORE NEWS! More News! National Weekend of Faith in Action, New Death Penalty Abolition Blog, National Death Penalty Abolition Coordinators Training, and more... http://takeaction.amnestyusa.org/ctt.asp?u=253792&l=14345 - - - - - - - - - - - - ONLINE CHAT WITH AIUSA BOARD CHAIR RICK HALPERIN Hear about Mr. Halperin's three decades on the frontlines of the struggle against the death penalty in Texas, elsewhere in the United States and abroad. And learn more about what you can do to end capital punishment in the United States. Join the chat tomorrow from 3:00 - 5:30 PM (Eastern). SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS IN ADVANCE: http://takeaction.amnestyusa.org/ctt.asp?u=253792&l=14346 +++++++++++++++++++++++ Do not reply to this message. Messages sent to this email address are not read. If you have a question or comment, please use our interactive online help system by going to: http://www.amnestyusa.org/actioncenter/help.html Subscribe to our RSS feeds: http://www.amnestyusa.org/rss/index.html [ send green star]
James M N.	Psychrights August 2005 E-Newsletter August 20, 2005 8:58 AM Hi Everyone, MindFreedom Action Conference on Human Rights In Mental Health. At the end of April/beginning of May psychiatric survivors, professionals and other supporters of human rights in mental health gathered at American University Washington College of Law to develop and action agenda. There were six Tracks: (1) International, (2) Congress and the US Congress/Federal Government, (3) Choices in Mental Health, (4) How the Law Can Fight Forced "Treatment," (5) Public Education and the Media, and (6) Open Track. The final Report for all of these Tracks can be found at http://psychrights.org/Education/2005ActionConference/FinalReport.pdf I wrote a discussion paper titled Organizing Grass Roots for Human Rights in Mental Health for this conference, which is available at http://psychrights.org/Education/2005ActionConference/DiscussionPaper.htm The Legal Track, which I facilitated, decided to focus on fighting forced "treatment" by establishing "State Coordinators" to organize the efforts on a state by state (& country) basis. PsychRights is to be the focal point for disseminating information and coordinating these efforts. There are already 10 states and one other country (Canada) involved. See, http://psychrights.org/Education/2005ActionConference/Legal.htm Psychrights is looking for coordinators for all of the states. The key elements in mounting an effective legal case or campaign are (1) recruiting a lawyer(s) who will vigorously pursue a case(s), (2) recruiting expert witnesses (usually this really needs to be a psychiatrist), and (3) case selection. More or less progress has been made in different states, depending on the people involved. Alaska, for example, has an extensive coordinated effort to offer alternatives to drugs and diminish coercion, which includes a coordinated legal attack on the grossly illegal forced "treatment" regime. There are also a number of things going on in Massachusetts to try and address the scourge which is forced drugging there, but it has proven much harder. There are also prospects for getting something meaningful going in Minnesota in the relatively near future. Report on Multi-Faceted Grass-Roots Efforts To Bring About Meaningful Change To Alaska's Mental Health Program. http://akmhcweb.org/news/AKEfforts.pdf This Report describes the efforts of three "consumer" run non-profits' efforts to offer alternatives to drugs and how PsychRights' efforts in Alaska tie into this. The three non-profits are 1. Soteria-Alaska, which is an alternative to hospitalization. http://soteria-alaska.com/; 2. CHOICES, Inc., which stands for Consumers Having Ownership In Creating Effective Services, to provide community based ( http://choices-ak.org/); and 3: Peer Properties, which provides housing. http://peerproperties.org/ PsychRights' Alaska efforts fit into this by suing to establish the right to these alternatives in the forced "treatment" treatment context. The Report is pretty comprehensive and also has links to a tremendous amount of background material. For those who are interested in what a coordinated plan to both decrease force/coercion and create alternatives to the drugs it seems worthwhile to take a look. http://akmhcweb.org/news/AKEfforts.pdf There are two potentially very significant cases at the Alaska Supreme Court right now; Myers and Wetherhorn. Myers I have reported on this case before so I won't go into it that much. Fairly detailed information on this case can be found at http://psychrights.org/States/Alaska/CaseOne.htm Almost a year and a half since oral argument and ten months since the supplemental briefing was submitted, we are still waiting for a decision from the Alaska Supreme Court. For all kinds of reasons, this does not provide a lot of comfort. The two most important aspects of this case challenging forced drugging in Alaska are that the Alaska and United States constitutions require (1) the government to prove scientifically that the proposed drugs are in the patients' best interest and (2) no less restrictive alternative could be offered. Even if we are successful in the Myers case, unless rights are enforced, it won't necessarily mean much. My sense is that if people's rights were honored, only 10% of those currently subject to forced "treatment" would be. Thus, if people received meaningful legal representation in these proceedings 90% of the problem would be solved. Wetherhorn The Wetherhorn case directly attacks the issue of adequacy of counsel. This was an "ambush appeal," in the sense that, unlike the Myers case, where PsychRights represented Faith in a four month all-out legal battle at the trial court level, in Wetherhorn, the typical 15 minutes of "justice" resulted in Roslyn being involuntarily committed and subjected to a forced drugging order. We appealed on the basis that the petitions filed against her were legally defective on their face and she did not get effective assistance of counsel. This case starkly presents an example of Professor Michael Perlin's observations: [ send green star]
James M N.	Peace Center- Action Now- Federal Death Penalty Related Bill July 29, 2005 8:02 AM Subject: URGENT: Act NOW on Federal DP Related Bill I am sending you this alert regarding Congressional legislation that has major death penalty implications. Please share with your KANSAS members. Each state is working on their own strategy so what we are asked to do in Kansas may not be what another state needs. --------------------------- Federal Death Penalty Legislation Alert! The Senate Judiciary Committee will take up on Thursday, July 28, a bill which has significant ramifications for death penalty cases. Included below information is received from sources at the American Bar Association and the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty. An action request and talking points follow the background info. Background: S 1088, the Streamlined Procedures Act, would virtually eliminate federal court review of state criminal convictions and sentences. It is important to note that the Streamlined Procedures Act (SPA) would drastically curtail the right to federal habeas corpus for both death penalty and non-death penalty cases. Habeas corpus is an important component of our legal system. It serves as the constitutional ³fail safe² for identifying and correcting wrongful convictions in criminal cases, including both death penalty cases and non-death penalty criminal cases. In addition, many of the bill's provisions are retroactive and will strip the federal courts of jurisdiction in most cases, leaving a narrow and largely unattainable exception for a prisoner who asserts innocence. It is insufficient to protect the innocent on death row. Many of those who have been exonerated from death rows in recent years would have been executed if this bill had been in effect. It is designed to leave final review and determination of death sentences to state courts, many of which have long records of ignoring constitutional violations and refusing to remedy clear abuse or misconduct. Senator Brownback is a member of Senate Judiciary Committee. Action Needed: Contact Senator Brownback immediately as action is slated for Thursday 7/28 by Judiciary Committee This alert is specific to Kansas only. Each state with a Senator on Judiciary Committee is working on a specific strategy so do not circulate outside of Kansas as their strategy may be different. Talking points: 1) This bill would raise the risk of execution of the innocent by cutting back on the review of their cases. 2) Many states have systemic problems such as inadequate funding for criminal justice cases, inadequate legal counsel. Those systemic problems can result in errors in criminal cases, and those errors often are only caught when the cases reach the federal level. 3. This bill affects BOTH death penalty and non-death penalty criminal cases. Its reach is sweeping. 4) And, you may cite your general opposition to the death penalty as another reason for Senator Brownback to oppose this bill. Contact Information for Senator Brownback Senator Sam Brownback 303 Hart Senate Office Bldg. Washington, D.C. 20510 Phone: (202) 224-6521 Fax: (202) 228-1265 This alert sent by Donna Schneweis, Coordinator for Ks Coalition Against the Death Penalty. 785-234-3061 [ send green star]
James M N.	CUADP Update] New Abolitionist July 13, 2005 8:06 AM Dear Friends, Family and Supporters, The soon to be officially named Isaac Carl Bonowitz arrived at 11:01am on July 10, 2005. He was 21.5 inches and 8.42 lbs. All tests to this point show him to be perfectly normal.... Mommy and Baby are both well. I am very pleased and proud, and quite scared at the same time.... This baby is a miracle in several ways. First, his mother thought she was unable to conceive, hence the name Isaac, which means "laughter" in Hebrew. The biblical reference is Abraham's wife Sarah laughed when told she would conceive, as she thought she was barren - her child was called Isaac. Second, Isaac's umbilical cord had a tight knot in it, such that the Dr. said if he had not been so healthy he would not have survived. Of interest, Isaac shares his birthday with his late great grandfather, Abraham Jacob Bonowitz (for whom I was named) and his uncle, Rabbi Sheldon Schiffman. His English middle name is Carl, for his recently departed Great-Uncle Julius Carl Margulies, and his Hebrew middle name is "Asher" (pronounced "ah-share"), the Hebrew name of my maternal grandfather. Isaac is the product of two die-hard death penalty abolitionists who met because of our work to create a world without violence -- a world of Love. We are now even more committed to the pursuit of same.... See photos at http://www.cuadp.org/abolitionbaby.html The Bris (ritual circumcision and baby naming) will be on July 17, 2005 in Columbus, Ohio. Those who are in range are welcome - please request details at <abe@abolition.org> I wanted to share this moment, and I thank everyone who has sent prayers and good wishes. paz! --abe and Beth Paz is Spanish for Peace. May no harm come to you. May you be free of fear. May you be free from danger May you be free of pain and suffering. May you be healed. May you have mental happiness May you have physical happiness May you be well, happy, and peaceful. May your home be a refuge, a place of peace. May your mind be a refuge, a place of peace. _______________________________________________ To subscribe: mailto:cuadpupdate-subscribe@cuadp.org [ send green star]
James M N.	The 2005 PrisonTalk.com Fund Raiser has started - Please help June 02, 2005 4:03 AM Dear PTO Members, www.PrisonTalk.com has been a wonderful place of friendship, understanding and support for more than 3 and a half years. We all have the common bond of having a connection to the prison system, whether it is having a loved one, pen pal or friend in prison, being an ex-inmate or just having an interest in what is taking place behind the walls of American and other prisons around the world. We all share in having a safe place to come to for the support and information that we need. PTO does not charge for membership or access to the site and we would like to continue in that tradition but PTO needs your help. As PTO has grown by leaps and bounds, so have the loads put on our current server. Very soon we are going to have to upgrade and migrate to new servers again or find some other solution to ease our overloading problems. In addition to the hosting expense issues, we are long over due for a system software upgrade. These are just some of the things we need your assistance with. If you are interested in knowing what PTO's exact needs are for hosting and other things, please visit the following thread: http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=125939 With upgrading both our hosting and software in mind, we are kicking off the 2005 Prison Talk Online fund raiser. We hope that if you are able to send in a donation that you will. Your donation will go to making sure PTO is the best it can be. Everyone who donates will have a 2005 Donation Star added to their account that will show up in the "postbit" located at the top of every post that you have made. Further, your name will be added to the list of 2005 Site Supporters. An example of the icon (star) that will be added can be found at this link: http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=128201 2005 Donation Icons will be added within 5 days of receipt of payment. Important information on making a donation to PTO- Please Read Carefully! Please use the following procedures when you make a donation. There are a few things that we need from you to insure that we know who sent the donation. You are welcome to send it anonymously if you would like, but we will need at least your member name if you will let us recognize your contribution. Your Information Please be sure to include the following INSIDE the envelope on a piece of paper or in the ADDRESS area of any payment made via PayPal! 1) Your PTO Username (If you would like the star) 2) What State / Region you are most active in (We need this for the State competitions! Regions are competing for the most donations) 3) The email you registered with if known. 4) Your Real Name Optional Preferred Method of Payment: 1) Cash 2) Check or Money Orders 3) PayPal MAILING IN DONATIONS If you would like to send cash instead of writing a check or paying for a money order, you are welcome to do so, just please make sure it's wrapped up paper so it cannot be seen through the envelope!!!! If you are sending in a check or money order, please make it payable to: "David Frisk" Mailing address: PTO Donations C/O David Frisk 1015 Kanah Ln. Houston, Texas77090 PAYPAL DONATIONS If you are using paypal to make a payment please BE SURE to include your username or the email you used to register at PTO in the mailing address option of the PayPal payment. You can do this by selecting to show your shipping address and adding this information. Many donations in the past have been extremely hard to identify because the donating member's paypal email account was different than the one they registered at PTO with, so please be sure and include who you are so we can recognize your contribution! If you have a Visa or Master charge and want to donate, you can do so via the www.PayPal.com system by transferring money into that account. To send money via PayPal, you can either click the "Donate" icon found at the bottom of every page on www.PrisonTalk.com or send it directly to the following PayPal address: contribute@prisontalk.com We thank you in advance for helping make PTO Bigger and Better for everyone, today and in the future. Sincerely, The PTO Team [ send green star]
James M N.	Peace Center - Kansas prison reform action needed March 13, 2005 5:02 AM Dear Kansas FAMM Members: I sent you a message earlier this week about the possibility of for sure contacting your respective state Senators, and anyone or everyone else listed below to stop the passage of SB243. This bill would allow private prisons to contract and operate in Kansas. If it passes, it will in fact have a negative impact on the chances of our bill to release non-violent drug use offenders in Kamas prisons into a 12 - 18 month drug treatment program. This bill would tremendously reduce the need for sentencing reform in Kansas. Frank Smith is an expert on why anyone should oppose the privatization of prisons. He has compiled a short list of talking points for you to use when you call or e-mail. Please take a moment to make a phone call, or send and e-mail or two, to the parties listed below and adamantly oppose this bill to bring private prisons to Kansas. Thank You. Sincerely, Peter Ninemire Families Against Mandatory Minimums Midwest Regional Trainer/Organizer Wichita, KS - Ph: (316)651-5852 E-mail: pj9mire@s... SB 243 movement from Frank Smith: (620)967-4616 Subject: SB 243 movement The Ways and Means Committee is doing final action on SB 243 on Friday, March 11th. Please spread the word. We really need to stop this bill in committee, if at all possible. Calls to Jean Schodorf and Chris Steineger would be particularly helpful. I called Steineger yesterday and he didn't return my call, though he was in his office at the time. He told the KC Star that private and public pens were the same, showing woeful ignorance on the matter. I don't know where Jim Barone is, either, but calls to him would probably be quite helpful. Ruth Teichman needs to hear from constituents. Committee members are as follows. I have a list of talking points below their names. The Corrections Secretary was not happy with the bills. He officially tooka neutral position, but Jean Schodorf pointed out that his testimony was very negative. Here's a list of the Senators on that committee: Umbarger, Chairperson; 785-296-7389 (District includes Labette, where there's a prison, plus Neosho, Cherokee, Montgomery counties) umbarger@s... If you are his constituent, please call. He won't listen, but it might dim his enthusiasm. Emler, Vice Chairperson; 785-296-7354 (district includes McPherson, Rice county, etc.) emler@s... McGinn, 785-296-7377 Harvey and north part of Sedgwick county. mcginn@s... He needs constituent calls! Morris, 785-296-2419 Hugoton (Stevens county, district goes north to Garden City) morris@s... Vicki Schmidt 785-296-7374 schmidtv@s... (lives in SW Topeka) She needs to hear from constituents! Schodorf, 785-296-7391 (lives in Wichita) chodorf@s... I > think she might listen to you. Please call ASAP if you're from Wichita! Taddiken, 785-296-7371 (lives in Clifton, district goes NW & NE from Clay Center to Nebraska) taddiken@s... Teichman, 785-296-7394 teichman@s...; (lives in Stafford, district runs south to Harper) She needs to hear from her constituents. She used to be in the alcohol treatment business. Wysong 785-296-7369 (lives in Mission Hills) ysong@s... (Democrats are) Barone 785-296-7370 (lives near Pittsburg), Ranking Minority Member; barone@s... (Please call him.) Betts 785-296-7387 (lives in Wichita), betts@s... (He's been on our side.) Laura Kelly 785-296-7365 Topeka, kelly@s... (She sounds like she'll vote no.) Steineger 785-296-7375 (lives in Kansas City). steineger@s... (Needs calls now!) Typical problems with for-profit prisons: Don't save taxpayers money; damage, even bankrupt municipalities (FBOP, State of TN, Abt Associates; CCA Youngstown and Sayre, OK) Treat both staff and prisoners badly, increased assaults, escapes. (Carolina jury found CCA used gratuitous force to control inmates, Austin study finding 49%+ violence on staff, 65%+ on inmates) Though presenting as "economic development," don't really have a positive effect on local economies (U. of Iowa, Besser study; Sentencing Project; Universities of Washington & Ohio; Kentucky State; U. of KY) Lobby directly and indirectly, to increase prisoner population Some resources: http://www.flpba.org/private/index_private.html http://www.afscme.org/private/aculink3.htm http://www.cjcj.org/ http://www.realcostofprisons.org/ [ send green star]
James M N.	Peace Center - Kansas prison reform action needed March 13, 2005 4:57 AM Some resources: http://www.flpba.org/private/index_private.html http://www.afscme.org/private/aculink3.htm http://www.cjcj.org/ http://www.realcostofprisons.org/ [ send green star]
James M N.	Fwd: Whether you are in need or can offer help... March 07, 2005 7:46 AM "Whether you are in need or can offer help... James M, I'm a member of the Benefit & Resource Assistance For Those In Need! group on the Care2 Connect network, and think it's worth checking out. Please join! http://www.care2.com/c2c/invite.html?id=2245313YTQ Please come by our group to share with us you experiences. We can help. Peace, Rev Skull Thank you! - Rev Skull Powell " [ send green star]
James M N.	Abolition Day: AI; [CUADPUpdate]; TX Moratorium, etc.. March 03, 2005 8:04 PM AI Alerts: Amnesty International USA Abolition Flashcard, etc.. Act Now: http://takeaction.amnestyusa.org/ctt.asp?u=253792&l=12073 - - - - - - - - - - - - RESOURCES ONLINE: The Program to Abolish the Death Penalty updates the information below on a regular basis. Follow the links below for the latest information on these topics. Pending Executions: http://takeaction.amnestyusa.org/ctt.asp?u=253792&l=12062 Case Updates: http://takeaction.amnestyusa.org/ctt.asp?u=253792&l=12063 Select State and National Updates: http://takeaction.amnestyusa.org/ctt.asp?u=253792&l=12075 Upcoming Events: http://takeaction.amnestyusa.org/ctt.asp?u=253792&l=12065 MORE NEWS: Including American Woman Commuted In Oman, US Supreme Court to hear Foreign National Case, Stop Child Executions! and more: http://takeaction.amnestyusa.org/ctt.asp?u=253792&l=12069 - - - - - - - - - - - - NWFA 2005 MARK YOUR CALENDARS! The 2005 National Weekend of Faith in Action on the Death Penalty (NWFA) will take place October 21-23, 2005. Promotional brochures and online registration will be available in the coming months. In the meantime, check out the list of activities and events that took place during the 2004 NWFA: http://takeaction.amnestyusa.org/ctt.asp?u=253792&l=12074 Learn more about the death penalty: http://takeaction.amnestyusa.org/ctt.asp?u=253792&l=12086 TX Moratorium Network: Supreme Court Bans Executions of Juvenile Offenders Send letters to the editor applauding the supreme court and asking the Texas Legislature to enact a moratorium on executions: Dallas Morning News, Houston Chronicle: viewpoints@c..., Austin-American Statesman, San Antonio Express-News: letters@e..., and here is a website with links to all Texas newspapers. Registration Form for 2005 Anti-Death Penalty Alternative Spring Break, For more information, email us at: admin@t... or call us at: 512-302-6715. If you would like to participate, but the $25 housing fee is too much for you (we know students have tight budgets), just email us. We can waive the fee for participants for whom it is a financial burden. email: admin@t... phone: 512-302-6715 web: http://www.texasmoratorium.org [CUADPUpdate] Alerts: It's Abolition Day, etc.. It's March 1st, International Death Penalty Abolition Day http://www.cuadp.org/abolitionday.html. Activism and Education for Alternatives to the death penalty. It's Abolition Day. Do something. --abe, Abraham J. Bonowitz Director, CUADP <abe@c...> Visit <http://www.cuadp.org> or call 800-973-6548 PMB 335, 2603 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Hwy Gainesville, FL 32609 new articles on Against Death Rows DR inmate executed in Georgia for 1991 pizza shop slaying — Britta, Wed Mar 2 01:08 STATE OF KANSAS V. DENNIS RADER — Britta, Wed Mar 2 02:48 http://disc.server.com/discussion.cgi?id=207906;article=6319;show_parent=1 Ga. Death-Row Inmate Dies for 1991 Slaying — Britta, Wed Mar 2 01:08 [ send green star]
James M N.	[CUADPUpdate] MOVEMENT DISPATCH: ABOLITION DAY is upon us February 23, 2005 3:25 AM Citizens United for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (CUADP). Visit CUADP on the web at http://www.CUADP.org ************************************************** INTERNATIONAL DEATH PENALTY ABOLITION DAY IS JUST DAYS AWAY.... Citizens United for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (CUADP) reminds you that March 1st, International Death Penalty Abolition Day, is just DAYS away.... Visit http://www.cuadp.org/abolitionday.html for details. GET IN THE PRESS RELEASE CUADP will issue a press release regarding Abolition Day events nationwide on Thursday, February 24th, 2005. Please submit your plans via the CUADP Upcoming Death Penalty Related Events Calendar submission form at http://www.cuadp.org/upevents.html . All events will be listed on the calendar and on the Abolition Day site at http://www.cuadp.org/abolitionday.html . AGAIN: Please submit your events as soon as possible, and not later than 8pm WEDNESDAY, February 23 to be included in the national press release. ALL EVENTS BETWEEN NOW AND MARCH 21 CAN BE INCLUDED!!! It's not difficult to add your event. Go to http://www.cuadp.org/upevents.html , click on "LIST YOUR EVENTS" and filled in the very simple form. Or send the details to <pam@cuadp.org>, who will format your submission and put it on the web site. People do look at this site - more than 400 distinct visitors every day! Let CUADP help attract people to YOUR events! PLANNED EVENTS FOR WHICH WE HAVE RECEIVED DETAILS ARE POSTED AT http://www.cuadp.org/abday2005.html - INCLUDING EVENTS IN OHIO TENNESSEE PENNSYLVANIA FLORIDA GEORGIA MASSACHUSETTES NEBRASKA OREGON TEXAS CALIFORNIA CANADA WE KNOW THERE IS MUCH MORE GOING ON - PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS! ************************************************** WALK THE TALK, WITH ABOLITIONWEAR! Amy Luftig, Amnesty International's Area Coordinator for Washington State, recently e-mailed... "I got the shirt and LOVE it. You should know that I wore it to breakfast in my Seattle neighborhood last weekend, and got a few "thumbs up!" from restaurant patrons and passers by." IF YOU'RE NOT WEARING THE MESSAGE YOU'VE MISSED AN OPPORTUNITY TO EDUCATE Let AbolitionWear do the talking! One of our challenges is to heighten the visibility of the anti-death penalty movement. Wear a T-shirt, sweatshirt, hat, or a button and give the cashier, the bank teller, or whomever else you encounter the chance to get the facts from someone who knows why the death penalty is bad public policy. Or if you don't like to talk, simply hand them one of the handy dandy fact sheets that comes with any order! All shirts are 100% preshrunk cotton. Minimum donation is $14 for 1, $13 each for 2-5, $12 each for 6 or more. Please note that these suggested minimum donations are the same for all sizes, from small - XXXXXL. ( Sadly, our printers can't always get quality 100% cotton garments in the larger sizes (4x & 5x). Therefore, sometimes the material for these sizes will be 50/50. We regret that manufacturer bias limits our ability to give you the same as everyone else. BUT, know that while our cost to produce these is higher, your minimum suggested donation is exactly the same as that for those who wear size small. We love all abolitionists!) Check out AbolitionWear at http://www.cuadp.org/abolitionwear.html ***************** OTHER CALENDAR EVENTS Check out the Calendar of Upcoming Death Penalty Related Events at http://www.cuadp.org/upevents.html This page is now linked from many other activist organizations and calendars, and is one of the most visited pages on the CUADP site. The calendar allows you to sort by state, and it also archives past events so you can see what others have done to set some ideas for things you and your group can do! Check it out! ************************************************ GET CUADPupdate! Get much more on CUADPUpdate. If your subject line does not start with "[cuadpupdate]", then you are not reading this message via CUADPUpdate. If you want more of this sort of news, as well as many other useful tidbits, not more than 15 times a month, then try CUADPUpdate by sending a message to <cuadpupdate-subscribe@cuadp.org>. Join nearly 4,000 other abolitionists who receive CUADPUpdate - give it a try! ************************************************** SUPPORT CUADP!!! It doesn't happen without YOUR help.... Please join those who have kept CUADP/FADP going with whatever amount you can offer on a one-time OR monthly basis by using CUADP's secure ser [ send green star]
James M N.	Fwd: New on the death penalty in Kansas December 20, 2004 5:51 AM Dear All, Alo. Thanx for all you do and don't! "Fwd: New on the death penalty in Kansas Dear Fellow Kansans, The Kansas Coalition Against the Death Penalty welcomes the decision by the State Supreme Court today to overturn the death penalty statute as unconstitutional. This decision, rendered in the case of Michael Marsh, will impact all current Kansas death penalty sentences. There is talk already of the 2005 Legislature working to "fix" the statute. The problems with our state's death penalty law are many more than just this part that was ruled unconstitutional: disparity in application, cost, risk to the innocent, and so on. KCADP believes the answer is not to tinker with the statute but rather to recognize the death penalty is a failure. Kansas can provide for public safety without a death penalty. I wish each of you a very Happy Holiday! Sincerely, Donna Schneweis KCADP Coordinator" "Painting is poetry which is seen and not heard, and poetry is a painting which is heard but not seen." ~ Leonardo da Vinci My groups Disabled Greens News and discussion, Group home page http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/ , Abuse in Therapy, Group homepage http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AbuseinTherapy/ Diffabled, Mental Health, all related issues, advocacy, and professionals: Invite link: http://passport.care2.net/invite.html?g=880 Homepage: http://www.care2.com/c2c/group/Diffabled_MentalHealth_Action Enjoy an autumnal eve' as you can. Copy, share, as you will. Music is life's song accompanying the abundance of joy's Spring. I look forward to hearing from you. Matutinally Yours, james m nordlund reality (aja) For those interested "of or pertaining to the morning, day: relating to or happening in the morning or in the early part of the day (formal), (Mid-16th century, from late Latin matutinalis, from Matuta, goddess of the dawn.)" Lest "we" forget, if you don't exercise responsibility, its Siamese sister, freedom, will wither, as well. Sadly, now, it first needs to be exorcized before its exercised. Goodbye. Viva la evolution! [ send green star]
James M N.	Against Death Rows daily update: new articles on Against Death Rows December 05, 2004 6:39 PM new articles on Against Death Rows Nevada Supreme Court rejects inmate's request to die - Britta, Sat Nov 27 05:38 TX; Evidence at issue as womans execution nears - Britta, Sat Nov 27 06:45 http://disc.server.com/discussion.cgi?id=207906;article=4427;show_parent=1 New DNA tests not always help in older cases - Britta, Sat Nov 27 08:48 [ send green star]
James M N.	"USA youth inmate abuse" October 27, 2004 9:40 PM "USA youth inmate abuse" "From: "Cat >^. .^<" <nopsychiatry@yahoo.com> Subject: Re: [Sci-psych] forward: USA youth inmate abuse To: members-sci-psych list <sci-psych@efn.org> Message-ID: <20041023055050.26687.qmail@web20709.mail.yahoo.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Two of my best friends had this happen to them. One was taken to Samoa, the other to Utah. They both endured most of the things described below... and more. Rape, forced abortions, no access to needed medical care, watching animals being tortured to death, not being told who the kidnappers are after being thrown in the back of a van... These places are truly horror shows. Cat --- "David Oaks - www.MindFreedom.org" <dendron@efn.org> wrote: > Below is forwarded, feel free to forward: > > ~~~~~~ > > From: mysticoutkast@hotmail.com > Subject: American parents pay to put kids in prison camps! > Date: October 22, 2004 8:42:48 PM PDT > > PLEASE FORWARD WIDE AND FAR!!! > > I received permission from the author to reprint this account. > > ________________________________________________________________________ > > _______ > Sunday - 10/18/04 > > Yesterday I attended a meeting that left me stunned. > > It was a meeting of former prison camp inmates. There were people > who > had been in about 7 different camps throughout the United States > and > other countries who, while listening in rapt attention to the > stories > each told, often looked to each other to say, "Wow. That happened > at my > camp too!" Those present had not known each other, but had heard > about > the different camps. They shared information about what they had > been > told. Some said that they had "wished" they could have been in the > > other camp, as the rumors were that conditions were better over > there. > They were not. They learned, yesterday, that talk of better > conditions > were all lies. > > These prison camps were all under a single authority. Sanctioned by > > their government, these camps operate without any regard for human > > rights. Here is what I learned. > > There were "rule books" given to the inmates upon their arrival at > the > camp. Rules that included severe punishment for minor infractions, > such > as moving your little finger, or scratching your hand. There were > punishments meted out for engaging in normal conduct such as > talking to > others. You were not allowed to talk to other prisoners or "staff" > at > any time without permission. On the other hand, talking and certain > > statements were required in the mandatory meetings. At those > meetings, > one person sat in the middle of a circle and led by the staff > "forced" > to admit to having been a victim or perpetrator of various acts > including abuse, drug use, and other criminal behaviors. Whether or > not > these were part of the prisoner's experience made no difference, > you > had to say they were > or else. > > Capture was reported to have been carried out by 2 or 3 captors > (large > males and females) in the dead of night who at the hands of another > > were allowed into your bedroom, usually in a middle or upper class > > neighborhood. You were taken - duct tape over the mouth, forced > into a > vehicle and transported, some handcuffed, to a remote location. > Some > locales were in remote areas within the USA while others were in > other > countries or territories. These include Samoa, Jamaica, Mexico, > Costa > Rica, and the Cayman Islands. > > Intake included a brief interview, removal of all clothing and > jewelry, > and a humiliating de-lousing procedure. After this, you were given > > prison garb to wear. All personal belongings were taken away. No > shoes > were allowed. The request for shoes was said to signal a plan to > attempt an escape. > > All camps were surrounded by 12 or 15 foot fences, or by natural > barriers such as crocodile filled lakes observed by 24 hour guards. > > Besides these conditions, all inmates reported that there was filth > and > unhealthy and inhumane conditions, including cockroaches, other > bugs > and rodents as constant companions. Scabies were rampant. > > Sleeping quarters were barren. Steel 3 tiered bunks, with 4 to a > bunk > making 12 to a room plus a guard. Use of toilets was regimented, > controlled, and observed by staff. Showering was infrequent, also > observed by staff. Food was sparse as well. Small portions of cold > rice > and beans, with water to drink. Yet, daily activities were long and > > rigorous > and meaningless. > > One panel (prior inmates of each camp were grouped according to the > > camp) spoke of being forced to move many huge rocks from the bottom > of > a hill or mountain to the top > then back down to the bottom then back to the top. The > meaninglessness > of the activity was almost as spirit breaking as the task was > physically exhausting. A daily exercise in futility. The work > continued > for 14-16 hours per day, in blistering heat, no shoes, little food. > > There were many physical injuries, as no protective wear was > provided > .no gloves, no sunglasses, no protection from the heat, no shoes to > > protect the feet. Many scars were shown to us on the hands, arms > and > feet. Injuries would turn to infections due to lack of hygiene, > showers > and medical attention. > > Others at another camp had more meaningful work. They reported that > > upon arrival at the camp, there were no buildings or facilities. It > > would be their job to build their own prison. Again, no shoes, no > protective equipment, no protection from the elements. Chiseling > rocks > and cement, moving heavy materials, using saws, hammer and nails. > Again, injuries went unattended, no medical or hygienic treatment > was > made available. Injuries turned into painful infections, yet there > was > no reprieve from work detail. Work was 14-16 hours per day. > Prisoners > suffered severe weight loss, anemia, sickness, wounds not treated > became infected, yet they were forced to continue to work. These > were > in areas of hot temperatures (jungles and deserts), so each step > was > painful on dirt with no shoes that was hot and filled with > construction > materials. > > Others reported on how the "program" worked. There were levels or > classes. One "graduated" from one level to the next by compliance > with > the rules, which changed serendipitously and often had nothing to > do > with improved behavior or any lesson or goal. > > These reminded me of tactics used against Prisoners of War that > were > reported after the World Wars, Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War. > > Mind and body numbing cruelty carrying out the orders of > Administrative > authority by sadistic and cruel guards and "staff". > > Rules that were essentially meaningless and strictly enforced by > cruel > punishments if broken, only to change to other meaningless rules a > day > or week later. > > Not only that, was the familiar ring of those revelations. That > various > "staff" or "guards" meted out the consequences - or favors- based > upon > "favorites" they had among the inmates. Some would not be punished > at > all for a particular infraction while another was severely > punished. > What were the punishments? These included, for both males and > females, > tortured physical positions that had to be maintained for hours or > > days. Being "hog tied" (the hands tied behind the back tied to the > feet > bent up to them), face down in the hot desert sand for many hours > or > days. Skin was burnt off. Eyes swollen. If there was resistance, > guards > weighting about 300 pounds would sit on the resistant inmate, for > hours. Shoulders were twisted out of the socket by this method. > Bones > were broken ("I heard a couple of "pops" when this happened, and I > knew > my bones were broken", said one former inmate".) > > No medical attention was provided for any of these injuries or > conditions. One recalled that an injured and later infected > prisoner > became so ill that she was finally taken to a hospital, where the > medical staff said that without treatment, she'd have been dead > within > 30 minutes. > > Was there sexual abuse? The women reported that they personally > were > raped or knew of others who were. Gang raped by staff, single > repeated > rapes, forced sexual behavior. All accompanied by threats of severe > > consequences if they told anyone about the rapes. Public > humiliations > and seductions were commonplace. > > While I listened to each person speak of the horrors they had > endured, > the words that have been recently splattered repeatedly on our news > > programs and print media rang in my head: terrorism, terrorists, > War on > Terrorism, Homeland Security, Abu Ghraib. > > The US President's words, "We're gonna find the terrorists and > bring > them to justice"; "We're gonna rid the world of terrorism", "We > have > declared war on terrorism"; "We want people around the world to be > > safe, to enjoy the freedoms we enjoy here in America". "We want to > > spread the freedoms we have to other countries". "We're gonna hunt > down > the evil-doers and do away with them." > > Well guess what, Mr. President. These prison camps are operating > right > here in Indiana, Utah, Iowa, Montana, Florida, and other states. > Some, > after kidnapping the prisoners, send them to camps they operate in > > Mexico, Costa Rica, Samoa, Jamaica and other countries. These camps > are > under your authority. They operate with impunity under your > jurisdiction. You have the power to close them down. You want to > "hunt > down the terrorists"? You have their addresses! You have the > complete > power of whether the abuses described stop or continue. What do you > > choose? > > As FDR said, as President, "the buck stops here". At the > President's > desk. You are the President. There are records that show that you > have > been given and chosen to accept money from the owner/operators of > these > terrorist camps. > > I am asking you, as President, all members of Congress, all those > in > the Department of Justice to immediately Stop Trafficking in > Abducted > Teens. All of the prisoners described above, are American children, > > ranging from 9-19 years of age. Stop Terrorism in our Homeland. > When > you say, "the freedoms we enjoy right here in America", I want all > > Americans to enjoy the freedoms, but as you can see, the children > in > these terrorist camps do not enjoy the freedoms you assert. Don't' > you? > > The terrorism, permitted and supported by loopholes in legislation > > could be closed off if you cared. If we really cared about human > rights, these camps would be closed immediately. You could do it in > one > day, if you wanted. If you cared. There is no difficulty in > locating > these terrorist camps > their addresses, staff members are easily located > just go there! I'm sure that as President, they would let you in. > > Who are the prisoners? They are our nations children. CHILDREN!!! > Children as young as 9 and kept prisoners after their 18th > birthday. So > long as their parents continue paying (about $4,00 per month) for > the > capture and imprisonment of their children, the children are forced > to > stay. How do the kids escape? > > 1. Parents run out of money > then the child is released. > 2. They turn 18. If parents can still pay, then, > a. They stay until the "complete the program", meaning until > parents > can no longer pay or > b. They are allowed to leave and given an "exit plan". An example > of > the exit plan is > i. that the child is given a bus ticket to a location far from the > > parental home; > ii. A nominal amount of money ($5 to $40) > iii. Told not to contact their parents > c. At the same time, the parents are contacted and told that under > no > circumstances should they allow the child back into the home or be > > given money, or else all of the progress the child has made will be > > undone. They are told to use a perverted "Tough Love" approach, > which > has nothing to do with love, or even the "Tough Love" program and > philosophy. > > Thus, the child is left on the streets of an unknown city, with no > > money and no resources. A terrifying experience for a person of any > > age. > > And what are the physical, social, emotional, psychological and > spiritual outcomes? All reported being damaged, severely, in each > of > these spheres. > > 1. an impaired physical growth and development, due to severe > malnutrition during the developmental years; > 2. the natural physical scars and malfunctions due to the effects > of > malnutrition, torture, injury and untreated infections > 3. mental confusion due to constant exposure to systematic mental > torture > 4. poor academics and educational achievement due to a complete > lack > of, or inadequate exposure to education. One girl reported that as > a > gifted student prior to her incarceration, the use of remedial > texts by > uneducated, unqualified "teachers" was intellectually demeaning, > draining and damaging. She was left completely unprepared for adult > > life as well as intellectually debilitated during the process. She > was > required to "dumb down" and was punished, humiliated and ridiculed > for > using words natural to her. Being academically prepared was "a big > > no-no" (using the approved dumbing down vernacular that would have > been > approved in the prison camp). WHAT HAPPENED TO "NO CHILD LEFT > BEHIND"??? > 5. Because no radio, TV or print media was allowed, the inmates > were > left completely unaware of world events. Or any events for that > matter. > For those who were incarcerated prior to 9/11 and who exited some > time > after, none of that world-changing information was known > they all have to learn now, the important changes that have > occurred,,,for example, that there was a war in Afghanistan, a war > in > Iraq was begun and continues. > 6. All described symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, severe > > depression, severe anxiety. Symptoms such as frequent night > terrors, > nightmares, severe anxiety every day, an anxiety whenever around > other > adults, being in a room (always surveying for an exit option), > feelings > of continued brainwashing, not being able to think straight, self > doubt > self-loathing, lack of purpose, needing permission for everything, > > thought control, lack of social skills, personal skills, skills > needed > for independent living, difficulty in intimate relationships. And > without funds, unable to acquire proper therapy > along with fear of therapists, as "staff" purporting to be > therapists > had worked with them extensively. None of these survivors have a > sense > of trust, either of others, themselves, or their environments. None > of > what they experienced and survived has been charged against their > perpetrators as crimes, so they cannot qualify for assistance from > the > Victims of Crime Assistance Act. > 7. Family relations are bankrupt. Many of the survivors reported > that > their parents do not believe the conditions they describe. The > parents > continue to believe the perpetrators. > > The industry of trafficking in children is a 100 million dollar a > year > industry. The parents are told that their children are being sent > to a > luxury "boarding school" with wonderful amenities, therapists, a > fine > educational program, recreation including beach trips, horseback > riding. The truth is the exact opposite. For the parents not to > believe > their own children, is a huge betrayal for the children. What is > more > important in life than our family, our children? Do we really > revere > children? Do we honor our children? No, we place our trust in > strangers > who take our money, and deny our love and trust in our children. > Why? > Well, to be the parent of a tortured child would be heartbreaking, > of > course, and one would of course feel great guilt and remorse for > putting one's child in a terrorist camp. But to admit to having > done so > is at this time beyond the emotional capability of many parents. > So, > the survivors of these camps have also lost what is most important > to > them. Their parents and immediate family. > > Survivors are left on their own, abandoned and rejected by their > family, to survive economically, socially, psychologically and > spiritually. There is no "Veteran's Hospital" to which they can go > for > recovery. There is no program to assist them as they make their way > > into adulthood. > > Who will stop this practice? Who will stand up for the rights of > children to be loved and treated with respect? Who will stop the > possibility of continuing or new terrorist camps for kids? Who? > > I was involved in the rescue of one child who was kidnapped and > hidden > away in one of these camps in Montana. The local sheriff and other > > local authorities are in bed with the camp. I have personal > knowledge > that their "medical staff" is not qualified to practice in the > state. > They have no qualified teachers, although they advertise themselves > to > be a "boarding school". Their mental health director and staff have > no > degrees or qualifications in mental health. They probably walk in > off > the street, having been cashiers somewhere and get a job as a > therapist, teacher, guard or staff. > > Who will step up to close these terrorist camps for kids? Who will > pull > back the curtain of the lies they tell parents and the public to > get > their money, then torture their children? Who will close the > loophole > of education for these children, so they can get a proper education > to > prepare them for adulthood? Who will allow them conversations with > each > other, so needed for building proper social skills? Who will say > that > torturing children is bad for America? Will you? > > N.D. > > > > More info here: > http://www.isaccorp.org > > This organization is collecting testimonies and evidence including > > video footage for presentation to Congress. > > Help out by contacting congresspeople here > http://www.isaccorp.org/action.html > > there is also a petition to sign. > > WASHINGTON -- A California congressman urged Secretary of State > Colin > Powell on Thursday to apply additional scrutiny of several overseas > > schools for troubled teens run by a southern Utah company. > "I am very concerned about the adequacy of existing policies of the > > U.S. State Department for assessing serious allegations of improper > > conduct towards American children in overseas facilities," wrote > Rep. > George Miller, the senior Democrat on the House Education > Committee. > > Rep. Miller has focused attention on this issue because hundreds of > > American children were dropped off in San Diego by the Mexican > authorities. > It is an American governed facility housing American citizens, > teenagers! > Read on > > > 2 U.S.-Affiliated Academies Abroad Are Shut Down > By TIM WEINER > Published: September 13, 2004 > New York Times > > The overseas programs of one of America's largest behavior > modification > associations for teenagers were shuttered yesterday after > authorities > closed one program in Mexico holding more than 500 youths and > Hurricane > Ivan struck a second in Jamaica, with 300 youths. > > The Casa by the Sea program in Ensenada, Mexico, and Tranquility > Bay, > in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, were two of the largest and most > profitable > programs of the World Wide Association of Specialty Programs and > Schools, or Wwasps, of St. George, Utah. > > Mexican immigration officials said teenagers at Casa by the Sea > showed > signs of mistreatment > in an inspection on Friday. Teenagers at Tranquility Bay, on > Jamaica's > southern coast, were sent to a hotel nearby after the guests had > been > evacuated as the hurricane approached. > > In interviews with The New York Times last year, scores of > teenagers > and many of their parents said the techniques Wwasps used in Mexico > and > Jamaica included physical abuse, long solitary confinement and > little > professional treatment. > Program officials in Mexico and Jamaica, who could not be reached > for > comment over the weekend, said last year that the programs were > tough > but not abusive. > > Casa by the Sea, which opened in 1998, and Tranquility Bay, founded > in > 1996, were the overseas flagships of Wwasps. A program in Costa > Rica > closed last year after a government > inspection led to a revolt by teenagers against the administration. > > The Wwasps overseas programs paid less, charged lower fees - > roughly > $35,000 a year - and faced lower licensing and legal hurdles than > similar programs in the United States. Several thousand American > teenagers had been enrolled in the overseas programs in the last > eight > years. > > Wwasps says it is one of the fastest-growing groups of its kind. > Casa > by the Sea, which is housed in a hotel 60 miles south of San Diego, > had > nearly 600 youths enrolled last year. Mexican officials who closed > it > after a surprise inspection on Friday could not be reached by > telephone. > > Some children were picked up by their parents in Ensenada and > Tijuana, > Mexico, and others were being taken to a hotel in San Diego, > parents > said. Many may be transferred to Wwasps affiliates in Utah, > Montana, > New York, California, Iowa and South Carolina, which have a total > of > about 1,500 youths. > > Tranquility Bay, also housed in an old hotel by the sea, was struck > by > Hurricane Ivan hours after the raid in Mexico. Parents said they > were > told that the 300 children there would be moved to another hotel > nearby. > > > Robert Lichfield, founder of Wwasps, the network of schools for > troubled teens, contributed $60,000 to Republican Jon Huntsman Jr., > > who's running for Governor of Utah. > > There are more articles such as the one below, here: > http://www.isaccorp.org/articles.html > > > More sexual abuse allegations lead to boys' removal from camp > Web Posted: 08/13/2004 04:41 PM CDT > Joseph S. Stroud and Guillermo Garcia > Express-News Staff Writer > SMITHVILLE -- Weeping boys were driven away in vans from the > Woodside > Trails wilderness > camp today after new allegations of sexual abuse against children > prompted state officials to > remove 22 children from the Bastrop County facility. > The new allegations led to the arrest within the last month of two > > former staffers at the therapeutic > camp on charges of sexually assaulting children. And Geoff Wool, > spokesman for the Texas > Department of Family and Protective Services, said the agency had > received two new calls on its > abuse and neglect hotline related to other staffers at the camp > within > the last two weeks. > Wool declined to say whether those calls involved abuse or neglect > > allegations or who made the > complaints about the facility, which has been the target of intense > > media and legislative scrutiny > since Texas Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn criticized > conditions > there in "Forgotten > Children," a report she issued in April. > But he said officials decided they couldn't wait any longer."We > have 22 > kids that are placed there, > and with recent allegations that we have received, what we have > seen > there, law enforcement > involvement, we felt like it was the appropriate thing," Wool said. > "We > were concerned about the > safety of the kids." > The agency stopped short of taking emergency action to suspend the > > facility's operating license, > and the possibility remains that other agencies and private > individuals > responsible for boys at the > camp will leave them there. Woodside Trails, founded in 1982, takes > in > male juvenile sex > offenders and other boys with serious emotional issues. > Along

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