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Groups > Diffabled, Mental Health, related issues, advocacy, and professionals > Discussions > Topic: Discussion on related Health, et al :)
Topic: Discussion on related Health, et al :)

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James M N.	Newest Acts: healthcare reform :) November 18, 2009 12:51 PM Newest Acts: healthcare reform :) This Action, on Change.org, the url :) Newest Acts: healthcare reform :) http://healthcare.change.org/actions/view/newest_acts_healthcare_reform http://www.change.org/profile/189788/actions Tell Your Senators to Support Medicare-for-All :) The Senate is picking up the health care reform debate where the House left off. Make sure your senators hear from you and not just insurance industry lobbyists. Take action right now! Email your senators and ask them to support single-payer, "Medicare-for-All" reform. http://action.citizen.org/t/6693/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=27576 Tell 10 friends how to take action, too. Today, 120 Americans will die because they lack health insurance. That's 45,000 Americans every year. America is a pay or die country. If you can't afford to pay ever-rising insurance premiums, you could die. It doesn't have to be this way. But the legislation working its way through Congress will do little to change it. The best-case scenario will leave millions of Americans uninsured, costs will continue to spiral out of control, and insurance corporations will continue to generate obscene profits by denying coverage to the sick and injured. Single-payer, "Medicare-for-All" reform will break the stranglehold insurance companies have on you and your family. It will cover everyone. Everybody in, nobody out. We have to act now! Email your senators and ask them to support single-payer, "Medicare-for-All" reform. Tell 10 friends how to take action, too. We just can't wait any longer. The body count is rising. Together, we can win this fight. Onward to "Medicare-for-All"! Angela, Glenn & Rick Your advocates at Public Citizen feedback@citizen.org Stay informed and speak out when it counts. Sign up for the Public Citizen Action Network or other online announcements. Join the Public Citizen Action Network \| Support Us \| Take Action http://www.citizen.org/action/ \| Copyright 2009 Public Citizen Lobby to Stop Stupak-Pitts :) Support NOW's Work \| November 18, 2009 \| Tell a Friend Volunteer NOW! All NOW Actions http://www.now.org/actions/ Join NOW at National Lobby Day and Rally to Stop Stupak-Pitts :) http://www.now.org/issues/health/stupak_form.html On Wednesday, Dec. 2, abortion rights supporters will gather in Washington, D.C., to lobby the Senate and rally for health care reform that ensures women's access to reproductive health care. NOW and our allies are calling on YOU to join us on Capitol Hill to demand that Congress not trade away women's reproductive rights in negotiations over health care reform. The Stupak-Pitts Amendment, which passed in the House, greatly limits women's ability to access abortion coverage. Similar language must not be included in the Senate version or the final bill. We want to know if you're planning to be at the National Lobby Day and Rally and/or if you're interested in other volunteer opportunities on this critical issue. Fill out our volunteer online form NOW. http://www.now.org/issues/health/stupak_form.html Don't worry if you've never lobbied before -- just bring yourself and your passion (and your friends and family, too), and we'll help you with the rest! Details: Who: National Organization for Women and Allies What: National Lobby Day and Rally to Stop Stupak-Pitts Where: Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C. When: Wed, Dec. 2, 9:30 am - 5:30 pm More details to follow -- make sure to sign up! More information and action ideas are online, http://www.now.org/issues/health/stupak.html including details on a rally with NOW President Terry O'Neill in Pennsylvania this Saturday, Nov. 21. and then SUPPORT NOW: Support NOW's Work for Equal Rights \| Join NOW \| Monthly Giving \| Catalog \| Shop Amazon TAKE ACTION: Get Involved \| Find Your Nearest Chapter \| Tell a Friend \| Learn More http://www.now.org/ Watch Our New TV Ad & Stop Stupak in the Senate :) WATCH OUR VIDEO AND TELL CONGRESS THAT WOMEN'S HEALTH CARE NEEDS ARE NO JOKE! http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5971/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=1299 This is a do-or-die moment. We are fighting back in the war on women's health care needs and rights -- will you help? Watch our new TV ad, "No Joke," which will run on MSNBC this week, and take action to stop the Stupak-Pitts amendment cold in the Senate. http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5971/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=1299 The ad features stand-up comic Cory Kahaney of Last Comic Standing and puts forth a simple principle: When you need medical care, your insurance should be there to pay for it. Last week in the House, the harmful and dangerous Stupak-Pitts Amendment passed as part of the healthcare reform bill. The Senate is expected to debate a similar amendment on the floor as part of its health reform debate. The amendment tramples on women's health care needs and violates President Obama's promise that women will be able to keep the insurance coverage that they have today. TAKE ACTION NOW! There will be a show-down in the Senate when amendments similar to Stupak-Pitts are introduced. We must make our voices heard. http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5971/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=1299 A majority of private insurance plans today provide coverage for abortion. But if our opponents win, it will be virtually impossible for private insurance companies that participate in the new healthcare reform to offer abortion coverage to women. Stupak-Pitts must be stopped in the Senate. Tell Congress not to ban the healthcare coverage for abortion that millions of women already have. And when you're done, send the video along to your friends and family asking them to act for women's health and support the Center's work to stop Stupak-Pitts. We can -- and will -- win this fig [ send green star]
James M N.	Newest Healthcare Reform Actions November 11, 2009 2:17 PM Newest Healthcare Reform Actions Please do any, or all, you can :) This Action, on Change.org, the url :) Newest Healthcare Reform Acts :) http://healthcare.change.org/actions/view/newest_healthcare_reform_acts http://www.change.org/profile/189788/actions Stop Stupac the Amendment, or any version of it. As well, no trigger, because triggers don't get pulled. Also, please, advocate for singlepayer healthcare, with Community First Choice Option and CLASS Act (Community Choice Act for the handicapped, elderly, autistic, disabled, etc.); H.R. 676 & S. 703, are the best of the lot, so far. support women's healthcare now :) http://womensrights.change.org/actions/view/support_womens_healthcare_now Related actions and group :) Healthcare Reform Actions :) http://healthcare.change.org/actions/view/healthcare_reform_actions http://www.change.org/profile/189788/actions http://www.singlepayeraction.org//join.html AAUW Action Network: An Attack on Reproductive Health Care: New Domestic Gag Rule :) On Saturday night, the House passed the largest health care overhaul bill in 40 years. Many of AAUW's key priorities were included in the Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962), including coverage for maternity care, preventive care, an end to gender rating, and other protections for women. It's a victory for millions of Americans who are one step closer to quality, affordable health care. Unfortunately, this victory came at a price that is outrageous and unacceptable. Anti-choice representatives also passed an amendment to the bill that will severely undermine women's access to complete and safe reproductive health care services. The amendment, offered by Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI), will eliminate coverage for abortion services in the public option. Current law already bans the use of federal dollars to pay for abortion, but this amendment goes further by prohibiting women who receive federal subsidies from purchasing a comprehensive insurance plan that includes abortion services. Private plans that offer abortion coverage would be banned from receiving funding. This type of restriction would force private insurance companies to choose between eliminating abortion coverage for all insured members and being eligible to serve patients by receiving federal subsidies. As a result, millions of women who have this coverage now would lose it, effectively ending coverage for abortion services and instituting what amounts to a domestic gag rule. Women who could afford it could pay extra for a "rider" policy to cover such services, but the very nature of unplanned pregnancies makes this an illogical and impractical notion. AAUW has long advocated for choice in the determination of one's reproductive life and increased access to health care and family planning services. There's no doubt that health care reform is desperately needed, but it should not come on the backs of women. A fundamental principle of health care has always been to "do no harm." Make no mistake; the Stupak amendment does just that--leaving millions of women worse off than they were before. This is the biggest attempt to ban abortion services in years, and a similar amendment is already in the works in the Senate. Take Action: Contact your senators today and urge them to oppose any amendments that jeopardize women's access to complete reproductive health care coverage. Then, take another minute to contact your representative about his or her vote on the Stupak amendment :) Senate: http://www.capwiz.com/aauw/issues/alert/?alertid=14329551 House: http://www.capwiz.com/aauw/issues/alert/?alertid=14329496&type=CO Center for Reproductive Rights: TAKE ACTION: The Fight is Not Over Yet :) Saturday's House vote was a terrible blow for women's health and rights -- but the fight is not over yet. The Pro-Choice Caucus has crafted a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi vowing to oppose a healthcare bill that restricts a woman's right to choose any further than current law. Tell your Members of Congress to sign the letter and show their support for American women! :) http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5971/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=1275 Planned Parenthood Action: A painful blow to women's health care :) While there are some who are satisfied with the health care reform bill that passed in the House of Representatives late Saturday night, I am not one of them. When it came down to it, Congress passed a bill that will undercut women's access to comprehensive health care. Despite hundreds of thousands of voters like you and me who called on members of Congress to include women's health care in health care reform, the bill that passed Saturday night includes a ban on private abortion coverage for millions of women and would prohibit it in the new "public option." Opponents of legal abortion and health care for women are emboldened by Saturday night's vote and ready to bring their ban on abortion to the Senate floor. But now it's our turn. And this time we are going to use our strongest weapon: the White House. That's why, today, we are calling on President Obama :) http://www.ppaction.org/campaign/hcr09bse_af/xkwgn64z778xn8d?qp_source=hcr09bse%5fe1%5faf Mobilization for Health Care for All :) Two Health Care Advocates Remain in Jail, Take Action To Support their Cause Now :) Yesterday morning, Mobilization for Health Care for All made another urgent demand to get insurance money out of our democracy so that real reform will not be blocked in America. http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/1312/t/10007/petition.jsp?petition_KEY=2159 to sign a petition to Sen. Lieberman. [ send green star]
James M N.	MADRE: October 2009 Highlights from the Month :) November 09, 2009 5:59 AM MADRE: October 2009 Highlights from the Month :) This Action, on Change.org, the url :) global human rights :) http://globalhealth.change.org/actions/view/global_human_rights http://www.change.org/profile/189788/actions Read about, and advocate for global human rights :) http://www.madre.org/index.php?video=1 Join the Challenge Today! The race for the most donations begins again today! Join MADRE for America's Giving Challenge, and help us put women's human rights first today. What can you do? Donate $10. Spread the word: ask ten friends to donate $10. To win $1,000, we need more people to donate before 3pm on Friday, October 30 than any other group. Learn More. Radio in Iraq: Empowering Women Through the Airwaves We have exciting news! Last week, MADRE's partner organization, the Organization for Women's Freedom in Iraq (OWFI), launched a new radio broadcast: the Al Mousawat Radio. Yanar Mohammed, OWFI's director, wants to know: what are you listening to? What artists/songs do you think Al Mousawat Radio should share with the women and youth of Iraq? Let us know. Provide Medical Kits for Midwives in Palestine In the West Bank, Palestinian women in labor are routinely denied access to necessary medical care by Israeli military checkpoints and roadblocks. MADRE is putting together Safe Birthing Kits, a kit of midwife-specific medical supplies that will improve the safety and quality of home childbirth. Learn More. http://www.madre.org/index/get-involved-3/act-for-change-9/provide-medical-kits-for-midwives-in-palestine-157.html Obama Continues Failed Bush-Era Policy on Cuba The United Nations General Assembly voted overwhelmingly on a resolution calling for an end to the US embargo against Cuba. For the 18th consecutive year, a nearly unanimous grouping of nations came together to condemn this 47-year-old policy, now continuing under the Obama Administration. MADRE joins the General Assembly in condemning this embargo. Read More. Storytelling and Youth Media in Colombia Miguel Macias, a youth media producer and MADRE volunteer, recently traveled to Bogota, Colombia to lead a multimedia workshop. The participants were young people affiliated with Taller de Vida, a MADRE sister organization. Below are his reflections on the experience, featuring a video produced by one of the participants. Read more. A Discussion on the Way Forward in Afghanistan MADRE Policy and Communications Director Yifat Susskind appeared on GRITtv, hosted by Laura Flanders, to discuss women's rights under occupation in Afghanistan. Watch the Video. Childbirth Under Occupation: A Conversation Between Aisha Saifi and Yifat Susskind In the West Bank, Palestinian women in labor are routinely denied access to necessary medical care by Israeli military checkpoints and roadblocks. MADRE partners with Midwives for Peace, a group of Palestinian and Israeli midwives who ensure that skilled, well-equipped midwives are available to women in their community. MADRE's Yifat Susskind interviewed Aisha Saifi, a Palestinian midwife and coordinator of Midwives for Peace. Read more. http://www.madre.org/index.php?s=4&news=227 Hundreds of Indigenous Women Stand Against Violence In early October, over four hundred women met in Waspam, an Indigenous region in Nicaragua. They came from communities across Nicaragua, from Mexico, from across Central America and beyond, drawn by the need to discuss solutions to violence against women. Read more. http://madreblogs.typepad.com/mymadre/2009/10/hundreds-of-indigenous-women-stand-against-violence.html Face to Face with Fatima Ahmed Fatima Ahmed, president of Zenab for Women in Development, a MADRE partner and community-based women's organization in Sudan, came by the MADRE office to update us on the success of current projects she overlooks and organizes with the help of MADRE. She spoke about the success of the Women Farmers Unite, a union of women she helped to organize beginning in 2007. Read more. In This IssueJoin the Challenge Iraq: Radio ProjectPalestine: Safe Birth Kits Cuba: Obama and the EmbargoColombia: Youth Media Afghanistan: An InterviewPalestine: An InterviewNicaragua: Against Violence Sudan: Women Farmers Increase Your Impact Become a Women's Human Rights Sustainer and ensure that MADRE's programs remain strong and vibrant. Learn How. Shop Your IdealsFrom MADRE's Webstore Find a beautiful selection of hand-crafted items at MADRE's Webstore! From Starbright Flowers Support women's human rights by purchasing a beautiful bouquet from Starbright Flowers. Follow MADRE Act :) http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5095/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=1261 MADRE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization MADRE · 121 West 27th Street, #301 · New York, NY 10001 · (212) 627-0444 · www.madre.org [ send green star]
James M N.	Newer actions and updates: Free Jailed Falsely :) November 04, 2009 4:58 AM 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/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 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.	November 04, 2009 4:45 AM Actions, on Change.org, the url :) Healthcare Reform Actions :) http://healthcare.change.org/actions/view/healthcare_reform_actions http://www.change.org/profile/189788/actions Call Pelosi right now and demand single-payer :) It's working! The calls our members are making to their representatives are putting us closer than ever to a historic House vote on health care for all :) Demand a vote on single-payer! Now we need you to turn up the pressure by calling the office of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi at (202) 225-0100. Call now and tell her that you support health care for all, and that the single-payer bill must be on the table! Tell her to allow a vote on Rep. Anthony Weiner's (D-N.Y.) single-payer amendment to the health care bill. Nothing else in the health care reform bill before the House will end the domination of the insurance industry and the profiteering in health care. And nothing else in the bill will make sure that every single one of the more than 45 million uninsured will receive quality health care. Call the Office of the Speaker now at (202) 225-0100 and demand a vote on the Weiner Amendment on single-payer! The decision is being made now, so please call this morning! By eliminating the private health insurance industry and its administrative costs, a single-payer system would save $400 billion a year - enough to provide everyone with high-quality health care. Call (202) 225-0100 and tell the Speaker that you demand a vote on Rep. Weiner's single-payer amendment. After you call, please email us at action@citizen.org. Call volume may be high, and it may be difficult to get through. Please be patient. As an alternative, you can submit your comments in the form on the House Speaker's Web page. http://speaker.house.gov/contact/ Thank you for all you do! Rick, Angela and Glenn Your advocates at Public Citizen action@citizen.org P.S. - CLICK HERE to learn more about single-payer health care. http://action.citizen.org/t/6693/content.jsp?content_KEY=5220 To learn more about real financial accountability and security, visit http://action.citizen.org/t/5489/content.jsp?content_KEY=5981. If this message was forwarded to you, sign up to receive action alerts from Public Citizen at http://action.citizen.org/signUp.jsp. Support our work: https://secure.citizen.org/p/10076/?track=w10singlepayer1103. Sign up for the Public Citizen Action Network or other online announcements. Join the Public Citizen Action Network \| Support Us \| Take Action \| Copyright 2009 Public Citizen Urgent: an outrageous action, we must respond :) Catholic bishops are doing all they can to force anti-choice amendments into the health care reform bill - and they're instructing their congregations to help them. Stand up for women's health and tell your senators and representative to reject this dangerous effort from the Catholic bishops. http://www.ppaction.org/campaign/hcr09ccbr_af/xkwgn62477im677?qp_source=hcr09ccbr%5fe1%5faf A few days ago, it felt as if we were holding strong in achieving health care reform that would finally ensure comprehensive coverage for everyone. As the legislation began moving closer to a vote, I knew that our job holding on to our reproductive health victories would be hard ... and then I received a copy of a memo that the Catholic bishops sent to their congregations. As I write this, the bishops have asked all the Catholics in the country to contact their legislators, asking them to alter current health care legislation to include anti-choice amendments. The bishops have inserted letters into church bulletins and asked priests to include their call to action in their sermons - and even in their prayers - during Sunday services. It's clear that every group opposed to a woman's right to choose is pulling out all the stops this week to bring all the progress we've made on health care reform to a grinding halt. The results could be devastating to everyone who desperately needs health care, including the women, men, and teens that Planned Parenthood serves. Once again, we urgently need your help. First, please contact your senators and representative right now, http://www.ppaction.org/campaign/hcr09ccbr_af/xkwgn62477im677?qp_source=hcr09ccbr%5fe1%5faf asking them to protect women, to protect our health care, to protect our rights and not cave to the vocal minority. I know that you've likely e-mailed and called before, and I'm asking you to do it again today - and it won't be the last time. Thank you for not letting up. Second, spread the word. I truly believe that if people know what the bishops and other groups are doing, they will be outraged, and they will speak up. Drowning them out won't be easy, but your action today will help. One thing I know for sure - the bishops don't speak for all Catholics. From one Catholic Planned Parenthood supporter: What bothers me most is this: Millions of people are uninsured and hundreds of thousands die every year as a result. And, to see my church sacrifice health care reform for the sake of this one issue is just going too far. They don't represent me, and they don't represent my beliefs. I'm speaking out, and I'm asking my Catholic friends and family to do the same. If you're Catholic and you disagree with the bishops, please let your legislators know when you send your message. http://www.ppaction.org/campaign/hcr09ccbr_af/xkwgn62477im677?qp_source=hcr09ccbr%5fe1%5faf and more.... Also, no trigger, because, in fact, triggers usually don't get pulled. As well, please, advocate for singlepayer healthcare, with Community First Choice Option and CLASS Act (Community Choice Act for the handicapped, elderly, autistic, disabled, etc.); H.R. 676 & S. 703, are the best of the lot, so far; i.m.h.o.. Related group and actions :) http://www.singlepayeraction.org//join.html [ send green star]
James M N.	rest :) Rainbow PUSH Coalition Newsletter :) November 02, 2009 4:07 AM Corrected url for :) Thanks for visiting their fundraising page :) http://www.change.org/vermont_rainbow_push_coalition_inc/projects/fundraising/we_can_do_it_if_we_all_do_what_we_can__23 [ send green star]
James M N.	Rainbow PUSH Coalition Newsletter :) November 02, 2009 4:03 AM Rainbow PUSH Coalition Newsletter :) This Action, on Change.org, the url :) Rainbow/Push Coalition :) http://socialentrepreneurship.change.org/actions/view/rainbowpush_coalition http://www.change.org/profile/189788/actions October 2009 Dear Friends, I want to make a special appeal to you today. For over 40 years the Rainbow PUSH Coalition has been a powerful force in the social and cultural life of America's growth and development, seeking to, protectgain civil rights, even the economic and educational playing fields across the spectrum of American life, and bring peace to the world. The historic election of President Barack Obama unleashed a new era of hope for change all across America.'s mid-day, high noon, in our politics-but change will not come easily. We, the people, must become the agents of change. We must personally and directly work for the change we believe in. Already this year, the conservative opposition is mounting an aggressive counter-assault against comprehensive health care reform, economic recovery, and racial equality. They are packing town halls and filling the radio and TV airways to block the change we need. We cannot let our guard down. More than ever before we must rise up, organize, and make our voices heard. We must meet the conservative outrage at the point of challenge. We must organize around OUR agenda. must raise our voices for OUR issues. must rise up again. It's no time to sit idly by while the conservative opposition seeks to roll back the clock on progress. Will you join me and the Rainbow PUSH Coalition in this fight to keep this dream alive? It is midnight in our economy.'re still losing jobs by the millions, and millions of families continue to face foreclosure and the loss of their homes. Tuition costs are rising, burdening this generation of youth with tens of thousands of dollars in student loans. Too many of our children die too soon and sometimes it seems we are experiencing a cycle of violence without end. Against these odds, we cannot surrender. It's time to organize! Will you join me and the Rainbow PUSH Coalition in this fight? We seek to restructure loans and not repossess homes. We seek to reduce student loan debt. your help, we want to end the flow of weapons and drugs into our communities. I invite you to join us in looking toward the future and to become better acquainted with our organization. http://www.rainbowpush.org/shop/membership.htm The crisis facing our country and our world demonstrates daily the necessity for a robust and well-informed community. If you are already a member, then please make a donation today to help us through these tough economic times. Please contribute now......at whatever level, your investment matters and it will be put to good use. As a nonprofit, grassroots organization, our strength comes from you, our supporter. Our coalition's presence is not only in Washington, but in communities around the world like yours. Join us as we fight for you. Keep Hope Alive! Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr. Founder and President Start a relationship with Rainbow PUSH Coalition and/or the Citizenship Education :) Join :) http://www.rainbowpush.org/shop/membership.htm Thanks for visiting their fundraising page :) http://www.change.org/vermont_rainbow_push_coalition_inc/projects/fundraising/we_can_do_it_if_we_all_do [ send green star]
James M N.	Urgent Amendments Pending: Single Payer Lives :) November 02, 2009 4:02 AM Action, on Change.org, the url :) let them hear you :) http://womensrights.change.org/actions/view/let_them_hear_you http://www.change.org/profile/189788/actions The most important women's issue in the USA, at this time, is healthcare reform, act :) Being a woman isn't a pre-existing condition, a basis for denying coverage or services :) The clock is ticking, every 8 minutes another woman dies because they do not have health insurance; someone you know might be next, soon- the time to act for real healthcare reform is now :) reality "Speak Out To Support The Members Of Congress Still Fighting For Us On Health Care After an anti-heroic 6 month campaign by Congress to avoid confronting the real problem in any meaningful way, that insurance company overhead and outlandish, undeserved profits are bleeding our health care system to death, the headline read, "Get ready to pay more for your health coverage." But elsewhere the headline also read, "Public option backers fight on." Because there ARE valiant members of Congress who are still fighting for good public policy, Anthony Weiner with an amendment to substitute HR 676 for the core of HR 3200, the Kucinich amendment to allow states to implement their own single payer plans, and the Sanders (S 703) amendment on the Senate side. Any or all of these amendments can and WILL pass if only we speak up in sufficient numbers. Please make your voice heard today. Single Payer Amendments Action Page: http://www.peaceteam.net/action/pnum1013.php Now let us be clear, any so-called "public option" short of true single payer is just an exercise in seeing how much they can cripple any actual remedy. Single payer is the ONLY strong public option. But in the meantime the latest word from the White House is that President Obama "prefers" a public option, but is not going to demand it. So what is this all about, "change we would prefer," or something like that? Would the American people have elected a candidate with the slogan, "Change we would prefer?" We think not. So who is going to demand it? Who IS going to stand up and fight for REAL change? . . . And the answer is the same as it has always been, we the people. Because unless we the people make our voices heard, and unless we keep speaking out regardless of how many defeatist sirens in the corporate media try to persuade us to lay down our tongues without a fight, none of our champions can prevail alone. And it looks like at least some semblance of a robust public option may come out of the House, and only because of the pressure we have applied with our voices already, mind you. But of course corporate forces will try to get that compromised away yet further in the Senate. So our message to our House members is this, "We will hold you accountable if the FINAL bill does not contain a STRONG public option." Single Payer Amendments Action Page: http://www.peaceteam.net/action/pnum1013.php It is not enough for them to just cast a vote in their own chamber and say, "Well, gosh we tried." No, we expect our House members to actually fight for us, to stick to their guns and not just roll over at the finish line. Because of one thing you can be sure, the American people at large will hold them accountable in the end. If the Baucus bill looks like it was written by the Republicans, it's because, surprise, surprise . . . it was. The Democrats have the votes to pass ANYTHING they really want. But have bent over backwards so far to try to appease the obstructionist Republicans whose votes they will never get, not to mention their own corporate handlers, that we now have a Republican bill that the Republicans themselves can disown. So when the American people finally wake up to how much the Baucus bill is a corporate slanted con job, they will vent their wrath on the Democrats and the Republicans take their seats back. Pretty slick, huh? But they can't get away with any of this stuff unless we are silent, unless they think they can get away with fooling us. So speak out and keep speaking out, so they know the people are paying attention this time and will NOT be fooled. We may have to fight this state by state for many years. We have been fighting this fight so many years already. We're not going to stop now. And here is the one click Facebook page for this action. Single Payer Amendments Action: http://apps.facebook.com/fb_voices/action.php?qnum=pnum1013 And the Twitter reply to send, to send this message to all your members of Congress that way, is @cxs #p1013 Please take action NOW, so we can win all victories that are supposed to be ours, and forward this alert as widely as possible. If you would like to get alerts like these, you can do so at http://www.peaceteam.net/in.htm " If you have heard something that concerns you, have a reality check on republican healthscare spin, check out Non-partisan :) http://www.FactCheck.org. As well, please, advocate for single-payer healthcare, with Community First Choice Option and CLASS Act (Community Choice Act for the handicapped, elderly, autistic, disabled, etc.); H.R. 676 & S. 703, are the best of the lot, so far. Thanks. Goodbye. reality [ send green star]
James M N.	Call Congress Today :) October 13, 2009 11:22 AM Call Congress Today :) This Action, on Change.org, the url :) call for healthcare :) http://healthcare.change.org/actions/view/call_for_healthcare http://www.change.org/profile/189788/actions http://tools.advomatic.com/35/hc-n/ Call Congress Now! :) Ask them to support the Rep. Weiner, Rep. Kucinich, and Sen. Sanders amendments for single-payer healthcare. Congress will vote on single-payer, Medicare-for-All soon! They need to hear from single-payer supporters from all over the country. While media coverage of the health reform debate is focused on the Senate Finance Committee's bill (which was largely drafted by current and former executives at Wellpoint, http://www.pnhp.org/news/2009/september/wellpoint_really_di.php he nation's largest private health insurance company), several congressional votes on single-payer, Medicare-for-All loom on the horizon. You can help determine the outcome of these votes by calling Congress now. Ask them to support the Weiner, Kucinich, and Sanders amendments. Sometime in the next two or three weeks, Rep. Anthony Weiner's (D-NY) amendment to substitute single-payer legislation (along the lines of Rep. Conyers' H.R. 676) for the House leadership's bill, H.R. 3200, will come up for an up-or-down vote on the House floor. Additionally, Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) has secured a provision in H.R. 3200 that would allow individual states to adopt their own single-payer systems. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) will introduce two single-payer amendments to the Senate bill, one to create a national single-payer plan, and the other to allows individual states to adopt single-payer. Contact Congress today and ask them to vote "yes" on the Weiner, Kucinich, and Sanders amendments for single-payer. Go here to call for free. It's easy, knows your Representatives, provides a simple call script, and is toll-free. Or, call the Congressional Switchboard at (202) 224-3121. Thanks for all that you do, Healthcare-NOW! National Staff P.S. For more on the Kucinich and Weiner amendments, go here. http://pnhp.org/amendment/ Healthcare-NOW! survives on the generosity of our supporters. Please consider making a donation to support our efforts to pass HR 676 using our secure server. http://www.healthcare-now.org/ - Follow us on - Related Action, on Change.org, the url :) Option + CLASS act, a must :) http://autism.change.org/actions/view/option_class_act_a_must http://www.change.org/profile/189788/actions Related groups and actions :) Sign Petition - Healthcare-NOW! :) http://www.healthcare-now.org/petition/ My fundraising page :) Please help me support HEALTHCARE-NOW by making a donation. It's fast, easy, and secure :) http://www.change.org/healthcarenow/projects/fundraising/we_can_do_it_if_we_all_do_what_we_can__15 Arc Action Alert :) http://capwiz.com/thearc/issues/alert/?alertid=13848606&queueid=[capwiz:queue_id] Please, advocate for singlepayer healthcare, with Community 1st Choice Option and Class Act (Community Choice Act for the handicapped, elderly, autistic, disabled, etc.); H.R. 676 & S. 703, are the best of the lot, so far; i.m.h.o.. http://www.singlepayeraction.org//join.html A few week accumulation of related actions, on Change.org, the url :) all / healthcare reform :) http://womensrights.change.org/actions/view/all_healthcare_reform http://www.change.org/profile/189788/actions [ send green star]
James M N.	Single-Payer Now :) September 29, 2009 7:27 PM Single-Payer Now :) These Actions, on Change.org, the url :) Single-Payer Now :) http://healthcare.change.org/actions/view/single-payer_now http://www.change.org/profile/189788/actions Take Action for Single-Payer Health Care :) http://action.citizen.org/t/6693/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=27576 Max Baucus. Know the name? Max Baucus is the Democratic senator from Montana, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, and Public Health Enemy Number One in Congress. How so, you ask? Well, all health care reform legislation this year will go through Max Baucus. And Max Baucus has taken single-payer - also known as Medicare-for-all - off the table. Support Public Citizen today! This is unacceptable. Single-payer is not just the best answer - it's the only answer. That's why Public Citizen is working to pass single-payer health care reform and needs your immediate help. Please make a generous contribution today. Contribute Now Every other proposal now being floated in Washington is mere piecemeal tinkering and will fail. The American people get this. According to recent polls, the majority of Americans - and the majority of doctors - want a single-payer health care system in the United States. Over the past two election cycles, Max Baucus has received more campaign contributions from the health insurance and pharmaceutical corporations than any other current Democratic member of the House or Senate. Big Corporate Money issues the order: "Take single-payer off the table." And Max Baucus takes single-payer off the table. So, it has come down to this: the American people versus the health insurance and drug corporations. That's why Public Citizen needs your immediate help to fight for single-payer, Medicare-for-all health care reform. Contribute Now There is no legitimate opposition to single-payer. That's why corporate interests can't argue the facts against single-payer. Instead, they say it's not politically feasible. Translation: The drug and health insurance companies have a stranglehold on Congress. So, what are we going to do about it? The momentum is building for single-payer in the United States. But time is of the essence. Every day, roughly 100 Americans die from lack of health insurance. Every day, hundreds go bankrupt from medical bills. This is a disgrace that must end. Now. Now is the time. Push has come to shove on health care. Help us muscle up to defeat the health insurance industry. To defeat the drug industry. And to deliver universal health care-single-payer, everybody in, nobody out-to the American people. Contribute Now Onward to single-payer! Robert Weissman President, Public Citizen president@citizen.org Stay informed and speak out when it counts. Sign up for the Public Citizen Action Network or other online announcements. http://action.citizen.org/t/6693/content.jsp?content_KEY=4481 Join the Public Citizen Action Network \| Support Us \| Take Action \| Copyright 2009 Public Citizen My fundraising page :) Please help me support Public Citizen by making a donation. It's fast, easy, and secure :) http://www.change.org/citizen/projects/fundraising/we_can_do_it_if_we_all_do_wha t_we_can__17 Please, advocate for singlepayer healthcare, with Community 1st Choice Option (Community Choice Act for the handicapped, elderly, autistic, disabled, etc.); H.R. 676 & S. 703, are the best of the lot, so far; i.m.h.o.. Related group and actions :) http://www.singlepayeraction.org//join.html [ send green star]
James M N.	New actions and updates: Free Jailed Falsely :) September 26, 2009 10:19 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 :) http://humanitarianrelief.change.org/actions/view/leonard_peltier_petition_2 [ send green star]
James M N.	Free Jailed Falsely :) September 11, 2009 9:31 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/actions12 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.	We Don't Have Another 15 Years :) September 03, 2009 1:19 AM We Don't Have Another 15 Years :) This Action, on Change.org, the url :) reproductive health=human right :) http://globalhealth.change.org/actions/view/reproductive_healthhuman_right http://www.change.org/profile/189788/actions Tell Clinton, U.S. must act now to make sure women everywhere are empowered to make decisions about their reproductive health; a basic human right :) We don't have another 15 years to wait for change to happen. Tell Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to make women's reproductive rights a reality at home and abroad. http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5971/t/7148/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=1058 Next week, I'll be joining other advocates to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), a UN conference where 179 countries forged a groundbreaking plan to ensure sexual and reproductive health and decision making as human rights. In the ICPD plan, governments committed to make reproductive health services accessible to all women including: access to family planning, maternal healthcare, sex education, and post-abortion care services. Fifteen years later, it's all too clear that the world -- and the United States -- have fallen short in fulfilling its promises. As Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton has the power to show the world that the U.S. can keep its promises by publicly endorsing the ICPD plan and implementing its priorities at home and abroad. Send her a message TODAY! http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5971/t/7148/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=1058 Here are some facts: In 2005, more than half a million women died due to preventable complications from pregnancy and birth. In 2007, 61% of the 22.5 million people in sub-Saharan Africa living with HIV were women. Right here at home, the U.S. has one of the highest maternal mortality ratios among western developed nations characterized by pronounced racial disparities -- African-American women are nearly four times more likely to die in childbirth than white women. These numbers show that not enough is being done to make women's reproductive healthcare a priority. In an interview with the New York Times magazine, Hillary Clinton said, "…Without providing more rights and responsibilities for women, many of the goals we claim to pursue in our foreign policy are either unachievable or much harder to achieve." If the U.S. can't make reproductive healthcare a priority here at home, how can we expect the international community to take our words seriously? Please join me in asking Secretary Clinton to reestablish the U.S. as a champion of women's rights by publicly endorsing the ICPD plan TODAY. http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5971/t/7148/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=1058 We cannot afford to wait another 15 years in hopes that change will take place. The U.S. must act now to make sure women everywhere are empowered to make decisions about their reproductive health -- a basic human right. Thanks for all you do! Nancy Northup President 120 Wall Street 14th Floor \| New York, NY 10005 US http://reproductiverights.org/ Take More Actions :) http://reproductiverights.org/en/feature/take-action [ send green star]
James M N.	Public Citizen Actions: Remember Ted Kennedy; etc.. :) September 03, 2009 1:18 AM Public Citizen Actions: Remember Ted Kennedy; etc.. :) Outrage is building :) This Action, on Change.org, the url :) pledge to protest :) http://socialentrepreneurship.change.org/actions/view/pledge_to_protest http://www.change.org/profile/189788/actions Pledge to protest the real possibility that the Supreme Court will open the floodgates to corporate $ in politics :) The outrage is building. People from across the nation have pledged to protest the all-too-real possibility that the Supreme Court will open the floodgates to corporate money in politics. Check out some of the creative protest ideas posted on http://www.DontGetRolled.org. Don't Get Rolled!Do you think we can't pass real health care reform because the insurance companies have bought Washington? Do you think politicians are corrupt now? It could get a whole lot worse. At least now, some limits exist on corporate spending in elections. But these limits could be steamrolled on Sept. 9. We need your help to show that the American public will not stand for limitless corporate money in politics. Sign our pledge to protest petition on www.DontGetRolled.org. If you can take to the streets or make a video, that's terrific! But just about any action you take in support of this campaign on or before Sept. 9 can be a protest. After you sign the pledge to protest petition, here are a few very simple suggestions for ways you can protest: • Poster Protest: Print our Don't Get Rolled! poster and display it prominently for your friends and neighbors. • Facebook and Twitter: Copy and paste the following message into Twitter and your Facebook status updates: RT @Public_Citizen: Say no to unlimited corporate $$$ in #politics! Sign the petition & pledge to protest Sept 9 on www.DontGetRolled.org. • Spread the Word: Use our handy Tell a Friend page. Stay tuned to find out more about Sept. 9 actions coming to a town near you. We look forward to hearing about what you do. Keep in touch, and send us any photos or videos to share at action@citizen.org. Thank you for all you do! Rick, Angela and Glenn Your Advocates at Public Citizen action@citizen.org actions :) http://www.citizen.org/action/ Public Citizen Remembers Ted Kennedy :) This Action, on Change.org, the url :) Learn about Senator Ted Kennedy :) http://education.change.org/actions/view/learn_about_senator_ted_kennedy http://www.change.org/profile/189788/actions Learn about, talk about, Senator Ted Kennedy, and send a message of condolences to his family :) The Kennedy's, our country, and humanity suffered a great loss yesterday, with the passing of Senator Ted Kennedy; who will be missed, deeply. In memory of Ted, "The Lion of the Senate", the second longest serving Senator in our countries Congress, he serving for 47 years, let's finish what he started, let's get universal healthcare, healthcare in every pot; please, advocate for singlepayer healthcare, with CCA, Community Choice Act (for the handicapped, disabled, etc.); H.R. 676 & S. 703, are the best of the lot, so far; i.m.h.o.. Sen. Edward Kennedy was a dear friend of Public Citizen and a unique person in the Congress whose history and leadership will never be forgotten. Public Citizen is delivering a card to Sen. Kennedy's office on behalf of our staff, members and supporters. We invite you to sign the card expressing your appreciation of Sen. Kennedy. Few did as much to advance civil rights and social justice as Sen. Kennedy, who was also an early and longtime champion of health care for all. Over the years, he worked with Public Citizen on key public health and safety issues. On our 35th anniversary, Sen. Kennedy called Public Citizen "an effective voice protecting the fundamental rights of all Americans." But the most effective voice over the past four decades was his. Add your name to Public Citizen's card celebrating Sen. Kennedy's life and work. Please feel free to forward this message to anyone you know who will miss Sen. Kennedy. We'll be accepting signatures until noon EST on Monday, August 31. Thank you for all you do! Public Citizen feedback@citizen.org Stay informed and speak out when it counts. Sign up for the Public Citizen Action Network or other online announcements. Join the Public Citizen Action Network \| Support Us \| Take Action http://www.citizen.org/action/ \| Copyright 2009 Public Citizen [ send green star]
James M N.	Give a gift that keeps on giving, Fair Trade Chocolate :) August 06, 2009 9:44 AM Give a gift that keeps on giving, Fair Trade Chocolate :) This Action, on Change.org, the url :) fairtrade chocolate :) http://fairtrade.change.org/actions/view/fairtrade_chocolate http://www.change.org/profile/189788/actions http://www.notforsaletn.org/#/home/ You wouldn't beat a child for a chocolate bar; why would you pay someone else to do so? Children on the Ivory Coast spend their days under the broiling sun, doing hard and dangerous work with machetes. They receive no pay, and no education or medical care. At night they are locked up in rooms and severely beaten if they try to escape, all to harvest 70% of the cacao beans used to make the chocolate bars we eat. We wouldn't beat a child for a chocolate bar; why would we pay someone else to do so? Make the decision to buy differently. Stock up on freely made chocolate (found at Trader Joe's, Publix, and Whole Foods) and keep it in the freezer to eat the next time you have a chocolate craving. Give some for gifts, explaining the Fair Trade symbol and why it is important to you. And next time you see a manager at one of these stores, give them a shout-out and say THANKS for choosing freely made chocolate. [ send green star]
James M N.	Friends Digest Vol. 3, No. 6 August 04, 2009 7:36 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 . --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: . We also have a link on our home page to a Q&A that may answer your questions about federal parole: . '``':-.,_,.-:'``':-.,_,.-:'``':-.,_,.-:'``' "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 '``':-.,_,.-:'``':-.,_,.-:'``':-.,_,.-:'``' ----- 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.	rest :) Green Party Actions: July 2009 Greenline; etc.. July 22, 2009 10:17 AM The first 100 days under a Green Party administration by John Rensenbrink, Maine Green Independent Party http://gp.org/greenpages-blog/?p=1215 The First 100 Days http://gp.org/greenpages-blog/?p=1212 Hunger strike for strong climate legislation continues by SKCM-Curry, Green Party of California http://gp.org/greenpages-blog/?p=1209 Elections New York City leads a vibrant campaign Billy Talen attracting attention in his bid for Mayor by Gloria Mattera, Green Party of New York State http://gp.org/greenpages-blog/?p=1188 A Green Party Mayor of New York City? Elect-a-lujah! Reverend Billy's Fight Song with sing-a-long video http://gp.org/greenpages-blog/?p=1185 Ross Mirkarimi first Green appointed to California Coastal Commission by Mike Feinstein, Green Party of California http://gp.org/greenpages-blog/?p=1182 Snyder Appointed to Golden Gate Board http://gp.org/greenpages-blog/?p=1179 Landslide wins in Wisconsin Green candidates win 7 of 12 seats in Spring 2009 by Ron Hardy, Green Party of Wisconsin and editor of GreenPartyWatch.org http://gp.org/greenpages-blog/?p=1177 The "Green Guy" runs for office in Massachusetts by L. Scott Laugenour, Green-Rainbow Party http://gp.org/greenpages-blog/?p=1173 Michael Canney campaigns for Alachua City Commission http://gp.org/greenpages-blog/?p=1170 Searching out the mole Greens commence a lawsuit in pursuit of the Florida Five by Barbara Rodgers-Hendricks, Green Party of Florida http://gp.org/greenpages-blog/?p=1166 Toolbox A step-by-step guide to achieving ballot status Arizona tells how they got it done by Claudia Ellquist, Co-chair of the Arizona Green Party http://gp.org/greenpages-blog/?p=1277 World Historic Green win to Lower House of Western Australia State Parliament by Stephen Luntz, Australian Greens Victoria Elections Analyst and Mike Feinstein, International Committee of the Green Party of the United States http://gp.org/greenpages-blog/?p=1265 First African Green University held in Morocco by Mike Feinstein, International Committee of the Green Party of the United States http://gp.org/greenpages-blog/?p=1261 The Rabat Declaration Approved by Consensus by the regional Green representatives from seven countries at the African Green University, March 27th, 2009 http://gp.org/greenpages-blog/?p=1257 German Greens gear up for September vote Report from the Berlin Congress by Phil Hill, German Greens http://gp.org/greenpages-blog/?p=1252 Meeting the Hidden People My trip to the United States by Liaquat Ali, co-spokesperson, Pakistan Green Party includes a video blog by Ali http://gp.org/greenpages-blog/?p=1248 Longest-serving Green leader in Canada to step down by Mike Feinstein, International Committee of the Green Party of the United States http://gp.org/greenpages-blog/?p=1244 "Think Big, Vote Green" Greens Elected in Record Numbers to European Parliament by Mike Feinstein, member International Committee of the Green Party of the United States http://gp.org/greenpages-blog/?p=1241 Opinion A belief in hope, but a commitment to vigilance Looking harder than skin-deep at Obama by Anita Rios, Co-convener of the Green Party of Ohio http://gp.org/greenpages-blog/?p=1289 Why Keynesian stimulus packages will not work by Titus North, Pennsylvania Green Party http://gp.org/greenpages-blog/?p=1285 A new path for the Green Party by Carl Archambeau, Sr., Michigan Green Party http://gp.org/greenpages-blog/?p=1282 Young Greens A plan for improving education Bringing it home with tax cuts for test scores by Lewis Pollis and Terrence Banks, Green Party of Ohio http://gp.org/greenpages-blog/?p=1269 Reports 2009 Summer State Reports http://gp.org/greenpages-blog/?cat=305 Getting to know the Green Party platform Economic sustainability, banking and insurance reform http://gp.org/greenpages-blog/?p=1238 Evergreen The 21st Century Environmental Revolution: A Comprehensive Strategy for Conservation, Global Warming and the Environment by Mark C. Henderson a book review by David McCorquodale, Green Party of Delaware http://gp.org/greenpages-blog/?p=1206 Millions of little things saving us Quoted from Pete Seeger on Democracy Now http://gp.org/greenpages-blog/?p=1204 Green a poem by Chris Brandt http://gp.org/greenpages-blog/?p=1202 The color of Green An Interview with Tony Affigne, Green Party of Rhode Island http://gp.org/greenpages-blog/?p=1192 [ send green star]
James M N.	Green Party Actions: July 2009 Greenline; etc.. :) July 22, 2009 10:15 AM This Action, on Change.org, the url :) Help Poor :) http://uspoverty.change.org/actions/view/help_poor http://www.change.org/profile/189788/actions July 2009 Greenline :) Back to GP.org North Carolina Central University is Going Green - Annual National Meeting in Durham This Weekend Greens from across the country will converge on Durham, North Carolina starting this Thursday for the 2009 Green Party Annual National Meeting. Greens will take an opportunity to meet, discuss Green party values and strategy, and lay the groundwork for campaigns in 2010, 2012, and beyond. Come and meet Lynne Williams, our 2010 Gubenatorial Candidate from Maine and other candidates! There are a number of special events open to the public including:. Friday, 3:30-4:30 pm will be a Public Forum on single-payer healthcare. Friday, 6:30-8:30 pm will be a special screening of the documentary "Coal Country," on mountain top coal removal and the coal industry, introduced by Jesse Johnson, 2008 Green Party candidate for nomination for president and for governor of West Virginia. Jesse is also featured in the film. Saturday, 3:30 pm will be a presentation from 2008 Green Party Presidential Candidate Cynthia McKinney. Saturday, 8:30 - 10:30 pm: Fundraiser at Marvell Event Center. 119 W Main Street, Durham, NC Workshops will be held on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. This year, Greens can take part in discussions in four tracks: Issues, Campaign School, Skill-Building, and Strategizing. Presenters will discuss fundraising, getting out the vote, building state and local parties, ballot access, candidate recruitment, and "Greening" the web. National Committee delegates and state-approved observers will be participating in a meeting Friday-Sunday. It's not too late to attend! Registration will take place on site starting Thursday at noon. If you can make it to Durham, we want you there! Check out the North Carolina Green Party's ANM page to buy your fundraiser tickets, get details, directions, lodging information, and a full schedule. Green Pages Bundles Available Green Pages, the national newspaper of the Green Party of the United States is now available for distribution at fairs, festivals, state and local meetings, and on the street. Click here to purchase a bundle of 100 copies. The Summer 2009 issue includes articles on the Green Party response to the first 100 days of the Obama administration, the Green Party's Reverend Billy's campaign for mayor of New York City, results from several successful campaigns in Wisconsin spring elections, and more. You can see the online version of Green Pages here. Keep the Heat on Bill Maher On June 19th, Bill Maher (former host of Politically Incorrect and current host of HBO's Real Time with Bill Maher) asked his viewers "Shouldn't there be one party that unambiguously supports cutting the military budget, a party that is straight up in favor of gun control, gay marriage, higher taxes on the rich, universal health care - legalizing pot - and steep, direct taxing of polluters?" Seeing ourselves in his description of a truly progressive party, the Green Party of the United States wrote an open letter to Bill Maher asking him to invite Green Party representatives and candidates on his show. We asked you to help convince Bill Maher to invite us, and you responded! Now we need you to keep the heat on BIll Maher. Call his show's studio at (323) 575-2345 and ask the switchboard operator for the production office of Real Time with Bill Maher. Then ask him to invite America's true progressive party - the Green Party - on his show. You can also e-mail Real Time and ask to see the Green Party on the air - over 1,000 of you already have! We Need You to Keep the Green Party Strong! What can you do now? Donate what you can to strengthen our voice so that we can make our vision a reality. If you have given recently, please consider giving more. And if you haven't given in some time, please consider making today the day you give. Make a commitment to help monthly. If you can only afford a little each month, you can become a monthly sustainer. Sustainers help the party maintain a steady income by donating every month with a credit or debit card. Having a steady income helps us budget for campaign schools, ballot access drives, and direct financial support to local, state and federal candidates. Already a sustainer? E-mail office@gp.org if you can increase your monthly donation. Thank you for your financial support! The Green Party takes no money from real estate companies, investment firms, or insurance companies. In fact, we don't take any corporate money because we think corporate money in politics is wrong. If you agree, please help us today. Your donation to the Green Party will help make sure we have a strong Green party today and into the future. Email: gpinfo@gp.org Office: PO Box 57065 Washington, D.C. 20037 202-319-7191 or toll-free (US): 866-41GREEN We are not the alternative - we are the imperative. Rosa Clemente Summer 2009 issue of Green Pages now online :) The Summer issue of Green Pages is now on-line at: http://gp.org/greenpages-blog/ read ... comment ... spread Features Tamez Stronghold Indigenous response to the U. S. Border Wall by Wendy Kenin, California Green Party http://gp.org/greenpages-blog/?p=1234 The dangers of the Connecticut campaign finance law State Greens sue to pull down law prohibitive to minor parties by Mike DeRosa, co-chair of the Green Party of Connecticut http://gp.org/greenpages-blog/?p=1230 Greens mourn a founding member Guy Chichester of New Hampshire dies http://gp.org/greenpages-blog/?p=1226 This year's gathering to be cost-effective and fun 2009 Annual National Meeting to be held in Durham, NC by Jan Martell, NC Green Party http://gp.org/greenpages-blog/?p=1222 .... [ send green star]
James M N.	The Attacks on Sotomayor Begin :) July 21, 2009 4:39 AM Action, on Change.org, the url :) Supreme Court Justice :) http://education.change.org/actions/view/supreme_court_justice http://www.change.org/profile/189788/actions Learn about the confirmation of a Justice for the Supreme Court, process, and more about Judge Sonia Sotomayor; and watch it :) Learn more about Judge Sonia Sotomayor :) http://www.civilrights.org/judiciary/supreme-court-nominees/sotomayor/ More information about watching the hearings http://www.civilrights.org/action_center/watch-the-judge-sotomayor.html The hearings will be broadcast live on C-SPAN and PBS. You can also watch live streaming video of the hearings online at PBS.org/newshour http://www.pbs.org/newshour/ The Attacks on Sotomayor Begin :) http://sotomayorforjustice.com/ Yesterday, conservatives began their attack on Judge Sotomayor. It didn't take long for outside special interest groups to pile on. Judge Sotomayor was well prepared and spoke as the Supreme Court nominee with the most federal and judicial experience in the last 100 years. Republican Senators continued to turn away from her qualifications, and instead focus on her life experience suggesting that somehow empathy and diversity equates to prejudice. Most disconcerting, was their outrageous suggestion that Judge Sotomayor’s appreciation of her heritage and life experience may somehow stymie her ability to adhere to and enforce the law as a Supreme Court Justice. Make no mistake though. The same life experience that President Obama praised was being attacked and this time it was "The Berkeley La Raza Law Journal" who was the target for a lecture it published in 2001. Please note the first round of questions is expected to be completed by late morning or early afternoon, at which time the committee will move into closed session. It is routine for the committee to hold a closed session with Supreme Court nominees. Following a lunch break, the committee will resume open session, and will begin the second round of questions. Questions in the second round are expected to be 20 minutes in length. This was the Day to Watch by Terry Maroney, Associate Professor at Vanderbilt University Law School Yesterday each side set out the broad themes and primary points of contention, and Judge Sonia Sotomayor made some initial remarks. While revealing, Day One is not where fates rise or fall. Today we moved on to substantive questioning and debate, within which the Judge was able to speak more freely and at length, explaining both particular decisions and her judicial philosophy. Well, Day Two is over, and Sotomayor has not had a “complete meltdown.” According to the Day-One prediction of Senator Lindsey Graham, then, she certainly will be confirmed. This is as it should be: her judicial and academic credentials are unimpeachable. Right Wing and Conservative Attacks So far the only reports have come from inside the Senate Judiciary Committee hearings, from the Senators, and Judge Sotomayor's on record remarks. Outside (and inside) interest groups have become more vocal and the attacks on Sotomayor more pointed. Yesterday the Committee for Justice launched a "Stop Sonia Sotomayor" campaign and they had the audacity to compare Judge Sotomayor to Bill Ayers and even go as far as saying she supported violent terrorists. Watch the Committee for Justice Ad The Republican National Committee launched its own campaign "This is Where Policy is Made" and tries to label Judge Sotomayor as an "Activist Judge" who would legislate from the bench. Watch the Republican National Committee Ad Myths and falsehoods Surrounding the Sotomayor Nomination MYTH: The Supreme Court decided Ricci "9-0" against Sotomayor Following the Supreme Court's decision in Ricci v. DeStefano -- which reversed by a 5-4 margin a decision by the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals -- several conservative media figures have claimed that the Supreme Court decided "against" Sotomayor "9-0." In fact, while Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg wrote in her dissent that "[o]rdinarily, a remand for fresh consideration would be in order" and that "I would not oppose a remand for further proceedings fair to both sides," she concluded, "[W]hat this case does not present is race-based discrimination in violation of Title VII." That conclusion is consistent with the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decision Sotomayor joined. MYTH: Supreme Court reversal of Ricci an "extraordinary rebuke" for Sotomayor In a May 27 editorial, The Washington Times stated that if the Supreme Court were to reverse the 2nd Circuit decision in Ricci -- which the High Court subsequently did by a 5-4 margin -- "It would be an extraordinary rebuke were a current nominee to be overruled on such a controversial case by the very justices she is slated to join." But it is a myth that the Ricci reversal represents an "extraordinary rebuke" for Sotomayor. Indeed, the Supreme Court reversed at least four decisions by the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court in which Samuel Alito either wrote or joined the majority opinion, and Alito also received a "rebuke" by Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, whom he replaced, regarding his dissent in the abortion-rights case, Planned Parenthood v. Casey. Read more about the myths and falsehoods surrounding the Sotomayor nomination News Clips Nominee Says Identity Wouldn’t Distort Decisions New York Times Sotomayor Leaves Passion Behind in Her Testimony New York Times Sotomayor Warms the Hearing Room With a Confident Touch Washington Post Sotomayor Points Sen. Sessions to Another Case Wall Street Journal Sincerely, Henry Solano Interim President and General Counsel MALDEF P.S. Be sure to tell your friends and family about our efforts around Judge Sotomayor. We need everyone involved! http://www.sotomayorforjustice.com/action/taf Make sure.... [ send green star]
James M N.	D is for Deception :) July 16, 2009 3:57 AM Action, on Change.org, the url :) singlepayer = healthcare :) http://healthcare.change.org/actions/view/singlepayer_healthcare http://www.change.org/profile/189788/actions Yesterday, the House Democrats unveiled their health care reform bill. Even if it passes, it is bound to fail... http://www.votenader.org Last two days to get the pathbreaking book Grand Illusion: The Myth of Voter Choice in a Two-Party Tyranny -- autographed by Ralph Nader -- see details below Join :) http://www.singlepayeraction.org//join.html Why? Because it keeps the insurance industry in the game. It will cost a trillion dollars over ten years. It won't cover tens of millions of Americans. It won't control costs. And it's a bailout for the insurance industry. Only a single payer -- everybody in, nobody out -- national health insurance bill (co-sponsored by 85 members of the House -- most recently by Congressman John Murtha (D-Pennsylvania)) will hit the grand slam -- cover everyone, save money, control costs, and fix a broken health care system. But what struck me yesterday while watching the Democrats was the depth of their deception. There was Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer. Both heaping praise upon and honoring Congressman John Dingell (D-Michigan). And his father -- John Dingell, Sr. John Dingell, Sr. represented Michigan's 15th district for 22 years until his death in 1955. John Dingell, Jr. has represented the district ever since. But not once during the press conference did anyone mention that it was John Dingell, Sr. who first introduced a single payer bill in Congress in 1943. And it was Democratic leaders in Congress and President Barack Obama who took single payer off the table. The Republicans will tell you straight up -- we're for big business. Single payer is socialism. And that's why we're against single payer. When the Democrats are out of power, they will tell you what you want to hear -- we're for single payer. They then take power, and all of a sudden, they are against single payer. Take Henry Waxman (D-California) as a case in point. For years, Henry Waxman was a co-sponsor of HR 676 -- the single payer bill in the House. Until earlier this year, when he became part of the leadership in the House. Then Waxman took his name off the single payer bill. In 2003, Barack Obama said he was for single payer. Obama said at the time that we would have single payer in America only when the Democrats took back the White House and Congress. Last year, Obama and the Democrats took back the White House and Congress. And now President Obama is opposed to single payer. The reality is that there is only one solution to the health care crisis -- get the insurance companies out of health care. The Democrats are now engaged in what Dr. Marcia Angell -- former editor of the New England Journal of Medicine -- calls "the futility of piecemeal tinkering." Angell and a majority of doctors in the United States -- and a majority of the American people -- believe that only a major single payer overhaul will get the job done. That's why we're challenging the Democrats around the country. And we will continue to challenge them, and the health insurance industry to whom they are beholden, until single payer becomes a reality in America. We're in it for the long haul. Thanks to your generosity, Single Payer Action has directly confronted Democratic leaders including: Congressman Henry Waxman (D-California) Senator Charles Schumer (D-New York) Senator Kent Conrad (D-North Dakota) Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-Maryland) First Lady Michelle Obama Senator Chris Dodd (D-Connecticut) White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-California) Senator Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) White House Health Czar Nancy Ann DeParle Senator Max Baucus (D-Montana). And we're planning to ratchet up the confrontation when Congress heads home for the August recess. We have more than 20 single payer activists in our network now -- and the list continues to grow. The idea is to build a national core group of activists who will challenge members of Congress in non-violent direct confrontation. To demand an answer -- why are you ignoring the plight of the American people? And to demand action -- put single payer on the table now. We need your help now to fund and expand this network in time for next month's Congressional recess. So, please, donate now http://salsa.wiredforchange.com/o/5710/t/4327/shop/custom.jsp?donate_page_KEY=24 22 -- whatever you can afford -- $10, $20, $50, $100, $500, $1,000. So that we can confront the corporate Democrats in August. And remember, only two days left on our special book offer. If you donate $100 or more now, http://salsa.wiredforchange.com/o/5710/t/4327/shop/custom.jsp?donate_page_KEY=24 22 we will send you a copy, hot off the press, of Theresa Amato's hard cover, 379-page masterpiece -- Grand Illusion: The Myth of Voter Choice in a Two-Party Tyranny (The New Press, June 2009). Autographed by Ralph Nader -- who wrote the foreword to the book. Phil Donahue said this about Grand Illusion: "Theresa Amato takes the biggest swing -- not a jab, but a roundhouse punch -- at America's corrupt electoral system." So, don't delay. Please donate now. http://salsa.wiredforchange.com/o/5710/t/4327/shop/custom.jsp?donate_page_KEY=24 22 So that we can challenge the corporate Democrats on their home turf in August. Together, we can make the difference. Onward to a life-saving, cost-saving single payer. Russell Mokhiber PS: Remember -- only two days left. If you donate $100 or more to Single Payer Action now, we'll send to you a copy of Grand Illusion by Theresa Amato -- autographed by Ralph Nader. The offer ends this Friday July [ send green star]
James M N.	Now You Can DoPeace :) July 02, 2009 1:16 AM This Action, on Change.org, the url :) Create Peace :) http://middleeast.change.org/actions/view/create_peace Create peace in the Middle East, by creating peace everywhere :) Join the Peace Alliance on DoPeace :) Empowering Civic Activism for a Culture of Peace :) We're thrilled to announce the launch of DoPeace http://dopeace.ning.com our online community of, by and for volunteers with The Peace Alliance, Student Peace Alliance and the Campaign for a U.S. Department of Peace. At DoPeace, we come together to celebrate, support and foster effective and FUN citizen-based peace activism. Online networking is a powerful and proven tool for effective grassroots organizing. By participating in the community, we can reach beyond geographic boundaries and time zones to connect with new people, share great ideas, increase our impact and grow the campaign. Here are the simple steps you can take to join the community and use this powerful new tool: 1. Go to http://dopeace.ning.com/ and Sign Up 2. Watch the DoPeace Overview Video http://dopeace.ning.com/video/dopeace-overview if you want tips about the site (linkable off the home page) 3. Click on the Groups link http://dopeace.ning.com/groups and search for your state name * Join your State group * Join your chapter group. If it doesn't exist yet, you (yes YOU!) can create it. Be sure to name it with the State Name first, followed by the District Number (e.g., "Maryland 08" for Maryland's district 8). 4. Get active in the community. You can: * Upload your own pictures http://dopeace.ning.com/photo and videos http://dopeace.ning.com/video of campaign activities you've been part of * Read Peace Alliance Executive Director Lynn McMullen's blog http://dopeace.ning.com/profiles/blogs/believing-in-peace * Write your own blog http://dopeace.ning.com/profiles/blog/list * Make friends http://dopeace.ning.com/profiles/members/ directly with people all across the nation * See what's happening in other parts of the country and get great ideas * Discuss http://dopeace.ning.com/forum ideas, issues, news or challenges in organizing * Create and publicize events http://dopeace.ning.com/events * Spread the word on Facebook, Myspace and many other sites * Get help from the DoPeace administrators http://dopeace.ning.com/forum/categories/dopeace-help/listForCategory * And more! 5. Invite everyone http://dopeace.ning.com/main/invitation/new in your network to join DoPeace and help build the community. We look forward to connecting with you on DoPeace! In peace and partnership, John, Kim, Shands, Ted, and Wendy The DoPeace Administrator Team Student Peace Alliance The Peace Alliance www.thepeacealliance.org Subscribe http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/696/t/1681/signUp.jsp?key=836 Contact Us info@thepeacealliance.org [ send green star]
James M N.	Participate in Thomas Merton Center's humanitarian projects :) July 02, 2009 1:13 AM This Action, on Change.org, the url :) Act with TMC :) http://humanitarianrelief.change.org/actions/view/act_with_tmc Music, monks and health care: Thomas Merton Center Weekly E-News :) Thomas Merton Center Weekly E-News :) Events listed below are sponsored by the Thomas Merton Center, its projects and affiliates. Others are invited to please send event information to news@thomasmertoncenter.org for inclusion on the TMC online calendar. For more information on these and other peace and justice events, check the listings at http://www.thomasmertoncenter.org/Calendar.htm In This Issue Take in a Concert for TMC TMC and G-20 Health care heats up TMC Board Nominations TMC closed, Gethsemani open Take in a concert for TMC Tomorrow, enjoy an evening of great music to support the Thomas Merton Center. Thursday, June 25, 8pm, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra presents its sixth annual Community Partners concert. The Community Partners Program is a collaboration with 50 local nonprofit organizations. The PSO donates proceeds from the concert's ticket sales to the organizations, including TMC. At this year's concert, PSO Resident Conductor Lawrence Loh will lead the orchestra in the first half of the concert featuring cellist and 2009 Sphinx Competition winner Tony Rymer. In the second half, legendary singer Chaka Khan performs her Grammy-winning R&B hits with the PSO. Ticket prices start at $21.50. Be sure to mention the Thomas Merton Center and "code 11791" when you buy your tickets. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here, or contact the Heinz Hall Box Office at 412.392.4900 or visit www.pittsburghsymphony.org. TMC and G-20 TMC is hosting a meeting focused on coalition building for progression action during G-20 Summit. Friends. supporters and representatives from local groups are invited to join us Saturday, June 27 9am to 12noon at the First Unitarian Church, 605 Morewood in Shadyside. During this meeting we will be sharing plans and working together to create an effective, unified effort as activists from around the world prepare to gather in Pittsburgh. For more information, call 412-361-3022.Health care heats up Join Pittsburgh North People for Peace to hear about the latest rounds in the debate on Capitol Hill with "Healthcare Reform and the 111th Congress" Sunday, June 28 from 3pm to 5pm at Kearns Spirituality Center, 9000 Babcock Blvd., McCandless. Sandra Fox, president/Co-Chair of the WPA Coalition for Single-Payer Healthcare, will provide an overview of each of the healthcare plans being proposed. Discussion will follow. For more information, call (412) 367-0383 or email PNPP@comcast.net TMC Board Nominations There is still time to nominate someone (including yourself!) to run for a seat on the TMC Board. Those elected this year will assume office in January of 2010 and serve through December of 2011. Candidates should submit a resumé or bio by August 15. Members will receive their election ballots in the mail, and the names of nominees will be published in the September issue of The NewPeople.Nominations and resumés may be sent to the Center c/o the Board Nominating Committee, or e-mail nominations to Carole Wiedmann. TMC closed, Gethsemani open The TMC office will be closed over the Independence Day holiday weekend from July 3 through July 6, and reopen Tuesday, July 7. The staff is traveling to Kentucky to visit the Abbey of Gethsemani, where Thomas Merton lived and worked from 1941-68. TMC staffers expect to read, write, think, help the monks with their farming, and check out Merton's burial site while eating the cheese and bourbon fudge the monks make at the Abbey. To learn more about the place, visit http://www.monks.org/ Important peace and justice efforts are going on all over Pittsburgh, and not just at the Thomas Merton Center. To learn about other progressive events, check out the TMC Peace and Justice Calendar. Send to a Friend This email was sent by news@thomasmertoncenter.org. Thomas Merton Center \| 5125 Penn Avenue \| Pittsburgh \| Pittsburgh \| PA \| 15224 [ send green star]
James M N.	ACCION eNews: Microfinance- Bearing Fruit in Bolivia :) June 26, 2009 11:57 PM ACCION eNews: Microfinance- Bearing Fruit in Bolivia :) This Action, on Change.org, the url :) Roots of Inequality :) http://globalhealth.change.org/actions/view/roots_of_inequality https://www.accion.org/Page.aspx?pid=1666 June 2009 :) New Book! Microfinance for Bankers and Investors In her new book, Elisabeth Rhyne, managing director of the Center for Financial Inclusion at ACCION International, explains how providing financial services to the poor is a unique business opportunity that is both socially AND financially responsible. Packed with instructive case studies, Microfinance for Bankers and Investors: Understanding the Opportunities and Challenges of the Market at the Bottom of the Pyramid offers readers a road map for where and how to successfully invest in greater financial inclusion. Purchase your copy on Amazon.com today! Meeting the Needs of Mexican Microentrepreneurs ACCION has partnered with a young and innovative microfinance institution (MFI) in Mexico to reach more microentrepreneurs at the base of the economic pyramid. ACCION and enConfianza signed a long-term contract earlier this month in which ACCION will advise the MFI on credit methodology, risk management, project and process management, and human resources and organizational development. Read more here. ACCION USA: Now Connecting Individual Lenders to U.S. Borrowers in Need ACCION USA, a leader and innovator in U.S. microfinance since 1991, has teamed up with Kiva.org to connect U.S. entrepreneurs seeking small business loans with individual lenders, through Kiva’s person-to-person online lending platform. Check out ACCION USA’s blog for more details on this exciting new partnership. Exposing the Roots of Inequality – the Human Opportunity Index The World Bank’s recently published “Human Opportunity Index” (HOI) offers a unique framework for examining the root causes of inequality. Focusing specifically on children and opportunity, the HOI identifies those circumstances outside a child’s control – e.g., race, parents’ level of education, access to electricity or clean water – that can determine a child’s economic future. Learn more about the HOI and how microfinance can improve a child’s economic outlook here. https://www.accion.org/Page.aspx?pid=1666 Investments in Microfinance: Surviving the Liquidity Crisis and Ensuring Sustainable Growth. London, July 7–9, 2009. Elisabeth Rhyne, managing director, Center for Financial Inclusion at ACCION International, speaker. 4th African Microfinance Conference. Ouagadougou, Burkino Faso, July 7–10, 2009. Brian Kuwik, vice president and program manager, Africa, ACCION International, speaker. The Investment Opportunity for Pensions, Endowments, Foundations & Social Investors Summit. Washington, D.C., July 13–14, 2009. Monica Brand, principal director, Frontier Investments Group, ACCION International, speaker. View all events Did you know... Donations totaling just $500 can help provide a loan to a vegetable oil vendor in Nigeria, to enable her to jump-start her microenterprise selling vegetable oil and increase her income. Your gift helps put women like Alhaja Falolu Afusat (pictured above) on the path to a brighter future. Give today! Microfinance – Bearing Fruit in Bolivia Selling goods at the Abastos Market in Santa Cruz, Bolivia is a highly competitive endeavor and not for the faint of heart. With just one look at sisters Eva, Abelina and Jesusa Chiri – perched atop a heap of pineapples in the back of a forty foot rig – it’s clear that they mean business. Read the full story... ACCION International is a private, nonprofit organization with the mission of giving people the financial tools they need – microloans, business training and other financial services – to work their way out of poverty. A world pioneer in microfinance, ACCION issued its first microloan in 1973 in Brazil . Today, ACCION’s partner microfinance institutions serve more than 3.7 million poor entrepreneurs per year in 23 countries in Latin America, Asia, Africa and the United States . [ send green star]
James M N.	Thousands of Refugees Flee Regime Attacks :) June 22, 2009 12:07 AM Thousands of Refugees Flee Regime Attacks :) These Actions, on Change.org, the url :) Act / Refugees :) http://genocide.change.org/actions/view/act_refugees http://www.change.org/profile/189788/actions Phone Call for Human Rights Telephone Jason Wiens, who handles foreign affairs for your Congressperson Jerry Moran at (202) 225-2715. Easy instructions here. http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/1189/t/8252/blastContent.jsp?email_blast_KEY=1141859&t= Dear James M We need your help for a few minutes. Over the weekend, Burma's military regime began bombing (with shells/mortar rounds) villages of Karen people in eastern Burma. Thousands of refugees are streaming out of the area, over the Moei river and into Thailand. We received some photos of people fleeing, yesterday, and released them to the media. Indiscriminately targeting peoples' homes and lives is a crime against humanity and war crime, illegal under international law. Over recent years, Burma's regime has decimated over 3,300 villages and forced at least 1.5 million people to flee their homes. Regime troops destroy food supplies, hospitals/clinics, schools, and even cooking pots. Yet, the UN Security Council has not acted to stop these attacks, even though they investigated and took action in similar situations in Yugoslavia (former), Rwanda, and Darfur. Right now, two leading members of Congress are organizing a letter to President Obama that urges him to take action to stop these attacks once and for all, and bring the perpetrators -- the Burmese regime -- to justice. Can you help us by calling Jason Wiens at (202) 225-2715, who handles foreign affairs for your Congressperson Jerry Moran, to ask if Rep. Moran will add their name to the letter? All the instructions you need are right here. Already, 35 members of Congress have signed this letter, but we need many more to make an impact. If you have already called, please call again and follow-up until your Congressperson signs on. We know the Burmese regime pays a great deal of attention to the UN Security Council, because senior diplomats, who have met with regime leaders, have told us first-hand. After you make your calls, please write to us, right away (at mikejen@uscampaignforburma.org) to let us know how your call went. Sincerely, Mike Haack, Jeremy Woodrum Background Articles Aid group: 3,000 villagers flee Myanmar shelling Associated Press Rights Group Warns of Clashes in Burma Voice of America 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. Also, Sign a petition :) https://secure.avaaz.org/en/free_aung_san_suu_kyi/ U.S. Campaign for Burma (UCSB) :) http://uscampaignforburma.org/ [ send green star]
James M N.	Make fundraising page / Planned Parenthood on change.org June 08, 2009 1:39 PM Make fundraising page / Planned Parenthood on change.org Make a fundraising page for Planned Parenthood of America, on www.change.org :) These Actions, on Change.org, the url :) $ for PPA :) http://womensrights.change.org/actions/view/_for_ppa http://www.change.org/ppfa About :) Planned Parenthood believes in the fundamental right of each individual, throughout the world, to manage his or her fertility, regardless of the individual's income, marital status, race, ethnicity... Website :) http://www.plannedparenthood.org/ Location :) 434 West 33rd St., New York, NY 10001 [ send green star]
James M N.	Obama's historic nominee for the Supreme Court :) June 08, 2009 1:30 PM Obama's historic nominee for the Supreme Court :) These Actions, on Change.org, the url :) Act Civic :) http://womensrights.change.org/actions/view/act_civic http://www.plannedparenthood.org/about-us/newsroom.htm http://www.plannedparenthood.org/ You've probably already heard the news: President Obama has nominated Judge Sonia Sotomayor to replace retiring Justice David Souter on the U.S. Supreme Court. Over the coming days and weeks, we're going to be hearing a lot about Judge Sotomayor, both from her supporters and her critics. If you turn on your TV or open up a web browser, you'll see it's already started. That's why I wanted to let you know what Planned Parenthood has said about Judge Sotomayor. We believe that this historic nomination sends a strong signal that President Obama understands the importance of ensuring that our Supreme Court justices respect precedent while protecting our civil liberties. Judge Sotomayor has vast experience in nearly every aspect of the law, having served as a big-city prosecutor and a corporate litigator, a federal trial judge on the U.S. District Court, and an appellate judge on the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. What our nation needs from our Supreme Court Justices is a deep understanding of the law and its impact on everyday Americans, and a commitment to the protection of our individual liberties. We look forward to Judge Sotomayor bringing these qualities to the Supreme Court. There is no doubt that Judge Sotomayor's story is an inspiration to all. Her nomination as the first Hispanic woman justice reminds us that with hard work, dedication, and commitment all things are truly possible in America. Please keep an eye out for future updates from Planned Parenthood on this historic nomination. Sincerely, Cecile Richards, President Planned Parenthood Federation of America visit plannedparenthood.org © 2009 Planned Parenthood® Federation of America [ send green star]
James M N.	Ten Things About Judge Sonia Sotomayor June 08, 2009 1:29 PM Ten Things About Judge Sonia Sotomayor These Actions, on Change.org, the url :) Civic Act :) http://socialentrepreneurship.change.org/actions/view/civic_act Dear MoveOn member, Today, President Obama nominated Judge Sonia Sotomayor to be the next U.S. Supreme Court justice. Of course, the Right is already fighting against her confirmation—so we need to get the facts out about her impressive qualifications and background. Below is a list of 10 key things about Sonia Sotomayor that you might not know. Can you check it out and send it to 10 friends today? If each of us forwards the list, we can start to get the word out about Judge Sotomayor, and help to ensure that she gets a speedy and fair confirmation process. Ten Things To Know About Judge Sonia Sotomayor 1. Judge Sotomayor would bring more federal judicial experience to the bench than any Supreme Court justice in 100 years. Over her three-decade career, she has served in a wide variety of legal roles, including as a prosecutor, litigator, and judge. 2. Judge Sotomayor is a trailblazer. She was the first Latina to serve on the Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and was the youngest member of the court when appointed to the District Court for the Southern District of New York. If confirmed, she will be the first Hispanic to sit on the U.S. Supreme Court. 3. While on the bench, Judge Sotomayor has consistently protected the rights of working Americans, ruling in favor of health benefits and fair wages for workers in several cases. 4. Judge Sotomayor has shown strong support for First Amendment rights, including in cases of religious expression and the rights to assembly and free speech. 5. Judge Sotomayor has a strong record on civil rights cases, ruling for plaintiffs who had been discriminated against based on disability, sex and race. 6. Judge Sotomayor embodies the American dream. Born to Puerto Rican parents, she grew up in a South Bronx housing project and was raised from age nine by a single mother, excelling in school and working her way to graduate summa cum laude from Princeton University and to become an editor of the Law Journal at Yale Law School. 7. In 1995, Judge Sotomayor "saved baseball" when she stopped the owners from illegally changing their bargaining agreement with the players, thereby ending the longest professional sports walk-out in history. 8. Judge Sotomayor ruled in favor of the environment in a case of protecting aquatic life in the vicinity of power plants in 2007, a decision that was overturned by the Roberts Supreme Court. 9. In 1992, Judge Sotomayor was confirmed by the Senate without opposition after being appointed to the bench by George H.W. Bush. 10. Judge Sotomayor is a widely respected legal figure, having been described as "...an outstanding colleague with a keen legal mind," "highly qualified for any position in which wisdom, intelligence, collegiality and good character would be assets," and "a role model of aspiration, discipline, commitment, intellectual prowess and integrity." Judge Sotomayor is an historic, uniquely qualified nominee to the Supreme Court. Let's get the word out and make sure we get a prompt, fair confirmation on her nomination. Thanks for all you do, –Nita, Kat, Daniel, Ilyse and the rest of the team Sources for each of the 10 things: 1. White House Statement, May 26, 2009. http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51451&id=16226-1718406-i.pgcUx&t=1 2. White House Statement, May 26, 2009. http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51451&id=16226-1718406-i.pgcUx&t=2 3. Cases: Archie v. Grand Cent. Partnership, 997 F. Supp. 504 (S.D.N.Y. 1998) and Marcella v. Capital Dist. Physicians' Health Plan, Inc., 293 F.3d 42 (2d Cir. 2002). 4. Cases: Flamer v. White Plains, 841 F. Supp. 1365 (S.D.N.Y. 1993), Ford v. McGinnis, 352 F.3d 382 (2d Cir. 2003), and Campos v. Coughlin, 854 F. Supp. 194 (S.D.N.Y. 1994). 5a. "Sotomayor's Notable Court Opinions and Articles," The New York Times, May 26, 2009. http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51454&id=16226-1718406-i.pgcUx&t=3 5b. Cases: Bartlett v. N.Y. State Board, 970 F. Supp. 1094 (S.D.N.Y. 1997), Greenbaum v. Svenska Hendelsbanken, 67 F.Supp.2d 228 (S.D.N.Y. 1999), Raniola v. Bratton, 243 F.3d 610 (2d Cir. 2001), and Gant v. Wallingford Board of Education, 195 F.3d 134 (2d Cir. 1999). 6. "Sonia Sotomayor: 10 Things You Should Know," The Huffington Post, May 26, 2009. http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51452&id=16226-1718406-i.pgcUx&t=4 7. "How Sotomayor 'Saved' Baseball," Time, May 26, 2009. http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51455&id=16226-1718406-i.pgcUx&t=5 8. "Sotomayor's resume, record on notable cases," CNN, May 26, 2009. http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51453&id=16226-1718406-i.pgcUx&t=6 9. "Sotomayor's resume, record on notable cases," CNN, May 26, 2009. http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51453&id=16226-1718406-i.pgcUx&t=7 10a. Judge Richard C. Wesley, a George W. Bush appointee to the Second Circuit. http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51451&id=16226-1718406-i.pgcUx&t=8 10b. "Sotomayor is Highly Qualified," The Wall Street Journal, May 9, 2009. http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51456&id=16226-1718406-i.pgcUx&t=9 10c. Honorary Degree Citation, Pace University School of Law, 2003 Commencement. Want to support our work? We're entirely funded by our 5 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Chip in here. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. [ send green star]
James M N.	Struggle with genocide against the Burmese :) June 08, 2009 1:28 PM Struggle with genocide against the Burmese :) These Actions, on Change.org, the url :) Burmese Acts :) http://genocide.change.org/actions/view/burmese_acts Free Nobel Prize Winner Suu Kyi, sign the petition :) http://www.thehungersite.com/clickToGive/campaign.faces?siteId=1&campaign=FreeSuuKyi Call on the United Nations Security Council to insist upon Suu Kyi's immediate release from illegitimate house arrest in Burma :) http://www.thehungersite.com/clickToGive/campaign.faces?siteId=1&campaign=FreeSuuKyi Also, go to their advocacy and action center to struggle with genocide against the Burmese :) http://uscampaignforburma.org/take-action U.S. Campaign for Burma :) http://uscampaignforburma.org/ Previous actions, on Change.org, the url :) Act for Burma :) http://genocide.change.org/actions/view/act_for_burma More Previous Actions on Change.org, the url :) stop genocide :) http://genocide.change.org/actions/view/stop_genocide [ send green star]
James M N.	Universal, single-payer, healthcare, now :) June 08, 2009 1:03 PM Attend a meeting near you! Your members of Congress are returning to their home districts over the Memorial Day holiday and will be holding events on important health care issues near you. The time for discussion about health care reform is quickly diminishing and we need the voice of patients heard now! With so much at stake, please continue to be an advocate for change by attending a town hall meeting or local event with your Representative or Senator in the coming week. The National Health Council is mobilizing advocates like you all across the country, encouraging people to take action. We believe that it will be the collective patient voice that will make the difference in this debate, so join us today and speak up! Know your elected officials. Send a letter urging them to act on meaningful health care legislation that includes the five principles of health care reform :) http://www.nationalhealthcouncil.org/NHC_Files/files/5-healthcare-principals.pdf Cover Everyone Curb Costs Responsibly Abolish Exclusions of Pre-Existing Conditions Eliminate Lifetime Caps Ensure Respect at the End of Life Print a copy of the NHC five principles of health care reform and bring it to the meeting with you! The time for action is now and the potential for meaningful reform is greater than ever. Your action is urgently needed, so please attend a meeting near you and hold your elected officials accountable! Encourage your firends to sign the Petition for Health Care Change :) http://www.puttingpatientsfirst.net/petition-f2f/ For more information about this effort or if you have any questions, please contact either Emily Noonan at enoonan@nhcouncil.org or Nathan Vafaie at nvafaie@nhcouncil.org. By working together we can make sure our country has health care that Puts Patients First. Sincerely, Marc Boutin, JD Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer [ send green star]
James M N.	The Center for Science in the Public Interest :) June 08, 2009 1:02 PM Center for Science in the Public Interest's email action network. You can keep up with what we are doing at :) www.cspinet.org . Lawmakers to Introduce Federal Menu-Labeling Bill: MEAL Act Would Require Calorie Labeling on Chain-Restaurant Menus and Menu Boards May 14, 2009 FDA Cracks Down on Cheerios’ Misleading Cholesterol Claims: Move Applauded by CSPI May 12, 2009 Health Care Reform: Prevention is Essential: http://cspinet.org/new/pdf/mikejacobsontestimony.pdf Testimony of CSPI Executive Director Michael F. Jacobson before the Senate Finance Committee May 12, 2009 "Heart Attack Entrées with Side Orders of Stroke": Overly Salty Restaurant Meals Present Long-Term Health Risks for All, and Immediate Danger for Some May 11, 2009 A 2,000-Calorie Snack? No Fudgin' Way, Says Nutrition Action: Cold Stone’s Oh Fudge! is Food Porn May 1, 2009 Momentum Grows for Push to Expel Junk Food from Schools April 30, 2009 Federal Trade Commission Stops Kellogg from Claiming Frosted Mini-Wheats “Improve Kids’ Attentiveness” in School: Statement of CSPI Legal Affairs Director Bruce Silverglade April 20, 2009 And Now Pistachios? Take Action to Urge Your Representative in Congress to Improve the Safety of Our Food Supply March 31, 2009 Consumers Warned of Web-Based Açai Scams: Companies Use Fake Blogs, Fake Endorsements, Fishy Science, and Hard-to-Cancel Credit Card Transactions to Bilk Consumers March 23, 2009 [ send green star]
James M N.	Read about, act for HEALTH CARE REFORM, Nat Womens Health Wk June 08, 2009 1:01 PM UFCW Weekender :) Following is a brief roundup of important articles and information for your weekend reading :) Postville after the raid: We are 'holding our collective breath' One year after the largest workplace immigration raid in US history, the citizens of Postville struggle to repair the holes left in their community. Fixing the Gender Gap in Health Care Costs This week, we celebrate National Women's Health Week, http://ufcw.blogspot.com/2009/05/fixing-gender-gap-in-health-care-costs.html a time for focusing on issues in women's health and improving the health of women across America. Strong, unionized work force can benefit small businesses "Don't let the large corporations speak for us," writes small business owner Val Stadick. "They have done this for far too long. Making it difficult for workers to form unions only supports large corporations. The freedom to unionize will support our community." SUPPORT HEALTH CARE REFORM: GET A T-SHIRT https://secure.healthcareforamericanow.org/page/contribute/ufcw Donate $10 or more to Health Care for America Now and you'll get a new, snazzy UFCW-made t-shirt. It's the perfect thing to wear to health care rallies in your area. VIDEO OF THE WEEK: Click here to view this week's Video of the Week from Artists for Workers' Choice -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Visit the web address below to tell your friends about this. Tell-a-friend! If you received this message from a friend, you can sign up for Voice Activated: The Worker Voice Activist Network of the UFCW. [ send green star]
James M N.	May 2009 Greenline :) June 08, 2009 12:47 PM Actions, on Change.org, the url :) 3 rd Party :) http://homelessness.change.org/actions/view/3_rd_party Homeless, etc., link :) http://www.gp.org/press/pr_2006_03_02.shtml http://www.gp.org/index.php May 2009 Greens Come Together for the 2009 Annual National Meeting in Durham, North Carolina The Green Party of the United States is pleased to announce that the 2009 Annual National Meeting will be held Thursday, July 23-Sunday July 26, 2009 on the campus of North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC. Plan to attend this year's largest national gathering of Greens to make new friends, network, and help grow the Green Party nationally and in your community. Join with other greens across the country as we prepare for the 2010 election cycle with workshops on candidate recruitment, ballot access, fundraising, media outreach, and other skills you can take back to your local party. Registration is open now! Discounted earlybird registration is available for only a few more days...register now to save money and start making your travel plans early. Registration and other information is available at the 2009 Annual National Meeting wepage. Record Number of Greens Running in '09 Green Parties across the U.S. are running a record number of candidates in local and state elections. Fewer elections are scheduled in odd-numbered years, but that hasn't stopped over 100 Greens from running for office in 2009 elections. In 2005, 69 candidates had declared their run by the middle of May. In 2007, that number was 74. So far in 2009, 119 candidates have declared their runs. That's 119 people (and their volunteers) asking for votes, asking for financial support, and letting their communities know that the Green Party is ready to step up and lead. It's not too late to declare your candidacy! Call or visit your town's website to see if school board, city council, county board, or soil, water, air, or utility board elections are scheduled for this year. Find out how to file a candidacy, get local Greens involved, and let your state and national Green Party know you are running! It's also not to early to start planning a run for 2010. If you can't run this year, help out a candidate who is. To find out if any candidates are running near you, check our comprehensive online elections database. Remember to get out and vote Green in 2009! Green Pages Now Available On-Line Green Pages, the national newspaper of the Green Party of the United States, is available exclusively on-line in 2009. By going paperless for this year we can maximize your donations to the Green Party of the United States, save trees, and offer dynamic content like embedded videos, constantly updated content, and user comments and polls. If you want to take copies with you for festivals, parades and other outreach events, you can download and print a PDF version. But make sure to bookmark Green Pages online at http://gp.org/greenpages-blog/. Green Party Says Goodbye to Emily Citkowski The Green Party of the United States' Operations Director, Emily Citkowski, is leaving this month after nearly six years with the party. She started working for GPUS in November of 2003 and coordinated day-to-day operations at the national office through two Presidential campaigns, five national meetings, and several location changes. After leaving a regional labor organization to direct operations for the Green Party, she is returning to work for a national labor advocacy group and then to law school shortly thereafter. Emily remarked: "I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work for the Green Party as a staffer. During my time on staff I was constantly amazed, inspired, energized and sustained by dedication and creativity of our volunteers, candidates, officeholders and grassroots activists. Our party will not just survive but thrive on this kind of people-power and I look forward to being part of it as a volunteer. I'll miss working with my colleagues at the national office, but have no doubt they'll get along fine without me." In addition to her duties as Operations Director, Emily played a key role on the Merchandise and Outreach Committees. She will continue with her GPUS committee work, as well as her efforts with the DC Statehood Green Party. Congratulations and thanks for many years of service can be e-mailed to Emily at emily@gp.org. Be Seen Wearing Green This Summer Summer is coming and your local is probably planning to table and march in festivals and parades in your neighborhood. Make sure to stock up on Green Party merchandise to hand out to potential new members. One of the best ways to advertise the Green Party to everyone who passes your table is with a Green Party t-shirt, hat, or sweatshirt. All are union-made in the USA so you can feel good about supporting workers and the Green Party. Don't forget to have enough literature available so everyone in your community can read more about what the Green Party stands for. Get your Ten Key Values cards, "Green Party - A Real Difference" cards, and tabling handbook at our online store. We have several new items perfect for this summer. We have Green Party logo jar openers for picnics, Ten Key Values magnets for holding report cards up on the fridge, and resealable, reusable, BPA-free water bottles for staying cool and hydrated. Buy them separately or together for a discounted price! Follow the Green Party Online The Green Party of the United States is utilizing all popular social networks to build a community of online support and communication for its members. Follow the Green Party on Twitter or MySpace. We also have a page on Facebook. Tell your friends that they can hook up with us online and make new Green friends! Register Green. Vote Green. Give Green. The Green Party does not accept corporate donations. We depend entirely on donation.... [ send green star]
James M N.	healthcare / all :) June 08, 2009 12:37 PM healthcare / all :) It's a very critical week for health reform, please check out these groups action alerts on healthcare :) These Actions, on Change.org, the url :) healthcare / all :) http://healthcare.change.org/actions/view/healthcare_all Nat Callin Day 5-13: CCA + Servs, Supports are in Healthcare Reform :) ADAPT Actions :) http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8592 Arc Act- Clock is Ticking / Servs, Supports, in Healthcare Reform :) Arc and UCP Actions :) http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8591 Take action: It's a critical week for health reform: THE SINGLE-PAYER SOLUTION :) Public Citizen and the RalphiNader Actions :) :) http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8590 Lies that could defeat health care :) MoveOn Actions :) http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/8593 [ send green star]
James M N.	Being a mom June 08, 2009 12:34 PM These Actions, on Change.org, the url :) being a mom :) http://womensrights.change.org/actions/view/being_a_mom Being a mom isn't easy, help Planned Parenthood help moms, and moms to be, by advocating and, only if you can, donating; what a great way to honor mom :) Honor a mom, by donating, and we'll send her a card with your special note letting her know about your gift. :) https://secure.ga0.org/02/mothersday09/nlp1vX1nqO7Rw?source=mothersday09_e2w You'll have three options (Choose one, two, or all three) :) 1. Send an e-card. 2. Mail a card. 3. Print your own card. Working on Sex and the City was a wonderful experience, despite the long hours and hard work. But nothing could match the profound experience of being a mother — and the equally profound respect I've developed for my mother, and for mothers everywhere. I am Cynthia Nixon. I am an actor, an activist, a mom, a daughter. But today, I am writing to you about motherhood, on behalf of Planned Parenthood and the many people they serve. The truth is, in my book, there is no organization that supports motherhood more than Planned Parenthood. That's why I'm honoring the moms I know with a gift to Planned Parenthood today. It's not easy to be a mother these days. Believe me, I know I'm lucky — I've had help and support — including the amazing, strong woman who blazed her own path to raise me as an independent, bold woman. That's what Planned Parenthood is all about, too — providing the reproductive health care, education, and advocacy that help women everywhere to be healthy and to thrive. And right now — with more and more women seeking care from Planned Parenthood affiliate health centers — we need to do all we can to support them. To me, it just makes sense: honor the courageous mothers who are raising kids, often in difficult situations these days, with a gift to the courageous organization that helps so many women. As Mother's Day approaches, I am so grateful for the opportunity to make a difference and hope you'll join me. This Mother's Day, you can make your gift in honor of someone you love. And the fine folks at Planned Parenthood will send that special person a special card saying you've chosen to make a gift to Planned Parenthood Federation of America in her or his name. You'll be making a gift to millions of mothers — and to a generation of daughters and sons. What a profound way to mark this day. https://secure.ga0.org/02/mothersday09/nlp1vX1nqO7Rw?source=mothersday09_e2w As well, by advocating :) http://www.plannedparenthoodaction.org/ Sincerely, Cynthia Nixon on behalf of Planned Parenthood Federation of America visit http://www.plannedparenthood.org/ © 2009 Planned Parenthood® Federation of America \| Privacy Policy \| Terms of Use [ send green star]
James M N.	Milestone: NLD Holds its 1 st General Mtg In Burma in a Decade June 08, 2009 12:30 PM These Actions on Change.org, the url :) stop genocide :) http://genocide.change.org/actions/view/stop_genocide Milestone: NLD Holds its First General Meeting Inside Burma in a Decade Last week, Aung San Suu Kyi's political party, the National League for Democracy, held its first general meeting inside Burma in a decade. :) http://www.irrawaddy.org/article.php?art_id=15549 Though this convergence of the party's officials was a highly significant moment, their leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, still remains locked up under house arrest. Despite being imprisoned for 13 of the last 19 years, Suu Kyi continues to serve as a beacon of courage and inspiration that freedom and democracy will prevail in Burma. Now, we're calling on you to send a message of support and solidarity to Aung San Suu Kyi and everyone who stands up against Than Shwe's brutal military regime. Sign up for Arrest Yourself 2009 and tell Aung San Suu Kyi - We stand with you in calling for freedom, democracy and human rights in Burma. 390 people around the world are already planning events for Arrest Yourself 2009. Help us reach 500 events by the end of this week by signing up today! :) http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/1189/t/5102/signUp.jsp?key=3917 What is "Arrest Yourself"? The U.S. Campaign for Burma organizes the "Arrest Yourself" campaign annually as a show of solidarity with Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been locked up by Burma's military regime for 13 of the last 19 years. When you sign up to "Arrest Yourself" you are agreeing to stay home for 24 hours under self-imposed house arrest one day between now and Aung San Suu Kyi's 64th birthday on June 19th. During your house arrest, you will invite friends and family to your home for a few hours to educate them about Aung San Suu Kyi and the situation in Burma and to collect donations to help make our work possible. We will mail you all of the materials that you need, including DVDs, petitions, recipes for Burmese food and info sheets to make organizing your event and collecting donations streamlined and simple. We will use the donations you collect to continue our campaigns for freedom and human rights in Burma. Watch our video to learn more about Arrest Yourself, and what we're asking you to do. Every year, Arrest Yourself events educate thousands of people about Aung San Suu Kyi and raise thousands of dollars for the campaign to free her and all of Burma's political prisoners. Learn more about the NLD's first general meeting in over a decade and raise your voice by signing up to Arrest Yourself today. Together, we can help to free Aung San Suu Kyi! As well, go to their advocacy and action center to struggle with genocide against the Burmese :) http://uscampaignforburma.org/take-action Sincerely, Mike Haack Campaigns Coordinator U.S. Campaign for Burma http://uscampaignforburma.org/ 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.	Breast Cancer EARLY Act introduced in the Senate :) June 08, 2009 12:28 PM These Actions, on Change.org, the url :) act / grants :) http://socialentrepreneurship.change.org/actions/view/act_grants Get grants for your organizations that provide credible health information directed to young women diagnosed with breast cancer :) Support young women with breast cancer, urge your senators to co-sponsor the EARLY Act :) Click here to send your letter NOW :) http://komenpolicy.org/campaign/alert_early_act/35esge39ojw6eiki? Cancer survivors and advocates gathered in Washington, D.C. last week and made our voices heard on behalf of all Americans whose lives have been affected by cancer – and with your help, we sure made a lot of noise! In the nation's capital and across the country, thousands of advocates like you did their part to support key cancer priorities including the 21st Century Cancer ALERT Act and the Breast Cancer Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young (EARLY) Act. TODAY, thanks in part to your efforts, one of those priorities, the EARLY Act, was introduced in the Senate. Can we count on you to help ensure it passes? Click here and urge your senators to support young women with breast cancer by co-sponsoring the EARLY Act of 2009. When breast cancer is detected early, the five-year survival rate is 98 percent. But, when breast cancer occurs in women under the age of 40, it is often detected at later stages, is more likely to be aggressive, and may be less responsive to hormone therapies. The EARLY Act will help improve the odds by addressing these unique concerns in three ways: •Public education. The bill will initiate an evidence-based public education campaign about breast cancer in women under age 40 – with an emphasis on women at higher risk due to their race, ethnicity or genetic heritage. •Resources for health professionals. The bill will educate health care professionals about the risk factors, opportunities for genetic counseling and testing, and unique challenges that face young women diagnosed with breast cancer. •Support services. The bill will provide grants to organizations that provide credible health information directed to young women diagnosed with breast cancer. The EARLY Act has already been introduced in the House and has received overwhelming support. In fact, almost 300 House members have signed on to become co-sponsors. But, to ensure the EARLY Act passes the Senate and makes it to President Obama's desk, your senators need to hear from YOU! Please take a moment to write your senators today and urge them to co-sponsor the EARLY Act. http://komenpolicy.org/campaign/alert_early_act/35esge39ojw6eiki? Thank you for all that you do. Together we can one day end the suffering and death caused by cancer. http://ww5.komen.org/ Sincerely, Ambassador Nancy Brinker Founding Chair, Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Board Member, Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Advocacy Alliance [ send green star]
James M N.	Women Speak Out Against Violence, Sweatshops and Poverty :) June 08, 2009 12:27 PM These Actions, on Change.org, the url :) Women Speak :) http://humanitarianrelief.change.org/actions/view/women_speak Take Action Now :) http://www.witness.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=85&Itemid=234 Support our Partners' Campaigns for Human Rights! :) VIDEO FOR CHANGE NEWSLETTER MAY 2009 :) http://www.witness.org/ THE HUB: Zimbabwean Women Speak Out Courageous women step forward to tell their stories of politically motivated violence against women in Zimbabwe in this video, Hear Us, produced by our partner the Research and Advocacy Unit (RAU). See it. Videos in Focus: Women Working to Create Change Made in LA Follow three women in Los Angeles who take on popular retailer Forever 21 for its unfair labor practices. Watch the video and find out what you can do to help bring fair wages, fair hours, and fair conditions to LA's garment district. Change it. Women's Work: Creating Fair Trade Jobs in Georgia With no business experience, an amazing group of women started the only African-American owned pecan shelling facility in the United States, providing jobs in one of Georgia's poorest counties. Meet the women, and take a tour of their co-op. See it. Triple Your Investment Join our donor challenge! If we can raise $30,000 by June 5th, we'll receive another $60,000. This is your chance to triple your impact. Every dollar donated counts not just once, but three times. Act now! VAI Alumna Wins Award Our congratulations go out to Debra Diniz, Video Advocacy Institute 2008 Alumna, for winning Best Prize award at the Amazonia Documentary Festival. Her film, House of the Dead, highlights the plight of inmates at a psychiatric hospital in Salvador, Brazil. Spread the Word Forward to a Friend Join the Cause We're on Twitter Video for Change Download our training guide for using video in advocacy and activism. More WITNESS Highlights Can Video Help End the Genocide in Darfur? During Genocide Prevention month, Priscilla Neri documented the role video has played in bringing calls to action to the international community. Introducing Randa Meet Randa Abo Eldahab! She is a Freedom House Fellow from Egypt who is in New York City for the next few months writing about her views on video and human rights for WITNESS. Upcoming WITNESS Events This spring, we will be hosting a series of house parties in Los Angeles, Washington DC, New York City and London. If you are interested in learning more, please email us at events@witness.org WITNESS is located at 80 Hanson Place, Brooklyn, NY 11217 [ send green star]
James M N.	For Mother's Day, can you help Mother's around the world :) June 08, 2009 12:26 PM These Actions, on Change.org, the url :) For Mother's Day :) http://womensrights.change.org/actions/view/for_mothers_day Empower women around the world this Mother's Day :) Dear Friends, Empowering women is one of the most effective ways to end global poverty. This Mother’s Day, I hope you will join us in empowering women and fighting poverty around the world by urging the U.S. Senate to ratify the International Treaty for the Rights of Women. Please add your name to the petition :) http://www.lendtoendpoverty.org/email/ Watch a video :) http://www.lendtoendpoverty.org/video.asp before Mother’s Day, this Sunday, May 10th. Our goal is to gather 10,000 petition signatures by Mother's Day. The Treaty (also known as the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women or “CEDAW” for short) is the most complete international agreement on basic rights for women. Yet the U.S. is one of only eight countries (including Sudan, Iran and Somalia) who have not yet ratified this important treaty. Please join us in urging the Senate to take this simple but significant step to help empower women around the world economically, socially, legally and politically without further delay. Click here to add your name by Mother's Day, May 10th, and help us reach our 10,000-signature goal :) http://www.lendtoendpoverty.org/email/ Although microfinance is a crucial tool for fighting poverty, it is far more effective in an environment where women’s basic rights are protected and respected. It is a known fact that families, communities and entire societies benefit when women are empowered. Microfinance efforts have shown again and again that financially empowered women invest in the nutritional, health and educational needs of their children, helping to permanently lift their families and communities out of poverty. Please join us in honoring hard-working mothers everywhere by adding your name to our petition by this Sunday, May 10th. Then, please help us spread the word about this great way to celebrate Mother’s Day. Just forward this message on to your friends and family and ask them to join you in taking action before Sunday. Thank you so much for your help. Sincerely, Elisabeth Rhyne Managing Director, Center for Financial Inclusion at ACCION International ©2009 ACCION International. All Rights Reserved [ send green star]
James M N.	PHA-Exchange Digest, Vol 75, Issue 1 June 08, 2009 12:25 PM These Actions, on Change.org, the url :) Learn More :) http://globalhealth.change.org/actions/view/learn_more Send PHA-Exchange mailing list submissions to pha-exchange@phm.kabissa.org To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit http://lists.kabissa.org/mailman/listinfo/pha-exchange or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to pha-exchange-request@phm.kabissa.org You can reach the person managing the list at pha-exchange-owner@phm.kabissa.org When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific than "Re: Contents of PHA-Exchange digest..." Today's Topics: 1. Problems with pha-exch miggrating to a new host (Claudio Schuftan) 2. Human Rights Report PHM UK (Claudio Schuftan) 3. Health Essay Competition (Claudio Schuftan) 4. Health and human rights (HHR) new blog - invitation for PHM postings (Claudio Schuftan) 5. UN AGENCIES LAUNCH DDT-FREE ANTI-MALARIA INITIATIVE (Claudio Schuftan) 6. Dr M. Chan: Keynote address at the 12th World Congress on Public Health (Claudio Schuftan) 7. Dr Binayak Sen Release-14th May Events - India, UK, USA (Claudio Schuftan) 8. WB: World Development Indicators 2009 (Claudio Schuftan) 9. TWN Press statement: Fair access to influenza treatments (Claudio Schuftan) 10. A global fund for the health MDGs? (Claudio Schuftan) 11. A global fund for the health MDGs? (2) (Claudio Schuftan) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Message: 1 Date: Mon, 4 May 2009 04:45:40 +0700 From: Claudio Schuftan Subject: PHA-Exch> Problems with pha-exch miggrating to a new host To: pha-exchange@phm.kabissa.org Message-ID: Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" So sorry everybody. Probs are due to the migration to the new server...glitches. Bare with us; being taken care of. Some of you have been flooded with confusing subscribe/unsubscribe emails. All addresses are being transfered to the new server. I have received a few unsubscribe messages which I will process in the new address when it is working well. This is one of the latest messages you will get from this address. We will, from now on, be phm-exchange (instead of pha-exchange). Warm regards Claudio -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.kabissa.org/lists/archives/public/pha-exchange/attachments/20090504/f117eca9/attachment.html ------------------------------ Message: 2 Date: Tue, 5 May 2009 00:52:15 +0700 From: Claudio Schuftan Subject: PHA-Exch> Human Rights Report PHM UK To: pha-exchange@phm.kabissa.org, Abhay Seema Message-ID: Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" PHM in the UK, in association with Medact and Doctors for Human Rights has completed a report on human rights and health in the UK. The report has been submitted to the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. It can be found on the UN high commission for human rights website; http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/cescr/cescrs42.htm under the list of country reports. >From Margaret Reeves, PHM UK coordinator , -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.kabissa.org/lists/archives/public/pha-exchange/attachments/20090505/dcd834b7/attachment.html ------------------------------ Message: 3 Date: Thu, 7 May 2009 13:55:08 +0700 From: Claudio Schuftan Subject: PHA-Exch> Health Essay Competition To: pha-exchange@phm.kabissa.org Message-ID: Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" From: Vern Weitzel crossposted from: "[health-vn discussion group]" health-vn@anu.edu.au The Global Forum for Health Research and The Lancet are sponsoring their fourth joint essay competition with the theme Innovating for the health of all, held in conjunction with Forum 2009, the annual meeting of the Global Forum that takes place in Havana, Cuba, from 16 to 20 November. The Global Forum's vision is of a world in which the potential of research and innovation is fully utilized to address the health problems of the poor. Innovation is defined as the creation, development and implementation of a new product, process or service, with the aim of improving efficiency, effectiveness or competitive advantage. Research for health therefore goes far beyond medicine and biology, to include sectors such as economics, environment, politics, sociology and others. Innovating for the health of all involves both social and technological innovation Readmore: http://cambodiajobs.blogspot.com/2009/05/health-essay-competition.html -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.kabissa.org/lists/archives/public/pha-exchange/attachments/20090507/6ee7c48f/attachment.html ------------------------------ Message: 4 Date: Thu, 7 May 2009 14:07:53 +0700 From: Claudio Schuftan Subject: PHA-Exch> Health and human rights (HHR) new blog - invitation for PHM postings To: pha-exchange@phm.kabissa.org Message-ID: Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" I have received the following: From: FXB HHR Journal HHRJOURNAL@hsph.harvard.edu Dear Claudio, Have you received a response from other PHM members to our journal's proposal that they submit regular blog posts? We're particularly interested in how blog contributions by PHM members can work and whether different people would... [ send green star]
James M N.	It's Mother's Day, start sowing seeds of peace this spring :) June 08, 2009 12:19 PM These Actions, on Change.org, the url :) Mother's Day Peace :) http://middleeast.change.org/actions/view/mothers_day_peace Sow seeds of peace this spring! AND you could win a great prize! https://secure.groundspring.org/dn/index.php?aid=1046 More details :) http://www.wand.org/issuesact/actions/appeal%20spring09.htm Like most of us these days, WAND is struggling to make ends meet: trimming costs while keeping the lights on and the wonderful staff doing their vital work. Of course, your help is absolutely essential to making WAND possible. And for us, the best way you can donate to keep us going is: give online. So this spring, we're doing all we can to encourage you to give online. Let's grow something great together! Online donations are safe and easy for you; and easy and cost-effective for us. And the Earth appreciates any step we take toward not using up more paper and ink. If you've never donated online, rest assured that it's simple. And this week, we've got a lovely incentive: Donate at least $25 online before 5pm EST Thursday, May 7, and you will be eligible for one of these delightful prizes. We will draw from all the online donors at a raffle at the Massachusetts Mother's Day Breakfast Celebration on Friday morning. The good stuff: •A one-night stay at the beeyootiful Charles Hotel in the heart of Harvard Square in Cambridge, MA, including breakfast for two at Henrietta's Table in the hotel. Full information. •Admission for four to a performance at the beeyootiful Regatta Bar in the Charles Hotel. Full information. Please help us out today! We need it more than ever, and donating online is a great way to go. THANK YOU! We invite you to become a sponsor of the breakfast, and to join us that morning. Please get in touch! Kristin O'Sullivan, Development Director Buy tickets or donate here \| Information: mday@wand.org \| 781 643 6740 Mother's Day for Peace! News, et al :) http://www.wand.org For years, WAND has celebrated the true meaning and origins of Mother's Day: "We, the women of one country, Will be too tender of those of another country To allow our sons to be trained to injure theirs." --Julia Ward Howe, 1870 Mother's Peace Day Proclamation In 2009, we'll be celebrating Mother's Day for Peace in various ways around the country. Check it out! When you donate at least $25 online, your name will be entered in a raffle for one these great prizes: •A one-night stay at the beeyootiful Charles Hotel in the heart of Harvard Square in Cambridge, MA, including breakfast for two at Henrietta's Table in the hotel. A most original luxury hotel, the newly renovated Charles Hotel combines classic New England design and sophisticated service. You can see our character in our signature quilts, bountiful regional cuisine, and thoughtful planning. Located in the heart of Harvard Square, just minutes from downtown Boston, The Charles Hotel, a AAA Four Diamond Hotel, offers the finest, most distinctive guest accommodations. •Admission for four to a performance at the beeyootiful Regatta Bar in the Charles Hotel. Boston Magazine bestowed its "Best of Boston Award" thirteen times naming the 225-capacity venue "Best Jazz Club" and in 1998 inducted The Regattabar into its "Best of Boston Hall of Fame". During the last 20 years, the Regattabar has become the leading jazz club not only in Boston, but also in New England. The fine print: Subject to availability. Blackout dates apply. To be used within a year. Reply by Thursday at 5pm EST! On Friday morning, WAND will be drawing the winners at our Mother's Day Breakfast Celebration in Cambridge, MA. We invite you to become a sponsor of the breakfast, and to join us that morning. Please get in touch! Kristin O'Sullivan, Development Director Buy tickets or donate here \| Information: mday@wand.org \| 781 643 6740 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Women's Action for New Directions Please support our work. Forward this email, join WAND. www.wand.org \| 781 643 6740 \| peace@wand.org WAND 691 Massachusetts Ave. Arlington, Massachusetts 02476 United States [ send green star]
James M N.	UNA-USA World, 4-29: WHO: Risk of Pandemic; Sri Lanka Crisis... May 09, 2009 9:51 PM UNA-USA World, 4-29: WHO: Risk of Pandemic; Sri Lanka Crisis... These Actions, on Change.org, the url :) USA-UNA World :) http://globalhealth.change.org/actions/view/usa-una_world UNA-USA World Bulletin April 29: WHO Responds to Risk of Pandemic; Sri Lanka in Crisis; Haitian Relief and more. Click here if you are having problems viewing this email? To ensure delivery of this email every time please add publications@unausa.org to your address book. TAKE ACTION + http://capwiz.com/unausa/home/ BECOME A MEMBER + DONATE + http://www.unausa.org/Page.aspx?pid=220 Advocacy \| In the Field \| Grassroots Voices \| News & Notes \| Did You Know \| UN Watch UNA-USA Blog \| Event Calendar \| UNA on YouTube \| YPIC on Facebook \| Photos on Flickr IN THIS EDITION •WHO Responds to Risk of Pandemic By Barbara Crossette •Civilians Caught in the Cross Fire as Sri Lankan Conflict Rages By Tendai Musakwa •Canadian Diplomats Released From Captivity By Barbara Crossette •Commitments Build for Haiti By Georgianna Vaughan •It's Time for Business and Civil Society to Bond By Asa Maclay Horner •Action Alert: Safeguard President Obama's Peacekeeping Proposal •Video Report: Shedding Light on Life as a UN Correspondent By Damiano Beltrami •Press Freedom Day Stresses Dialogue and Reconciliaton By Jason Williams Featured Video -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Linda Fasulo, author of "An Insider's Guide to the UN," talks with UNA-USA about reporting on the United Nations. Featured Video -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ambassador Susan Rice speaks to reporters April 22 about the crisis in Sri Lanka. Courtesy MaximsNews Network UN WATCH WHO Responds to Risk of Pandemic By Barbara Crossette As an outbreak of swine flu spread beyond North America, and numbers of the virus’ victims rose, the World Health Organization today elevated the international pandemic alert to its highest level since the warning system was introduced in 2005. Read more. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- More than 100,000 Sri Lankans, like the villagers pictured here, have been displaced by war. G. Amarasi/UNHCR Civilians Caught In the Cross Fire as Sri Lankan Conflict Rages By Tendai Musakwa Life has become an intensifying nightmare for civilians caught in the conflict between the military and the insurgent Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam in Sri Lanka. Read more. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Robert Fowler was freed on April 22. CBC Photo Canadian Diplomats Released From Captivity By Barbara Crossette Robert Fowler, a popular former Canadian ambassador to the United Nations who led a campaign to expose the scandal of “blood diamonds” in Africa that fueled vicious civil wars in the 1990s, was recently freed after four months in mysterious captivity in Niger. Read more. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Haitian girls wade in knee-deep water after tropical storm Hanna ripped through their village in 2008. UN Photo Commitments Build for Haiti By Georgianna Vaughan Building on the commitments made to Haiti in 2006, the international community on April 14 pledged $324 million in aid to the country, which last year endured devastating hurricanes and is chronically plagued by high crime and poverty rates. Read more. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- It’s Time for Business and Civil Society to Bond By Asa Maclay Horner Some veteran players in the world of public-private partnerships recently took to task the notion that the global recession will douse the effectiveness of such joint business ventures. Read more. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shedding Light on Life as a UN Correspondnet Linda Fasulo, a longtime UN correspondent for NPR and NBC News, has recently updated her book, “An Insider’s Guide to the UN.” In this video interview with Damiano Beltrami for UNA-USA, Fasulo explains the challenges in writing a book about the UN, how she became a UN correspondent and where UN decisions are really made. To watch the videos, click here. To read an advance preview of Fasulo’s chapter on the American ambassador to the UN, excerpted from "An Insider's Guide to the UN, Second Edition," to be published in June 2009 by Yale University Press, click here(.pdf). -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Press Freedom Day Stresses Dialogue and Reconciliation By Jason Williams The necessity of free press can be summarized in the words of former American president Theodore Roosevelt, who said, “Free speech, exercised both individually and through a free press, is a necessity in any country where people are themselves free." And perhaps no single event better embodies the spirit of Roosevelt’s message than the United Nations’ World Press Freedom Day, which is celebrated this Friday, May 3. Read more. Advocacy News Safeguard President Obama's Peacekeeping Proposal Earlier this month, President Obama took a significant step toward restoring America's influence abroad by submitting an ambitious request to Congress for $836.9 million in funding for UN peacekeeping. As the request works its way through Congress, the critical funding for UN peacekeeping is likely to be a ripe target for many legislators eager to prune federal spending. Help strengthen America's global leadership by urging Congress to fund the full $836.9 million for UN peacekeeping. Take action now! News and Notes Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (right) meets with Helen Clark, new administrator of UNDP. UN Photo. Clark Sworn in as UNDP Chief [ send green star]
James M N.	No More Excuses :) May 09, 2009 9:28 PM These Actions, on Change.org, the url :) now single payer :) http://healthcare.change.org/actions/view/now_single_payer Good morning. There are no more excuses for the Democrats. The Democrats now admit that they control the procedure in Congress and can pass whatever health care reform they want. Without one Republican vote. And President Obama can sign it. What should they do? They should pass single payer. Everybody in. Nobody out. https://salsa.wiredforchange.com/o/5710/t/4327/shop/custom.jsp?donate_page_KEY=2422 For prevention and treatment. For free choice of doctors and hospitals. No more premiums, deductibles, exclusions, co-pays, in-network, out-of-network rigamarole. No more family medical bankruptcies. No more pay or die. No more pay or become sicker. Single payer is the only system that will work. http://www.singlepayeraction.org. It's the most efficient. Single payer will cut out literally hundreds of billions in administrative fat, billing fraud and unconscionable profits. These savings will be used instead to insure the 50 million uninsured and the millions more underinsured. This will save lives. Starting with the more than 21,000 Americans who die every year from lack of health insurance. According to recent polls, the majority of the American people want single payer. So do the majority of doctors, nurses, and health economists. So, what will the Democrat leadership do? They will keep single payer off the table. Because they fear the insurance industry and the pharmaceutical industry - and want their campaign money - more than they fear the American people. Or as Speaker of the House Pelosi told reporters last week: "Over and over again, we hear single payer, single payer, single payer. Well, it's not going to be a single payer." Who is Nancy Pelosi speaking for? Not for the American people. Not for those who will die or get sicker month after month. How are we to respond? Focus our collective creative energy on Congressional offices around the country -- offices of all 435 members of the House and 100 members of the Senate. That's why we have set up Single Payer Action. Less than two months old - and already Single Payer Action is making waves. In front of Congressional offices from Martinsburg, West Virginia to Seattle, Washington. On Capitol Hill, standing up to the corporate lobbyists and their lackeys in Congress. And on the web, challenging the corporate controlled media to put single payer back on the table of public debate. There is support in Congress for single payer. Already, 76 House members support HR 676 - the single payer bill in the House. But the Democratic leadership in Washington has taken single payer off the table. They meet regularly behind closed doors with insurance and drug industry lobbyists - to thwart single payer. Time to turn up the heat - and get the word out to the American people. (Just last week, I was at the University of Colorado in Boulder where I spoke to an enthusiastic audience. Topic: Single payer, full Medicare health insurance for all.) We need your help now. To send speakers to all four corners of this country. To fund organizing drives at Congressional offices around the country. To shake up the system for single payer. Last week, many of you responded enthusiastically to a note from my colleague Jason Kafoury by donating $10,000 to Single Payer Action. Thanks to you, we are a third of the way to our goal of $30,000 by May 14. This week, we need to expand the base again. If you have not donated yet to Single Payer Action, please donate now whatever you can -- $10, $25, $50, $100. And notice - if you donate $100 or more by May 14, 2009, we will send you two galvanizing books that concisely detail the case for single payer in America. •Health Care Meltdown by Robert LeBow, MD, revised and updated by Dr. C. Rocky White - a Republican doctor so fed up with the needless suffering caused by the insurance industry that he has become a leading advocate for single payer.. and •Ten Excellent Reasons for National Health Care, Edited by Mary O'Brien and Martha Livingston. The goal: raise $30,000 by May 14th for Single Payer Action. To make single payer a reality in America. Together, we can break the logjam in Congress - and deliver health care to all. Let's get it done. Onward to single payer. Ralph Nader PS: This two book offer ends 11:59 p.m. May 14, 2009. So don't miss out. Donate now. We're building toward one million Americans strong for single payer. Please share this e-mail with friends and family. http://www.votenader.org Urge them to sign up and donate at singlepayeraction.org. [ send green star]
James M N.	Senate Action to Stop Family Violence :) May 09, 2009 9:20 PM Senate Action to Stop Family Violence :) These Actions on Change.org, the url :) Family Violence :) http://humantrafficking.change.org/actions/view/family_violence Hello Stop Family Violence Activists! Thanks to your quick response a couple weeks ago, over 80 members of the House of Representatives signed on in support of full funding for lifesaving Violence Against Women Act, and Family Violence Prevention and Services Act programs. Now Senators Leahy and Crapo are circulating a similar "Dear Colleague" letter in the Sentate - asking their colleagues to sign on in support of full funding for VAWA and FVPSA. Domestic violence and sexual assault programs are facing a crisis -- state funding and donations are down, while demand for services is skyrocketing. Shelters are operating over capacity and are turning victims away, calls to the National Domestic Violence Hotline have increased dramatically and news of family violence mass murders have become an almost daily occurrence. Full federal funding of all victim service programs is essential. http://www.stopfamilyviolence.org/get-involved/take-action-now/as-economy-plummets-family-violence-skyrockets ACT NOW! Click here to send a free, pre-written message to your Senators urging them to sign on to support full funding for VAWA and FVPSA programs. Thanks for your quick response on this. Together, we can .. www.stopfamilyviolence.org Irene Weiser [ send green star]
James M N.	Not Good Enough - Obama's First 100 Days May 09, 2009 9:16 PM Not Good Enough - Obama's First 100 Days These Actions, on Change.org, the url :) Not Good Enough :) http://socialentrepreneurship.change.org/actions/view/not_good_enough http://www.gp.org/index.php We need your help. Given the world that is fast coming upon us, we need to take full measures, not half-steps, in order to create a livable and sustainable world. That is the essence of the Green Party. After 100 days of Obama's presidency, it has become clear that we are a far cry from where we need to be as far as civil liberties, the environment, the economy, health care, and the military. The Green Party has real solutions to the problems at hand. Please look over the 100 Day Report Card below. Keep in mind that C is "good enough"; in percentages, in order to get a "better than average" grade, you need to score 80%. Is the Obama administration doing "good enough" or "better than average"? We don't think so! If you see your vision reflected below, donate what you can to ensure that the Green Party is strong and able to put the necessary pressure on our monied system. Civil liberties: F The Executive Branch is finally following the law by releasing and repudiating the Bush Administration's legal memos that attempted to justify torture. The President also raised the possibility of prosecuting those responsible for providing that justification. However, the Obama Administration defends the illegal wiretapping program, leaves the door open to outsourcing torture through "extraordinary rendition", and argues that prisoners can be denied habeas corpus if they are shipped to the Bagram prison in Afghanistan instead of Guantanamo! The Administration also opposes a Congressional truth commission to investigate torture by the Bush Presidency, although citizen pressure may successfully force an investigation. Obama supporter Glenn Greenwald, who writes for Salon.com, recently wrote: "What's being asserted here by the Obama DOJ is the virtually absolute power of presidential secrecy, the right to break the law with no consequences, and immunity from surveillance lawsuits so sweeping that one can hardly believe that it's being claimed with a straight face." The Green Party supports a ban on torture, the repeal of the Patriot Act and the Military Commissions Act of 2006, and opposes the warrantless surveillance of US citizens, 'extraordinary rendition' of prisoners to extract information, and denial of habeas corpus and due process. Environment: D+ The Obama Administration has taken some positive steps on global warming by allowing the EPA to regulate greenhouse gases as pollutants, initiating legislation to reduce greenhouse gases, and providing funds for alternative energy in the recently passed economic stimulus bill. Unfortunately, the Administration has committed to spending only $145 billion on alternative energy over the next 10 years, about 0.1% of our country's gross domestic product (GDP). In contrast, the proposed military budget for 2010 alone is $664 billion. The Administration supports nuclear power and "clean" coal, and its proposed cap and trade scheme is vulnerable to abuses such as free giveaway licenses for utilities to emit greenhouse gases. In the European Union, free licenses have resulted in increased emissions from coal plants that have offset the reductions gained from new wind power. The Green Party advocates a moratorium on new coal fired power plants, ending subsidies to the nuclear and fossil fuel industries, increasing CAFÉ standards, and ending mountaintop removal mining. Economy: D- The Obama Administration's economic stimulus bill is headed in the right direction with new infrastructure projects that can put Americans back to work. Plans to let the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy expire are also encouraging. However, the stimulus was too small and too focused on tax cuts. The Administration's plans for repairing the financial system are likely to result in a great deal of wasteful spending, reward those who got us into the current economic crisis, and ignore the fundamental problems. It is unfortunate that the Administration has rejected calls to nationalize the largest and most insolvent banks in favor of a plan that loans nearly $1 trillion to hedge funds to indirectly subsidize the banks. By contrast, Wall Street Journal recently reported that only "10% of borrowers in some stage of foreclosure appear to be eligible for the federal aid to homeowners program." The Green Party advocates ending trade in the highly speculative financial instruments that helped cause the crisis, restoring regulations on banks, breaking up financial conglomerates, promoting small local banks and credit unions, implementing a much larger public works program, and working to build a steady state economy based upon sustainability. Health Care: D+ The Obama Administration has proposed substantial increases in federal spending in order to extend health coverage to more Americans. The Administration's spending plans will extend coverage only to about one-half of uninsured Americans and are short of effective methods for cost control. The Green Party continues to advocate the single-payer health care systems as the most efficient and effective way to deliver health care to all Americans Foreign policy/military: D The Obama Administration has taken a few encouraging steps, such as starting to at least open talks with foreign leaders. The President has shown an increased willingness to negotiate with Iran, and has stated plans to discuss nuclear arms reductions with Russia. However, there are numerous loopholes in the agreement to withdraw all troops from Iraq by the end of 2011, and the Administration is re-deploying some of the troops to Afghanistan. The U.S. is also continuing to launch military operations in Pakistan that have killed and displaced many civilians and contributed to destabili [ send green star]
James M N.	Global Response Acts: Emerg Act: Save Roma Families / Kosovo; etc.. April 18, 2009 11:13 AM Global Response Acts: Emerg Act: Save Roma Families / Kosovo; etc.. These Actions on Change.org, the url :) Global Response Acts :) http://genocide.change.org/actions/view/global_response_acts Campaign Update / Lead Poisoning in Kosovo Dear Friends, For the Roma families who are forced to live in Kosovo's lead-contaminated camps, each day further imperils their health and life chances. If you have not already sent messages to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and President Obama, please do so today. Urge them to rescue and relocate the suffering Roma families and provide emergency medical treatment for lead poisoning. Global Response's action alert and a model letter are HERE. http://globalresponse.org/emailcampaigns.php?record=2316 Click HERE to see a short but very moving video of the Roma families' http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gi1y3G6rGI vigil at the lead-contaminated camps on International Roma Day, April 8. Click HERE for an April 14 article about the ongoing tragedy. http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/europe/090414/gypsies-relocated-un-remain-toxic-land Add your comments to this website. Thank you for joining Global Response, The International Society for Threatened Peoples, and human rights advocates around the world in our determination to stop the tragic and preventable illness and death among the Roma in Kosovo. Emergency Action: Save Roma Families / Kosovo Today is International Roma Day, celebrating the heritage and promoting the rights of the Roma (Gypsy) people. In Kosovo, the day is being observed in a solemn vigil in refugee camps where Roma children suffer the highest levels of lead poisoning ever recorded. For ten years they have lived on the site of an abandoned lead smelter, accumulating toxins in their bloodstreams. Global Response is working with the Germany-based Society for Threatened Peoples to find a way to relocate the Roma families from the toxic camps and treat them for lead poisoning. Today we are encouraged that the US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton has spoken out for safeguarding the rights of the Roma people, especially the children (see the video clip of the Secretary's short address here: http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entries/international_roma_day/ ) Please send a letter to Secretary Clinton today, with a copy to President Obama, asking for State Department action to rescue the Roma families who have suffered this horror much too long. For more information, please see http://www.toxicwastekills.com/ Thank you. Paula Palmer Executive Director Global Response Note: To send emails, go to the State Department http://contact-us.state.gov/cgi-bin/state.cfg/php/enduser/ask.php?p_sid=Mz8UqRuj&p_accessibility=0&p_redirect=&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPSZwX3NvcnRfYnk9JnBfZ3JpZHNvcnQ9JnBfcm93X2NudD0xMTEsMTExJnBfcHJvZHM9JnBfY2F0cz0mcF9wdj0mcF9jdj0mcF9zZWFyY2hfdHlwZT1hbnN3ZXJzLnNlYXJjaF9ubCZwX3BhZ2U9MQ** and White House websites. 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/ MODEL LETTER Mrs. Hilary Clinton, Secretary US State Department PA/PL, Rm. 2206 U.S. Department of State 2201 C Street NW Washington , D.C. 20520 Fax. +202-647-2283 Cc: Mr. Barack Obama, President The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20500 Fax: +202-456-2461 Dear Madam Secretary, I am so glad to hear you speak out for the rights of Roma people throughout the world, and especially for the children. You may know that on International Roma Day, April 8, 2009, hundreds of Roma people held a vigil outside their lead-contaminated "Osterode" and Cesmin Lug/Cesmin Llug refugee camps in Kosovo to draw attention to the intolerable living conditions and their demand for the camps to be evacuated. They lit candles in memory of 81 Roma who have died in these lead-contaminated camps, praying that they and their children will escape that tragic fate. The camps were established by the United Nations refugee agency UNHCR on waste from a former lead mine. Roma, Ashkali and Kosovo-Egyptians were housed in the camps in 1999 after being subjected to violent attacks by extremist Albanians at the end of the NATO intervention in Kosovo. Today 560 Roma are still condemned to live in Osterode and Cesmin Lug/Cesmin Llug. Ten years ago Dr Bernard Kouchner, formerly Director of the UN Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) and now France's Foreign Minister, promised to close down these toxic refugee camps within 45 days. All residents unable to return home to the Roma quarter (mahala) in South Mitrovicë / Mitrovica, within that time were to be evacuated to another location outside Kosovo. In November 2000 UN doctors advised the Director of UNMIK that the refugees should be evacuated immediately because the blood lead levels measured in children were life-threatening. In 2004 and 2008 the World Health Organisation (WHO) also recommended that the camps be urgently closed. But the Roma families are still there, being further poisoned each day. "We want evacuation and medical treatment!", says Roma leader Skender Gushani: "Why have we been condemned - first by the UN and now by the government of Kosovo - to live out our lives on this killing field? We are living in hell!" Please, Secretary Clinton, use your good offices and your influence with other international decision-makers to implement an immediate emergency medical evacuation and provide appropriate intensive medical treatment to these Roma families. I know you and the State Department can help save these stranded Roma families -- most of whom are women and children. Much more information is available here: http://www.t [ send green star]
James M N.	What are you doing for Earth Day? :) April 16, 2009 1:38 AM What are you doing for Earth Day? :) These Actions, on Change.org, the url :) Doing For Earth Day? :) http://globalwarming.change.org/actions/view/doing_for_earth_day Defend your mother and support have a party! Earth Day is April 22nd, and and one way to observe the day is to "Be seen being Green." The Green Party Online Store has many items to help you promote the Green Party. If you are planning an event check out our houseparty kit. https://secure.democracyinaction.com/dia/organizations/Greens/shop/shop.jsp?stor efront_KEY=4 We also have a variety of T-shirts in sizes S to 2 XL. Eco-bags, water bottles, and hats and a special offer on an Eco-bag, water bottle and magnet combo Please consider donating to the Green Party. Like you, the Green Party has not received any of the corporate bailout money. A big reason we're in this mess is because corporations have too much influence in politics. We won't be beholden to corporations through corporate campaign contributions. All of our funding comes from people like you. Please help us today. Your donation will make sure we have a strong Green party that can stand up to corporate power and make goverment represent the people. http://www.gp.org/index.php Comments, feedback and content suggestions should be sent to: gphq@... Subscribe for free at gp.org. Paid for by the Green Party of the United States Email: gphq@... Office: PO Box 57065 Washington, D.C. 20037 202-319-7191 or toll-free (US): 866-41GREEN [ send green star]
James M N.	Healing the Crisis of Climate Change April 16, 2009 1:27 AM Healing the Crisis of Climate Change These Actions, on Change.org, the url :) Dictated Global Warming :) http://globalwarming.change.org/actions/view/dictated_global_warming Dear Teammate, http://humanitysteam.org/ Humanity's Team is participating in an exciting international conference to reverse the global-warming trend using integral theory. We are a key part of the conference's organization and its leading voice for Oneness and the New Spirituality. We join the conference's central organizers, who write the message below, in inviting you to join us at the conference as we co-create a new paradigm to address this urgent global challenge. Love, Steve Farrell and Gerry Harrington Ken Wilber Rajenda Pachauri Lester Brown Karen O'Brien Do you know someone who might be interested in receiving our monthly newsletter? You're receiving this newsletter because you signed up for it at Integral Life 363 Centennial Parkway, Suite 150 Louisville, Colorado 80027 http://www.IntegralLife.com Dear friends, You are invited to join us for State of the World Forum 2009! In the spirit of John F. Kennedy's call for a ten year mission to put a man on the moon, the Forum and key partners around the globe are calling for world leaders and concerned citizens everywhere to engage in a ten year "Global Transition Initiative" to green the global economy and develop an integral lifestyle. This is an ambitious yet critical undertaking, one in which all of us need to be engaged. This Initiative calls for a new form of moral leadership that transcends the narrow self-interests that have so badly damaged our economies and prevented serious efforts to mitigate the escalating effects of climate change. The Forum will be about action, creating the conditions for cross-sector collaboration to enable each one of us to take the personal as well as collective actions required to change our lives and build a positive future. What makes this effort distinctive is that it recognizes that truth is not enough to unwind the seemingly intractable knot of climate and economy, values and behavior. Louder and more forceful declarations of facts are ignored by most when we don't account for how people interpret what they hear through the value systems they live by. Informed by the Integral framework, this effort will ensure that we engage all dimensions of humanity needed to succeed - including our personal beliefs, the cultural values we share, what we can do through individual action, and what we must do through our governments, organizations and networks. Please join us for this groundbreaking event November 12 - 14, 2009 in Washington, D.C., which will launch a process that convenes a State of the World Forum in a different major city throughout the world every year for the next 10 years. Climate change affects all people everywhere and only a global and integral effort will meet the challenge of understanding and addressing the complexity of the crisis. This event is not to be missed. We welcome your energy, intellect and contribution. Warm regards, Jim Garrison, President, State of the World Forum Steve Farrell, Worldwide Coordinating Director, Humanity's Team Gerry Harrington, Coordinator of Strategic Projects [ send green star]
James M N.	Neocon Counterattack Begun :) April 11, 2009 6:29 PM Neocon Counterattack Begun :) "The neo-con counterattack has begun", please, it began when the remocratic dempublicans, in remocratic States, were told by the remocrat leadership to support Obama, because they knew they'd lose against Hillary, if Barack didn't beat her in the primaries; their longer term thinking was that if Barack won, the race, class, religious, North vs. South, literate vs. il..., ‘good ole' boy’ divide and conquer politics would be far more effective against a Saddam Barack Osama Hussein Obama Bin Laden (as they did, do, and will, try and project that he is) then a "Goldwater leaning" dempublican (even if she is a woman during wartime), in 2012, or 2016- for, they knew over 2 years ago that they were going to lose in 2008. Yet, the remocrats usual scorched earth politics, which they rev up ‘use’ of upon knowing they'll lose, or have lost, the Blackhouse, where they sell, giveaway, slash and burn everything they deem they can, with plausible deniability in mind, was sent into overdrive, even during the presidential campaign- and has only been continually escalated since then. These Actions, on Change.org, the url :) Neocon Counterattack Begun :) http://genocide.change.org/actions/view/neocon_counterattack_begun Indictment of Bush Officials May Come in Days :) http://www.impeachbush.org/site/R?i=RakycKXvbQnv8Lq1xwLMQQ.. --All of us at http://www.IndictBushNow.org Subscribe :) http://www.impeachbush.org/site/R?i=f-ml74SpXmi2jXwhstqFXQ.. I mean, it couldn't possibly be any clearer, Barack is trying to bring some sanity to our foreign policy, especially when it comes to nuclear weapons, and the remocrat spin doctors are calling him "delusional", etc., ‘using’ these 'weapons of mass-distraction' to attempt to confuse the populace, when all he wants to do is return the US to the time before the remocrat controlled Congressional pulling out of International nuclear treaties in 1997; and progress forward from there. The dempublicans reintroducing a little sanity to foreign policy has received such a reactionary response from the remocrats across the board, because they're going to lose a lot of money from less 100's of billions of taxpayer dollars being centralized to remocrat dominated industrial complexes, like the military, when they're substitute for domestic economic policy, and foreign policy, uber-militarization, unnecessary wars, etc., is replaced. Urge President Obama to stop protecting Bush's crimes :) http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/obama_wiretapping/?r=3250&id=3442-585348-awAjCqx Remember how, throughout the Clinton years, and for years after, a lot of what we'd hear from the remocrats was, "white water“ this, “white water" that, concerning the Clinton’s losing $ on a legitimate land deal, while the only white water of any consequence we ever saw was the foam continually emanating from remocrats rabid mouths. Well, they're doing the same with the Obama's, without even waiting for the pretense of an investigation to hide their rabid partisanship and obstructionism behind. Prevent Accidental War with Iran :) http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/161/t/288/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=785 http://www.peace-action.org/ It's almost hilarious, how, two months after we get rid of King George, and three years since the multimedia sent into overdrive its forced feeding of the populace with a constant bad diet of "God bless the Queen" T.V. series, movies, stories, interviews, documentaries, etc., the Tories, the remocrats, who would prefer to be her subjects rather then live in a democracy, have all become "teabaggers", according to Rachel Maddox on MSNBC, etc.; maybe, some of them are, actually, at least, subconsciously, trying to ease on out of their closets, at last- or, at least, there is hope. [CLW] The neo-con counterattack has begun :) http://livableworld.org/support/action/ https://livableworld.org/support/clw_general/ “We, the people,…” must make ourselves heard, that's you too, and not stop, for, the remocrat control of the multimedia, especially now that the remocrats are riding a smallish wave of successful spinning themselves as ‘independents’ (which has been going on for several years, due to their need for another name, after King George’s ruining of their ‘brand‘ name), has been, is, and will only continue to be, a real threat to any kind of freedom of thought and expression of the polity; voters must be empowered, instead of corralled- we stand together, or we’ll fall separately. reality Previous related Actions on Change.org, the url :) Dept of Peace Actions :) http://genocide.change.org/actions/view/dept_of_peace_actions [ send green star]
James M N.	Cesar E. Chavez and Abolish the Death Penalty :) April 10, 2009 4:11 PM Cesar E. Chavez and Abolish the Death Penalty :) These Actions, on Change.org, the url :) Chavez + Abolish Death Penalty :) http://criminaljustice.change.org/actions/view/chavez_abolish_death_penalty NCADP Actions: Honoring the Legacy of Cesar Chavez; etc.. 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! Support of friends such as you makes it possible for us to achieve these victories, use these innovative tools, and expand the base of people like us who oppose the death penalty. Please make a contribution to NCADP today to help us succeed! 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, to support our work to uphold and protect the dignity of life. 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 :) http://criminaljustice.change.org/actions/view/sentencing_project_acts [ send green star]
James M N.	ACCION eNews: Let's Keep Microfinance Strong April 04, 2009 12:59 AM ACCION eNews: Let's Keep Microfinance Strong These Actions on Change.org, the url :) Keep Microfinance Strong :) http://fairtrade.change.org/actions/view/keep_microfinance_strong March 2009 Let's Keep Microfinance Strong https://www.accion.org/Page.aspx?pid=501 For millions of the world's poor, access to microfinance has thus far protected them from the most severe effects of the global recession. And while the microfinance industry has held up where the mainstream financial industry has collapsed, it is threatened by the same credit and liquidity crisis faced by the rest of the economy. Show your support by learning more about how ACCION supports microfinance and the world's poor. Goal: A Roof Over Every Head Shelter brings invaluable benefits, including safety and good health. Unfortunately, it is estimated that in the next 30 years two billion people - close to one third of the world’s population - will be living in slums. Housing microfinance offers one attempt to meet the housing needs of the poor. ACCION has been working with several of its partners in Latin America and Africa to find permanent answers to the problem of inadequate shelter. And now, ACCION's Center for Financial Inclusion offers you podcasts and blog posts that highlight private-sector organizations that are tackling the problem in innovative ways. Are You Doing Something Wrong? As a part of ACCION's community of supporters, chances are you would pass Peter Singer's most recent ethical test, which he explains in his new book, The Life You Can Save. The famous Princeton bioethicist argues that the world's haves are not doing enough to prevent the suffering of the world's have-nots. He proposes a new public standard for charitable giving and invites people to take a pledge and change the popular perception of what it means to live an ethical life. Learn more about the book here. Weissberg Program in International Studies. March 23-28, 2009. Elisabeth Rhyne, Managing Director, Center for Financial Inclusion at ACCION International, 2008-2009 Marvin Weissberg Chair in International Studies. Credit Suisse - 12th Asian Investment Conference (AIC). March 25, 2009. María Otero, ACCION president & CEO, featured speaker. Harvard Business School-ACCION Program on Strategic Leadership for Microfinance. April 13-18, 2009. 8th Annual Global Philanthropy Forum Conference. April 22-24, 2009. María Otero, ACCION president & CEO, featured speaker. "ACB moves to serve Dar's growing suburbs" East African Business Week, February 28, 2009 "Sreelatha Menon: Saying yes to micro-banking" Business Standard, February 22, 2009 Fashionable T-Shirts... on a Mission Spring is coming, which means you may be searching for a fashionable and socially minded way to lighten up your wardrobe. At www.helpingmind.com, an online store for graphic tees, enter the promo code #404040 at checkout and 10% of the retail price of your purchase will benefit the 3.7 million people ACCION serves. Check it out! "When my husband left me for another woman, I had to figure out what to do, pretty much by myself. I thought, good lord, I've got three daughters... How are we going to live?" Click here to find out how Delia Fontela de Guzman of Lima, Peru overcame the odds with a little help from microfinance. ACCION International is a private, nonprofit organization with the mission of giving people the financial tools they need – microloans, business training and other financial services – to work their way out of poverty. A world pioneer in microfinance, ACCION issued its first microloan in 1973 in Brazil . Today, ACCION’s partner microfinance institutions serve more than 3 million poor entrepreneurs per year in 25 countries in Latin America, Asia, Africa and the United States . ACCION International Headquarters 56 Roland Street Suite 300 Boston, MA 02129 USA Tel: 617-625-7080 Fax: 617-625-7020 http://www.accion.org/Page.aspx?pid=228 Home \| Contact Info \| Need a Loan in the US? \| Privacy Policy ©2009 ACCION International. All Rights Reserved [ send green star]
James M N.	History of Women Month :) April 01, 2009 5:22 PM History of Women Month :) These latest Women's History Month Actions, on Change.org, the url :) History of Women Month :) http://humantrafficking.change.org/actions/view/history_of_women_month Urgent: Call Your Senators to Save Funding for Development Programs! :) Tell Us What You Think - We Want to Hear From You! http://www.womenthrive.org//index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1 Women Thrive Worldwide 1825 Connecticut Avenue NW Suite 600 Washington, D.C. 20009 USA Phone: (202) 884-8396 email: thrive@womenthrive.org Take Action! Tell the Senate to Restore Lifesaving Funding for the International Affairs Budget! Senators John Kerry (D-MA) and Richard Lugar (R-IN) will be offering an amendment this week to restore funding for the International Affairs Budget. As supporters of women's economic opportunity, we must do all we can to gain support for the Kerry-Lugar amendment so that this important support reaches the millions of women and families around the world who are living in extreme poverty. Please take action today by asking your Senators to co-sponsor the Kerry-Lugar Amendment and oppose any further cutting amendments. Take Action: Call your Senators today and urge them to support the Kerry-Lugar Amendment to restore $4 billion to the International Affairs Budget and oppose any further cutting amendments! http://www.womenthrive.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=635&Itemid=152#takeaction How to Take Action: 1. Click here to look up your Senators' http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm office phone numbers. 2. When an office staffer answers the phone say, "As a consituent of Senator ______, I am calling to urge the Senator to support the Kerry-Lugar Amendment to restore the $4 billion cut to the FY10 International Affairs Budget in the Senate Budget Resolution and oppose any further cutting amendments." Click here for more talking points. Thank you for taking action on behalf of women and girls worldwide! Over a Million Dollars Worth of Medical Bills :) The people I met this morning have traveled to Washington to tell Congress their stories, and are on the Hill speaking to Congressional staff as I send this email. [ http://ga1.org/ct/R7xuL661UzeA/ ] But they cannot pass this legislation without your help. >>Please take a few minutes to educate yourself by watching our new short film, Hit and Run: Will Congress Protect Our Rights? [ http://ga1.org/ct/Y1xuL661UzeN/ ] >>Sign our petition urging Congress to take action. [ http://ga1.org/ct/R1xuL661UzeL/ ] >>Contact your member of Congress [ http://ga1.org/ct/RpxuL661UzeM/ ]and tell him or her to pass the Medical Device Safety Act before the summer recess. And, most importantly, share this email with your friends and family, and ask them to take action, as well. With your help, we can give these brave people a fighting chance to receive justice. Thank you for your support, Nan Visit the web address below to tell your friends about this. http://ga1.org/join-forward.html?domain=afj&r=i7xuL66qxp4o If you received this message from a friend, you can sign up for Alliance for Justice at: http://ga1.org/afj/join.html?r=i7xuL66qxp4oE Register Today: Call on Supporting Family, Friend, and Neighbor Care :) Register today for our first call, Lessons Learned: Supporting Family, Friend and Neighbor Care & Family Child Care in Oregon Through Unionization: http://action.nwlc.org/site/R?i=B3IE-XLf5MMqWyJU1pcB1g.. The conference call will take place on Tuesday, April 7, at 2:30 p.m. Eastern. Presenters for this call will include: * Helen Blank, Director of Leadership and Public Policy , National Women's Law Center * Faye Zepada, AFSCME Staff Representative, Local 132 * Abby Solomon, Field Coordinator Care Providers, SEIU In addition to the call, the National Women's Law Center has just released a new resource, Developing Family, Friend, and Neighbor Care Initiatives: Tips from Experts: http://action.nwlc.org/site/R?i=4WrlHpkQDNGYASYn0oViQg.. The guide compiles insights and recommendations on promising strategies for FFN care and offers tips to address common challenges to developing effective federal, state and local policies and approaches concerning FFN care. We hope that you will join us for this call: http://action.nwlc.org/site/R?i=40TB93QaxpAoETu73EiFOg.. Obama administration to introduce new HHS rule :) http://www.ppaction.org/campaign/hhsorcp_pp/xkwgn62z7nbni3b?qp_source=enews%5fmar09%5fppol The White House Council on Women and Girls :) http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/09/03/11/Opportunities-their-mothers-and-grandmothers-and-great-grandmothers-never-dreamed-of/ Protests on International Women's Day :) http://www.capitalfm.co.ke/news/International/Women%27s-Day-marks-crisis-of-poverty-3593.html [NOW Actions] Speak Out to Overturn Dangerous HHS Refusal Rule :) Support NOW's Work for Reproductive Rights, Take Action NOW! http://www.capwiz.com/now/issues/alert/?alertid=12965076 All NOW Actions :) http://www.now.org/actions/ Previous Actions on Change.org, the url :) Act Womens History Month :) http://globalhealth.change.org/actions/view/act_womens_history_month Related Actions on Change.org, the url :) Now Universal Healthcare :) http://autism.change.org/actions/view/now_universal_healthcare International Womens Day Actions: Previous Related, on Change.org, the url :) Intn'l Womens Day Actions :) http://globalhealth.change.org/actions/view/intnl_womens_day_actions [ send green star]
James M N.	Department of Peace Actions :) March 29, 2009 2:13 AM Dept of Peace Actions :) These Actions on Change.org, the url :) http://genocide.change.org/actions/view/dept_of_peace_actions 1-Minute Action--Ask President Obama about a Dept of Peace Ask the President =================== Dear james m, President Obama has called for questions from the public about the economy. He'll be answering some on national TV tomorrow night. We know that reducing and preventing violence has the potential of saving hundreds of billions of dollars each year, so we want him to answer a question about the Department of Peace. Carol Hillson of New York has posted a question on whitehouse.gov. Go there today and vote up her question. It's simple: 1. Go to http://www.whitehouse.gov/openforquestions/ 2. Search on Department of Peace and vote YES (click on the check box to the right of the question; you may need to log in/create an account, which is really simple!) 3. Spread the word Try to do this today--Wednesday, March 25--as the President will be on TV tomorrow. Even if you can't to it today, do it anyway; we want this issue to continue to be in front of the White House as much as possible. Thank you for taking action for peace! In gratitude, Wendy Signature Wendy Greene Managing Director =================== ABOUT THE LEGISLATION There is currently a bill before Congress to establish a federal Department of Peace to reduce and prevent violence in the United States and abroad. It will work to expand the nation's capacity to strategically develop and apply practical, cost-effective and proven means of resolving conflict before it erupts into violence. It will provide unprecedented financial and institutional heft to strengthen and complement our current approaches to violence, focusing on prevention through multi-layered nonviolent strategies. Domestically, the Department will develop policies and allocate resources to support local communities in finding, funding and replicating effective violence-reduction and prevention programs. Internationally, the Department will focus on understanding and addressing the root causes of violence, providing the President and Congress with expert resources for nonviolently defusing international crises and conflicts. A Peace Academy, on par with the military service academies, will provide a four-year course of instruction after which graduates will serve five years in public service programs dedicated to domestic or international nonviolent conflict resolution. Learn more at The Peace Alliance website: http://www.ThePeaceAlliance.org Join us now. Create a Department of Peace. Help make history. Together, we can do this. HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE LEGISLATION: * Develop a coordinated, strategic, sophisticated approach to expanding our nation's ability to nonviolently resolve conflict before it erupts into violence * Provide much-needed assistance to city, county and state governments in finding, funding and expanding programs that are proven effective at reducing and preventing violence * Teach violence prevention and mediation to America's school children and teachers * Support the use of programs proven to reduce prison re-offending (recidivism) rates * Support our military with new peacebuilding capabilities desperately needed in the war on terror * Create and administer a U.S. Peace Academy to ensure the development and application of the very best nonviolent resources in conflict resolution * And more? *************************************************** Building the Bedrock for Peace Peace Partner Campaign Launch March 22nd ? May 31st =============== Read this online: http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/696/t/0/blastContent.jsp?email_blast_KEY=1134567 =============== Dear james m, Greetings from our national conference in the Washington, D.C. area, where hundreds of peace supporters from around the country are meeting to take concrete steps to promote a culture of peace. The camaraderie, conversation and commitment of our grassroots network this weekend has been truly inspiring. Watch our Conference Blog for updates and check out the Conference YouTube Playlist for lots of video clips from conference activities. We will be posting the first photos in on our Picasa Gallery today. We are looking forward to our meetings with elected officials on Capitol Hill on Monday. -------------------------------- Peace Partners Building the Bedrock for Peace A Special Video Message from Lynn McMullen, The Peace Alliance Executive Director. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgrfRkRaja4 This morning, right here at our conference in the nation's capital, we are excited to kick-off our Peace Partner Campaign. If we are to succeed in this great mission to create a culture of peace, it is crucial for us to establish a sustained funding base for our own organization. All social movements cost money, from civil rights, voting rights for women and protection of endangered species. Lack of funds have killed countless dreams and programs. That is why, today, we are launching a campaign to build a stronger sustainable funding base, to fulfill our mission and the goals of our strategic plan. We believe that your financial investment in The Peace Alliance, as well as your help recruiting others to support us, is one of the most highly leveraged ways you can help manifest a culture of peace. Here is why: 1. Our Volunteers: With a small but highly skilled staff to support our national network, we have been able to train and activate thousands of committed grassroots volunteers across all 50 states that perform the bulk of the campaign's work. With your financial support, we can expand our efforts into new districts, strengthen our public education, as well as increase volunteer training and support services. 2. Federal Spending: Your investment in.... [ send green star]
James M N.	Latino Actions: Rising Tide :) March 19, 2009 2:50 PM Latino Actions: Rising Tide :) Latino Actions: Rising Tide to wash away the increasing, and increasingly devolutonary, pollution of fascism, or, just the latest movement to be drowned (assimilated) by it? These Actions on Change.org, the url :) Latino Actions: Rising Tide :) http://immigration.change.org/actions/view/latino_actions_rising_tide CIS Report Gets Diagnosis Right, Cure Wrong :) For Immediate Release http://www.immigrationpolicy.org/ Rhetoric is not enough to protect farm workers from the heat :) http://www.ufwaction.org/campaign/heat309/e63nwur176kmnii? Join the Petition Drive for a National Cesar E. Chavez Holiday! :) http://www.ufwaction.org/campaign/chavezholiday09/e63nwu2y7685new? [Invitation] Calderon's Stimulus: The economic and social implications for working families in Mexico :) http://dia.epi.org/t/2503/event/index.jsp?event_KEY=48056 http://www.epi.org/content.cfm/signup [INVITATION] NAFTA, CAFTA, Colombia FTA and Workers' Rights [reminder] :) Economic Policy Institute, 1333 H Street, NW, Suite 300, East Tower, Washington, DC (Near McPherson Square Metro and Metro Center) (Please note the street address; some invitations were sent with an incorrect address) Click here to reserve your seat http://dia.epi.org/t/2503/event/index.jsp?event_KEY=48055 For additional information about this event, please call 202-533-2555. For registration support, contact events@epi.org. If you've received this from a friend and would like to subscribe to EPI mailings, click here. http://www.epi.org/content.cfm/signup [CIW News] Modern-day farm slavery leaves the fields, sets up on steps of Florida Capitol! :) Be sure to check out the CIW site, http://www.ciw-online.org today for a quick photo update and complete media round-up from yesterday's inspirational theater and press conference on the steps of Florida's old Capitol building, calling on Governor Charlie Crist to step up against slavery in Florida's fields! Intn'l Womens Day Actions: Actions and Contacts for this issue and others that relate, on Change.org, the url :) International Womens Day Actions :) http://globalhealth.change.org/actions/view/intnl_womens_day_actions 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 Direct Contact info.: Congressional switchboard :) (202) 224-3121 US House of Representatives :) http://www.house.gov/ US Senate :) http://www.senate.gov 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.	DC Residents Voice in Congress :) March 14, 2009 2:34 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.	International Womens Day Actions :) March 14, 2009 2:34 PM International Womens Day Actions :) Intn'l Womens Day Actions: Actions and Contacts for this issue and others that relate, on Change.org, the url :) http://globalhealth.change.org/actions/view/intnl_womens_day_actions Voices Communique - International Women's Day. It happens every year on the same day-March 8. International Women's Day is a global celebration to acknowledge women in all aspects of their lives-work, economics, political and social. http://voiceseducation.org/ Find out more about the origin of the day and its history in the International Women's Day Education Packet on our Resources site. You'll also find poetry on women written by women, notable quotes and some important historical events that helped catapult the day in the United States. Visit the International Women's Day official website. http://www.internationalwomensday.com/ BREAKING: Obama moves to overturn Bush rule. But it's not over yet. We still need your help! http://www.ppaction.org/campaign/hhsorcp_ppol/xkwgn6r1kketwd?qp_source=hhsorcp%5fe1%5fppol Calling on All ReproWrites Readers to Submit Comments on Harmful Bush HHS Rule. http://www.reproductiverights.org International Women's Day: Join Our New Tele-Conference Series! Announcing Our National Tele-Conference Series: Save the Date! http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/840/t/6749/event/index.jsp?event_KEY=47736 Poll: Majority in All Countries Favor Equal Rights for Women. http://www.worldpublicopinion.org/pipa/articles/btjusticehuman_rightsra/453.php?lb=bthr&pnt=453&nid=&id= Other International Women's Day Events. http://womenthrive.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=622&Itemid=152 [NOW Actions] Paid Parental Leave -- Urge Senators to Support This First Step. Take Action NOW! http://www.capwiz.com/now/issues/alert/?alertid=12845061 TAKE ACTION: http://www.now.org/ Demand Seats for Women at the Tables of Power. Women at the Tables of Power. March 8, International Women's Day, is a day to acknowledge the need for women's equal participation in economic and political decision-making, to celebrate the extraordinary accomplishments of women, and to denounce gender discrimination and gender violence. Click here to continue reading the WILPF Statement on International Women's Day. http://www.wilpf.int.ch/statements/2009/IWD.html Click here to continue reading about local WILPF activities. http://wilpf.org/branchactivity The next step for fair pay, Our fight isn't over yet! Please urge your Senators to quickly pass the Paycheck Fairness Act: http://action.nwlc.org/site/R?i=de3aorhGiZE1_gsWvCLzbA.. For more details on the movement for pay equity, visit the Fair Pay Campaign website: http://action.nwlc.org/site/R?i=f_zfBcfkZFxym5RvmrhJzw.. We Need Universal Healthcare Now, Actions on Change.org, the url :) Universal Healthcare Now :) http://globalhealth.change.org/actions/view/universal_healthcare_now Healthcare in Every Pot, Universal Healthcare Now, Healthcare in Every Pot: These Actions on Change.org, the url :) http://healthcare.change.org/actions/view/healthcare_in_every_pot Good Women's History Month To All, Please Act, Actions and Contacts for this issue and others that relate, on Change.org: Womens History Month Acts :) http://womensrights.change.org/actions/view/womens_history_month_acts Click To Donate Free: This Pledge on Change.org, the url :) http://globalwarming.change.org/actions/view/click_to_donate_free For this Valentine Day, be your love in action, give the gift that keeps on giving, a hand to a sister and/or brother; give all your Change.org coin away, etc. :) Valentine Day Coin Drop: This Action on Change.org :) http://womensrights.change.org/actions/view/valentine_day_coin_drop [ send green star]
James M N.	Urgent: Tell your reps to attend health care forum! February 23, 2009 11:26 PM Urgent: Tell your reps to attend health care forum! THE SINGLE-PAYER SOLUTION james m - Anna, a mother of two who lives in Massachusetts, suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder. She used to receive free care from the state, and all her treatments were paid for. But now that she is covered by the state's new health insurance for the poor, she has had to forego weekly visits to her therapist and has halved her medication dosage in an attempt to stretch her supply of pills. This is just one of many stories of how the health care reform passed in Massachusetts in 2006 has failed. Call your representatives and urge them to attend a forum on the failings of the Massachusetts health care model http://action.citizen.org/t/6693/content.jsp?content_KEY=5333#Act Learn more about single-payer health care A study released this week by Public Citizen and Physicians for a National Health Program shows that many in Massachusetts remain uninsured, and the cost of the reform has skyrocketed. What's more, many low-income residents, who used to receive completely free care, now face co-payments, premiums and deductibles. These financial burdens prevent many from receiving necessary medical treatment. james m, many in Congress consider Massachusetts a model for the rest of the country. But it is not. It is crucial that we learn from the failings of the Massachusetts model as we move forward with national health care reform. Public Citizen is working with the Leadership Conference for Guaranteed Health Care to host a congressional forum on this issue next Wednesday, Feb. 25, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, D.C. We are inviting lawmakers to attend the forum, listen to witness testimony and ask questions of a panel of experts. Please call your representatives today and urge them to attend this forum. This is a rare opportunity for them to hear from physicians, nurses, patients, labor leaders, insurance brokers and state legislators who are living with the impact of Massachusetts health care reform every day. Tell your lawmakers to represent you and all citizens who need and deserve a better health care system. Find your representatives here, http://www.healthcare-now.org/wp-content/uploads/pdf/inv.pdf or call the Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121. Here is an announcement about the forum and a letter that you can send to your representatives. We cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of the past - too much is at stake. Call your representatives today. Thank you for all you do, James Floyd, M.D. Public Citizen P.S. - Call your representatives today! Stay informed and speak out when it counts. Sign up for the Public Citizen Action Network or other online announcements. Join the Public Citizen Action Network \| Support Us \| Take Action \| Copyright 2008 Public Citizen [ send green star]
James M N.	Extremist threat to Obama February 18, 2009 2:09 AM Extremist threat to Obama February 13, 2009 White supremacist under investigation for plot to assassinate Obama http://www.splcenter.org/blog/2009/02/12/marine-arrest-raises-issue- of-extremists-in-military/?splcnewsletter=dnewsgen-021309 A recent search of a U.S. Marine's barracks turned up a journal allegedly containing white supremacist material and a plan to kill President Obama. The incident is the latest disturbing account that suggests racist extremists are infiltrating the military — even as officials deny there's a problem. SPLC President Richard Cohen has again urged the Pentagon to uphold a zero-tolerance policy against white supremacist activity. Angry over Obama victory, neo-Nazi reportedly procured 'dirty bomb' components A neo-Nazi in Maine, who was shot to death by his wife in December, possessed a cache of radioactive materials that could be used for building a "dirty bomb," according to a recently leaked FBI intelligence report. New report: Three anti-immigration groups share extremist roots A new SPLC report exposes the white nationalist roots of three Washington D.C. organizations most responsible for blocking comprehensive immigration reform. In response to the report, the New York Times editorial board wrote "Kudos to the S.P.L.C. for shining a light." Palm Beach schools reach landmark agreement with SPLC In response to a complaint brought by the SPLC and other civil rights groups, school officials in Palm Beach County, Florida (the 11th largest school district in the nation) have agreed to boost the counseling and psychological services needed to help students with emotional and behavioral disabilities. "These steps will help ensure our most vulnerable students are given the opportunity to succeed and are not pushed out of the classroom," said David Utter, director of the SPLC Florida Youth Initiative. Teaching Tolerance offers tips for coping in a bad economy The new issue of Teaching Tolerance magazine provides teachers the tools they need to help children cope with the stresses caused by our country's economic crisis. The issue also looks at President Obama's historic speech on race and offers suggestions to educators for fostering classroom discussions that can lead to a deeper understanding about race and diversity. Support Our Work Help us in the fight against hate - make a gift in honor of a loved one today. 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.	Please help out the homeless :) February 13, 2009 6:55 PM Please help out the homeless :) Hola. Please check out these homelessness support groups, etc., and help fund, etc., those you can :) This Action on Change.org, the url :) Help Homeless :) http://homelessness.change.org/actions/view/help_homeless National Housing Trust Fund - National Low Income Housing Coalition - P: 202-662-1530, x.229 - F:202-393-1973 matt@nlihc.org House A Native American: Native Americans have been around since the dawn of time but much has changed still the early days and now many of them are ho,eless or worse they are living in something dangerous that could fall down about them at any given moment. We realise there are far more than Native American in need of help but we have to start somewhere. Help build a group that cares - that's willing to roll up their sleeves and willing to pick up a hammer, donate or help raise funds for needed materials to House A Native American. Home: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/homeless_americans/ Subscribe: homeless_americans-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. Homeless Civil Rights and Civil Liberties :) http://www.care2.com/c2c/groups/disc.html?gpp=780&pst=2812 National Health Care for the Homeless Council - New Publications and order frm (U "More information on Helping Those Called Homeless: Last Updated: 7-14-04 Because Health Care is a Right, Not a Privilege Home Advocacy & Policy Research Training & Education Clinical Resources Publications Publications - Order Form source page url: http://www.nhchc.org/ ; to download an order form or call (612) 226-2292 to order. The Department of Labor administers programs providing employment and training services that are crucial components in the comprehensive efforts to address the cycle of homelessness. The Department offers both mainstream and targeted employment-focused programs that help lead to self-sufficiency. The DOL strategy focuses on helping homeless Americans who want to work or can become job-ready. H. C. (Sonny) Covington I CAN! America "Getting Things Done" hcc@icanamerica.org ; 1-518-747-9342. Fair Housing Accessibility FIRST is a new initiative sponsored by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) designed to promote compliance with the Fair Housing Act design and construction requirements. http://www.fairhousingfirst.org/relatedlinks.asp Homeless Resources & Humanitarian Causes: (Global) http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Agora/7076/causestext.html CanDo announces the creation of NationalChildSupport.com--the leading site dedicated to the collection of past-due child support: http://www.nationalchildsupport.com/rob/ EXPANDING THE POWER OF THE INDEPENDENT LIVING MOVEMENT This material is being sent to you by the IL NET (http://www.ilru.org/ilnet/), a national training and technical assistance project spearheaded by ILRU (http://www.ilru.org) in partnership with the National Council on Independent Living (http://www.ncil.org). All of our publications are available at http://www.ilru.org/Publications/index.html Free Donation.com House the Homeless http://www.freedonation.com/homeless/ End Homelessness Now- click to make a FREE donation http://www.endhomelessnessnow.org/thankyou.php3 Click to help needy kids :) http://children.care2.com/ National Network to Stop Foreclosures and Evictions :) c/o Solidarity Center 55 W 17th St #5C New York, NY 10011 617-522-6626 http://www.stopforeclosuresandevictions.org/donate.shtml To check out Art4TheHomeless you can visit the blog at http://art4thehomeless.nutang.com and you can check out the webzine at http://art4thehomelesszine.tripod.com. Thanx. Ciao, for now. Matutinally Yours, james m nordlund reality (aja) :) [ send green star]
James M N.	Good Women's History Month To All, Please Act :) February 06, 2009 1:32 PM Actions and Contacts for this issue and others that relate, on Change.org :) http://womensrights.change.org/actions/view/womens_history_month_acts Break the Silence by Entering a FREE Submission by March 15th :) Please visit :) http://breakthesilenceproject.com/ for more info! On Change.org :) http://womensrights.change.org/actions/view/break_the_silence_by_entering_a_free_submission_by_march_15th Protect Women's Health: Reject the Harmful HHS Rule :) The Bush Administration has done the unconscionable. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has recklessly and callously finalized a regulation that undermines patients’ access to vital health care services and information — putting women’s health and lives at serious risk. Please tell President Obama to reject this harmful rule immediately :) Act At National Womens Law Center :) https://secure2.convio.net/nwlc/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=267 STOP FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION, Sign Petition :) http://www.petitiononline.com/fgm2003/petition.html On Change.org :) http://womensrights.change.org/actions/view/stop_female_genital_mutilation 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/ My Break the Silence project submission :) "...What's Love Got To Do With It...." They say, a rose by any other..., Would still be as sweet.... Every 9 seconds a woman is raped By someone who says he loves her. Give a real gift to sisters, And brothers, all, reach one, And teach one, to not be a Link in that patriarchal chain, Not adding to that number of Humanities bane, not a statistic in la machine's game, ever, From this Valentine's Day on. Original twig of poetree, just created, by james m nordlund :) Permission is here given by me for you to copy and share, as you will. 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.	Celebrate Black History Month With Reflection and Action :) February 06, 2009 1:26 PM Celebrate Black History Month With Reflection and Action :) 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.	Martin Luther King Jr. and Aung San Suu Kyi January 28, 2009 2:34 AM Martin Luther King Jr. and Aung San Suu Kyi Dear james m, Many people have compared Burma's Nobel Peace Prize recipient Aung San Suu Kyi to Martin Luther King Jr. These comparisons came into focus last Sunday -- on the eve of Martin Luther King Jr. day -- when Suu Kyi was given the "Trumpet of Conscience Award" by the Realizing the Dream foundation, which is led by Martin Luther King III. http://www.realizingthedream.org/docs/RTD%20invite.pdf In a ceremony attended by over 1,000 people in Washington, DC, the award was presented by Jordan's Queen Noor and accepted by U.S. Campaign for Burma co-founder Aung Din on behalf of Aung San Suu Kyi. Each year, Realizing the Dream honors individuals who embody the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr. For the past three years we have organized events on Aung San Suu Kyi's birthday to draw attenton to the struggle of Burma's democracy movement. Each year, these events grow larger and larger. In 2008, then-Senator Barack Obama joined the effort, issuing a statement of support that said "[Aung San Suu Kyi] has sacrificed family and ultimately her freedom to remain true to her people and the cause of liberty. And she has done so using the tools of nonviolent resistance in the great tradition of Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, and Martin Luther King, earning the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize." This year, we are asking all of our supporters, including you, to help Aung San Suu Kyi and the people of Burma by making a New Years Resolution to host an event for Burma at your home. You can hold your event at any time between now and Aung San Suu Kyi's birthday on June 19th. Please join us in this important effort! Sign up here to get started right away. http://uscampaignforburma.org/index.php Sincerely, Jeremy Woodrum Support 1991 Nobel Peace Prize recipient Aung San Suu Kyi and the struggle for freedom and democracy in Burma: Become a member of the United States Campaign for Burma today. Or, make a donation today. [ send green star]
James M N.	additions :) LPDOC Acts: Contacts: Take Action to Protect Peltier; etc.. January 22, 2009 4:16 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 4:30 AM 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 4:28 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 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 [ send green star]
James M N.	Hola, All. Oops, I forgot a link to the action on one site :) January 05, 2009 5:48 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 11:06 PM Do you agree with the duopoly on areas of priority? Tell media Editors, etc., what "we,...", think! Sample letter :) A national, universal, green jobs movement would certainly be a good start, and help many areas of our society, now and in the future; yet, that will not be enough to realize the possibility of the stopping of the extermination of humanity and large mammals, happening now, nor, the extinction of the same. 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 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, etc.)) http://capwiz.com/fconl/home/ http://www.congress.org/congressorg/issues/alert/? alertid=12218526&type=CO http://change.gov/openforquestions http://www.change.org/ Some groups I moderate: 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, all issues: http://www.care2.com/c2c/group/Diffabled_MentalHealth_Action reality's 360 page: http://360.yahoo.com/jamesmnordlund [ send green star]
James M N.	GP Of united suck of assassins Acts: Single Payer Healthcare; etc.. December 20, 2008 5:14 PM Single Payer Healthcare Now! Back to GP.org GREEN PARTY OF THE UNITED STATES MEDIA RELEASE Enacting a single-payer health care program will boost the ailing US economy, say Greens For Immediate Release: Thursday, December 18, 2008 Contacts: Scott McLarty, Media Coordinator, 202-518-5624, cell 202-904-7614, mclarty@greens.org Starlene Rankin, Media Coordinator, 916-995-3805, starlene@gp.org -Single-payer plan would remove the expensive burden of employer-based health coverage -Greens see danger that progressive groups, unions will acquiesce to the Obama's 'life-support for insurance industry' plan WASHINGTON, DC -- Green Party leaders urged Americans to take up President-elect Barack Obama's call for discussion on health care and demand a single-payer national health care program, also called Medicare For All. Greens said that the current financial crisis is an ideal time to introduce single-payer. "Businesses have been burdened for decades with the high expense and administrative burden of employer-based health care benefits. Single-payer will alleviate the burden and stimulate the economy. It will also cost working people far less than they now pay for private coverage. Businesses large and small, unions, and all middle- and low-income working Americans will benefit from single-payer," said Sanda Everette, co-chair of the Green Party of the United States. Greens have taken the lead on single-payer in many states. Party leaders Gloria Mattera and Peter LaVenia are co-sponsors of Single Payer New York, Mark Dunlea is one of the organizers, and gp.org webmaster David Doonan manages the group's site (http://singlepayernewyork.org). "Mr. Obama asks Americans to send their ideas to him about how to fix health care. Now is the time for organizations and Americans who support single-payer to tell the President-elect that single-payer is the only acceptable solution," said Carl Romanelli, former Green candidate for the US Senate and Northeastern Pennsylvania coordinator for the PA single payer movement (http://www.healthcare4allpa.org). "The greatest danger is that the sense of exhilaration and relief that greeted Mr. Obama's election will turn into acquiescence to his mandate plan for health care reform," added John Battista, MD, Green Party member and Coordinator of the Connecticut Coalition for Universal Health Care. "That's what happened in 1993 after Bill Clinton was elected, setting back the chance for single-payer for more than a decade. Like Mr. Clinton and every Democratic presidential nominee for the past two decades, Mr. Obama would leave the private insurance industry in control of our health care." "Will Barack Obama stand with the American people and make quality health care a right for all by saying no to for-profit health insurance?" asked Mr. Dunlea, who attended a recent Healthcare Now national gathering in Chicago and proposed placing 20,000 single payer signs at the inauguration. "Or will he allow health insurance companies to continue to make profits by denying consumers access to coverage? Doctors say yes to single-payer, nurses say yes to single-payer, and the American public says yes to single-payer in every poll despite the denials from politicians and the media. Will Mr. Obama say, Yes we can?" Green Party leaders urged progressive and consumer groups and unions not to repeat mistakes made during the first Clinton term, when many of them dropped their demand for single-payer and endorsed the Clinton 'managed care' plan, which would have herded Americans into coverage under a handful of the largest private insurance companies. President Clinton rejected single-payer, and support for national health insurance was deleted from the Democratic Party platform during the Clinton Administration. As a result, health care reform languished while the number of uncovered Americans grew and even those with coverage have been increasingly denied treatment. The Obama plan includes similar mandates and attempts to compensate insurance firms and HMOs for heavy regulation by giving them huge subsidies. "The Obama plan is a scheme to sustain insurance companies and HMOs with our tax dollars. It reciprocates the hundreds of thousands of dollars that these corporations contribute to Democratic candidates every election cycle. Insurance companies and HMOs have a financial interest in excluding 'high risk' people -- the old, the poor, those with prior medical conditions -- and limiting treatment for those who have coverage in order to maximize profits. Why should we pay off insurance companies and HMOs to cover the excluded, when we can save hundreds of billions annually by covering everyone with a single-payer plan?" said Green Party co-chair Jill Bussiere. Single-payer/Medicare For All would cover all Americans regardless of income, employment, residence, age, or prior medical condition, while allowing choice of health care provider. In 2003, the New England Journal of Medicine published an article estimating that Single-Payer could cut health care costs by $350 billion annually (http://www.pnhp.org/publications/nejmadmin.pdf). ### The Green Party takes no money from real estate companies, investment firms, or insurance companies; In fact, we don't take any corporate money because we think corporate money in politics is wrong. If you agree, please help us today. Your donation to the Green Party will help make sure we have a strong Green party today and into the future. https://salsa.wiredforchange.com/o/175/shop/custom.jsp?d [ send green star]
James M N.	Statement from South Asian Organizations on the Mumbai Attacks December 02, 2008 6:54 AM Endorsed by: Adhikaar Chaya Chhaya CDC Coney Island Avenue Project Council of Peoples Organization Counselors Helping (South) Asian/Indians Daya Desis Rising Up and Moving Hamdard Center Indo-American Center Maitri Manavi Michigan Asian Indian Family Services Narika Raksha Satrang South Asian Mental Health Awareness in Jersey Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund South Asian American Policy and Research Institute South Asian Americans Leading Together South Asian Youth Action South Asians for Progressive Action Trikone NW Turning Point for Women and Families December 1, 2008 - Members of the National Coalition of South Asian Organizations (NCSO) offer our deepest condolences to those who have lost family and friends in the recent acts of violence in Mumbai, India that left an estimated 180 individuals dead and communities around the world in shock and grief. We encourage individuals of all faiths and nationalities to unite in addressing the impact of incidents such as the tragedy in Mumbai and those occurring in other parts of the world with compassion and a commitment to non-violence, tolerance, and respect. Our message is informed by the experiences of communities in the United States and abroad who have endured the impact of backlash, intolerance and suspension of civil liberties in the wake of September 11th. In these challenging times, it is important to remember that the values of democracy, openness, dialogue, and respect of diversity can pave the way to peace and stability. For additional information or assistance, please contact members of the NCSO; the Indian Embassy; and the South Asian Journalists Association. The National Coalition of South Asian Organizations (NCSO) is a network of 35 community-based organizations in 12 regions around the country that provide services to, work with, convene, organize, and advocate for South Asians in the United States. For more information, please contact South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT), the coordinator of the NCSO at (301) 270.1855 or saalt@saalt.org. Privacy Policy. Email Marketing by South Asian Americans Leading Together \| 6930 Carroll Avenue, Suite 506 \| Takoma Park \| MD \| 20912 [ send green star]
James M N.	PRAYER & CONDOLANCE MTG @ SSVT AUDITORIUM, LANHAM, MD, 7-9PM November 27, 2008 11:17 PM PRAYER & CONDOLANCE MTG @ SSVT AUDITORIUM, LANHAM, MD, 7-9PM PRAYER & CONDOLANCE MEETING AT SSVT AUDITORIUM, LANHAM, MARYLAND, 7-9PM,... Dear Friends, By now you must be fully aware of the tragic terrorist bomb blast and hostage situation in the Mumbai, the financial epicenter of India, which has occcured over the last 24 hours. Some of our community members have had personal losses in this terrorist crisis. The Indian American community in the tri-state area is organizing a condolence meeting and offers their sincere prayer, sympathy, and assistance to the victims and their loved ones. We need your cordial and sympathetic attendance and participation in this condolance and prayer meeting. Please forward this meeting to all of your friends (Indian and American) along with the press. Venue: Sri Siva Vishnu Temple 6905 Cipriano Road Lanham, MD 20706 (301) 552-3335 Date & Time: Friday November 28th 7 PM to 9PM For further information please contact us at (301) 464-8859 or (240) 481-3052. With best of regards, Sincerely yours, Shreekanta Nayak President National Council of Asian Indian Associations Mr. Raj Gopalan Chairman Shi Shiva Vishnu Temple Trustee Mrs. R. Jayprada President Shi Shiva Vishnu Temple Trustee Mr. Satish Korpe....EX.VP. NCAIA / IAFPE. Mr. Ram Singh..President, IAFPE. [ send green star]
James M N.	Repeal Prop 8: It's not a threat, it's a promise. November 23, 2008 1:01 AM "Because we fully expect to prevail in court, we expect that, at some point, we will need to defeat a ballot proposal by advocates of same- sex marriage. Our opponents have threatened such a proposal as early as 2010. We are already beginning the planning process to lay the groundwork to defeat a future proposed initiative that would legalize gay marriage." -- Ron Prentice, Chairman, "Yes on Proposition 8" campaign Dear james m, It's not a threat, Mr. Prentice. It's a promise. That's why 295,230 people have signed the pledge to repeal Prop 8, launched by the Courage Campaign and joined by CREDO Mobile and MoveOn. Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands are marching and organizing in cities across America to restore marriage equality to California. Because of this unprecedented Marriage Equality Movement, Ron Prentice -- and his religious right-wing "prayer warriors" -- are now on defense in a two-front electoral and judicial war that will eventually determine the fate of Prop 8. Right now, gay and lesbian advocacy organizations like NCLR, Lambda Legal, and the ACLU are waging a critical legal battle to invalidate Prop 8 in court. On a parallel path, the Courage Campaign is launching a people- powered campaign to support the nearly 300,000 citizens calling for the repeal of Prop 8 by 2010. Will you put your financial power behind the repeal of Prop 8 today? Inspired by Barack Obama's grassroots campaign for change, this new marriage equality campaign will be driven by you, neighbor-to- neighbor, across California. To help the Courage Campaign put community organizers on the ground immediately, please contribute $25, $50, $500, $1000 or whatever you can afford right now: http://www.couragecampaign.org/PowerTheRepeal President-elect Obama's campaign empowered millions of Americans to engage their friends, family and neighbors in meaningful discussions about the future of our country, in every state in America. And, with your support, that's exactly what we want to do for marriage equality in every county in California. We will work with the LGBT community and our other partners -- such as MoveOn, CREDO, SEIU-United Healthcare Workers, and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference -- to conduct an innovative community- based campaign to change the conversation about marriage equality in California. This new campaign to restore marriage equality is already being driven by you. Now we need to take it neighbor-to-neighbor, door-to- door, across California. Today, you have the power to get this unique campaign off the ground by contributing whatever you can afford, whether it's $25, $250, or $2,500 or more to repeal Prop 8: http://www.couragecampaign.org/PowerTheRepeal When this battle is engaged again, we know Ron Prentice and his right- wing crusaders will spend millions of dollars to scare Californians with deceptive and emotionally-charged TV ads. But this time, the defenders of marriage equality -- straight and gay alike -- will be organizing in their communities to persuade their friends and family that separate is NOT equal, and it's definitely not American. And, this time, we will win. Thank you for everything you are doing to change California and the country. Rick Jacobs Chair P.S. Next week, we will highlight the stories of newly energized activists, straight and gay, who are moving from the streets to strategy -- and how we will support them in organizing their communities. For now, please spread the word about this unique campaign by asking five of your friends to invest any amount they can afford -- even $5 - - in our campaign to repeal Prop 8: http://www.couragecampaign.org/PowerTheRepeal The Courage Campaign Issues Committee is part of the Courage Campaign's online organizing network that empowers over 300,000 grassroots and netroots activists to push for progressive change in California. To support our campaign to repeal Prop 8, please contribute to the Courage Campaign Issues Committee today: [ send green star]
James M N.	Fr Bourgeois Faces Excommunication, 11-21 to 23: Vigil, GA November 15, 2008 1:09 AM Fr Bourgeois Faces Excommunication, 11-21 to 23: Vigil, GA Fr. Roy Bourgeois Faces Excommunication by the Vatican, November 21-23: Vigil at the Gates of Fort Benning, Georgia North and South, the People Say, Close the SOA! Donate http://soaw.org/article.php?id=1705 Father Roy Bourgeois Faces Excommunication by the Vatican Father Roy Bourgeois, a Catholic priest, torture survivor, Vietnam veteran, Purple Heart recipient, and SOA Watch founder is facing excommunication by the Vatican for his beliefs on the ordination of women. Father Roy was given 30 days to recant his belief and public statements. For more information and to read Father Roy Bourgeois statement, see this article from the National Catholic Reporter: Roy Bourgeois threatened with excommunication November 21-23: Thousands to Converge at the Gates of Fort Benning, Georgia Round-trip flights from around the country available for less than $200 Momentum for the Vigil to close the SOA is building. Thousands across the country are making their travel arrangements to join torture survivors and social movement leaders from across the Americas, and to demand the closing of the School of the Americas (SOA/WHINSEC) and a fundamental change of U.S. foreign policy. Follow your conscience and speak out against the training of the repressive militaries who are using their deadly skills against their own people. Over 10,000 Colombian soldiers have been trained at the SOA and the effect are chilling. Human rights organizations have documented more than 500 reported extrajudicial killings by the army since the beginning of last year. Click here for travel, hotel and logistical information about the November 21-23 Convergence at the gates of Fort Benning, Georgia Grassroots Power in Action! In the first lead-up action to the November Vigil, 90 people carried the call to close the School of the Americas to the gates of the Headquarters of the United States Southern Command in Miami, Florida on Sunday, November 9. The march and the vigil were organized by SOA Watch South Florida, the Coalition of Immokalee Workers, the Lake Worth Catholic Worker, Miami for Peace, Miami May Day Coaltion, the National Lawyer's Guild South Florida, Pax Christi St. Maurice and Veterans for Peace Chapter 32. More events will take place this weekend (November 15-16) at Fort Huachuca in Arizona, on November 20 at Drummond Coal in Alabama and on November 20 in Atlanta, Georgia. November Vigil Schedule of Events Click here for a list of events that are scheduled to take place during the November 21-23, 2008 convergence in Columbus, Geogia. Volunteer with SOA Watch during the November Vigil Hundreds of volunteers are needed to make the November Vigil a success. Please contact Michael Baney at 202-234-3440 or mbaney@soaw.org if you will be able to help out during the vigil weekend in Columbus, Georgia. Donate to SOA Watch Help to pay for the November Vigil. Make a donation to SOA Watch today. Contact us. Our mailing address is: SOA Watch, PO Box 4566, Washington, D.C. 20017, USA Our telephone: (202) 234 3440 Donate to Support the Campaign to Shut Down the SOA/WHINSEC [ send green star]
James M N.	Global Health Weekly Update - Monday, November 10, 2008 November 10, 2008 7:34 PM Global Health Council is the world's largest membership alliance dedicated to saving lives by improving health throughout the world. For updated news and events throughout the day, visit http://ent.groundspring.org/EmailNow/pub.php?module=URLTracker&cmd=track&j=244745485&u=2593871 The following global health news, events and resources have been added to our web site within the last seven days: 1. Notes from the Field 2. News & Events Member Organization News News from Other Sources Upcoming Events 3. Information Sources 4. Career Network Jobs at the Council Job Openings Job Wanted Resumes 5. Volunteer Opportunities Volunteer Resumes 6. Global Health Council Publicati [ send green star]
James M N.	GP Acts: Thx pres cands McKinney & Clemente, congrats; etc.. November 06, 2008 9:49 PM GP RELEASE Greens thank pres. candidates McKinney & Clemente, congratulate Obama on historic win GREEN PARTY OF THE UNITED STATES http://www.gp.org For Immediate Release: Thursday, November 6, 2008 Contacts: Scott McLarty, Media Coordinator, 202-518-5624, cell 202-904-7614, mclarty@greens.org Starlene Rankin, Media Coordinator, 916-995-3805, starlene@gp.org Greens thank national candidates Cynthia McKinney and Rosa Clemente, congratulate Barack Obama on his historic White House victory WASHINGTON, DC -- The Green Party of the United States thanked Cynthia McKinney and Rosa Clemente, Green candidates for President and Vice President, for their strong national campaign in the 2008 election. The party also congratulated Barack Obama on his election to the White House today, and celebrated the election of America's first African American President. "Even though we competed with Sen. Obama for votes in the presidential race, we're thrilled that voters have elected an African American President, something unimaginable a generation ago. We're just as thrilled that our own presidential ticket -- Cynthia McKinney and Rosa Clemente are two women of African descent, and Ms. Clemente is Black Puerto Rican -- represented the voices of so many Americans who've been shut out of the system," said Clyde Shabazz, Green candidate for Congress in Michigan's 14th District. Greens noted that voters expressed a mandate for change in the hope that President-elect Obama would follow through on his pledge of "Change We Can Believe In" and reverse the dangerous direction that the country has taken. "Voters who were motivated by Barack Obama's message of change will now have to fight if they really want change to take place during the next four years," said Jill Bussiere, co-chair of the Green Party of the United States. "Rosa Clemente, our candidate for Vice President, talked about the Green Party's 'imperative' throughout the campaign. The Green Imperative will move forward during the Obama Administration, as people demand that change be more than a campaign slogan." MORE INFORMATION Green Party of the United States http://www.gp.org 202-319-7191, 866-41GREEN Fax 202-319-7193 • Green candidate database for 2008 and other campaign information: http://www.gp.org/elections.shtml • Green Party News Center http://www.gp.org/newscenter.shtml • Green Party Speakers Bureau http://www.gp.org/speakers • Green Party ballot access page http://www.gp.org/2008-elections • 2008 Green candidates to watch http://www.gp.org/2008-elections/candidate-news.php Cynthia McKinney/Rosa Clemente 'Power to the People' Campaign for the White House http://www.runcynthiarun.org http://votetruth08.com http://www.rosaclemente.com DC RELEASE Statehood Greens to Dems: Use your new power, make DC a STATE THE DC STATEHOOD GREEN PARTY http://www.dcstatehoodgreen.org For immediate release: Thursday, November 6, 2008 Contact: Scott McLarty, DC Statehood Green Party Media Coordinator, 202-518-5624, cell 202-904-7614, mclarty@greens.org DC Statehood Greens to Democrats: Use your new power in Congress and the White House to grant DC statehood • DC statehood can be enacted by a simple majority, without an amendment to the Constitution • No reason to seek the 'DC Vote' (one voting seat in the US House) when DC statehood will afford full representation (two Senators, one Rep) and increase Democrats' power WASHINGTON, DC -- In the wake of an election giving Democrats strong control over both houses of Congress, the DC Statehood Green Party challenged the next Congress and President-elect Barack Obama to grant statehood to the District of Columbia. "Democrats in the US House and Senate now have the power to make DC a state," said TE Smith, native Washingtonian, Vietnam veteran, and DC Statehood Green activist. "Democrats would increase their own numbers in Congress, because the new state would have two Senators and one Representative, and these seats would be occupied by Democrats. The new Congress can enact statehood for the District through legislation requiring a simple majority, and without changing the US Constitution." Statehood Greens called on Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton and DC Vote, who have promoted legislation giving the District a single voting seat in the House, to support the call for statehood. "Why only seek 'DC voting rights,' which would give DC one vote, when Democrats in Congress can give us full statehood and three new voting seats?" asked Mr. Smith. "Statehood would give us more than representation -- it would give us freedom from control over the District's legislation, policies, and finances by Congress and the White House. We'd get the same rights and responsibilities that all other Americans have." DC Statehood Green Party leaders stressed that Congress could grant statehood to the District through legislation passed by a simple majority, without having to amend the US Constitution, which requires ratification by two thirds of the states. Congress would pass a bill altering the borders of the constitutionally mandated federal enclave, reducing it to the federal properties (land occupied by the White House, Capitol, Supreme Court building, Mall, etc., analogous to federal properties in many states). Statehood Greens noted the precedent for redrawing the District's border: in 1846, Congress gave Alexandria, originally part of DC, to Virginia. The bill would be enacted with at least 51% of the vote in Congress. DC residents would then vote on whether to ask Congress for statehood or some other option. (Poll results have shown that DC residents strongly favor statehood.) After this vote, Congress would vote to admit the new state to the union, by a simple majority -- as it admitted all other states after the initial thirteen that founded the United States of America.... [ send green star]
James M N.	Help Pakistan Earthquake Survivors November 02, 2008 8:23 PM Help Pakistan Earthquake Survivors Dear James, The death toll continues to rise in southwestern Pakistan after an earthquake struck Baluchistan Province early this morning. Nearly 200 have died, and thousands have been left homeless as a result of the 6.5 magnitude quake. https://secure2.convio.net/lfrad/site/Donation2?2180.d [ send green star]
James M N.	Obama assassination plot update November 02, 2008 8:20 PM Obama assassination plot update Oct. 29, 2008 Dear James, Over the last few days, we've been swamped with requests for information about the two neo-Nazi skinheads who planned a murderous rampage ending with the assassination of Barack Obama. We've been consulted by law enforcement because of our expertise. We reported on our website http://www.splcenter.org/blog/2008/10/28/alleged-plotter-against-obama-was-member-of-supreme-white-alliance/?splcnewsletter=dnewsgen-102908 that one of the skinheads involved was affiliated with a newly formed organization called the Supreme White Alliance (SWA). The SWA is headed by a man named Steven Edwards, who is steeped in a violent culture of racial extremism. We've been following his activities for some time. You can find out more about Edwards in a report by ABC's Nightline http://www.abcnews.go.com/Blotter/story?id=6133506&page=1 that aired last night. The skinheads' plot to kill Obama and murder other African Americans is a chilling reminder of the threat posed by these domestic terrorists. Unfortunately, I fear we're entering a dangerous period. Obama's candidacy has aroused fierce passions among white supremacists. And during times of economic hardship, minorities are often targeted as scapegoats for our country's problems. We cannot afford to take threats like this lightly. With your help, we're doing everything we can to track and expose violent racists — and we'll continue providing the best intelligence available to law enforcement. Thanks for being on our team. With your moral and financial support, we'll continue this important fight against the forces of hate and intolerance. Sincerely, Morris Dees Founder You can donate to the Southern Poverty Law Center online. https://secure.splcenter.org/donate/online/online.jsp? [ send green star]
James M N.	kcfs.org: National Questionnaire for Candidates on Science November 02, 2008 8:11 PM kcfs.org: National Questionnaire for Candidates on Science NEWS RELEASE 10/29/08 - For Immediate Release FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Harry McDonald • 913-897-9630 or 816-863-7580 E-mail: biologycctrack@hotmail.com Candidates for President, Senate, and Congress Answer Questions on Science Candidates opinions on science issues vital to America’s future are available. Kansas Citizens for Science (KCFS) is a not-for-profit educational organization that promotes a better understanding of what science is and does. In this crucial election year, we believe that it is important that voters know where candidates stand on issues concerning science and our society. To that end, KCFS supports a national effort to have all candidates for federal office complete a series of such questions. This effort is led by the organizations Science Debate 2008 and Scientists & Engineers for America (SEA). These two and nineteen other science organizations have come together to ask the 2008 candidates questions on science and technology policy. Together these organizations represent millions of scientists, engineers, and citizens around the country. The questions focus on the most pressing problems we face today-keeping America’s edge in innovation, climate change, science and technology education, energy, water, healthcare, and research. To find the questions and candidate answers simply go to the website, http://sharp.sefora.org . Along with candidate responses to these questions, SEA has posted other publically-available information about candidate actions and opinions with regard to these issues. Kansas Citizens For Science (www.kcfs.org) encourages voters to consider candidates stands on these important issues to the future of our country before casting their vote. http://www.kcfs.org/ KCFS is a not-for-profit educational organization that promotes a better understanding of what science is and does by: • Advocating for science education • Educating the public about the nature and value of science • Serving as an information resource [ send green star]
James M N.	FDA & FTC Target Natural Product Companies- PLUS Vitamin D October 24, 2008 6:38 PM FDA & FTC Target Natural Product Companies- PLUS Vitamin D FDA & FTC TARGET NATURAL PRODUCT COMPANIES Companies barred from sharing customers' positive experience of their products This past month, the FDA and FTC brought charges against 5 natural product companies, alleging that these companies have made improper claims about their natural dietary supplements. As most of you know, dietary supplement makers cannot legally claim that their products "cure" anything. The FDA and FTC give only drug companies permission to do that. The twist in two of the cases is that the FDA and FTC are cracking down not just on claims, but also on the use of testimonials. These two "testimonial" cases involve Rhode Island company Daniel Chapter One and New Mexico-based Native Essence Herb Company. The FDA and FTC are seeking hefty fines and other sanctions in part because these companies posted letters from satisfied customers on their websites. None of the customers claim outright to have been cured by the products, although the customers did share their personal experience of medical conditions that objectively disappeared after use of the products. Are such testimonials medical claims? How far can a ban against testimonials go? Can the government ban consumers from sharing their personal health care experiences with one another in any forum? Citizens For Health Chairman of the Board Jim Turner, who represents Daniel Chapter One, is concerned. The FTC and FDA attack against his client "fails to distinguish between cynical con men who intentionally cheat vulnerable people, and persons of conviction who work diligently to comply with the law in their effort to help people." You can read the full text of Turner's important analysis of this case here: http://www.dc1pages.com/dc1freedom/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=46&Itemid=71 We'll keep you apprised about developments in the coming months. LET'S HEAR IT FOR VITAMIN D! Here are some good sources of information about Vitamin D Some are calling it the ultimate anti-aging vitamin for those over 50. At the same time, the American Academy of Pediatrics just doubled its recommendation from 200 IU to at least 400 IU of Vitamin D a day for infants and children. The information coming out about Vitamin D these days is plentiful. The Vitamin D Council offers an easy to use website where you can learn all you'll ever want to know about Vitamin D. Go to www.vitamindcouncil.org to see more. Also, online magazine Real Age provides a handy tool for finding the best natural food sources for Vitamin D, along it the sources for many other essential vitamins and minerals. Check it out www.realage.com/NutritionCenter/VitaminsNutrients.aspx To view our privacy policy, click here. You are receiving this alert because you are subscribed to the Citizens for Health list to receive occasional updates of importance to the natural health community [ send green star]
James M N.	Election 2008: Tookit for AIDS Community Voters and Non-Profits! October 24, 2008 4:46 PM Election 2008: Tookit for AIDS Community Voters and Non-Profits! Dear James M, Join the Call for a National AIDS Strategy! Click here to endorse or learn more! http://www.nationalaidsstrategy.org/ Communities with low voting rates - including people of color and low-income communities -- are also disproportionately affected by HIV. We can change this! All organizations, including non-profit organizations, can legally register and turn out voters for elections. This is a non-partisan and simple activity that any organization can do! On behalf of the Campaign for a National AIDS Strategy, CHAMP has helped to create a Voter Registration / Get Out the Vote Toolkit that any organization can use to get your staff, clients, and community members registered, and to make sure that they are able to vote. We hope you find these materials useful. Many state deadlines for registration and/or absentee ballots are coming soon -- so please act now to ensure that we do all we can to get out the vote in our communities. Click here to access the toolkit http://www.champnetwork.org/nas and supporting materials, and please let us know if you and/or your organizations find them useful. In solidarity, Julie, Cameron, Vanessa, Josh, Coco, and the rest of us at CHAMP Home \| Subscribe \| Donate 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.	CIW: Take stand against modern-day slavery, HR orgs tell FL tomatoCIW: Take stand against modern-day September 07, 2008 6:48 AM CIW: Take stand against modern-day slavery, HR orgs tell FL tomato execs [CIW News] "Take a stand against modern-day slavery, " human rights orgs tell FL tomato execs RFK Memorial Center for Human Rights joins with Anti-Slavery International in joint statement marking the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition, demanding an end to modern-day slavery in Florida's fields! Joint statement urges "Florida Tomato Growers Exchange to stop opposing human rights agreements" between CIW and fast-food industry leaders... See the statement at the CIW site: http://www.ciw-online.org today! Here's an excerpt from the powerful new statement: "The FTGE members are standing in the way of workers realizing their human rights and the express will of consumers and socially responsible corporations working to promote fair food," said Monika Kalra Varma, Director of the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Center for Human Rights. "Today, as the world celebrates the end of the gross abuses of the slave trade, we are calling upon the FTGE to end their obstructive practices, support workers' rights and join us in standing against modern day slavery." The statement is the latest expression of outrage over the FTGE's obstructionist tactics in the face of a growing call for fair wages and humane working conditions in Florida's fields. Unfortunately, it will come as little surprise to anyone who has been following this campaign over the years if this appeal by two leading human rights organizations falls on deaf ears inside the offices of the Florida Tomato Growers Exchange. Not even a Senate hearing into slavery and sweatshop conditions in Florida's fields managed to move the FTGE off its unconscionable opposition to the CIW's agreements with fast-food industry leaders. Florida's most conservative growers take comfort in the fact that they don't sell their tomatoes to the public and believe, therefore, that they can thumb their noses at their critics as long as their clients -- this country's multibillion-dollar retail food industry leaders like Subway and WalMart -- are happy. But retail food industry leaders do sell to the public, and do have to answer to the growing public outcry over the failure of the food industry to address the longstanding exploitation of this country's farmworkers. Even if the FTGE isn't paying attention, the public is. With the Slow Food Nation gathering set to start next week in San Francisco -- where thousands of this country's most dedicated food activists will come together to learn, among other things, about the reality of labor exploitation in this country's fields -- now is the time for retail food industry leaders to step up and take a stand against slavery and sweatshop conditions where their tomatoes are picked. Stay tuned this week to the CIW site, at http://www.ciw-online.org for all the breaking news from the fast-developing Campaign for Fair Food and updates from the Slow Food Conference in California Thanks, Coalition of Immokalee Workers _______________________________________________ Announce mailing list List info: https://lists.mayfirst.org/cgi- bin/mailman/listinfo/announce [ send green star]
James M N.	Friends Digest Vol. 2, No. 8 September 07, 2008 6:46 AM Friends Digest Vol. 2, No. 8 "Cowardice asks the question -- Is it safe? Expediency asks the question --Is it politic? Vanity asks the question -- Is it popular? But conscience asks the question -- Is it right? And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular; but one must take it because it is right." -- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. '``':-.,_,.-:'``':-.,_,.-:'``':-.,_,.-:'``' * Birthday Party for Leonard in Fargo * You are invited to join his family and friends to celebrate Leonard Peltier's 64th Birthday. ON: September 12, 2008 LOCATION: Lindenwood Park, Fargo, ND TIME: 5:00 - 7:00 PM The LP-DOC is providing a birthday cake, Indian Tacos and beverages. You are welcome to bring food or drink to share. Those gathered will share food, stories and prayers for Leonard's freedom. Remember to wear your Peltier T-shirts. Don't have one yet or need a new one? The LP-DOC will have new T-shirts, bumper stickers, and buttons available for purchase. Directions to Lindenwood: From I-94, take exit 351 to University Drive. Go North on University Drive to 17th Ave S. Go East on 17th Ave. S to 5th St.. The entrance to Lindenwood Park is located at the S 5th Street and 17th Avenue intersection. Meet at Shelter #4. * Birthday Cards * Leonard has requested that any birthday cards sent to him be free of signatures. He is into recycling. He has asked that any messages or special greetings you want to convey be written on a sheet of paper (signed and self-addressed) and inserted into his card. Mail your cards and letters to: Leonard Peltier #89637-132, USP Lewisburg, PO Box 1000, Lewisburg, PA 17837. Monetary gifts should be sent to Leonard's commissary account in the form of a U.S. Postal Service money order (made payable to Leonard Peltier #89637-132). Mail money orders to: Federal Bureau of Prisons, Leonard Peltier #89637-132, PO Box 474701, Des Moines, Iowa 50747-0001. * Peltier Statement * The following is Leonard's statement for the Political Prisoners March and Rally today, August 25, Denver, CO (on the occasion of the Democratic National Convention). Read here: * Graywolf Show: Interview with Ben Carnes * Ben Carnes on AIM and Leonard Peltier on August 26, 2008 (Tuesday evening) at 9:00 PM CST. To listen, go to . The Call-in Number for the show is (347) 996-3652. * LP-DOC Update * Activities, newsletter, fundraising... Read here: . '``':-.,_,.-:'``':-.,_,.-:'``':-.,_,.-:'``' "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 '``':-.,_,.-:'``':-.,_,.-:'``':-.,_,.-:'``' ----- Please circulate to family and friends and otherwise widely post our listserv announcements. Also frequently visit our Blog at or receive our blog postings by Web feed (download a free newsfeed reader at ): Atom: RSS: Or register to receive e-mail announcements. It's easy. Go to our homepage at . 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 . You also can Bookmark our home page and/or blog. Click on the Bookmark button provided at each of these sites to use any program you wish by which to save the sites to your list of browser favorites. Visit us often to learn more about efforts to win Leonard's freedom and find out what you can do to help. We encourage other sites to link to our Web site and blog. No prior permission is required. Feel free to use one of our banner ads at to link to our resources. Visit us on MySpace () and Facebook (), too. Disclaimer: Listserv postings from sources other than "Friends of Peltier" are made for the purpose of information dissemination. Views expressed by secondary sources may not reflect the views of "Friends of Peltier," and posting of information doesn't imply endorsement. ----- 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.	Actions: Friends of a Free Tibet, act now :) August 09, 2008 4:17 AM Actions: Friends of a Free Tibet, act now :) Diane Crebo said… Dear friend of a Free Tibet, welcome to our network. Thanks a lot for joining us! For the rest 3 days our campaign Candle for Tibet you find here all informations with this most important link on our network www.candle4tibet.org. More informations - for example: all vigils http://www.candle4tibet.org/en/vigils for the campaign day, and the newest press release. http://www.candle4tibet.org/en/ If you want to know more about CFT please see this video interview about the aim of CFT and enjoy this radio interview. Spread the word if you like it about our campaign on Facebook, MySpace, whereever you want... We hope that you'll find your experience here enriching, educating and fun. One of the benefits of this network is the ease in which you can invite your whole address book to join us. We have since today exactly 3 days to gather 100 million people and we'd like to ask you to invite all your friends too. So, here's the link: http://candle4tibet.ning.com/main/invitation/new Love & Freedom Diane and all her friends for a Free Tibet P.S. Please add our banner to your website! They're available in many sizes and formats here: Banners http://candle4tibet.ning.com/group/iwanttohelpourcampaignbutidontknowh ow/forum/topic/show?id=2154241%3ATopic%3A9953 for your Website or Blog! [ send green star]
James M N.	AFSC Toward Peace & Justice - August 2008 Newsletter August 05, 2008 7:00 PM AFSC Toward Peace & Justice - August 2008 Newsletter View this email as a web page. Dear James M, As we in the northern hemisphere head into the summer homestretch, many of us can feel our energy levels and inspiration running low. This issue of Toward Peace & Justice is meant to shake the cobwebs loose with fresh and challenging ideas. For example, our new Faith and Social Justice resource guide will help you explore the connections between spirituality and social activism. You can also use the book reviews in the new issue of Peacework magazine to revitalize your reading list, find out what a group of young people experienced during the 2008 Mexico Summer Project, and more. May your cup (of inspiration) runneth over. Peace, Mary Ellen McNish AFSC General Secretary -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Toward Peace & Justice The American Friends Service Committee's monthly e-newsletter In this issue: Resources for spiritually inspired social activism Summer reading list from Peacework magazine 2008 Mexico Summer Project in words and pictures Living Beyond Borders: Blogging about the Iraqi displacement crisis Washington Update: Get the latest news on AFSC’s immigrant rights blog The Goat Rope: AFSC-West Virginia based blog about…everything -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Resources for spiritually inspired social activism AFSC includes people of various faiths and perspectives, many of whom are motivated in their work by their spiritual faith. Our new online guide, Faith and Social Justice, highlights books, websites, and other resources that AFSC staff recommend for exploring faith and social activism. Take a look at the guide > Summer reading list from Peacework magazine Plan your late-summer reading with the new Peacework magazine from AFSC-Cambridge. The book reviews in the July-August issue span a range of themes meant to challenge and inspire you, from creating living democracies to the poetry of memoir and imagining a new global eco-economy. Read the new issue of Peacework > 2008 Mexico Summer Project in words and pictures The AFSC Mexico Summer Project, now in its 69th year, brings together youth from diverse communities to live with indigenous peoples in the Sierra Norte de Puebla, Mexico. Watch a photo slideshow and read a blog by participants from the recently completed 2008 project. Find out more > You might also be interested in the following AFSC blogs: Living Beyond Borders: Blogging about the Iraqi displacement crisis. Read now > Washington Update: As nonstop immigration raids batter communities, find out what’s happening from AFSC’s immigrant rights blog. Read now > The Goat Rope: A blog devoted to current events, economic and social justice, and culture in West Virginia, the U.S., and around the world. Read now > American Friends Service Committee 1501 Cherry Street Philadelphia, PA 19102 http://www.afsc.org/ [ send green star]
James M N.	ANSA: In Honor of Nelson Mandela's 90th Birthday... July 26, 2008 3:46 PM In Honor of Nelson Mandela's 90th Birthday... Dear Friends, Tomorrow, July 18, Nelson Mandela celebrates his 90th birthday. In his honor, we are proud to announce that Artists for a New South Africa (ANSA) will be producing an audiobook version of Nelson Mandela's Favorite African Folktales, an award-winning storybook featuring timeless tales hand-picked by the Nobel Peace Prize laureate. A diverse array of celebrated, award-winning performers are donating their talents to this charitable endeavor; those already signed on to voice stories include: ~ Gillian Anderson ~ America Ferrera ~ Whoopi Goldberg ~ Samuel L. Jackson ~ Alan Rickman ~ Jurnee Smollett Nobel laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu will record a message to the world's children for the audiobook. ANSA co-founder, Alfre Woodard, will serve as Creative Director. Slated for a Summer 2009 release, proceeds for the audiobook will benefit both ANSA and the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund (NMCF), a South African organization founded in 1995 by Mr. Mandela to improve dramatically the way society treats its children. Both organizations are working to address the impact of the AIDS pandemic on children in South Africa, which has more people living with HIV/AIDS and more children orphaned by the disease than any other country. Alfre Woodard said, "I was privileged to be with Nelson Mandela recently in London, where he challenged us saying, '...Our work is far from complete. Where there is poverty and sickness, including AIDS, where human beings are oppressed, there is more work to be done... After nearly 90 years of life, it is time for new hands to lift the burdens. It is in your hands now.' With this audiobook, ANSA pays tribute to our friend and our hero, Nelson Mandela, on his 90th birthday. It will take the hands of all mankind to lift that burden and carry on the work. We hope you will join in and support this effort." Nelson Mandela's Favorite African Folktales was first published in 2002 in hardcover internationally by NB Publishers and in harcover and paperback in the US by WW Norton & Company, Inc., which have granted worldwide rights for the audiobook to ANSA and Hachette Audio, a division of Hachette Book Group USA, one of the largest and most respected publishing groups in the world. Individuals and companies involved in the effort have donated their services and waived their fees in order to allow the maximum amount of the proceeds to benefit the charities. In addition to waiving all sales and distribution fees, Hachette Audio will donate 100% of proceeds to ANSA and the NMCF, and NB Publishers has waived fees so additional royalties can benefit the NMCF. The CDs and audiobook packaging will be manufactured by Ivy/Cinram, which is donating a significant portion of their services. Time Warner intellectual property attorney, Bradley Silver, is contributing his legal services to ANSA, in line with Time Warner Inc.'s pro bono endeavors. The actors and Creative Director are fully donating their talents, as are two-time GRAMMY winner Gavin Lurssen, who will master the audiobook, and Gregory Robinson, who will handle the mixing and sound effects. In his original foreward for the selection of folktales Nelson Mandela wrote, "It is my wish that the voice of the storyteller may never die in Africa, that all the children of the world may experience the wonder of books." With the forthcoming audiobook edition of Nelson Mandela's Favorite African Folktales, Mr. Mandela's vision will come full circle, as the legendary tales he selected return to the great oral tradition, which allowed them to be passed down for centuries and will now enlighten and entertain chldren of all ages the world over. We at ANSA are committed to honoring Mr. Mandela's legacy by continuing this work. Our goal is to create an audiobook that can be enjoyed by people around the world, increasing awareness of Africa's rich cultural heritages and creating a better future for South Africa's most vulnerable children. Click here to send your own personal message to Neson Mandela! http://www.happybirthdaymandela.com/frontHome.seam Thank you for your continued interest and support, Artists for a New South Africa Artists for a New South Africa 2999 Overland Avenue, Suite 102 Los Angeles, California 90064 United States phone 310.204.1748 fax 310.204.4277 info@ansafrica.org \| www.ansafrica.org YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/ArtistsNewSAfrica [ send green star]
James M N.	WSDP, ARDEN, IEN Actions: Fwd: Medical Alert: Update; etc.. July 06, 2008 6:18 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 sisters from around the world to our beautiful homeland, share with you our struggle, and learn about your struggles and strong works in your own homelands. This conference will be an important opportunity for Indigenous peoples and our allies to come together in a good way to strengthen our solidarity and find ways to work together to protect our Mother Earth for all life. We look forward to seeing you soon! Thank you, Larson Bill Western Shoshone Defense Project "ANSWERING MOTHER EAR [ send green star]
James M N.	WSDP Acts: First nations leaders released from prison; etc.. May 29, 2008 1:17 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 email: meade@meadecounty.org Dear County Commissioners: I oppose the new application for a Malt Beverage liquor license application submitted by General Manager, David Shoe dba Broken Spoke Campground, LLC. The proposed application is for a location that is unsuitable. I request tha [ send green star]
James M N.	Happy Endangered Species Day May 19, 2008 11:58 AM Hey, did you know today's a holiday? No, you don't get to open presents, and you don't get the day off work. In fact, it's just the opposite -- today's a day to get active. That's right: it's Endangered Species Day, a national celebration to spread awareness about all our planet's wildlife, fish, and plants -- including the beloved polar bear-- that are threatened with extinction. It's also a great day to take action to help save them. One of the most important actions of all? Spreading the word. Species need help every day, from everybody, so use this holiday as a jump-start for a year of conservation actions to be carried out by you, your friends and family, and your community. To start, all you have to do is wish someone a happy Endangered Species Day with one of these attractive and witty postcards, humbly brought to you by the Center for Biological Diversity. Oh, and we do have a present for you after all -- if you haven't already, you can download free endangered species cell phone ringtones from our Web site here: http://www.rareearthtones.org. Choose from the sounds of lots of cool owls, frogs, whales, wolves, and other species. Thanks for caring about our planet's imperiled inhabitants, and a Happy Endangered Species Day to you. Click on these links to send postcards. Send as many as you want! Polar bears: http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2167/t/6769/postcard.jsp?postcard_KEY=325 Wolves: http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2167/t/6769/postcard.jsp?postcard_KEY=326 Sea turtles: http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2167/t/6769/postcard.jsp?postcard_KEY=328 Sage grouse: http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2167/t/6769/postcard.jsp?postcard_KEY=329 Fish: http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2167/t/6769/postcard.jsp?postcard_KEY=327 Center for Biological Diversity P.O. BOX 710 TUCSON, AZ 85702 1-866-357-3349 [ send green star]
James M N.	CODEPINK Acts: You did it + Call Senators: 202-224-3121; etc.. May 19, 2008 11:49 AM You did it and we need you to Call Your Senators at 202-224-3121 Donate \| Calendar \| Local Groups \| Store May 16, 2008 Dear Friend, You have called, emailed, faxed, marched, organized office visits, teach-ins, sit-ins and die-ins, and been arrested. Thanks to all of your efforts, Congress has defeated a bill to fund the war in Iraq for the first time in 5 years. The Republicans and cautious Democrats in Congress have been caught by surprise; they underestimated our influence on Congress to end the War in Iraq while supporting the Troops. Now the Senate will take up the funding bill. Heads in Washington, D.C. must be spinning; don't let them catch their breath! Call both your Senators now--202-224-3121-and tell them to vote NO on the supplemental war funding bill. Once the Senate votes, the bill will return to the House and we will need your efforts there again. We have burst the war funding balloon- now we have to keep the pressure on! Don't let up; make your calls today! 202-224-3121 You've seen how powerful teamwork can be-now you can experience it firsthand at the Pink House in DC this summer! Throughout June and July, we'll be holding weeklong action camps that will teach you how to talk to your congressperson, how to reach (and be) the media, along with other fun and mighty activism skills. You will leave this wonderful Pink House empowered and inspired to organize and mobilize at home. Check out complete details about the DC summer schedule, click here. http://codepinkalert.org/article.php?id=4113 Thanks for all your hard work, Alicia, Dana, Desiree, Farida, Gael, Gayle, Jodie, Liz, Medea, Nancy, Rae, Sarah and Tighe P.S. While Congress voted on Thursday, members of Iraq Veterans Against the War testified about the shattering realities of war during a hearing convened by the Congressional Progressive Caucus. You can listen to their moving testimonies here P.P.S. Thanks to your beautiful generosity this Mothers Day, we were able to send over $25,000 to help Iraqi refugees. Your donations are making a profound difference in the lives of displaced Iraqi women and children. Click here to read their and your letters. http://www.codepinkalert.org/article.php?id=4164 Calling all activists...The Banner Drop is Coming! May 14th, 2008 Hi Friend, Mother's Day was a blast! Our CODEPINK efforts raised over $29,000 to help feed & clothe Iraqi refugee Mothers and children displaces by the war! You are amazing, thank you for your contribution! I also just wanted to let you know about our exciting NATION WIDE banner drop happening over Memorial Day weekend! A ton of people have already signed on, we would love to see you at our Pot Luck and Banner Prep on the 22nd at our CODEPINK Palms House in Venice. I hope you can make it! I look forward to hearing back from you! Be sure to check out or banner drop schedule below: The Banner Drop is BACK! This Memorial Day Weekend, join CODEPINK for our BIG banner drop day on Monday, May 26th. All across the country, there will be banners calling for impeachment on highway over-passes during the Memorial Day weekend of May 24 through May 26. CODEPINK LA is doing our part, but we can't make this happen without YOU! Join us as we prepare for one of our most fun actions of the year! We are currently signing up banner drop planning teams, drop action teams, and getting ready for our Banner Drop Pot Luck and Prep PARTY! Yay! Come hang out, meet fellow CODEPINKers, craft, eat good food, dance and have a little wine! I want to help with the banner drop planning! We are having 2 planner meetings and a conference call: Saturday, May 17th 3-6 PM Join CODEPINK and other peace activists from across LA at The Peace Center in LA, at 8124 W. 3rd Street, Los Angeles, Ca 90048 (map it!) Monday, May 19th @ 6 PM Join onto our conference call this Monday, where CP organizers and activists from across CA will have a chance to get together and discuss ideas and plans for banner drops! Count me in! RSVP here for call number. Tuesday, May 20th @ 4-9 PM Join CODEPINK and fellow peace activists for one of our final banner drop planning meeting at the Peace Center in LA. We will finalize drop locations, Finalize banner drop arias, teams and schedules, and discuss any additional concerns or ideas. (map it!) Saturday, May 24th from 2-5 PM Join CODEPINK and peace activists at the Peace Center for our FINAL meeting and banner prep before the BIG DAY! (map it!) I want to come to the Banner Drop Pot Luck and Prep PARTY! Come join us at the CODEPINK Palms House (map it!) Thursday, May 22nd 5-9:00 PM come anytime for crafting, training, friends, food, music, a little wine & DANCING! Click here to RSVP. I want to join a banner drop team! We have decided to focus our efforts on one day. Monday, May 26th. Sign up now! Click here to RSVP...if you can't make it Monday, just say so! We'll get you on a banner team dropping on Saturday or Sunday! We hope you can join us and make some lasting CODEPINK memories! In Peace and Solidarity, Alicia, Azadeh, Jodie, Kelly, Linda, Patricia, Sarah, Susan & Tighe [ send green star]
James M N.	PEN World Voices Festival of International Literature kicks off nxt wk April 25, 2008 11:53 PM MEMBER DISCOUNTS Not a Member yet? Membership lapse? Get discounts to nearly all ticketed World Voices events by joining PEN. Click here to join PEN or here to renew your membership. http://www.pen.org SPECIAL OFFER May 3 \| The PEN Cabaret \| 8 p.m. Featuring Sebastian Horsley, John Wesley Harding, Aleksandar Hemon, Bill T. Jones, Bea Palya, Erika Stucky, and special guests Get up to $20 off tickets to PEN's legendary cabaret! Discounted tickets: $15/$10 PEN Members Purchase tickets from Smarttix: www.smarttix.com or (212) 868-4444. Make sure to use the code "PENCAB" to receive this special discount. The Festival Online Public Lives/Private Lives Festival authors take on this year's theme. >> More Photo Voyeurism If a picture is worth a thousand words, what can we deduce from a photograph of a basement filled with inflatable dolls? >> More PEN Confessional Tell us a secret in 20 words or less. >> More -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PEN American Center 588 Broadway, Suite 303 New York, NY 10012 Tel. (212) 334-1660 Fax. (212) 334-2181 www.pen.org If you do not wish to receive e-mails from us, please click here. PEN World Voices Festival of International Literature kicks off next week with 170 writers from 51 countries gathering in New York City for 82 panels, lectures, tributes, readings, and one-on-one conversations. With just days until opening night, tickets are going fast. Be sure to get yours today. Visit www.pen.org for a complete schedule of events --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wednesday, April 30 \| Public Lives/Private Lives \| 8 p.m. Featuring: Ian McEwan, Annie Proulx, Péter Esterházy, A.B. Yehoshua, Michael Ondaatje, Coral Bracho, Francine Prose, Rian Malan, Evelyn Schlag; introduced by Salman Rushdie What do we know about writers? That their creativity often comes from the most private and fiercely guarded places? That they’re often thrust into public roles, either by choice or circumstance? Join PEN for the opening night of the 2008 World Voices Festival, as some of the world’s most beloved and illustrious writers—novelists, journalists, poets, and essayists—peel back the layers of their literary selves in a rare group appearance at Town Hall. Tickets: $15/$10 PEN members Purchase tickets from The Town Hall, (212) 840-2824 or Ticketmaster, (212) 307-4100 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thursday, May 1 \| Gomorrah: Infiltrating the Mafia \| 8 p.m. With Antonio Monda & Roberto Saviano When Roberto Saviano decided to investigate the Neapolitan mafia and write a book about its illegal activities, he never believed he would have an international best-seller on his hands, or that his name would be placed at the top of the mafia's hit list. Antonio Monda, whose next novel is set in a very different Naples—that of the elite—will discuss politics, corruption, and justice with this young journalist whose reporting of the truth has put his own life in danger. Free and open to the public. No reservations. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Friday, May 2 \| Writing the Story of Life in Fact and Fiction \| 3:30 p.m. With Rabih Alameddine, A. M. Homes, Thant Myint-U, and P. F. Thomése; moderated by Ben Schrank The line between memoir and fiction has become ever more blurred in recent years. But what goes into an author’s decision of what to reveal and what to withhold, when to look within and when to set stories in broader contexts? This panel of trailblazing authors has juggled autobiographical genres in astonishing ways. Free and open to the public. No reservations. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Friday, May 2 \| Writing Sex and Sexuality \| 5:30 p.m. With Yael Hedaya, Amanda Michalopoulou, Catherine Millet, and Anja Sicking; moderated by Rakesh Saytal In an age when what goes on in the bedroom has made it out onto the street, five female writers explore the stronger presence of sex in literature, what to reveal and how to reveal it, and how much of their own personal sexuality goes into their work. Free and open to the public. No reservations. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Saturday, May 3 \| News from The Hub \| 1 p.m. With Yousef Al-Mohaimeed, Thant Myint-U, and Biljana Srbljanović; moderated by Sameer Padania and introduced by former president of Ireland Mary Robinson PEN teams up with Witness, the international human-rights organization know for its use of video, online media, and grassroots reporting to expose human rights abuse around the world. Participants from four countries will screen videos posted on The Hub, Witness’s new online global platform for human-rights abuses, and then debate the role of writing and new technologies in protecting and expanding human rights. Tickets: $12/$8 PEN/FIAF members and students Purchase tickets from FIAF’s box office, or Ticketmaster: www.ticketmaster.com or (212) 307-4100. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Saturday, May 3 \| The PEN Cabaret \| 8 p.m. With Sebastian Horsley, Bill T. Jones, Bea Palya, Erika Stucky, John Wesley Harding, Aleksandar Hemon, and special guests Swiss singer-songwriter Erika Stucky yodels like you’ve never heard before, and, of all things, plays a spade. Hungarian singer Bea Palya is making waves across the world with her brand of Hungarian and Bulgarian folk music, with hints of jazz as well as Persian and Hindi sung poems. Author Wesley Stace performs in his musical guise of John Wesley Harding. Bosnian-born author Aleksandar Hemon r [ send green star]
James M N.	United Nations Youth Flash, Vol. 5, No. 3, March 2008 April 02, 2008 1:51 AM UN YOUTH FLASH, Vol. 5, No. 3, March 2008 WELCOME to the UN Youth Flash, a service of the United Nations Programme on Youth, to keep you informed about the work of the UN on youth issues. UN Youth Flash can be read on-line at: http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unyin/flash.htm. In this issue: - Feature: Convention on youth rights entered into force on 1 March - Highlights from UN Headquarters - Highlights from UN agencies around the world - Calendar of Youth Events - On the Internet ******************************************************************* FEATURE: Convention youth rights entered into force on 1 March On 1 March, the Ibero-American Convention on the Rights of Youth (ICRY) entered into force. The ICRY is the only international treaty in the world that specifically recognizes the rights of young people. It was developed and promoted by the Ibero-American Youth Organization, also known by its Spanish acronym, OIJ. On 1 February, Costa Rica became the fifth country to ratify the ICRY, after Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, Honduras and Spain, thereby meeting the required procedure and timeframe prescribed by the international law that governs the Conventionâ?Ts entry into force. In practical terms, this means that any young person in Latin America, Spain and Portugal who has his/her rights violated can invoke this legal tool. The Ibero-American Convention on the Rights of Youth includes 44 articles which establish a series of civil and political rights (such as the right to life, to conscious objection, to justice, freedom of thought and religion, freedom of speech, freedom of assembly and association) and of economic, social and cultural rights (including the right to education, to sexual education, to culture and art, to employment, and to shelter). The Convention also includes articles detailing mechanisms for its implementation (participatory processes, ratification, amendments, infringement of the Convention). For the majority of young people around the world, this represents an important development in realizing their rights. The Convention sets a precedent in areas such as the right to life (elimination of death penalty for young people), the right to object to compulsory military service, the right to justice (the right to be presumed innocent until found guilty), the right to sexual education, the right not to be discriminated against (regardless of race, ethnic origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation), as well as the right to development. The text was signed by most Ibero-American countries in 2005, in the Spanish city of Badajoz, with the support of Bolivia, Brazil, Costa Rica, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, Spain, Uruguay and Venezuela.. After the signing the process of ratification began, which has now ended its initial phase with the entry into force of the Convention after the ratification by five countries. However, the ratification process continues, awaiting other signatory countries to follow suit. Argentina, Chile and Colombia have not yet signed the ICRY. The Secretary-General of OIJ expressed the hope that the Ibero-American Youth Year, which is being celebrated this year, as well as the upcoming Ibero-American Summit on â?oYouth and Developmentâ?, which will take place in El Salvador this October, will motivate other countries in the region to ratify the Convention. The United Nations has been supporting the Convention since 2005. The UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) continue to work along with OIJ to ensure its ratification and the improvement of public policies for youth in the region, as well as the inclusion of young people in the processes that effect their lives. For details on the Convention, currently available in Spanish only, please visit http://www.oij.org/cidj.php. HIGHLIGHTS FROM UN HEADQUARTERS >> 52nd session of the Commission on the Status of Women ends The Commission held its 52nd session at United Nations Headquarters from 25 February to 7 March. The Commission took action on resolutions dealing with key womenâ?Ts empowerment issues, including scaling up resources and access to HIV/AIDS care, protecting women and girls from harmful practices such as female genital mutilation, women and children hostages, and providing urgently needed assistance to Palestinian women. For more information, please visit http://www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/csw/52sess.htm. >> Young people prepare for CSD-16 The 16th Session of the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD-16) will be held at UN Headquarters from 5-16 May 2008 ( http://www.un.org/esa/sustdev/csd/review.htm). The Children and Youth sector submitted a discussion paper outlining their perspectives on the status of implementation of commitments related to agriculture, rural development, land, drought, desertification and Africa. The paper identifies challenges in advancing implementation and will serve as a starting point for major groupsâ?T participation in the activities of CSD-16. During the course of the session, the major groups are expected to participate in multiple interactive and thematic discussions, round tables, and other events. Find out more about the youth effort by visiting http://www.youen.org or by contacting the CSD Youth Caucus through: Luckson Katsi, Young Water Action Team, 79 Eves Crescent, Ashdown Park, Mabelreign, Harare, Zimbabwe, Tel: +263-91-2-764976 or email: luckson_katsi@yahoo.com or Selene Biffi, Youth Action for Change, Via Curiel 63, 20050 Mezzago (Mi), Italy; Tel/Fax: +39 039 622329; Mob: +39 348 7407314 E-mail: selene@youthactionforchange.or [ send green star]
James M N.	AAUW Action Network: Support Women around the World March 13, 2008 8:52 PM Support Women around the World Take Action! http://capwiz.com/aauw/issues/alert/?alertid=11100181&queueid=[capwiz:queue_id] This Saturday, March 8, is International Women's Day. Hundreds of events are held in countries around the world on this day to inspire women, celebrate their achievements, and highlight the need for continued action to ensure women's rights. The theme of this year's International Women's Day is "Investing in Women and Girls." In honor of this day, AAUW is joining with coalition partners in supporting the Global Resources and Opportunities for Women to Thrive Act (H.R. 2965/S. 2069). This critical piece of legislation would help shape U.S. international assistance and trade policy to give women in developing countries the tools and resources they need to lift themselves and their families out of poverty. By helping impoverished women start and grow businesses, promoting women's land and property rights, increasing women's access to employment, and improving the quality and working conditions of jobs dominated by women, the GROWTH Act seeks to enhance women's economic security. http://www.aauw.org/ Women's share of the labor force is increasing in almost all regions of the world, and women produce the majority of the food supply in most developing countries. Yet these women work in the lowest paying jobs, have less stable incomes, have less access to training and education, work longer hours, and have fewer economic opportunities than men. The GROWTH Act removes a number of barriers that prevent women from actively participating in their countries' economies. AAUW's member-adopted 2007-2009 Public Policy Program states, "AAUW believes that global interdependence requires national and international policies that promote peace, justice, human rights, sustainable development, and mutual security for all people." As we join in celebrating International Women's Day, we ask you to help millions of mothers, daughters, and sisters around the world escape poverty and enjoy the promise of greater economic opportunities. Take Action! To urge your U.S. senators to cosponsor the GROWTH Act, just click on the "Take Action" link in the upper right corner or copy and paste the following URL into your Internet browser. Then follow the instructions to send your message. If your senators have already signed on as cosponsors, you will be able to send them a message of thanks. http://capwiz.com/aauw/issues/alert/?alertid=11100181&type=CO For more information, visit AAUW's International Corner. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AAUW's new blog, AAUW Dialog, provides timely commentary on current news and events and the way they relate to AAUW's mission. Share your thoughts and stay up-to-date on all the latest news by visiting the blog regularly at http://blog-aauw.org or subscribing to the AAUW blog RSS feed. Washington Update is AAUW's free, members-only weekly e-bulletin. It offers an insider's view on the legislative process, the latest policy news, resources for advocates, programming ideas, and updates from the Public Policy and Government Relations Department. To stay up-to-date on all issues important to our mission, all AAUW members, including college and university partners, are encouraged to subscribe to Washington Update by emailing VoterEd@aauw.org. Read the 2007-2009 AAUW Public Policy Program. Become a member of AAUW, and join a powerful network of educated women. I want to strengthen AAUW's voice with policy-makers! Contribute now. [ send green star]
James M N.	harveysplace.net: Urgent help need / Danielle Schenandoah/Oneida Indian March 08, 2008 9:56 PM FWD: Urgent help needed for Danielle Schenandoah/Oneida Indian Let's share a few bucks with this wonderful woman & her family--oppressed by a tribal govt with a Standing Stone (Casino)for a heart. /Harvey -------- Original Message -------- Subject: Urgent help needed for Danielle Schenandoah/Oneida Indian From: kabespir Date: Sun, March 02, 2008 3:32 pm Everyone, Danielle and her 3 children are really struggling just to keep warm! They do not receive any money from OIN BUT are still counted on Ray's rolls so HE can get $$ from the feds. Right now a help request is needed Yesterday! Please find it in your hearts to help Denny and her children... Electric Blankets are needed to keep them warm. There is NO HEAT in several bedrooms, and the sizes are: 1 Double size Electric Blanket 1 Single size electric Blanket. These are for the children! Also, Wal-mart Debit cards need to be sent for food Also, Home Depot Debit cards for purchase of space heater and she could really use a wood burner if anyone has one. (Gas is very expensive!) The weather has been rough here in the NE USA, esp in NY! It has been -25 degrees Wind Chill factors, and the car Denny was repairing has a cracked engine block due to the cold... No job, now no transportation. No skirting on her trailer/mobile home and needs this also. Maybe a work group can go to help make repairs (Denny's been doing all the repairs herself when she can) The children all need clothes, shoes, coats, etc., but it would be best if the Wal-mart debit cards are sent to: Danielle Schenandoah P.O.Box 114 Nedrow, NY 13120 Please help... Danielle owns her own "fixer up" mobile home, but she leases the property it is on on Onondaga Rez. One cannot own land there. She has no income but her jewelry and traditional crafts. If you would like to order something, write to her at the above address. She doesn't have access to the computer, so lets all help! Thank you, Cante Peta and Others who help. Here is the blogspot again for more info that a good soul set up for Denny: http://danielleschenandoah.blogspot.com/ Another idea is to give Clan Mother Maisie, Danielle's mother, a card shower. She is the Only Inidan in a nursing home and would appreciate your cards and prayers. If you speak Iroquoian, write to her! Use the P.O. Box 114, Nedrow, NY 13120 for Danielle and send the cards! Denny will see her and take them. Let's not forget Clan Mother Maisie... Please PRAY for Danielle and the kids. nie:wen ko'wah, Kabespir Plz Circulate this request. Let's not let the guy with the bulldozer continue to hurt Danielle and the Trads! We can help her. For more background on this issue visit: http://www.oneidasfordemocracy.org/ If you need a phone number for Danielle e-mail me with a subject line or reply to this mail. Thanks for helping Danielle and her children. Plz circulate to anyone who can help. This e-mail is coming from me personally after speaking to Danielle and finding out about her incredible needs at this time. Kathie/Kabespir Also, plz send any upcoming POW-WOW vending ops to me so I can let Danielle know in advance so that she can continue to support her children. Clairise, her daughter, is still recovering from a severe accident and there is also no insurance for the hopsital expenses. There is no child support because the ex and his new wife work for Oneida Indian Nation and claimed "sovereignty" to not have wages attached. A collection attorney is also needed. Even a $5.00 bill in an envelope would help! I sent a check and noone would cash it for her; said "insufficient funds" which was untrue! I know that people don't like to be asked for money; we all need something... but plz, this is really a serious matter and children are in need... Plz keep them all in your prayers as well... [ send green star]
James M N.	WILPF Celebrates International Women's Day March 08, 2008 9:50 PM SUBSCRIBE! The WILPF E-News is sent to our members and all other interested folks who want to be involved in our work. If you would like to subscribe to this newsletter click here! WILPF is a dues paying, membership organization. We rely on donations to carry out our work. Make your contribution to peace and justice today! JOIN WILPF! To join, click here! DONATE! Click here to support WILPF's peacebuilding! For more information, visit our website: www.wilpf.org WILPF Celebrates International Women's Day! Women's International League for Peace and Freedom honors International Women's Day by shedding light on women's work to create a culture of peace. Internationally, we host a seminar in Geneva on disarmament, peace, and security. Locally, many of our branches host community gatherings to celebrate women and increase public awareness of the need for women's equal participation in all decision-making processes. "It is not simply that women have the right to participate as equals. It is also that without women's participation and empowerment and without gender equality, sustainable peace, sustainable development and true human security are unattainable." --from the WILPF Statement to the Commission on the Status of Women (pdf) Support Debt Cancellation for Haiti http://wilpf.org/node/699 Representatives Maxine Waters (D-CA) and Spencer Bachus (R-AL) are gathering signatures for a letter to the Secretary of the Treasury urging him to 1) expedite the cancellation of Haiti's debts to the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and other multilateral financial institutions, and 2) urge an immediate suspension of debt service payments from Haiti. Call your Congress person and urge her to support debt cancellation for Haiti. A sample phone script is here. For more information on the WILPF Haiti Issue Committee, contact Shirley Pate, magbana@aol.com Participating in the 52nd Commission on the Status of Women The US Section sponsored a Practicum in Advocacy at the UN. WILPF also sponsored an event War, Women, and Budgeting for Peace. International WILPF President Kerstin Grebach facilitated a panel that included Sam Cook of the WILPF Peace Women Project, Ray Acheson of the WILPF Reaching Critical Will Project, and WILPF members Frida Berrigan and Mary Beth Sullivan. Crisis in Gaza The Women's International League is joining with the US Campaign to End the Occupation and United for Peace and Justice for a debriefing conference call March 11 on the massive military assault in the besieged Gaza Strip and the consequences of the increase in military aid to Israel requested by President Bush. Click here for call details. WILPF to UN: Stop Military Recruitment in US schools! On February 7, Advancing Human Rights committee member Tzili Mor addressed the U.N. Committee on the Rights of the Child in Geneva regarding U.S. violations of the Optional Protocol on Children in Armed Conflict. Over the next month, we will be collecting examples of Armed Forces advertising (posters, handbills, gadgets/swag) and directed mail for presentation to the Committee on the Rights of the Child. If you have or can photograph or otherwise reproduce examples of such items, please contact us at counter_recruitment@wilpf.org Attend the Space for Peace Conference in Omaha, April 11-13 WILPF Disarm: Dismantle the War Economy Committee invites you to attend the Annual Space Organizing Conference & Protest outside StratCom in Omaha, Nebraska. WILPF will lead a workshop on "Space Law or Space Warfare." [ send green star]
James M N.	Digest for ActionAlertsDiscussPP@topica.com, issue 348 November 24, 2007 5:18 AM Topica Digest -- This Thanksgiving, Help Striking Nurses By webweaver@progressiveportal.org From: Progressive Portal Subject: This Thanksgiving, Help Striking Nurses APPALACHIAN NURSES HAVE BEEN ON PICKET LINES SINCE OCT. 1 DEMANDING BETTER PATIENT CARE AND WORKING CONDITIONS [From the AFL-CIO E-Activist Network ] This Thursday, working men and women across the country will sit down with their families and eat a delicious Thanksgiving meal. But the nearly 700 nurses on strike at Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH) hospitals won't have that luxury. These members of the United American Nurses (UAN) union have been on strike in Kentucky and West Virginia since Oct. 1, and times have been tough. The nurses are concerned that management's staffing decisions and rampant mandatory overtime are preventing them from giving patients the best possible care. Kentucky State AFL-CIO President Bill Londrigan says union members will do whatever it takes to get a fair contract for the nurses: "It's such an important strike that we're not going to let these nurses suffer any more. We're going to do everything we can to help them survive." Already, the AFL-CIO Community Services Network has donated tens of thousands of dollars to support the strikers. Let's continue to help these brave workers in their hour of need. Please consider donating $25, the cost of a Thanksgiving meal, to the nurses' strike fund. Take Action ----------------------------------- The nurses of Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH) are fighting for better care for their patients. Please donate $25 -- the cost of a Thanksgiving meal -- to the nurses' strike fund: https://secure.ga6.org/08/arhstrikefund/ More Information ----------------------------------- Striking Nurses Speak Out for Patients (AFL-CIO blog): http://blog.aflcio.org/?tag=Appalachian%20Regional%20Healthcare Talks To Resume in Strike (WKYT-TV News): http://www.wkyt.com/wymtnews/headlines/11626691.html Nurses' Strike Drags On In Appalachia (Associated Press): http://www.sacbee.com/840/story/496762.html You can read these notices, including past alerts, on the Web at: http://www.progressiveportal.org/updates/alerts/ End of ActionAlertsDiscussPP@topica.com digest, issue 348 [ send green star]
James M N.	Ring of Power November 15, 2007 8:05 PM There will be new videos, reports, weblogs and results on the website also in the next time: www.grace-pilgrimage.com. Monday, November 12th 2007 To all Peace Workers, We have arrived in Jerusalem. Jubilate deo! The highlight was the night vigil at the wall in Bethlehem with the adjoining early morning meditation, and the last walk to Jerusalem with the closing concert by Yair Dalal and Avi Agababa. As I sat before the wall at about three in the morning, a young Palestinian came to me and asked me shyly if he could ask me something. "I have already seen so many peace workers, bishops, people from the Church, from a wide range of organisations, but there has never been anything like you before. One notices that you really mean it seriously. You live peace. You are like a big international family; you look after one another and live differently - one notices that immediately. We sense your real sympathy and that you will not go back to a completely normal life after this meditation, but rather that you always carry your task with you. I am very grateful to you. You bring courage and strength and hope into our life here." These words touched me very profoundly, and all my tiredness disappeared for a while. This is my creed: "When the first people have really understood how to develop a social structure in which lasting peace is possible, it will have a transformative effect on the whole. It is as if evolution wants to develop a new form of life through us, just as flowers and other basic patterns of life develop." Peace is not just an individual concern but very deeply a question of the social structure in which it can also be lived out permanently. Even if it is still a long journey until this basic form is fully developed, at least we are on the way, and that is what the people here notice. People took part in the Global Grace Day in over 70 different locations, all in their different ways. In San Josecito they did a solidarity march to the provincial capital city of Apartado; in the north of this country a group of Jordanian and Israeli women took part in a march; in the USA, in South Africa, in Algeria, India and many other countries, and also in the Mauthausen memorial, groups of people connected with our meditation. Tamera organised a meditation in the stone circle and afterwards went on a one-day solidarity pilgrimage. The morning meditation stands out for its simplicity and is immensely powerful for this reason. We read the text in four languages, followed by flute music, and then the people walk silently before the wall. It looks magical and awakens a certain common resonance that encourages us to aim for a better future. It doesn't turn away from the present, but rather takes the pain of the present as an incentive to mobilize all resources into awakening a better future. It is like a militant non-violent NO to everything that is unjust. There are no false compromises. There is only an all-encompassing awakening. What a finale to listen to the desert music of Yar Dalal and Avi Agababa after a short speech by Benjamin von Mendelssohn, Annette Kaiser and myself. Listening to the music, it was as if I repeated the whole march through the desert once more. How deep the silent joy of re-encounter was with them both - with those who organized the solidarity tour a few years ago with Israelis, Palestinians and Internationals through Germany and Switzerland. Between 500 and 600 people filled the hall; there was no loud applause - instead we ended by singing together - time for peace, zaman al salam and then a silence. A fitting ending to a moving shared time with big challenges. We remain on our path; we will deepen it and plumb the depths where necessary. We will not rest until there are clear visible signs of global peace developing. Faith can move mountains. Thank you and Amen. After our first peace pilgrimage through the Middle East in 2005, we published the book GRACE - I want to recommend it to all pilgrims and interested people. We chose a text of empowerment out of the book. Text of Empowerment: The Meaning of "Grace" (From: Sabine Lichtenfels: GRACE - Pilgrimage for a future without War, Meiga, 2006) The pilgrimage is to lead us to Israel/Palestine to the so called Holy Land, a region which has been dominated by war, conflict, struggle and division for a long time. If this pilgrimage is to be a success in terms of inner and outer peace work, then a spiritual source will be needed. This will make us as pilgrims act in both a correct and healing way despite any difficult situations. In search of a name for the pilgrimage we came across the term GRACE. Grace has many connotations. GRACE is mercy, favour, charm, sweetness, readiness, charity, consideration, congeniality, loving kindness, compassion and also stands for the act of Grace itself. GRACE reminds me of walking in the service of the higher mission, in the service of life and its inherent justice. Those who are walking in the name of GRACE do not come to accuse. They do not come to impart a new ideology on a country or on a land and its people - they come in the service of openness, of perception and of support." Power Sentence: GRACE reminds me of walking in the service of life and its inherent justice. With kind regards Sabine Lichtenfels News from Tamera: www.tamera.org Accompany the peace pilgrimage www.grace-pilgrimage.com Information about the Global GRACE Day: www.grace-in-bethlehem.net More about Sabine Lichtenfels: sabine-lichtenfels.de [ send green star]
James M N.	Arden Acts: Wisdom isnt something you think its something you DO; etc.. November 13, 2007 3:12 PM Arden Acts: Wisdom isnt something you think its something you DO; etc.. Animals and Anomalies, Prophecy and Miracles You know this is so cool, a miracle, and check out the date! --- tamra@NDNnews.com wrote: > To: "tamra@NDNnews.com" > From: > Date: Mon, 12 Nov 2007 22:14:50 -0500 > Subject: [Protecting_our_Ancestors_Sacred_Sites] > Urgent Message ~ Animals and Anomalies, Prophecy and > Miracles > > Press Release > > November 12, 2007 > Animals and Anomalies, Prophecy and Miracles > Miracles are occurrences many find difficult to > accept. > > > > Anomalies in the natural world always strike our > attention. > > > > At the Woodland Zoo http://www.woodlandzoo.net a > small private zoo in Farmington, Pennsylvania owned > by Jill and Sonny Herring, anomalies, or miracles, > continue to occur. > > > > A known, yet uncommon anomaly is parthenogenesis. In > layman's terms, parthenogenesis would commonly be > called a virgin birth, and is usually associated > with invertebrates, plants, fish, frogs, insects, > and lizards. It is not normally thought to be > associated with mammals. However, there are some > farmers who would tell you it's not uncommon for > turkeys and rabbits to give birth without > fertilization as well. In most cases, the offspring > are said to be identical to the mother (with a few > exceptions like the Komodo Dragon Lizard and the > Honey Bee). > > > > Yet another anomaly is albino animals. Considered a > distinct category of anomaly, this is more commonly > known to the mainstream mind. Albinos not only have > white coloration to their fur or feathers but also > normally have the trademark red eyes, pink nose, > pink feet, and pink skin. Further, they also are > often sterile. Prone to disease and especially > susceptible to the affects of sunlight, albinos > often have a very short lifespan. > > > > But a different class of anomaly, a true white > creature which is not an albino, would certainly > catch anyone's eye. These white creatures maintain > the normal characteristics of their species but do > not exhibit the pink eyes, etc., of the albino. > Born white, they may or may not stay white > throughout their lifetime. Additionally, they > often live a normal life and reproduce offspring > which most commonly are not white. > > > > The odds are exceptionally high for the birth of a > true white buffalo calf. It has been said to be 1 > in 10 million. For many of the Native American > Nations, a white buffalo calf is considered highly > sacred within their traditional culture and beliefs. > > > > In 1994, the white buffalo, Miracle, was born in > Janesville, Wisconsin. According to reports, she > was the first known white buffalo to be born since > 1933. Yet, in the years since her birth, there have > been at least 15 to 20 other white buffalo born. > Some may be albino; some may have cow or yak genes > which created the white. Nonetheless, it is clear > that an unusual number of them are true white > buffalo calves. > > > > In the normal fashion, in May 2006, one of their two > female buffalo gave birth to a normal calf. > However, six months later (without being fertilized > by any male buffalo or other bovine), the same > female gave birth to a fully-developed white buffalo > calf on November 12, 2006. > > > > Since the gestation period for buffalo is 9 months, > the birth alone was startling. That the calf was > white was enough to draw the attention of American > Indians around the country. That the female had not > been impregnated is enough to draw the attention of > indigenous spiritual leaders from around the world. > The white calf, a male, was named Kenahkihinén, > which means "Watch Over Us" in the Lenape language > by local Natives descended of the Lenape Nation. > > > > The primary prophecies of the Lakota, Dakota, and > Nakota [Sioux] Nations revolve around the appearance > of a white buffalo calf and their traditional > spiritual stories of a sacred white buffalo calf > woman. In April of 2007, Oglala Lakota Spiritual > Leader and Head Man, David Swallow, visited the zoo, > blessing the calf and grounds. Local Native groups > and other Native American spiritual leaders have > visited and conducted ceremony as well. These > calves are not worshipped but rather viewed as > sacred messengers and fulfillment of prophecy. > > > > In June of 2007, Lakota spiritual leaders endorsed > two people who live nearby to spiritually watch over > the lives of the white buffalo calf: Hawk Michael > Spisak, mixed blood Holikachuk and Shawnee, and his > partner, Tamra Brennan, who is mixed blood Eastern > Cherokee. They were sent to the Eastern Door, the > Eastern part of the continent, with a ceremonial > drum, a traditional staff, and a sacred c'anunpa (a > sacred Lakota prayer pipe) to aid them in their > commission. Both these people have been visiting the > calf regularly to pray. With this endorsement comes > the responsibility of hosting the many Indigenous > spiritual leaders from around the world which are > expected to visit, which many have already agreed to > do so. > > > > However, on July 28, 2007, yet another remarkable > event occurred. In the same pen as the white calf > and his mother, resides a second, separate female > buffalo. The Herrings have documented proof through > USDA records there was no male buffalo or bovine > present. Yet on that date, she gave birth to a black > with four white legs female calf. Again, it is > another instance of, for lack of better words, > virgin birth. > > > > The zoo owners assure everyone that there was no > male buffalo or any kind of creature on the premises > that could have possibly impregnated these two > buffalo. They further relate that no instance of > artificial inseminatio [ send green star]
James M N.	rest :) WSDP Acts: Historic Milestone / Indigenous Peoples Worldwide: UN Adopts Rights Declaratio September 21, 2007 10:25 AM 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 [ send green star]
James M N.	more :) WSDP Acts: Historic Milestone / Indigenous Peoples Worldwide: UN Adopts Rights Declaratio September 21, 2007 10:22 AM 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 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 [ send green star]
James M N.	WSDP Acts: Historic Milestone / Indigenous Peoples Worldwide: UN Adopts Rights Declaration September 21, 2007 10:20 AM 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) 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 From: Rainy Blue Cloud 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 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 [ send green star]
James M N.	New Report Shows Increased Heat Deaths from Global Warming September 15, 2007 5:59 PM PSR Please add psrnatl@psr.org to your address book to ensure our e-mails reach your inbox New Report Shows Increased Heat Deaths from Global Warming Dear James M, A report released today by the National Environmental Trust, Clear the Air, U.S. PIRG and Physicians for Social Responsibility demonstrates increased heat deaths because of global warming. As temperatures increase, the intensity and duration of heat waves and heat related events also should increase putting more and more Americans at risk. "Several years ago PSR produced 'Death by Degrees,' which looked at the various health impacts of global warming. At that time we noted that a marked increase in deaths related to increased temperatures was likely to result, and this report backs that up. The medical and public health communities are concerned about all the health risks associated with global warming, and we call on Congress and the president to act now to minimize these catastrophic results," said Dr. Michael McCally, executive director for Physicians for Social Responsibility. The 'Death by Degrees' report noted that the poor, elderly, young and those with compromised immune systems will be the most affected by heat related events. Heat stroke can cause death immediately or can lead to complications that cause organ failure in the victim. The latest report on heat mortality was prepared after modeling was conducted by Dr. Larry Kalkstein and Dr. Scott Greene. The two were commissioned by National Environmental Trust to consider the impacts of heat waves and heat related events created by global warming. To read the report click here. To view supplementary tables with additional data on projected heat-related deaths, http://www.psr.org/site/R?i=aynFTfT_wrvijKg9fFMu5g.. click here. http://www.psr.org/site/R?i=zi8ouACyEmEXbj5amz0RJw.. PSR is working with other organizations for the passage of mandatory controls on greenhouse gas emissions. A 20% reduction in these emissions is necessary by 2020 with an 80% reduction by mid-century in order to slow, stop and reverse global warming and its catastrophic consequences. For more information about the report or the work of PSR please contact Will Callaway at 202-667-4260 or wcallaway@psr.org. Donate to PSR http://www.psr.org/site/R?i=QT34zmEPC_3Bortn8d4yjg.. Contact PSR http://www.psr.org/site/R?i=qeBxPGDG8B8OJ-N2osDLGQ.. Forward this message to a friend http://www.psr.org/site/R?i=adKx4MY8f-91foJMk84EbA.. Physicians for Social Responsibility 1875 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 1012 Washington, DC, 20009 t 202.667.4260 \| f 202.667.4201 http://www.psr.org/site/R?i=uT_BbSNQkpiqNZdenGajpQ.. U.S. Affiliate of International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War http://www.psr.org/site/R?i=lupmgVhtG2pmMIrG4FamHQ.. [ send green star]
James M N.	Rest: Prison Activist and related action, Resources list updated :) July 22, 2007 4:03 PM 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.	+ more: Prison Activist and related action, Resources list updated :) July 22, 2007 4:01 PM 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 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 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 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 (Prison Abolition & Alternatives) www.sentencingproject.org The Sentencing Project. Promotes reduced reliance on incarceration and increased use of more effective and humane alternatives to deal with crime. www.noprisons.org The Coalition For The Abolition of Prisons, critical resistance: www.criticalresistance.org 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 " Leonards' latest petition at :) http://www.leonardpeltier.org More :) http://www.getconnectedus.net www.cdhrsupport.org/ (sign up for e-mail list!) www.thejerichomovement.com www.fbiwitchhunt.com/BP.html www.freedomarchives.org/BPP/torture.html www.itsabouttimebpp.com/home/home.html www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Liberation_Army www.assatashakur.org http://www.prisonjustice.ca/politics/abolition_alternatives.html http://www.yahoogroups.com/messages/AriseAction http://www.takingaim.net/2004roundtable/ Yahoo groups: SoulfulChemistry/ShackledVoices, EndTheDeathPenalty, InnocentInPrison 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 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/ Injustices Addressing, not addressing them have costs, the former is individual, the later is global, as well. "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. 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) :) [ send green star]
James M N.	More: Prison Activist and related action, Resources list updated :) July 22, 2007 3:57 PM 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 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. [ send green star]
James M N.	Prison Activist and related action, Resources list updated :) July 22, 2007 3:53 PM 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 humanities', alone. For e.g., we must study to relax, also, if one pushes themselves or others too hard, [ send green star]
James M N.	thepeacealliance.org: Special Call: Hope and Healing for Virginia Tech April 23, 2007 5:10 AM Special Call: Hope and Healing for Virginia Tech Special Conference Call www.thepeacealliance.org Hope and Healing in Response to Virginia Tech April 19, 2007 6:00 PT / 9:00 ET Dear Department of Peace Campaign Supporters, You are invited to join a special conference call for all supporters, Thursday, April 19, 2007 at 6:00 pm Pacific, 9:00 Eastern. We will come together for one hour. It will be a time of connection, meditation, prayer, sharing, and anchoring the vision of peace that we all hold in our hearts. This call will not be recorded. We will spend 20 minutes in silent meditation, at the beginning from 6:05 - 6:15 Pacific / 9:05 - 9:15 Eastern, and at the end from 6:50 - 7:00 Pacific / 9:50 - 10:00 Eastern. If you cannot join the call, we invite you to join us in meditation at these times, anchoring the feeling and vision of peace. Call-in number: (605) 772-3001, access code is: 470821# Thank you, The Peace Alliance The Peace Alliance PO Box 70095 -- Rochester Hills MI 48307 USA Tel & Fax 248.813.8950 www.ThePeaceAlliance.org -- Info@ThePeaceAlliance.org [ send green star]
James M N.	Intnl Planned Parenthood Federation/Western Hemisphere Region: Good News / Loaiza December 26, 2006 5:04 AM Good news for Linda Loaiza! She has been granted an appeal! http://www.ippfwhr.org/ As you may remember, on July of 2001, at the age of 18, Linda was rescued by the Venezuelan police, having been repeatedly raped and brutally tortured for four months. After years of continuing to advocate for the trail of her alleged perpetrator, on December 13, 2006 Linda was granted an appeal, requiring the man who raped and tortured her to be once again re-tried and (this time) adequately sentenced according to his crime. Linda’s case has been deferred by the Venezuelan justice system more than 30 times. Some 60 judges have declined to prosecute the man accused of torturing her. After three years, Linda resorted to a 13-day hunger strike on the courthouse steps before the case finally went to trial.On October 21, 2004, her alleged perpetrator was acquitted of all charges as the judge shockingly cited a "lack of evidence." This verdict was eventually thrown out. Although Linda’s alleged perpetrator was subsequently retried, he received an absurdly insubstantial sentence (time served) and Linda has yet to receive the justice she deserves. Linda’s extraordinary story is an example the physical and sexual violence experienced daily by women all over the world, as well as the stigmatization, and the financial and psychological burdens they suffer when seeking justice from state institutions. To learn more about Linda’s case and to find out how you can help, click here. The Venezuelan women's movement, including PLAFAM, IPPF/WHR's member association in Venezuela, has mobilized to raise awareness of the case and to provide legal and emotional support to Linda Loaiza in her fight for a new trial. We congratulate Linda and the Venezuelan women’s movement for their courage and achievement. Hopefully justice for Linda will soon be delivered! Sincerely, Carmen Barroso Regional Director International Planned Parenthood Federation/ Western Hemisphere Region -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Useful links: www.JusticeForLinda.org www.fundalindaloaiza.org.ve -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Support Our Work. Click here to make a secure, tax-deductible online donation to support our efforts to help secure Justice for Linda. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- International Planned Parenthood Federation Western Hemisphere Region (IPPF/WHR) works to ensure wide access to quality, affordable reproductive health care for women and men throughout Latin America and the Caribbean and advocates for their right to choose the number and spacing of their children. Working through 46 member associations, IPPF/WHR provides contraceptive counseling and supplies, HIV prevention, testing and treatment, maternal and infant health care, and comprehensive sex education to people in need. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you received this message from a friend, you can sign up for FreeChoiceSavesLives.org. International Planned Parenthood Federation/Western Hemisphere Region 120 Wall Street, 9th Floor New York, NY 10005 [ send green star]
James M N.	Request for Sign-on: Support HIV Prevention Bill for Federal Prisons October 28, 2006 12:39 AM 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 [ send green star]
James M N.	Urgent Help-NYM Warrior Held Captive October 23, 2006 8:50 AM URGENT HELP NEEDED NYM WARRIOR HELD CAPTIVE IN VANCOUVER CITY CELLS** HELP FREE KIKO, NYM WARRIOR---CONTRIBUTE TO WARRIORS RANSOM BAIL*** We are in urgent need of your support. Kiko, Native Youth Movement Warrior, was arrested by the Vancouver Police yesterday, Tuesday, October 13th, 2006, in Vancouver, BC, Canada and is being held captive for ransom. The vehicle that his family was driving in was targeted and followed by the Vancouver Police and when his family stopped at a gas station, the police blocked access and began to harass the family. The police told Kiko's wife, Kanahus, that the reason for being harassed was that the license plate didn't match up on the vehicle, but even after this was clarified and all paper work was produced, they demanded to know the identity of the passengers, the police only concern was to make an arrest. Kanahus was threatened by the police that she will be arrested for "obstruction of a police officer" if she didn't let them interrogate her passengers. This family has been targeted by the police on many occasions for the work that they do with Native Youth Movement and the fight for the Indigenous land struggle. Kiko is now being held captive with no criminal charges laid, but on an immigration issue, which is unknown until later on today. Kiko, is an indigenous Taino Warrior with the Native Youth Movement, he was adopted by a Lil'wat family in Mount Currie through the indigenous ways and is married through Indigenous Laws and customs to a Secwepemc indigenous woman from here in BC and they have two children together. On paper, his citizenship is in the US. How can Indigenous People be told by the invaders / colonizers that we are "illegal aliens", we were here far before the borders. Our Laws and customs must be honored and respected; we have rights from our Creator to continue to practice our Ways of Life, to conduct our marriage and adoption ceremonies in our Indigenous way. Kiko has every right to be in our country, in our Territory, he is married into the Secwepemc Nation and has rights to be here with his family. The lawyer has asked us to raise $1000 CAD for his ransom (bail). We have received $250 so far, we are now seeking $750. Any help you can give is gratefully appreciated. You can donate several ways. If you are in Vancouver and would like to drop off a cash donation you can do that to Harjap at 12 E. Hastings St. Harjap's contact info is (778) 552-2099 or email: harjap@resist.ca Or deposit into Scotiabank Institution #002, Transit #10140, Account # 0105082, Routing # 026002532 Any donations from the US can be donated to the above account through wire transfer all the information needed is there. If you would like to send via Western Union you may to Amanda Soper, in Vancouver, BC, the info we would need on this end is the name of the sender and the place sent from in order for us to pick up. Let us know of your donations by calling (604) 682- 3269 ext. 7845 or emailing us at nymcommunications@hotmail.com KUKSTSEMC, BO-MATUM, THANK YOU For all the help and contributions. NYM Communications NATIVE YOUTH MOVEMENT FIGHT FOR LIFE WARRIORS UNITE FROM ALASKA TO ARGENTINA [ send green star]
James M N.	Fwd: Putting Something In The Bowl October 05, 2006 4:20 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. May all beings refrain from killing and prevent others from killing. May all beings affirm the preciousness of every life. May all beings have happiness and the causes of happiness. May all beings be free from suffering and the causes of suffering. May all beings be free from hatred and attachment. May all beings have equanimity. May all beings have healing, health, abundant love, prosperity, joy and delight. May all beings have peace. May all beings awaken. May all beings realize their enlightenment. May all beings have the spiritual bliss that is beyond suffering and is untouched by sorrow. Om gate gate paragate parasamgate bodhi svaha. Vamos, vamos, vamos mas alla, vamos a la otra orilla, !Illuminacion! !Gozo! 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 * * * * * * * [ send green star]
James M N.	Rest: Invitation to Disability Caucus of Green Party :) August 12, 2006 1:51 PM 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 a vernal 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 :) August 12, 2006 1:49 PM Dear All, Hello. Good Day. Very cool posts and responses, thanx! I hope you and yours are well and will continue to be. 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 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, home page: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/ , [ send green star]
James M N.	Help confused State Board members get a clue, KS, US April 17, 2006 3:32 AM Advocates for Abstinence Plus Dear James M, This week, the Kansas Board of Education met in Wichita to discuss a proposal to mandate nine weeks of abstinence-until-marriage curriculum in grades six through nine. Thanks to hundreds of Kansans like you, the Board failed to mandate an abstinence-only curriculum! · We sent more than 400 emails to the Board against their proposal · Advocates for abstinence-plus packed the room and had significantly more speakers than the abstinence-only-until-marriage supporters. · Our spokesman, a high school teacher from Wichita, successfully demonstrated that: 1. Abstinence-plus works 2. Parents support abstinence-plus 3. Abstinence-only puts teens at risk Unfortunately, they will likely bring this issue back up next month. We need to make sure they hear from even more people, and that they understand what's really at stake: the health and safety of Kansas teens. Here's what you can do: 1. Click this link to encourage five friends to send a letter to the board: http://www.ppaction.org/campaign/opposeabonly/forward/3gk7u7rl5kwtm7? 2. Send a letter to the editor of your local paper: http://www.kansas.com/mld/kansas/news/editorial/4664538.htm 2. Get involved with your local action team. The next meeting is: Wichita Action Meeting Thursday, May 11 2226 E. Central (Planned Parenthood Clinic) 6:30 - 8:00pm RSVP to Sarah: Sarah.London@ppkm.org or 913-312-5100 x227 Best, Advocates for Abstinence-Plus [ send green star]
James M N.	Protect Medicaid and Other Programs For People with Disabilities April 13, 2006 12:41 AM With the Senate's Budget Resolution passed, the stage is now set for the House of Representatives do the same. House Republican leaders will be under enormous pressure from conservative House Members on the Republican Study Committee to make budget process changes and force deep cuts to programs important to people with disabilities. Click here to read more about this. Once the House begins its work, many amendments increasing funding for discretionary and entitlement programs are expected to be introduced. Click here to take action. http://capwiz.com/thearc/issues/alert/?alertid=8615936&type=CO We need you to contact your House Member(s) and urge him/her to adopt a Budget Resolution that supports - not harms - people with disabilities and their families. Thanks again for your help and if you have any questions please let me know. Richard PS. Don't forget to forward our Action Alert to family, friends, colleagues and others concerned about this issue. ___________________________________________ Richard B. Price Director of Communications and Grassroots Advocacy The Arc and UCP Disability Policy Collaboration 1660 L Street, NW, Suite 701 Washington, DC 20036 Office: (202) 783-2229 x. 15 Fax: (202) 783-8250 price@thedpc.org www.thearc.org www.ucp.org [ send green star]
James M N.	You can help displaced Katrina victims vote March 27, 2006 12:48 PM Displaced Louisiana voters need your help. "If you are a registered voter of Louisiana who has been displaced as a result of Hurricane Katrina or Rita, you are eligible to vote in your home parish if you have not registered to vote in another parish or state." - Louisiana Secretary of State Al Ater Help us get this message to displaced Louisianans in your city or state. Thousands of evacuees have moved several times since disaster struck their homes. Your local knowledge may be the only way for us to reach them. Louisiana's primary election is scheduled to take place on April 22, 2006, and general election on May 20, 2006. There are also other local elections taking place this spring. Many changes have been made to Louisiana voting laws, dates, and polling places as a result of the hurricanes. Time is very short. We need you to reach displaced voters with the information they need as soon as possible. For information on how you can help, including handouts you can download and photocopy, visit our website at http://www.commoncause.org/Louisiana. For additional information, visit the Louisiana Elections Displaced Voters webpage at http://www.sec.state.la.us/elections/elect-before.htm, email at: elections@sos.louisiana.gov, or call 1-800-833-2805. Thank you, Dot Wirth Common Cause Louisiana Forward this email Give to Common Cause Discuss this message [ send green star]
James M N.	Tell the EPA to protect New Orleans residents from toxic chemicals and mold February 21, 2006 2:18 AM The floodwaters of hurricanes Katrina and Rita left sediments and toxic mold throughout New Orleans, contaminated with heavy metals, pesticides, industrial chemicals and cancer-causing chemicals. These citizens have the right to return to safe and healthy communities, and our colleagues at the People's Hurricane Relief Fund and Physicians for Social Responsibility tell us it can be done: "The demand is very achievable," Melissa Burch of Physicians for Social Responsibility told us. "In many neighborhoods, debris crews could simply scoop up contaminated sediment. Other neighborhoods will require more extensive clean up. But we believe it's essential and doable-all that's missing is the political will to protect residents' health." Let's provide the will. To tell the EPA to protect the citizens of New Orleans from toxic chemicals and mold, click "Reply" and "Send" in your email program. If you'd like to edit the letter (below) to your senators or were forwarded this message, visit the following site to take action: http://action.truemajority.org/campaign/notoxicchemicals Thanks for all you do, Matt Holland TrueMajority -------------------------------------------------------------------- Background: Hurricanes Katrina and Rita inundated New Orleans with floodwaters carrying a mixture of soil, sewage and industrial contaminants. When the waters receded (some homes sat half-submerged for nearly a month), they left behind a layer of sediment -- in some places up to four inches thick -- that still covers the ground and even coats the interiors of peoples' homes. Testing by NRDC and the Environmental Protection Agency shows that this sediment is contaminated with heavy metals, pesticides, industrial chemicals and cancer-causing chemicals from oil and soot. Click here for more information on the environmental quality test results. Both sediment contamination and mold present serious health concerns for residents returning to their homes, as well as for the workers helping to clean up and rebuild these communities. The EPA has both a legal and a moral obligation to ensure the safety of these Americans by cleaning up the harmful sediments in the streets and yards and by giving people the information that they need to protect themselves from dangerous levels of mold. Without decisive action by the EPA, the victims of hurricanes Katrina and Rita will remain in harm's way as they struggle to put their lives and their communities back together. --------------------------------------------------------------------Here's the message we'll send to to the EPA I urge the EPA to fulfill its responsibility to ensure that New Orleans is safe for residents returning in the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The people of the Gulf Coast have suffered enough as a result of the hurricanes and the flooding that the storms caused. We must not fail to protect them from the hazards remaining now that the floodwaters are gone. The EPA has a legal and moral obligation to assure that the public is fully protected from the harmful environmental conditions created by the hurricanes and subsequent flooding. The EPA should take immediate action to remove harmful sediments and sediment-laced soils that contain dangerous toxic contaminants, and to protect the people of New Orleans, and others in the Gulf Coast, from unhealthy levels of mold, which can cause allergic reactions, asthma attacks and infection. Specifically, the EPA should immediately: 1) initiate action, with full public input and involvement, to remove toxic sediment and contaminated soil from the yards and streets of New Orleans and other affected Gulf Coast communities; 2) assess the full scope of the mold hazard in New Orleans and elsewhere in the Gulf Coast area; 3) fully inform people in the region of the precise scope and nature of the environmental health threats, including from sediments and mold and other microbes, and provide detailed information about what precautions citizens should take to protect themselves and their families from these hazards; and 4) assist FEMA and other federal, state and local agencies to assure an environmentally safe, just and "green" rebuilding of the Gulf States with full public involvement. I urge you to take these actions right away, to protect the people of New Orleans and other communities throughout the Gulf Coast. -------------------------------------------------------------------Thanks! Please forward this widely or use the following link to spread the word: Tell-a-Friend! If you received this message from a friend, you can sign up for TrueMajority. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Contribute If you like what you see, please click here to contribute. ...and keep these messages going to more people! TrueMajority.org is a grassroots group of citizens who believe in America's true values of openness, fairness and compassion. We believe participating in an effective government is the best way to be mutually responsible for our community. TrueMajority.org, 191 Bank Street, Third Floor, Burlington, VT 05401 [ send green star]
James M N.	Here's some groups for ADA, diffability rights, news and views, et al :) February 05, 2006 1:00 PM Dear All, Hello. Here's some groups for ADA, diffability rights, news and views, et al. U.S. :) ADA-EMPOWERMENT · Empowering people with disabilities by using the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is the purposeful mission of this list. Description :) Empowering people with disabilities by using the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is the purposeful mission of this list. This list will discuss all titles of the ADA, which are: Title 1: Employment, Title 2: State and Local Government Activities, Title 2: Public Transportation, Title 3: Public Acommodations and Title 4: Telecommunications. Another important thing that will be clarified on this list is the three prong definition of the ADA, which are: past, present and preceived disability. The ADA is a very empowering law that people with disabilities are using as a tool in the forefront of the Disabilities Civil Rights Movement. Group Email Addresses :) http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ADA-EMPOWERMENT/ Post message: ADA-EMPOWERMENT@yahoogroups.com Subscribe: ADA-EMPOWERMENT-subscribe@yahoogroups.com ADA_LAW_IMPACT · THE ADA LAW IMPACT DISCUSSION GROUP Description :) This is a group to discuss disability information. The primary focus is the LAW of disability ADA, 504, IDEA, The Rehabilitation Act, but it is also a medium to encourage networking and empowerment of people with disabilities. The 11 commandment -on this list- is no flaming of posters. We can agree and also disagree. The emphasis is discussion of disability issues in a positive manner. Group Email Addresses :) http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ADA_LAW_IMPACT/ Post message: ADA_LAW_IMPACT@yahoogroups.com Subscribe: ADA_LAW_IMPACT-subscribe@yahoogroups.com Advocates_For_People_With_Diffabilities · diffability issues Description :) This is a list to keep abreast of ADA issues. Post news, question issues, answer queries, but do not flame or you are INSTANTLY gone. Activism is strongly encouraged. We will work together and appreciate each others differences. Support for each other is expected and appreciated. This is not a place to judge each other. This is a place to empower each other. If you can be part of a movement that puts the "whole" above the "individual", you are welcome here. Please do not forward people's personal comments or words or any parts of list conversation. News, notices and URLs are free for the taking. Also, please do not post parts of conversation from other lists. Group Email Addresses :) http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Advocates_For_People_With_Diffabilities/ Post message: Advocates_For_People_With_Diffabilities@yahoogroups.com Subscribe: Advocates_For_People_With_Diffabilities-subscribe@yahoogroups.com Global and U.S. :) Disability-Rights-News-and-Views · Disability-Rights-News-Views-Discussion Description :) We are a Worldwide disability civil rights, ADA, advocacy, support, information and discussion group. We try to make the people aware of the needs and laws of the disabled. We share newsletters and discuss them. Our members are kept well informed. We also try to assist each other to the best of our abilities. I would treat others the way I would want to be treated... Group Email Addresses :) Related Link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Disability-Rights-News-and-Views/ Post message: Disability-Rights-News-and-Views@yahoogroups.com Subscribe: Disability-Rights-News-and-Views-subscribe@yahoogroups.com 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://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/"""" , Abuse in Therapy, Group :) """"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. 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.	US: Now: Sample letters to Sens., Repr. + Editors: Stop Alito, etc.. :) January 25, 2006 12:56 PM Concerns All, Good Day. Thanx for posting and responding! I hope you and yours are well and will continue to be. Sample letters to Senators, Representative and Editors :) Subject: Stop the re-shackling of women into biologically based defacto-slavery by stopping Alito :) Dear Sens., Repr. + Editors, Please, own your civic responsibility to help alleviate the historical inequities that women have had to live with, in our country, by supporting their rights to choose! You can do this by adding your name to NWLC's petition in opposition to the confirmation of Judge Samuel Alito to the Supreme Court; http://capwiz.com/nwlc/home/ . Upper middle-class to rich supposed "feminists" have led middle-class and lower down the 'prime rosed path' of, "they will secure abortion for you, if you centralize your profits, volunteering, vote, etc., to the 'marketeers' of pro-choice; and them."; well, they lied, collaborating with dempublicans by abdicating your power to them, won't change the fact that you can't abdicate your responsibility. "We, the people...", must not abdicate our power to dempublican collaborating supposed "feminists", for, we couldn't abdicate our responsibility, even if we wanted to; we must, individually, communally, nationally, and globally do what we have to to stop the remocratic conspiracy, and their dempublican collaborators from re-shackling women into biological based defacto-slavery; through, their allowing the removal of choice. It's not too late to do it at the ballot box, if you vote for the vote by voting, we can stop their devolutionary patriarchal processes in their tracks. It can be done that way now, please vote for your daughters, sisters, aunts, mothers, grandmothers, neices, and their fellow struggling men; by voting for choice! Viva la evolution! reality Thanks. Matutinally Yours, (your name, address, phone #) www.congress.org or www.fcln.org By the by, "In Germany they [the Nazis] came first for the Communists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist. Then they came for the Jews, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist. Then they came for the Catholics, and I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant. Then they came for me, and by that time no one was left to speak up. - Pastor Martin Niemoeller, 1946", so the story goes, though, you might know that they actually came first for the mentally ill, elderly, handicapped, diffabled, foreigners, poor (Gypsies, et al); homeless, like the republicans are doing now. Defend yourself by defending them, one for all, all for one! Remember the lessons of WWII, if you're not taking bullets, you're making them, etc.; I'm bleeding every moment, are you? 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://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/"""" , Abuse in Therapy, Group :) """"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. 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. 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. Viva la evolution! [ send green star]
James M N.	Demand that Big Businesses Pay their Fair Share for Health Care January 21, 2006 12:07 PM America's health care system is in crisis. Some of the nation's biggest, most profitable companies refuse to pay their fair share of health care costs for their workers. Millions of Americans are going without insurance and health care costs are skyrocketing. http://www.unionvoice.org/campaign/fairshare4healthcare/b5kun7rq7w3bnm? The irresponsibility of these companies that don't pay their fair share affects us all. - It raises health care costs for Americans with and without insurance. - It places a burden on taxpayers forced to pay to cover the company's uninsured workers through state and federal programs like Medicaid. - It makes it harder for responsible companies to do the right thing and cover their employees while their competitors cut costs by dropping health care coverage. But all across the country, city, county, and state governments are taking action by introducing versions of the Fair Share Health Care Act, which would require employers with over a certain number of workers to pay their fair share of the cost of providing health care for their employees. The new legislation gives employers a choice: either offer workers the industry's prevailing level of health care or pay into a local fund that would provide it. The legislation would work to expand health care to thousands of uninsured people, while leveling the playing field for responsible businesses providing workers with care, all at no additional cost to taxpayers. Last year, New York City Jobs with Justice spearheaded a coalition of unions, health policy advocates, religious leaders, community groups, business leaders, and activists to win the Health Security Act, city-wide legislation that was a model for the Fair Share Health Care Acts. Long Island Jobs with Justice also formed a coalition that passed similar legislation in Suffolk County. Maryland's state legislature has passed the first state-wide Fair Share Health Care Act (though it is in danger of being nullified by the Governor's veto), and now many states around the country are looking into developing legislation of their own. By making large employers pay their fair share of health care costs, the Fair Share Health Care Act will: - Alleviate the burden on taxpayers, who are stuck with the bill when Big Business doesn't pay its fair share of health care costs. - Level the playing field between companies that provide good jobs and benefits and those that don't. - Help states contain rising Medicaid costs. The Fair Share Health Care Act is vital legislation that will make a real difference for working families and responsible companies that do the right thing and pay their fair share. Sign this petition to make sure your state passes this important legislation. Sign this petition either via email (please see directions below) or via the web at: http://www.unionvoice.org/campaign/fairshare4healthcare/b5kun7rq7w3bnm? Visit the web address below to tell your friends about this. http://www.unionvoice.org/campaign/fairshare4healthcare/forward/b5kun7rq7w3bnm? We encourage you to take action by February 3, 2007 Demand that Big Businesses Pay their Fair Share for Health Care INSTRUCTIONS TO RESPOND VIA THE WEB: If you have access to a web browser, you can take action on this alert by going to the following URL: http://www.unionvoice.org/campaign/fairshare4healthcare/b5kun7rq7w3bnm? INSTRUCTIONS TO RESPOND VIA EMAIL: Just choose the "reply to sender" option on your email program. Petition: When big, profitable companies refuse to pay their fair share of health care costs, everyone suffers. Their employees often join the ranks of the uninsured. The cost of health care rises for everyone. And the responsible companies who cover their workers must compete with the companies who don't pay their fair share. This irresponsible behavior is causing a health care crisis, with costs skyrocketing and millions of families joining the ranks of the uninsured. All across the country, state legislatures are taking action by introducing versions of the Fair Share Health Care Act, which would require large employers to pay their fair share of the cost of providing health care for their employees. It's time for our state to address this growing crisis by passing our own version of the Fair Share Health Care Act. I urge the state legislature to introduce and pass the FSHCA and the governor to sign it into law. It is time for us to take action to end the crisis of America's uninsured working families. This message was sent to realitee1@yahoo.com. To modify your email communication preferences or update your personal profile, visit your subscription management page at: http://www.unionvoice.org/jobswithjustice/smp.tcl?nkey=b5kun7rq7w3bnm& To stop ALL email from Jobs with Justice, reply via email with "remove" in the subject line, or use the following link: http://www.unionvoice.org/jobswithjustice/remove-domain-direct.tcl?ctx=center&nkey=b5kun7rq7w3bnm& *********************************************** Click on the link below for more information from your union, online activism and benefits. http://www.unionvoice.org/ [ send green star]
James M N.	National Committee (to Preserve S.S. + Medicare) Monthly E-Report January 08, 2006 12:00 PM National Committee Monthly E-Report The National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization based in Washington, DC, that advocates for financial and health security in retirement for all Americans. THE NCPSSM BOARD OF DIRECTORS President and CEO Barbara B. Kennelly Chair Jane L. Ross, Ph.D. Vice Chair Anna H. Chavelle, M.D. Secretary Sandra G. Wagenfeld Directors Kenneth S. Apfel Patricia G. Archbold Susan M. Daniels, Ph.D. Carroll L. Estes, Ph.D. Paul S. Nathanson Maya Rockeymoore, Ph.D. J. Andrew Smith Fernando Torres-Gil, Ph.D. MEMBERSHIP SERVICES For news releases, position papers, facts, figures, and more about National Committee efforts to protect Social Security and Medicare, please visit our website: www.ncpssm.org Or call toll free: National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare Member Services 1-800-966-1935 A monthly wrap-up of NCPSSM News & Events prepared for Mr. James Nordlund THIS HAS BEEN A VERY BUSY YEAR FOR NATIONAL COMMITTEE MEMBERS . just look at everything National Committee members have done to protect seniors' benefits in 2005. First and foremost, we helped stave off the most serious threat EVER to partially privatize Social Security. Then we launched an aggressive campaign to protect the Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) from soaring Medicare out-of-pocket costs. Plus, we kept pressure on Congress to protect seniors' programs from deficit-induced spending cuts . deficits fueled largely by tax breaks for mostly wealthy Americans. As we enter 2006, we want to present Congress with a petition signed by as many National Committee members as possible, urging our lawmakers to stand firm for seniors and protect America's retirement security! In fact, the same threats we battled in 2005 - and then some - are sure to return, as this Administration and its supporters continue to push for private Social Security accounts, more tax cuts, and the phased-in implementation of more misguided provisions under the Medicare Modernization Act. This petition will be the first Congress receives from us in 2006, so help us start the year on a forceful note! Please be sure to sign and return your petition, on its way to you now in the U.S. mail. 143,270 MEMBERS URGE CONGRESS TO PUT AWAY THE SCISSORS . and stop considering Social Security "reform" plans that would undoubtedly lead to cuts in future retirees' benefits! That was essentially the message behind one of our last petitions to Congress in our historic 2005 battle to save Social Security from legislation that would create private accounts - paid for by annual Trust Fund surpluses. If this proposal had passed, the door would be wide open for snipping away our children's and grandkids' benefits! That's why we must keep the pressure on in the weeks and months ahead. President Bush has made it known he will push for private accounts until his last day in office! HOORAY FOR QI-1 . No, it's not the name of a new vitamin or health supplement, but QI-1 does promise to enhance the lives of some seniors. QI-1 is the Medicaid Qualifying Individual Program that was set to expire until Congress voted to extend the program through September 30, 2006. Now low-income seniors are assured of receiving the Medicare benefits they rely on next year! MEMBER POLL Submit your answers and find out how you compare to other National Committee members in the next issue of E-REPORT. 1. What is the total monthly out-of-pocket cost that you pay for your prescription drugs? Less than $10 $10-$24 $25-$49 $50-$99 $100-$199 $200-$299 $300-$499 $500 or more 2. How many different prescription drug medications do you take daily? None 1-2 3-4 5 or more RESULTS OF NOVEMBER MEMBER POLL: With home heating bills projected to rise by 30% this year, are you: 57.8% Setting the thermostat lower 28.0% Cutting back on other household expenses 14.2% Doing nothing different and hoping for the best Do you currently monitor any Internet "blogs?" 71.8% Yes 28.2% No Mr. Nordlund, for the latest news and information on issues concerning your Social Security and Medicare, please visit our website: www.ncpssm.org. This Month's Cartoon [ send green star]
James M N.	104 Arrested as ADAPT Occupies House and Senate Leadership September 26, 2005 8:15 AM For Immediate Release, September 20, 2005For Information Contact:Bob Kafka 512-431-4085Marsha Katz 406-544-9504104 Arrested as ADAPT Occupies House and Senate Leadership Offices Washington, D.C.---Fed up with being the targets of CongressionalMedicaidcuts, and being pitted against Katrina survivors for essentialservices,500 ADAPT activists occupied the offices of Congressional leaders for5hours Monday, resulting in 104 arrests. "Low income people withdisabilities are hemorrhaging as a result of the continual cuts toMedicaid by the states and Congress," said Barb Toomer, ADAPTOrganizerfrom Utah. "The leaders of the House and Senate are obviously in aposition to stop the bleeding, so we came directly to them. We feelthesecuts very personally, and we wanted the Senators and Representativestofeel 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.DennisHastert(R-IL), Rep. Tom Delay (R-TX), Rep. Joe Barton (R-TX), ADAPTpresentedeachwith the following demands; 1. Support restoration of the proposed $10 billion Medicaidcuts. 2. No arbitrary caps on Medicaid, or block granting of Medicaidfunds. 3. Eliminate the institutional bias in Medicaid by supportingMiCASSA(S .401, H.R. 910 ) and Money Follows the Person (S. 528,H.R.3063) 4. Fund HUD housing vouchers for all people transitioning fromnursinghomes and other institutions to integrated community living. 5. Sponsor an initiative to address long term care services,durablemedical equipment, assistive technology, support services,serviceanimals and community housing for Katrina evacuees withdisabilities. The occupation of the offices in the Hart, Cannon, and Rayburnbuildingsfollowed a morning press conference held next to FEMA Headquarters,andattended by FEMA staff. ADAPT Organizers from Louisiana, MississippiandAlabama called into the press conference from their home states toinformthe crowd by speakerphone about the state of affairs for Katrinasurvivorswith disabilities in their respective areas. They spoke of people withdisabilities being the last people evacuated, being actually turnedawayfrom shelters because of their disabilities or because they had noattendants with them, being separated from family, caregivers andnecessary equipment and service animals, and now languishing innursinghomes and other institutions unconnected to the official resourcesbeingmade 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. Bredesendrastically cut back TennCare, including home care services forpeople whouse ventilators. He openly admitted that he was forcing these peopleintonursing homes. Just today we got word that we have suffered the firstdeath of a ventilator user, the first casualty of Gov. Bredesen'sheartless cuts. Unless Congress acts, the deaths will continue." ADAPT is in Washington through Thursday of this week to demandlegislationand policy from any corner of the federal government with the power toassure that people with disabilities of all ages have what they needtolive lives of dignity and choice in their communities.### [ send green star]
James M N.	Medication Prices Unfair group March 15, 2005 7:48 AM I'm a member of the Medication Prices Unfair group on the Care2 Connect network, and think it's worth checking out. Please join!http://www.care2.com/c2c/invite.html?id=238156RiMTThank you!- Rev Skull Powell [ send green star]
James M N.	Fwd: Whether you are in need or can offer help... March 07, 2005 7:42 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.	Subject: [Immune-Survivors Digest] V2 #229 February 01, 2005 5:51 PM Subject: [Immune-Survivors Digest] V2 #229 [Immune-Survivors Digest] Tuesday, February 1 2005 Volume 02 : Number 229 Re: [IS] Pregnancy Update: 33 weeks and counting![IS] Pregnancy Update: 34.5 weeks, nearly 8 months!----------------------------------------------------------------------Date: Sun, 30 Jan 2005 21:39:35 +1100From: ekskelton@ozemail.com.auSubject: Re: [IS] Pregnancy Update: 33 weeks and counting! This is a multi-part message in MIME format. - ------=____1107081575563_aBzZ8OcDdFContent-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit I was just thinking today that it's my birthday soon which means that it's her's soon too!!! I am so excited that things are more or less going well :). I am on holidays in Melbourne by myself, having fun, partying lots, working hard on music (I'm at a choral/music festival for two weeks) and trying not to complicate my life too much with other people during a very intense two weeks. E This message was sent through MyMail http://www.mymail.com.au ------------------------------ Date: 2 Feb 2005 00:21:21 -0000From: Cyndi Norman <cyndi@tikvah.com>Subject: [IS] Pregnancy Update: 34.5 weeks, nearly 8 months! SPOILER for pregnancy talk, but really there's nothing spoilery in here. Not much to update from last week but we've had another midwifery appt andwell the clock is ticking. The baby is doing well, at least as much as we can measure. Her heartbeatis still great and she's head down, with her back facing my left side (sheturns a lot I think but her head has always been down, which is good). The quality of her kicks/movements is changing as life gets more crampedfor her. She's also awake a lot more than she used to be. Plus I thinkI'm feeling a larger percentage of her motions, simply because there's less"empty" space for her to move in. My tummy ungulates a lot or has stuffpoking out of it. She recognizes her daddy's voice and responds to him when he talks to her.She doesn't respond when he talks from several feet away but then she islistening through several layers of flesh and liquid. This is probably a good time to remind everyone...and us too!!...that we'renot 100% certain this baby really is a girl. The ultrasound said she wasbut that's only about 85-90% accurate because it's based on the absense ofboy parts vs definitively seeing girl parts (though the tech thought shemight have seen some of those). Man will it be a shock if we get a boyafter all these months assuming it's a girl. Either way will be wonderful,but it will take some adjusting. Our friends Connie and Jan are throwing us a baby shower this Sunday (ifyou're local and didn't get an invite yet, let us know). I'm lookingforward to it. Connie has promised silly games and activities and I can'twait to see what she and Jan come up with :-) I forgot to add the baby website URL last time. It is:http://www.consultclarity.com/baby/I'll try to get pictures of the shower up there. And I need to take morebelly pictures as the last set are 10 weeks old. I may look huge in thosebut I'm tiny compared to how I look now. Sleeping, moving, rolling, sitting up, and etc are all getting harder. Iknow it's just the beginning of the end. Could be another 2-3 weeks, couldbe another 8 weeks (my due date is 5.5 weeks away). No way to know untilit happens. I've gained just about 20 lbs so far but could easily put onanother 5 or even 10 before it's over. We have cleared out about half of the baby's room...so why does it looklike there's more stuff than there was before? Hopefully we'll have thatall done in the next week or so. At least we don't have to paint oranything like that. Our next midwifery visit is in two weeks. After that we'll see themweekly. My last OB appt is two weeks from tomorrow. We'll go over thebackup birth plan then. CyndiEnd of [Immune-Survivors Digest] V2 #229****************************************_________________________________________________________________ To post to the list, send email to immune-survivors@balaca.com For full subscription directions: http://www.immuneweb.org/lists/ Visit the IS website at: http://www.immuneweb.org/is/ [ send green star]
James M N.	ETAN Alert: Donate to Aceh Relief (tsunami) January 18, 2005 7:43 AM ETAN Alert: Donate to Aceh Relief (tsunami)Friends, The earthquake and tsunami in the Indian Ocean has hit Aceh, Indonesia, hardest of all, with more than 100,000 people killed. But the Indonesian government and military, whose role in Aceh until December 26 was mainly repression, are making it difficult to get aid to everyone who needs it. The East Timor Action Network (ETAN) has already raised more than $50,000 to send to grassroots groups in Aceh doing emergency relief,.And we continue to solicit donations. We are also responding politically to the Indonesian government's restrictions on humanitarian agencies, violations of the cease-fire and other aspects of the crisis -- see some of our statements at www.etan.org. With the help of Amy Goodman's Democracy Now! radio/TV program, journalist Allan Nairn, Acehnese in the U.S. and Indonesia, Nonviolence International, TAPOL and others, we are funding local organizations trusted by Acehnese people (unlike the Indonesian military). These groups know how to bypass the bureaucratic and other roadblocks to get assistance where it is needed. Many have long experience helping the many people in Aceh displaced by war and military repression. ETAN will send every cent contributed to for tsunami relief directly to local organizations. To make a donation via credit card for Aceh relief go to http://www.etan.org/action/action2/23alert.htm. You can also download a leaflet to pass out to your friends, family and colleagues. Please mail your check to (be sure to write "Aceh" in the memo line): East Timor Action Network,P.O. Box 15774,Washington, DC 20003-0774 If you would like your donation to be tax-deductible, make it to Nonviolence International (NI)PO Box 39127, Friendship Station,Washington, DC 20016, USA.www.nonviolenceinternational.net(please let ETAN know if you donate this way) P.S. To help meet the emergency relief needs in Aceh, we have suspended some of our own end-of-year fundraising. We will be coming back to you to ask you to support our ongoing work in the US for justice and human rights in East Timor and Indonesia. If you have recently donated to ETAN's regular work, we thank your for the support -- and if you would like to do so now, you can at http://www.etan.org/etan/donate.htm. etanetanetanetanetanetanetanetanetanetanetanetan ETAN needs your financial support: Make a secure contribution: http://etan.org/etan/donate.htm John M. Miller Internet: fbp@igc.org Media & Outreach CoordinatorEast Timor Action Network: 12 Years for Self-Determination & Justice 48 Duffield St., Brooklyn, NY 11201 USAPhone: (718)596-7668 Fax: (718)222-4097Mobile phone: (917)690-4391Web site: http://www.etan.org Send a blank e-mail message to info@etan.org to find outhow to learn more about East Timor on the Internet [ send green star]
James M N.	Africa Action: U.S. Drug Assistance Program at Risk! November 15, 2004 7:24 AM Africa Action: U.S. Drug Assistance Program at Risk! U.S. Drug Assistance Program at Risk! Tell Senate to Fund the Fight Against AIDS Dear Friends of Africa Action, Congress is about to determine the levels of funding for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program; please join us, as we demand the greatest possible amount of funding for this critical domestic AIDS program that provides life giving medicines to those who cannot afford them. The HIV/AIDS crisis is the greatest global threat in the world today-far deadlier than the threat of terrorism. More than 18 million Africans have died of HIV/AIDS, nearly 3 million in 2003 alone. In the United States there are more than 40,000 new HIV infections each year. AIDS does not discriminate by race, and is not restricted by borders, but the reality is that it is mainly killing Black people. In the United States, HIV/AIDS is the leading cause of death among African-Americans between 25 and 44 years old. Despite these facts, President Bush and U.S. policy-makers have failed to adequately address this crisis at home or abroad. When the domestic AIDS crisis was raised in a question during the second Presidential debate, both Vice-Presidential candidates were unable to provide an answer. Vice-President Cheney admitted being unaware of the impact of AIDS on Black women in the U.S. and fumbled through explanations of international efforts. Senator Edwards was equally at a loss for words. This level of ignorance about the greatest health crisis of our times is unacceptable. Inaction is immoral. This week there is an opportunity to let the Senate know that fighting AIDS is critical. Congress returns to Washington on November 16th to finish the fiscal year 2005 appropriations bill that includes funding for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP). The House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate both call for funding ADAP, but the House appropriates $20 million more than the Senate. Senators Gordon Smith (R-Oregon) and Jeff Bingaman (D-New Mexico) are circulating a "Dear Colleague" sign-on letter to their colleagues in the Senate. You can download this letter at http://www.atac-usa.org/sen05.pdf. The letter urges members of the joint House/Senate conference committee to support the higher funding level for ADAP provided in the House version of the appropriations bill. Please take a few minutes to urge your current Senators (not those newly elected) to sign this letter! TAKE ACTION! If the above link does not work, please go to: http://capwiz.com/africaaction/mail/oneclick_compose/?alertid=6629876 For more information on ADAP, provided by the Save ADAP Committee, go to http://www.atac-usa.org/adap.html. [ send green star]
James M N.	On Mango Mania, Vaccine Mania, and Raw Pistachios November 15, 2004 7:01 AM On Mango Mania, Vaccine Mania, and Raw Pistachios http://www.livingtreecommunity.com My dear brothers and sisters, Living Tree Raw Organic Almond Butter is made from living California almonds. They are grown by family farmers who cherish this California earth. Their orchards are located in Californias Central Valley. Once an inland sea, it is an immensely fertile plain. The water for the trees comes from melting snow in the high Sierras some 40 miles distant It is brought to the orchards by canals. When the almonds arrive at our plant in Berkeley, we slice them into almond butter. We do not grind. We slice in a machine very much resembling a kitchen blender only much larger. (Some use an "attrition mill" where the nuts are taken up by a screw feed and forced against a metal plate at high pressure and temperature; the whole job is done at once, whereas we take two days letting the meal rest over night). After a first slicing we are left with an oily meal. The next day we slice some more. On the second slicing the meal turns into butter. We dont stop there. We add blue sparks of electric enthusiasm andthe openness and receptivity of Berkeley, an intellectual axis of the earth. Then there is our love for you who have chosen life in the foods you eat; one day, you will build here a garden for the human spirit. Raw, organic pistachio meats are making their debut. These are pistachios with shells removed. They are among the best sources of antioxidants which are thought to fight cancer, heart disease and Alzheimers. Add to your living salads, main dishes and desserts. Mango Mania!Mango Mania is here! What can compare with these magnificent, organic mangocheeks?! Highly recommended. Sun dried heirloom tomato slices. Toss these aromatic slices into salads or just partake as a snack. The right topping for raw pizzas. What could be more organic?! Must try! Weve reduced the price! Organic almond slices are here. These highly decorative slices are the perfect topping for raw apple pies and smoothies. Organic macadamias are back! Macadamia butter too! What more exotic topping for fruit or icing or raw cakes! Thanksgiving OfferJust Harvested! An 11 pound flat of organic Medjools for $44 For your good health this November:- With a purchase of $45 or more-get 1 pound organic Thompson seedless Raisin-FREE! With a purchase of $90 or more-get one organic Black Tahini and 1 pound Thompson seedless Raisin -FREE! With a purchase of $130 or more-get one 8 ounce raw, organic almond butter,1 pound Thompson seedless Raisin and one Black Tahini-FREE! Vaccine ManiaThe bergers have whipped themselves into a panic over short supplies of flu vaccine. We admit that we do not share the concerns of these worthies, our enthusiasm being tempered by a letter we received recently from Dave Klein, editor of Living Nutrition who writes:- I havent taken any flu shots in the 20 years since I stopped eating meat, dairy and junk foods and I have never gotten the flu. I overcame colitis as well. Flu shots are a veritable witches brew of toxic, potentially deadly chemicals which guarantee no immunity. Most or all of the following components are in flu vaccines. Would an informed person put this in his or her body? * Mutilated viruses grown in either embryonic chickens or in the allantoic waste fluids surrounding the embryo* Gentamicin, a broad spectrum antibiotic* Poisonous hemagglutinin antigens which can cause extreme clumping of the red blood cells.* Formaldehyde, a known carcinogen* Tri butylphosphate and Polysorbate 80* Resin* Thimerosal, a mercury derivative Our misgivings were confirmed by a recent article by Dr. Vivian Vetrano. After duly reflecting upon the state of our union with all living things we offer an alternative:- The laughter of children, California sunshine, the bumble of bumblebees and Mozarts flute concerto. Field tests are being contemplated. Living Tree InvestorsLiving Tree Community Foods is seeking capital for growth. We want to hire more people and purchase tools and equipment. In today's business climate it is not easy for a small business like us to get the funding we need. We offer a 3% finder's fee for assistance in locating investors. For more details please click on Investments on our Home Page. Click here to contact us. To place an order please go to our website by clicking here. How can we be of service so that a visit to our website will make you ecstatic. We'd love to hear from you! Jesse Schwartz, Ph.D. PresidentLiving Tree Community Foodsjesse@livingtreecommunity.com http://www.livingtreecommunity.com [ send green star]
James M N.	Want the Attorney General in Your Medicine Chest? November 15, 2004 6:50 AM WANT THE ATTORNEY GENERAL IN YOUR MEDICINE CABINET? Dear James, The United States Attorney General could soon have the power to look in your medicine cabinet and prosecute you (along with your doctor) if he doesn't like what he sees. The Justice Department has already chipped away at more than 20 years of privacy standards by arresting AIDS and cancer patients who use medical marijuana. Act today to make sure you're not next: http://actioncenter.drugpolicy.org/ctt.asp?u=497292&l=67418 It's not as far-fetched as it sounds. In early October, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation (H.R. 3015) to fund databases to track what prescription drugs Americans are taking. This information would then be shared among states, as well as with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies -- all without your knowledge or consent. If this law is enacted, the government will have all it needs to snoop into your personal medical records. Send a free fax today to ask your senators to stop this bill: http://actioncenter.drugpolicy.org/ctt.asp?u=497292&l=67418 H.R. 3015 is also a threat to your right to receive medical care. Federal law enforcement agencies routinely second-guess the medical decisions of doctors and patients. Because of overzealous prosecutors who believe it's wrong to take a prescription drug every day, hundreds of doctors have been prosecuted in recent years for prescribing "too much" pain medication -- even if their patients need to take the drugs every day to reduce their suffering. As a result, many medical organizations are encouraging doctors to limit their prescription of pain medicines. The American Association of Physicians and Surgeons, for example, is advising its members not to prescribe any opiate-based drugs for pain relief. In many areas of the country, patients in intense pain cannot get the relief they need. This undertreatment of pain has become a national problem. Unless you take action, you may soon find it hard to get prescription pain killers when you or a loved one are injured or become chronically ill. Fortunately, the U.S. Senate has yet to consider the legislation. We need you to fax your senators today and tell them to oppose H.R. 3015: http://actioncenter.drugpolicy.org/ctt.asp?u=497292&l=67418 For problems with your subscriptions, please contact Jeanette Irwin at jirwin@drugpolicy.org. Please consider joining the Drug Policy Alliance: https://secure3.ctsg.com/dpa/donation/index.asp?Item=18&MS=painWinnerTWO [ send green star]
James M N.	FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 15, 2004 6:46 AM FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 31, 2004 10:02 AM FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: National panel discussion on vaccine safety comes to Auburn PARENTS WANT ANSWERS ABOUT VACCINE SAFETY, INSTITUTE OF MEDICINE (IOM) AND NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HEALTH (NIH) TO PARTICIPATE Auburn, Ala. – In an effort to answer serious questions about vaccine safety, a panel of national and international vaccine experts is coming to Auburn, Alabama, on Friday, November 5th from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. CST. The non-profit advocacy group National Autism Association (NAA) and local organizers are sponsoring the panel discussion entitled “Mercury in Medicine,” which will address vaccine-safety issues concerning the mercury-based preservative Thimerosal and the flu vaccine. It will be held in the Auburn University Hotel and Dixon Conference Center. First-come-first served seating is free and open to the public. In addition to a panel of internationally-known physicians and researchers, an Institute of Medicine (IOM) and National Institute of Health (NIH) representative will also be available to answer the following questions: - Are vaccines in doctors’ offices safe and mercury-free? - What damage can mercury and other vaccine-based toxins cause in children? - What are the proper precautions recommended in order to vaccinate safely? The Friday panel discussion kicks off a mini-DAN (Defeat Autism Now) Conference held on Saturday and Sunday. Keynotes speakers will conduct a ‘Parent Session’ on Saturday, and an eight-hour training session on the latest autism protocols, such as the DAN protocol, will be held for physicians and licensed healthcare workers on Sunday. Auburn parent Karen Jones helped organize the event. “We are excited to have the top autism researchers and physicians in our state for ‘Mercury in Medicine,’” she said. “These experts will share the latest information and give parents an opportunity to learn what they need to know about the safety of children’s vaccines.” Panel members for Friday’s discussion include: - Jacquelyn McCandless, MD, internationally-known author and specialist in Autism Spectrum Disorders and Medical Director of Physician Training for the Autism Research Institute - Boyd Haley PhD, Professor and Chair of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Kentucky whose research in the past 16 years has concentrated on the biochemical mechanisms of mercury toxicity as it relates to neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and autism spectrum disorders. He is published in major journals, has given hundreds of invited lectures nationally and internationally, and testified before congressional committees, the IOM and the Surgeon Generals at the Pentagon - Stephanie Cave, MD, author of What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Children’s Vaccines and leading physician on the treatment of mercury-induced autism - S. Jill James, PhD, professor with the Departments of Pediatrics and Biochemistry at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, who does research on mechanisms of Thimerosal neurotoxicity and oxidative stress in children with autism - Teresa Binstock, independent research, University of Colorado HSC 1990-1998, Independent Research and Consultations, 1998 to present; published papers including neuroanatomy & molecular genetics in Fragile X, gut-brain connection in autism, intra-monocyte pathogens in autism; co-authored Thimerosal as a novel form of Hg poisoning - Kathleen Stratton, PhD, Senior Program Officer at the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies - NIH members from the National Toxicology Program, Mercury Portfolio of Testing, Grants Program for Autism, and Grants Program for Mercury In recent years, autism has risen from 1 in 5000 to 1 in every 166 children according to Centers for Disease Control. Friday’s discussion is an opportunity to learn how the rise may be related to mercury-based vaccines. For more information about the “Mercury in Medicine” panel discussion or the Mini DAN, call 334-887-0877. A reception/buffet dinner will be held at 6:30 p.m. following the discussion. For more information visit: www.nationalautism.org. Think Autism. Think Cure. Click here to visit our website Forward email This email was sent to aangelbaby66@hotmail.com, by naa@nationalautism.org Update Profile/Email Address \| Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ \| Privacy Policy. Powered by National Autism Association \| PO Box 1547 \| Marion \| SC \| 29571 [ send green star]
James M N.	"Backstage pass to Deepak & David" October 29, 2004 9:25 PM Backstage pass to Deepak & DavidDate: Sat, 30 Oct 2004 00:19:15 -0700 First time ever!!Deepak Chopra & David Simonchat with you liveright on your telephoneGet your back-stage pass(limited to the first 150 guests) www.chopra.com [ send green star]
James M N.	[CESR]: New Report: U.S. Report on the Right to Health Care October 29, 2004 9:23 PM [CESR]: New Report: U.S. Report on the Right to Health Care Date: Fri, 29 Oct 2004 13:35:20 -0700 Dear friends, Today CESR issued a new report on applying the international human rights framework to health care in the United States. We hope you find the report, and its two page executive summary, useful for your own education and advocacy work. They can both be accessed at http://cesr.org/ushealthrightPlease circulate widely to fellow activists! Sarah Zaidiszaidi@cesr.org For convenience, we have also pasted the Executive Summary below. CESR - Executive Summary: In 1943, President Franklin D. Roosevelt proposed a ‘Second Bill of Rights’ for Americans, declaring ‘freedom from want’ to be one of four essential liberties necessary for human security. Roosevelt’s definition of freedom included “the right to adequate medical care and the opportunity to achieve and enjoy good health.” The right to health was subsequently enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, drafted with American guidance, and has since been recognized in numerous international and regional human rights treaties. Unfortunately, the United States turned its back on Roosevelt’s vision, and as a result our health care system is in a state of ever-deepening crisis. Despite spending far more per capita on health care than any other country, U.S. has some of the poorest health indicators in the industrialized world. It is the only industrialized nation to deny its citizens universal access to medical services. Fully one-third of the population lacks health insurance for at least part of the year. Of the 44 million who are completely uninsured, 78.8% work full or part-time and spent $80.1 billion out of their own pockets to cover health costs. The lack of available care is especially acute for those living in rural areas, and for minorities. The disparities are so stark that whites in the U.S. are expected to live six years longer on average than African-Americans. This record can be largely attributed to the notion that health care is simply one commodity among others, a privilege for those who can afford it rather than a fundamental human right for all. With a system that values profits over people, it is no surprise that health care costs continue to spiral out of control for ordinary Americans even as HMOs and pharamaceutical companies accumulate record-breaking profits. Only a new approach recognizing the right of every American to adequate health care can address the magnitude of the current crisis. This report attempts to give substance to President Roosevelt’s vision by using international human rights principles as a framework for health care reform in the U.S. The report gives four basic recommendations: Health care policy needs to be about the right to health. The current debate over health care reform tends to bog down in ideological disputes and arguments over economic efficiency. In contrast, a human rights approach would focus on the underlying purpose of the health care system. The core human rights demand is for outcomes consistent with internationally-recognized standards—regardless of whether the health system is private or public. Framing health care reform as a matter of right establishes a mechanism for government accountability and encourages public participation in the decisions that affect our lives and well-being. The health care system needs to be simplified. The current system has become bewilderingly complex, making it more difficult than ever for individuals to access health care. With federal, state, and private funding sources, hundreds of individual insurance plans to choose from, and different referral procedures for different types of delivery systems, obtaining basic care has become a bureaucratic nightmare. Despite the vast array of putative “choices”, the U.S. health care system frequently delivers inadequate and poor quality health care, and entails wasteful expenditures on administrative and litigation costs. Policymakers must streamline and simplify the system to make it more understandable and accessible. Health care must be universally available and accessible. Basic human rights principles hold that health care must be accessible and affordable to all, irrespective of race, gender, religion, geography, and income. The increasing costs of providing services combined with the waste and inefficiency apparent in the current system result in fewer and fewer people having access to basic health care. Policymakers must ask at the outset how well a given plan will work to cover all—not most, or more, but all—people in this country. Quality and diversity must increase, including cultural sensitivity. Despite the U.S. reputation for providing some of the best health care in the world to those who can afford it, there are numerous indications that overall quality of care is inconsistent and inadequate. Quality enforcement and measurement must be part of any reform plan. Moreover, minorities in the U.S. receive even poorer health care thanks to dramatically lower rates of minority health providers, lack of health services, and systematic discrimination. Under-representation of minorities in the health care workforce must be addressed, and proactive measures must be taken to reverse discriminatory practices and inequalities built into the current health care system. Embracing Roosevelt’s dictum that “freedom is no half-and-half affair” would return the human being to the center of health care legislation, policies, and practices. It was the active support of the civil rights community that enabled one of the most important strides towards improving the national health care system—the enactment of Medicare as part of Lyndon Johnson’s “war on poverty.” Today, the human rights movement can provide a universal and populist language for the cause of health care reform. The time has come for the U.S. to fully recognize the universality of all human rights through a health care system that fulfils Franklin D. Roosevelt's vision of freedom for all.Forward to Friend: http://www.topica.com/f2f/?f=OcqHkwIBAQAJoCgACQAAOw4BTXySvA&r=realitee1%40yahoo.com [ send green star]
James M N.	You or someone you know experienced serious case food poisoning? (US) October 17, 2004 8:59 PM Have you or someone you know experienced a serious case of food poisoning?Dear james m nordlund, If you or someone you know has suffered a serious food-borneillness (caused by salmonella, campylobacter, or other bacteria)that did not respond to the first antibiotic prescribed, wewould like to document the story. Keep Antibiotics Working: The Campaign to End AntibioticsOveruse, is a coalition of health, consumer, agricultural,environmental, humane and other advocacy groups with more thannine million members dedicated to eliminating a major cause ofantibiotic resistance: the inappropriate use of antibiotics infood animals. Doctors depend on antibiotics to treat illnesses caused bybacteria, from pneumonia to meningitis and otherlife-threatening infections. Recently, the effectiveness of manyantibiotics has begun to wane, the legacy of decades ofunnecessary overuse in both human medicine and agriculture. If you would like to share your experience with us, please goto: http://actionnetwork.org/ct/2dqYXEE1-Q9s/ where you cangive a brief description of your illness. It will be completelyconfidential. We will then follow up with you. Sincerely, Terri StifflerKeep Antibiotics Working Visit the web address below to tell your friends about this.http://actionnetwork.org/stopsuperbugsnow/join-forward.html?domain=stopsuperbugsnow&r=ApqYXEE1WaUR If you received this message from a friend, you can sign up forthe Keep Antibiotics Working at:http://actionnetwork.org/stopsuperbugsnow/join.html?r=ApqYXEE1WaURE [ send green star]
James M N.	FW: More On CODEX - Help Needed October 15, 2004 7:13 PM FW: More On CODEX - Help NeededFrom: Chris Gupta <chrisgupta@alumni.uwaterloo.ca>Date: Sun, 12 Sep 2004 22:10:41 -0400To: (Recipient list suppressed)Subject: More On CODEX - Help NeededThe following is a quick synopsis on what and where CODEX is going and thedifficulties that lie ahead. While this is a funding request fororganizations and such it should really help if more individuals could alsojoin the Friends of Freedom (membership from attached here).<http://www.newmediaexplorer.org/chris/Internat_Membership.doc> or godirectly to the web site <http://www.friendsoffreedom.org/user.php>membership from here <http://www.friendsoffreedom.org/user.php> . Thanks, Chris Guptahttp://www.newmediaexplorer.org/chris/2004/09/13/more_on_codex_help_needed.htm<http://www.newmediaexplorer.org/chris/2004/09/13/more_on_codex_help_needed.htm> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Forwarded MessageFrom: Carolyn Dean MD ND Date: Tue, 07 Sep 2004 12:54:13 -0400To: Lyle Herd Subject: Codex Funding Request Dear Lyle, I hope you will be able to help and forward this to people who need to beinvolved. After I wrote "Death by Medicine" (attached here)<http://www.newmediaexplorer.org/chris/DEATH_BY_MEDICINE_December.doc> Ibecame very active in the politico/legal aspects of supplement and healthcare regulation. I began to work with "Friends of Freedom", a healthactivist group in Canada. On June 22, 2004, we launched a legal challengeagainst Health Canada for their unconstitutional designation of severalsupplements as drugs. See: Canadian Court Case against Health Protection Branch (HPB)<http://www.newmediaexplorer.org/chris/2004/06/25/canadian_court_case_against_health_protection_branch_hpb.htm> After seven years of meetings with Health Canada and reassurances thatsupplements would be in the designated Food category, the Canadiangovernment did the opposite and began to designate supplements as drugs.This policy is in line with the Codex Alimentarius proceedings in theEuropean Union. My work with Friends of Freedom resulted in an invitation to fill a chair atthe next Codex meeting in Bonn, Germany. It is almost impossible for newdelegates to be allowed at these proceedings, so I am very grateful for theopportunity to be involved. Codex, you may or may not know about, but being in the health care industry,Codex could dramatically impact your life. I¹ll quote from a forty-page document commissioned, in part, by Friends ofFreedom, written by an American associate, Diane M. Miller JD, Legal andPublic Policy Director, National Health Freedom Coalition, and NationalHealth Freedom Action. CODEX is a group of 170 country member nations, that have gotten together toset up international safety standards for the rules around the trading offood products (which they have decided includes food supplements likeVitamins and Minerals). CODEX has become a charged word in the food industrybecause of the differences of opinion about what type of standards should beapplied to all member nations when trading food. Key players include: 1. Government officials: These are generally government employees fromvarious agencies like the FDA and the DOA representing the American peopleat the international Rounds on trade. These officials are certain that theyare doing the right thing delivering the position statements of theirgovernmental agencies. The question to ask in this situation is whether an³agency¹s position² is really always reflective of ³the people¹s position². 2. International corporations: These corporations finance professional stafffrom their for-profit corporations to travel and track the negotiations andwrite position papers and work to influence international governmentalpositions. The question here is whether the relationships between governmentemployees and corporate employees are sufficiently independent and withoutconflict of interests with respect to each other¹s agendas. 3. International non-profit corporations: These groups, (non governmentalorganizations NGOs) are nonprofit corporations taking a stand one way or theother on global issues in order to impact international policy and laws.They can be special interest corporations that have an invested interest ina product area such as the International Dairy Association, or they can beconsumer-based groups such as Consumers International. Although consumerbased NGOs and other corporate NGOs are very different in focus and nature,they are all considered NGOs. NGOs have to raise donations from, oftentimes, corporate sources. The questions here are whether the NGO isrepresenting their members properly and whether they have been influenced bytheir funding sources or markets that they have an interest in. Forconsumers, it is especially important to ask whether a consumer based NGO isreflecting consumer wishes. 4. Local and national activist groups: Local groups in each countrygenerally do not have an international membership so they communicate withthe international groups to glean information to tell the local people. Mostof their staffs are volunteers. The question here is whether they aregetting accurate and unbiased information. 5. Trusting Americans and Canadians: Trusting Americans and Canadians oftenare comfortable in their job, home, and priorities, and busy with theirlives, and have no intention of learning or acting on global issues becauseof their complexity. Therefore they trust their elected officials and thepeople who really care about specific issues to do the right thing. Thequestion here is whether the American people can trust the global processlike they trust their own local processes. 6. And finally, vigilant Americans and Canadians: Vigilant Americans andCanadians are interested in being enlightened citizens on many issues andwould do the right thing if they just knew what to do. The question for themis also one of trust. It is OEwho to believe?¹² I have the opportunity to be part of an NGO, which is Friends of Freedom,whose purpose is very simple The medico/legal work I do for health freedom and much of my work for healthcare reform is essentially pro bono. Unfortunately, the people we arelobbying against have very deep pockets. This trip to Bonn will have a highprice tag You can submit your donation by joining Friends of Freedom-Internationalwith the attached membership form. And let me know so I can send you DianeMiller's paper. I am well aware that everybody is asking for money these days but I alsoknow that if we don¹t fight Codex now, none of us will have either personalaccess to supplements or professional access to supplements. I am asking for a $250-$1,000 contribution. If you wish to share your reportwith other organizations and individuals please donate the larger amount andask your friends to share your cost. Sincerely and Thankfully Carolyn See also: Risk Analysis - A Study Of Canadian Health Products Legislation<http://www.newmediaexplorer.org/sepp/2004/08/25/risk_analysis_a_study_of_canadian_health_products_legislation.htm> http://www.newmediaexplorer.org/chris/<http://www.newmediaexplorer.org/chris/> List information is at:http://tinyurl.com/2xohw<http://tinyurl.com/2xohw> Chris Gupta <chrisgupta@alumni.uwaterloo.ca><BR><B>Date: </B>Sun, 12 Sep 2004 22:10:41 -0400<BR><B>To: </B>(Recipient list suppressed)<BR><B>Subject: </B>More On CODEX - Help Needed<BR><BR></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BLOCKQUOTE>The following is a quick synopsis on what and where CODEX is going and the difficulties that lie ahead. While this is a funding request for organizations and such it should really help if more individuals could also join the Friends of Freedom (membership from attached here). <http://www.newmediaexplorer.org/chris/Internat_Membership.doc>  or go directly to the web site  <http://www.friendsoffreedom.org/user.php> membership from here <http://www.friendsoffreedom.org/user.php> .<BR><BR>Thanks,<BR><BR><I>Chris Gupta<BR> [ send green star]
James M N.	American Heart Association: Ask Congress to Explain October 10, 2004 6:59 AM American Heart Association: Ask Congress to Explain Dear James M, 1150 Connecticut Ave, NW • Suite 300 • Washington, DC 20036 • http://www.americanheart.org Ask Congress to Explain its Actions. In votes Wednesday, a House-Senate conference failed to pass an amendment granting the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the authority to regulate tobacco products. This represents a squandered opportunity to positively affect our nation’s health and protect children from the dangers of smoking. Although many members of Congress have been champions of this effort, too many have demonstrated blind opposition to regulation of tobacco – regardless of the good it would do for our nation. This is a simple matter of what’s best for the public’s health and the health of our youth. Now it is up to the full Senate. They will vote very soon on whether to approve the Foreign Sales Corporation (FSC) bill, which originally (in the Senate) contained FDA legislation but has since seen its removal. The Senate needs to vote against adopting this bill at the expense of the public’s health. Please take a moment to send a letter now to your Senators and ask them to vote responsibly – for the benefit of our nation’s health – and vote against the current FSC bill. Heart Disease and Stroke. You're the Cure. Take action today. http://heart.grassroots.com/tobacco/Senate_FSC_Final_Vote/?lk=1730703-1730703-0-14137-moa3CpDAS5QZk252mgk2SMe2uXDqljp/ Click here to send your letter now. [ send green star]
James M N.	Action Alert - Support Afghan Women! September 30, 2004 5:48 AM Action Alert - Support Afghan Women!ACTION ALERT, TAKE ACTION, SUPPORT AFGHAN WOMEN! On October 9, Afghan women and men will head to the polls to vote - most for the first time in their lives. The Afghan election - occurring three years after the beginning of the Afghan war - comes at a time when not enough progress has been made on President George W. Bush's promise to make women a centerpiece of U.S. actions in Afghanistan. He pledged to get girls into schools and to bolster the health of Afghan women, who have the highest maternal mortality rate in the world. He also promised to return rights and dignity to Afghan women. WE NEED YOU TO ACT NOW! Since the fall of the Taliban, however, violence has been the order of the day. We've received reports that women and girls are increasingly being subjected to rapes, beatings, kidnappings and other forms of intimidation, preventing them from going to their jobs or schools, registering to vote or just going about their daily business. And, U.S. spending on girls' and women's programs is paltry in comparison to the administration's promises to Afghan women. Out of the $2.516 billion the U.S. has given to Afghanistan so far, less than 3% has been targeted to women! SEND A LETTER TO THE EDITOR We need your help to draw attention to the situation of women in Afghanistan and to urge the U.S. government to keep its promises. Click here to write a letter to the editor. http://www.womensedge.org/pages/getinvolved/action_alert.jsp?id=304The link will walk you through the whole process and give you a draft letter about the upcoming Afghan election and the U.S. government's need to provide resources and leadership for Afghan women's security and support. You can sign and send in the letter or edit it as you like. For more information and to tell us where you sent your letter to the editor, please contact challenge@womensedge.org. » DonateNow» About Us» Contact Us Women's Edge Coalition1825 Connecticut Avenue NWSuite 800Washington, D.C. 20009USA Phone: (202) 884-8396email: edge@womensedge.org Regions & Issues News & Events Get Involved Reference Materials 1825 Connecticut Avenue, NWSuite 800Washington, District of Columbia 20009United States [ send green star]
James M N.	AIDS-INDIA · AIDS-INDIA eFORUM September 30, 2004 5:43 AM AIDS-INDIA · AIDS-INDIA eFORUM A virtual organization responding to AIDS crisis in India. Facilitating networking, communication and collaboration among those of who are involved or interested in AIDS related issues in India. Subscribe: AIDS-INDIA-subscribe@yahoogroups.com Homepage: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AIDS-INDIA/ [ send green star]
James M N.	"Physician Reports of Terminal Sedation without Hydration or Nutrition..." September 04, 2004 4:57 PM "Physician Reports of Terminal Sedation without Hydration or Nutrition for Patients Nearing Death in the Netherlands -- Rietjens et al. 141 (3): 178 -- Annals of Internal Medicine Does anybody know, which drugs for terminal sedation they are using in the Netherlands? http://www.annals.org/cgi/content/abstract/141/3/178 Kind regardsPeter -- Peter LehmannZabel-Krueger-Damm 183D-13469 BerlinTel. +49 - (0)30 - 8596 3706 (Mo - Fr, 10.00 - 16.00)Fax +49 - (0)30 - 4039 8752http://www.peter-lehmann.de " [ send green star]
James M N.	"New Article on getting out of NH" (nursing homes) August 16, 2004 11:03 AM New Article on getting out of NH" (nursing homes) "From: Robert Coward, washingtonpost.com In Maryland, Disabled but Not Confined Options to Nursing Homes Expand By Mary Otto Washington Post Staff Writer Saturday, July 31, 2004; Page A01 It is another sleepy Saturday evening at this Wheaton nursing home. Then the fiery woman in the red dress rolls off the MetroAccess bus in her electric wheelchair. She has a spiral notebook in her lap and passion in her voice. She's quadriplegic. She's Ellen Archie, 37. She used to live here. Now she's back, helping other people get out. "They can't stop you from having a life outside of here," Archie tells her old neighbors, who encircle her with their wheelchairs in the courtyard. Archie is one of a devoted network of outreach workers -- some paid, some volunteer -- who go into nursing homes, whether they are welcome or not, and tell residents about their rights under federal law to live with as much freedom as they desire and can safely handle. It has been three years since Maryland began providing waivers that allow nursing home residents ages 18 to 59 to opt for care in their own homes, provided they can acquire the home health services they need at the same price or less than it costs them to live in an institution. For years, many disabled people have been propelled into nursing homes simply because Medicaid has paid for a bed there but not for the comparatively modest costs of home health care. But federal laws and court rulings -- and the staggering costs for states -- have laid the groundwork for providing more options for the disabled who want to live in the community. "We don't have dementia, we don't have Alzheimer's. We have our minds," Archie tells her listeners. "It's mind over matter." "Mind over matter, that works sometimes," muses her old friend Sherry Haynes, 54, who misses Archie. She used to straighten Archie's dresser drawers and keep her company before Archie got a Medicaid waiver and a rental assistance voucher and moved into her own apartment in Silver Spring. Haynes, who has diabetes and lupus and has difficulty walking, wants to move out, too. It has been a year since Archie left, and Haynes is still waiting for housing. "Ellen, I need another form, the green form for the waiver," Haynes says. "I need to fill it out if you don't mind, sweetie." "I'll get it out to you Monday," Archie promises. Her campaign, and that of other outreach workers, is not aimed at nursing homes that abuse residents or at patients who cannot function without the intensive services there. "Our goal is to get people who do not belong in nursing homes out," says Archie, who keeps files on the people she visits regularly stacked on a tray table at the foot of her electric bed in her small apartment. Sitting in the courtyard with her old neighbors, she acknowledges the struggles of daily life in a paralyzed body, with its spasms, sweats and tics. But mostly she speaks of the small joys of living again in the world: a trip to the coffee shop, a visit to the park or, in the evening, a sip of merlot. She knows the thought of freedom can be scary to some. "A lot of people just give up," she says. She understands. They are not old, yet they have suffered terrible trauma. Their monthly Supplemental Security Income checks are turned over to the nursing home. And they have come to depend on the institutions for all their needs. "Your life will change, " she tells them again and again. "But you have to want it to change." Finding Alternatives Some have taken the leap of faith. "We've gotten 145 out," Archie reported proudly this month. The cases of those 145 people took more than two years of hard work by the state's six nonprofit centers for independent living. A nationwide network of such centers has been charged with protecting the rights granted by the 1990 Americans With Disabilities Act and the U.S. Supreme Court's 1999 Olmstead v. L.C. decision, which directs states to offer programs for the disabled "in the most integrated setting appropriate." There is much work to be done. In Maryland, roughly 1,725 people ages 18 to 59 live on Medicaid in nursing homes, the state says. In the District, 1,106 people younger than 60 live in nursing homes on Medicaid, advocates say. Virginia estimates that 3,760 Medicaid recipients younger than 64 live in nursing homes. "Most of the people could live in the community with supports through a Medicaid waiver," said Cathy Raggio of Independence Now, which serves Montgomery and Prince George's counties. Nelson J. Sabatini, Maryland's health secretary, agreed that many people would do better outside of nursing homes. "What we are doing today in some cases is fairly barbarian," he said. "We're keeping people in an institutional setting who don't belong there." He is concerned not only about the way institutionalization can limit potential, but also about the cost. A year in a nursing home can cost more than $60,000; the same services delivered at home cost closer to $40,000. "The waivers have proven we can meet a lot of people's needs in settings other than nursing homes," he said. In this regard, Maryland is known as a progressive state. The General Assembly has approved legislation known as the Money Follows the Individual Accountability Act, which has increased access to waivers to move disabled residents back into the community. Sabatini said more needs to be done, both to help move people out of nursing homes and to contain the rising costs of long-term care under Medicaid. He wants to turn over the state Medicaid program to an HMO-like system that he said would make long-term care more consumer-friendly and cost- efficient. Under the plan, he said, no nursing home residents would be discharged against their will. But organizations would receive financial incentives to develop alternatives. Some advocates for the disabled said they worry that the plan would simply turn nursing homes into assisted living facilities, another form of institution . Sabatini disagreed. "I think this model provides flexibility," he said. Like the advocates, he said the biggest challenge to getting people out of nursing homes is finding accessible, affordable places to live. "We can say you can go out and get services in the community, and the money follows you. But the housing is not included," he said. Too Few Choices At a recent hearing of the Governor's Commission on Housing Policy in Ellicott City, advocates for the disabled, some in wheelchairs, lined up to testify to that fact. "There isn't a day that goes by that we don't receive a call on housing," said Cheryl Randall of Baltimore-based Making Choices for Independent Living. She spoke of a client who died the day her name finally came to the top of an affordable housing waiting list. Tom Liberatore of the Maryland chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society expressed the problem in dollar terms. "In 2002, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Maryland was equivalent to 134.5 percent of the monthly SSI benefit received by Maryland citizens with disabilities," he testified. The standard Supplemental Security Income benefit amounts to about $560 a month in Maryland, so to afford housing, beneficiaries rely heavily upon rental assistance vouchers. But the federal voucher program is undergoing cuts and is overwhelmed by applications. In the Washington region, the wait for a voucher can stretch for months and often years. Even for people who can afford to pay, the number of apartments that are wheelchair accessible is small. With the help of the Freedom Center in Frederick, Joseph Boyer Jr., 69, a former construction worker and double amputee, beat the odds. After more than three years in a nursing home, he recently moved into a modest, accessible apartment with the help of a Medicaid waiver for older adults. His daughter and grandson were on hand to celebrate with him. So was his peer mentor, Mary Kemp, who like Boyer lives with diabetes. She worked for a year to help him get the waiver and to find him the apartment equipped with an electric hospital bed and bathroom with grab bars. Boyer will receive twice-daily visits from a home health aide, who will help him with bathing and other tasks. After savoring his new home, Boyer patrolled the parking lot on his electric scooter and checked his new mailbox. Then he sat for a while by his front door, enjoying the speckled shade of a young oak. These small pleasures were missing for him, he said, in those years in the nursing home. Kemp gave him a hug. "It's been a day, Mary," he said to her. "It's been a wonderful day." 'Like Hitting the Lotto' Ellen Archie knows the feeling. She was 29 when she awakened from a swimming pool accident in a helpless body. She learned that the injury to her spine had paralyzed her legs and severely curtailed use of her arms. After months of work, she regained the use of a few fingers. She left the rehabilitation center for a nursing home. Days, months and years passed in a limbo of regimented toiletings and feedings. The nights were punctuated by the wails of some of her elderly and demented neighbors. "Is this going to be my life?" she wondered at 34. Then, by chance, she found help from Independence Now. She waited nearly three years for her housing voucher. And when she received it, she knew she had only three months to use it or lose it. After countless telephone calls, she found Alexander House, a wheelchair-accessible building owned by Montgomery County's Housing Opportunities Commission. "Getting a voucher and getting out of the nursing home is like hitting the lotto for $280 million," she says. The challenges, she says, are unimaginable to most people. So are the rewards. "It is magic. And it's good magic." 2004 The Washington Post Company NATIONAL ADAPT MAILING LIST - Adapt MiCASA List http://www.adapt.org" [ send green star]
TinyTina D.	About the cancer topic August 11, 2004 12:13 AM I had my mammogram today in the ordinary wheelchair and the ladies were very helpful. They have two ladies to help if you are disabled and allow extra time to help you dress and undress (MS caused that for me) and its such an important thing to do. Its in the family so with lack of feeling they started memmograms early for me 40. I'm now 47 and the doc has it done at a free clinic. The Government of Australia has cut down the funding so only people with a history in the family of cancer or lumps at some stage are eligible in the ACT where I live. Its not fair for the rest of the ladies and there should be a place for men free of charge as they also can get breast cancer but don't get screened so far at all. Rules change between states but cancer picked up early can be helpful for so many people men and ladies of all ages not just over 40. Love Christine I can't keep up with all the topics so choose ones I know about down here. Hope you understand James. [ send green star] [ accepted]
James M N.	Yep, me 2 :) August 08, 2004 4:15 AM Dear Good day. Thanx for all you do and don't! Good to read you too! Yep, me too, I've seen it a couple times and liked it a ;ot! I also send you oneness, with a message of love, peace and happiness. I'm 45 and diffabled, a mental health counseling supervisor by profession, into poetic revelation and workshop as individual and group therapeutic milieu. Check out a New Care2 Community with diffabled, mental health, advocacy, all related issues and people, professionals, in heart and mind. Group name: Diffabled, Mental Health, all related issues, advocacy, and professionals: Invite link: http://passport.care2.net/invite.html?g=880 Group Homepage: http://www.care2.com/c2c/group/Diffabled_MentalHealth_Action Thanx! Enjoy an estival eve' as you can. 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.)" 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/ "Painting is poetry which is seen and not heard, and poetry is a painting which is heard but not seen." ~ Leonardo da Vinci. Ciao. Matutinally Yours, james m nordlund [ send green star]
TinyTina D.	August 02, 2004 6:51 AM Did you happen to see the movie Hudson Hawk, a take off and leonardo devinci is used often for the painting and other things. Its a great movie you need a warped sence of humor to enjoy it fully. Peter and myself have watched it we can nearly say the lines before the actors now. It was and is on our DVD and we love it. It really helps realize how we are all more sane than them - just though you might like to know this. Love your friend Christine [ send green star] [ accepted]
James M N.	So true :) August 01, 2004 11:17 PM Dear Christine, Hello! Thanx for posting, responding and all you do! Your correct, numbers don't always tell the whole story, yet, analyzing them, at least, should have a positive effect on changing policy, et al. Please feel free to post your linx in any message on any thread! Thanx! Enjoy an estival eve' as you can. 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.)" "Painting is poetry which is seen and not heard, and poetry is a painting which is heard but not seen." ~ Leonardo da Vinci. Ciao. Matutinally Yours, james m nordlund [ send green star]
TinyTina D.	August 01, 2004 11:08 PM James one thing that you said reminded me of the hospital I go to. A private one and apparently the mortality rate is high but its a little hospital. Most who die are waiting to go to a nursing home and are at expiry date in this hospital I have seen it one Christmas Day a man was weeled out as if going to x ray but it was just to make everyone think he was OK but he died after good care. The staff are very caring at this hospital and a lot of oldies waiting for a place stay there and cannot get into nursing homes for 24 hour care. We need more nursing homes but at least they are looked after well, kept clean and accidents don't fase the sisters they look in at everyone every 10 minutes and I've been going to that hospital for 12 years. Its awful to die when your time is not up though through negligence by a doctor or carer. Thats real bad. Love Christine [ send green star] [ accepted]
James M N.	Thanx for joining, posting, and all you do :) August 01, 2004 7:50 AM Dear Christine, Hello! Thanx for joining, posting, and all you do! Best of luck with the herbal regime, at least it should have a positive physical effect. You're keeping a close accounting of your changes in health, which is a good sign for a better long term healing process, good for you. Please feel free to post your limx in any message on any thread. kEEPING YOU in heart and mind. Group name: Diffabled, Mental Health, all related issues, advocacy, and professionals: Invite link: http://passport.care2.net/invite.html?g=880 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.)" Abuse in Therapy: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AbuseinTherapy/ "Painting is poetry which is seen and not heard, and poetry is a painting which is heard but not seen." ~ Leonardo da Vinci Ciao. Matutinally Yours, james m nordlund [ send green star]
TinyTina D.	MS July 31, 2004 10:32 PM I have joined your group as I have some bad days and am on Chemo every 3 months. The MS affects the brain and memory present at one time another time its the long term memory. Its a very confusing desease and I agree chiropractors do nothing for me. I am going to try some herbal health on sometime this month to see if I can get off some medications. My head pains worse than migrains were fixed up with an operation on the neck severing the nerve from the spinal chord and its worked and it was a 40% chance of helping. It worked for me surprize the Chemo I had a 50/50 chance and its working. I still get things muddled up and mix up words but people like my husband and his family now just don't mention I have used the wrong word, they know within the sentence what I mean. Thanks for having me in your group. I appreciate it. Hope people are as well as they can be. love christine everyone deserves hug [ send green star] [ accepted]
James M N.	Continued from my latest reply :) July 30, 2004 5:16 AM "But others said it's too soon to expect dramatic improvements in the hospital mortality rate, arguing that it took decades for other industries such as airlines and automakers to see major declines in accident rates. "By and large, we shouldn't be expecting year-to-year jumps" in safety, said Dr. Gregg Meyer, medical director of the Massachusetts General Physicians Organization, a group practice representing more than 1,200 doctors. HealthGrades looked at billing information for 37 million Medicare patients nationwide. The information showed various problems, such as postoperative infections, reactions to blood transfusions and leaving surgical tools in patients. The group zeroed in on 16 types of errors identified by the federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality as important, estimating a national death rate based on Medicare patients whose deaths could be attributed to them. HealthGrades' study is not being published in a scientific journal, which would have forced the research to endure independent criticism. Instead, the firm is releasing the study partly as a promotion of its ranking services. The increase in deaths comes almost entirely from adding "failure to rescue" the patient as a medical error, which would include such mistakes as delays in recognizing that a patient has pneumonia. Although safety analysts agree that such errors can be fatal, no one previously has tried to count the casualties. Treating a clinician's failure to act promptly as a medical mistake "is a fairly new concept," said Harvard's Leape. "I happen to think it's a great concept, but it really hasn't been widely validated."" All, what do you think? 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. Copy, share, as you will. 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.)" 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 Goodbye, you. Enjoy an estival eve' as you can. Music is life's song accompanying the abundance of joy's Spring. I look forward to hearing from you. [ send green star]
James M N.	"Hospital Mistakes 3rd Leading Cause of Death: 195,000 annually" July 30, 2004 5:12 AM "Fatal errors by hospitals found to be widespread, July 27, 2004, http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_np=0&u_pg=1642&u_sid=1159375 , THE BOSTON GLOBE The number of hospital patients who die from preventable errors may be twice as high as previously estimated and shows no sign of decreasing, according to a new national review of Medicare records by a Denver-based health care ranking group. The findings would make medical mistakes the third-leading cause of death in the country behind heart disease and cancer. "There is little evidence that patient safety has improved in the last five years," said Dr. Samantha Collier, vice president of medical affairs at HealthGrades, which publishes rankings of hospitals and doctors. "The equivalent of 390 jumbo jets full of people are dying each year due to likely preventable, in-hospital medical errors, making this one of the leading killers in the U.S." The analysis is sure to be controversial, partly because the group used a broad definition of medical errors. This definition change - counting cases in which hospital staff failed to respond quickly to signs of infection or other dangerous problems - accounts for almost the entire increase in the number of deaths. Several observers questioned whether Medicare records are accurate or detailed enough to determine whether doctors and nurses were slow to react to a fatal illness. A 1999 study by the Institute of Medicine, which advises the federal government on health care issues, stuck to more clear-cut mistakes, such as overdoses and postsurgical infections. That study counted 98,000 deaths in 1999. HealthGrades counted 195,000 deaths annually from 2000 to 2002. The group estimated that Americans paid an extra $19 billion in medical care costs for the victims of mistakes. Patient safety analysts say HealthGrades' report confirms their suspicion that the Institute of Medicine death estimate is too low. One of the co-authors of the institute study, Dr. Lucian Leape of the Harvard School of Public Health, has long said his estimate was based on a conservative definition of mistakes that underestimated the real toll. Study after study has suggested that medical errors are widespread, harming up to one in 25 patients who are admitted to the hospital. "This should give you pause when you go to the hospital," said Dr. Kenneth W. Kizer of the National Quality Forum, a Washington-based group that develops quality measurements for health care. He said HealthGrades' death estimate did not shock him. He said the tally would be even larger if researchers factored in errors at nursing homes, private doctors' offices, and other outpatient settings. HealthGrades officials say their study is particularly gloomy because it suggests there has been no improvement in the death rate after several high-profile mistakes. Continued in my next post :) [ send green star]
James M N.	Re: Chiropractic July 27, 2004 12:53 AM "When I asked him how to treat bad reactions to insect bites, he > said, "Insect repellent." His mindset is to keep the problem from > occurring instead of treating the problem. I like that attitude in a > doctor. awoodword@juno.com" "Yes, I wish more doctors would have this attitude! It is much more useful to take preventative measures and maintain good health than it is to have sonmething go wrong adn then try to fix it. This is the attitude my chiropractor takes, not just with respect to the spine and nervous system but in general (being healthy, eating right, getting proper excersize, wearing bug repellent...;) . I found this attitude very refreshing. As with all professions there are greedy and unscrupulous chiropractors. Stay away from them. There are many different schools of chiropractic theory and practice. One may work for an individual whereas another may be completely wrong for them. Do not pursure of course of treatment in any area (western medicaine, chrioprtactic, homeopathy, etc) that is not useful to you. Educate yourself about the kinds of treatments you are seeking. A good practioner will always be happy to educate his or her patients. (Our chiropractors has since intituted a mandatory short seminar/orientation for all new patients before he will treat them and hands out reading materials. He spends a lot of time explaining how things work.) A goodpractitionwer is open to questions. As with any treatment or preventative maintance it is essential to comply with the protocol. If you are not going to follow your prescribed treatment, why bother. Seek out something you can feel good about following. Just some lessons I've learned. YMMV. LJ Massey " "The philosophy of hypnotherapy is also that the mind has the > innate power to create healing. Hypnotherapy provides a bridge from the > conscious mind to the unconscious mind. The body and mind can work > together to identify and reverse conditions of sickness, and hypnotherapy > provides the bridge for this healing. > Anne" "Ah yes another, practice that has worked well for me. The mind has a powerful effect on the body. I feel a lot of MDs refuse to give this connection much thought. LJ Massey " [ send green star]
James M N.	"Chiropractors" :) July 27, 2004 12:44 AM "Chiropractors My own experiences with chiropractors have been uniformly negative. The first time, I panicked as the chiropractor took hold of my neck and started to turn it. I asked him to stop, and he responded by ignoring my fear and cracking my neck anyway. Later, his treatment was causing pretty severe back spasms, and I said I wanted to suspend the treatment for a week while another doctor did injections in my back. He and his office manager were very pushy about insisting I had to do it. They put something in the notes about my not following protocol. Another chiropractor would not listen when I told him that the exercises he wanted me to do had hurt me in the past. He accused me of "not doing anything" to get better. Another chiropractor offered his advice on having children. He told me that a woman over 35 should not have a baby because you never know what kind of a monster will come out. I was never looking for a "quick fix," just to be treated with basic respect. I am sure there are exceptions, but I never found them. There are also exceptions in mainstream medicine, even perhaps a few halfway decent psychiatrists. Just as the participants in this list are free to criticize psychiatry and mainstream medicine, they ought to also feel free to criticize alternative treatments. Nancy, Nancywrote@aol.com" [ send green star]
James M N.	Continued from my latest post :) July 25, 2004 3:02 PM "The American Medical Association then urged creation of a comprehensive, government-run registry for all drug study results so unfavorable ones aren't buried. Meanwhile, Merck and Bristol-Myers Squibb are quietly seeking federal approval to sell low-dose, non-prescription versions of older cholesterol drugs that already have generic competition. According to information posted Friday on the heart institute's Web site, eight of the nine authors have received money from cholesterol drug makers, including Pfizer Inc., Merck & Co., Bristol-Myers Squibb and AstraZeneca LP. Newsday first reported on the financial ties Thursday. Cleeman and Dr. Rose Marie Robertson, chief science officer of the heart association, both said they felt financial disclosure was covered because most of the authors also worked on the last guideline update, in 2001, and made their connections known then. Cleeman said information on the two new authors is available from the organizations they represent, the heart association and the American College of Cardiology. Dr. Sidney Wolfe, co-founder of Public Citizen's Health Research Group, said disclosure, even in a publication, is not adequate. "These people should be disqualified from being the principal authors of publications that have the imprimatur of the government on it," he said. He noted that side effects such as possible liver and muscle damage can make the drugs more dangerous than beneficial to people who have only a moderate risk of heart attack. The updated guidelines say people with the greatest risk of heart attack, more than a 20 percent risk in the next decade, should try to get their level of LDL, or bad cholesterol, below 70, instead of the current recommendation of below 100. For people at high or moderately high risk of heart attack, the goal should be to get the level below 100, instead of the current goal of below 130. The risk level is determined by a calculation of risk factors, such as prior heart attack or stroke, presence of heart disease or diabetes, family history, high blood pressure and smoking. The guidelines also urge people to adapt a healthier lifestyle, by getting more exercise, losing weight, quitting smoking and other steps." Diffabled, Mental Health, issues: http://passport.care2.net/invite.html?g=880 Abuse in Therapy: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AbuseinTherapy/ Disabled Greens News and discussion: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/ , All, what do you think? 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. Copy, share, as you will. Viva la evolution! Music is life's song accompanying the abundance of joy's Spring. Enjoy an estival eve' as you can. I look forward. For those interested: of or pertaining to the morning, day: relating to or happening in morning or in early part of day (formal). james m nordlund [ send green star]
James M N.	"Service Offers Specific Health Care Info" July 24, 2004 4:43 AM "Service Offers Specific Health Care Info, By SIOBHAN McDONOUGH WASHINGTON (AP) - A group that sets standards for health organizations is making it easier for people to compare the quality and safety of care at more than 16,000 hospitals, nursing homes, home care agencies and other U.S. medical facilities. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations says its online service, Quality Check, includes information about how such groups perform in four important areas - heart attacks, heart failure, pneumonia and pregnancy. The free Web site - www.qualitycheck.org - also shows how hospitals and other facilities rate on meeting requirements to prevent medical mishaps such as misidentification of patients, surgery on the wrong body part, medication mix-ups and hospital-borne infections. "Americans are demanding information that they can use to make decisions about where to seek treatment," said Dr. Dennis S. O'Leary, president of the Joint Commission. The commission has published comparative information on its accredited facilities since 1994. Now patients can get more specific information on whether the facilities are meeting requirements for patient safety, O'Leary said. Quality Check offers access to a broader range of information than before, including more data specific to common and major illnesses and conditions. O'Leary said consumers can use the information to talk to their doctor about where they should go for their particular needs. For people without access to a computer, information can be obtained through the commission's service line at (630) 792-5800. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, a federal agency, also provides information on health care to people. " [ send green star]
James M N.	Continued from my latest reply :) July 24, 2004 3:30 AM "H2E offers new tools for going green Going green just got easier! The Hospitals for a Healthy Environment (H2E) program has added two new monthly teleconferences to its series of free, informative over-the-phone workshops to help health care facilities meet H2E goals. Topics for these “how to” presentations cover the many environmental challenges faced by today's health care facilities, from managing pests without pesticides to recycling solvents, buying “green” electronics, and earning national recognition for mercury elimination efforts. Three teleconferences are now held each month, and are open to all H2E Partner and Champion facilities. For more information and to register, click here. For more information about H2E and how to become an H2E Partner or Champion for Change, visit www.h2e-online.org. To submit news or ideas to the Stethoscope, email kheekin@hcwh.org. " [ send green star]
James M N.	The Stethoscope: Health Care Without Harm's newsletter July 24, 2004 3:28 AM Date: Fri, 16 Jul 2004,THE STETHOSCOPE: The newsletter for Health Care Without Harm: The Campaign for Environmentally Responsible Health Care August 2004, IN THIS ISSUE: 1) Millions immunized, no syringes burned in Philippines 2) New European report: Newborn children exposed to phthalates from medical devices 3) Cosmetics legislation in California 4) New reports document chemicals in products 5) Register for CleanMed Europe 6) H2E offers new tools for going green Millions immunized, no syringes burned in Philippines project In a first-of-its-kind demonstration in the world, Health Care Without Harm and the Philippine Department of Health teamed up to show it is possible to vaccinate millions of children and safely dispose of all the syringes without polluting the air by burning them. The Philippine Follow-up Measles Campaign 2004, conducted during the month of February, provided measles vaccines to about 18 million children in the Philippines and generated an estimated 19.5 million auto-disable syringes – all of which were disposed without burning. Read the project report and HCWH’s press release at www.noharm.org. New report from Europe: Newborn children exposed to phthalates from medical devices A new report from Health Care Without Harm Europe finds that DEHP -- a reproductive toxin that banned from cosmetics and some toys in the European Union -- is present in high amounts in medical devices that leach into the bodies of sick children. The report, “Preventing Harm from Phthalates - Avoiding PVC in Hospitals,” was presented at the 4th Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health in Budapest. CA cosmetics legislation update AB 2012, which would prohibit the phthalates DEHP and DBP from personal care products and require full ingredient disclosure on cosmetic products, is moving through the California Legislature. The bill received its first vote of confidence from the California Senate Health Committee June 30, passing by a 7-3 margin. New reports document more chemicals in products Two new reports of note document the presence of toxic chemicals in a range of everyday products. Skin Deep, by Environmental Working Group, is the largest assessment to date of hazardous chemicals in personal care products. Search the website’s database to find out what’s in your favorite products. Also hot off the presses is Cabinet Confidential, a new report by National Environmental Trust, which documents lab tests that found neurotoxins, carcinogens and reproductive toxins in a range of household products. Register for CleanMed Europe, Vienna The first-ever CleanMed Europe will be held in Vienna, Austria, 6-8 October 2004. Topics include PVC and incineration alternatives, green buildings, pharmaceuticals in the environment, organic food and use of less toxic products.To register and for more information, see www.cleanmed.org. Continued in my next post :) [ send green star]
James M N.	Discussion on related Health, et al :) July 23, 2004 7:38 PM This Discussion Thread will be on all related Health issues, and all that relates, et al; all are welcome to post :) "Gardening and health > Dear Tobias and Lisa, > I'm glad that you are enjoying your gardening. I have several house-plants, > and enjoy caring for them. It's the closest I can get to planting flowers. > Of course, I live in New Mexico, which is really hot--if I had flowers, I'd > be watering them all the time. That could seem like a chore. > Love and prayers, Holly I am a gardener too. I live in a high altitude dessert. I have to water or nothing grows. My irrigation water was cut off from me last summer. This year the problem has been resolved. River water contains a huge quantity of weed seeds. Sheesh - vege gardening really means weeding LOL Once I had half an acre of veges (hypo manic, of course) and my surplus, I took to the food bank. I have a greenhouse. Right now my attempts at bonsai's are living and occassionaly dieing. I also have quite a few dry land plants I started from seed. It's a trick to get them out of the greenhouse and growing outside. They need water support until they get established. I also occassionally get thrown a landscape design off my husband business. I have one right now that is working out well. The customer is delighted and the fellows building it are happy too - not your same old thing - this garden has a "secret" garden. It's fun when you can please the customer - not always possible. Linda-room42 For more information: http://www.mentalhealthrecovery.com " [ send green star]

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Topic: Discussion on related Health, et al :)