Progressive Calendar 04.27.11 | <– Date –> <– Thread –> |
From: David Shove (shove001tc.umn.edu) | |
Date: Wed, 27 Apr 2011 02:34:33 -0700 (PDT) |
P R O G R E S S I V E C A L E N D A R 04.27.11 1. Alliant vigil 4.27 7am 2. Energy/peace 4.27 8am 3. Clean energy 4.27 12noon 4. Rally vs Fed 4.27 4:30pm 5. Vs Libya war 4.27 5pm 6. Gitmo/Cuba 4.27 6pm 7. Peace readings 4.27 7pm 8. Justice/Lane 4.27 7pm 9. Vs monoculture 4.27 7pm 10. Chris Hedges - The corporate state wins again --------1 of 10-------- From: AlliantACTION <alliantaction [at] circlevision.org> Subject: Alliant vigil 4.27 7am Join us Wednesday morning, 7-8 am Now in our 14th year of consecutive Wednesday morning vigils outside Alliant Techsystems, 7480 Flying Cloud Drive Eden Prairie. We ask Who Profit$? Who Dies? directions and lots of info: alliantACTION.org --------2 of 10-------- From: Women Against Military Madness <wamm [at] mtn.org> Subject: Energy/peace 4.27 8am Breakfast Meeting: Peacemaking with Energy Wednesday, April 27, 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. The African Development Center, 1931 South 5th Street, Minneapolis. Christina Mills, from the Institute for Energy and Environmental Research (IEER), will update us on her work and the work of IEER on energy issues at the state and federal levels - and on how critical the discussion of energy is to the creation of peace. IEER has a number of areas of focus, including the promotion of a fully renewable electricity sector in Minnesota and the Midwest. Christina will provide an overview of all of IEER's work, followed by time for questions and discussion. Sponsored by: People of Faith Peacemakers. FFI: Call Eleanor, 763-784-5177. --------3 of 10-------- From: Joan Vanhala <joan [at] metrostability.org> Subject: Clean energy 4.27 12noon Alliance for Metropolitan Stability Organizer Roundtable: Metro Clean Energy Resource Team https://www.thedatabank.com/dpg/322/personalopt1.asp?formid=event&c=3791399 Many Twin Cities neighborhood groups, community organizations and other metro-area residents are currently engaged in local clean energy efforts. Metro Clean Energy Resource Team (CERT) helps connect, provide support for, and increase the effectiveness of these local efforts in conducting community energy projects. The 2007 Minnesota Legislature called for the creation of a Twin Cities Metro CERT Network. Since this time, Metro CERT has been building relationships with communities and affiliate groups and supporting clean energy projects across the eleven-county metro region. Organizer Roundtable: Metro Clean Energy Resource Team Noon - 1:30 pm Wednesday, April 27 Rondo Community Outreach Library, St. Paul Presenters: Diana McKeown, Metro CERT director Sam Hanson, sustainable development manager, East Side Neighborhood Development Corporation Will Delaney, real estate specialist, Hope Community Join in the Alliance for this Organizer Roundtable discussion on how to build a sustainable future by increasing your community's active adoption of energy conservation initiatives and renewable energy resources. Organizer Roundtables are free but registration is required. Please register at: https://www.thedatabank.com/dpg/322/personalopt1.asp?formid=event&c=3791399 Light snacks will be provided. Feel free to bring your lunch! Joan Vanhala Coalition Organizer Alliance for Metropolitan Stability 2525 E Franklin Avenue, Suite 200 Minneapolis, MN 55406 612-332-4471 joan [at] metrostability.org --------4 of 10-------- From: sclickace1 [at] aol.com Subject: Rally vs Fed 4.27 4:30pm April 27th Rally Against the Fed Why: An immediate response to April 27th's press conference being held by Fed. Reserves Chairman Ben Bernanke Wednesday, April 27, 2011 4:30 PM Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis 90 Hennepin Avenue Minneapolis, MN April 27th marks the next date of a press conference by the Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke (re: http://www.cnbc.com/id/42362299). In response to Bernanke's press conference, End the Fed Minneapolis will also host our own press conference and rally on April 27th to counter the propaganda the Fed puts out. We'll also take advantage of rush hour traffic in that area to continue to raise awareness of reasons why we should end the fed. Date: Wednesday, April 27th Time: 4:30pm (start gathering/sign-waving) - 5pm (rally/our own press conference) Where: Outside the Minneapolis Federal Reserve 90 Hennepin Ave - Minneapolis, MN What to bring: signs, chalk, whatever you got --------5 of 10-------- From: Women Against Military Madness <wamm [at] mtn.org> Subject: Vs Libya war 4.27 5pm Lake Street Bridge Vigil Focus: U.S./NATO Military Intervention in Libya Wednesday, April 27, 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. Lake Street/Marshall Avenue Peace Bridge spanning the Mississippi River between Minneapolis and St. Paul. Banner and vigil to end the U.S./NATO military intervention in Libya. Make no mistake about it. This is not for humanitarian reasons. It is for Libya's oil and its strategic location in the Middle East and North Africa which has been rocked with popular uprisings. It is urgent to demonstrate against this costly and deadly intervention which is escalating. English and French troops will soon enter Libya. The call by Obama, Sarkozy and Cameron for regime change moves far beyond the ill conceived "no fly zone" resolution passed by the U.N. and can only lead to more death and destruction for the Libyan people. Hands Off Libya! End the Bombing! Troops Out Now! Sponsored by: the Twin Cities Peace Campaign, the Anti-War Committee and WAMM. FFI: Call 612-827-5364. --------6 of 10-------- From: sclickace1 [at] aol.com From: Minnesota Cuba Committee <mncuba [at] minnesotacubacommittee.org> Subject: Adios Gitmo/Cuba 4.27 6pm Adios Guantanamo Wednesday, April 27 William Mitchell College of Law Auditorium Panel discussion on the past, present, and future of Cuba and Guantanamo Bay - and a celebration of Cuban culture 6-7 pm Panel discussion featuring · Gary Prevost, a political science professor at the College of St. Benedict/St. John's University and an internationally respected expert on Cuba, and · Esteban Morales, a professor of political economy at the University of Havana. 7-10 pm Traditional Cuban dinner, dancing, and drinks RSVP to melissa.richard [at] wmitchell.edu Learn more at wmitchell.edu/national-security-forum --------7 of 10-------- From: Nancy Nielsen <nancywriter [at] visi.com> Subject: Peace readings 4.27 7pm PEACE BEGINS A reading by the Loft's Peace and Social Justice Writers Group April 27, 2011 Minneapolis, MN - Members of the Loft's Peace and Social Justice Writers Group will celebrate the publication of their first chapbook, Peace Begins, and give a reading on Wednesday, April 27, 7:00-8:00 p.m., at the Loft Literary Center, Open Book, 1011 Washington Ave. S., Minneapolis. Members of the group will showcase pieces written and shared within the group and published in the chapbook titled Peace Begins. The essays and poetry touch on past experiences, current thoughts, and future intentions, including the peace of place and time and reflections on change. Plan to mingle with the writers afterwards and munch on treats. Copies of Peace Begins will be on sale before and after the event for $6.00. How does peace begin? Peace begins when thoughts of peace are put to the pen and discussed in an atmosphere of honest and open communication. Peace begins when a small group of people shares their thoughts of peace with others. Peace begins when it blooms within each individual heart. The Dalai Lama has stated, "We cannot achieve world peace without first achieving peace within ourselves inner peace. In an atmosphere of hatred, anger, competition, and violence, no lasting peace can be achieved. These negative and destructive forces must be overcome by compassion, love, and altruism" The Loft's Peace and Social Justice Writers Group consciously explores the nature of peace, and through its activities aims to renew and maintain a sense of hope for the future. We gather monthly, and by sharing our writing and discussing works by writers who inspire and move us toward action, we endeavor to refine our talents and use our creative craft to promote peace and sustainable justice in our world. The Loft's Peace and Social Justice Writers Group continues to meet and is open to all experience levels and writing genres and meets the fourth Wednesday of the month (January through October), 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Open Book's "Book Club Room." The group welcomes all to join us as we gather at the crossroads of peace, creativity and imagination. For more information, write us at loftpeacewriters [at] gmail.com. Please join us on April 27th at the Loft Literary Center as we gather together to explore and celebrate peace and social justice. --------8 of 10-------- From: lydiahowell [at] comcast.net Subject: Justice/Lane 4.27 7pm The concept of Justice Is at The Core of the American Promise - how well are we keeping that promise? Come and find out - Durng an Evening With Jeremy Lane  who is a champion for the poor, for the disadvantaged, and for those who seek access to justice.For 40 years Jeremy has been with Mid-Minnesota Legal Assistance (Legal Aid) and its director for 30 years. Jeremy has been bringing justice to Minnesota's most vulnerable citizens. He and his organization: *Make it easier for a victim of domestic violence to escape their abuser. *Promoted legislation to keep Minnesota families in their homes by protecting them from predatory lenders *Kept Minnesota seniors from losing their access to public transportation. Please come to hear Jeremy speak.and engage in a conversation with him. Wed. April 27th, 2011 7:00pm-8:30pm Southdale Library, 7001 York Ave. S. Edina: Ethel Barry Room Sponsored by Precincts 17 & 18 in Senate District 41 Questions? Call Arnie Bigbee, 952 831 3508. --------9 of 10-------- From: MARS Collective <radspacetc [at] gmail.com> Subject: Vs monoculture 4.27 7pm Wednesday, April 27, 7pm: Dismantling Monoculture joined by the Root Force collective Walker Community Church, 3104 16th Ave S., Minneapolis (near bus routes 14 and 21) Featuring the Beehive's first two works in our trilogy about globalization in the Americas' the Free Trade Area of the Americas and Plan Colombia graphic campaigns - the Dismantling Monoculture picture-lecture weaves together images and stories from the past 10 years of our work. With two giant illustrated portable murals, a six foot tall fabric storybook, and an engaging narrative, the Bees take audiences on an interactive visual tour of the connections between colonization, militarization, and resource extraction disguised as "industrial development." The result is a compelling and inspirational tale of struggle and resistance in this era of immense change. Dismantling Monoculture grows and evolves with each telling, as we all carry these histories within our own lived experience. The Bees hope to share and seek stories about how these themes manifest in our daily lives and what people do to resist and regenerate. The presentation will also include previews and updates from Mesoamerica Resiste, the final epic chapter in the trilogy, our most ambitious and elaborate illustration to date - seven years in the making and nearly hatched! To learn more, visit: http://www.beehivecollective.org/english/ppp.htm The Beehive Collective will be joined for this presentation by Root Force, a strategic campaign designed to exploit weak points in the global economy and hasten the system's collapse. Read more about Root Force at http://www.rootforce.org. --------10 of 10-------- The Corporate State Wins Again by Chris Hedges Monday, April 25, 2011 TruthDig.com When did our democracy die? When did it irrevocably transform itself into a lifeless farce and absurd political theater? When did the press, labor, universities and the Democratic Party - which once made piecemeal and incremental reform possible - wither and atrophy? When did reform through electoral politics become a form of magical thinking? When did the dead hand of the corporate state become unassailable? The body politic was mortally wounded during the long, slow strangulation of ideas and priorities during the Red Scare and the Cold War. Its bastard child, the war on terror, inherited the iconography and language of permanent war and fear. The battle against internal and external enemies became the excuse to funnel trillions in taxpayer funds and government resources to the war industry, curtail civil liberties and abandon social welfare. Skeptics, critics and dissenters were ridiculed and ignored. The FBI, Homeland Security and the CIA enforced ideological conformity. Debate over the expansion of empire became taboo. Secrecy, the anointing of specialized elites to run our affairs and the steady intrusion of the state into the private lives of citizens conditioned us to totalitarian practices. Sheldon Wolin points out in "Democracy Incorporated" that this configuration of corporate power, which he calls "inverted totalitarianism," is not like "Mein Kampf" or "The Communist Manifesto," the result of a premeditated plot. It grew, Wolin writes, from "a set of effects produced by actions or practices undertaken in ignorance of their lasting consequences". Corporate capitalism - because it was trumpeted throughout the Cold War as a bulwark against communism - expanded with fewer and fewer government regulations and legal impediments. Capitalism was seen as an unalloyed good. It was not required to be socially responsible. Any impediment to its growth, whether in the form of trust-busting, union activity or regulation, was condemned as a step toward socialism and capitulation. Every corporation is a despotic fiefdom, a mini-dictatorship. And by the end Wal-Mart, Exxon Mobil and Goldman Sachs had grafted their totalitarian structures onto the state. The Cold War also bequeathed to us the species of the neoliberal. The neoliberal enthusiastically embraces "national security" as the highest good. The neoliberal - composed of the gullible and cynical careerists - parrots back the mantra of endless war and corporate capitalism as an inevitable form of human progress. Globalization, the neoliberal assures us, is the route to a worldwide utopia. Empire and war are vehicles for lofty human values. Greg Mortenson, the disgraced author of "Three Cups of Tea," tapped into this formula. The deaths of hundreds of thousands of innocents in Iraq or Afghanistan are ignored or dismissed as the cost of progress. We are bringing democracy to Iraq, liberating and educating the women of Afghanistan, defying the evil clerics in Iran, ridding the world of terrorists and protecting Israel. Those who oppose us do not have legitimate grievances. They need to be educated. It is a fantasy. But to name our own evil is to be banished. We continue to talk about personalities - Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama - although the heads of state or elected officials in Congress have become largely irrelevant. Lobbyists write the bills. Lobbyists get them passed. Lobbyists make sure you get the money to be elected. And lobbyists employ you when you get out of office. Those who hold actual power are the tiny elite who manage the corporations. Jacob S. Hacker and Paul Pierson, in their book "Winner-Take-All Politics," point out that the share of national income of the top 0.1 percent of Americans since 1974 has grown from 2.7 to 12.3 percent. One in six American workers may be without a job. Some 40 million Americans may live in poverty, with tens of millions more living in a category called "near poverty". Six million people may be forced from their homes because of foreclosures and bank repossessions. But while the masses suffer, Goldman Sachs, one of the financial firms most responsible for the evaporation of $17 trillion in wages, savings and wealth of small investors and shareholders, is giddily handing out $17.5 billion in compensation to its managers, including $12.6 million to its CEO, Lloyd Blankfein. The massive redistribution of wealth, as Hacker and Pierson write, happened because lawmakers and public officials were, in essence, hired to permit it to happen. It was not a conspiracy. The process was transparent. It did not require the formation of a new political party or movement. It was the result of inertia by our political and intellectual class, which in the face of expanding corporate power found it personally profitable to facilitate it or look the other way. The armies of lobbyists, who write the legislation, bankroll political campaigns and disseminate propaganda, have been able to short-circuit the electorate. Hacker and Pierson pinpoint the administration of Jimmy Carter as the start of our descent, but I think it began long before with Woodrow Wilson, the ideology of permanent war and the capacity by public relations to manufacture consent. Empires die over such long stretches of time that the exact moment when terminal decline becomes irreversible is probably impossible to document. That we are at the end, however, is beyond dispute. The rhetoric of the Democratic Party and the neoliberals sustains the illusion of participatory democracy. The Democrats and their liberal apologists offer minor palliatives and a feel-your-pain language to mask the cruelty and goals of the corporate state. The reconfiguration of American society into a form of neofeudalism will be cemented into place whether it is delivered by Democrats, who are pushing us there at 60 miles an hour, or Republicans, who are barreling toward it at 100 miles an hour. Wolin writes, "By fostering an illusion among the powerless classes" that it can make their interests a priority, the Democratic Party "pacifies and thereby defines the style of an opposition party in an inverted totalitarian system". The Democrats are always able to offer up a least-worst alternative while, in fact, doing little or nothing to thwart the march toward corporate collectivism. The systems of information, owned or dominated by corporations, keep the public entranced with celebrity meltdowns, gossip, trivia and entertainment. There are no national news or intellectual forums for genuine political discussion and debate. The talking heads on Fox or MSNBC or CNN spin and riff on the same inane statements by Sarah Palin or Donald Trump. They give us lavish updates on the foibles of a Mel Gibson or Charlie Sheen. And they provide venues for the powerful to speak directly to the masses. It is burlesque. It is not that the public does not want a good health care system, programs that provide employment, quality public education or an end to Wall Street's looting of the U.S. Treasury. Most polls suggest Americans do. But it has become impossible for most citizens to find out what is happening in the centers of power. Television news celebrities dutifully present two opposing sides to every issue, although each side is usually lying. The viewer can believe whatever he or she wants to believe. Nothing is actually elucidated or explained. The sound bites by Republicans or Democrats are accepted at face value. And once the television lights are turned off, the politicians go back to the business of serving business. We live in a fragmented society. We are ignorant of what is being done to us. We are diverted by the absurd and political theater. We are afraid of terrorism, of losing our job and of carrying out acts of dissent. We are politically demobilized and paralyzed. We do not question the state religion of patriotic virtue, the war on terror or the military and security state. We are herded like sheep through airports by Homeland Security and, once we get through the metal detectors and body scanners, spontaneously applaud our men and women in uniform. As we become more insecure and afraid, we become more anxious. We are driven by fiercer and fiercer competition. We yearn for stability and protection. This is the genius of all systems of totalitarianism. The citizen's highest hope finally becomes to be secure and left alone. Human history, rather than a chronicle of freedom and democracy, is characterized by ruthless domination. Our elites have done what all elites do. They have found sophisticated mechanisms to thwart popular aspirations, disenfranchise the working and increasingly the middle class, keep us passive and make us serve their interests. The brief democratic opening in our society in the early 20th century, made possible by radical movements, unions and a vigorous press, has again been shut tight. We were mesmerized by political charades, cheap consumerism and virtual hallucinations as we were ruthlessly stripped of power. The game is over. We lost. The corporate state will continue its inexorable advance until two-thirds of the nation is locked into a desperate, permanent underclass. Most Americans will struggle to make a living while the Blankfeins and our political elites wallow in the decadence and greed of the Forbidden City and Versailles. These elites do not have a vision. They know only one word - more. They will continue to exploit the nation, the global economy and the ecosystem. And they will use their money to hide in gated compounds when it all implodes. Do not expect them to take care of us when it starts to unravel. We will have to take care of ourselves. We will have to create small, monastic communities where we can sustain and feed ourselves. It will be up to us to keep alive the intellectual, moral and culture values the corporate state has attempted to snuff out. It is either that or become drones and serfs in a global, corporate dystopia. It is not much of a choice. But at least we still have one. Copyright 2011 Truthdig, L.L.C. Chris Hedges writes a regular column for Truthdig.com. Hedges graduated from Harvard Divinity School and was for nearly two decades a foreign correspondent for The New York Times. He is the author of many books, including: War Is A Force That Gives Us Meaning, What Every Person Should Know About War, and American Fascists: The Christian Right and the War on America. His most recent book is Empire of Illusion: The End of Literacy and the Triumph of Spectacle. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- - David Shove shove001 [at] tc.umn.edu rhymes with clove Progressive Calendar over 2225 subscribers as of 12.19.02 please send all messages in plain text no attachments vote third party for president for congress for governor now and forever Socialism YES Capitalism NO Impeach Obama To GO DIRECTLY to an item, eg --------8 of x-------- do a find on --8 Research almost any topic raised here at: CounterPunch http://counterpunch.org Dissident Voice http://dissidentvoice.org Common Dreams http://commondreams.org Once you're there, do a search on your topic, eg obama drones
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