Police review group plan final vote Oct. 2

Fresno will join the National Day of Protest to Stop Police Brutality, Repression and the Criminalization of a Generation.

Join us October 22,2001 in Fresno: Bring candles and gather at the park at 5:30 p.m. located in front of the Fresno County Main Library and next to City of Fresno Police Headquarters located on Mariposa between O and N streets.

WEAR BLACK ALL DAY to mourn the people killed by law enforcement and to speak to those who cannot speak for themselves.

For more information call: M. Gloría Hernández (559) 268-2261, leave a message or iwapgh@aol.com. The National Day of Protest to:

• Bring forward a powerful, visible, national protest against police brutality and the criminalization of a generation.

• Expose the state’s repressive program.

• Bring forward those most directly under the gun of police brutality.

• Reach into all parts of society--bringing forward others.

• Strengthen the people’s organized capacity for resistance in a variety of ways.

• 46% of the funds to alternative transportation projects,

• 20% to road repair, 25% to local agencies (15 cities and the County) and

• less than 7% to regional highways.

The pro-freeway/highway/expressway contingent has proposed that:

• 60% of the funding go toward big roads,

• 25% to local agencies and

• less than 14% for alternative transportation.

These meetings are reminiscent of one wag’s description of air travel as long hours of boredom interrupted by moments of sheer terror. Come along for the ride every month - the 4th Thur. • 3--5 pm. Call Kevin: 227-4621

DOUGHNUT GO THERE

When the opening of a junk food franchise is the cultural event of the season for thousands of citizens, you know corporate assimilation of the American psyche is well on its way to reaching Aldous Huxley’s chilling vision. This corner of Brave New Fresno offers circulation problems of more than one sort.

The clogging of internal arteries is mirrored by the clogged transportation arteries. Over CalTrans’ objections the City of Fresno allowed developer Kashian an entrance/exit onto Blackstone Ave., right where the on-ramp to 41 South begins. Studies have shown that excess exposure to car fumes impairs judgment.

So, imagine spending 20-30 minutes at the drive-through line sucking up those fumes, begin stuffing your face with a crispy critter, answering the cell phone and crossing a freeway on-ramp. Pass the soma-glazed, please.

BACK TO TOP

by Michael Feliciano

The beauty of grassroots democracy and indeed the beauty of living in Fresno, is the strong sense that we in the progressive community are all one big family, working in solidarity to build a stronger Central Valley. To restore and promote the values of social and environmental justice. We learn from each other, and we support each other. Those of us involved with local Green Party leadership remain very committed to providing a political context for these efforts.

Periodically, we are reminded that there are some simple guidelines of interaction to be followed, as part of the etiquette of organizing and activism. Occasionally, we run the risk of stepping on toes and, once in awhile our freedom of speech reveals the potential for conflict. It is good for us to know our boundaries. But it is even better for us to be made aware of who is working with us —and who is working against us. Recently, we have been provided with some excellent examples of why working together is such an art form, and why attention to detail means so much.

We were fortunate to have a Green Party presence at the recent demonstration against police brutality, organized by the Central California Criminal Justice Committee. Our activities at the demonstration stimulated some very interesting debate among Fresno Greens, as to whether or not tabling and voter registration should have been conducted at an event that was organized in response to three very tragic incidents of police violence.

Surprisingly, we received some "valuable" exposure from the Fresno Bee; efforts to show support for the issues at hand and offer a political solution were labeled as "tacky" and opportunistic. The general feeling among Greens is that we needed to be there, but beyond that, there are mixed feelings. There is one point that stands as a very clear breach of etiquette -the fact that we did not ask the organizers of this event for permission to have a table setup.

After speaking with Rebecca of the CCCJC following the event, and offering Green apologies, I was very relieved to hear her express gratitude and enthusiasm for the Green Party presence, and our position on criminal justice. Things could have been very different, and we thank the Central California Criminal Justice Committee for their responsiveness.

And so, it is always wise to take a quick glance at the big picture! But as much as we would love to do so, it is probably not possible to rule out every point of friction within our activist circles. Our "big family"can begin to feel a bit dysfunctional at times.

On June 13th, the Central Labor Council staged a demonstration at the Federal Building in downtown Fresno, to protest the Federal Energy Regulatory Commision’s (FERC’s) resistance to price-caps for California utility customers. In a partially pro-Gray Davis environment, a local activist was presenting an anti-Gray Davis banner, and was harassed for doing so. Now, we all like to think that one is welcome to exercise free-speech rights as established by the 1st amendment, but one must also be prepared to accept a reaction from those with opposing views; and the resulting ill-will can be bizarre. Somehow, the presence of this outspoken citizen, this lone utility customer engaging in "free speech," prompted the Central Labor Council to ban venerable labor activist Mike Rhodes from any future CLC events. They accused Mike of staging a counter-demonstration. You see—one person really can make a difference!

Always wise to take a glance at the big picture. This thinking goes for not just those "piggy-backing" or attending another group’s demonstration. This is equally useful for the organizers. It is unkind, counterproductive, and possibly confrontational to intentionally crash another group’s shindig, and this rarely happens in our city. By the same token, I shutter to think that there would be progressive events taking place in Fresno organized by folks that are reluctant to allow tabling (when appropriate,) or to display a piece of literature for fear that they would then have to accommodate everyone else.

We encounter enough resistance from the corporate/political infrastructure to be treating each other this way. In an ongoing effort to forge new alliances and nurture long standing relationships within Fresno’s progressive community, the Fresno County Green Party has deepened it’s commitment to publicly show support, whenever possible, for demonstrations and other events that are compatible with the Green Party platform. Hopefully as human and financial resources continue to become more limited in the progressive community, we will get better and better at maximizing our effectiveness by networking, sharing, and supporting each other’s efforts.

Again, we Greens like to think that our presence offers a diversity of local citizens the opportunity to learn about grassroots democracy, and to reclaim their voice as members of this community. We do believe that this is a great way to highlight the ideological and political overlap that occurs between progressive agendas, and what is currently the only political party in California that is actually growing in numbers - The Green Party.

To learn more or register Green, Visit www.greens.org/cal/fresno, or call 265-3647. To volunteer, E-mail Michael Feliciano at mlf1968@yahoo.com

BACK TO TOP

British prisons have listeners

Even smilers, too

by Maria Telasco

I was here in Britain courtesy of Amnesty International to tell a dozen or so Amnesty and church groups about the death penalty and prison conditions in our country.

In every crowd, at least one person’s body language, while Britishly polite, said She’s making this up." Fortuitously, there was always also at least one who ’d call out "Yes, I read about that," or "I saw that on the telly." To say they found malfunctioning electric chairs and windowless secure housing units (SHUs) somewhat incredible is an understatement.

Some members of the audiences said "Our prisons are hell holes, too," but when asked, the speaker had not really visited one. Their tabloids, like ours, focus in on one egregious instance, exaggerate it, and generalize from it.

Of the four prisons I visited in England and Wales, three were old, and the buildings were run down. But the positive, non-hostile demeanor of both prisoners and staff was a shock to my system. They actually appeared to like, respect and get along well together. Something’s not right, I thought, this must be my imagination.

They allowed me to go wherever I wanted, speak to anyone I chose. A prisoner who was to be freed the next day told me he had turned his life around. He’d been in prison for nine months, for robbery, during which time he learned to read and write, and was on the way to an apprenticeship program upon release.

The officer showing me around was a friendly sort; he spoke to the prisoners in the same casual but respectful way he spoke to me. "You seem to actually like these fellas," I commented. He said, "They are human beings; we should not treat them as anything less." My mind flashed back to an officer at an American prison whom I heard say "These savages are animals, so why should we treat them like they’re human?"

At a women’s prison, the Principal Officer spent hours, long after she was off duty and free to go home, showing me with pride the educational facilities, job training areas and gym. Yes, gym. In both the men’s and women’s institutions, they have gymnasia staffed with correctional officers who have an interest in sports and bodybuilding, and who apply for these positions. Sports and physical training are one of many modalities offered to help prisoners deal with their problems and develop interpersonal skills.

Carrot-and-stick, the gym is a privilege that prisoners have to earn, and can lose if they commit disciplinary infractions.

I didn’t get to see the nine-bed mother-baby unit, as some of the mothers were breast-feeding, and a visitor would invade their privacy.

They are allowed to attend work, educational and recreational programs to which they can bring their babies, who are permitted to remain until the age of 18 months.

In addition to staff professional counselors, inmate volunteers are trained as peer counselors. Whenever a prisoner has a problem and requests a "listener," as they are called, that need is met immediately.

Listener and client are admitted to a special room reserved for the purpose, furnished with two upholstered easy chairs (honest!) and plenty of coffee, tea and biscuits (cookies). One pair we peeked in on at a men’s prison were in their 36th hour of a marathon session brought on by the prisoner’s family problems.

I met many people who write to and visit American death row prisoners. They all expressed some of the same feelings I have experienced at such visits: fear, discomfort, rudeness of some guards, the general oppressive ambiance, the atmosphere of antipathy and animosity between staff and prisoners, as well as staff and visitors. In English prisons, I sensed none of these emotions, no fear, no disrespect, not on anyone’s part.

Do they have their problems? Sure. But one big difference is that they acknowledge the problems and seem to be striving to correct them, while in America, or California at least, the general attitude seems to be denial of problems and all-around hostility. They have a drug problem, and use drug-sniffing dogs to check suspect visitors.

Prisoners are not strip searched for visits unless staff have a strong reason to suspect contraband, another example of how they treat people as individuals. In England visits are officially limited to either 15 or 30 minutes, every week or two.

Officers say they realize the importance of visits, and try to extend them whenever possible. In California prisons, visits could be up to six hours at a clip, as many as four days a week, but many visitors and prisoners complain that officers try to make the visits as short and uncomfortable as possible.

While visiting prisons, I was re-reading the prison diary of Bobby Sands, an Irish freedom fighter who died on hunger strike in an English prison in 1981. In his smuggled material he recounts stories of horrors like six times daily strip searches, beatings, being held naked in a near-freezing cell smeared in feces.

He talks of the cruelty of a chaplain who came by to visit, knowing Sands was near death. "You better hurry up and finish [reading] that book," the chaplain said, "and good thing it’s not any longer as you’d be unable to finish it." Reminded me of the stories we hear from our death row inmates, about guards, and even chaplains, who taunt them with "you’re going to fry" and worse, and the beatings that seem to be the norm in some of our institutions.

I ’m not so naïve as to think the British prisons are "country clubs," and I know all of theirs are not better than all of ours, But I figured out what I think is a fair distinction: their best one is better than our best one, and our worst one is worse than their worst one. The big difference is in the attitude of prisoners, staff, and the governing boards of Her Majesty’s Prison Service.

• There are no control units or SHUs.

• They do have some solitary confinement or disciplinary cells for those who get extremely violent or otherwise out of control.

• Whenever staff finds it necessary to place a prisoner in one of those cells, they are required by law to immediately notify the "gov’nor " (warden) and the Board of Prison Visitors, and official independent oversight organization.

• Most prisoners stay in the "hole" about half a day, and 72 hours is considered an extremely long time for such confinement. Every prisoner in those cells must, by law, be visited every 24 hours by the gov’nor, chaplain, psychologist, and BoPV representative.

• Prisoners, like everyone else, are covered by the National Health Service (NHS) so medical care is not an issue. Staff told me they could not imagine denying or delaying medical care under any circumstances, because they presume anyone requesting medical attention must be sick. They believe one reason health care runs so smoothly is that the costs are covered by NHS and do not have to come out of the prison budget.

I was beginning to think all this was staged to impress me, until I observed an officer and a prisoner, unseen by me, make eye contact, smile broadly and greet each other. "G’mornin, Frank. How’re ya keepin’?" The prisoner responded, "G’mornin ’yerself, Dan." Eye contact...Smiles....First names...I was convinced.

"They are human beings and we should not treat them as anything less."

BACK TO TOP

Notes from South Africa

New Globalism of Brotherhood

Kehinde Solwazi (2nd from right) is the head of the African American Studies program at Fresno City College, and an indefatigable community activist. Below is his interview (by Richard Stone) following his return from Durban South Africa, where he participated in the World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia, and Related Intolerance.

Q. What was the purpose of the conference? A. The conference was convened as an opportunity for all nations as equals to address racism and xenophobia. In examining the root causes of these, as played out around the world, we inevitable came to the related issues of AIDS, gender division, and most basically poverty.

Q. Why did you feel a personal need to go? A. Confronting racism and undoing its ill effects has been the core of my lifework. I have been especially involved with the impact of slavery on people of African descent. The conference was an international forum for these particular concerns.

I went as a regional representative of the National Black United Front. We were given official status as an NGO (ed. Non-governmental Organization) and I was able to work on our position paper and to lobby specific countries--mostly African--for their support. Our group was probably the most vocal and visible single delegation--we became known as "the Durban 400."

Q. What was it like to be in South Africa? A. Fantastic! The hosts embraced us with full brotherhood, acknowledging the anti-apartheid activism of African Americans. They told us, "You’re at home now " and we felt it in every way.

On the other hand, the ghost of apartheid can be felt, especially when you leave the central urban area. Durban is a super-modern city in all respects, but just a few miles away black Africans still live in dirt huts, without electricity or running water.

The color differential and its implications are plainly there. Stores are not owned by black Africans, and there is heavy security all over. It reminded me of the South in the 60’s, when the Jim Crow laws had been abolished but the economic structure hadn’t yet changed. But you know, it’s only been 7 years since Mandela was released from jail.

Q. How was the official American presence perceived? A. The U.S. is seen through international eyes as bullying and disrespectful. The U.S. arrogance is noticeable in so many ways, and freely commented on. People were especially provoked when the U.S. made great noise about refusing to participate, but kept a strong diplomatic presence trying to manipulate the conference behind the scenes.

Q. What struck you most about your experiences at the conference? A. The strength and beauty of the South African people, and their feeling of commonality with African-Americans. It felt to me, too, that apart from the U.S. and its closest allies, there was unanimity in opposing racism, caste systems and economic oppression. Corporate globalism is understood as global apartheid by everyone expect the American public.

Q. What were the most significant outcomes of the conference? A. For me, the statement on slavery felt like a public vindication of my life’s work. For the first time, black peoples were given full respect as human beings, and acknowledged for suffering a genocide as devastating as any in history. The conference seemed to me a great affirmation of respect for life in all forms, for indigenous peoples, and other species, and the environment.

Q. What did you bring back home to Fresno? A. Feeling the strength of international support, I am even more motivated to continue my activism. I want to speak to as many people as possible-my own natural constituency of course, but others, too. People need to hear that there is another kind of "new world order" evolving that our media hides from us. I greatly appreciate the chance to have my thoughts published in this paper, at least.

Quotes from the Closing Statement by the PRESIDENT OF THE CONFERENCE, NKOSAZANA DLAMINI ZUMA.

"...We have agreed that the depredation of the systems of slavery and colonialism had the degrading and debilitating impact on those who are black, broadly defined. We also agreed that slavery is a crime against humanity and that an apology is necessary, not for monetary gain, but to restore the dignity and humanity of those who suffered...An apology restores the dignity, self-worth and humanity of the black body, broadly defined. We also agreed that other remedial actions would have to be adopted to correct the legacy of slavery and colonialism and all other forms of racism. We agreed to work consciously to uplift women who have been victims of these ills, because of their race and gender."

"...We agreed that the discrimination against, and the lack of opportunities for the minorities and the indigenous peoples everywhere...could only be ignored at our perpetual peril. Accordingly, we have reached consensus that access to education and changing curricula to reflect the interests of every group in every society must be encouraged. We requested that the media and other forms of communication medium help promote positive values of tolerance, understanding, ubuntu/humanness and the richness of our world diversity...."

"...The Conference, therefore, agreed that ["globalization "] should be harnessed and directed at the most pressing challenge of our time--"poverty eradication." Globalization has generated enough wealth and resources to do that. We also agreed to deal with the structural conditions that sustain inequality of the global economy, that in turn encourages underdevelopment and marginalization, which is at the root of racism today..."

KEHINDE & DR. SUDARSHAN KAPOOR,
who also attended the conference.
Will be giving A "REPORT BACK"
MONDAY • OCT. 15 • 7:30 P.M.
THE FRESNO CENTER FOR NONVIOLENCE
985 N. VAN NESS.
THE PUBLIC IS INVITED.

 Back to Top

Life in a Day of a Corporate Associate

by Reyna Gillet

Do you want to know what today’s progressive youth are doing, thinking and being? They are the newly recruited associates for corporations.

I myself work for a national office supply chain. I have guidelines, codes of conduct, zero tolerance policies and not to mention a pretty strict dress code. (No more than one earring per ear.) I work in North Fresno’s premiere shopping center, River Park. Where all of the shoppers can come together to enjoy a movie in a stadium-seating theater, and spend $7 for popcorn.

After the movie buy a pick me up -a $3 coffee drink, and wander through the aisles of the bookstore that puts mom and pop owned booksellers out of business. Don’t forget to clog your arteries before going home with a nice donut. An evening at River Park is an evening for the whole family. But look beyond the counter into the eyes of the young cashier. You will see a struggling college student working for a little above minimum wage. The sad thing is the person behind the counter beat out 20 other applicants who applied for the same low paying job.

Some days at work can be rewarding for me. For example, when I stay half an hour after work just to make copies of a customer’s mother’s funeral announcements, and they tell my manger how helpful I was. Other days I want to trip my manager as he runs to the front of the store to answer an important call.

On slow days I -watch -each -minute -on -the -clock -tick -by -and -wait. The loud humming of the machines blocks out the noise of customers saying, "Excuse me young man." As they mistake me for a guy-instead of walking around to the front of the counter to notice that under that short hair cut lies the disgruntled face of a 23 year old girl just trying to survive.

To tell you the truth, if I had to choose between being unemployed and being able to stay home and watch daytime TV or having to go to work … I would choose work.

The greatest lesson I learned from daytime TV was this: If you don ’t try to do better with your life, you might end up on an episode of Cops. I don’t have to eat government cheese, or worry about the rent. I am proud to have the opportunity to work. This is the time in my life where character is built. Corporation or not, it’s still a job.

 Back to Top

KFCF - ONE BOARD OPENING

By Vickie Fouts and Mike Rhodes

There is still an opening for a new board member of the KFCF/Fresno Free College Foundation (FFCF). All interested KFCF/FFCF members can check out the details at www.kfcf.org or call Vic Bedoian at the KFCF/FFCF office at (559) 233-2221 .

The next board election will take place in November 2002. The By-Laws have been amended to accommodate staggered elections. The top 4 vote getters will serve 3 year terms. Next 3 highest will serve 2 year terms & last 4 vote getters will serve a 1 year term & then from there on out everyone will serve 3 year terms.

The next Annual Banquet for KFCF/FFCF is scheduled for Friday, November 9, 2001 at the Downtown Club.

For a complete listing of local programs on KFCF 88.1 FM you can visit their web site at: http://www.kfcf.org/. There is also a 24 hour archive available at this site of all programming on KFCF. This can be very useful if you miss something during the past 24 hours or want to re-play the information.

 Back to Top

Call Gabi for more information:875-0057

Half Way to Free Speech Victory

In early September Fresno judge Kent Hamlin dropped one of two charges against the GAP 19 who were arrested May 6 of last year at Fresno’s Fashion Fair for non violently protesting GAP sweatshops. The judge is now considering a DA plea not to drop the second charge. If that charge is not dropped the next court hearing will be October 9, 1:30 pm in Department 31.The dropped charge was trespassing for which the protesters were arrested. The second charge was interfering with business, which the DA added months later.

 Back to Top

BOARDS DEFEND WORKERS

by Mike Rhodes

Workers’ Rights Boards (WRB) are being formed all over the country. It is an indication of the failure of the National Labor Relations Board to defend workers rights. Typically, WRB’s are committees made up of local labor, religious, political and community leaders who lend strategic support to unorganized workers fighting for justice.

The Community Alliance is excited that the United Farm Workers have taken the lead in this area to form a WRB (see article below). During a campaign for workers ’rights, members of a WRB are called upon to exert moral and political persuasion aimed at turning around an unfair employer. When initial efforts fail, the WRB spearheads direct action, media blitzes and other highly visible and aggressive tactics to compel a boss to meet protest demands -- or face widespread public exposure and scrutiny.

Ultimately, the WRB looks to promote alternative organizing models that unify and empower workers, while educating the broader community about workplace abuses and engaging everyday people in the struggle to improve employment standards.

 Back to Top

HELP for FARM WORKERS

by Carol Bequette

The Central Valley Commission for Immigrant Workers’ Rights (CVCIWR) is signing on progressive Valley groups to support the United Farm Workers who stand firm with agricultural workers in their struggle to obtain justice and dignity.

The CVCIWR will take action to promote the protection of workers’ rights by calling on leaders in the industry, such as the Western Growers’ Association and the Farm Bureau, to rectify any abuses in the industry. If your organization would like to be involved with this movement, contact Daniel Romero at (661) 725-9730.

 Back to Top

WHAT IS "The Right Stuff?"

"The Rights Stuff from the Left" was the right NAME for the TV show produced under the auspices of the Center for Nonviolence from May 5th to August 25th. But what the right CONTENT should be was a matter of controversy and disagreement from day one. The lack of consensus--and the resulting lack of support--has necessitated putting the show on hold while we attempt to re-organize.

What four months of productions showed, however, is instructive. Our friends wanted to hear more focus on basic issues like job losses to globalization and the impacts of environmental poisoning. But even as it was, we received phone calls almost every week--mostly supportive--from people who aren’t "in the choir" of known activists. Some folk even sent money or offered to help with fundraising (including an offer by a young woman to put on a bikini carwash with her friends!!)

One week we specifically asked people to call in simply so we could count viewers. We received 25 calls. TV experts tell us each call represents 500-1000 non-callers. So we know we were reaching a goodly number of new people, especially since virtually all our allies tell us they don’t watch TV.

We also acquired two commercial sponsors along the way (Elite Business Services and Off-Line Independent Energy Systems) who saw value in the chance to educate viewers about their businesses as well as their political inclinations.

All this is to say that, despite the disagreements over what we should do and how well we were doing it, something important was happening. Our voices were being heard where they haven’t been heard before, and we were being forced to think seriously about how to present ourselves to those who don’t already share our presumptions or convictions.

We have now come up with a different idea of how to produce the show. Rather than trying to persuade folks like you to buy into what was perceived as "our show ", we want to invite people and organizations to make it "YOUR show ". You will have an opportunity to take ownership of one or more half-hour segments to present your issues on your terms. We will create a format to use if you want, and assistance in production, and some financial sponsorship via ads and donors. YOU WILL GENERATE THE IDEAS AND--yes, here’s the catch--THE MAJORITY OF FUNDING FOR "YOUR SHOW ".

Are you willing to find the money to put your ideas out to a significant NEW audience at the rate of $370 per show? If we can get commitments for 6 months of programming, we will go back to the station and negotiate a contract.

So think about it...and remember the 2002 elections are right around the corner, with local offices, major primaries and initiatives galore at stake. Do you have a message for the general public about these things? Or do you really want to rely on The Bee to decide if your viewpoint is worth the public’s while? To participate in this adventurous endeavor, contact Vincent at 439-0821, or Richard at 266-2559.

 Back to Top

BOOK/VIDEO/CD SALE
Message from Angela

The Center needs help in our new fall fundraiser. In an attempt to get our friends to come and BUY (I failed miserably with yard sales) my hope is that you might be tempted by a used BOOK/VIDEO/TAPE/CD SALE • Oct.27th .Johnnie Bedrosian has kindly donated his courtyard on Olive Ave, opposite the Echo Restaurant for this sale.

Would you, therefore, plan on donating stuff (suggestion: 10 books, 2 videos, 2 cd’s, 2 audio tapes)...and then coming down to the sale and buying them back. (That’s a joke! but how about buying a similar number of items?) If most of our members participate in this way, I guarantee we will bring in $2000, which will really help towards our 10th anniversary programming. If you’re near the Bedrosian Armenian Deli on Ashlan & 1st, you might stop by and say thanks. Also if you can help sort books on Friday the 26th, or with set up and selling on the 27th, call Angela: 435-6383.

OPEN HOURS, AGAIN: We will again be experimenting with keeping the Center open--Tues., Wed., Thurs. from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Vince Lavery will be the anchorman, with the likes of Angela Price, Diane Marks and Richard Stone co-hosting. Drop by for conversation, to make use of our libraries, or to plan heroic deeds for the forces of good.

MATCHING GRANT DEPLOYED: Extensive conversations with friends led to the following decisions for using our Matching Grant money. 1) Around $5000 will be used to create a reserve/emergency fund to assure the Center’s basic operations for the upcoming years. Most of this will be kept in a CD. 2) A similar amount will be used to engage a part-time coordinator of volunteers and special projects. This person will recruit and supervise volunteers not just for the Center but for many of our allies. (See classified ad for details.) 3) The rest will be disbursed as grants for projects that submitted requests during our planning period: the Community Alliance, the Central California Criminal Justice Committee; the Central California Institute, and the sheepherder’s newspaper (by way of Central California Legal Services). Thanks again to our anonymous donor, and to all who answered the challenge well before we dared hope.

PEACE CHALLENGE: The 3rd Walton Peace Challenge for Youth is now under way. We are accepting applications for mini-grants up to $200 for projects involving youth (up to 18 years of age). The projects--aimed at "Making It Better" in the participants’ world--will require at least 3 youths and an adult supervisor. To request an information sheet/application, leave a message at the Center (237-3223) or with Richard (266-2559) or drop by the Center during open hours.

THE FRESNO CENTER FOR NONVIOLENCE ANNOUNCES OPEN POSITIONS

We seek an independent contractor to recruit, coordinate and supervise volunteers; and to assist in organizing special projects.10-15 hrs/week, at $10/hr, for 5-8 mos. (until funding is depleted). Requirements include interest in progressive causes; ability to make and maintain personal contact with large numbers of people; competence on phone and computer. Hours flexible, but ability to spend some regular weekday hours at Center very helpful. Possibility of extending contract through own fund-raising efforts. Also needed: treasurer, with $50/mo stipend for receiving check requests, cutting checks, keeping check book, preparing monthly reports & annual statement. Knowledge of financial requisites for non-profit organizations, familiarity with Quickbook program big plusses. For information, call Center at 237-3223, or Richard at 266-2559.

THE WELCH REPORT

September 10,2001

Jack H.Welch,M.D.

WOOING CHINA ON U.S.MISSILE DEFENSE

Senior administration officials have been quoted in the New York Times as saying that in an effort to overcome Chinese opposition to the missile defense program, the Bush administration plans to tell leaders in Beijing that it has no objections to their military buildup.

Robert Kagan, senior associate at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, has said, "...we’re trying to calm Chinese sensitivities by indicating a certain acquiescence in their modernization program. We’re sending signals that the reason they don’t have to fear a missile defense is our acceptance of their effort to overcome it, which strikes me as a form of strategic insanity on our part." (Washington Post Sept.3)

GROWING RIFT BETWEEN US, EUROPE

As the US-European (and world) rift widens--on issues from missile defense and nuclear testing (which the Bush administration wants to resume) to land mines, global warming and a germ-warfare ban--some European leaders and US Democrats suggest that President Bush is drawing the US into a new era of isolationism. The Bush administration calls this "joining allies when it suits US interests." (Fresno Bee July 27).

NEXT AMBASSADOR TO THE UN?

President Bush’s choice for next US ambassador to the UN is John D. Negroponte, the man who gave the CIA-backed Honduran death squads open field when he was ambassador to Honduras from 1981 to 1985.

Thirty-two women fled the death squads of El Salvador after the assassination of Archbishop Oscar Romero in 1980 to take refuge in Honduras. Some months after their arrival these women were forcibly taken from their living quarters, pushed into a van, and disappeared. In May 1982 a delegation was in Honduras to find out what had happened to these women, before whom John Negroponte denied any knowledge of their whereabouts.

During Negroponte’s tenure the US launched a covert war against Nicaragua and trained Honduran military to support the Contras. Negroponte worked closely with the armed forces chief in Honduras to enable training of Honduran soldiers in psychological warfare, torture and kidnapping. In 1994, the Honduran Rights Commission outlined the torture and disappearance of at least 184 political opponents, and specifically accused Negroponte of a number of human rights violations.

In 1996 Jack Binns, Negroponte’s predecessor as US ambassador in Honduras, told the Baltimore Sun how a group of Salvadorans, among whom were the women the delegation had been looking for, were captured on April 22, 1981, and savagely tortured by the Honduran Secret Police before being placed in helicopters of the Salvadoran military, from which they were thrown out in flight after take-off from the airport! Binns said that the North American authorities were well aware of this action.

"Given the history of John Negroponte in Central America, it is indeed horrifying to think that he should be chosen to represent our country at the UN, an organization founded to ensure that the human rights of all people receive the highest respect." (Source: Sister Laetitia Bordes, San Jose Peace Center’s Peace Times August 2001)

 Back to Top

OCTOBER WILPF EVENTS CALENDER

Wed 3 WILPF Board/General Meeting 7-9 p.m. at Carol Bequette’s home, 3647 Circle Drive West. Call 229-9661 for more information.

Sat 13 Flyer distribution and postcards at the post office. Call Ellie for information 229-9807. See below for details.

Wed 24 "Stir It Up" WILPF-style. Tune in to KFCF 88.1 FM from 3:30 to 4 p.m with hosts Lauralee Crain Carbone and Zay Guffy-Bill.

"Technically Ridiculous "

On Saturday, October 13th, 198 civic, religious, peace-oriented, women’s, professional and other organizations in locations throughout the world will hold an international day of protest against the militarization of space. The UN’s Outer Space Treaty, which bans weapons of mass destruction in the heavens, became operative on October 10, 1967, and the UN General Assembly has declared October 4-10 as "World Space Week." Jimmy Carter himself called President Bush ’s ballistic shield plans "technically ridiculous." What about you? Call Ellie Bluestein to find out how you too can become involved in distributing flyers and postcards at our local post offices. 229-9807

Fresno WILPF Branch Retreat

We had a wonderful turn out for this year’s retreat. Besides plenty of good food, drink, and conversation, we were able to get a lot planned for the next year. We focused on programs we would like to see happen in the future and we realized our first on September 22 when Sarah Hedgepeth-Harris met with us. Here is what ’s on tap for the future. Be sure to check this page in future editions for dates and times.

Tentative Programs: October: Witness for Peace, speaker from Columbia November: Panel discussion about Race Conference in Durban, South Africa. December: Peace Community Crafts Faire January: Bruce Gagnon discussing STAR WARS February: Black History Month, WILPF/Black Women’s Caucus March Women’s Herstory Month. If any of the above interest you, please call Desi Cortez at 224-2976 to help out. Without the help of our members the proposed programs may not happen. Thanks!

WILPF Has a New International President

For the first time in its almost ninety years of history WILPF now has an international president who is from the Southern region. Krishna Ahooja Patel has been elected International President of WILPF for 2001-04. Krishna is of Indian origin and now lives in Geneva. She has been a staff member of the United Nations for about 25 years, the longest period of which she spent in the International Labor Organization, ILO. During the UN Decade For Women, she was the editor of Women at Work the only UN journal on working women.

The newly elected vice presidents are from different regions of the world: Olga Bianchi (Costa Rica), Liss Schanke (Norway), Lucinda Amara (Sierra Leone) and W. Dulcy de Silva (Sri Lanka). The international treasurer Coby Meyboom is from the Netherlands. The 28th WILPF International Congress (2001)was scheduled for Jerusalem, but due to the unstable political situation in the area the venue had to be changed to Geneva at short notice.

WILPF focused on the Middle East issue in a special seminar included in the meeting. The seminar concluded by demanding a peace policy to break the deadlock in the Israel/Palestine conflict, based on the implementation of the relevant UN resolutions. The seminar also called on UN Security Council to appoint a Middle East coordinator for negotiations with representatives from the whole region. WILPF will make efforts to send delegations to meet with heads of state or government in the area, to promote WILPF’s peace policy. In recognition of the serious situation, WILPF has appointed Hanan Awwad, president of WILPF Palestine, to be the special adviser to the WILPF International Officer ‘s group on the question of Palestine.

WILPF’s program of action 2002-04 focuses on building a Culture of Peace, as a follow up of the Security Council Resolution 1325 on "Women, Peace and Security." The program also highlights disarmament with a particular emphasis on the planned Missile Shield (NMD); economic and social justice with particular emphasis on the World Trade Organization; sustainable environment with particular reference to the UN Conference "Rio + 10" in 2002; and racial justice.

WILPF also adopted various resolutions on Belarus, Macedonia, and on the recent street violence in Genoa. Other resolutions refer to the violence in Colombia, Nepal and in Western Sahara. The full texts of the resolutions may be obtained from the international secretariat. For fuller information on proceedings and resolutions at the congress check website: http://www.wilpf.int.ch

The Children’s Corner

by Lauralee Crain Carbone

Here is a story by Astrid Lindgren she told at a convention in Frankfurt when she won a Peace prize. (Astrid Lindgren is the author of Pipi Longstocking stories.)

"For all those who now talk of harsher methods and more control, I’d like to tell a story an old woman once told me. She was a young mother in the days when people still believed "spare the rod and spoil the child." That is, she didn’t really believe it, but one day when her son had done something, she thought she should spank him with a switch, for the first time in his life. She told him to go out and cut a branch for her. The little boy left and was gone a long time. Finally he returned, crying and said "I couldn’t find a switch, but here is a rock you can throw at me." Then the mother started crying too, because all of a sudden she could see it from the child’s point of view.

The child must have thought "my mother wants to hurt me and then a rock will do just as well." She hugged him and they both cried awhile together. Then she put the rock on the mantelpiece as a reminder and swore to herself that she’d never use violence!

If you’re a WILPF member, we encourage you to submit any information you have and want to share with other members. Call or email Zay at 227-2133 / zaygb@earthlink.net. And thanks to this month’s contributors for the wonderful info they provided.

 Back to Top

5th Alliance birthday party

So many came we ran out of dishes

We planned for 150 but ran out of plates. Some folks were eating their dinner out of 2 paper salad dishes. It was a joyful gathering; a broad base of community support for the net working our Alliance publication has been doing for 5 years. These groups bought tables:

Women’s International League for Peace & Freedom

Graphic Communications Local 404

Teamster Local 431

National Stonewall Democrats

Central California Legal Services

Fresno Center for Nonviolence

Fresno Count y Green Party

Fresno Metro Ministry

Fresno Free College Foundation / radio station KFCF

Interfaith Alliance of Central California

Carpenters Local 701

Service Employees International Union Local 250

Women’s Studies Department, CSUF

NABET Communications Workers of America

Lupe Gutierrez singing: "We shall not be moved. No Nos Moveran."

Fresno County Supervisor Juan Arambula: "We now know the value of ourselves, the value of our community and the value of working together We can accomplish a great deal by remembering what we learned in the struggles to improve people’s lives."

Alliance Editor Mike Rhodes: "This is such a validation of the work we are doing and shows that there really is a Community Alliance. L/CA is the kind of organization that is not in competition with any of the groups that are here. We strengthen each organization and build a more unified progressive movement. I think the highlight for most people was the video. It was just awesome! You could just feel the tingle of excitement as folks saw themselves. Everyone was deeply moved."

Alliance editorial board member Pam Whalen: "Given the positive response that we’ve gotten, we know we’re really going to be able to have a world class magazine coming out of Fresno talking about economic and social justice."

MC: Larry Trullinger

Rev. Bryan Jessup: "Let us answer YES to life, to truth and to love."

 

 

 Back to Top

---

 

Community Alliance The Community Alliance newsletter is an independent voice for workers and progressive groups in Fresno and the Central San Joaquin Valley. We support the struggle for social and economic justice and believe that all workers should be paid a living wage. The Community Alliance is affiliated nationally with Jobs with Justice. Meetings are held on the last Monday of each month at The Fresno Center for Nonviolence, 985 N Van Ness at 6:30 PM. This newsletter is published monthly. Editor: Mike Rhodes Editorial Board Members: Nancy Marsh, Ed Perez, Leonel Flores Jeffrey Paris, Diane Scott, Greg Fletcher Richard Stone, Pam Whalen Community Alliance P.O. Box 5077 Fresno, CA 93755 (559) 233-3978 / 226-3962 (fax) E-mail: AllianceEditor@comcast.net http://www.fresnoalliance.com/home/ For advertising rates see: http://www.fresnoalliance.com/home/ad%20rates.htm This project is funded in part by the Unitarian Universalist Fund For a Just Society

Back to Top

---

[ Up ] [ January 2001 ] [ February 2001 ] [ March 2001 ] [ April 2001 ] [ June2001 ] [ July 2001 ] [ August 2001 ] [ September 2001 ] [ October 2001 ] [ November 2001 ] [ December 2001 ]

Designed and maintained by:
Hume Printing and The Community Alliance ©2003
Contact webmaster@fresnoalliance.com