Wednesday, 29 February 2012
Occupy General Strike - Monday 1st May
#OLA #OLB Working towards a GLOBAL GENERAL STRIKE on #MayDay #M1 ...Let's get this party started! #OWS
NOT click through
NOT click through
Photos from Zuccotti Park
At zucotti, some protestors are laying down - recently made illegal.
Crowd of several hundred on its way to Zuccotti from Union Square.
Dozens of protestors now lying down in Zuccotti Park.
Occupy Our Food Supply a Resounding Success
Organizers called the Feb. 27 Occupy our Food Supply day of action a resounding success.
The day included more than 100 events across the globe, united an unprecedented alliance of more than 60 Occupy groups and 30 environmental, food and corporate accountability organizations, and featured prominent voices including Indian environmentalist Vandana Shiva, music legend Willie Nelson, actor Woody Harrelson, authors Raj Patel, Anna Lappe, Gary Paul Nabhan, author Michael Ableman and Marion Nestle, among others.
Across the globe, online and offline, thousands participated in the events. Events included a 40 person seed exchange at the New York Stock Exchange hosted by Occupy Wall Street; the building of a community garden in Oakland hosted by Occupy the Food System Oakland; the ‘stickering’ of genetically modified foods at more than 20 Safeway and Whole Foods grocery stores across the country; more than 100 people in Wayzata, Minn. convening a Cargill call-in day to CEO Greg Page; and an ‘evict Monsanto’ protest is planned for Feb. 29 at the Monsanto offices in Lockhart, Texas.
The day included more than 100 events across the globe, united an unprecedented alliance of more than 60 Occupy groups and 30 environmental, food and corporate accountability organizations, and featured prominent voices including Indian environmentalist Vandana Shiva, music legend Willie Nelson, actor Woody Harrelson, authors Raj Patel, Anna Lappe, Gary Paul Nabhan, author Michael Ableman and Marion Nestle, among others.
Across the globe, online and offline, thousands participated in the events. Events included a 40 person seed exchange at the New York Stock Exchange hosted by Occupy Wall Street; the building of a community garden in Oakland hosted by Occupy the Food System Oakland; the ‘stickering’ of genetically modified foods at more than 20 Safeway and Whole Foods grocery stores across the country; more than 100 people in Wayzata, Minn. convening a Cargill call-in day to CEO Greg Page; and an ‘evict Monsanto’ protest is planned for Feb. 29 at the Monsanto offices in Lockhart, Texas.
Goodbye, First Amendment: ‘Trespass Bill’ will make protest illegal
Under the act, the government is also given the power to bring charges against Americans engaged in political protest anywhere in the country.
Should President Obama suspend the right to assemble, Americans might expect another apology to accompany it in which the commander-in-chief condemns the very act he authorizes. If you disagree with such a decision, however, don’t take it to the White House. Sixteen-hundred Pennsylvania Avenue and the vicinity is, of course, covered under this act.
Tuesday, 28 February 2012
The Real Victor in Iraq: Monsanto
Five years of occupation, more than $558 billion spent, 4,182 U.S. soldiers and 655,000 Iraqi civilians dead, and it now looks like Monsanto (NYSE.MON - $71.95) is going to be the real victor in Iraq thanks to a postwar document known as Order 81.
Part of the infamous 100 Orders, Order 81 mandates that Iraq’s commercial-scale farmers must now purchase "registered” seeds. These are available through agribusiness giants like Monsanto, Cargill Corporation (a private company) and the World Wide Wheat Company (also private), but Monsanto is far and away the most significant player in the registered seed market.
Monsanto’s seeds are “terminator” seeds. This means they are inherently sterile, and any seed they produce does not give birth to more plants.
The technology behind registered seed is called genetic modification, and genetically modified (GM) seeds supposedly can’t reproduce, though “drift,” via wind currents and bird consumption, has resulted in a great many instances where GM crops ended up in fields where they were not planted.
A classic example is Canadian farmer Percy Schmeiser, whose canola fields inexplicably sprouted GM varieties from Monsanto. Monsanto promptly sued Schmeiser for patent infringement.
Originally developed to avert world hunger (at least according to Monsanto), these GM crops not only do not produce more than their non-modified cousins, but the herbicide Roundup, developed in tandem by Monsanto to treat GM fields, is becoming increasingly ineffective. This has led to more herbicide purchases among farmers, greater profits for Monsanto, increasingly smaller yields, and greater environmental pollution overall.
Roundup, a glyphosate, is the direct descendant of Agent Orange (also produced by Monsanto), and is especially toxic to marine animals. Glyphosates, known as endocrine disruptors, are being increasingly implicated in neurological disorders, DNA damage and even death. However, as often (and mistakenly) reported, Roundup does not contain pesticide. Pest control is part of the genetic modification of seeds.
In the U.S., these GM varieties of corn, soy and rapeseed may have cost the U.S. economy $12 billion since 1999 in rising farm subsidies, lower crop prices, loss of major export orders and product recalls, according to Britain’s premiere organic food association, the Soil Association.
Which Side Are You On -- Pete Seeger
In the mountains of Kentucky in 1931, the coal miners of Harlan County went on strike. Officers hired by the mining company roamed the countryside hunting for the union leaders. The independent coal miners fought back gallantly against the hired company deputies and blood was spilled on both sides. "Which Side Are You On," was written by Florence Reece, the wife of Sam Reece, a union leader who had escaped into the Kentucky mountains for safety. Class warfare continues in the United States and in most nations throughout the world. Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Lee Hays, and Millard Lampell of the Almanac Singers made this song famous in 1941.
Occupy London eviction: live coverage
Occupy London eviction: live coverage from The Telegraph
Map of visitors to occupylondonsos.org over the past couple of hours - Spread across the whole world!
Map of visitors to occupylondonsos.org over the past couple of hours - Spread across the whole world!
Greece: IFJ Backs Striking Journalists' Decision to Print Paper after Months of Unpaid Wages
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its European group, the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) have backed striking journalists from the Greek daily Eleftherotypia who have published their own newspaper after going months without pay from their employer.
"It is a great victory for these journalists who saw their rights violated for months," said EFJ President Arne König. "We give a thumb up to their initiative and we congratulate the Journalists' Union of Athens Daily Newspapers for their support."
On 15 February the journalists, who have been on strike since December 2011, published their own newspaper, entitled "ERGAZOMENOI - Workers at Eleftherotypia!".
The first issue was published with the financial support of the EFJ affiliate, the Journalists' Union of Athens Daily Newspapers. The paper sold out in all kiosks all over Greece and, according to national newspaper circulation data, it surpassed all other newspaper sales in the country. Their employer, who has applied for bankruptcy under Greek law, stopped paying their salaries in August 2011. He still owes nearly 7 million euro in unpaid salaries.
"It is a great victory for these journalists who saw their rights violated for months," said EFJ President Arne König. "We give a thumb up to their initiative and we congratulate the Journalists' Union of Athens Daily Newspapers for their support."
On 15 February the journalists, who have been on strike since December 2011, published their own newspaper, entitled "ERGAZOMENOI - Workers at Eleftherotypia!".
The first issue was published with the financial support of the EFJ affiliate, the Journalists' Union of Athens Daily Newspapers. The paper sold out in all kiosks all over Greece and, according to national newspaper circulation data, it surpassed all other newspaper sales in the country. Their employer, who has applied for bankruptcy under Greek law, stopped paying their salaries in August 2011. He still owes nearly 7 million euro in unpaid salaries.
A promise from Occupy London: this is only the beginning
A promise from Occupy London: this is only the beginning
...
We’ll miss Occupy London Stock Exchange but not because of the tents, or even the kitchen shelves: it was a makeshift, loosely cooperative, occasionally quarrelling and fiercely idealistic group of people who came together to achieve something extraordinary. The relationships forged during these strange and beautiful four and a half months still have much further to run. This is only the beginning.
Occupy London Press Team
...
We’ll miss Occupy London Stock Exchange but not because of the tents, or even the kitchen shelves: it was a makeshift, loosely cooperative, occasionally quarrelling and fiercely idealistic group of people who came together to achieve something extraordinary. The relationships forged during these strange and beautiful four and a half months still have much further to run. This is only the beginning.
Occupy London Press Team
OccupyLSX Evicted - YOU CAN'T EVICT AN IDEA!
Arrests have been made at the request of St Paul's who are asking for protesters to be removed from the safety of it's steps!
Eviction Live
Hundreds of supports trying to get to St Paul's to show support - being blocked by police
Policeman just told me they throw everything away - tents, blankets, bikes, everything.
Interviewer live on the BBC is clearly trying suggest that the Occupy Movement is over. This will not end until we get change!
School of ideas is being evicted also. A lawful squat is being illegally evicted
BBC video - Occupy London camp evicted from St Paul's Cathedral
ScriptoniteDaily @Scriptonite Evicting people from their tents @occupylsx in middle of the night. Classy #occupylsx
Barricade of St Paul's as bailiffs enter. Resistance is peaceful!
A community and home is being destroyed. People are emotional. Whatever happens Occupy will continue.
Ludgate Hill cut off.
Quote from BBC "the police would like all evidence of the camp to be gone" - We are not going anywhere! This is about more than a few tents!
Many more riot police heading back to what's left of the camp
There is a trespass order on steps of st pauls. Shame on you st pauls cathedral. We are being shoved off. This is not part of court order
Police about 2 clear barricades + clear steps. @Giles Fraser not allowed through police lines.
Christian supporters praying as thrown to ground
Protesters Praying on the steps of St Paul's Cathedral are being dragged and thrown to the ground!
Resistance is peaceful yet the police seem ready for a riot.
Arrests have been made at the request of St Paul's who are asking for protesters to be removed from the safety of it's steps!
Shame on st pauls clergy for allowing this
RT @KaiWargalla: Policeman just told me they throw everything away - tents, blankets, bikes, everything
The last stand
Solidarity - You Cannot Evict an Idea
Thank you to everybody who has been following our St Paul's eviction stream here at www.occupylondonsos.org. The camp has now been completely cleared following a possession order which was granted to the City of London Corporation by the High Court on January 18th 2012.
Occupy London still intend to use the steps of St Paul's Cathedral to host General Assemblies. If you want to come down to London to show your support then we invite you to attend our next General Assembly which will be held 1pm today (28th February) at Finsbury Square and then later at 7pm next to the steps of St Paul's.
Please follow regular press releases at www.occupylsx.org
Sunday, 26 February 2012
Call for March 1 Day of Action
We refuse to pay for the crisis created by the 1%. We refuse to accept the dismantling of our schools and universities, while the banks and corporations make record profits. We refuse to accept educational re-segregation, massive tuition increases, outrageous student debt, and increasing privatization and corporatization.
They got bailed out and we got sold out. But through nationally coordinated mass action we can and will turn back the tide of austerity.
We call on all students, teachers, workers, and parents from all levels of education —pre-K-12 through higher education in public and private institutions— and all Occupy assemblies, labor unions, and organizations of oppressed communities, to mobilize on March 1st, 2012 across the country
Backing for Occupiers from neighbours who say: Buy back school
SQUATTERS from Occupy London movement who have taken over a disused primary school in Clerkenwell have stirred up a furious war of words over the future of the site – to be decided at a planning inquiry next week.
The Town Hall’s planning chief yesterday (Thurs) lambasted the housing association which bought Moorfields School, in Featherstone Street, three years ago for £8million, and accused them of throwing a “tantrum”.
Residents have also called on the Town Hall to buy the building back and return it to community use.
The Town Hall’s planning chief yesterday (Thurs) lambasted the housing association which bought Moorfields School, in Featherstone Street, three years ago for £8million, and accused them of throwing a “tantrum”.
Residents have also called on the Town Hall to buy the building back and return it to community use.
“We were against selling off the family silver to fill a short-term gap in the finances,” he said. “We think the Town Hall should buy it back and it should be put to some public good.
“Occupy London are saying something quite similar. I like their creativity and their open agenda. I like the fact they’re not really squatting – they have said they will leave when a proper use for the site has been found.”
“Occupy London are saying something quite similar. I like their creativity and their open agenda. I like the fact they’re not really squatting – they have said they will leave when a proper use for the site has been found.”
Saturday, 25 February 2012
#OpKillBillz Call to Solidarity & Action
And at the risk of being dismissed as conspiracy theorists, we must state that democracy begins with communication and the free flow of information. The moment our government intrudes in our private communication while labelling dissidents ‘terror threats’, we no longer have the freedom to organize as citizens in a democratic society.
Thus, whether you are a student activist, an occupier, a labour activist, a privacy advocate, or an environmentalist, your basic ability to communicate with those who share your views will soon come under surveillance, censorship, and criminalization.
In the context of a free and democratic society, we argue that of all undemocratic steps taken by the Conservative Government, Bill C-30 has the most chilling consequences of all
There are three major issues Canadians face in regards to the establishment of a surveillance state: Bills C-30, C-10, and S-7. All these bills have devastating implications on freedom and democracy.
Before any of these bills proceed any further, we urgently call upon all Canadians as well as social and political organizations to a national campaign of solidarity.
We propose #OpKillBillz, a national information campaign that draws on the collaboration between all Canadians, unions, activists, organizations. If there was one issue that all Canadians could join collaborate on, we are confident Bill C-30 provides the perfect opportunity. And it will only be the start.
We particularly call upon national unions with already established national networks and organizational experience to assist us organize this campaign. For this campaign to be successful, we will require human resources and the national framework that only large unions could facilitate.
We are ready to organize… We are waiting on you… Help us organize #OpKillBillz
Occupy Your Food Supply: Radical Farmer's March Aims to Bridge Urban-Rural Divide, Focus in on "Food Justice"
“I have a confession to make,” said Jim Gerritsen, an organic seed farmer from northern Maine, “This is my first time in New York City. I had no good reason to come until today.”
December 6, 2011: ignore the date, the information is still very relevant.
...
"I am here today to let you know that America is broken,” Gerritsen continued, addressing the diverse multitude. “The corporate control of our government and our economy—and the joblessness that it is creating—is directly related to the corporate dominance of big agriculture and the quality of food that you are getting.”
December 6, 2011: ignore the date, the information is still very relevant.
...
"I am here today to let you know that America is broken,” Gerritsen continued, addressing the diverse multitude. “The corporate control of our government and our economy—and the joblessness that it is creating—is directly related to the corporate dominance of big agriculture and the quality of food that you are getting.”
In addition to being a farmer, Jim Gerritsen is the President of the Organic Seed Grower and Trade Association (OSGTA)—which this past spring filed a lawsuit with Monsanto, the corporate giant that controls 93% of the soybeans and 80% of the corn growth in the United States.
Since March, over eighty-two other seed businesses, trade organizations, and family farmers—representing more than 300,000 people—have joined in the lawsuit, fighting the corporate monopoly of genetically modified seeds that are crushing organic farmers out of business and giving consumers little choice over whether or not their food is genetically modified.
Monsanto is not the only monopolistic offender—though it is one of the most influential through the extreme prevalence of corn and soybean chemical ingredients in processed foods. Four firms now control 84% of beef packing and 66% of beef production—over the past thirty years, the farming sector has lost over 90% of their pork producers, over 80% of their dairymen, and over 40% of their ranchers. Farmers are being forced into bankruptcy by corporate conglomerates.
Destroying jobs and economically devastating small farmers is only one element of the food industry’s particular strain of corporate greed. Eradicating farmers in favor of corporate mass production pushes their unregulated, heavily processed food on consumers. In addition to having little choice to begin with, this food is far more affordable by merit of its mass production.
As a result, more and more people—especially in lower income communities—are experiencing the health affects of genetically modified fats and sugars. It is no coincidence that obesity is directly correlated to income level, and that cases of diabetes, hypertension, and other obesity-related illnesses are concentrated in low-income communities, and often communities of color.
The reality is, most ordinary consumers in the ninety-nine percent are more concerned with trying to live within their means than making consciously healthy decisions. Economically, it makes more sense to purchase a filling fast food hamburger, especially when it is the same price as fresh fruits and vegetables. In trying to live from day-to-day, consumers lose track of long-term health consequences of their decisions, fueling the corporate supply with their continual demand.
A brief and crucial history of the United States
A true record of our history, if you dont like the first few seconds... well neither did I but the rest was beautifully done.
Friday, 24 February 2012
Chile’s local fishermen add more roadblocks in Aysén protests
Resistance continues as local fisherman from the Social Movement for the Aysén Region blocked another road on Friday after two weeks of violent protests, police brutality, and uncertainty in Aysén.
Fishermen blocked the North Route 9 of the Magallanes region, near the Three Bridges roundabout in protest of the fishing law and to support the ongoing movement in Aysén.
The movement has drawn national attention to high fuel prices, cost of living in the area, and the new fisheries bill the fishermen are rejecting.
“These misguided public policies are only to benefit large industrial fishing companies and they will destroy hydro biological resources for local fisherman,” the Social Movement said.
See here for students protest in Aysen
Images of fierce clashes that occurred during the early hours of February 22, the blocking of the road between Puerto Aysén and Puerto Chacabuco, the police repression and an unabated protest were captured by the citizens of Aysén and uploaded to social networking sites.
The One Percent
This 80-minute documentary focuses on the growing "wealth gap" in America, as seen through the eyes of filmmaker Jamie Johnson, a 27-year-old heir to the Johnson & Johnson pharmaceutical fortune. Johnson, who cut his film teeth at NYU and made the Emmy®-nominated 2003 HBO documentary Born Rich, here sets his sights on exploring the political, moral and emotional rationale that enables a tiny percentage of Americans - the one percent - to control nearly half the wealth of the entire United States. The film Includes interviews with Nicole Buffett, Bill Gates Sr., Adnan Khashoggi, Milton Friedman, Robert Reich, Ralph Nader and other luminaries.
Thursday, 23 February 2012
Thousands protest tuition hikes in Montreal
Cops pepper spraying into the eyes of peaceful student protesters
Thousands of students marched the streets of Montreal, protesting Quebec's decision to nearly double tuition fees over a five-year period.
Another video here
Bolivia's disabled clash with police in La Paz
Bolivia's disabled march into La Paz demanding higher monthly stipends and clash with police.
Watch the video here. There was no embed code for it.
Physically disabled people clash with riot police in La Paz, Bolivia on Feb. 23, 2012. Hundreds of physically disabled people arrived in La Paz on Thursday after completing a protest march of 994 miles to demand that Bolivia's government offer support in the form of $434 payment to each physically disabled Bolivian
See more here
Watch the video here. There was no embed code for it.
Physically disabled people clash with riot police in La Paz, Bolivia on Feb. 23, 2012. Hundreds of physically disabled people arrived in La Paz on Thursday after completing a protest march of 994 miles to demand that Bolivia's government offer support in the form of $434 payment to each physically disabled Bolivian
See more here
Vigil at St Pauls
Come join Occupy on steps @StPauls where we hold our vigil. We will be here together until the bailiffs come.
Wednesday, 22 February 2012
F27 Global Day of Action to Occupy Our Food Supply
Inspired by the theme of CREATE/RESIST, thousands will come together to creatively confront corporate control of our food supply and take action to build healthy, accessible food systems for all.
Date/Time
Date(s) - Mon. Feb 27 2012
11:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Location
Liberty Plaza
Liberty Plaza
New York City, NY 10006
EVERYWHERE
Armageddon at Implat's wildcat strike? Mine eruptions escalate in South Africa
The entire workforce was fired in early January after the company had the strike declared illegal, but they are now re-hiring workers on the condition that they forfeit all benefits built-up over their years of work.
22 February 2012. South African miners are in the fifth week of a wildcat strike that has paralysed the Rustenburg mine of Impala Platinum, the biggest producer of platinum in the world. The last few days have seen antagonism erupt into increasingly militant action.
Things are so explosive there and it doesn't look like there's any way the authorities can diffuse the situation. If the workers extend the initial self-organisation of the strike towards the formation of independent worker's councils and occupy the mines things may easily escalate into a revolutionary general-strike very quickly - as has happened so many times before in the past.
22 February 2012. South African miners are in the fifth week of a wildcat strike that has paralysed the Rustenburg mine of Impala Platinum, the biggest producer of platinum in the world. The last few days have seen antagonism erupt into increasingly militant action.
Things are so explosive there and it doesn't look like there's any way the authorities can diffuse the situation. If the workers extend the initial self-organisation of the strike towards the formation of independent worker's councils and occupy the mines things may easily escalate into a revolutionary general-strike very quickly - as has happened so many times before in the past.
All those who might be interested in organising support for the strikers are invited to contact the author at
lobesey[AT]gmail.com
Submitted by loveletters on Feb 22 2012 19:44
Some Greeks Might Have to Pay for Their Jobs
It's being called the "negative salary"
Due to austerity measures in Greece, it's being reported that up to 64,000 Greeks will go without pay this month, and some will have to pay for having a job. Numbers in austerity reports have usually reflected figures in the millions, since they reflect industry-wide cuts (i.e. a 537-million euro cut to health and pension funds). And plans of cutting minimum wage by up to 32% is all but a given in the country. Today's "negative salary" deal—which could have government employees returning funds— reveals the real human impact of the austerity measures.
Salary cutbacks (called "unified payroll") for contract workers at the public sector set to be finalized today. Cuts to be valid retroactively since november 2011. Expected result: Up to 64.000 people will work without salary this month, or even be asked to return money. Amongst them 21.000 teachers, 13.000 municipal employees and 30.000 civil servants.
Due to austerity measures in Greece, it's being reported that up to 64,000 Greeks will go without pay this month, and some will have to pay for having a job. Numbers in austerity reports have usually reflected figures in the millions, since they reflect industry-wide cuts (i.e. a 537-million euro cut to health and pension funds). And plans of cutting minimum wage by up to 32% is all but a given in the country. Today's "negative salary" deal—which could have government employees returning funds— reveals the real human impact of the austerity measures.
Salary cutbacks (called "unified payroll") for contract workers at the public sector set to be finalized today. Cuts to be valid retroactively since november 2011. Expected result: Up to 64.000 people will work without salary this month, or even be asked to return money. Amongst them 21.000 teachers, 13.000 municipal employees and 30.000 civil servants.
Occupy London St Paul's eviction appeal bid thrown out
"All appeals denied but fight not over," Occupy London said on Twitter.
Occupy London, which campaigns against corporate greed, set up the camp on 15 October. There are currently about 120 tents at the site.
Protesters say they plan to remove two large tents which housed the "kitchen" and "Tent City University" as they were donated to the group and they did not want them destroyed during the eviction.
The protesters are due to decide their next course of action at a meeting later, but have suggested that they could move to the other two occupations in the capital - in Finsbury Square and the School of Ideas in Featherstone Street, Islington.
Occupy London, which campaigns against corporate greed, set up the camp on 15 October. There are currently about 120 tents at the site.
Protesters say they plan to remove two large tents which housed the "kitchen" and "Tent City University" as they were donated to the group and they did not want them destroyed during the eviction.
The protesters are due to decide their next course of action at a meeting later, but have suggested that they could move to the other two occupations in the capital - in Finsbury Square and the School of Ideas in Featherstone Street, Islington.
Tuesday, 21 February 2012
Occupy Piccolo! Chicago Communities Occupy School In Protest of PrivatizationOccupy Piccolo! Chicago Communities Occupy School In Protest of Privatization
The Brian Piccolo Specialty School in Humboldt Park, Chicago is currently Occupied by parents, teachers, and students. Occupy Chicago and other allies are outside the building in solidarity and have set up an encampment. Around one hundred people are present and are taking shifts to ensure the safety of the occupation. The Chicago Teachers Union has expressed support for the action. Piccolo, an elementary school with a student body that is almost entirely from low income communities of color, is one of 16 Chicago public schools slated to be closed by Mayor Rahm's service cuts to the poor.
Spanish police brutalize student protesters in Valenci
Conjuring up memories of Franco’s dictatorship, a peaceful student protest in Spain was violently disturbed by police assaults on harmless minors.
A peaceful protest against budget cuts in education in Valencia, Spain on Tuesday ended in bloody police repression. Conjuring up memories of Franco’s brutal dictatorship, squads of riot police violently assaulted a group of some 300 students, arresting at least 26 and leaving scores injured. YouTube footage displayed a policeman forcefully pushing two girls onto a car, while photos emerged of young kids with bloodied faces surrounded by riot police.
While the regional police chief branded the students “as the enemy” and insisted that riot police had merely deployed “proportioned physical force”, reporters on the scene confirmed that the baton-wielding police forces had even fired rubber bullets at the students. Despite the Spanish newspaper El Publico reporting “brutal police aggression”, hundreds of students took back to the streets in the evening and encircled the University of Valencia in protest.
Tuesday’s demonstrations, which come a day after over a million Spaniards took to the streets to contest the governments’s labor reforms, marked the fourth straight day of student protests in Spain’s third largest city. Valencia is one of the most heavily hit region’s in Spain’s crippling debt crisis, and with the newly-appointed Rajoy government pushing through even more harsh austerity measures, budget cuts have left most schools without heating.
The images coming out of Valencia have already caused widespread indignation on social media and in the Spanish press, and are likely to feed into further protests in the days ahead. Solidarity demonstrations have been called in Madrid and Barcelona. But, as we previously pointed out after the crackdowns in Barcelona, New York and Oakland, this type of police violence will, in the end, only further reinvigorate our resistance.
Monday, 20 February 2012
Many of you will not believe some of the things Americans are doing just to survive.
Some families are living in sewers and drain tunnels, some families are living in tents, some families are living in their cars, some families will make ketchup soup for dinner tonight and some families are even eating rats.
The following is a half hour documentary produced by the BBC entitled “Poor America”. Trust me, this is a must watch. Your heart will break as you hear some American children talk about what they have to do for food….
The following is a half hour documentary produced by the BBC entitled “Poor America”. Trust me, this is a must watch. Your heart will break as you hear some American children talk about what they have to do for food….
'It's Going to Be War': First Nations Battle Canadian Tar Sands
The fight against the Keystone XL has won at least a temporary victory in the United States, but its Canadian counterpart, despite vocal opposition by environmentalists and community members along its westward route, has been largely championed by the ruling conservative government in Ottawa.
The Los Angeles Times reports:
The $5.5-billion Northern Gateway project, which would carry 525,000 barrels a day of crude 731 miles from a town near Edmonton through the Rocky Mountains to a new port on the British Columbia coast, has long been in the works as a companion to Keystone XL.
Canada's Harper-run government has lobbied hard on behalf of both the Keystone XL pipeline and Northern Gatway. First Nations and local municipalities, however, have refused to back down from their opposition. The Globe and Mail reported recently:
More than 60 B.C. First Nations and aboriginal organizations have signed a declaration opposing the plan to build a 1,177-kilometre twin pipeline from Alberta to the northwest B.C. port of Kitimat, where huge oil tankers will ship oil to Asia and the United States.
The Union of B.C. Municipalities also voted against the oil pipeline at their meeting last fall. Terrace announced its opposition at a council meeting [last] week."Debate is especially intense here in British Columbia," according to the Los Angeles Times' Kim Murphy, who was in the town of Fort St. James for her report:
Although some residents are eager for the tax revenue and thousands of local jobs the pipeline could bring, many who live along the corridor and in many First Nations territories, homelands of Canada's aboriginals, are mobilizing to fight it.
Crucial are the streams and tributaries of the Fraser and Skeena rivers that lie in the pipeline's path — possibly the greatest salmon rivers on Earth.
The most formidable opposition comes from the First Nations of British Columbia, most of which, unlike those in other provinces, have never signed treaties with the federal government and thus have never relinquished title to their historic lands.
"We have the ability to go to court in Canada and say, 'What you are proposing violates the Constitution of Canada.' And that's the trump card in all of this," said Art Sterritt, director of the Coastal First Nations' Great Bear Initiative.
On the Saik'uz Reserve, near the town of Vanderhoof, schoolchildren spent part of the afternoon before the pipeline hearing making signs and sitting quietly as tribal leaders explained the project and why it must be stopped.
Tribal Chief Jackie Thomas has held meetings and written letters pointing out Enbridge's record on accidents, including the spill of 810,000 gallons of oil from a pipeline in Michigan in 2010, much of which flowed 30 miles downstream into the Kalamazoo River. Enbridge has spent $700 million so far and workers are still trying to clean it up.
"It's going to be a war," she predicted of the fight ahead. "The only question is, who's going to draw the first blood?"
Saturday, 18 February 2012
Paul Mason: 'These revolts have ended the period of capitalist realism
The “cancelled future” generation has gone from apathetic despair to inspired action.
Newsnight economics editor and author of Why It's Kicking Off Everywhere: the New Global Revolutions talks about how the wave of revolts that began in late 2008 have broken with a time when it seemed easier to imagine the end of the world than the end of capitalism – and discusses the importance of social media to the protesters
Newsnight economics editor and author of Why It's Kicking Off Everywhere: the New Global Revolutions talks about how the wave of revolts that began in late 2008 have broken with a time when it seemed easier to imagine the end of the world than the end of capitalism – and discusses the importance of social media to the protesters
Court of appeal to rule on Occupy eviction
The decision of the appeal will now be made on the 22nd of February with Occupy members in high spirits as they leave the court.
George Barda described today as going 'as well as can be expected'.
George Barda described today as going 'as well as can be expected'.
Friday, 17 February 2012
TK Maxx joins retailers quitting unpaid work scheme for jobseekers
Clothing store chain joins Sainbury's and Waterstone's in pulling out as Poundland reviews its policy after human rights case
A central plank in the government's unemployment strategy has suffered another set back after another high street retailer confirmed that it had withdrawn from using unpaid benefit claimants to work in its stores.
The discount clothing store TK Maxx has said it no longer supports the Department of Work and Pensions' work experience schemes in which jobseekers can have their benefits removed if they do not work unpaid for up to 30 hours a week. TK Maxx said: "We take our responsibilities as a retailer and employer very seriously and work with a number of bodies that help people get into work. We do not currently support compulsory non-paid work experience in our business."
Tesco faced criticism and abuse after a link to a jobcentre advert was posted on Twitter appearing to show it hiring for a permanent role as a night shift worker for which it would pay only jobseeker's allowance as a wage.
Tesco, the UK's largest private employer which made over £3.5bn profit last April, said that it had taken on 1,400 such claimants in the last four months amounting to 168,000 hours of unpaid work assuming all participants in the scheme work for 30hrs a week.
President John F Kennedy Secret Society Speech
"Listen to this incredible audio recording of a speech made by JFK before the American Newspaper Publishers Association where he warns the American public about the secret societies that are the real power in global affairs."
Opposing NATO in Chicago May 19, 2012
Many people are going to oppose NATO Summit in Chicago May 19, 2012. We made series of TV shows that will explain why folks are protesting the NATO G8 Summit. Occupy Chicago and Other will attend the march that will leave Daley Center 12:00 PM noon that day.This show is hosted by Andy Thayer and Produced by Patrick McDonough of Chicago Clout.
Boycott Workfare - UK
See the whole story here
Boycott Workfare is a UK-wide campaign to end forced unpaid work for people who receive welfare. Workfare profits the rich by providing free labour, whilst threatening the poor by taking away welfare rights if people refuse to work without a living wage. We expose and take action against companies and organisations profiting from workfare; encourage organisations to pledge to boycott it; and actively inform people of their rights.
Take part in the Boycott Workfare Day of Action on 3rd March! Pay a visit to the nasty companies still profiting from workfare on your high street! More info.
The following companies and organisations are known to have used or be using workfare:
99p stores
a4e
Alpha Stream – Kent
Asda
ATS
BHS – British Home Stores
Boots
Burger King
Burton
Age Concern
Alton Towers
Argos
Asian Star Community Radio LTD
Barnardos
Bookers Wholesale
Carillion – Kent
British Heart Foundation
Capability Scotland
Cancer Research
Chessington World of Adventures
DB Accident Repair – Kent
DC Cleaning Sussex
Diamond Glass Medway – Kent
Dorothy Perkins
Envirostream – Kent
Evans
Finsbury Park Business Forum
F&S Interiors – Kent
Go Response – Kent
Helen & Douglas House Hospice – Maidenhead
HMV
Holiday Inn
Holland & Barrett
Gorgie City Farm
Greggs the bakers
JA Glover – Kent
Jessup Electrical Wholesale Ltd – Kent
JJ Vickers & Sons Ltd – Kent
Kennedy Scott
Kent Flooring Supplies – Kent
Kent Space – Kent
Legoland Parks
London Eye
Madame Tussauds
Marie Curie
Maplin
Matalan
Mayhem Paintball – Kent
McDonald’s
Medway Council
Medway Tyres – Kent
Miss Selfridge
Mr Gleam – Sussex
Newham Council
Newhaven Community Development
Olympic Glass – Kent
Omnico Plastics Ltd – Kent
Outfit
Payless – Kent
PDSA
Pizza Hut
Plumbase – Kent
Poundland
Poundstretcher
PPDG
Primark
Process Plant Services Ltd – Kent
RBLI
Regency Guillotine – Kent
Richmond Fellowship
Rock Circus
Romney Resource Kent
Royal Mail
RNR Performance Cars – Kent
Saffron Acres Project
Salvation Army
Savers
Sealife Centres
SERCO
Scope
Scout Enterprises
Servest – Kent, London
Shelter
SHOC Slough Homeless
Signs & Imaging Ltd – Kent
Slough Library
Slough Furniture Project
Southern Membranes Ltd – Kent
Southern Metal Services – Kent
southern Roofing & Building Supplies – Kent
Stephens Fresh Food – Kent
Superdrug
Swan Lifeline – Windsor
Tesco
Thorpe Park
Topman
Topshop
The Range – Sussex
Town and Country Cleaners Kent
Wallis
Warwick Castle
Westvic Enamellers – Kent
WHSmith
Whittingtons Silk Flower & Plant Centre – Kent
Wilkinsons
Boycott Workfare is a UK-wide campaign to end forced unpaid work for people who receive welfare. Workfare profits the rich by providing free labour, whilst threatening the poor by taking away welfare rights if people refuse to work without a living wage. We expose and take action against companies and organisations profiting from workfare; encourage organisations to pledge to boycott it; and actively inform people of their rights.
Take part in the Boycott Workfare Day of Action on 3rd March! Pay a visit to the nasty companies still profiting from workfare on your high street! More info.
The following companies and organisations are known to have used or be using workfare:
99p stores
a4e
Alpha Stream – Kent
Asda
ATS
BHS – British Home Stores
Boots
Burger King
Burton
Age Concern
Alton Towers
Argos
Asian Star Community Radio LTD
Barnardos
Bookers Wholesale
Carillion – Kent
British Heart Foundation
Capability Scotland
Cancer Research
Chessington World of Adventures
DB Accident Repair – Kent
DC Cleaning Sussex
Diamond Glass Medway – Kent
Dorothy Perkins
Envirostream – Kent
Evans
Finsbury Park Business Forum
F&S Interiors – Kent
Go Response – Kent
Helen & Douglas House Hospice – Maidenhead
HMV
Holiday Inn
Holland & Barrett
Gorgie City Farm
Greggs the bakers
JA Glover – Kent
Jessup Electrical Wholesale Ltd – Kent
JJ Vickers & Sons Ltd – Kent
Kennedy Scott
Kent Flooring Supplies – Kent
Kent Space – Kent
Legoland Parks
London Eye
Madame Tussauds
Marie Curie
Maplin
Matalan
Mayhem Paintball – Kent
McDonald’s
Medway Council
Medway Tyres – Kent
Miss Selfridge
Mr Gleam – Sussex
Newham Council
Newhaven Community Development
Olympic Glass – Kent
Omnico Plastics Ltd – Kent
Outfit
Payless – Kent
PDSA
Pizza Hut
Plumbase – Kent
Poundland
Poundstretcher
PPDG
Primark
Process Plant Services Ltd – Kent
RBLI
Regency Guillotine – Kent
Richmond Fellowship
Rock Circus
Romney Resource Kent
Royal Mail
RNR Performance Cars – Kent
Saffron Acres Project
Salvation Army
Savers
Sealife Centres
SERCO
Scope
Scout Enterprises
Servest – Kent, London
Shelter
SHOC Slough Homeless
Signs & Imaging Ltd – Kent
Slough Library
Slough Furniture Project
Southern Membranes Ltd – Kent
Southern Metal Services – Kent
southern Roofing & Building Supplies – Kent
Stephens Fresh Food – Kent
Superdrug
Swan Lifeline – Windsor
Tesco
Thorpe Park
Topman
Topshop
The Range – Sussex
Town and Country Cleaners Kent
Wallis
Warwick Castle
Westvic Enamellers – Kent
WHSmith
Whittingtons Silk Flower & Plant Centre – Kent
Wilkinsons
Monday, 13 February 2012
The Significance of US Govt Cannabinoid Patent 6,630,507
"The US Government has a patent on cannabis."
So, why is this important? Here is a legal document, in the public domain, which flies in the face of the US Government's stated position with regard to the classification of cannabis as a Schedule I substance having no "currently accepted medical use".
Believe me, citing this patent stops the "medical marijuana is a myth" advocates dead in their tracks.
They simply cannot argue with it. The forces that would keep cannabis illegal are vocal and well funded, but they are not impervious to persistent effort. The lynch pin in the War on Drugs is cannabis. Without the suppression and interdiction of this popular and widely used substance, there simply would not be enough "illegal drug use" going on to justify the huge amount of money and resources spent on "fighting drugs."
Link to patent
So, why is this important? Here is a legal document, in the public domain, which flies in the face of the US Government's stated position with regard to the classification of cannabis as a Schedule I substance having no "currently accepted medical use".
Believe me, citing this patent stops the "medical marijuana is a myth" advocates dead in their tracks.
They simply cannot argue with it. The forces that would keep cannabis illegal are vocal and well funded, but they are not impervious to persistent effort. The lynch pin in the War on Drugs is cannabis. Without the suppression and interdiction of this popular and widely used substance, there simply would not be enough "illegal drug use" going on to justify the huge amount of money and resources spent on "fighting drugs."
Out in the Open: Week of action & national walkout, 12 – 16 March 2012
From NUS Connect
At the beginning of the year NUS consulted the membership on what our campaigning priorities for the year ahead should be. Invaluable feedback from members helped to shape NUS’ policy objectives and campaign tactics for the term ahead. These tactics include:
Week of action: Monday 12th – Friday 16th March: To take place on campuses across the country to demonstrate to VCs and principals that high fees, hidden course costs and a lack of bursaries are pricing students out of education, that postgraduate students need a better deal, and that students will not stand by and let the coalition government press ahead with its destructive plans to sell off and privatise our universities and colleges. We want openness on course costs and openness on the future of our education system.
National walkout: Wednesday 14th March: In the middle of the week of action a national walkout will take place on campuses across the country. Students will boycott lectures and instead get involved in local on campus activities to demonstrate their opposition to the coalition government’s plans to destroy our higher education system.
Lobby of parliament: 18 April ...
At the beginning of the year NUS consulted the membership on what our campaigning priorities for the year ahead should be. Invaluable feedback from members helped to shape NUS’ policy objectives and campaign tactics for the term ahead. These tactics include:
Week of action: Monday 12th – Friday 16th March: To take place on campuses across the country to demonstrate to VCs and principals that high fees, hidden course costs and a lack of bursaries are pricing students out of education, that postgraduate students need a better deal, and that students will not stand by and let the coalition government press ahead with its destructive plans to sell off and privatise our universities and colleges. We want openness on course costs and openness on the future of our education system.
National walkout: Wednesday 14th March: In the middle of the week of action a national walkout will take place on campuses across the country. Students will boycott lectures and instead get involved in local on campus activities to demonstrate their opposition to the coalition government’s plans to destroy our higher education system.
Lobby of parliament: 18 April ...
March 14 - National student walk-out (called by NUS)
The last time NUS called a national demonstration 50 000 students took it to the streets. In the context of an on-going war on our education, we need to build this day to make this the biggest day of student protests that this government has seen.
As part of its week of action, the NUS has called a national student walk-out against changes in fees, education cuts, and the debt regime.
ULU, the Education Activist Network and LSE SU are calling for (other supporting campaigns/unions to be added...) a London student feeder march to Parliament from ULU.
Despite a delay to the HE White Paper, the government is still hammering education, from sky high university fees to the lack of support for FE students, especially for working class young people. We must continue to fight, and broaden our struggle to help defeat this dangerous unaccountable government.
The times are still tbc
Sunday, 12 February 2012
Video: Athens on fire as mass protest turns violent
Dozens of buildings went up in flames as the riots engulfed the center of the Greek capital. A three-story corner building believed to be a home appliances store was severely damaged by fire. Among other buildings damaged were a cinema, a bank, a mobile phone dealership, a glassware shop and a coffee shop.
Greece we are with you!
In solidarity with Greek People, today we are meeting at 20pm in front of the Greek embassy. 24, Doctor Arce St. (between <M> Argentina, Cruz del Rayo and Concha Espina).
The Greek Parliament has further intensified the austerity measures. A punishment that once again falls on Greek people and benefits the Troika and other speculators.
Meanwhile, in the streets, greek people refuse to be subdued and fight fiercely against financial dictatorship, which has been imposed. In Greece, Athens and other cities have being rioting for the last eight hours. By adopting these austerity measures, poverty will be increased and extended among greek people; and they will be burned by economy for decades
Until when we are going to be watching passively. How much more must be tighten, in this slow torture. Greece we are with you!
Today we see at 20 pm in front of the Embassy of Greece
Greeks Call for Solidarity in Strikes Against Austerity
From Occupy Wall Street
For years, Greece has been wrecked by the very same policies of austerity also underway in the United States and other countries. From Athens to Oakland, the 99% have awoken - and we refuse to be sold out.
Wages are to be cut by more than 20 percent, thousands of civil servants will be laid off, and vital social programs will be severely cut. These laws punish the Greek 99% to repay the debts of the ruling class. The government has sold out sovereignty, the poor, and the working class in the interest of foreign creditors and the demands of the 1%. Bankers continue to make millions and corporations pay fewer taxes. The rest of society, having done nothing wrong, is being punished for the failures of the market.
In response, thousands have taken to the streets and occupied the square in front of Parliament. For the second time this week, Greek workers began a general strike for today and tomorrow. Most transportation has been shut down - limited-service trains will allow protesters to attend demonstrations in Athens. Protesters around Parliament have been attacked with stun grenades and teargas by riot police. Similar protests and strikes are underway across Europe, including in Belgium, where firefighters opposed to cuts in their retirement plan broke through police lines with water hoses.
For years, Greece has been wrecked by the very same policies of austerity also underway in the United States and other countries. From Athens to Oakland, the 99% have awoken - and we refuse to be sold out.
Wages are to be cut by more than 20 percent, thousands of civil servants will be laid off, and vital social programs will be severely cut. These laws punish the Greek 99% to repay the debts of the ruling class. The government has sold out sovereignty, the poor, and the working class in the interest of foreign creditors and the demands of the 1%. Bankers continue to make millions and corporations pay fewer taxes. The rest of society, having done nothing wrong, is being punished for the failures of the market.
In response, thousands have taken to the streets and occupied the square in front of Parliament. For the second time this week, Greek workers began a general strike for today and tomorrow. Most transportation has been shut down - limited-service trains will allow protesters to attend demonstrations in Athens. Protesters around Parliament have been attacked with stun grenades and teargas by riot police. Similar protests and strikes are underway across Europe, including in Belgium, where firefighters opposed to cuts in their retirement plan broke through police lines with water hoses.
Senate sneaks in SOPA under a new name
From RT
After trying to adopt Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and Protect IP Act (PIPA), both pieces of legislation turned out to be a disaster, causing outrage among Internet giants and ordinary users alike. Congress had to retreat. However it's determined to get what it wants this time.
After the shelving of SOPA and PIPA back in January Reid stated,“There is no reason that the legitimate issues raised by many about this bill cannot be resolved.”
As RT reported last month, Senator Reid added that lawmakers will“continue engaging with all stakeholders to forge a balance between protecting Americans’ intellectual property, and maintaining openness and innovation on the Internet.”
The vote on the anti-piracy legislation was postponed from its January 24date after Wikipedia and other popular websites went dark to protest the draft law.
Now the battle for online freedom continues.
The rebuttal to push Internet-regulating legislation has transformed into a new cybersecurity bill. The particulars of the latest attempt by senators to censor the Internet have not been disclosed to the public.
However some leaks suggest that the bill will grant the authority to crack down on the Internet to the executive branch of power, namely the White House. It looks highly possible taking into consideration that the legislation has to come out of the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee, chaired by Connecticut Independent Sen. Joe Lieberman.
The same Lieberman who earlier co-sponsored the so called Kill Switch bill that could allow the president of the United States to "declare a cybersecurity emergency," and practically shut down the Internet.
After outrage from Internet advocacy groups, Kill Switch never made it in the Senate. This time it may be back under a new name.
After trying to adopt Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and Protect IP Act (PIPA), both pieces of legislation turned out to be a disaster, causing outrage among Internet giants and ordinary users alike. Congress had to retreat. However it's determined to get what it wants this time.
After the shelving of SOPA and PIPA back in January Reid stated,“There is no reason that the legitimate issues raised by many about this bill cannot be resolved.”
As RT reported last month, Senator Reid added that lawmakers will“continue engaging with all stakeholders to forge a balance between protecting Americans’ intellectual property, and maintaining openness and innovation on the Internet.”
The vote on the anti-piracy legislation was postponed from its January 24date after Wikipedia and other popular websites went dark to protest the draft law.
Now the battle for online freedom continues.
The rebuttal to push Internet-regulating legislation has transformed into a new cybersecurity bill. The particulars of the latest attempt by senators to censor the Internet have not been disclosed to the public.
However some leaks suggest that the bill will grant the authority to crack down on the Internet to the executive branch of power, namely the White House. It looks highly possible taking into consideration that the legislation has to come out of the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee, chaired by Connecticut Independent Sen. Joe Lieberman.
The same Lieberman who earlier co-sponsored the so called Kill Switch bill that could allow the president of the United States to "declare a cybersecurity emergency," and practically shut down the Internet.
After outrage from Internet advocacy groups, Kill Switch never made it in the Senate. This time it may be back under a new name.
Murdoch media empire engulfed in scandal as Scotland Yard's net spreads
A total of 21 people have now been arrested in the bribery probe, Operation Elveden, including three police officers, though no one has yet been charged. Those arrested include Rebekah Brooks, the former chief executive of Murdoch's News International, the company that owns the Sun, and ex-News of the World editor Andy Coulson, who went on to become prime minister David Cameron's communications chief.
That the arrests are linked to alleged bribes paid not just to police officers but prison staff and Ministry of Defence officials, confirms Scotland Yard is throwing its net wider as it seeks to root out corruption. The arrest of an MoD official may invite speculation that the Official Secrets Act could have been breached.
Legal experts speculate that the bribery allegations could lead to the broadcasting watchdog, Ofcom, reviewing Murdoch's stake in Sky television. Under UK law, owners must prove they are "fit and proper" to own media interests. Any evidence suggesting News International titles were engaged in the corruption of officials could also trigger an investigation by the US authorities into breaches of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) which prohibits corrupt payments to foreign government officials.
It is this – the threat of the cancer spreading outside the UK and eating away at an empire that includes Fox News and 20th Century Fox film studios, and last year had revenues of $34bn (£21.5bn) – that really worries Murdoch's lieutenants.
Greek Parliament Passes Austerity Plan as Riots Rage
From New York Times
The new austerity measures include, among others, a 22 percent cut in the benchmark minimum wage and 150,000 government layoffs by 2015 — a bitter prospect in a country ravaged by five years of recession and with unemployment at 21 percent and rising.
But the chaos on the streets of Athens, where more than 80,000 people turned out to protest on Sunday, and in other cities across Greece reflected a growing dread — certainly among Greeks, but also among economists and perhaps even European officials — that the sharp belt-tightening and the bailout money it brings will still not be enough to keep the country from going over a precipice.
The new austerity measures include, among others, a 22 percent cut in the benchmark minimum wage and 150,000 government layoffs by 2015 — a bitter prospect in a country ravaged by five years of recession and with unemployment at 21 percent and rising.
But the chaos on the streets of Athens, where more than 80,000 people turned out to protest on Sunday, and in other cities across Greece reflected a growing dread — certainly among Greeks, but also among economists and perhaps even European officials — that the sharp belt-tightening and the bailout money it brings will still not be enough to keep the country from going over a precipice.
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