Mn-prog-events Mailing List: Progressive Calendar 04.01.08

[David Shove (shove001]

              P R O G R E S S I V E   C A L E N D A R    04.01.08

1. Gay sounds        4.02 3pm
2. Islam prophets    4.02 6:30pm
3. Cavlan/Senate     4.02 7pm
4. Radical democracy 4.02 7pm
5. MPN4P MerriamPark 4.02 7pm

6. Islam civization  4.03 11am
7. MLK 40 years      4.03 11:30am
8. Sprawl            4.03 4pm
9. Sexual assault    4.03 4pm
10. New Hope demo    4.03 4:30pm
11. Eagan vigil      4.03 4:30pm
12. Northtown vigil  4.03 5pm
13. Ft Benning       4.03 5;30pm Duluth MN
14. Islam science    4.03 6:30pm
15. Life/trees/films 4.03 7pm
16. Join AWC         4.03 7pm
17. ML King/radical  4.03 7pm
18. Palestine        4.03 7pm
19. Nazi Germany     4.03 7pm
20. Women/war/play   4.03 8pm

21. Joel Hirschhorn - The Reflecting Pool: new 9/11 film
22. Roberts/Orr     - Scandal at the Sierra Club: the Clorox coup
23. Paul Rockwell   - Hillary's lies about outsourcing

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From: Jeff Hartman <hartm152 [at] umn.edu>
Subject: Gay sounds 4.02 3pm

"Gay sounds: A non-discrete model of Gay speech": A talk with Bryan
Gordon
Wednesday, April 2, 3:00 pm
Institute for Advanced Study, 125 Nolte Center
315 Pillsbury Dr. SE, Minneapolis

"Gay speech" is an area of linguistic research that generates great
interest from outside the discipline. The programme reinvigorated by
Rudolf Gaudio in 1994 has centered about tying Gay-sounding speakers to
specific phonetic, phonological and morphosyntactic variables - most
prominently, average pitch - while research outside of linguistics has
looked mostly at lexicon and style.  Gordon argues that future research
should draw upon subjectivity and qualitative microanalysis before
quantifying main effects; and the notion of "Gay" as corresponding to a
discrete linguistic entity should be abandoned.  Bryan Gordon is a PhD
student in Linguistics at the University of Minnesota.


--------2 of 23--------

From: Charles Underwood <charleyunderwood [at] hotmail.com>
Subject: Islam prophets 4.02 6:30pm

Wednesday, 4/2, 6:30 pm, U of M Muslim Student Association presents talk
by Imam Siraj Wahaj on "The Prophets of Islam," Univ of Minnesota's Willey
Hall, room 125, 225 - 19th Ave S, Mpls.  http://engagemn.com/


--------3 of 23--------

From: DoriJJ [at] aol.com
Subject: Cavlan/Senate 4.02 7pm

Dear Friends:  We are about to get serious about Michael's campaign for US
Senate 2008.  We've been slow because it seems everyone has been running
to Jack and there aren't a lot of people ready to step up to our campaign.
However, some are realizing that Jack's not going to be endorsed by the
DFL and then perhaps some of those people will come over to our campaign.

We're calling a meeting of our former volunteers and some new people to
try to hit the ground running.  The first meeting of the Campaign
Committee will be on next Wednesday, April 2, beginning at 7:00 PM at
Michael's house.  The address is 3115 Elliot Ave. S.

Please RSVP to me whether you can make it or not.  We  would be so happy to
see you there.

My phone number is 612/414-9528.
--Dori Ullman, Chair Michael Cavlan for US Senate 2008 Campaign Committee


--------4 of 23--------

From: Kwame Tsikata <KTsikata [at] progressivetech.org>
Subject: Radical democracy 4.02 7pm

Mark this event on your calendar! Paul Getsos, co-author of Tools for
Radical Democracy: How to Organize for Power in your Community, will do a
book reading on Wednesday April 2nd 2008 - 7:00pm, Magers & Quinn
Bookstore (3038 Hennepin Avenue S., Minneapolis).

Tools for Radical Democracy is an essential resource for grassroots
organizers and leaders, students of activism and advocacy, and anyone
trying to increase the civic participation of ordinary people. This
reading will be an interactive session of Paul Getsos reading passages
from the book and tackling various questions from you.

In Tools for Radical Democracy, Getsos
<http://toolsforradicaldemocracy.com/authors.html> and co-author Minieri
<http://toolsforradicaldemocracy.com/authors.html> share stories and tools
from their nationally recognized and award-winning work of building a
community-led organization, training community leaders, and conducting
campaigns that changed public policy and delivered concrete results to
tens of thousands of people.  The book contains keen insights for using
technology effectively, building more powerful alliances, and engaging in
the social justice movement.

This is a not to be missed book reading for those interested in building
power to create change. Please forward this to your friends and other
interested constituencies! For more information email
kwame [at] progressivetech.org

What they say about Tools for Radical Democracy

"This manual is an organizer's organizer. I hope many people will put this
to use." -Heather Booth, founder and president, Midwest Academy

"This book is 'the secret' for building collective power for long-term
social change." -Nat Chioke Williams, Executive Director, Hill-Snowdon
Foundation

"Minieri and Getsos provide real-world examples of how ordinary people can
become leaders who effect positive change. This book will be required
reading for our staff and recommended reading for all our members." -Janet
S. Keating, Co-Director, Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition

"Students, scholars, and social activists alike will find something to
their tastes in this how-to guide for rebuilding democracy from the ground
up." -Joaquin Herranz Jr., Assistant Professor, Daniel J. Evans School of
Public Affairs, University of Washington


--------5 of 23--------

From: Krista Menzel <krista [at] kristamenzel.com>
Subject: MPN4P MerriamPark 4.02 7pm

Merriam Park Neighbors for Peace Meeting
Wednesday, 4.02
7:00-9:00 p.m.
Merriam Park Library - Meeting Room B (in basement)
1831 Marshall Avenue (at Fairview Avenue), St. Paul

Merriam Park Neighbors for Peace meets the first Wednesday of each month
at 7:00 at the Merriam Park Library. All are welcome!
Free, and open to the public.
More Info: http://www.mppeace.org/events.htm or info [at] mppeace.org or Anne
at (651) 647-0580 or Krista at (651) 641-7592


--------6 of 23--------

From: Charles Underwood <charleyunderwood [at] hotmail.com>
Subject: Islamic civization 4.03 11am

Thursday, 4/3, 11 am to 2 pm, U of M Muslim Student Association presents
Islamic civilization (including scientific discoveries, a timeline,
history in Africa, marbling and calligraphy workshop) exhibit in Coffman
Union Great Hall, 300 Washington Ave SE, Mpls.  http://engagemn.com/


--------7 of 23--------

From: Lydia Howell <lhowell [at] visi.com>
Subject: MLK 40 years 4.03 11:30am

On Thursday, April 3, 2008, from 11:30am-1pm in the MCTC Plaza,
Metropolitan State University and Minneapolis Community and Technical
College will jointly hold an event commemorating the 40th Anniversary of
the Assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The participants will
include members from Metro State, MCTC, and the Minneapolis Community.

Even though the assassination occurred on April 4, 1968, we will hold the
remembrance event on April 3rd to accommodate our students, faculty, and
staff. Please invite your colleagues, students, and community members.
Faculty members, if you want to bring your classes, please let me know or
contact Stanley Hatcher (the primary organizer of this event). Stanley's
information is stanley.hatcher [at] metrostate.edu and/or 651-793-1541. Thank
you for your support.

Don't forget Thursday, April 3, 2008 11:30am-1pm, MCTC Plaza.


--------8 of 23--------

From: Jeff Hartman <hartm152 [at] umn.edu>
Subject: Sprawl 4.03 4pm

"Sprawl and its enemies": A presentation by Robert Bruegmann
Thursday, April 3, 4:00 pm
Institute for Advanced Study, 125 Nolte Center
315 Pillsbury Dr. SE, Minneapolis

Robert Bruegmann argues that sprawl is as old as cities. In fact the
rebuilding of cities at constantly lower densities has been the most
important fact of urban history since the Industrial Revolution. He also
argues that it has benefited millions of people over the centuries and
that efforts to stop it, as often as not, have either been ineffectual or
have created unintended consequences worse than any problems caused by the
sprawl itself. [Hmm, hard to believe... ed] Robert Bruegmann is an
historian of the built environment and professor of art history,
architecture and urban planning at the University of Illinois at Chicago.


--------9 of 23--------

From: Erin Parrish <erin [at] mnwomen.org>
Subject: Sexual assault 4.03 4pm

April 3: Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault. 2nd Annual AWARE
Event. Celebrate advocates & allies. Wine & Hors D'oeuvres, Silent
Auction & Raffle. Raffle ticket request form. www.mncasa.org. 4 PM - 7PM
at MNCASA Offices, Kelly Inn, Suite 1001, Saint Paul. RSVP.


--------10 of 23--------

From: Carole Rydberg <carydberg [at] comcast.net>
Subject: New Hope demo 4.03 4:30pm

NWN4P-New Hope demonstration every Thursday 4:30 to 6 PM at the corner
of Winnetka and 42nd.  You may park near Walgreens or in the larger lot
near McDonalds; we will be on all four corners.  Bring your own or use
our signs.


--------11 of 23--------

From: Greg and Sue Skog <family4peace [at] msn.com>
Subject: Eagan peace vigil 4.03 4:30pm

CANDLELIGHT PEACE VIGIL EVERY THURSDAY from 4:30-5:30pm on the Northwest
corner of Pilot Knob Road and Yankee Doodle Road in Eagan. We have signs
and candles. Say "NO to war!" The weekly vigil is sponsored by: Friends
south of the river speaking out against war.


--------12 of 23--------

From: EKalamboki [at] aol.com
Subject: Northtown vigil 4.03 5pm

NORTHTOWN Peace Vigil every Thursday 5-6pm, at the intersection of Co. Hwy
10 and University Ave NE (SE corner across from Denny's), in Blaine.

Communities situated near the Northtown Mall include: Blaine, Mounds View,
New Brighton, Roseville, Shoreview, Arden Hills, Spring Lake Park,
Fridley, and Coon Rapids.  We'll have extra signs.

For more information people can contact Evangelos Kalambokidis by phone or
email: (763)574-9615, ekalamboki [at] aol.com.


--------13 of 23--------

From: Charles Underwood <charleyunderwood [at] hotmail.com>
Subject: Ft Benning 4.03 5;30pm Duluth MN

Thursday, 4/3, 5:30 pm, potluck dinner "Ozone Goes to Prison" to send off
Ozone to Duluth Federal Prison Camp for "crossing the line" at Ft Benning
GA US terrorist training facility, Friends Meeting House, 1802 E 1st St,
Duluth.  Details at 218-728-0629 or 218-724-2054.


--------14 of 23--------

From: Charles Underwood <charleyunderwood [at] hotmail.com>
Subject: Islam science 4.03 6:30pm

Thursday, 4/3, 6:30 pm, U of M Muslim Student Association presents talk by
Prof George Saleba on "Science in Islam," Univ of Minnesota's Anderson
Hall, room 210, 257 - 19th Ave SE, Mpls.  http://engagemn.com/


--------15 of 23--------

From: Curt McNamara <mcnam025 [at] umn.edu>
Subject: Life/trees/films 4.03 7pm

Sustainability films April 3rd!
Celebrate Sustainability Film Series
Doors 6:30 p.m., Film 7 p.m. Free!
MCAD College Center
Minneapolis College of Art and Design
2501 Stevens Ave. S.

Please join us for the following screening about key sustainability issues
affecting our world. Discussion with practicing eco-designers after the
showing.

What Life Knows: New Ideas From Biology That Could Change the World Janine
Benyus, 2005. The author of Biomimicry speaks to the Bioneers conference.

The Man Who Planted Trees by Jean Giono and Fredric Back. A parable
about rebuilding our world.


--------16 of 23--------

From: Meredith Aby <awcmere [at] GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Join AWC 4.03 7pm

New Members Meeting:  Join the Anti-War Committee!
THURS, 4/3, 7pm @ Conference Rm 102A, 1313 5th St. SE (Dinkytown), Mpls*

Interested in organizing against the war? Want to help build a movement to
stop it? Planning to protest at the Republican Convention in 2008? The
Anti-War Committee is the place for you! New people are always welcome,
but this meeting will cater to first-timers who want to learn about our
organizing & to help plan upcoming actions.


--------17 of 23--------

From: Charles Underwood <charleyunderwood [at] hotmail.com>
Subject: ML King/radical NV 4.03 7pm

Thursday, 4/3, 7 pm, civil rights leaders Charles F. McDew and Harry C
Boyte speak on "A Knock at Midnight: Remembering the Radical Nonviolent
Struggle of Dr King," Calvary Baptist Church, 2608 Blaisdell Ave S, Mpls.
http://www.calvarychurchmpls.org


--------18 of 23--------

From: Charles Underwood <charleyunderwood [at] hotmail.com>
Subject: Palestine 4.03 7pm

Thursday, 4/3, 7 pm, Jewish American Bekah Wolf speaks about the
non-violent popular resistance of the Palestine Solidarity Project and her
own work against the Israeli occupation during the past 2 years, Harmon
Reading Room, Macalester College library, Grand & Snelling, St Paul.
macpeace.justice [at] gmail.com


--------19 of 23--------

From: Charles Underwood <charleyunderwood [at] hotmail.com>
Subject: Nazi Germany 4.03 7pm

Thursday, 4/3, 7 pm, German war bride speaks at the Traces museum about
her experiences growing up in Nazi Germany until her marriage to an
American soldier, Landmark Center, Chief Justine Room 430, 75 W 5th St, St
Paul.  http://www.traces.org/ or 651-292-8700.


--------20 of 23--------

From: Robyn Beth Priestley <robyn [at] paintedturtledesign.com>
Subject: Women/war/play 4.03 8pm

When We Look
April 3-6, and April 10-13, 2008
Thursday through Sunday at 8:00 PM
Panel discussions after both Saturday evening performances on April
5th and 12th.

Intermedia Arts
2822 Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55408

Tickets: General $18, Students and Seniors, $13, Groups of 10 or
more, $15
Reservations: 612-871-4444

When We Look is a theatrical presentation using movement, storytelling,
and live music to tell the story of real women who have survived war and
civil strife to emerge survivors and leaders in rebuilding their
communities.

When we don't change the channel, when we don't turn the page,
When We Look
We see who really pays the price for war

When We Look is an interdisciplinary theatrical presentation that
highlights the plight of women who, because of war or civil strife, face
challenges that test their physical, emotional, psychological and
spiritual well-being.

When We Look is a presentation of the real stories of remarkable women
who, against all odds, have moved from victim to survivor to community
leaders, working to rebuild their villages and towns.

When We Look tells the stories of women worldwide who have moved from
being victims of war, the "collateral damage" glossed over in news
reports. They are stories that open our eyes to who really suffers when
there is a war.

When We Look inspires us with the power of the individual to effect
change.

Margo Abdo O'Dell, choreographer and dancer, and Esther Ouray, theater
artist, gathered local artists from multiple disciplines who share a
commitment to using art to encourage social change (list below), and to
tell stories of women who lived through violence and trauma from across
the globe, including Bosnia, Rwanda, and the Gulf War, (through the eyes
of an American soldier). Through movement, live music, and storytelling,
these artists have created a unique collaboration, blending their talents
and passions with the words of the victims.

Wrenchingly painful, these stories also inspire hope; they reach across
continents and cultures to inspire compassion-fatigued Americans that our
individual efforts do matter and that each one of us can become an agent
for peaceful change.

O'Dell and Ouray were inspired to create When We Look by their
participation in Women for Women, International, an organization whose
mission is to provide women survivors of war, civil strife and other
conflicts with the tools and resources to move from crisis and poverty to
stability and self-sufficiency, thereby promoting viable civil societies.
Women for Women International provided O'Dell and Ouray with some of the
stories that will be brought to the stage for When We Look.

When We Look promotes and fosters the connections between artistic
practice and social responsibility. It facilitates relationships between
artists, individuals and community groups on the one hand, and between
artists and progressive sociopolitical engagement, on the other. A portion
of proceeds will go to the Save Darfur Coalition.

Artists participating in When We Look are Julie Kastigar, Jocko MacNelly,
Tim O'Keefe, Ellena Schoop, Laurie Witzkowski, and Maryam Yusefzadeh, with
script by Aditi Kapil.

Members of the show are available for interviews, speaking both about the
production and the power of the individual to change a world in need of
our compassion.

To learn more about When We Look, the reasons for creating the show, the
artistic philosophy, and to preview some of the stories featured and how
find ways to become involved in creating change, visit www.Margo1.com and
click on When We Look.

Panel discussions after both Saturday evening performances on April 5th
and 12th will include some of the following experts: A representative from
Advocates for Human Rights Dr. Ellen Kennedy, Outreach Coordinator, Center
for Holocaust and Genocide Studies, University of Minnesota Coordinator,
Genocide Intervention Network- Minnesota Hugh Parmer, Director, American
Refugee Committee Chante Wolf, Veteran, First Gulf War Kristi Rudelius
Palmer, Co-director of The University of Minnesota Human Rights Center
Judy Saumweber, Aide worker, Cambodia and Thailand Tricia Cornell, Center
for Victims of Torture Senator Sandy Pappas, Minnesota's District 65, 6th
term

This production is made possible in part by funds provided by The Jerome
Foundation, The Metropolitan Regional Arts Council from an appropriation
by the Minnesota Legislature, The Travelers' Arts & Diversity Employee
Committee, The St. Joan of Arc Justice Fund and many individual
supporters.


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The Reflecting Pool: new 9/11 film
by Joel S. Hirschhorn / March 31st, 2008

Whether you see yourself as a truth seeker, patriotic American,
independent thinker or voter, or just someone with bad memories of 9/11,
you should make an effort to view The Reflecting Pool, a new independent
movie. It is not about 9/11. It is about the credibility of the official
government story about 9/11. Though a drama, it is based on meticulously
researched facts about 9/11 as revealed in the bonus material on the DVD.

The story is about the search for truth and the unsettling implications of
discovering 9/11 truth that conflicts with what has become the folklore
about the historic event.

The plot follows the efforts of independent journalist Alex Prokop and
Paul Cooper, a researcher and father of a 9/11 victim, to piece together
fact-fragments into a picture that ultimately implicates the US government
in the attacks. The horror of this revelation rivals the horror of the
9/11 events themselves, especially when we realize that far more people,
especially American soldiers, have died because of 9/11 in the wars in
Iraq and Afghanistan than on 9/11. Yet to close our eyes to this truth
makes us co-conspirators in one of the world.s most devilish and
despicable events.

And that is the dilemma that viewers face after they watch this disturbing
docudrama: What if this fictional story actually and accurately describes
how our government played a role in causing 9/11?

Writer/Director Jarek Kupsc plays Alex Prokop who examines a mysterious
9/11 videotape revealing new information on the attack. Joseph Culp
appears as Paul Cooper, the man who sent the tape and whose daughter died
on 9/11. Though skeptical of conspiracy theories and fearful that it will
jeopardize his career, Prokop agrees to take on the story with
encouragement from his magazine editor and a former Gulf War
correspondent, McGuire, played by Lisa Black.

The film follows Prokop and Cooper, especially as they investigate one of
the great mysteries of 9/11: the inexplicable collapse of the 47-story
World Trade Center Building 7, not hit by any airplane. They uncover the
illegal destruction of physical evidence from Ground Zero, and discover
information that the White House knew an attack was imminent. The team
spends two weeks in New York and Washington D.C., interviewing people and
discovering damning information never mentioned in the 9/11 Commission
Report. The FBI becomes involved, the magazine's corporate investors
threaten to kill the entire story, and Prokop is attacked by a lawsuit and
the media in an effort to discredit his story. Why?

Because the official version as presented in the 9/11 Commission Report
purposely ignored or omitted vital evidence and testimonies to protect
people in the Bush administration. Prokop, plagued by the ghosts of his
childhood in Russia and trying to uphold the independence of American
journalism, struggles to come to grips with this awful truth. The film
illustrates that, as so often is the case, the truth does not set you
free; it ties your stomach and conscience into knots. It will remind you
of All the President's Men and JFK, films that also used drama to pursue
political truths.

The DVD is available for only $15, and you will want to loan it to friends
and family or give as a gift, which is made especially attractive with
even lower prices for packs of five or ten DVDs. (See extended trailer and
details about the film and its actors)

Video rental outlets like Blockbuster, Hollywood Video, Netflix and Redbox
should make this DVD available. Otherwise, it is further evidence that
status quo thinking is subverting 9/11 truth to the detriment of American
democracy. Public libraries should also stock this important educational
film. Once you watch it you too will feel strongly about it reaching a
wide audience.

Warning: No matter what you know or think you know about 9/11, this movie
will rattle your brain, make you think, and perhaps keep you up at night.

Joel S. Hirschhorn has a new book, Delusional Democracy: Fixing the
Republic Without Overthrowing the Government, which supports
constitutional conventions and other peaceful ways to restore American
democracy. To join the pro-convention effort or discuss issues write the
author: articlev [at] gmail.com. Read other articles by Joel, or visit Joel's
website.

This article was posted on Monday, March 31st, 2008 at 5:00 am and is
filed under Corruption, Media, Movie Reviews


--------22 of 23--------

Scandal at the Sierra Club
The Clorox Coup
By BETSY ROBERTS and KAREN ORR
CounterPunch
March 31, 2008

The National Sierra Club Board of Directors voted on March 25, 2008 to
dismantle the entire democratically-elected structure of the Florida
Chapter of the Sierra Club, the fourth largest Chapter in the nation.

The Florida Chapter, comprising 35,000 individual members representing 5%
of Sierra's National membership, was usurped in an unprecedented and
appalling coup.

The sacking of 27 elected representatives and removal of 75 volunteer
appointees, 24 Issue Committees - over 150 state-level positions in all -
constitutes the main carnage of the March 25th Massacre.

They are all now gone - dismissed in one fell swoop by National's
decision.

The National bureaucracy manufactured the convenient local dissent to
serve as a pretense for swatting our Chapter leadership out of their way.
They found the Chapter's scrutiny of their policies inconvenient.

It was inconvenient to justify their devotion to ill-advised biofuels
schemes.

It was inconvenient to justify their Clorox-like promotion of more
commercial products (the backbone of their announced $500 million dollar
fundraising campaign) authorized in an unannounced board decision just
days before the Florida suspension.

And it was really inconvenient and annoying to put up with local
resistance to the stampede toward National control of Sierra activities in
Florida.

Thus, the passion, expertise and devotion of the many democratically
elected local volunteers was deemed inconvenient and disposable, replaced
by an "Executive Committee" of 5 National officers.  This absentee "brain
trust" has wrested control of approximately $200,000 of the Chapter's
funds, along with control of Florida Sierra programs.

With this one visionary act, the Chapter's various conservation, political
and legal programs have ground to a halt under this absentee control.

But a far greater price is to be exacted in the incalculable damage to the
greater cause of conservation - damage recklessly inflicted to the
reputation and credibility of Sierra Club, eviscerating the effectiveness
of the very members and volunteers who stand in the front lines of the
struggle to protect some vestige of Florida's remaining natural systems.

It is telling that the National Sierra Club is disbanding this
hard-working and successful team of volunteers and grassroots
conservationists even as National eagerly pursues its unsavory new focus
on lucrative revenues from corporate donations.

The process of the investigation of the Florida Chapter by National staff
was scandalous.  There was no fair play involved.

The investigation was based on unfounded accusations, vague and
unsubstantiated claims, advanced on a patchwork of hearsay, obscured by
anonymity and cloaked in secrecy.  The Chapter, leaders, and volunteers
were denied the precious and essential American rights to due process - to
be able to face their accusers, and to have a fair hearing based on facts.

National Sierra Club President Robert Cox continues to roll out his tawdry
collection of unsupported statements in his letter to Grist posted by the
National Sierra Club press office.

Robert Cox is queasy about this because he knows that these Florida
Sierrans have unfairly been personally attacked, maligned and slandered
before the state and the entire nation.  He knows that public scrutiny
will expose the actions of the National Sierra Club as contemptuous of
basic American rights, and of the Club's own code of conduct.

The National board has destroyed the largest and most effective
environmental organization in Florida.  For that, Robert Cox owes an
apology.

Betsy Roberts is former Florida Chapter of the Sierra Club Chairwoman.
Karen Orr is former Florida Chapter of the Sierra Club Political Committee
Chairwoman.
They can be reached at: thibeau48 [at] bellsouth.net

[National Sierra Club acted in a high-handed undemocratic pro-corporate
manner. It purged its critics - their way or the highway.  Their basic
mission suffers, but they piss off power that much less, who will pay them
for their treachery. It demonstrates once again how hard it is to have any
effective anti-corporate organizations in a one corporation one vote
country. When one side has all the money, it is easy to see who can be the
briber, who the bribee. Some might see parallels to other organizations...
-ed]


--------23 of 23--------

NAFTA is Only Half the Story
Hillary's Lies About Outsourcing
By PAUL ROCKWELL
CounterPunch
March 31, 2008

Job security is the foremost domestic issue for working people in
Pennsylvania, where Senator Hillary Clinton is expected to win the
Democratic Party primary. For many months, as a candidate for president,
Senator Clinton has cultivated a pro-labor image. She claims to be an
opponent of NAFTA, and she often denounces the outsourcing of American
jobs. Before a crowd of students in New Hampshire, she claimed that she
hated "seeing U.S. telemarketing jobs done in remote locations, far, far
from our shores."

Newly released White House records demonstrate that Clinton lied about
NAFTA. NAFTA, however, is but a single thread in a web of deception
regarding globalization and free trade. Clinton is lying not only about
NAFTA, but about outsourcing as well. And the evidence comes, not from
Obama, but from official records, video tapes, quotations and recordings
of Clinton speeches abroad.

Consider this. In 2005 Senator Clinton visited New Delhi, India, ("far,
far from our shores"), where she met wealthy business leaders, venture
capitalists eager for U.S. investment. A few years prior to her visit,
Enron gained a foothold in India's economy. Enron uprooted local
communities, fleeced the public coffers, then pulled out of India with the
profits of unregulated greed.

In a speech promoting globalization and free trade, here is what Senator
Clinton said in New Delhi: "There is no way you can legislate against
reality. Outsourcing will continue....We are not against all outsourcing,
we are not in favor of putting up fences."

The India Review, a publication of the embassy of India, commented April
1, 2005: "Senator Clinton allayed apprehension in India that there would
be a ban on outsourcing."

Siddharth Srivastava reported in Asia Times, March 1st, 2005: "Hillary
Clinton made it apparent where she stood on outsourcing during her India
visit...Hillary has been at the forefront in defending free trade and
outsourcing. She faced considerable flak for defending Indian software
giant Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) for opening a center in Buffalo, New
York." (TCS provided hundreds of special visas for foreign employees to
work in New York for substandard, non-union wages.) She praised Clinton's
"strict adherence to the principles of free trade and outsourcing that
affect India directly."

Outsourcing is inherent to global free trade, the attempt of corporate
goliaths to move resources, jobs, money, capital in search of profits
anywhere in the world without accountability.

If a video clip of Clinton's outsourcing remarks in India were played on
TV before the upcoming primaries in Indiana, North Carolina, and
Pennsylvania, she would lose the elections, despite current polls. Not
only because working-class voters oppose outsourcing, but because the
duplicity of Clinton would become obvious.

Clinton's globalization speech in India would hardly be noteworthy today,
except that, in her current campaign for the nomination, she is saying
exactly the opposite of what she said in India. She was a globalizer in
India. Now she's a protectionist in Pennsylvania, and voters have a right
to ask: Which is the real Hillary Clinton?

The U.S. media, however, is presently experiencing a bout of amnesia.
Pundits forget that Bill Clinton, with Hillary at his side, made huge
campaign promises to labor in 1992. Within months of their victory, the
Clintons rammed two Republican-initiated free-trade bills - NAFTA and
GATT - through a Democratic Congress. Outsourcing of jobs to sweatshops in
Mexico and Indonesia actually accelerated under the Clinton globalization
agenda. The Clintons increased subsidies for corporate mergers and relaxed
regulations that protect the public from the abuse of corporate power.

The Clinton Administration also passed the Financial Modernization Act of
1999, repealing the Glass-Steagal Act of 1933. That historic New Deal
legislation made working-class home ownership possible and safe. The Jimmy
Stewart film It's a Wonderful Life idealized the New Deal arrangement. The
savings-and-loan system-a system of small, often family-owned banks-was a
bedrock of stability until the deregulation trends of the '80s and '90s
transformed the U.S. economy into a high-risk casino. The
Republican-sponsored, Clinton-backed Modernization Act deregulated the
financial sector and encouraged the merger of business and commercial
investment banks. Clinton's "modernization" (he called it "reinventing
government") carved a path to the current sub-prime mortgage crisis. The
current anarchy in housing and banking is, in part, a direct consequence
of the Clinton deregulation legacy. As banks are failing, working people
losing their homes, it takes a lot of gall for Hillary Clinton to take
credit where blame is due for her White House experience. Shame on you,
Hillary Clinton!

Paul Rockwell is a columnist for In Motion Magazine. He can be reached at:
rockyspad [at] hotmail.com


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