Progressive Calendar 10.11.10
From: David Shove (shove001tc.umn.edu)
Date: Mon, 11 Oct 2010 05:17:32 -0700 (PDT)
             P R O G R E S S I V E   C A L E N D A R   10.11.10

1. Rank choice vote 10.11 9am
2. Peace walk       10.11 6pm RiverFalls WI
3. Pray for peace   10.11 6:30pm
4. Uhcan-mn         10.11 7:30pm

5. Knox/antiwar     10.12 11:30am
6. Save North High  10.12 4:30pm
7. StopFBI          10.12 4:30pm
8. Rovics/Black Dog 10.12 5pm
9. Collective power 10.12 5:30pm
10. Bomb harvest/f  10.12 7pm
11. Sami/Iraq       10.12 7pm

12. Dave Bicking    - FBI raids: updates and events
13. Cavlan campaign - Cavlan earns natl Muslim women's group endorsement
14. Rich Broderick  - (as Denny Hecker) Put Tom Emmer in the driver's seat
15. AFSCME Council 5 - On judicial & police intimidation of union members

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From: TruthToTell <andydriscoll [at] truthtotell.org>
Subject: Rank choice vote 10.11 9am

TruthToTell Mon Oct 11 @9AM: RANKED CHOICE VOTING: Another Plurality
Governor - KFAI FM 90.3/106.7/Online @KFAI.org

Stand by for another minority governor. Short of a landslide for one of
the three major-party candidates for governor, the winner will take office
in January having been elected by a minority - or a plurality - of those
voting in the November 2nd election. This will be third governor in a row
taking office with a majority of ballots cast for someone else. Hardly a
mandate to govern, and yet, with the unusual level of power vested in
Minnesota's governor, Jesse Ventura and Tim Pawlenty wielded the authority
only a majority of voters should have elected.

This year, three parties square off again and almost assuredly, Minnesota
will have yet another minority governor. Mark Dayton(DFL), Tom Emmer (GOP)
and Tom Horner (IP) are vying for the office and all the polls thus far
point to a winner garnering less than a majority of the vote.

Does this mean we should do away with third (or fourth or fifth) parties?
Certainly not. Multi-party elections are far more reflective of the
electorate than trying to squeeze all others into narrow definitions of
two parties. Horner's competitive position proves this.

Perhaps predictably, the one entity just about unanimously opposed to such
a change is the party most recently the beneficiary of the current
plurality system - the Republicans. But DFLers, Independence Party members
and Greens, among others, support ranked choice voting for statewide and
local partisan elections.

This week, TruthToTell talks to prominent supporters and a detractor of
RCV to lay out the pros and cons. Your humble servant has never concealed
his support for the RCV remedy to achieve a majority victor in all races,
so we don't pretend to be entirely objective in Monday's presentation of
the issue. Still, the state's most prominent opponent of RCV will join us
by telephone.

Join TTT's ANDY DRISCOLL and LYNNELL MICKELSEN for this important
conversation less than a month before the November election.

GUESTS:
 ELIZABETH GLIDDEN - Minneapolis City Councilmember, Ward 8
 TIM PENNY - 2002Â Independence Party Candidate for Governor; former 1st
District DFL Congressman; President/CEO, Southern Minnesota Initiative
Foundation
 WY SPANO - Director, Master of Advocacy and Political Leadership,
University of Minnesota Duluth
 JEANNE MASSEY - President, FairVote/Minnesota
 ANDY CILEK - President, Minnesota Voters Alliance


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From: Nancy Holden <d.n.holden [at] comcast.net>
Subject: Peace walk 10.11 6pm RiverFalls WI

River Falls Peace and Justice Walkers. We meet every Monday from 6-7 pm on
the UWRF campus at Cascade Ave. and 2nd Street, immediately across from
"Journey" House. We walk through the downtown of River Falls. Contact:
d.n.holden [at] comcast.net. Douglas H Holden 1004 Morgan Road River Falls,
Wisconsin 54022


--------3 of 15--------

From: Erin Parrish <erin [at] mnwomen.org>
Subject: Pray for peace 10.11 6:30pm

October 11: Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and Consociates 11th Day
Prayer for Peace: How Shall we Begin to Prepare Ourselves to Vote in the
General Election? 6:30 PM at Presentation of Our Lady Chapel, 1890
Randolph Ave., St. Paul.

[Possible prayer: Dear god, why have you forsaken us by giving us so many
scoundrels to vote for? We believe you are good, so we're thinking this
might be a sign of Alzheimers. After all, you are older than time... -ed]


--------4 of 15--------

From: Joel Albers <joel [at] uhcan-mn.org>
Subject: Uhcan-mn 10.11 7:30pm

Next UHCAN-MN mtg is monday Oct 11, 7:30pm, Walker Church, 3104 16th ave
S., mpls (near Bloomingtom ave and lake Street).

items include:
 1.our position on the federal legislation, messaging
 2.three UHCAN-MN health Screenings/outreach, oct,nov
 3.Renee L's help w/ uhcan-mn website
 4.Fed funding to start MN Health Care Co-op
 5.networking w/ many other groups at Walker
   other items ? Bioneers conference, networking w/ other groups

  come for the coffee, tea, snacks, stay for the conversation
- joel


--------5 of 15--------

From: Rowley Clan <rowleyclan [at] earthlink.net>
Subject: Knox/antiwar 10.12 11:30am

11:30 am, Tuesday, October 12, Dr. Michael Knox will be at MAP luncheon at
the Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church, Minneapolis, giving a
presentation on his dream, past, present and future.  You are urged to
attend, and to invite others to attend this meeting as well.

Five years ago, Dr. Michael Knox of the University of S. Florida in Tampa
embarked on a quest to develop the idea for a Memorial to Peace in our
Nation's Capitol, Washington DC.  www.uspeacememorial.org

Four years ago, in the summer of 2006, he asked Minnesota Alliance of
Peacemakers (MAP, www.mapm.org) to help build the base of small donors
which are the essence of his project.  MAP came through.

Here is how Dr. Knox frames his project (his full bio, and a list of the
founding members thus far can be found at www.uspeacememorial.org:)

US Peace Memorial: Ending Wars by Changing Culture
Michael D. Knox, PhD, Chair, US Peace Memorial Foundation

War is a dominant aspect of US culture.  The military honors its heroes
and reinforces warrior behavior with medals, promotions, ceremonies, and
monuments.  There are few indicators that American society values those
who work for peace.  This has resulted in a country that routinely
recognizes contributions to war, but often holds in derision those who
call for nonviolence and peaceful alternatives to war.

A national grassroots effort is underway to create a cultural shift toward
peace.  The US Peace Memorial Foundation is documenting the broad range of
modern peace activism, as well as recognizing individual and
organizational role models for US peace leadership.  Efforts of the
foundation include the creation of a national monument (US Peace Memorial)
in Washington DC <http://www.uspeacememorial.org/article>
www.uspeacememorial.org/article, publication of the US Peace Registry
<http://www.uspeacememorial.org/registry>
www.uspeacememorial.org/registry, and awarding an annual Peace Prize
<http://www.uspeacememorial.org/peaceprize>
www.uspeacememorial.org/peaceprize.

These efforts will help preserve the nation's long history of patriotic
citizens who have promoted peace and opposed war, reinforce antiwar
actions, increase comfort levels, and lead to greater citizen involvement
in interventions for peace.  The goal is to change our culture by
decreasing the social barriers that citizens must overcome before they
publicly express antiwar sentiment.  The Foundations efforts should
inspire more Americans to speak out for peace and to work to end the
hatred, ignorance, greed, and intolerance that lead to war.

The Internal Revenue Service has determined that the US Peace Memorial
Foundation, Inc. is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) public charity. Donations to
the Foundation are tax deductible. A receipt will be provided.


--------6 of 15--------

From: "PEJAM" <pejaminnesota [at] gmail.com>
Subject: Save North High 10.12 4:30pm

TUESDAY, 4:30pm: Rally Against North High Closing @ School Board
Meeting

Tell the Minneapolis Board of Education
STOP THE CLOSING OF NORTH HIGH!

Rally at the Board of Education Meeting
Tuesday, Oct. 12
4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
807 Broadway Ave NE, Mpls.
Then join us inside the Board meeting at 5:30 p.m. to voice our demands.

Facts of the situation:

Friday Minneapolis Public Schools Superintendent, Bernadeia
Johnson, announced her plan to close down North High School.

Already the Minneapolis School Board has closed down more schools in North
Minneapolis than any other neighborhood, including five elementary and
middle schools since 2007.

The Board is set to vote on the proposed closure of North on November 9 th

The plan to close North is linked to the Board's recent decision to create
two new privately managed, non-union "Minneapolis College Prep" charter
schools.

Public schools are the bedrock of a community and this will all but
eliminate public education in North Minneapolis!

Therefore we call on the Minneapolis Board of Education to:
 Vote down the proposal to close North High School.
 Reverse the decision to open two "Minneapolis College Prep" charter high
schools.
 Re-establish a "home zone" for North High to boost enrollment.
 In partnership with parents, teachers, and students, develop an
aggressive, fully-funded plan to boost enrollment at North High.
 Immediately open a dialogue with North teachers proposing an innovative
"self-managed" school model.

To get more involved, join us at the next meeting of the

SAVE NORTH HIGH COALITION
Saturday, October 16 th
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Zion Baptist Church
621 Elwood Ave N, Minneapolis, MN
CONTACTS and MORE INFO:
North High Alumni Association 612.715.2527Â
Friends of North Foundation  marcusgo6@ gmail.com
Public Education Justice Alliance of MN (PEJAM) 952.465.5307
For updates:  PEJAM.org

_____Text of leaflet being distributed to build for Tuesday protest_____

Stop the Privatization of Public Education!
Save North High School!

District Neglect of North Minneapolis

District officials point toward declining enrollment at North High and
district-wide as their reason for closing the school. Less than 270
students are now enrolled in North. But declining enrollment is a direct
result of District neglect and underfunding.

It is clear the District pursued an intentional policy of pushing North's
numbers down to make it more politically palatable to phase out public
education in the center of Minneapolis's largest African American
community. For example, every other high school in Minneapolis has a "home
zone," meaning that neighborhood students are automatically enrolled in
their neighborhood school unless they specifically choose another school.
This policy was taken away at North last year, denying the school
potentially hundreds of students.

The Board's planned neglect of North was also shown in their decision last
summer to sponsor two new privately managed, non-union "Minneapolis
College Prep" charter schools. The first is set to open in North next fall
with a 700 student capacity. But studies show privately managed,
unaccountable charters have increased segregation in Minnesota, while
failing to improve over-all test scores.

Privatizing Public Education
On a national scale, a powerful set of business and political interests
are pushing a profit-driven policy of privatization. Corporate funding has
poured into privately managed charters, many of them explicitly for-profit
schools, as well as political lobbying to ensure government support for
expanding charters at the expense of public schools.

Across the country urban, low-income, and predominantly Black and Latino
communities have faced the most sweeping school closures and
privatization. Low test scores, which say more about a student's zip-code
than about their intelligence, are used as an excuse replace public
schools with charters. But every serious study shows charters' test scores
average no better than public schools despite their ability to cherry-pick
the best performing students.

Charters failure to perform is linked to rapid teacher burnout and
turnover. Charters are non-union, meaning they typically overwork teachers
and don't pay living wages or benefits. The best teachers refuse to work
under these conditions. Privatization and charters are no solution to the
problems facing North schools. Real answers can only come by expanding the
resources and democratic community control of our public schools.

Contact the SAVE NORTH HIGH COALITION
North High Alumni Association 612.715.2527Â
Friends of North Foundation  marcusgo6 [at] gmail.com
Public Education Justice Alliance of MN 952.465.5307
For updates check PEJAM.org

[Another example of the class war at work. The bastards at the top of the
hog pile are unrelenting sociopaths, wrecking havoc wherever they go.
Their puppets are beneath contempt. -ed


--------7 of 15--------

From: kimd <kimdefranco [at] yahoo.com>
Subject: StopFBI 10.12 4:30pm

Our next MN action is on the day that the next wave of activists - most of
the Minneapolis folks - are "scheduled" to appear before the Grand Jury in
Chicago, after the FBI raids that happened on Sept. 24.

For this action, we are mixing it up a bit, location and target-wise.

Tuesday, October 12
4:30 p.m. until 5:30 or so
Minneapolis Federal Building
300 S 4th St, Downtown Minneapolis

The day the 2nd wave of our activists were ordered before a grand jury in
Chicago, after the FBI raids on Sept. 24, 2010

Join us as we tell the U.S. Attorney to get our message to the thugs in
Washington, D.C. [TIW -ed]:

**End repression of anti-war and international solidarity activists!
**Return all materials seized in the raid!
**Stop the Grand Jury Subpoenas of activists!

For more info and to access an archive of fliers for this and other
actions and support opportunities:
http://groups.google.com/group/stopfbi-mn?hl=en

For more info
http://www.antiwarcommittee.org/
www.StopFBI.net

[The ruling class makes money off war, and so is for it. Also, it feels
and is more secure in war-dominated authoritarian anti-democratic
anti-people times. So being anti-war is in effect to be anti-ruling class.
The FBI is there to serve the ruling class. Therefore it attacks antiwar
activists. How dare they challenge the hog trough of the rich! If millions
must die to make the rich richer, well, that's the American Dream. If the
world has to be destroyed to save it, briefly, for the rich, well, so be
it. Ditto if we all have to die. Just who do we think we are, to mess with
glorious schemes of the rich? Since they have all the rights, that leaves
us with none. -ed]


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From: Eric Angell <eric-angell [at] riseup.net>
Subject: Rovics/Black Dog 10.12 5pm

"David Rovics: Live from the Black Dog Cafe"

Host Amy Goodman has called David Rovics "the musical voice of Democracy
Now"; however, reaching into the history of peoples' movements, Rovics
might more aptly be called the musical voice of Howard Zinn.  On his
current "Troubador" tour, Rovics sings about social struggle and the power
of action while weaving in his experiences with grassroots activism around
the world. (Sept. 2010)

SPNN 15 viewers:
"Our World In Depth" cablecasts on St. Paul Neighborhood Network (SPNN)
Channel 15 on Tuesdays at 5pm, midnight and Wednesday mornings at 10am,
after DemocracyNow!  Households with basic cable may watch.

Tues, 10/12 @ 5pm & midnight + Wed, 10/13, 10am
"David Rovics: Live from the Black Dog Cafe"


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From: Jodi Williams <jodi [at] headwatersfoundation.org>
Subject: Collective power 10.12 5:30pm

Don't miss Oct 12 Movement Building on the Collective Power of Voting!

RSVP today for Movement Building Tuesday, October 12 / 5:30 - 7 p.m.
Riverview Cafe & Wine Bar
(3747 42nd Avenue S, Minneapolis)

Voting That Counts
Empowering Communities Through Collective Action

Though we live in a democratic society, many often feel that their voices
and votes aren't heard and don't count.  Join Keesha Gaskins, Executive
Director of the League of Women Voters Minnesota and dispel this belief by
learning how disenfranchised or "frontline" communities can make the most
of their vote by using it to build community power.

Free and open to the public.  Food and drink are available for purchase on
site. Reserve your seat by contacting Jodi [at] HeadwatersFoundation.org or
Find us on Facebook

Join us at the Riverview Cafe and Wine Bar for Movement Building the 2nd
Tuesday of each month from September to April as we transform emerging
ideas into mainstream values.  Headwaters Foundation is a catalyst for
social, racial, economic and environmental justice.  Through grantmaking,
donor education and capacity building support to grassroots organizations,
our goal is to foster just and sustainable communities.

2801 21st Avenue S, Suite 132 B
Minneapolis, MN 55407
 www.headwatersfoundation.org

[Let us hope this is not just one more Dem scam to trick the voters once
again - promise them everything and give them mothing... -ed]


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From: Intermedia Arts <julie [at] intermediaarts.org>
Subject: Bomb harvest/f 10.12 7pm

Critically Acclaimed Films "Bomb Harvest" and "Bombies" to Screen at
Intermedia Arts as part of Legacies of War Exhibition
Tuesdays, October 12 & 19, 2010
7PM at Intermedia Arts

Co-Presented by Lao Assistance Center, Pangea World Theater and
Intermedia Arts

Nearly a half-century has passed since the United States conducted a
covert bombing of the Laos nation making it the most densely bombed
country in history.  As dangerous today as when they were dropped, modern
day Laos is littered with un-detonated reminders of war.  On Tuesday,
October 12 and Tuesday, October 19, critically-acclaimed films Bombies and
Bomb Harvest will screen at Intermedia Arts as part of the Legacies of War
nationally touring exhibition. These films show what it looks like to live
in the aftermath of a war, and detail the efforts of those brave enough to
clean up the tragedy left behind.

WHEN/WHERE:
Bomb Harvest
October 12, 2010 |$5 suggested donation
7PM at Intermedia Arts
Laos: The most bombed country, per capita, on the planet. A bomb disposal
specialist has to train a new young "big bomb" team to deal with bombs
left from the US "Secret War", but meanwhile, the local children are out
hunting for bomb scrap metal. Post screening discussion with the Mines
Advisory Group (MAG) and community members.

Intermedia Arts is located at 2822 Lyndale Ave South, Minneapolis, MN
55408

Legacies of War is presented in conjunction with the Refugee Nation
National Traveling Performance. Part of Intermedia Arts' Catalyst Series.


--------11 of 15--------

From: Women Against Military Madness <wamm [at] mtn.org>
Subject: Sami/Iraq 10.12 7pm

Sami Rasouli: Eyewitness Report from Iraq

Tuesday, October 12, 7:00 p.m. St. Joan Arc Church, 4537 Third Avenue
South, Minneapolis. Sami Rasouli will bring us up to date on events in
Iraq. He will talk about how the Iraqi people feel about the 50,000
troops, thousands of contractors, and 4,500 special operations forces
remaining in Iraq. He will also talk about what is happening relative to
forming a government in Iraq, Fallujah today, peak oil and why he thinks
the U.S. will continue to occupy Iraq until 2025. Two women who are
traveling to Minnesota with Sami have also expressed an interest in
speaking to our community about what life is like for the average Iraqi
today and the plight of Iraqi women. Sponsored by: the Twin Cities Peace
Campaign and WAMM. FFI: Call 612-522-1861 or 612-827-5364.


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Date: Sat, 09 Oct 2010 17:06:47 -0500
From: Dave Bicking <dave [at] colorstudy.com>
Subject: FBI Raids: Updates and Events

Dear Greens,

There are new developments in the cases of the activists who have been
raided and subpoenaed by the FBI.  All 14 who have been subpoenaed are
refusing to testify at the Grand Jury.  Several more people have been
"visited" - harrassed actually - by the FBI in the last three days.  And
one more elected official has come out against the raids, which mostly
highlights the shameful silence by everyone else, more than two weeks
after the raids.

More details on the news updates, after this list of action steps and
events:

1)  IMPORTANT RALLY!  Tuesday, October 12, 4:30pm, at the Mpls Federal
Building, 300 S.  4th St. in downtown Mpls.  Please come!  Growing crowds
are important to keep pressure on the Feds who will soon be making
important decisions regarding the next steps they take against activists
who refuse to testify.  The 12th is the second date when activists have
been scheduled to testify at the Grand Jury in Chicago.  They will be
there to say why they are not cooperating.

2-3 past

4)  Bannering/Protest: US Out of Afghanistan!  Saturday, October 16, 1pm,
at the intersection of Lake St. & Hiawatha in south Mpls.  Nine years of
war and occupation must end now!  This protest has been organized by many
of the people who have been raided and subpoenaed.  The organizing started
well before the raids.  We must not be deterred by the FBI.

5)  The local Support Committee continues to meet and work.  The
attendance at the first two meetings has been very encouraging!  It will
continue to meet on most Thursdays, 7pm, at Walker Church, 3104 16th Ave.
S., Mpls.  The next meeting is Thursday, October 21.  We need volunteers
for many tasks!

6)  Leafletting, postering, and literature distribution to build a
movement against the FBI repression.  We need people to bring leaflets to
other events (we reached a lot of people at the Biden rally, for
instance).  Take leaflets to your local coffee shops and libraries, and
replenish or update as needed.  Post on community bulletin boards.  We
will have continuously updated leaflets about the case and upcoming
events.  They can be picked up at Mayday Bookstore, 301 Cedar Ave. on the
West Bank.  Generally open 12:30pm til 7pm on weekdays, 12:30pm til 6pm on
Saturdays, and sometimes Sunday afternoons.  Call 612-333-4719 to check.

Or, you may find it easier to pick up leaflets at my house: 3211 22nd Ave.
S., Mpls.  I live on the lower level, the door on the right.  My entry way
is always unlocked and you can pick them up any time day or night; just
come in and see them on the shelf to your left.  My house is conveniently
located just two blocks south of Lake St., a block west of the LRT.  Good
bus service also, and the parking is free!  Let's get the word out!

7)  New information on donating.  Additional address to send a check:
Committee to Stop FBI Repression, P.O. Box 14183, Mpls, MN 55414.  See my
previous email for information on donating to the national organization or
to our local Anti-War Committee.

** Continue with the other actions from my last email (October 4).  See
that email for details and contact information on the following:

8)  Keep calling Obama and Attorney General Holder.

9)  Call our local elected officials and candidates: US Senators and
Representative Ellison, Mayor Rybak, and Mpls City Council.  State Rep
Karen Clark (61A) has come out against the raids, and I hear she may
introduce a resolution in the Legislature against the FBI actions.  Help
her by calling your State Rep and Senator.  Info at:
http://www.leg.state.mn.us/ And call Rep. Clark to thank her:
651-296-0294.  She spoke at our last rally.

10)  Sign the national petition at:  http://www.iacenter.org/stopfbi

11)  Help the Anti-War Committee re-build their contact database.  If you
were on their mailing list, or would like to be, go to
http://www.antiwarcommittee.org/?q=node/552

12)  Contact me or the Anti-War Committee if you would like to offer
personal "material support" to those who have been targeted by the FBI.

13)  Stay informed.  Bookmark: http://stopfbi.net/ (national), and
http://www.antiwarcommittee.org/ (local)

14)  Show the FBI you won't be intimidated!  Continue the work that these
raids are intended to suppress!  Work for peace and justice, including
international solidarity.

----

Now that you have done all that, here is a news update:

Fourteen people have now received subpoenas to the Chicago Grand Jury.  A
few were supposed to appear last Tuesday, The remainder are scheduled for
this Tuesday, October 12, and Tuesday, October 19.  At least nine are from
Minneapolis, and at least three of these do not live at the homes that
were raided.

All fourteen are determined not to testify at the grand jury.  We have yet
to see what the government's response will be.  They could end the grand
jury investigation, they could proceed without their testimony, or they
could take further steps to compel testimony.  There is a real possibility
that our friends could go to jail for an indefinite time.  My previous
emails have talked about the unfairness and dangers of grand juries.  If
you would like to know more, I highly recommend attending one or both of
the educational events tomorrow (numbers 2 & 3 above).

In addition to the many reasons I have talked about earlier, there is
another very important reason for these activists not to testify. Meredith
Aby expressed it very well at Tuesday's rally.  Most or all of those
subpoenaed have traveled to Colombia or the Middle East.  Meredith talked
about meeting with people in Colombia who told her of the repression, the
assassinations, and disappearances at the hands of the Colombian
government and the associated death squads.  This is all financed and
supported by the U.S. government.  Just as an example, year after year
more union organizers are killed in Colombia than in the rest of the world
combined.  She met with ordinary folks, teachers, union organizers,
village leaders, mothers of the disappeared, and more.  It was dangerous
for these people to even meet with U.S. activists.  They asked for their
stories to be told to the American people, so that people would know and
understand what the U.S. was doing with their taxes.

And that is what Meredith and others did when they returned to the U.S.
They held report- back events, wrote articles, and spoke about the U.S.
policies.  They also developed an even deeper personal commitment to the
struggle from these experiences abroad.  That is exactly what the U.S.
government does not want, to the point that these good activists are
targeted by raids, subpoenas, and possible prosecution and jail time.

Returning to the issue of testifying at the grand jury:  The folks in
Colombia told Meredith and others that, as much as they wanted to tell
their stories, it was important that she never tell anyone their names, or
even what village they live in.  Given the nature of the investigation, it
is certain that the grand jury prosecutors would ask about Meredith's
foreign contacts:  Who did she meet with, what did they say, where do they
live, what is their involvement in resistance against the Colombian
government, etc.  The U.S. has no qualms about sharing that information
with the Colombian government and paramilitaries.  Refusing to testify at
the grand jury is very important to protect fellow activists from
persecution, but for the people in Colombia, it could be a matter of life
and death.  Meredith called her refusal a matter of "sacred trust."

Here is a section of a statement regarding the refusal to testify:

> The grand jury subpoenas are part of the fishing expedition targeting
> these committed activists and organizers. The use of grand juries to
> conduct sweeping investigations dates back to the Nixon administration´s
> attack on the social movements in the 1970s. The grand jury is neither
> fair nor even handed, no matter who is in charge.
>
> A grand jury is a panel of jurors who hear evidence from a prosecutor and
> decide whether or not to charge someone with a crime. The grand jury can
> subpoena pretty much anyone they want and ask about anything, and people
> can be jailed for contempt if they do not answer questions. The jurors are
> hand-picked by prosecutors with no screen for bias. All evidence is
> presented by a prosecutor in a cloak of secrecy. The prosecutor has no
> responsibility to present evidence that favors those being investigated.
> Grand jury witnesses have no right to have a lawyer in the room to object
> to how the prosecutor is conducting the proceedings.
>
> The grand jury has been used as a tool of political repression against
> many movements for social change in this country. From the pre-civil war
> abolitionist movement to the Civil Rights movements, the movement against
> the war in Vietnam, the American Indian Movement, the Central America
> solidarity movement, the Puerto Rican Independence movement, animal rights
> and environmental movements, there have have been many targets of
> political repression and grand jury inquisition.
>
> We believe we have been targeted because of what we believe, what we say
> and who we know. The grand jury process is an attempt to violate the
> inalienable rights under the constitution and international law to freedom
> of political speech, association and the right to advocate for change.
>
> One does not even need to be opposed to U.S. foreign policy to recognize
> that the government is working here to establish a dangerous precedent in
> targeting us. This case endangers the right of every person in the U.S. to
> organize for and express their views.
>
> We fear the the government may be seeking to use the recent Supreme Court
> decision in Holder vs Humanitarian Law to attack conduct that clearly
> falls under the realm of freedom of speech and that we never imagined
> could be construed as "material support for terrorism."
>
> Those with Grand Jury dates for October 5 and those whose subpoenas are
> pending have declared that we intend to exercise our right not to
> participate in this fishing expedition. The next legal step is in the
> hands of the Department of Justice. They could cancel the grand jury. They
> could carry on, but leave us alone. They could send subpoenas again giving
> us the option to talk or go to jail. We don´t know when they will take the
> next step, or what it will be. We do know what our next steps will be.
>
> We will not be silent. We will not allow the harassment of activists to
> quiet our opposition to immoral policies. We will continue to speak out
> against the unjust investigation, the unjust law, and the unjust foreign
> policies of the US government. Our communities are strong, and are already
> showing amazing solidarity around the country with 60 demonstrations last
> week, many statements of solidarity and a very successful call in day
> yesterday. We will need that support to continue to push back against this
> attack.

As I mentioned in the beginning, there has been further FBI harrassment in
the last few days.  There have been no more raids or subpoenas, but people
have been "visited" by FBI agents asking questions.  Visited is too polite
a word; these visits are meant to cause fear and real harm, not just to
gather information.  A very frequent technique in the past has been for
the FBI to "visit" people at their workplace.  For many people, depending
on their employer and how open they can be about their politics, this has
directly led to people being fired.  The FBI has not changed; here is a
statement about the recent encounters:

> For Immediate Release: October 8, 2010
>
> FBI Harrasment of Anti-War Activists Continues In the Twin Cities.
>
> FBI agents continued their campaign against anti-war activists in the Twin
> Cities this week. Jennie Eisert, a member of the Anti-War Committee said,
> "FBI agents came to my work and wanted to talk to me about activists in
> the anti-war movement. I was called away from my desk, and when I refused
> to talk to them, they tried to turn me against my friends and fellow
> activists." She continued, "They said that Jess Sundin, Meredith Aby and
> Mick Kelly had manipulated me and others in the anti-war movement. The
> only ones trying to manipulate me are these FBI agents."   Eisert
> concluded, "It is insulting that federal agents would try to make me talk
> to them by attacking the personal and political relationships that I've
> had with Jess and the others for more than ten years. To do this while I'm
> at work is harassment, plain and simple. These attempts to divide us will
> not work personally and it will not work in the movement."
>
> Jess Sundin said, "The FBI is clearly trying to carry out a smear campaign
> in order to divide the movement." She added, "If that's their aim, it's
> going to blow up in their faces. We are people's neighbors, co-workers and
> friends . A few lies by FBI agents cannot undo the years that we have
> invested in our community. Instead, it will make people all the more sure
> that this investigation is nothing more than a fishing expedition."   Two
> other individuals in Minneapolis were also targeted by the FBI for visits
> this week. Local activists have continued to remind the community that
> they are not required to speak to FBI agents. They added that the FBI has
> tried using smear campaigns to damage movements in the past, exposing
> these tactics to the light of day is the best defense.   FFI: Jess Sundin
> 612-272-2209

Remember, NEVER talk to the FBI.
Please continue to support our movements by supporting the people who have
been targeted for their work!
 -Dave Bicking 612-276-1213


--------13 of 15--------

Date: Sun, 10 Oct 2010 18:57:11 -0500 (GMT-05:00)
From: greenpartymike <ollamhfaery [at] earthlink.net>
Subject: Cavlan For Congress Campaign Earns
    National Muslim Women's Group Endorsement

For Immediate Release -- Cavlan For Congress Campaign Earns
National Muslim Women's Group Endorsement

NATIONAL MUSLIM WOMEN'S GROUP ENDORSES MICHAEL CAVLAN FOR CONGRESS
THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MUSLIM AMERICAN WOMEN (NAMAW) PUBLICLY
STANDS BEHIND CAVLAN

October 11, 2010

MINNEAPOLIS - The Campaign Committe to Elect Michael Cavlan to Congress is
proud to announce that the National Association of Muslim American Women
(NAMAW)  has endorsed Independent Congressional Candidate Mike Cavlan for
the US House of Representatives for Minnesota's 5th Congressional
District.

NAMAW contacted the campaign writing:

"We know that Ellison is your opponent and that he is Muslim and the first
Muslim elected to Congress. He hasn't done Muslims a bit of good.  The
Somali community that elected him complains that he doesn't even talk
about what is happening in Somalia. They get no representation at all from
this guy. Being Muslim doesn't matter. He hasn't been a good
representative for Muslims and I don't think he really wants to be known
as the Muslim Congressman. It is our pleasure to endorse you."

Cavlan said, "While the FBI have been targeting the Muslim community as
well as the local Peace and Justice community, the silence of those
elected to office has been duly noted". Cavlan further promises to "Defend
the Constitution and Bill of Rights from all enemies, foreign and
domestic. That includes those elected officials in power during the Bush
years as well as the current Obama Administration. I give my word to the
people of the 5th District of Minnesota, as well as the nation, that I
will fight for you all, instead of the monied special interests which
currently corrupt the Nations capitol."

Cavlan also states "I suspect that another reason that NAMAW also
supports our campaign because of our positions on US Foreign policy and
its support of nations that are human rights abusers. As well as the
actions of the United States government in slaughtering countless
innocent Muslims and other civilians. Unlike my opponent, I will oppose
this with more than meaningless rhetoric."

Cavlan has also been endorsed by American hero Ralph Nader, peace activist
Cindy Sheehan, former Presidential candidate Representative Cynthia
McKinney of Georgia, former US Senate candidate Brother Ray Tricomo as
well as the Kalpulli Turtle Island Organization which is committed to
creating a more sustainable and equitable nation.


--------14 of 15--------

from: Rich Broderick, "Ground Zero," Twin Cities Daily Planet, 
www.tcdailyplanet.net
Why We Need Tom Emmer in Minnesota's Driver Seat, by Denny Hecker

Dear Citizens of Minnesota (and you little ladies, too!):

Sure, I may be someplace right now that's going to keep me from voting
this November, but with all the time I suddenly have on my hands, I've
been giving plenty of thought to the Governor's race.

My conclusion? Tom Emmer's our best choice to become the state's next
Sales Associate of the Quadrennium.

They say a great politician - like a great pitchman - is somebody who's a
reflection of his supporters. And I'll be honest, I first started taking
notice of Tom when I learned about all those DWIs popping up around him
and his campaign staff.

As you know, I've displayed a fondness for getting loaded and then
climbing in behind the wheel of a car, but Emmer and his pals - well, they
make me look like a piker. Not only Tom, but both his now former campaign
chairs, have been picked up for DWIs! And you know the saying: DWIs and
mice are a lot alike. For everyone that gets caught, there's 10 more that
you don't know about. Why, you almost get the impression that if you work
for Tom you're required to get shit-faced before leaving the parking lot!

Then there's the bully-boy behavior. Turns out even a lot of Tom's own
colleagues in the GOP caucus can't stand him because behind his bluff,
hale-fellow-well-met façade - so similar to the bluff, hale-fellow-
well-met façade I cultivated when I was King of Minnesota's auto dealers -
he's a big time bully.

Then there's Tom's economic plans for the state. I can't tell you how much
they remind me of the creative bookkeeping tricks I used to keep my
dealerships going. Until I got caught!

Of course, if your reckless behavior bankrupts a car dealership you'll
likely get sued - or end up in jail.

But bankrupt Minnesota while you're Governor of the state? You'll maybe
end up being a contender for Vice President of the United States.

Just ask Tim Pawlenty!

To finish up, there are a lot of reasons I like Tom. But after spending a
little time recently in some court-ordered counseling sessions, I finally
have the words to sum up my support. So here goes.

I'd vote for Tom Emmer - if I could! - because he epitomizes the kind of
white male privilege and sense of entitlement that made this country the
greatest in the world. And I don't know about you, but I get the
impression that, like me, he banks on that privileged status to allow him
to operate with impunity, no matter what he says or does.

Hey - it worked for me.  At least until it didn't anymore!

Sincerely,
Denny Hecker


--------15 of 15--------

AFSCME Council 5 Resolution on Judicial & Police Intimidation of Union
Members
Posted on October 3, 2010 by Committee to Stop FBI Repression
stopfbi.net

[Note: The following resolution was adopted unanimously by the AFSCME
Council 5 Convention on October 1, 2010. AFSCME is the American Federation
of State, County, and Municipal Employees. AFSCME Council 5 represents
46,000 workers in the state of Minnesota.]

Whereas: The homes of three members of AFSCME Local 3800 and the Local
3800 organizer, Jess Sundin, Steff Yorek, Anh Pham and Tracy Molm were
raided by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation at 7:00AM on
September 24, 2010; and,

Whereas: Tracy Molm, Jess Sundin, Anh Pham and Steff Yorek were issued
subpoenas to appear before a grand jury in Chicago in October, and,

Whereas: AFSCME Local 3800 is an affiliate of ASFCME Council 5, and

Whereas: These members have not been arrested or charged with any crime,
and

Whereas: These four members in good standing are well-known and respected
activists in our union, and

Whereas: FBI spokespersons have stated that the raids were prompted by the
activities of these four members, and other individuals subject to the
same raids, in seeking peace and justice for workers and other oppressed
peoples throughout the world, and,

Whereas: These persons are entitled to a presumption of innocence under
the United States Constitution, and,

Whereas: Every American has the constitutional right to advocate and
organize for change in the foreign policy of the United States, and,

Whereas: AFSCME Council 5 takes note of the very recent report by the
Department of Justice Inspector General that soundly criticized the FBI
for improperly targeting domestic peace and antiwar groups for
investigation, and,

Whereas:  The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees
has frequently gone on record in defense of trade unionists and others to
educate, agitate and organize for the legitimate goals of peace, justice
and solidarity with all working people, and,

Whereas: The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees
has repeatedly demanded that Congress and the White House (quote) "disavow
and reverse any practices or policies which threaten trade union rights or
civil liberties," as well as (quote) "opposing attacks on traditional
constitutional guarantees" including in Resolution No. 156 of the 25th
AFSCME International Convention in 1984 submitted by delegate Peter
Benner, and in Resolution No. 79, adopted by the 35th AFSCME convention in
2002 which stated that "AFSCME, a union built out of the combined struggle
of the civil rights and labor movements, take leadership in opposing
granting wider powers to the FBI to infiltrate community groups and unions
in the name of preventing further terrorist attacks," (end quote) and,

Therefore Be It Resolved: That AFSCME Council 5 goes on record as
expressing its grave concern that the recent FBI raids are reminiscent of
the Palmer Raids of the 1920's, the McCarthy hearings of the 1950's, and
the FBI's harassment of the civil rights movement, and our grave concern
that these raids be the beginning of a new and dangerous assault on the
First Amendment rights of every union fighter, international solidarity
activist or anti-war campaigner and,

Further Be It Resolved: That AFSCME Council 5 finds that no acceptable
justification or evidence has been presented for these raids and subpoenas
and that we have no reason to believe any will be forthcoming, and,

Further Be It Resolved: That we notify the Minnesota Congressional
Delegation that Council 5 opposes these arbitrary and capricious raids,
and,

Be It Finally Resolved:  that in light of the Inspector General's recent
report, AFSCME Council 5 calls upon President Obama to order an immediate
investigation into the circumstances, motivation and propriety of the
judicial and police intimidation of our members and others.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   - David Shove             shove001 [at] tc.umn.edu
   rhymes with clove         Progressive Calendar
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