Monday, November 30, 2015

Our hopeless corporate media and the slobs that follow them


I noticed (over the years) that our corporate media will immediately start making excuses for white men who participate in terrorism and violence on a mass scale, and will make attempts to humanize them. This is never true for black or Muslim men who participate in terrorism or violence on a mass scale. No, when that black guy in NYC shot two police officers dead, there was no talk about how we need to increase mental health services to counter this kind of threat. Instead, it was blamed on a popular movement against police brutality, which had nothing to do with it. But the recent terrorist attack at Planned Parenthood in Colorado has brought on lots of soul-searching about how we counter these mental health problems.

I think it is the guns. I think we need to get rid of the guns. This country is far to prone to violence to be allowed to have guns.

But I condemn all members of TEAM VIOLENCE (that is, anyone who uses violence to achieve their goals or to get what they want) no matter who they are, no matter what kind of child they were, no matter their mental health problems, no matter their age, race, religion, ethnic identity, background, living location, occupation or lack thereof, no matter what. I don't care if they are looney tunes, rappers, white supremacists, Christian terrorists, or Islamic terrorists, security guards, police officers, or just men with a chip on their shoulder. I condemn them all and do not want to have any thing to do with them.

And someone please explain to me why police officers can take white men who are mass shooters into custody without killing them, but that never, ever seems to happen with black men or Hispanic men.

And, one more thing - why are men so damn violent anyway?

Sunday, November 29, 2015

Upcoming events for the week of November 29, 2015


This came from NC Interfaith Power and Light. This is in honor of the climate march that was supposed to happen in Paris this week. The march has been squashed by the authorities, before it even happened, and the terrorists win again.


UPCOMING EVENTS

12/01/15 MOVIE FOR WORLD AIDS DAY
The documentary film screening of “deepsouth” will be held at the Asheville Renaissance Hotel on Woodfin Street in downtown Asheville. Time is 6:30 PM. Free and open to the public. Please call the hotel for further information on the movie. The quilt display is up until December 2nd, and that display is also free and open to the public.

12/01/15 WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL LECTURE SERIES
“DEAS (ISIS) and PKK – The Regional Struggle for Hegemony: Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Qatar," with Ali Demirdas, a member of the international studies faculty at the College of Charleston and a Ph.D. candidate at University of South Carolina. The lectures are sponsored by the WNC chapter of the World Affairs Council, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UNC Asheville, and the university's Department of Political Science. Admission to World Affairs Council presentations at UNC Asheville is $10 for the public; free to members of the World Affairs Council and UNC Asheville students. Time is 7:30 PM and location is Reuter’s Center. For more information call 828.251.6140.

12/01/15 SHOWING UP FOR RACIAL JUSTICE
Showing up for Racial Justice (SURJ) is a national network of groups educating and organizing white people to act as part of a multi-racial majority for racial justice. Asheville SURJ hosts a weekly discussion group on risk-taking, accountability, mutual interest and how to call more white people into racial justice work. Anyone with a passion for working with white people on racial justice is welcome! Time is 10 AM and location is Firestorm Cafe & Books at 610 Haywood Street in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

12/01/15 ASHEVILLE TRANSIT COMMITTEE MEETING
Transit Committee meeting is from 3:30 - 5PM in the 1ST floor conference room at Asheville City Hall. 

12/02/15 WORLD AIDS DAY CELEBRATION IN ASHEVILLE
On Tuesday, December 2, from 7 to 9 PM, World Aids Day will be celebrated, with a fantastic evening of music and poetry focused on remembering the past, celebrating successes, and hope for the future. Location is the Renaissance Hotel in Asheville where the AIDS Memorial Quilt is on display. No information on costs.

12/02/15 SIERRA CLUB HOLIDAY PARTY
All are warmly invited to WENOCA Sierra Club Group’s 6th Annual Holiday Party & Recognition Awards at 7 PM on Wed, Dec 2 at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Asheville.  Last year about 60 folks ate, drank, and were merry. Please bring a potluck dish to share, your own place settings, and a book to swap, as well as laughter and good cheer. Contact Judy at judymattox@sbcglobal.net or 828-683-2176 for more information. 

12/02/15 LAKOTA INDEPENDENCE SPEAKERS
Canuta Gluha Mani and Ana Oian Amets of the Lakota Strongheart Warior Society and Independent Lakota Nation will speak on indigenous sovereignty and share traditional music.  Time is 6 PM and location is Firestorm Cafe & Books at 610 Haywood Street in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

12/03/15 CREATION CARE ALLIANCE MEETING
Creation Care Alliance General Meeting. Time is 5:30 to 7 PM. Location is the First Baptist Church of Asheville at 5 Oak Street in downtown Asheville. Contact Creation Care at creationcare@mountaintrue.org for more information.

12/03/15 PROGRAM ADDRESSING RACE AND POLICE PRACTICES
Carolina Jews for Justice/West, Congregation Beth Israel and Congregation Beth HaTephila are co-sponsoring a program addressing race and police practices on Thursday, December 3, 2015, at Congregation Beth Israel, 229 Murdock Avenue in Asheville.  The program will begin at 6:30 PM with a screening of the documentary film, “Ferguson: A Report from Occupied Territory.” A panel discussion will follow moderated by Rabbi Justin Goldstein of Congregation Beth Israel. Panelists will include Tammy Hooper, Chief of the Asheville Police Department; Van Duncan, Buncombe County Sheriff; Sheneika Smith, Community Resource Specialist of Green Opportunities, and Joseph T. Hackett, Student Development Director of Green Opportunities.  A question and answer period will follow.  Light refreshments will be served. Free and open to the public. Contact Marilynne Herbert at mherbert1@aol.com or (828) 551-7005 for more information.

12/03/15 REMEMBERING THE FLOOD OF 1916
The Center for Cultural Preservation’s next program Come Hell or High Water, Remembering the Flood of 1916 on Thursday, December 3rd at 7 PM will explore the history of the area’s worst natural disaster nearly 100 years ago. But what have we learned? That flood led to hundreds of mudslides and landslides causing extensive damage and loss of life but that was during a time when few people lived up on ridges or near streams. A flood of similar proportions today would be even more devastating. To recount the history and discuss what WNC’s special topography has forewarned us throughout history, the program will feature the presentation of a new short film, and a forum that will include an historian, mountain elders, and experts discussing the history, what we’ve learned and how better protected are we today since the disaster nearly 100 years ago. The program will start  is scheduled at 7 PM and location is Blue Ridge Community College’s Patton Auditorium. There is a suggested donation of $5. Since the program is expected to sell out, advance registration is strongly recommended. Reservations can be made by calling the Center for Cultural Preservation at (828) 692-8062.  The program is co-sponsored by the NC Humanities Council, the Henderson County History and Genealogy Center, Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy and Mountain True.

12/03/15 CENTER FOR PARTICIPATORY CHANGE CELEBRATION
You are invited to CPC’s 2015 Circle Celebration. Hear from leaders in the Language Justice Circle, Popular Education Circle and Racial Equality Circle. Food is included and time is 5 to 9 PM. Location is Toy Boat Community Art Space at 101 Fairview Road (near Sweeten Creek Road) in Asheville. This event is free and kid friendly. Call Becky at 545-7223 for more information.

12/04/15 BENEFIT CONCERT FOR HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Once again, local musician Aaron Price and West Asheville Presbyterian Church are hosting a concert with a great lineup of local musicians to benefit Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity. Friday, December 4th at 7:30 PM at West Asheville Presbyterian Church at 690 Haywood Road. The lineup includes: Kevin Smith and Planefolk Peggy Ratusz and Bygone Blues Whitney Moore BJ Leiderman Valorie Miller Aaron Price Hanger Hall Glee Club MusicWorks Kindergarten Chorus. Admission is free, donations accepted.

12/04/15 GIFTS THAT GIVE AT MARKETPLACE AT AB TECH
Socially responsible vendors, who give back to the community, sell fair trade items, and work with communities of need, will be selling their products at this event.  Refreshments, shopping, chair massage, and more will be offered. From 8:30 AM to 1 PM. Location is Coman Student Center Lounge at AB Tech.

12/05/15 CITIZENS CLIMATE LOBBY MEETING
Citizens Climate Lobby meets the first Saturday of each month at Kairos West Community Center, 742 Haywood Road in west Asheville. We are advocating for a Carbon Fee & Dividend, which would impose a fee on fossil fuels at point entry; this fee will be refunded to individuals and families. There is bipartisan support in Congress as this will create jobs and help grow the economy, boosting renewables. Time is 12:30 to 3 PM.  Location is Kairos West Community Center at 742 Haywood Road in west Asheville. For more information contact asheville@citizensclimatelobby.org.   

12/05/15 FUNDRAISER FOR BIBLIOWORKS
All proceeds funds libraries and literary programs in Bolivia. There will be music by Cecil Bothwell, food, beer, cider and a silent auction. Cost is $15 at the door, $12 advance, for admission.  This will be held at 67 Biltmore Avenue, across from the French Broad Food Coop. Time is 7 to 9:30 PM. For more information, call 350-0744.

12/05/15 COTHINKK: MOVING THE CONVERSATION FORWARD
CoThinkk is a “giving circle” that uses our collective time, talent, and treasure towards investment strategies that address education, economic mobility/opportunity, and leadership development towards impacting some of the most critical social issues facing African-American & Latino communities in Asheville and Western NC. This meeting is continuing to build upon our momentum and providing an opportunity for us to invite more voices into the room, to continue to refine our giving through defining our time, talent, and treasure, and to prepare for our April 2016 "Signature Invitation Event.” Please RSVP by November 27th to reserve your seat at the table and to receive additional information that will be needed to inform the meeting conversation. If you have any questions or concerns please free to e-mail cothinkk@gmail.com. Time is 1:30 to 4:30 PM and location is the Asheville Art Museum in downtown Asheville. This is a facebook event.

12/06/15 PILGRIMAGE FOR THE PARIS CLIMATE TALKS
Show your support for UN Climate Talk commitments from global powers to fight climate change by attending “People’s Pilgrimage for the Paris Climate Talks” on December 6th at 2 PM at the Carrier Park pavilion on Amboy Road. Walk two miles along the French Broad River to French Broad River Park and stop along the way at significant sites to share in music, poetry and prayer. Come at 1 PM to make signs. Sponsored by the Creation Care Alliance of Western North Carolina. For more information, contact creationcare@mountaintrue.org.

12/06/15 CANDLELIGHT VIGIL AND FUNDRAISER FOR HADAYA TOYS
Please join Hadaya Toys for a luminous candlelight vigil and fundraiser to benefit Syrian refugee children on Sunday, Dec. 6, from 6 to 8 PM at Jubilee on Wall St in Asheville.The evening hosts are award winning filmmaker and teacher Jennifer MacDonald and artist, photographer and entrepreneur Vanessa Bell. Hadaya Toys is a grassroots organization dedicated to supporting the overlooked needs of refugee children through creativity and play. They spread joy, one toy at a time, by providing books, toys and art supplies to the child refugee population suffering from the devastation of war. The candlelight evening will feature Middle Eastern music by World super-group Free Planet Radio (River Guerguerian, Chris Rosser and Grammy Award winner Eliot Wadopian) and other special musical guests. Habibi baklava and other delectable treats will be available to enjoy along with a spoken word and film presentation about the Syrian refugee crisis and Hadaya’s first ‘joy delivery’ this summer to four refugee camps on the border of Lebanon and Syria. This community event is to specifically raise funds for the children of the BEITI orphanage in Southern Turkey, who have lost one or both parents in the war. Tickets are $10 and are available at the door or in advance at Malaprops. All proceeds will benefit Hadaya Toys.

12/07/15 TRANSITION ASHEVILLE MEETING
A panel of Transition Asheville organizers will discuss the Transition Movement and why they chose to participate in it locally. They will tell about the highs and lows they have experienced as well as their hopes for the future of Transition Asheville. Panelists: Dylan Ryals-Hamilton, Cathy Scott, Chas Jansen, and Ron Martin-Adkins. Come early for snacks and socializing. Time is 6:30 to 8 PM and location is Parish Hall at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church at 337 Charlotte Street in Asheville. Park in the lot next to the church off Evelyn Alley. For more information, contact transitionasheville@gmail.com. 

12/07/15 DINNER WITH PROGRESSIVES
Let's dine with wonderful, like minded people and then enjoy our guest- we will talk with Brownie Newman, County Commissioner. Brownie will discuss commission happenings and field questions from Dinner with Progressive attendees. We ask that all attendees to RSVP so we can give our friends at Green Sage a headcount for dinner, beverage and/or dessert. Contact Cheryl at ctorengo@gmail.com to RSVP or for more information. Dinner is at 5:30 and speakers are from 6 - 7 PM. Location is Green Sage Cafe in Westgate Plaza. 

12/08/15 VETERANS FOR PEACE MEETING
On the second Tuesday of each month, Western North Carolina Veterans for Peace meets to coordinate group activities and programs.Veterans For Peace is a global organization of Military Veterans and allies whose collective efforts are to build a culture of peace by using our experiences and lifting our voices. We inform the public of the true causes of war and the enormous costs of wars, with an obligation to heal the wounds of wars. Our network is comprised of over 140 chapters worldwide whose work includes: educating the public, advocating for a dismantling of the war economy, providing services that assist veterans and victims of war, and most significantly, working to end all wars. Time is 6:30 PM and location is Firestorm Cafe & Books at 610 Haywood Street in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

12/08/15  SHOWING UP FOR RACIAL JUSTICE
Showing up for Racial Justice (SURJ) is a national network of groups educating and organizing white people to act as part of a multi-racial majority for racial justice. Asheville SURJ hosts a weekly discussion group on risk-taking, accountability, mutual interest and how to call more white people into racial justice work. Anyone with a passion for working with white people on racial justice is welcome! Time is 10 AM and location is Firestorm Cafe & Books at 610 Haywood Street in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

12/08/15 EDUCATORS FOR EQUITY KICK OFF AND CELEBRATION
Educators for Equity Kick Off and Celebration will be held at The Millroom at 66 Ashland Avenue in Asheville. Time is 6:30 - 9 PM. Purpose is to build a grassroots coalition of people in Asheville/Buncombe County committed to encouraging and supporting equity and social justice in our schools. Equity and social justice in our schools and classrooms is a major portal into the full potential of our community and all of its members. Education is an opportunity for growth and empowerment as well as a pathway out of poverty and into economic security. And students who leave school with a commitment to social justice and equity in whatever life journey they take is a major portal into the full potential of humanity.  Join us on December 8 and be part of a grassroots movement to expand social justice in education. This movement is for teachers, parents, students, school administrators, businesses, community members and anyone committed to building a just society. Engage with others, listen to great student music and poetry, and generate opportunities for change: Share and learn about what is working in our local schools and education settings; Participate in conversations to identify key leverage points that could foster broad scale change; Unlock possibilities for moving forward across all schools in Asheville/Buncombe County. This is being organized by four Asheville community members committed to equity and social justice in our schools and society: Talia Winningham of the Franklin School of Innovation, Tyrone Greenlee of Francine Delaney, Amy Weisner of Asheville High School, and Cheri Torres of NextMove. Free, donations accepted. If you have questions, please contact educators4equity@gmail.com.

12/09/15 JUST PEACE FOR ISRAEL/PALESTINE MEETING
This meeting will be at 9:30 AM at Black Mountain Presbyterian Church at 117 Montreat Road in Black Mountain. Contact Suchi at suchi1025@bellsouth.net for more information.

12/10/15 JUST ECONOMICS ANNUAL CELEBRATION
Just Economics Annual Celebration. Free, food and entertainment provided, all are welcome. Time is 6 to 9 PM and location is Jubilee! in downtown Asheville. Just Economics works to educate, advocate, and organize for a just and sustainable local economy that works for all in Western North Carolina.  We see ourselves not as people of privilege advocating on behalf of low-income people but rather, people of privilege and low-income people advocating together for a better economic community.  We welcome participation in our work from all members of our community. We are currently focused on living wage jobs, accessible transportation, and affordable housing.

12/10/15 CENTER FOR PARTICIPATORY CHANGE EXHIBIT AT FIRESTORM
Language, Power and Identity. For over 10 years, the Center for Participatory Change has been involved in creating multilingual spaces in Western North Carolina. Through interpretation, use of simultaneous interpretation equipment, interpreter trainings and mentoring of interpreters, CPC worked to create a WNC where different communities could fully participate and have their voices heard. To deepen our understanding of language in our lives, our communities, and our movement, CPC organized a Language Justice Tour of our region. Our goal was to listen to stories of language loss, acquisition and preservation. The photographs in this exhibit capture part of this tour. Time is 7 PM and location is Firestorm Cafe & Books at 610 Haywood Street in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

12/10/15 AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE COMMISSION
Meets on the second Thursday of each month at 11:30 AM in the First Floor North Conference Room of Asheville City Hall. No further information.

12/11/15 SOCIAL JUSTICE FILM AT UU CONGREGATION IN ASHEVILLE
On Friday, December 11th, we are screening the important documentary “Ferguson: A Report From Occupied Territory”. The film screening is at 7 PM. Location is the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at the corner of Edwin and Charlotte Street in Asheville. The United States is currently in the midst of a national dialogue regarding racial profiling and police brutality; a dialogue triggered by the killing of Michael Brown in August of 2014. Ferguson: A Report from Occupied Territory goes to the frontline of this discussion, and offers invaluable insights from Ferguson residents for whom the burdens of discrimination and injustice are a daily fact of life. In addition to offering a searing commentary on the contributing factors behind the unrest in Ferguson, the film also pays tribute to the growing movement which is currently sweeping far beyond the city's borders. Protestors from all walks of life are joining together in record numbers, and are seeking to dismantle a system that they believe remains influenced by the residue of slavery. Contact Charles at 612-860-6628 for more information. There is no charge for viewing the film - Donations are welcome.

12/12/15 MOUNTAINTRUE URBAN FOREST WORKDAY
Richmond Hill Park invasive plant removal work days. Sponsored by MountainTrue. Richmond Hill Park is at 280 Richmond Hill Drive in Asheville. Time is 9 AM to 1 PM. Contact Joan at joan@mountaintrue.org for more information.

12/16/15 REPORT BACK FROM PALESTINE
Recent visitors to Israel/Palestine share reflections on their experience. Time is 7 PM and location is Firestorm Cafe & Books at 610 Haywood Street in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information. This is sponsored by Just Peace in Israel/Palestine.

12/17/15 HOMEWARD BOUND OF WNC TOUR
“Welcome Home Tour” is a tour of Asheville organizations that serve the homeless population. Registration required, free to attend. Time is 11 AM. Call 258-1695 for more information and for instructions on how to register.

12/18/15 WNC PHYSICIANS FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY MEETING
The next WNC PSR monthly meeting will be at a private home near the VA Hospital. Brown bag lunch at noon with meeting from 12 noon to 2 PM. Everyone is welcome. For more information contact Dr. Terry Clark, Chair, 633-0892 or Dr. Lew Patrie, 299-1242.

12/19/15 DOCUMENTARY FILM SHOWING AT FIRESTORM
Mexico is living a crisis. The country no longer believes in its government; it is exhausted by the corruption and impunity which reaches every corner of society. It is tired of the inequality, the violence, the injustice, and the dispossession. In a small town in the semidesert of Hidalgo, a group of men and women of Ñañú origin are setting an example of rural community development – a cooperative rural development that protects natural resources, cares for traditions and respects people. Set in a spectacular box canyon where a thermal river gushes from the side of a mountain, the Tolantongo cooperative has built a popular resort by their own efforts. Members of the cooperative share in the profits from their labor and alternate jobs in a democratic egalitarian community. Their story reveals that organized people can be the creators of their own destiny. There is much to learn from this model of a local community economy through cooperativism that respects nature, people and traditions. The film is called “Tolantongo: A Worker Co-op Resort”. Q & A will follow the film. Time is 5:30 PM and location is Firestorm Cafe & Books at 610 Haywood Street in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

12/19/15 GREEN GRANNIES SING FOR THE CLIMATE
Green Grannies Sing for the Climate at Pritchard Park at 4 PM. Google "Singfortheclimate" and come out and sing with us! This happens on the third Saturday of every month. 

12/23/15 OTHER WORLDS ARE POSSIBLE BOOK GROUP AT FIRESTORM
This discussion group focuses on science fiction, speculative fiction and fantasy literature with a feminist, social justice and/or “radical: theme. We'll read a book each month and discuss both the vision presented by the author and how the book contributes to our understanding of our present moment. The book for December is “Stone Mattress” by Margaret Atwood. Time is 7 PM and location is Firestorm Cafe & Books at 610 Haywood Street in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

01/25/15 BUILDING BRIDGES 
Our next session start date is January 25, 2015 and runs through March 21, 2015. Time is 7 - 9 PM each night. Location is  MAHEC, 123 Hendersonville Road, Asheville, NC. Cost is $35. Please go to their website and fill out the application and pay $35 either through the paypal link or send a check for $35 to Building Bridges, PO Box 63, Asheville, NC 28802. This seminar is an introduction to the dynamics of racism and is an opportunity to explore how race has impacted our relationships, communities and institutions.  Past participants are welcome. Encourage and recommend individuals as well as organizations that you know to participate in Building Bridges. If you are an alumni of the Building Bridges Seminars, you may apply to become a Co-Facilitator. To apply for a Co-Facilitator position, send an email to info@buildingbridges-ashevillenc.org for more information about Co-Facilitator Trainings. A celebratory pot luck supper will be held for all participants at the ninth meeting. Families are welcome to attend the potluck. You may call (828) 777-4585 for more information. 

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ONGOING EVENTS
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TUESDAY
Veterans for Peace have a weekly vigil at 4:30 PM at Pack Square, Vance Monument
Standing up for Racial Justice at Firestorm Cafe & Books at 10 AM

WEDNESDAY
Haywood Peace Vigilers have a weekly vigil at 4 PM at Haywood County Courthouse in Waynesville

FRIDAY
Women in Black have a weekly vigil at noon at the City Hall in Hendersonville
Women in Black have a monthly vigil at 5 PM at Vance Monument in Asheville (first Friday only)

SATURDAY
Transylvanians for Peace and WNC Physicians for Social Responsibility have a weekly vigil at noon in front of the courthouse in Brevard. Call 884-3435 to confirm. 
Third Saturdays – Asheville’s Green Grannies invites the public to “sing for the climate” at Pritchard Park at 5 PM.

SUNDAY

Youth OUTright meeting from 4 to 6 PM at First Congregational United Church of Christ at 20 Oak Street in Asheville. Ages 14 - 23 only.

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Comments from Abu Khalil and myself


An email I sent out recently to friends, after the terror attack in Paris:

I think Abu Khalil has some really good points here - and we cannot hope to stop this terrorism without stopping our own government's terrorism and without stopping our so-called "allies" terrorism. We also have to stop arming and funding these groups. I added some comments after Abu Khalil's comments. His comments are numbered, mine are in parenthesis. 

Subject: Some observations about the carnage in Paris
        ~ Abu   Khalil, Angry Arab Blogspot

November 14, 2015

Some observations about the carnage in Paris
1) ISIS has gone on the offensive: in ten days, they downed a Russian civilian airliner, massacred Hazara Shi`ites in Afghanistan, bombed the southern suburbs of Beirut and now Paris.

(also bombed Baghdad, killing over a dozen).

2) Western governments: US and France in particular along with their Saudi, Qatari, and Turkish allies are directly responsible for the rise and expansion of ISIS through their policies in Syria which cuddled and nurtured ISIS and its sister terrorist organizations.

(our policies in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya also contributed.)

3) there is no way on earth to stem the menace of ISIS and Al-Qa`idah like organizations without going to the source, in Saudi Arabia which is the official headquarters of the Ibn Taymiyyah's terrorist interpretation of Islam.

4) Ibn Taymiyyah is the one thinker/theologian who has inspired and guided the deeds and thoughts of terrorists striking in the name of Islam.

5) Western governments AND media have been rather cynically silent about victims of ISIS terrorism if the civilian victims happen to be categorized as "enemies".  Western governments AND media (look at the dispatches from Times and Post over the last 4 years about Syria) have consistently ignored and even cheered sectarian massacres of Syrian and Lebanese civilians if seems as being perpetrated by foes of the Syrian regime.

(I think this reflects the fact that westerns only really seem to care about other westerners.)

6) Just as ISIS and Al-Qa`idah brought terrorism to the heart of the West, Western governments have also been exporting death and destruction to the Middle East and North Africa: from Mali to Libya to Egypt to Sudan to Somalia to Syria to Iraq to Pakistan to Afghanistan.  Terrorism has been inflicted on people in those countries by the terrorism of ISIS and Al-Qa`idah and by the bombs and rockets and drones of Western governments.

(and just last week, the US government claimed to have killed top ISIS leaders in both Iraq and Libya. Dropping bombs is clearly not helping, and the US government never seems to learn that the top leadership of our enemy-du-jour is easily replaced. In other words, those people are exactly like us! We too could easily replace our Sec of Defense, President, Generals, whoever, in a matter of days or hours.)


7) All Arabs today have noticed something that can't be ignored: how ISIS and Al-Qa`idah terrorists travel the world to inflict their terrorism by yet spare Israel and its interests.  The relationship between the Israeli Zionist occupation entity and Nusrah Front — the official branch of Al-Qa`idah in Syria — is not a secret anymore.

(yes, Israel is helping the rebels in Syria, including treating ISIS in their hospitals and then releasing them back to Syria, and Israel is also doing some bombing now and then in Syria. So both Israel and the USA are bombing Syria, and so is Russia. One day, they will bomb Russia - or vice-versa - and then maybe we will be in a war with Russia. This strikes me as incredibly dangerous and vastly stupid. No way ISIS can REALLY hurt us or any westerners, no matter how many terrorist attacks they pull off. But a war with Russia could damage the whole damn planet.)

8) ISIS can't be defeated from the air as long as Western governments and their Gulf and Turkish allies assist it on the ground, directly or indirectly.

(Bingo.)

9) Just as Western powers created and nurtured the precursor of Al-Qa`idah in Afghanistan in order to defeat the communist regime there, those same powers have created and nurtured a cocktail of the worst Middle East terrorists ever in Syria in the hope that they would bring down the Syrian regime.

(And the actions of the western powers were evil from start to finish.)

10) the story of ISIS terrorism began with not only the invasion of Iraq and its repercussions in 2003 but also with the creation of a vast save haven for Islamist terrorism in Libya.  Libya was the biggest gift to Jihadi terrorism since the fall of the Taliban.

(Thank you Hilary Clinton!)

11) US and France have been creating the culture of terrorism in the region (along with GCC regimes) but creating a reckless and terrorist haven in Syria in the name of fighting for "democracy and secularism"--in the stupid language of John Kerry--by making dubious distinctions between various terrorists in Syria through making allies with Nusrah Front there and its affiliates.

(Can we finally admit that the US politicians don't really even care if other people live or die, much less whether they have freedom or not? And they sure don't care if they are secular or not.)

12) The myth of moderate Syrian rebels in Syria has to be discarded. The remnants of Free Syrian Army units are basically ISIS in the waiting.

(Always was a myth. Bombing people, start up wars of aggression, hijack other people's revolutions does not lead to reasonable people making reasonable decisions. It leads to people going bat shit crazy and doing violent things.)

13) Western correspondents in Beirut who are in charge of covering the Syrian savage war are all guilty (with the exception of Patrick Cockburn) for misinforming their leaders and misguiding them. They have been ignoring AND JUSTIFYING the scores of car bombs and war crimes by Syrian rebels in Syria and Lebanon because those crimes fit into their struggle against the Syrian regime.

(Yeah, our western media madly, truly, deeply sucks - almost without exception. Democracy Now is the exception.)

14) Western human right organizations are also guilty for creating a culture of bogus human rights rhetoric which belittled and even justified the war crimes of Syrian rebels - see the latest human rights report by HRW on placing Alawite women in cages.

(Please do not give your charity money to anyone associated with the US State Department or US government or the UN. The US has corrupted the UN. This includes Human Rights Watch, Save the Children, Amnesty International, and Mercy Ships.)

15) French policy under the socialist government has even elevated the relationship with the Saudi and Qatari regimes--the two governments which more than anyone have sponsored and armed and financed the cocktail of the most dangerous terrorists in Syria.

(oh, our NATO partner Turkey did a lot too. And Israel has too.)

16) It is high time that Western governments give up on their policies and wars in Syria not to preserve the Syrian regime - as Iran and Russia would like - but to exclude from the future of Syria both sides of war criminals there.

(They are all war criminals and they are not going anywhere. Since Western governments, especially the US and NATO governments, are also war criminals, I think the solution is GET THE WESTERN GOVERNMENTS THE HELL OUT OF THERE AND STOP SENDING ANY FUNDS OR WEAPONS TO ANYONE, ANYWHERE. That means all troops return to their home countries. Yes, it will be a horrible blood bath. But these governments CANNOT help in the long run. Yes, it is pretty damn dismal.)

17) I don't like Bashshar Al-Asad one bit and I wanted the overthrow of that regime since 1976 when its army invaded Lebanon and smashed my dreams of a progressive leftist revolution in Lebanon, but who can now disagree with the warnings given by him three years ago that those terrorists that they are helping will one day strike in the heart of Europe? Syrian regime supporters are today all over reproducing those remarks and reairing them.

18) The Saudi and Qatari regime media (Al-Jazeera and Al-Arabiyya in particular but others as well) have created a culture of terrorism in which crimes against civilians who happen to be Shi`ites or Alawites or Christians or Sunnis who reside in "regime dominated areas of Syria" are justified on a daily basis. Just yesterday, after the bombs of the southern suburbs both Saudi and Qatari regime media provided ample justifications and rationalization for the crimes and lionized the terrorists who perpetrated them.  This culture of terrorism is responsible climate in which crimes of Paris take place.

(All violence should be condemned. It is all terror.)

19) Western governments can't have it both ways: they can't continue to support gulf regimes and arming them while claiming to want to fight terrroism.

(That claim by western government of 'fighting terror' is totally nonsense. The western governments know what they are doing and they are doing it on purpose.)

20) US and Western governments and media are responsible for the selective denunciations and condemnations culture: they are silent about the daily crimes against the Palestinian civilian population by key West ally, the terrorist state of Israel.

(And all violence and oppression should be condemned, no matter the victim or perpetrator.)

21) Arabs/Muslims and Westerners can't get to reach a common understanding against all manners of terrorism as long as Western governments and Arab regimes continue to be selective in condemnation of terrorism.

(Again - I believe they are doing it on purpose.)

22) Western support for dictatorships in the Arab world are responsible in many ways for the creation of ISIS and those terrorist groups.

23) terrorist groups in the Middle East have been used and misused by local regimes and Western powers and Israel for many decades.

24) Yes, the Iraq invasion of 2003 has proven to be exactly what Jacque Chirac has warned it would be: a dangerous pandora's box.

(I predicted it would be hell on earth too. Very sorry that I was proved correct on this prediction. I sincerely hoped I was wrong, for the sake of the Iraqi people.)

25) Obama has really not deviated from the dangerous policies of Bush and his expansion of wars in the Middle East fueled the rise of ISIS.

(He has not and Sanders won't either. Clinton will likely make it worse.)

26) The Islam of Arab regimes is a dangerous and conservative Islam.  It can't be changed by the military commanders of Western powers but it can be changed by the people of the region if they are allowed to choose and think freely: but neither the West nor the Arab regimes want the Arabs
to think freely. Al-Azhar University has become through bribes a tool for the Saudi Wahhabi regime.

27) It is not sectarian to declare Saudi Wahhabi doctrine as the official doctrine of Jihadi terrorism.  Wahhabiyyah is not a sect: it is a school of fanatical terrorist thought and practice.

28)  How does Western powers fight ISIS? They foolishly rely on a royal buffoon in Jordan and on the UAE regime to engage in promoting a kinder Islam in social media. The fools in DC who think that those potentates have any standing among the young Muslims need to have their heads examined.

29) Western powers and media are all hypocrites: they still cheer or cover up the war crimes of ISIS and Nusrah in Syria if the affected victims happen to reside in Syrian regime controlled areas.

30) there should be a categorical end to external support of ALL Syrian rebels and to the Syrian regime by all sides.

31) there is more but I have to run.

(There is so much more.)

32) Oh, also: why does the media coverage make these massacres West-versus-Islam when many of the victims in Paris would most likely include many Muslims and when ISIS in the Middle East kill more Muslims than non-Muslims, despite the fact that members of US Congress only see Jews and Christians as victims but not Muslims.


(It is all part of the plan. Amazing how many stupid and hateful people fall for it.)

Monday, November 23, 2015

Letter to elected officials

Thank you for using Friends Committee on National Legislation Mail System.

Message sent to the following recipients:
Representative McHenry
Senator Burr
Senator Tillis

November 18, 2015

Please support continued resettlement of Syrian refugees in the U.S.

As a nation of immigrants, we have a proud history of demonstrating our leadership by welcoming those fleeing violence and persecution. We have an ethical and moral obligation to live our values and be a light and home for those fleeing terror, without regard to their religious or ethnic background.

As we witness increased anti-refugee and anti-Muslim rhetoric, this is an incredibly critical period for us to respond and ensure that we do not turn our backs on the hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees who are fleeing violence and persecution themselves.  The U.S. government
rigorously screens all refugees resettled here. Of the millions of refugees resettled in the U.S. since 1980, not one has committed an act of terrorism in the U.S.

The United States has a long history of welcoming refugees, I hope you will not shut the door to refugees seeking haven in the U.S., regardless of their religion or ethnic background.


Link to FCNL website to send this letter.

Of course, I had to send a follow-up letter telling them how disappointed I was in their vote.

Sunday, November 22, 2015

Upcoming events for the week of November 22, 2015


It has been one year since Tamir Rice was killed by Cleveland Police. So far, no justice. He was a beautiful child, just playing with a toy gun in a park by himself. This photo came from change.org.

UPCOMING EVENTS

11/23/15 AIDS MEMORIAL QUILT IN ASHEVILLE
The Renaissance Asheville Hotel is proud to partner with the AIDS Memorial Quilt and the Western North Carolina AIDS Project to host this year’s display, November 21 through December 2, 2015. Activist Cleve Jones began The AIDS Memorial Quilt in 1987. The first 1,920 panels were displayed in the nation’s capital during the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights in 1987, to highlight the scale of the epidemic. By 2007, the Quilt included more than 46,000 panels representing over 80,000 people, and it continues to grow. It is a memorial to those lost to AIDS, a tool for preventing new HIV infections, and the world’s largest ongoing community art project. This is free and open to the public. The opening reception will be Monday, November 23rd, at 6PM at the Renaissance Hotel.

11/23/15 DOCUMENTARY SCREENING AT UNCA
PlantPure Nation documentary screening at 5:30 to 7 PM  at the Sherrill Center 417, Mission Health Mountain View Conference Room at UNCA. This will be followed by a discussion. Event is free and open to the public. Contact Amy at alanou@unca.edu for more information.

11/23/15 REVISIONING HISTORY BOOK GROUP AT FIRESTORM
This discussion group focuses on books that challenge or expand on dominant historical narratives and research methodologies.  Together, we investigate -- and question -- the common idea that history is merely the objective presentation of facts, and explore the ways in which ideology plays a role in how history is interpreted, transmitted, and culturally/academically institutionalized. November book is “An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States” by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz. Time is 7 PM and location is Firestorm Cafe & Books at 610 Haywood Street in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

11/24/15 SHOWING UP FOR RACIAL JUSTICE
Showing up for Racial Justice (SURJ) is a national network of groups educating and organizing white people to act as part of a multi-racial majority for racial justice. Asheville SURJ hosts a weekly discussion group on risk-taking, accountability, mutual interest and how to call more white people into racial justice work. Anyone with a passion for working with white people on racial justice is welcome! Time is 10 AM and location is Firestorm Cafe & Books at 610 Haywood Street in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

11/25/15 GREEN DRINKS
Asheville City Councilman Cecil Bothwell has been closely following the development of autonomous vehicles (driverless vehicles) for a few years with an eye to government policy implications from municipalities to the federal government level. He delivered a TEDx Hickory presentation on the subject in May 2014. In an updated overview, he will discuss the latest technological developments and why driverless cars will have a major impact on future interstate traffic through Asheville. Socializing is from 5:30 – 6 PM and presentation is from 6 – 7 PM. Location is the Twin Leaf Brewery at 144 Coxe Avenue in Asheville. They are on the corner of Coxe and Banks in the South Slope of downtown Asheville. Entrance is the big garage door on Banks Avenue.

11/27/25 JUST PEACE IN ISRAEL/PALESTINE
This meeting will be at 3:15 PM at Brooks-Howell Home on Merrimon Avenue in Asheville. Meet in the media room. Contact Suchi at suchi1025@bellsouth.net for more information.

11/29/15 LIGHT UP THE NIGHT: A VIGIL FOR THE PARIS CLIMATE TALKS
Come to “Light Up the Night: A Vigil for the Paris Climate Talks” on November 29, 5 PM, at Grove Park on Charlotte Street across from St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, as we unite our hearts and longings for a good outcome for the Paris Climate Talks.  Join the Green Grannies in song as we hold candles and send our wishes to Paris in solidarity with events all over the world! Sponsored by 350Asheville and The Green Grannies. Contact palmtree747@gmail.com for more information.

11/29/15 RALLY FOR CLIMATE ACTION IN HENDERSONVILLE
This rally takes place on steps of the Historic Courthouse in Hendersonville. The goal is to show leaders meeting in Paris that “our movement cannot be ignored, and we will accept nothing less than an ambitious climate deal, with a global commitment to 100 percent clean energy.” Time is 1 to 5 PM. This is sponsored by MountainTrue. Contact Joan at joan@mountaintrue.org for more information.

12/01/15 MOVIE FOR WORLD AIDS DAY
The documentary film screening of “deepsouth” will be held at the Asheville Renaissance Hotel on Woodfin Street in downtown Asheville. Time is 6:30 PM. Free and open to the public. Please call the hotel for further information on the movie. The quilt display is up until December 2nd, and that display is free and open to the public.

12/01/15 WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL LECTURE SERIES
“DEAS (ISIS) and PKK – The Regional Struggle for Hegemony: Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Qatar," with Ali Demirdas, a member of the international studies faculty at the College of Charleston and a Ph.D. candidate at University of South Carolina. The lectures are sponsored by the WNC chapter of the World Affairs Council, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UNC Asheville, and the university's Department of Political Science. Admission to World Affairs Council presentations at UNC Asheville is $10 for the public; free to members of the World Affairs Council and UNC Asheville students. Time is 7:30 PM and location is Reuter’s Center. For more information call 828.251.6140.

12/01/15 SHOWING UP FOR RACIAL JUSTICE
Showing up for Racial Justice (SURJ) is a national network of groups educating and organizing white people to act as part of a multi-racial majority for racial justice. Asheville SURJ hosts a weekly discussion group on risk-taking, accountability, mutual interest and how to call more white people into racial justice work. Anyone with a passion for working with white people on racial justice is welcome! Time is 10 AM and location is Firestorm Cafe & Books at 610 Haywood Street in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

12/02/15 WORLD AIDS DAY CELEBRATION IN ASHEVILLE
On Tuesday, December 2, from 7 to 9 PM, World Aids Day will be celebrated, with a fantastic evening of music and poetry focused on remembering the past, celebrating successes, and hope for the future. Location is the Renaissance Hotel in Asheville where the AIDS Memorial Quilt is on display. 

12/02/15 SIERRA CLUB HOLIDAY PARTY
All are warmly invited to WENOCA Sierra Club Group’s 6th Annual Holiday Party & Recognition Awards at 7 PM on Wed, Dec 2 at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Asheville.  Last year about 60 folks ate, drank, and were merry. Please bring a potluck dish to share, your own place settings, and a book to swap, as well as laughter and good cheer.
Contact Judy at judymattox@sbcglobal.net or 828-683-2176 for more information. 

12/03/15 CREATION CARE ALLIANCE MEETING
Creation Care Alliance General Meeting. Time is 5:30 to 7 PM. Location is the First Baptist Church of Asheville at 5 Oak Street in downtown Asheville. Contact Creation Care at creationcare@mountaintrue.org for more information.

12/03/15 PROGRAM ADDRESSING RACE AND POLICE PRACTICES
Carolina Jews for Justice/West, Congregation Beth Israel and Congregation Beth HaTephila are co-sponsoring a program addressing race and police practices on Thursday, December 3, 2015, at Congregation Beth Israel, 229 Murdock Avenue in Asheville.  The program will begin at 6:30 PM with a screening of the documentary film, “Ferguson: A Report from Occupied Territory.” A panel discussion will follow moderated by Rabbi Justin Goldstein of Congregation Beth Israel. Panelists will include Tammy Hooper, Chief of the Asheville Police Department; Van Duncan, Buncombe County Sheriff; Sheneika Smith, Community Resource Specialist of Green Opportunities, and Joseph T. Hackett, Student Development Director of Green Opportunities.  A question and answer period will follow.  Light refreshments will be served. Free and open to the public. Contact Marilynne Herbert at mherbert1@aol.com or (828) 551-7005 for more information.

12/03/15 REMEMBERING THE FLOOD OF 1916
The Center for Cultural Preservation’s next program Come Hell or High Water, Remembering the Flood of 1916 on Thursday, December 3rd at 7 PM will explore the history of the area’s worst natural disaster nearly 100 years ago. But what have we learned? That flood led to hundreds of mudslides and landslides causing extensive damage and loss of life but that was during a time when few people lived up on ridges or near streams. A flood of similar proportions today would be even more devastating. To recount the history and discuss what WNC’s special topography has forewarned us throughout history, the program will feature the presentation of a new short film, and a forum that will include an historian, mountain elders, and experts discussing the history, what we’ve learned and how better protected are we today since the disaster nearly 100 years ago. The program will start  is scheduled at 7 PM and location is Blue Ridge Community College’s Patton Auditorium. There is a suggested donation of $5. Since the program is expected to sell out, advance registration is strongly recommended. Reservations can be made by calling the Center for Cultural Preservation at (828) 692-8062.  The program is co-sponsored by the NC Humanities Council, the Henderson County History and Genealogy Center, Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy and Mountain True.

12/03/15 CENTER FOR PARTICIPATORY CHANGE CELEBRATION
You are invited to CPC’s 2015 Circle Celebration. Hear from leaders in the Language Justice Circle, Popular Education Circle and Racial Equality Circle. Food is included and time is 5 to 9 PM. Location is Toy Boat Community Art Space at 101 Fairview Road (near Sweeten Creek Road) in Asheville. This event is free and kid friendly. Call Becky at 545-7223 for more information.

12/04/15 BENEFIT CONCERT FOR HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Once again, local musician Aaron Price and West Asheville Presbyterian Church are hosting a concert with a great lineup of local musicians to benefit Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity. Friday, December 4th at 7:30 PM at West Asheville Presbyterian Church at 690 Haywood Road. The lineup includes: Kevin Smith and Planefolk Peggy Ratusz and Bygone Blues Whitney Moore BJ Leiderman Valorie Miller Aaron Price Hanger Hall Glee Club MusicWorks Kindergarten Chorus. Admission is free, donations accepted.

12/04/15 GIFTS THAT GIVE AT MARKETPLACE AT AB TECH
Socially responsible vendors, who give back to the community, sell fair trade items, and work with communities of need, will be selling their products at this event.  Refreshments, shopping, chair massage, and more will be offered. From 8:30 AM to 1 PM. Location is Coman Student Center Lounge at AB Tech.

12/05/15 CITIZENS CLIMATE LOBBY MEETING
Citizens Climate Lobby meets the first Saturday of each month at Kairos West Community Center, 742 Haywood Road in west Asheville. We are advocating for a Carbon Fee & Dividend, which would impose a fee on fossil fuels at point entry; this fee will be refunded to individuals and families. There is bipartisan support in Congress as this will create jobs and help grow the economy, boosting renewables. Time is 12:30 to 3 PM.  Location is Kairos West Community Center at 742 Haywood Road in west Asheville. For more information contact asheville@citizensclimatelobby.org.

12/05/15 FUNDRAISER FOR BIBLIOWORKS
All proceeds funds libraries and literary programs in Bolivia. There will be music by Cecil Bothwell, food, beer, cider and a silent auction. Cost is $15 at the door, $12 advance, for admission.  This will be held at 67 Biltmore Avenue, across from the French Broad Food Coop. Time is 7 to 9:30 PM. For more information, call 350-0744.

12/05/15 COTHINKK: MOVING THE CONVERSATION FORWARD
CoThinkk is a “giving circle” that uses our collective time, talent, and treasure towards investment strategies that address education, economic mobility/opportunity, and leadership development towards impacting some of the most critical social issues facing African-American & Latino communities in Asheville and Western NC. This meeting is continuing to build upon our momentum and providing an opportunity for us to invite more voices into the room, to continue to refine our giving through defining our time, talent, and treasure, and to prepare for our April 2016 "Signature Invitation Event.” Please RSVP by November 27th to reserve your seat at the table and to receive additional information that will be needed to inform the meeting conversation. If you have any questions or concerns please free to e-mail cothinkk@gmail.com. Time is 1:30 to 4:30 PM and location is the Asheville Art Museum in downtown Asheville. This is a facebook event.

12/06/15 PILGRIMAGE FOR THE PARIS CLIMATE TALKS
Show your support for UN Climate Talk commitments from global powers to fight climate change by attending “People’s Pilgrimage for the Paris Climate Talks” on December 6th at 2 PM at the Carrier Park pavilion on Amboy Road. Walk two miles along the French Broad River to French Broad River Park and stop along the way at significant sites to share in music, poetry and prayer. Come at 1 PM to make signs. Sponsored by the Creation Care Alliance of Western North Carolina.  Contact creationcare@mountaintrue.org for more information.

12/06/15 CANDLELIGHT VIGIL AND FUNDRAISER FOR HADAYA TOYS
Please join Hadaya Toys for a luminous candlelight vigil and fundraiser to benefit Syrian refugee children on Sunday, Dec. 6, from 6 to 8 PM at Jubilee on Wall St in Asheville.The evening hosts are award winning filmmaker and teacher Jennifer MacDonald and artist, photographer and entrepreneur Vanessa Bell. Hadaya Toys is a grassroots organization dedicated to supporting the overlooked needs of refugee children through creativity and play. They spread joy, one toy at a time, by providing books, toys and art supplies to the child refugee population suffering from the devastation of war. The candlelight evening will feature Middle Eastern music by World super-group Free Planet Radio (River Guerguerian, Chris Rosser and Grammy Award winner Eliot Wadopian) and other special musical guests. Habibi baklava and other delectable treats will be available to enjoy along with a spoken word and film presentation about the Syrian refugee crisis and Hadaya’s first ‘joy delivery’ this summer to four refugee camps on the border of Lebanon and Syria. This community event is to specifically raise funds for the children of the BEITI orphanage in Southern Turkey, who have lost one or both parents in the war. Tickets are $10 and are available at the door or in advance at Malaprops. All proceeds will benefit Hadaya Toys.

12/07/15 TRANSITION ASHEVILLE MEETING
A panel of Transition Asheville organizers will discuss the Transition Movement and why they chose to participate in it locally. They will tell about the highs and lows they have experienced as well as their hopes for the future of Transition Asheville. Panelists: Dylan Ryals-Hamilton, Cathy Scott, Chas Jansen, and Ron Martin-Adkins. Come early for snacks and socializing. Time is 6:30 to 8 PM and location is Parish Hall at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church at 337 Charlotte Street in Asheville. Park in the lot next to the church off Evelyn Alley. For more information, contact transitionasheville@gmail.com. 

12/08/15 VETERANS FOR PEACE MEETING
On the second Tuesday or each month, Western North Carolina Veterans for Peace meets to coordinate group activities and programs.Veterans For Peace is a global organization of Military Veterans and allies whose collective efforts are to build a culture of peace by using our experiences and lifting our voices. We inform the public of the true causes of war and the enormous costs of wars, with an obligation to heal the wounds of wars. Our network is comprised of over 140 chapters worldwide whose work includes: educating the public, advocating for a dismantling of the war economy, providing services that assist veterans and victims of war, and most significantly, working to end all wars. Time is 6:30 PM and location is Firestorm Cafe & Books at 610 Haywood Street in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

12/10/15 JUST ECONOMICS ANNUAL CELEBRATION
Just Economics Annual Celebration. Free, food and entertainment provided, all are welcome. Time is 6 to 9 PM and location is Jubilee! in downtown Asheville. Just Economics works to educate, advocate, and organize for a just and sustainable local economy that works for all in Western North Carolina.  We see ourselves not as people of privilege advocating on behalf of low-income people but rather, people of privilege and low-income people advocating together for a better economic community.  We welcome participation in our work from all members of our community. We are currently focused on living wage jobs, accessible transportation, and affordable housing.

12/10/15 CENTER FOR PARTICIPATORY CHANGE EXHIBIT AT FIRESTORM
Language, Power and Identity. For over 10 years, the Center for Participatory Change has been involved in creating multilingual spaces in Western North Carolina. Through interpretation, use of simultaneous interpretation equipment, interpreter trainings and mentoring of interpreters, CPC worked to create a WNC where different communities could fully participate and have their voices heard. To deepen our understanding of language in our lives, our communities, and our movement, CPC organized a Language Justice Tour of our region. Our goal was to listen to stories of language loss, acquisition and preservation. The photographs in this exhibit capture part of this tour. Time is 7 PM and location is Firestorm Cafe & Books at 610 Haywood Street in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

12/10/15 AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE COMMISSION
Meets on the second Thursday of each month at 11:30 AM in the First Floor North Conference Room of Asheville City Hall. No further information.

12/16/15 REPORT BACK FROM PALESTINE
Recent visitors to Israel/Palestine share reflections on their experience. Time is 7 PM and location is Firestorm Cafe & Books at 610 Haywood Street in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information. This is sponsored by Just Peace in Israel/Palestine.

12/19/15 DOCUMENTARY FILM SHOWING AT FIRESTORM
Mexico is living a crisis. The country no longer believes in its government; it is exhausted by the corruption and impunity which reaches every corner of society. It is tired of the inequality, the violence, the injustice, and the dispossession. In a small town in the semidesert of Hidalgo, a group of men and women of Ñañú origin are setting an example of rural community development – a cooperative rural development that protects natural resources, cares for traditions and respects people. Set in a spectacular box canyon where a thermal river gushes from the side of a mountain, the Tolantongo cooperative has built a popular resort by their own efforts. Members of the cooperative share in the profits from their labor and alternate jobs in a democratic egalitarian community. Their story reveals that organized people can be the creators of their own destiny. There is much to learn from this model of a local community economy through cooperativism that respects nature, people and traditions. The film is called “Tolantongo: A Worker Co-op Resort”. Q & A will follow the film. Time is 5:30 PM and location is Firestorm Cafe & Books at 610 Haywood Street in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

12/23/15 OTHER WORLDS ARE POSSIBLE BOOK GROUP AT FIRESTORM
This discussion group focuses on science fiction, speculative fiction and fantasy literature with a feminist, social justice and/or “radical: theme. We'll read a book each month and discuss both the vision presented by the author and how the book contributes to our understanding of our present moment. The book for December is “Stone Mattress” by Margaret Atwood. Time is 7 PM and location is Firestorm Cafe & Books at 610 Haywood Street in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

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ONGOING EVENTS
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TUESDAY
Veterans for Peace have a weekly vigil at 4:30 PM at Pack Square, Vance Monument
Standing up for Racial Justice at Firestorm Cafe & Books at 10 AM

WEDNESDAY
Haywood Peace Vigilers have a weekly vigil at 4 PM at Haywood County Courthouse in Waynesville

FRIDAY
Women in Black have a weekly vigil at noon at the City Hall in Hendersonville
Women in Black have a monthly vigil at 5 PM at Vance Monument in Asheville (first Friday only)

SATURDAY
Transylvanians for Peace and WNC Physicians for Social Responsibility have a weekly vigil at noon in front of the courthouse in Brevard. Call 884-3435 to confirm. 
Third Saturdays – Asheville’s Green Grannies invites the public to “sing for the climate” at Pritchard Park at 5 PM.

SUNDAY
Youth OUTright meeting from 4 to 6 PM at First Congregational United Church of Christ at 20 Oak Street in Asheville. Ages 14 - 23 only.

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ACTIONS AND READINGS
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Alarm grows over prosecutor conduct in Tamir Rice case

by: RICK NAGIN
November 19 2015

CLEVELAND - With alarm growing that a serious miscarriage of justice may occur in the Tamir Rice case five prominent clergy  sent a letter to Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Timothy McGinty Nov. 12 asking that he step aside and allow an independent prosecutor to take over.  Previously, the Rice family and their attorneys made the same request after McGinty took no action since police gunned down the 12-year-old black child last November, but is  publicly releasing reports from experts he  hired claiming the police acted reasonably.

The attorneys have raised serious questions about the validity of the reports since the police involved were not interviewed and there was no way to determine their state of mind.  In addition, over 50,000 have signed a petition posted at colorofchange.org for McGinty to step aside.

The clergy, including prominent Protestant ministers and Jewish rabbis said they were especially disturbed by comments McGinty made at a recent public forum that the Rice family were "strange people" with "economic" motivations as they demanded justice for Tamir.  The religious leaders also noted that while McGinty had publicized pro-police opinions, he had  shown "disregard" for the June 11 finding of Cleveland Municipal Judge Ronald Adrine,  based on the widely seen video of the incident that probable cause exists to charge the officers involved  with crimes including murder, manslaughter, negligent and reckless homicide and dereliction of duty.
After his speech at the forum McGinty refused to say whether he would provide the Grand Jury with Adrine's opinion telling this writer that the judge had not given it to him and the grand jurors "read the newspapers.”

Organized labor has also gotten involved in the issue. At its meeting Nov. 11, the executive committee of the North Shore AFL-CIO Federation of Labor agreed to send a request to McGinty that he provide the Grand Jury with Adrine's opinion as well as that of Cleveland Marshall Law School Professor Jonathan Witmer-Rich.

Professor Witmer-Rich, an expert on police law, argued in an Oct. 25 Plain Dealer opinion piece that the case must go to trial since legal experts can explain the law, but are no better in  judging whether police act reasonably and in fear for their lives than ordinary citizens seated in a jury panel. 

The shooting of Tamir Rice  occurred on the afternoon of Nov. 22 after a resident saw him waving a toy gun in the park outside Cudell Recreation Center.  The resident called police with the information that it could be a child with a toy.

However, the police dispatcher, who has since resigned, alerted a nearby squad car only saying that there was a black male with a gun in the park.  The patrol car swooped down on Tamir, then standing alone in a picnic shelter, and rookie officer Timothy Loehman jumped out and immediately fired his gun.  Tamir was left bleeding on the ground while the officers tackled and handcuffed his 14-year-old sister, who came running from the rec center. They then forced her into the squad car.  They also restrained his mother, but administered no first aid to Tamir.   Eventually an ambulance arrived and took the child to the county hospital where he died the next day.

McGinty has thus far refused requests that he step aside and ignored a letter from over 100 public officials, clergy, labor and community leaders as well as petitions with over 60,000 signatures that he seek charges in the case. The Tamir Rice Justice Committee has asked that messages to McGinty be emailed to tmcginty@prosecutor.cuyahogacounty.us  The committee urges that he be asked to step aside or to recommend to the Grand Jury that they file charges or at least be given opinions advocating a trial.