February 2013 News

FEBRUARY 2013

A TORTURING WORLD – More than 50 countries helped the CIA outsource torture.

http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2013/02/54-countries-rendition/

Map here, along with explanation why South America is not part of the gulag noted above: http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article34013.htm

Turkey – Suicide bomber attacks US embassy, kills self and a guard. [Blowback for putting Patriot missiles in Turkey. February 1] http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-21293598

Libya – Christians being driven out of Libya. [They have been driven out of Iraq and Syria also, because of US-led violence.] http://www.news24.com/Africa/News/Christians-being-driven-out-of-Libya-20130201

Libya – Two years after violent revolt, Libya faces a host of problems – control of it’s borders, smuggling of weapons, and managing regional militias that refuse to disarm.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/13/world/africa/2-years-after-revolt-libya-faces-host-of-problems.html

Egypt – More than 50 people have been killed and hundreds more injured in a week of violent protests against the government of President Mohamed Morsi. Law and order have broken down in the Suez Canal town of Port Said, and armed gangs have looted an international hotel chain in the heart of Cairo. [Title is “Can the Egyptian army keep the peace?” Time will tell. February 2] http://www.salon.com/2013/02/01/can_the_egyptian_army_keep_the_peace_partner/

Mali – Timbuktu celebrates as France President visits. Thousands of Timbuktu residents gathered in the main square, used until recently by the zealots for public whippings and amputations, to cheer Hollande, who plunged into the crowd, beaming and clasping Malians' hands as part of a lightning-like visit. [February 2] http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-mali-france-hollande-20130203,0,2729507.story

Mali – France bombs Mali’s north. [February 3] http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21314779

Mali – As France drove Islamic militants from cities and towns in northern Mali in recent weeks, corpses of noncombatants also started turning up, many of them Tuareg and Fulani herders, traditionally nomadic people who have roamed the region for centuries, oblivious of borders. Some have been killed by soldiers for having no identification papers.

…. In recent days, Human Rights Watch has reported numerous ethnic reprisal killings by the army, with the danger likely to rise sharply once France withdraws its troops — possibly as early as March — and leaves the Malian military in charge. 

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-mali-army-violence-20130210,0,4303549.story

Mali – French soldier killed in Mali along with 20 Islamist rebels. [February 19] http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/feb/19/french-soldier-killed-mali

Mali – US Air Force crews deliver troops to Mali. US also provides financial and “intelligence” assistance. http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2013/02/19/183567/us-air-force-crews-deliver-supplies.html

Mali – Thirteen Chadian and 65 Islamist rebel fighters have been killed in fighting in northern Mali. [February 22] http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21555898

Mali – Car bomb killed seven at checkpoint in northern Mali town. Checkpoint staffed by group in support of France’s military intervention. [February 26] http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21595018

Africa – Heavily armed Mali rebels spreading across Africa. "We are now in the last phase of the operation," Hollande said. [Like hell you are.] http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/article8419174.ece

Cameroon – Militants kidnap French family. [Retaliation. February 19] http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/02/19/us-cameroon-kidnapping-idUSBRE91I0MA20130219

Niger – US troops arrive in Niger and set up drone base. [They are ‘supporting’ the French fighting in Mali. February 22] http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/us-troops-arrive-in-niger-to-set-up-drone-base/2013/02/22/2a3348c0-7d01-11e2-9e84-3fbb5d2ef2a9_story.html

Syria – Refugees living in appalling conditions. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-21297013

Syria – Refugees flee to Jordon under great hardship and terror. [February 3] http://www.channel4.com/news/syrian-refugees-tonight-we-died-many-deaths 

Syria – At least 19 Syrian security forces killed in two car bombings targeting intelligence headquarters. http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/02/20132695511608916.html

Syria – Rebels are forging child soldiers into ‘killing machines’. http://www.thenational.ae/news/world/middle-east/syrian-rebels-are-forging-child-soldiers-into-killing-machines

Syria – Aleppo Bishop speaks out against Christian kidnappings. http://is.gd/V11Qum

Syria – A bombing at a bus stop near a military factory killed 54 civilian workers. [February 6, 2012] http://gulftoday.ae/portal/63cf0c84-fb62-4d88-8da4-04c7c0ccbc2a.aspx

Syria – Minibus explosion on Syria-Turkey border, killing at least 13. [February 11] http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-21409661

Syria – Rebels control Syria’s largest dam, controlling water and electricity supplies to wide areas. [February 11] http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/rebels-seize-syrias-largest-dam-taking-control-of-water-and-electricity-to-parts-of-country/2013/02/11/d0a659e8-7461-11e2-9889-60bfcbb02149_story.html

Syria – Six Jordanian nationals killed fighting in Syria. [There are reports of Americans, Moroccans, Libyans, Egyptians, Bosnians, and others fighting alongside the rebel forces.]

http://is.gd/1eMpiQ

Syria – Civilians plight is ‘catastrophic’ said the International Committee of the Red Cross. http://is.gd/zAyqtv

Syria – Rocket kills at least 31 people in Aleppo. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-21508468

Syria – In ruins. A story of horror and death and destruction. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/feb/19/syria-civilians-military-stalemate

Syria – Pro-Assad militia now key to Syrian government’s war strategy. http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2013/02/19/183574/pro-assad-militia-now-key-to-syrian.html

Syria – A massive car bomb in Damascus kills at least 53 and injures another 200. [Other reports put the death toll at about 100 dead. This was near the headquarters of the Baath Party, so we can pin this on the rebels. And both Saudi Arabia and Qater are pressing for more aid to these terrorists.] http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-21529634

Syria – Heavy weaponry being sent to the rebels in the south. “The idea was to get heavier stuff, intensify supply and make sure it goes to the good guys,” said an Arab official who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the operation. “If you want to weaken al-Nusra, you do it not by withholding [weapons] but by boosting the other groups.” [And what could possibly go wrong?] http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/in-syria-new-influx-of-weapons-to-rebels-tilts-the-battle-against-assad/2013/02/23/a6bf2bc0-7dfb-11e2-9073-e9dda4ac6a66_story.html

Syria – Unlawful missile attacks kill more than 140 in Aleppo, per Human Rights Watch. http://www.hrw.org/news/2013/02/26/syria-unlawful-missile-attacks-kill-more-140

Iraq – At least 16 people have been killed as suicide bombers and gunmen attacked a police HQ in the northern Iraqi city of Kirkuk, medical sources say. [Other reports say over 33 were killed. February 3] http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-21311931

Iraq – Suicide bomber kills 22 and injures 44 north of Baghdad. They were members of Sahwa, who are fighting al Qaeda in Iraq. [February 4] http://dawn.com/2013/02/04/suicide-blast-near-baghdad-kills-22-injures-44/

Iraq - Attacks north of Baghdad, including a third suicide blast in as many days, killed at least eight people, officials said, amid a spike in violence that has left almost 70 people dead in all. [February 6] http://gulftoday.ae/portal/4484bc63-227e-499a-a85d-760917664ace.aspx

Iraq – Car bomb attacks in Iraq Shi’ite cities kill at least 34. [February 8]

http://srnnews.townhall.com/news/us/2013/02/08/at-least-21-killed-in-car-bomb-attacks-in-iraq-shiite-cities-sources-n1507966  

Iraq – Spate of attacks in northern Iraqi province prompts authorities to warn return of Al Qaeda. http://www.aljazeera.com/video/middleeast/2013/02/201325174955528131.html

Iraq – A series of attacks killed eleven more people in Iraq. [February 12]

http://is.gd/kpFr03

Iraq – Serial bombings kill 37 and wound over 100. [February 17] http://gulftoday.ae/portal/c7929413-70ad-4769-a50b-04c13cb336ab.aspx

Iraq – A decade on from the US-led invasion of Iraq, the destruction caused by foreign occupation and the subsequent regime has had a massive impact on Iraqis' daily life – the most disturbing example of which is violence against women. At the same time, the sectarian regime's policy on religious garb is forcing women to retire their hard-earned rights across the spectrum: employment, freedom of movement, civil marriage, welfare benefits, and the right to education and health services. http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2013/feb/25/iraqi-women-american-promise-democracy 

Iraq – Leaflets warn Baghdad resident to leave, stirring fearful memories. http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/leaflets-warn-baghdad-residents-to-leave-stirring-fearful-memories-as-sectarian-tensions-rise/2013/02/25/cce1c2dc-7f17-11e2-a671-0307392de8de_story.html

USA – Obama administration lawyers have asserted that it would be lawful to kill a United States citizen if "an informed, high-level official" of the government decided that the target was a ranking figure in Al Qaeda who posed "an imminent threat of violent attack against the United States" and if his capture was not feasible, according to a 16-page document. [It is a provable fact that they killed people with drones that they could have easily captured. February 5]

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/05/us/politics/us-memo-details-views-on-killing-citizens-in-al-qaeda.html

USA – White House directed the Justice Department to release to the two Congressional Intelligence Committees classified documents discussing the legal justification for killing, by drone strikes and other means, American citizens abroad who are considered terrorists. [Released on February 7] http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/07/us/politics/obama-orders-release-of-drone-memos-to-lawmakers.html

USA – UN report says US is violating human rights of children. http://www.aclu.org/blog/human-rights/us-violating-human-rights-children-says-un-committee

USA – Major US newspapers admit to honoring CIA demands. http://rt.com/usa/news/us-cia-drone-saudi-669/  

USA – Human Rights Watch claims hundreds of Afghan children killed by US drones. [US denies it.] http://www.hrw.org/news/2013/02/05/us-act-protect-children-conflict 

USA – Announces new Iran sanctions. The United States blacklisted Iran’s state broadcasting authority, Internet-policing agencies and a major electronics producer on Wednesday, an action that widened the American sanctions effort to pressure the Iranian government over not only its disputed nuclear program but also over the stifling of domestic dissent and access to information. [I seem to recall a stifling of the Occupy movement, otherwise known as domestic dissent, here in the USA.] http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/07/world/middleeast/united-states-announces-new-iran-sanctions.html?ref=middleeast&_r=1&

USA – At least 20 CIA prisoners still are missing. http://www.propublica.org/article/at-least-20-cia-prisoners-still-missing

USA – U.S. Border Patrol agents in western New York have been rewarded with cash bonuses and Home Depot gift cards, an incentive program that has grown at the same time as has an overly aggressive enforcement culture, a new study states. http://www.democratandchronicle.com/article/20130214/NEWS01/302140049/Border-Patrol-in-our-area-aggressive-study-says

USA – Nine arrested at Hancock Air Base for opposing drone war crimes. http://vcnv.org/nine-arrested-at-hancock-air-base-for-opposing-reaper-drone-war-crimes

USA – Senator Graham states that 4,700 people killed by US drones. He does not say how many were “bad guys” and how many were innocent victims. http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2013/02/graham-drones/

USA – Six leaking tanks at Hanford reservation raise serious concerns about urgency of nuclear cleanup. [Nuclear power will end up killing a lot of people.] http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/states+governor+says+underground+tanks+Hanford+nuclear/8004417/story.html

Pakistan – Militants attacked an isolated army checkpoint in Pakistan's restive northwest today, with at least 35 people killed in the initial assault, subsequent crossfire and a rocket attack on a house. The Pakistan Taliban claimed responsibility, saying the attack was in response to a US drone strike in neighbouring North Waziristan last month in which two commanders were killed. [February 2] http://is.gd/5bfuKR

Pakistan – At least five persons were killed when a US drone targeted a house in North Waziristan. Sources said that the house was set on fire, as six missiles were fired from the drone. [February 6] http://www.thenews.com.pk/article-86946-US-drone-strikes-kill-five-in-North-Waziristan---

Pakistan – Three killed by US drone. [February 7] http://edition.cnn.com/2013/02/07/world/asia/pakistan-violence/index.html

Pakistan – US drones kill nine in northwestern tribal belt on February 8. http://www.france24.com/en/20130208-us-drones-kill-nine-pakistan-officials

Pakistan – A bomb attack on a crowded grocery market in a Shia-dominated neighborhood has left at least 84 people dead and many more wounded. About 30 of them were Afghan refugees. [February 16] http://www.khaama.com/30-afghan-refugees-among-84-killed-2205

Italy – Italian court convicts over two dozen Americans (CIA) in the 2003 abduction in Milan of an Egyptian cleric. www.nydailynews.com/news/national/american-sniper-author-chris-kyle-fatally-shot-article-1.1254181

Saudi Arabia – Hosts secret US drone base. http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/brennan-nomination-opens-obama-to-criticism-on-secret-targeted-killings/2013/02/05/8f3c94f0-6fb0-11e2-8b8d-e0b59a1b8e2a_story.html

Tunisia – Opposition leader was assassinated, leading to violence and a labor union strike. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21377564  

Afghanistan – Five killed in restaurant bombing kills 5 in northern Afghanistan. [February 5] http://is.gd/LzbJbJ

Afghanistan – Two women killed and three children injured following a military operation by US Special Forces in Heart province. [February 5] http://is.gd/XqM7bX

Afghanistan – Afghan civilians, a woman and three children, were found dead following fighting between coalition forces and insurgents in Herat province. [February 6]

http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2013/02/06/Civilians-reported-killed-in-Afghanistan/UPI-19651360157328/

Afghanistan – A UN committee has expressed "alarm" over reports that hundreds of children have been killed by US military forces in Afghanistan in the past five years. [Afghan government confirms the killings.] http://is.gd/BW1XSx

Afghanistan – A NATO bombing in eastern Afghanistan killed ten civilians, including five women and four children. It also killed three Taliban commanders. [February 12] http://edition.cnn.com/2013/02/13/world/asia/afghanistan-air-strike/index.html

Afghanistan – UN report shows fewer killings of Afghan civilians for the first time in six years. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/19/world/asia/un-reports-decline-in-killings-of-afghan-civilians.html

Afghanistan – US Special Forces ordered out of Wardak province, due to allegations of disappearances and torture by Afghans that are part of those forces. Decision made by Afghan Security Council. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-21566295 More on this, including murder charges: http://edition.cnn.com/2013/02/24/world/asia/afghanistan-us-special-forces/

Afghanistan – And over in Helmand province, Afghan forces are “just like criminals” including charges of sexual abuse of boys, murder, police high on drugs and kidnapping and extortion. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/afghan-forces-are-just-like-criminals-8508260.html

Yemen – Government forces kill 21 suspected al Qaeda militants on February 3. http://is.gd/euI7SE

Yemen – Six killed and two held captive in northern Yemen sectarian clashes. [February 5] http://www.yobserver.com/front-page/10022409.html

Philippines – Twenty two killed in clash of Filipino extremists and rebels. A Muslim rebel group said it attacked Abu Sayyaf gunmen after the al-Qaida-linked militants refused to free hostages. http://is.gd/TxeIzX

Palestine – Israel destroys West Bank protest camp. http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/02/20132915611391106.html

Palestine – Hamas and Fatah are talking about reconciliation. US Congress seeks to stop that. http://mondoweiss.net/2013/02/israel-arrests-lawmakers.html

Palestine – Prisoner was tortured before dying in Israeli jail. [Israel’s claims about cause of death appear bogus.] http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/feb/24/violence-west-bank-custody-death  

Nigeria – Nine women administering polio vaccines to children to two separate locations were shot dead. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21381773

Bahrain – A teenager was killed during protests. Anti-government demonstrators set up road blocks and clashed with security forces, and Amnesty International has called for the release of 22 Bahraini’s prisoners of conscience. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-21450053 

Bahrain – Another one dies. [Notice how the Obama administration does not give a rat’s ass about democracy in Bahrain. February 22] http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-21547109

Iran – Iran urges destruction of all nuclear arms after North Korea’s third nuclear test.

http://is.gd/GHXPGj

Iran – Four U.S. congressmen met an Iranian dissident leader and urged President Obama to treat her group as an alternative to Tehran's government, four months after its removal from a list of terrorist organizations. [This will not end well.] http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/02/17/us-iran-opposition-usa-idUSBRE91G0GC20130217

Burma – Police used white phosphorous on mine protesters. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-21455087

Mexico – Mexico said Wednesday that it had records of more than 27,000 cases of “disappeared people” that it would make public soon in an effort to clarify the circumstances under which they vanished. Human Rights Watch issued a scathing report that called Mexico the Western Hemisphere’s hot spot for “enforced disappearances,” in which police or the military arrest citizens who are never seen again. http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2013/02/20/183679/rights-group-lashes-mexico-over.html

DR Congo – Peace accord is signed. Regional African leaders have signed a UN-brokered accord which aims to bring peace to the troubled eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo. As many as 800,000 people have been displaced since the March 23 rebel group took up arms against the Kinshasa government last May. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21563949

Drone bombings

Bill Moyers:  “The Times told of a Muslim cleric in Yemen named Salem Ahmed bin Ali Jaber, standing in a village mosque denouncing Al Qaeda. It was a brave thing to do - a respected tribal figure, arguing against terrorism. But two days later, when he and a police officer cousin agreed to meet with three Al Qaeda members to continue the argument, all five men - friend and foe - were incinerated by an American drone attack. The killings infuriated the village and prompted rumors of an upwelling of support in the town for Al Qaeda, because, the Times reported, "such a move is seen as the only way to retaliate against the United States.”

I believe, and the evidence available supports it, that the US drone bombings are inspiring more terrorism rather than reducing it. I believe that is the intention of the US government. Drone bombings are immoral and anyone who supports them is supporting evil. 

****************************** 

I sent the above message on a postcard to Obama, McHenry, Burr and Hagan. 

I sent this in February 2013.

What the frack is going on?

THE DAY THE WORLD SAID NO TO WAR!!

I got the following off the United for Peace and Justice (UFPJ) listserve, and thought it worth sharing. It was an incredible day - THE DAY THE WORLD SAID NO TO WAR!

Dancewater

==================================

The Day the World Said No to War

February 15, 2013 - By Phyllis Bennis

Our movement changed history. While we did not prevent the Iraq war, the protests proved its clear illegality, demonstrated the isolation of the Bush administration policies, helped prevent war in Iran, and inspired a generation of activists.

Ten years ago people around the world rose up. In almost 800 cities across the globe, protesters filled the streets of capital cities and tiny villages, following the sun from Australia and New Zealand and the small Pacific islands, through the snowy steppes of North Asia and down across the South Asian peninsula, across Europe and down to the southern edge of Africa, then jumping the pond first to Latin America and then finally, last of all, to the United States.

And across the globe, the call came in scores of languages, “the world says no to war!” The cry “Not in Our Name” echoed from millions of voices. The Guinness Book of World Records said between 12 and 14 million people came out that day, the largest protest in the history of the world. It was, as the great British labor and peace activist and former MP Tony Benn described it to the million Londoners in the streets that day, “the first global demonstration, and its first cause is to prevent a war against Iraq. - What a concept - a global protest against a war that had not yet begun - the goal, to try to stop it.”

It was an amazing moment - powerful enough that governments around the world, including the soon-famous “Uncommitted Six” in the Security Council, did the unthinkable: they too resisted pressure from the United States and the United Kingdom and said no to endorsing Bush’s war. Under ordinary circumstances, alone, U.S.-dependent and relatively weak countries like Angola, Cameroon, Chile, Guinea, Mexico and Pakistan could never have stood up to Washington. But these were not ordinary circumstances. The combination of diplomatic support from “Old Europe,” Germany and France who for their own reasons opposed the war, and popular pressure from thousands, millions, filling the streets of their capitals, allowed the Six to stand firm. The pressure was fierce. Chile was threatened with a U.S. refusal to ratify a U.S. free trade agreement seven years in the making. (The trade agreement was quite terrible, but the Chilean government was committed to it.) Guinea and Cameroon were threatened with loss of U.S. aid granted under the African Growth & Opportunity Act. Mexico faced the potential end of negotiations over immigration and the border. And yet they stood firm.

The day before the protests, February 14, the Security Council was called into session once again, this time at the foreign minister level, to hear the ostensibly final reports of the two UN weapons inspectors for Iraq. Many had anticipated that their reports would somehow wiggle around the truth, that they would say something Bush and Blair would grab to try to legitimize their spurious claims of Iraq’s alleged weapons of mass destruction, that they would at least appear ambivalent enough for the U.S. to use their reports to justify war. But they refused to bend the truth, stating unequivocally that no such weapons had been found.

Following their reports, French Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin responded with an extraordinary call, reminding the world that “the United Nations must remain an instrument of peace, and not a tool for war.” In that usually staid, formal, rule-bound chamber, his call was answered with a roaring ovation beginning with Council staff and quickly engulfing the diplomats and foreign ministers themselves.

Security Council rejection was strong enough - enough governments said no - that the United Nations was able to do what its Charter requires, but what political pressure too often makes impossible: to stand against the scourge of war. On the morning of February 15, just hours before the massive rally began at the foot of the United Nations, the great actor-activist Harry Belafonte and I accompanied South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu to meet with then-Secretary-General Kofi Annan on behalf of the protesters. We were met by a police escort to cross what the New York Police Department had designated its ‘frozen zone’ - not in reference to the bitter 18 degrees or the biting wind whipping in from the East River, but the forcibly deserted streets directly in front of UN headquarters. In the secretary-general’s office on the 38th floor of the United Nations, Bishop Tutu opened the meeting, looking at Kofi across the table and said, “We are here today on behalf of those people marching in 665 cities all around the world. And we are here to tell you, that those people marching in all those cities around the world, we claim the United Nations as our own. We claim it in the name of our global mobilization for peace.”

It was an incredible moment. And while we weren’t able to prevent that war, that global mobilization, that pulled governments and the United Nations into a trajectory of resistance shaped and led by global movements, created what the New York Times the next day called “the second super-power.”

Mid-way through the marathon New York rally, a brief Associated Press story came over the wires: “Rattled by an outpouring of international anti-war sentiment, the United States and Britain began reworking a draft resolution. Diplomats, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the final product may be a softer text that does not explicitly call for war.” Faced with a global challenge to their desperate struggle for UN and global legitimacy, Bush and Blair threw in the towel.

Our movement changed history. While we did not prevent the Iraq war, the protests proved its clear illegality, demonstrated the isolation of the Bush administration policies, helped prevent war in Iran, and inspired a generation of activists. February 15 set the terms for what ‘global mobilizations’ could accomplish. Eight years later some of the Cairo activists, embarrassed at the relatively small size of their protest on February 15, 2003, would go on to help lead Egypt's Arab Spring. Occupy protesters would reference February 15 and its international context. Spain’s indignados and others protesting austerity and inequality could see February 15 as a model of moving from national to global protest.

In New York City on that singular afternoon, some of the speakers had particular resonance for those shivering in the monumental crowd. Harry Belafonte, veteran of so many of the progressive struggles of the last three-quarters of a century, called out to the rising U.S. movement against war and empire, reminding us that our movement could change the world, and that the world was counting on us to do so. “The world has sat with tremendous anxiety, in great fear that we did not exist,” he said. “But America is a vast and diverse country, and we are part of the greater truth that makes our nation. We stand for peace, for the truth of what is at the heart of the American people. We WILL make a difference - that is the message that we send out to the world today.”

Belafonte was followed by his close friend and fellow activist-actor Danny Glover, who spoke of earlier heroes, of Sojourner Truth and Harriet Tubman, and of the great Paul Robeson on whose shoulders we still stand. And then he shouted “We stand here today because our right to dissent, and our right to participate in a real democracy has been hijacked by those who call for war. We stand here at this threshold of history, and we say to the world, “Not in Our Name! Not in Our Name!” The huge crowd, shivering in the icy wind, took up the cry, and “Not in our Name! Not in Our Name!” echoed through the New York streets.

Our obligation as the second super-power remains in place. Now what we need is a strategy to engage with power, to challenge once again the reconfigured but remaining first super-power. That commitment remains.
______________________________
Phyllis Bennis is a fellow of the Institute for Policy Studies. Her books include Challenging Empire: How People, Governments and the UN defy U.S. Power. She served on the steering committee of United for Peace & Justice during the run-up to February 15 and beyond.

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Thanks for this inspiring recollection of that incredible day...or at least, some parts of the incredible day. The story of what was going on in the UN on and around Feb. 15th is an important one that too few people have heard. It's another layer of the power of the work we did.

While I'm very glad you told this story, I must say I'm a little disappointed that you never mentioned United for Peace and Justice as the key player in the U.S. piece of the Feb. 15th international day of action. It was UFPJ that organized the NYC demo - fighting the police, the mayor, and the feds the whole way. It was UFPJ that put out the call and encouraged the local actions around this country that weekend - and in the end over 400 such actions took place. It was within the process set up by UFPJ that the slogan of “The World Says No To War” was developed - I recall the meeting when that happened. And it was UFPJ that represented the U.S. in the international network of organizers all working together to mobilize those tens of millions of people that day.

It's hard to know how the history books will describe Feb. 15, 2003, or how accurately they will tell the story and relate the history. At least we should try our best to tell this story as clearly and honestly as possible and that means UFPJ should be mentioned when we recall that incredible day.

With much respect for all of your work, your friend, Leslie

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Leslie!  You’re absolutely right.  I’m so sorry; don't know what I was thinking that I didn't include UFPJ’s extraordinary work in creating February 15. For what it's worth, I talked about it a lot in London the weekend before, where I was helping celebrate the 10th anniversary of UFPJ’s counterpart, the Stop the War Coalition.

Where all questions/comments/praise/etc from folks there were ALL about UFPJ.

Which doesn't make it okay that I just somehow left it out.  And I’m very sorry for that.

You more than anyone, who kept the core of UFPJ focused and on track, know the reality of what that amazing 1400-organization strong coalition made possible.  And your role in it was a big chunk of what made it work.  So thank YOU for all of that.

Much love and many thanks to you, Phyllis

GOD BLESS THE WHISTLEBLOWERS!!!

They are heroes and heroines!!  I totally respect them.

Upcoming events for the Asheville area this week

From The Oscars in 1973:

UPCOMING EVENTS

02/25/13 PUBLIC SAFETY MEETING IN ASHEVILLE
This meeting will NOT be about the civil liberties resolution. Reportedly, that topic will be covered in March. And while members of Occupy Asheville have talked about this issue at our meetings and urged people to come, there has not been a endorsement from Occupy Asheville of this resolution (probably because the resolution itself has not been presented at meetings yet). Public Safety Meeting is at 3:30 PM at downtown Fire Station.

02/25/13 EARTH SABBATH
February Asheville Earth Sabbath is from 7 to 7:45 PM at St. Mary's Church (in new hall) on Charlotte Street. “The Inner and Outer Work of Building a Powerful Movement.” Jean Larson leading with guests Maggie Ullman, Emma Greenbaum and others. For more information, contact Jean at larson_jean@hotmail.com.

02/25/13 SPEAKERS ON SOCIAL JUSTICE AT WARREN WILSON COLLEGE
The Academia and Activism Speaker Series will have a presentation by Catharine Stimpson at 7 PM in Jensen Lecture Hall. It is called “For the relief of the body and the reconstruction of the mind: Thought and Action in the service of Feminism”. For more information call 771-2083.

02/26/13 INTEGRATED RESOURCE PLAN TESTIMONY WORKSHOP
Transition Asheville will hold a mini-workshop, complete with sample position statements, for those who want to assemble oral and written testimony for the NC Utilities Commission (NCUC) meeting which is March 3 in Asheville. Time for the workshop is 6 PM to 7:30 PM at the West Asheville Library on Haywood Road.  For more info, contact chas.jansen@mtsu.edu, or call 768-1449.

02/27/13 TRANSITION BLACK MOUNTAIN MEETING
Transition Black Mountain will meet to discuss the future of the town at Black Mountain Library. Free. Info: www.facebook.com/TransitionBlackMountain.  Time is 7 PM.

02/27/13 ASHEVILLE SIERRA CLUB TRAINING
Asheville Rate Hike Training will be hosted by the Sierra Club. On March 5th, the NC Utilities Commission will be holding a public hearing on Progress Energy's rate hikes. They are raising our rates to pay for extending the lifeline of coal and gas in North Carolina. Instead, it should invest heavily in energy efficiency and renewable energy, which would cost less in the long run and protect human health and the environment. Please join us to learn what to expect at the rate hike hearing, and how we can amplify our collective voice at the proceedings. Location is 34 Wall Street, 3rd Floor, from 6 to 8 PM. FMI, please contact Emma at emma.greenbaum@sierraclub.org or 520-275-4812.

02/28/13 LECTURE AT UNCA
Evening Lecture with Dr. Yyvone Ortiz-Prince held at the Highsmith Student Union. Dr. Ortiz-Prince is the Executive Director for the AVID Higher Education Program.  She will be discussing the impact of economic class with peers for first generation college students. For more information email dmiles@unca.edu or call 828-232-5024.

02/28/13 SIERRA CLUB MEETING IN BREVARD
Pisgah District Ranger Ibarguen to Speak to the Pisgah Group of the Sierra Club in Brevard February 28. While he will provide a variety of information, logging in the Pisgah National Forest is expected to be one topic that comes up. A recent front-page story in the Transylvania Times noted that the U.S. Forest Service is seeking public input on a proposal to cut 450 acres of timber near Courthouse Falls in Pisgah National Forest. The meeting will be held at the Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship Church on South Broad Street in Brevard. There will be socializing at 7 p.m. The meeting starts at 7:30. Non-members are welcome; Sierra Club meetings are open to all. For more information, call 877-4070.

02/28/13 SAFE CAROLINAS OFFERING RIDE TO PUBLIC HEARING IN CHARLOTTE
There will be a Public Hearing on Duke/Progress Energy Plan on February 28 at 7 PM in Charlotte, NC. Location is Mecklenburg County Courthouse at 832 East 4th Street in Court Room 5310. SAFE Carolinas is offering a free ride to the hearing in Charlotte, leaving from Asheville at 3 PM. Meet at Westgate Shopping Center parking lot near TCBY. To reserve your seat please call Laura at 828-665-3668. Please include your cell phone number (if none then home #). A sandwich will be offered.  We are arriving around 6 PM for rally and to sign up for speaking.  Please bring a copy of your comments to give to the Commissioners.  Want more info about the meeting? Check out this post: http://quitcoal.org/blog/duke-energy-north-carolina-coal-legacy

03/01/13 JAVA FOR JUSTICE
Pisgah Legal Service celebrates 35 years of pursuing justice and fighting poverty! Pisgah Legal Services, Asheville Radio Group, The Van Winkle Law Firm and BMW of Asheville are partnering with great local coffeehouses to raise money for and awareness of the need for free civil legal aid, helping low-income people in Western North Carolina. Join them  on Friday, March 1st at any of these coffeehouses to enjoy a cup of java and some great company.  http://www.pisgahlegal.org/news-and-events/events-1/java-for-justice/java-for-justice-2013

03/02/13 OCCUPY ASHEVILLE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Occupy Asheville will hold a General Assembly at 2 PM at Pritchard Park. All are welcome to come and participate.

03/02/13 URANIUM AND NUCLEAR WEAPONS IN OUR BACK YARD
There will be a public lecture and discussion on “Atomic Appalachia:  Uranium and Nuclear Weapons in Our Backyard - What You Should Know” Time is 7 to 9 PM and location of event is the top floor of the Battery Park Apartments in downtown Asheville. This lectures will focuses on Eastern Tennessee's uranium and nuclear weapons industry and community activism on public health around nuclear facilities.  Also touches on related impacts due to downwind and downstream movement of radioactive releases, transport of highly radioactive materials on our highways, regional importance to reprocessing, and permanent disposal problems. Presented by New South Network of War Resisters, email newsouthnetwork@gmail.com for more information.

03/02/13 BOYCOTT SODA STREAM IN ASHEVILLE
Western North Carolinians for Peace & Justice in the Middle East will hold a vigil for boycotting illegal settlement products. It will be at S. Tunnel Road (Best Buy). Time is 12 to 1 PM. For more information, contact Suchi at 669-2073.

03/04/13 to 03/31/13 PARALLEL JOURNEYS: EXHIBIT AT UNCA
From March 4 - 31, “Parallel Journeys: World War II and the Holocaust” tells the stories of dozens of teenagers who were witnesses, participants, and often victims of this brutal conflict. Profiles of well-known teens, not all of whom were heroic, are part of the exhibition. Elie Wiesel (Auschwitz survivor and Nobel Peace Prize winner), members of the resistance group the White Rose, and Traudl Junge (Adolf Hitler's secretary) will be included. Lesser-known teens, who survived the concentration camps, hid from the Nazis, led rescue efforts, served as soldiers, remained on the home front, or aided individuals who were targets of Nazi oppression, such as the handicapped, Jehovah's Witnesses, and political prisoners, will finally have their stories told. The "Parallel Journeys" exhibit invites visitors to contemplate ways in which their actions can make a difference in the world today. Located in UNCA Karpen Lobby. For more information email dmiles@unca.edu or call 828-232-5024.

03/04/13 GREEN PARTY MEETING
The Buncombe County GREEN Party's business meeting is open to the public. It is held on the first Monday of the month. Time is 6 PM and location is the Fortune Building (upstairs), at 729 Haywood Rd., West Asheville. Parking in back and on the street. Contact Ronald @ 828-LUCK-180 or Larry @ 828-225-4347 for more information

03/05/13 PUBLIC HEARING ON DUKE RATE HIKES
The Asheville Public Hearing by the NC Utilities Commission will be held at the Buncombe County Courthouse in the basement in District Courtroom 1. Time is 7 PM. Progress Energy/Duke is proposing a 14% rate hike, and their business plan does not include wind, solar or expansion of energy efficiency.

03/06/13 SIERRA CLUB MEETING
Topic is North Carolina’s energy future, clean energy solutions and renewables. Time is 7 PM at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Asheville (corner of Charlotte & Edwin). Contact: judymattox@sbcglobal.net, or 828-683-2176 for more information.

03/06/13 OPENING RECEPTION AND KEYNOTE FOR “PARALLEL JOURNEYS”
See description of this exhibit above under 03/04/13. Opening Reception is from 5:30-6:45 PM at UNC Asheville Karpen Lobby. Opening Keynote is at 7 PM at Highsmith Student Union Alumni Hall. “How the Holocaust Shaped My Life” is the topic with Dr. Walter Ziffer speaking. For more information email dmiles@unca.edu or call 828-232-5024.

03/07/13 VETERANS FOR PEACE MEETING
Time is 6:30 PM and location is VFP HQ at the Phil Mechanic Studios: 109 Roberts Street in Asheville. VFP Chapter 099: http://vfpchapter099wnc.blogspot.com/

03/14/13 THE MOST IMPORTANT ERA IN US HISTORY YOU’VE NEVER HEARD OF AND WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TODAY
Dr. James Loewen will present a lecture on the subject presented above at 7 PM at Rhodes-Robinson Lecture Hall, Room 125 at UNCA.  Dr. Loewen is the author of the book “Lies My Teacher Told Me:  Everything Your American History Textbook Got Wrong.” For more information, please call 828.251.6304 or email amartine@unca.edu.

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ONGOING EVENTS
*******************************************
MONDAY

TUESDAY
Veterans for Peace have a weekly vigil at 4:30 PM at Pack Square, Vance Monument

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

THURSDAY
Asheville Homeless Network meeting at 2 PM at Firestorm Cafe.

FRIDAY
Women in Black have a vigil at 5 PM at Pack Square (Asheville) on the first Friday of the month.
Women in Black have a weekly vigil at noon at the City Hall in Hendersonville

SATURDAY
Transylvanians for Peace and WNC Physicians for Social Responsibility have a weekly vigil at noon in front of the courthouse in Brevard.

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ACTIONS AND READINGS
*******************************************

FROM JILL STEIN, GREEN PARTY CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT

SIGN ON: Climate Voter Power Pledge

Therefore, I pledge that:

I will not give my vote to any candidate for legislative or executive office who supports the climate-destroying "all of the above" approach to energy.

I also will encourage candidates to support a Green New Deal, creating a zero-carbon, nuclear-free, full employment economy.

Sign here: http://www.jillstein.org/climate?recruiter_id=145701

******************

Action Alert: Contact Your Legislators and Governor About SB76!
               
Senate Bill 76 was approved by the Senate Commerce Committee on Feb. 21, and could get a vote by the Senate next week and head quickly to the House!
SB76 would set Mar. 1 of 2015 as the date when our moratorium on fracking permits would end. It would pave the way for offshore drilling while putting public health, water and air, and local economies at risk in NC!

Here’s where to get your Senator’s contact info, listed by county  and your Representative’s info.

Gov. McCrory, (919) 733-5811, though favoring drilling, must be told that rushing permitting will only result in accidents and contamination that his administration will take the blame for!

Key reasons to pull out all stops to fight this bill:

*Last year’s Senate Bill 820, which started the process of developing regulations for fracking, required one final vote of approval after seeing the regulations, BEFORE permitting could start. SB76 ignores this reasonable step and lets permitting start by default!

*It would put the livelihood of NC fishermen and coastal tourism at risk by promoting offshore oil and gas drilling

*It removes the requirement for “landmen” to register in North Carolina, leaving property owners vulnerable, and limiting public access to records about companies operating in NC

*It would legalize deep injection of oil and gas wastes, something that has never been allowed in NC, and had been kept OUT of S820 last year.

1,000 days in jail

with no trial yet. The trial is due to begin on June 1, 2013 in Fort Mead, Maryland.

In my eyes, he is a hero for revealing the truth about what the US government has been up to, if he is the one who released all those documents and videos and reports. I believe that he helped get the US troops out of Iraq, helped with the Arab Spring, revealed corruption and torture and abuse, and in turn, was treated very badly by the US military and US government.

But he is a hero in my eyes.

Iraq War Lies

Words from a US Veteran

I can remember the smell of Iraq, the roads, the face of children.

I remember very clearly a day when we raided a house in Baqubah. Raids aren't these "surgical" events like in movies. They are messy, violent, painful and destructive. Most of all they terrorize human beings. They terrorize children and their loved ones. They terrorize an occupied population and by the suicide rates soaring in americas military, raids, occupations and war terrorize the hearts and minds of those who participated in them.

I often spend my time thinking about the broken doors, smashed television sets, the couches we cut open "looking for weapons."

I spend a lot of time wondering if the same couches cut open are still there. If the families could even afford new ones. I wonder if the doors I personally kicked open remain broken. I wonder if the families I threw on the ground remember my face as clearly as I remember theirs.

If they hated me I wouldn't blame them. I hate me for what we did. There's nothing honorable about kicking a door in at 3 am and shoving a person to the ground in the middle of the night. There's nothing honorable about violating human dignity.

There is honor in refusing to partake in a war. There's honor in what Bradley Manning did.

I'm writing this not for attention or having a "pity party" I'm writing because some friends recently have asked me about joining the military. I think they should know the reality.

If you are thinking about it I'd suggest you take a trip to the Veterans Affairs hospitals. You'll see people broken, staring at walls...almost expressionless. If you don't want to be like them don't join.

For those "friends" of mine who will dislike what I'm saying or say I'm "anti-soldier" my reply is I care about everyone I served with. I care about them, their families and the families in Iraq.

Most people wouldn't think something as simple as looking at your front door would open doors in your mind remembering Iraq.

I know several of my former comrades I served with feel the same way.

Peace for the Iraqi people and all occupied peoples in the world.

-Kevin Baker, US veteran of Iraq war

Belgian MP speaks the truth

He is speaking the truth about what western governments are up to in the world, and how they are supporting al Qaeda terrorists in Syria and formerly in Libya, while supposedly "fighting" them elsewhere. I like the part where he says "fuck you all" the best.

Excellent speech on Iraq by Dahlia Wasfi

Move Asheville Beyond Coal

Upcoming events in the Asheville area this week

Protesting Obama last Wednesday alongside Long Shoals Road. Photo by a local activist (sorry, I forget who sent this!)

UPCOMING EVENTS

02/19/13 TRANSITION ASHEVILLE PERMACULTURE POTLUCK SERIES
Each month in 2013 a different local teacher will present a new permaculture principle explaining how that principle can be applied to the redesign of our lives, homes, and communities to create a more resilient and sustainable human culture. We invite you to join us for these “Potlucks with a Purpose” on the third Tuesday of each month at Community Action Opportunities (25 Gaston Street) to share ideas, connection, and great food! Time is 5:30 PM.

02/20/13 “SWITCH” - A MOVIE AT UNCA
Now playing at more than 300 universities, see the film that’s changing the global energy conversation. Get the straight answers to our more controversial energy questions. See the trailer at www.switchenergyproject.com. Time is 6:30 PM and location is Rhodes-Robinson Hall (Room 125) at UNCA. Free admission, and open to the public.

02/20/13 THE REAL DIRT ON FARMER JOHN
Transition Hendersonville will screen “The Real Dirt on Farmer John” at the Black Bear Cafe at 318 Main Street in Hendersonville. Free. More information at www.transitionhendersonville.com.

02/21/13 LECTURES AND MOVIE AT UNCA
Author and Documentarian Alex Kotlowitz will be on campus for a number of events including: 1) a lecture “The Things They Carry: Growing Up Poor in the World's Richest Nation” at 12:15; 2) another lecture “Bearing Witness: Storytelling and Human Rights” at 4 PM; and 3) a documentary movie – “The Interrupters” at 7 PM. All are held at Mountain Suites at Highsmith Student Union. From producer/director Steve James and author-turned-producer Alex Kotlowitz, The Interrupters tells the moving and surprising story of three “violence interrupters” in Chicago who with bravado, humility and even humor try to protect their communities from the violence they once employed. For more information email dmiles@unca.edu or call 828-232-5024.

02/21/13 COMMUNITY RACE DISCUSSION
This monthly discussion group is open to the public and invites community members in Asheville and Buncombe County to get together to explore issues of race, racism, privilege and identity -- topics we don't explore together on a regular basis. Sponsored in partnership with the YWCA. Time is 5:30 PM and location is Firestorm Café and Books.

02/21/13 VETERANS FOR PEACE FILM AND DISCUSSION PROGRAM
This will be held at the Courtyard Gallery in the Phil Mechanic Building in the RAD, Asheville. Time is 5:30 PM. Open to the public, donations accepted. The film will be “Israel and Iran: Facts vs. Fear” with Ray McGovern. Call Veterans for Peace at 258-1800 for more information.

02/22/13 JUST US FOR ALL FUNDRAISER
“How We Identify” fundraising event will be at 8 PM at Toyboat Community ArtSpace at 101 Fairview Road in Asheville. $5 donation requested. President Sam “Basil” Soper said this about the event: “We don’t only expect allies to walk away learning new things about the Queer community, but people within our community should be enlightened as well.”

02/22/13 CARE OF CREATION MINISTRY – ST. EUGENE CHURCH
Care of Creation Ministry of St. Eugene has invited Father John Rausch to come to share his knowledge and understanding of the social and ecological concerns as they relate to all of us. Father Rausch is the director of the Catholic Committee of Appalachia. He is an environmental activist from West Virginia. His topic will be “The 7th Day of Creation: The Spirituality of Working in God’s Garden”. Time is 7 PM and location is St. Eugene Church on Culvern Street in Asheville. For more information, contact Connie at cmitchell28@charter.net.

02/23/13 CARE OF CREATION MINISTRY – ST. EUGENE CHURCH
“The Rising Tide and Destructive Storms of Climate Change” is the topic for today’s session. The morning will start with viewing “The Hungry Tide” a documentary about south Pacific islands endangered from global warming. Following the documentary, there will be breakout sessions on local endeavors to care for creation. Time is 9 AM to 1 PM and location is St. Eugene Church on Culvern Street in Asheville. For more information, contact Connie at cmitchell28@charter.net.

02/23/13 BRADLEY MANNING   
He spent 1,000 days in jail as of today with no conviction yet. This is a travesty of justice.

02/25/13 PUBLIC SAFETY MEETING
Public Safety meeting regarding Asheville City Council member Cecil Bothwell’s civil liberties resolution will be held at 3:30 PM. Location is Asheville Fire Station, downtown, on the 2nd floor.  This resolution states that Asheville police will not comply with federal statutes regarding targeting and arrest of undocumented workers.

02/28/13 LECTURE AT UNCA
Evening Lecture with Dr. Yyvone Ortiz-Prince held at the Highsmith Student Union. Dr. Ortiz-Prince is the Executive Director for the AVID Higher Education Program.  She will be discussing the impact of economic class with peers for first generation college students. For more information email dmiles@unca.edu or call 828-232-5024.

03/01/13 JAVA FOR JUSTICE
Pisgah Legal Service celebrates 35 years of pursuing justice and fighting poverty! Pisgah Legal Services, Asheville Radio Group, The Van Winkle Law Firm and BMW of Asheville are partnering with great local coffeehouses to raise money for and awareness of the need for free civil legal aid, helping low-income people in Western North Carolina. Join them on Friday, March 1st at any of these coffeehouses to enjoy a cup of java and some great company.  http://www.pisgahlegal.org/news-and-events/events-1/java-for-justice/java-for-justice-2013

03/02/13 URANIUM AND NUCLEAR WEAPONS IN OUR BACK YARD
There will be a public lecture and discussion on “Atomic Appalachia:  Uranium and Nuclear Weapons in Our Back Yard - What You Should Know” Time is 7 to 9 PM and location of event is the top floor of the Battery Park Apartments in downtown Asheville. This lectures will focuses on Eastern Tennessee's uranium and nuclear weapons industry, community activism on public health around nuclear facilities, local & international organizing efforts, the work of both Tennessee and North Carolina citizen scientists, and the findings from widespread sampling of surface water, sediment, attic dust and ground water. Also touches on related impacts to Western North Carolina and Asheville due to downwind and downstream movement of radioactive releases, transport of highly radioactive materials on our highways, regional importance to reprocessing, and permanent disposal problems. Presented by New South Network of War Resisters, email newsouthnetwork@gmail.com for more information.

03/04/13 to 03/31/13 PARALLEL JOURNEYS: EXHIBIT AT UNCA
From March 4 - 31, “Parallel Journeys: World War II and the Holocaust” tells the stories of dozens of teenagers who were witnesses, participants, and often victims of this brutal conflict. Profiles of well-known teens, not all of whom were heroic, are part of the exhibition. Elie Wiesel (Auschwitz survivor and Nobel Peace Prize winner), members of the resistance group the White Rose, and Traudl Junge (Adolf Hitler's secretary) will be included. Lesser-known teens, who survived the concentration camps, hid from the Nazis, led rescue efforts, served as soldiers, remained on the home front, or aided individuals who were targets of Nazi oppression, such as the handicapped, Jehovah's Witnesses, and political prisoners, will finally have their stories told. The "Parallel Journeys" exhibit invites visitors to contemplate ways in which their actions can make a difference in the world today. Located in UNCA Karpen Lobby. For more information email dmiles@unca.edu or call 828-232-5024.

03/04/13 GREEN PARTY MEETING
The Buncombe County GREEN Party's business meeting is open to the public. It is held on the first Monday of the month. Time is 6 PM and location is the Fortune Building (upstairs), at 729 Haywood Rd., West Asheville. Parking in back and on the street. Contact Ronald @ 828-LUCK-180 or Larry @ 828-225-4347 for more information

03/05/13 PUBLIC HEARING ON DUKE RATE HIKES
The Asheville Public Hearing by the NC Utilities Commission will be held at the Buncombe County Courthouse in the basement in District Courtroom 1. Time is 7 PM. Progress Energy/Duke is proposing a 14% rate hike. And their business plan does not include wind, solar or expansion of energy efficiency.

03/06/13 SIERRA CLUB MEETING
Topic is North Carolina’s energy future, clean energy solutions and renewables. Time is 7 PM at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Asheville (corner of Charlotte & Edwin). Contact: judymattox@sbcglobal.net, or 828-683-2176 for more information.

03/06/13 OPENING RECEPTION AND KEYNOTE FOR “PARALLEL JOURNEYS”
See description of this exhibit above under 03/04/13. Opening Reception is from 5:30-6:45 PM at UNC Asheville Karpen Lobby. Opening Keynote is at 7 PM at Highsmith Student Union Alumni Hall. “How the Holocaust Shaped My Life” is the topic with Dr. Walter Ziffer speaking. For more information email dmiles@unca.edu or call 828-232-5024.

03/07/13 VETERANS FOR PEACE MEETING
Time is 6:30 PM and location is VFP HQ at the Phil Mechanic Studios: 109 Roberts Street in Asheville. VFP Chapter 099: http://vfpchapter099wnc.blogspot.com/

*******************************************
ONGOING EVENTS
*******************************************
MONDAY
Occupy Asheville Weekly Meeting at 6:30 PM at First Congregational Church of Christ.

TUESDAY
Veterans for Peace have a weekly vigil at 4:30 PM at Pack Square, Vance Monument

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

THURSDAY
Asheville Homeless Network meeting at 2 PM at Firestorm Cafe.
Anti-racism Group Discussion at 5:30 PM on the third Thursday of the month at Firestorm Cafe.

FRIDAY
Women in Black have a vigil at 5 PM at Pack Square (Asheville) on the first Friday of the month.
Women in Black have a weekly vigil at noon at the City Hall in Hendersonville
Homeless Network Parade on the last Friday of the month at 2 PM at Pritchard Park.

SATURDAY
Transylvanians for Peace and WNC Physicians for Social Responsibility have a weekly vigil at noon in front of the courthouse in Brevard.
Occupy Asheville General Assembly on the first Saturday of the month. 2 PM at Pritchard Park.


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ACTIONS AND READINGS
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An email from earlier in the week - please consider signing the petition.

Wednesday Feb 13th, President Obama is visiting Linamar Corporation in South Asheville after his State of the Union speech on Tuesday evening. The Asheville Citizen Times asked for individuals to write letters to the paper about what they wanted to say to the President.  The following is what one of our signers Gabe Dunsmith of Arden wrote:

To the Citizen-Times:

From,

Gabe Dunsmith
Arden, NC

Dear President Obama,
South Asheville is suffering.

I know because I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer at age 11. I underwent intensive surgery and years of radiation treatment to rid the cancer from my neck tissue, my lymph nodes, and my lungs.

At the time of my diagnosis, my family and I knew little of the shuttered CTS of Asheville plant a mile from our house. But we soon learned that the abandoned factory was leaking the carcinogen trichloroethylene (TCE), used for decades as a degreaser—and then dumped out back.

TCE has migrated into my neighbors’ wells, into creeks I played in as a child, into our very homes. Meanwhile, CTS Corporation is alive and well, profiting on the suffering they inflicted upon Asheville. It is high past time for a full-scale cleanup. We need government intervention—and we need it now. For all the families with cancer, for all the children who are suffering, we need you, President Obama.

Making CTS Corporation pay for cleanup is the only way to right the wrong that CTS did to Asheville. Cleaning up this site should be part of a broader policy of eliminating toxic substances from the environment and protecting human life over corporate profit.

Asheville will always be my home, but this beautiful mountain town is not without its tragedies. And to rectify the injustices of the past, we need your help to shape a brighter future—and that starts with cleaning up CTS.

Sincerely,
Gabriel Dunsmith
Arden, NC

This petition is for Gabe and many others who have been affected by this toxic waste site.  If you have not already shared the petition please take the time to encourage other voices to sign on for CTS Corp. to carry out a full scale cleanup.

http://signon.org/sign/cts-site-fullscale-cleanup?mailing_id=8989&source=s.icn.em.cr&r_by=181732

Gabe maintains a facebook page for the Clean Up CTS of Asheville

http://www.facebook.com/CTSAsheville

Sincerly,

James "Chip" Hood

******************

Hospitality needed for War Tax Resisters in May

The National War Tax Resistance Coordinating Committee (NWTRCC)is meeting
in Asheville May 3-5 and the out-of-town guests, including Cindy Sheehan
and David Swanson, could use some overnight accommodations. If you can
offer hospitality or suggestions for same, please contact Clare at
"NewSouth Network" newsouthnetwork@gmail.com.

******************

Subject: Memo to National and State Leaders re: The 2013 Freedom Rides for Voting Rights

Attached is a memo from Alabama Senator Hank Sanders to national and state leaders asking for their help with the 2013 Freedom Rides for Voting Rights.  Eight buses will be bringing people from nine of the 16 states covered by the Voting Rights Act to participate in the 2013 Selma-to-Montgomery March and the events taking place in Montgomery on March 7th and March 8th, including the Rally to Save the Voting Rights Act being held at the Alabama Capitol beginning at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 8th.  

Please distribute this memo to leaders, individuals and groups that would be interested in taking part in or in mobilizing people to take part in the 2013 Freedom Rides to Montgomery from Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia.  There are 50 seats available on each of the eight buses, and these spaces will be filled as participants are confirmed.  There is no cost for individuals to ride these buses, and lodging will be provided in Montgomery on Thursday, March 7th for the 2013 Freedom Riders, also at no cost to participants. Please read the attached memo for more detailed information, and please forward this memo and share this information with others.

Thank you!
Sharon Wheeler
Alabama Education Association
Government Relations/External Affairs
(334) 220-6857
shawheel@me.com

******************

Anti War Mrach - London - February 2003

THE DAY THE WORLD MARCHED

Tenth anniversary of a day of righteousness!

I am proud to say that I was one of these millions who protested the upcoming war of aggression on Iraq.  What the US/UK did was massively, massively evil. 

And what the protesters should have done was come, and STAY AND OCCUPY.  That might have done it. We did not stop the upcoming war and occupation, but we did stand up for what was moral and good in the world.  Too bad the evil shits did not listen.

ADDED:

I was at a rally in Asheville NC that day. We spilled into the streets. 

I did not have much to do with that rally, but I soon was deeply involved in the peace and justice movement in my area and remain so to this day.

I am always happy to see people trying to help the Iraqi people. We did so much damage to Iraq and Iraqis, and I feel so ashamed of what my government has done. Same for Vietnam.

And I continue to try and help Iraqis and Vietnamese with my charity dollars.

POWER TO THE PEOPLE WHO STOOD UP FOR WHAT WAS RIGHT, JUST, MORAL, AND PEACEFUL!!

"A change is going to come" by Jana Mashonee

"I Shall Be Released" by Nina Simone

WikiLeaks - the best of 2012

Upcoming events in the Asheville area this week

UPCOMING EVENTS

02/11/13 MOVE TO AMEND MEETING
Please take note that our next scheduled meeting will be at 7 PM on Monday, February 11 in the Religious Education space in the lower level of the Unitarian Universalist Church in Asheville. Contact Lew at patrie.wncpsr@main.nc.us for more information.

02/11/13 VAN GOING TO RALEIGH PUBLIC HEARING
Duke/Progress Energy is planning the same old n' dirty energy mix we have been living with for generations: dangerous nuclear power, dirty coal and poisonous gas. Please stand up for renewables & efficiency. SAFE Carolinas is offering a 15 passenger van with a small meal pack (at no cost to you) to go to the public hearing on Integrated Resource Plan. This Plan is the 15 year business plan of Progress Energy. Van will leave Earth Far parking lot at 1 PM and will return to Asheville at the end of the hearing (which starts at 6 PM). Hearing is at the NC Utilities Commission in the Dobbs Building in Raleigh. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/260202530779483/ for more information. For more ride information or to RSVP please call Laura Sorensen @ 665-3668 or email lsredoak@gmail.com. Please provide your phone number.

02/12/13 JUSTICE FRIENDS NIGHT
An inclusive monthly gathering to explore social and environmental justice through presentations, films and performance art. A discussion group and social event for locals with an activist mindset. Bring your causes and local issues to the roundtable! Share, listen, learn, network. Location is Firestorm Café and Books and time is 7 PM.

02/12/13 PUBLIC FORUM ON CAMPAIGN FINANCE
There will be a short film and presentation by Tom Coulson of NC Voters for Clean Elections and an update on the progress and direction of the movement to constitutionally amend Citizens United. Discussion to follow. Time is 7 PM and location is Firestorm Café and Books. https://www.facebook.com/events/522432147778584/

02/12/13 HUNGER IN WNC INITIATIVE
Cindy Threlkeld, executive director of Manna Food Bank, will discuss the Hunger in WNC Initiative at UNCA’s Reuter Center. Free. Time is 2:30 PM. More info at www.olliasheville.com or 251-6140.

02/12/13 PROTEST ON CHARLOTTE STREET BRIDGE
Obama is coming sometime Wednesday, but the details of his visit have not been revealed. We will do highway blogging on Tuesday at 4:30 on Charlotte Street Bridge. At that time we will probably know Obama's plans for Wednesday. We can talk about this during the Tuesday protest. Please bring banners and signs. Remember there are multiple issues we are dealing with from climate change, Keystone XL pipeline, drones, gun control, banks, move to amend, etc. Use your imaginations. Please email Steve with suggestions and/or questions at earthsun2@gmail.com.

02/13/13 OBAMA VISITING ASHEVILLE TODAY

02/14/13 ONE BILLION RISING IN ASHEVILLE
On V-Day’s 15th Anniversary, we are inviting ONE BILLION women and those who love them to WALK OUT, DANCE, RISE UP, and DEMAND an end to violence against women. ONE BILLION RISING will move the earth, activating women and men across every country. This event will take place from 7 to 10 PM and location will be the YWCA on South French Broad Avenue in Asheville. For info on the local event: https://www.facebook.com/events/536011696416480/.  It is being sponsored by http://onebillionrising.org/.

02/14/13 SYMPOSIUM ON REDISTRICTING REFORM
This is sponsored by Common Cause NC, League of Women Voters of Buncombe County, and Alliance for Retired Americans. No matter where you live in the US, redistricting can affect the relevance of your vote. Learn how this subverts the will of the people, how that can be avoided and what citizens can do to help. It will be a panel discussion with audience participation and lunch is included. Time is 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM. This will be held at the Mountain View Room at UNCA’s Sherrill Center. Free. SIGN UP TO ATTEND: We want to make sure we have enough food; RSVP to tomcoulson@aol.com or call 828-674-3046.

02/14/13 THE WEST VIRGINIA MINE WARS
Combining talk, imagery, and song, this presentation explores the 20-year history of the West Virginia Mine Wars. These wars, which included the second-largest insurrection in U.S. history, are little appreciated for their lasting impact on our nation's history. The presentation concludes with a focus on the endangerment of a historic battle site- Blair Mountain, WV- as it comes under threat of mountaintop removal mining. Time is 6:30 PM and location is Firestorm Café. https://www.facebook.com/events/482023931832957/

02/15/13 ANNIVERSARY OF THE DAY THE WORLD MARCHED
It has been 10 years since the world rose up and rallied and marched against war on Iraq for a pack of lies. Bush and the Pentagon and their lackeys went ahead with their premeditated act of mass murder that continues to this day. But it was the largest anti-war demonstration in the history of the world. The people knew the war was wrong, and if you were one of them, speak out about your bravery and courage and insight and morality. You are part of a very special minority of Americans.

02/15/13 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 12:30 to 2 PM.  Everyone is welcome.  Please go to www.wncpsr.org  for more information, which includes how to get there and other details.

02/16/13 BUS TO DC CLIMATE PROTEST BY WESTERN N.C. ALLIANCE
There will be a bus (or two) leaving Asheville for DC on 2-16-13.  This is for the Climate Rally in DC on February 17th. BUS IS FULL.

02/17/13 CLIMATE RALLY IN DC
http://action.sierraclub.org/site/PageServer?pagename=nat_signup_feb17

02/19/13 TRANSITION ASHEVILLE PERMACULTURE POTLUCK SERIES
Each month in 2013 a different local teacher will present a new permaculture principle explaining how that principle can be applied to the redesign of our lives, homes, and communities to create a more resilient and sustainable human culture. We invite you to join us for these “Potlucks with a Purpose” on the third Tuesday of each month at Community Action Opportunities (25 Gaston Street) to share ideas, connection, and great food! Time is 5:30 PM.

02/21/13 LECTURES AND MOVIE AT UNCA
Author and Documentarian Alex Kotlowitz will be on campus for a number of events including: 1) a lecture “The Things They Carry: Growing Up Poor in the World's Richest Nation” at 12:15; 2) another lecture “Bearing Witness: Storytelling and Human Rights” at 4 PM; and 3) a documentary movie – “The Interrupters” at 7 PM. All are held at Mountain Suites at Highsmith Student Union. From producer/director Steve James and author-turned-producer Alex Kotlowitz, The Interrupters tells the moving and surprising story of three “violence interrupters” in Chicago who with bravado, humility and even humor try to protect their communities from the violence they once employed. For more information email dmiles@unca.edu or call 828-232-5024.

02/21/13 COMMUNITY RACE DISCUSSION
This monthly discussion group is open to the public and invites community members in Asheville and Buncombe County to get together to explore issues of race, racism, privilege and identity -- topics we don't explore together on a regular basis. Sponsored in partnership with the YWCA. Time is 5:30 PM and location is Firestorm Café and Books.

02/22/13 JUST US FOR ALL FUNDRAISER
“How We Identify” fundraising event will be at 8 PM at Toyboat Community ArtSpace at 101 Fairview Road in Asheville. $5 donation requested. President Sam “Basil” Soper said this about the event: “We don’t only expect allies to walk away learning new things about the Queer community, but people within our community should be enlightened as well.”

02/23/13 BRADLEY MANNING   
He spent 1,000 days in jail as of today with no conviction yet. This is a travesty of justice.

02/25/13 PUBLIC SAFETY MEETING
Public Safety meeting regarding Asheville City Council member Cecil Bothwell’s civil liberties resolution will be held at 3:30 PM. Location is Asheville Fire Station, downtown, on the 2nd floor.  This resolution states that Asheville police will not comply with federal statutes regarding targeting and arrest of undocumented workers.

02/28/13 LECTURE AT UNCA
Evening Lecture with Dr. Yyvone Ortiz-Prince held at the Highsmith Student Union. Dr. Ortiz-Prince is the Executive Director for the AVID Higher Education Program.  She will be discussing the impact of economic class with peers for first generation college students. For more information email dmiles@unca.edu or call 828-232-5024.

03/04/13 to 03/31/13 PARALLEL JOURNEYS: EXHIBIT AT UNCA
From March 4 - 31, “Parallel Journeys: World War II and the Holocaust” tells the stories of dozens of teenagers who were witnesses, participants, and often victims of this brutal conflict. Profiles of well-known teens, not all of whom were heroic, are part of the exhibition. Elie Wiesel (Auschwitz survivor and Nobel Peace Prize winner), members of the resistance group the White Rose, and Traudl Junge (Adolf Hitler's secretary) will be included. Lesser-known teens, who survived the concentration camps, hid from the Nazis, led rescue efforts, served as soldiers, remained on the home front, or aided individuals who were targets of Nazi oppression, such as the handicapped, Jehovah's Witnesses, and political prisoners, will finally have their stories told. The "Parallel Journeys" exhibit invites visitors to contemplate ways in which their actions can make a difference in the world today. Located in UNCA Karpen Lobby. For more information email dmiles@unca.edu or call 828-232-5024.

03/05/13 PUBLIC HEARING ON DUKE RATE HIKES
The Asheville Public Hearing by the NC Utilities Commission will be held at the Buncombe County Courthouse in the basement in District Courtroom 1. Time is 7 PM. Progress Energy/Duke is proposing a 14% rate hike. And their business plan does not include wind, solar or expansion of energy efficiency.

03/06/13 SIERRA CLUB MEETING
Topic is North Carolina’s energy future, clean energy solutions and renewables. Time is 7 PM at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Asheville (corner of Charlotte & Edwin). Contact: judymattox@sbcglobal.net, or 828-683-2176 for more information.

03/06/13 OPENING RECEPTION AND KEYNOTE FOR “PARALLEL JOURNEYS”
See description of this exhibit above under 03/04/13. Opening Reception is from 5:30-6:45 PM at UNC Asheville Karpen Lobby. Opening Keynote is at 7 PM at Highsmith Student Union Alumni Hall. “How the Holocaust Shaped My Life” is the topic with Dr. Walter Ziffer speaking. For more information email dmiles@unca.edu or call 828-232-5024.

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ONGOING EVENTS
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MONDAY
Occupy Asheville Weekly Meeting at 6:30 PM at First Congregational Church of Christ.

TUESDAY
Veterans for Peace have a weekly vigil at 4:30 PM at Pack Square, Vance Monument

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

THURSDAY
Asheville Homeless Network meeting at 2 PM at Firestorm Cafe.
Anti-racism Group Discussion at 5:30 PM on the third Thursday of the month at Firestorm Cafe.
Veterans for Peace Discussion group at 6:30 PM on the third Thursday of the month at the Phil Mechanic Studio on Roberts Street, Asheville.

FRIDAY
Women in Black have a vigil at 5 PM at Pack Square (Asheville) on the first Friday of the month.
Women in Black have a weekly vigil at noon at the City Hall in Hendersonville
Homeless Network Parade on the last Friday of the month at 2 PM at Pritchard Park.

SATURDAY
Transylvanians for Peace and WNC Physicians for Social Responsibility have a weekly vigil at noon in front of the courthouse in Brevard.
Occupy Asheville General Assembly on the first Saturday of the month. 2 PM at Pritchard Park.

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ACTIONS AND READINGS
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VETERANS FOR PEACE INFORMATION

VFP CHAPTER 099: http://vfpchapter099wnc.blogspot.com/

NEW PUBLICATION OF WAR CRIMES TIMES:http://www.WarCrimesTimes.org/
A publication of Veterans For Peace -- exposing the true costs of war.

Visit VFP HQ at the Phil Mechanic Studios: 109 Roberts Street (the corner of Haywood and Roberts), Asheville, 28801. (828-258-1800). Hours: Tue-Sat 11 to 3 pm

From UFPJ Listserve

On 2/5/2013, Ron wrote:
>I agree with drone stikes 110%. No wars. No
>boots on the ground. No troops in harm's way.
>Protection for innocent women and children
>against radical segments and terrorists hiding in third world nations.

Response from David Swanson:
1. Learn math
2. Learn that drone pilots suffer HIGHER PTSD and have taken their own
lives because they grasp better than their fans what's going on here, and
that drones have taken US lives by accident as well as by design
3. There were no goddamn boots on the ground in Yemen and now there soon
may be because of the temptation of the technology spreading death into new
areas, not scaling it back in existing ones
4. If you're not murdering troops, who exactly are you murdering with these
things? You have no idea whatsoever. You can't possibly. Even Congress
doesn't. All we know is that there are huge numbers of people killed
without being targeted, those targeted include men women and children,
those targeted include rescuers of injured from previous strikes, those
targeted include people whose names are not known, those targeted do not
include a single person charged with or tried for any crime
5. These actions are making us all less safe; check the polling on US govt
popularity in Pakistan and Yemen; check the growth of terrorism
6. Call it no wars, but only by calling it wars do they even pretend it's
somehow legal; there is no legislative or judicial or public or adult
supervision
7. What the FUCK is a segment? You don't mean a human being, do you?

Response from Michael Eisenscher:

If drones are so effective, why does we need to use more and more of them every year?
Could it be because they create more enemies than they assassinate?
If drones are so precise and accurate, why do so many innocent civilians die when they are used? Could it be because they are neither precise, nor accurate?
If drones eliminate the need for troops, why do we have so many of them in so many places they don't belong?  Why does the military budget consume 57% of all discretionary spending?  Why does the Pentagon resist any reduction in its funding?  Why do we need more than 1000 bases around the world?  Why is the government investing in new weaponry that is used by troops?
If drones are the key to ending terrorism, why are so many people in the countries where they are used getting angrier and more hostile toward the U.S.?
Hmmmmm!  A little critical thinking combined with facts rather than manufactured myths and self-deceptive illusions goes a long way!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

This is not from the listserve, but I like this quote:

"As the country tortures, so do its citizens. As it kills for material gains, ego replenishment or just the hell of it, most casually, so do Americans. As it robs weaker nations, its teens swarm stores to shoplift. As the country preemptively attacks its trumped up or imaginary enemies, so do its cheap beer swilling couch potatoes. ….   If up for a movie out, they can choose between John Dies at the End, Knife Fight, Texas Chainsaw in 3D, Zero Dark Thirty, Broken City or Bullet to the Head. “Revenge never gets old.” While droning, bombing and starving foreigners, Obama charms on television." – Linh Dinh

Code Pink Action at Brennan hearing!

Nevada desert Peace Walk

You are not doing it in my name!

The War on Terra!

Tenth anniversary of Powell's Day of Shame

Ten years ago today, Powell made a speech to the UN that was full of lies.  Afterwards, I was confident that the US "news" media would tear him apart, since it clearly was such a line of bullshit.  Instead, they acted like pre-teens with a crush on their fellow school mates.  Of course, they were just following the will of their corporate masters (or they are dumb as rocks).

Powell's day of intense shame and dishonestly lead to the death of hundreds of thousands of innocents, and destroyed the lives of millions more.

And there are many more pictures like the one above were on my blog FACES OF GRIEF.  What the US has done is a massive, massive war crime and a huge evil.  May God forgive us.

Update: I took down the blog Faces of Grief a while back.

Climate Rally!

What: Forward on Climate Rally
When: February 17, 2013 -- 12 Noon
Where: Washington Monument on the National Mall, Washington DC
Who: 350.org, The Sierra Club, Hip Hop Caucus and tens of thousands of Americans

Wish I could be there!

Upcoming events for the week of February 3, 2013

Photo came from Steve Norris, not sure who took the picture. It is from Warren Wilson College, where the students are organizing to go to DC for the largest climate rally in history.

UPCOMING EVENTS

02/04/13 GREEN PARTY MEETING
The Buncombe County GREEN Party's business meeting is open to the public. It is held on the first Monday of the month at 6 PM in the Fortune Building (upstairs), at 729 Haywood Rd., Asheville. Parking in back and on the street. Contact Ronald @ 828-LUCK-180 or Larry @ 828-225-4347 for more information.

02/04/13 RALLY TO TAKE THE $350 CHALLENGE
Join us on Monday, February 4th in front of City Hall at 11:00 AM as we rally to tell lawmakers to Take the $350 Challenge and to stop punishing the jobless for the failure of our leaders to improve NC's economy over the past two years. North Carolina has a 9.2% unemployment rate, 5th highest in the nation. But lawmakers plan to slash NC's maximum unemployment insurance benefit from $535/week to $350/week. If Gov. McCrory and state lawmakers think it's so easy to live on $350/week, they should put their money where their mouth is and prove it by doing it.

02/04/13 PROTEST DIRTY ENERGY, CLIMATE CHANGE, RATE HIKES
Please come and protest Dirty Energy, Climate Change, and the Rate Hikes which Progress is asking for. Protest is from 4:30 to 5:30 PM. Our banners say "Progress Energy: NO 14% RATE HIKES"  & "NO RATE HIKES & DIRTY ENERGY" We will stay on the sidewalk on the bridge. (Repeated on Friday afternoon.) This will be at Charlotte Street Bridge. For more information contact Steven at 828-777-7816 or earthsun2@gmail.com.

02/05/13 ASHEVILLE TRANSIT COMMISSION MEETING
This will be at the First Floor Conference room in City Hall, form 3:30 to 5:30 PM.
More information at http://www.ridetheart.com/.

02/05/13 WNC WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL – GREAT DECISIONS SERIES
Dr. Samer Traboulsi is a professor in history of the Middle East at UNCA, has recently returned from a Sabbatical at Princeton where he was researching and writing about events in Egypt, is the speaker for this first event in WNC WAC's Great Decisions series. Location is Manheimer Room at the Reuter Center at UNCA. Time is 7:30 PM. Free for UNCA students and WAC members, all others $8. Contact George at gpeery@mhc.edu for more information.

02/06/13 SIERRA CLUB MEETING
“Beyond Coal,” transitioning from coal to clean energy, will be presented by Kelly Martin of the NC Beyond Coal Campaign. Kris Cunningham of Sierra Club will answer questions on why nuclear power is not suitable for replacing coal. Time is 7 PM at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Asheville (corner of Charlotte & Edwin). Contact: judymattox@sbcglobal.net, or 828-683-2176 for more information.

02/07/13 VETERANS FOR PEACE MEETING
Time is 6:30 PM and location is VFP HQ at the Phil Mechanic Studios: 109 Roberts Street in Asheville. VFP Chapter 099: http://vfpchapter099wnc.blogspot.com/

02/07/13 “40 YEARS LATER – NOW CAN WE TALK?”
This film will be shown at AB Tech in Ferguson Auditorium from 11AM to 12:30 PM.  This documentary film explores the impact of racial integration in the Mississippi Delta through powerful and moving intergroup dialogue. Black and white alumni from the class of 1969 recall and comment on memories of that time, from their very different racial positions and experiences. The documentary tells a multi-layered story intercutting archival historical footage, vignettes from the high school today, personal profiles of participants, and the inter-group dialogue. “40 Years Later” provides a contemporary way to examine the impact of desegregation on those who participated in the first integration projects and to reflect on our progress as a society and the challenges that remain for reaching the goals put forth in the 1955 Brown v. Board of Education decision. Free. Sponsored by AB Tech Diversity Committee and Film/Media Studies.

02/08/13 “40 YEARS LATER – NOW CAN WE TALK?”
This film will be shown at UNCA in Highsmith Union at 7 PM.  See description just above about this film. Free. Sponsored by UNCA Africana Studies Program.

02/08/13 WALKING BACKWARD INTO THE FUTURE W/PUEBLO ELDER
“A Tribal American Spoken Word Legacy” with Pueblo Indian Elder, Larry Littlebird. Suggested Donation: $15. Doors open at 6:30 PM, starts at 7 PM.  Walking backward into the future is about slowing down and learning to listen. This spoken word legacy connects past, present and future for living in concert with the land, to one another and all of our relations at this critical hour on earth. For more information contact Debra at 828-712-0880. This event is sponsored by the Living Room Series - Lenior-Rhyne University Center for Graduate Studies of Asheville, which is located at 36 Montford Avenue in Asheville.

02/08/13 VIETNAM VETERAN SPEAKS ON HUMANITARIAN WORK IN VIETNAM
Mike Boehm of Madison (WI) Friends, Inc., will report on community development projects in Vietnam. His "Hands in the Rice Paddy: 20 years of humanitarian work in Vietnam," an illustrated report, will be preceded by dessert and coffee. The event is being sponsored by our Peace & Social Concerns Committee of Swannanoa Valley Friends Meeting. Time is 7 PM and location is Swannanoa Valley Friends Meetinghouse at 137 Center Avenue, Black Mountain. Donations accepted.

02/08/13 PROTEST DIRTY ENERGY, CLIMATE CHANGE, RATE HIKES
Please come and protest Dirty Energy, Climate Change, and the Rate Hikes which Progress is asking for. Protest is from 4:30 to 5:30 PM. Our banners say "Progress Energy: NO 14% RATE HIKES" & "NO RATE HIKES & DIRTY ENERGY" We will stay on the sidewalk on the Charlotte Street Bridge. We will do this every week on Friday afternoon until March 5 hearing in Asheville. For latest information contact Steven at 828-777-7816 or earthsun2@gmail.com.

02/09/13 HISTORIC THOUSANDS ON JONES STREET (H K on J) MARCG
Information on this annual march and rally at http://hkonj.com/.  Theme is “Forward Together, Not One Step Back”. This is in Raleigh.

02/11/13 MOVE TO AMEND MEETING
Please take note that our next scheduled meting will be at 7 PM on Monday, February 11 in the Religious Education space in the lower level of the Unitarian Universalist in Asheville. Contact Lew at patrie.wncpsr@main.nc.us for more information.

02/12/13 JUSTICE FRIENDS NIGHT
An inclusive monthly gathering to explore social and environmental justice through presentations, films and performance art. A discussion group and social event for locals with an activist mindset. Bring your causes and local issues to the roundtable! Share, listen, learn, network. Location is Firestorm Café and Books and time is 7 PM.

02/12/13 PUBLIC FORUM ON CAMPAIGN FINANCE
There will be a short film and presentation by Tom Coulson of NC Voters for Clean Elections and an update on the progress and direction of the movement to constitutionally amend Citizens United. Discussion to follow. Time is 7 PM and location is Firestorm Café and Books.

02/14/13 ONE BILLION RISING IN ASHEVILLE
On V-Day’s 15th Anniversary, we are inviting ONE BILLION women and those who love them to WALK OUT, DANCE, RISE UP, and DEMAND an end to violence against women. ONE BILLION RISING will move the earth, activating women and men across every country. This event will take place from 7 to 10 PM and location will be the YWCA on South French Broad Avenue in Asheville. For info on the local event: https://www.facebook.com/events/536011696416480/.  It is being sponsored by http://onebillionrising.org/.

02/14/13 SYMPOSIUM ON REDISTRICTING REFORM
This is sponsored by Common Cause NC, League of Women Voters of Buncombe County, and Alliance for Retired Americans. No matter where you live in the US, Redistricting can affect the relevance of your vote. Learn how this subverts the will of the people, how that can be avoided and what citizens can do to help. It will by a panel discussion with audience Participation and lunch is included. Time is 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM. This will be held at the Mountain View Room at UNCA’s Sherrill Center. Free. SIGN UP TO ATTEND: We want to make sure we have enough food; RSVP to tomcoulson@aol.com or call 828-674-3046.

02/15/13 ANNIVERSARY OF THE DAY THE WORLD MARCHED
It has been 10 years since the world rose up and rallied and marched against war on Iraq for a pack of lies. Bush and the US military and their lackeys went ahead with their premeditated act of mass murder that continues to this day.  But it was the largest anti-war demonstration in the history of the world. The people knew the war was wrong, and if you were one of them, speak out about your bravery and courage and insight and morality. You are part of a very special minority.

02/15/13 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 12:30 to 2 PM.  Everyone is welcome. Please go to www.wncpsr.org  for more information, which includes how to get there and other details.

02/16/13 BUS TO DC CLIMATE PROTEST BY WESTERN N.C. ALLIANCE
There will be a bus (or two) leaving for DC on 2-16-13.  This is for the Climate Rally (see below) on February 17th. There will be sleeping spots available at Presbyterian Tacoma Church on the night of the 16th, and there is a hotel nearby.  On 2-17-13, the bus leaves DC to come back to Asheville. Cost is $80 for adults and $51 for students. Cost to sleep at the church is $5. Contact Anna at Western North Carolina Alliance at 248-8737 ext 205 or annajane@wnca.org for more information or to reserve a spot.

02/17/13 CLIMATE RALLY IN DC
There is a local bus going to this event. See posting under 2-16-13.
http://action.sierraclub.org/site/PageServer?pagename=nat_signup_feb17

02/19/13 TRANSITION ASHEVILLE PERMACULTURE POTLUCK SERIES
Each month in 2013 a different local teacher will present a new permaculture principle explaining how that principle can be applied to the redesign of our lives, homes, and communities to create a more resilient and sustainable human culture. We invite you to join us for these “Potlucks with a Purpose” on the third Tuesday of each month at Community Action Opportunities (25 Gaston Street) to share ideas, connection, and great food! Time is 5:30 PM.

02/23/13 BRADLEY MANNING   
He spent 1,000 days in jail as of today with no conviction yet. This is a travesty of justice.

02/25/13 PUBLIC SAFETY MEETING
Public Safety meeting regarding Asheville City Council member Cecil Bothwell’s civil liberties resolution Monday February 25th at 3:30 PM. This is at Asheville Fire Station, downtown, on the 2nd floor. This resolution states that Asheville police will not comply with federal statutes regarding targeting and arrest of undocumented workers.