Special Announcment

This blog will be inactive for an undetermined period of time, due to a combination of me being busy with other things and also catching on to the fact that pretty much nobody was using this blog and also starting to feel uncomfortably ambivalent with the methods of activism I was usually suggesting.

POST #65 // ISSUE: Human Rights // ACTION: Letter

Cuban Journalist's Health Deteriorates in Prison

Click here to send letter: http://action.humanrightsfirst.org/campaign/Gonzalez?rk=t1NuZ9915Bg%2dE

The health of 62 year-old Cuban journalist Oscar Mario Gonzalez Perez has deteriorated considerably since he was detained and imprisoned in July 2005.

Mr. Gonzalez has been held without trial and is being denied adequate medical treatment for serious health problems.

Cuban prison authorities have refused to administer necessary medical tests despite pleas from his wife and a physician's diagnosis that such tests are needed. The Cuban authorities are obligated under international standards to provide prisoners with necessary medical care.
Mr. Gonzalez was arrested along with several others preparing to attend a demonstration in front of the French Embassy in Havana to demand greater European attention to the plight of political prisoners in Cuba. He is one of seven who remain in detention almost 16 months after that incident, despite not having been charged with any crime.

Mr. Gonzalez' health is worsening, exacerbated by unhygienic prison conditions and poor medical care. Please join Human Rights First in demanding his immediate and unconditional release.

Learn more about the case of Oscar Mario Gonzalez >>

Click here to send letter: http://action.humanrightsfirst.org/campaign/Gonzalez?rk=t1NuZ9915Bg%2dE

POST #64 // ISSUE: Media Reform / Freedom of the Press // ACTION: Conference

The 2007 National Conference for Media Reform is just two months away. If you haven't made your plans yet, now is the time. The discount for early registration ends Friday:
Register Now for the National Conference forMedia Reform

Thousands of media reformers are coming to Memphis on January 12-14 for an unforgettable and inspiring weekend.

We've told you about all the speakers -- including Bill Moyers, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Jane Fonda, Amy Goodman, Davey D and now Arianna Huffington, Laura Flanders and Benjamin Hooks -- and the array of panels and workshops happening in Memphis. We're putting together a lineup of great Memphis music and a special event to celebrate the SavetheInternet.com campaign.
If you're not convinced this is a can't-miss conference, listen to some of the feedback we received from the last conference in 2005:

• "Beyond outstanding. Just being with 2,500 like-minded people on this issue is more fun than I can stand." -- Larry J.
• "Congrats. I thought the speakers were amazing, and I have ideas and tools to integrate media reform into my organization." -- John D.
• "This conference inspired me. It helped me realize I'm part of a movement. Strengthened my commitment and sharpened my focus." -- Erin M.

The 2007 National Conference for Media Reform promises to be even better. Join us.
Sign Up Now and Save $50

Check out the conference Web site for all the latest updates and lodging, transportation and scholarship information.

Have a blog or Web site? Going to an event or meeting? Help promote the conference.

POST #63 // ISSUE: Human Rights // ACTION: Email/Letter

Call on Congress to Support Human Rights Defenders in Colombia

You have an opportunity to take direct action to support Colombian human rights defenders.

Click on this link to take action: http://action.humanrightsfirst.org/campaign/DearColleagueColombia

In the last few weeks we have asked you to call on the Colombian government to protect human rights activists. This year there has been a surge in killings, disappearances and death threats against human rights defenders in Colombia, including union representatives, religious leaders, journalists and Afro-Colombian and indigenous community leaders.

We have brought this disturbing trend to the attention of members of the House of Representatives and they are now circulating a letter to help protect Colombian human rights defenders. The bipartisan letter, sponsored by Representatives Joseph Pitts (R-PA) and Jim McGovern (D-MA) asks the State Department to urge the Colombian government to support and protect human rights defenders.

If you are located in the United States, please contact your member of Congress and encourage them to sign this letter.

Make sure your voice is heard.

In addition to sending your representative an email, please also call them.
Go to www.house.gov if you do not know who is your representative.
Call Congress at 202-224-3121 and ask to speak with your Representative's foreign policy aide. You can use the text of the letter below as a guide and it is fine to leave a message if the aide is not available.

Read the Pitts-McGovern Congressional Letter and learn more about risks facing activists in Colombia >>

Click on this link to take action: http://action.humanrightsfirst.org/campaign/DearColleagueColombia

POST #62 / ISSUE: First Nations Land Rights / ACTION: Fundraiser Party

DRUMS OF THE WORLD SUPPORT SIX NATIONS

Water drum, Djembe, Taiko, Tabla & more!
A Fundraiser for Kanenhstaton (The Protected Place / Caledonia)

6:30pm, Thursday December14
at the CHURCH OF THE HOLY TRINITY
10 Trinity Square (Behind the Eaton's Centre)

~Suggested Donation $25~
No one turned away

Food & Refreshments will be sold
Silent Auction! 50:50 Draw!
Bring your drums for a jam after the performances!

For more info contact: the.i.c@hotmail.com

POST #61 // ISSUE: War; The Environment // ACTION: Film

Hi All,
Here is this month's update on Bloor Cinema documentary film screenings. Please print off the first page of this email to receive a $1 discount on your ticket price at the door.

DOCUMENTARY @ Bloor Cinema:Title: The Invisible War: Depleted Uranium and the politics of radiation
Location: Bloor Cinema (506 Bloor West, at Bathurst)
Date: Thursday, November 16th, 7pm
*Please see below for more information about this excellent documentary film.


GIFT CERTIFICATES NOW AVAILABLE!
In preparation for the holiday season, the Fair Trade Clothing Co-op is now offering gift certificates! A minimum of $15 must be purchase, and we suggest going in increments of $10 from there, but you can put on any amount above $15 and it can be used at any time. Please see our retail store at 509 Bloor West for more information.


The Invisible War:

Depleted Uranium and the politics of radiationThis film by Martin Meissonnier's documents the use of nuclear waste in US weapons and uses studies conducted by many experts to prove the point. In Kuwait and Iraq, the U. S. used 320 tons of Depleted Uranium. Shells used in the 1999 Kosovo conflict were tainted with trace amounts of plutonium, neptunium and americium-byproducts of nuclear reactors that are much more radioactive than depleted uranium. The US Department of Energy (DOE), which controls DU considers its use to be "utilization of waste materials." After the Gulf War, Americans celebrated their victory over Iraq believing less than 200 U.S. soldiers had been killed in combat with almost a quarter of them, caused by "friendly fire." In fact the casualty is significantly higher. Of the 696,778 U.S. veterans that served in the Gulf War, over 251,000 (36%) have filed medical claims for illness related to the war. Over 8,000 of them have died. The isotope U236 has been found in the organs and fluids of these soldiers. Damacio Lopez, director of the International Depleted Uranium Study Team (IDUST), calls the figure the "largest friendly fire death toll in history." He, like the doctors and scientists and sick U.S. vets and Iraqis you will meet in the enclosed video, believe the cause of their sickness and deaths to be the use of plutonium enriched DU weaponry by the U.S. during the Gulf War. This film features Dr. Asaf Durakoviez (Col. US Army Reserve), Dr. Siegwart-Horst Gunther (Germany), Dr. Monique Sené (Nuclear Physicist, France), Capt. Doug Rokke (US Army, retired), and Domacio Lopez (Founder, International Depleted Uranium Study Team)

-- Fair Trade Clothingwww.fairtradeclothing.ca

POST #60 // ISSUE: Animal Rights // ACTION: Submit public comments to USDA

An Unprecedented Opportunity to Help Captive Elephants

Following scrutiny from the media and the public over the plight of elephants in circuses and zoos, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is currently seeking public comments regarding all aspects of captive elephant care, including cruel training devices such as bullhooks and electric prods, chaining, and lack of space. The federal Animal Welfare Act does not have any standards or regulations that address elephants' special needs.

Circuses and many zoos control elephants through the use of force and domination, aggressive use of bullhooks, and prolonged chaining. In many zoos, elephants are confined to barn stalls for at least 12 hours a day when zoos are closed, and in zoos in cold climates, elephants often spend weeks at a time indoors during cold winter weather.

Elephants are the world's largest land mammals, and they require significant amounts of space. In fact, in the wild, they can walk up to 30 miles a day. The leading causes of death in captive elephants are foot disorders and arthritis, which are caused by prolonged chaining, intense confinement, and forced inactivity. Since 2000, more than half of the 49 elephants who have died at zoos accredited by the Aquarium & Zoo Association never reached their 40th birthdays, dying far short of their 70-year life expectancies.

Because of their intelligence, complexity, sensitivities, and unique social and physical needs, elephants suffer immensely in small, unchallenging captive environments. To make matters worse for elephants, in circuses, every instinctual behavior is subject to discipline. If elephants reach for grass, try to comfort friends, or extend their trunks to smell something new or different, they get hit with bullhooks. If they blow a trick during a performance, they get beaten afterward.

Despite the fact that elephants fare miserably in captivity, zoos and circuses are vociferously defending the status quo.

What You Can Do

Please contact the USDA and express your support for all efforts to drastically improve conditions for captive elephants in this country. Ask the USDA to create tough new standards, and mention the following:

• The use of bullhooks should be prohibited. These barbaric devices have only one purpose: to inflict pain. In addition, the federal Animal Welfare Act should include a ban on the use of electric-shock devices, chaining, and other instruments that cause pain, injury, and suffering to elephants.

• Exhibitors of elephants should be required to provide large, climate-appropriate environments that resemble elephants' natural habitats—similar to those at The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee and the Performing Animal Welfare Society sanctuary in California. These two refuges provide thousands of acres where elephants can roam, socialize, and maintain their health.

Please submit your comments by November 9 using either of the following methods:

• Visit the Federal Rulemaking portal. In the "Search Regulations and Federal Actions" box, select "Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service" from the agency drop-down menu and click "Submit." In the Docket ID column, select APHIS-2006-0044 to submit comments and view available supporting and related materials.

• Mail four copies of your letter to:
Docket No. APHIS-2006-0044
Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, APHIS/USDA
Station 3A-03.84700 River Rd., Unit 118
Riverdale, MD 20737-1238

POST #59 // ISSUE: Human Rights // ACTION: Email, pre-written

Freedom of Expression Criminalized in Tunisia

Renowned Tunisian human rights leader, Dr. Moncef Marzouki, returned to his country from exile on October 21, but his return was met by the opening of a criminal investigation against him for "inciting the population to break the law," and with a summons to appear before a judge.

Marzouki had appeared on Al-Jazeera television on October 14 where he objected to the "ruthless grip of an ever-worsening police state" that has ruled Tunisia for years. Al-Jazeera television, broadcast by satellite from Qatar, is popular in all parts of the Arab world. He called on Tunisians to engage in peaceful civil resistance to demand long-denied basic rights and freedoms.

It is these remarks that form the basis of the charges against him. The Tunisian government also closed its embassy in Qatar and withdrew its diplomats from Doha as a mark of its displeasure with the Al-Jazeera broadcast.

The new criminal investigation against Moncef Marzouki is a further intensification of the Tunisian government's efforts to suppress peaceful dissent and criticism of its policies. Join with us in calling on the Tunisian authorities to annul the criminal investigation against Dr. Marzouki, and to cease the harassment, prosecution and imprisonment of nonviolent critics, including human rights activists.

Learn more about the case of Moncef Marzouki >>
http://action.humanrightsfirst.org/campaign/Marzouki/explanation

To take action, visit:
http://action.humanrightsfirst.org/campaign/Marzouki/i5eewks4oj57mex?
Sample letter provided, but putting it in your own words causes the authorities to take it far more seriously.

POST #58 // ISSUE: The Environment // ACTION: Various

Fall is upon us and there is much more to do to save the North American Boreal forest and stop the Kimberly-Clark Corporation from wiping away ancient forests.

This fall, we asking volunteers, like you, from across the continent and around the world to come together to hit Kimberly-Clark where it hurts – in their corporate wallets. This fall we want you to turn up the heat by identifying and educating Kimberly-Clark customers and getting them to break their contracts with the company!

IN YOUR COMMUNITY: Kimberly-Clark Private Investigators

Help us to track which chains, businesses and institutions are buying Kimberly-Clark products and supporting forest destruction. This is an international effort to identify and record businesses and institutions that are using Kimberly-Clark products.

Information can be recorded at www.kleercut.net/en/kc-pi and we will be contacting these businesses to educate them about Kimberly-Clark’s role in the destruction of ancient forests. We’ll ask these business to stop purchasing Kimberly-Clark products until the company cleans up its act.

Take Action Now!

Step 1 Find the forest crime: Keep an eye out for Kimberly-Clark tissue products used in local businesses, including KC’s Professional and Kleenex line of products. These will most likely found in washrooms.

Step 2 Record the forest crime: Record the name and address of the business and what products are being used.

Step 3 Expose the forest crime: Visit www.kleercut.net/en/kc-pi and enter the information you’ve collected into our online database or email us the info at ickc@kleercut.net. We’ll contact these businesses right away to educate them and ask them to support forest protection by ending their purchase of Kimberly-Clark products.

ON CAMPUS: Forest Friendly Colleges & Universities

#1 Adopt a green purchasing policy at your campus. This sets minimum standards of ecological responsibility for all products and materials purchased by the University.

#2 Push your campus to break its contract with Kimberly-Clark. The first step is pushing your campus administration and/or Facilities Department to write a letter to the corporation expressing concern about KC’s forestry practices.

Learn more at www.kleercut.net/en/campus

Questions? Let us know at info@kleercut.net

K L E E R C U T . N E T

POST #57 // ISSUE: War; Child Soldiers; Child Sex-Slaves // ACTION: Fundraising Walk

This Saturday October 21st, participate in GuluWalk. Collect pledges in advance and participate in this walk to help children of war in Uganda.

(Visit http://www.guluwalk.com for information on registering.)

GuluWalk is about providing a future for the abandoned children of northern Uganda due to the civil war which has been raging on for two decades.

What started as an attempt by two people to better understand the ordeal of the "night commuters" of norther Uganda has now grown into an urgent, impassioned worldwide event for peace. (The night commuters are children who each night walk up to twelve miles from their villages so that they can sleep in the comparably safe streets of the city. If they stay at home to sleep they risk being kidnapped by the army and forced into being enslaved as soldiers or for sexual service.)

GuluWalk 2006 is a one-day event, set for Saturday October 21, that will take place in over 80 cities in 16 different countries around the world. The goal this year is to raise $1,000,000 to support programs on the ground that are focused on education, rehabilitation and youth outreach initiatives.

For more information visit: http://www.guluwalk.com

POST #56 // ISSUE: Various // ACTION: Films

- Toronto Socialist Action Presents -

Rebel Films
All of these films are totally FREE


Friday, October 13 - 7 p.m. Peace, Propaganda and the Promised Land (Palestine & Israel conflict and the biased portrayel in the media.)

Friday, October 20 - 7 p.m. The Battle of Algiers

Friday, October 27 - 7 p.m. Wal-Mart – The high cost of low price (The human rights, labor rights, and environmental violations that are committed in order to ensure the lowest price possible at Wal-Mart.)

Friday, November 3 - 7 p.m. Ten Days That Shook the World (Sergei Eisenstein, Russia 1927.)

Friday, November 10 - 7 p.m. On the Hillsides of the Himalayas (Cuban doctors aid Pakistan earthquake victims.)


Each film will be preceded by a brief introduction, and will be followed by an open floor discussion.

OISE, 252 Bloor St. West, Room 2-212 (at the St. George Subway Station)

Everyone is welcome. $2 donation is requested. For more information, visit the SA web site at: http://www.geocities.com/socialist_action or call: 416-535-8779

If possible, let us know in advance whether you are planning to attend.

POST #55 // ISSUE: Various // ACTION: Films

Here are a few upcoming films playing at Bloor Cinema this month, each of them focusing on social and political issues. There is also a speaking event at the cinema on the 25th about AIDS in the African continent.

Bloor Cinema is located at 506 Bloor Street West, just east of Bathurst.


October 11th, 6:45pm
Athletes for Africa & Gulu Walk Present:
UGANDA RISING
Uganda Rising is ... film that uncovers what has been called a 'hidden war' and brings it into clear view. Uganda Rising is an 82 minute documentary that is an Act For Stolen Children production, funded by the not-for-profit society Mindset Media. For more information visit: http://www.ugandarising.com.

October 18th - 20th
18th = 4:30pm; 19th = 7pm; 20th = 4:30pm & 9:30pm
WHO KILLED THE ELECTRIC CAR
I personally saw this film and can attest to its greatness. It's about how we not only have the technology to produce efficient and high functioning electric cars, but that these cars were already on the road. However, due to a combination of sinister forces, these cars are no longer availible, and the existing ones were even repossessed and destroyed. Meanwhile, exhaust induced pollution from gas fueled cars, and the global warming that comes with it, marches on. This film will give us answers about why this happened, and raise many questions, as well.

October 25th, 7pm
Stephen Lewis - U.N. Envoy on A.I.D.S. in Africa
"This year, RSGC will be hosting a Guild sponsored Speakers' Series with a focus on Africa. ... If you have any questions regarding the speaking events, please contact Emma Roche at eroche@rsg.on.ca. We can expect these events will sell out very quickly, so don't miss out. You can purchase tickets ($20) online at http://www.rsp.on.ca."

October 27th - 28th
27th = 7pm; 28th = 4:30
The Fair Trade Clothing Co-op Presents
UNPRECEDENTED: THE 2000 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION
"This film will be followed by a talk from University of Guelph professor Michael Keefer, who will speak on the research he has done relating to issues of election fraud in the 2004 US presidential election/ This documentary is the riveting story about the battle for democracy in America ... examin[ing] modern America's most controversial political contest ... an election marred by suspicious irregularities, electoral injustices, and sinister voter purges in a state governed by the winning candidate's brother. ... Bush stole the presidency of the United States ... and got away with it."

POST #55 // ISSUE: Various // ACTION: Films

Here are a few upcoming films playing at Bloor Cinema this month, each of them focusing on social and political issues.

Bloor Cinema is located at 506 Bloor Street West, just east of Bathurst.


October 11th
Athletes for Africa & Gulu Walk Present:
UGANDA RISING
Uganda Rising is ... film that uncovers what has been called a 'hidden war' and brings it into clear view. Uganda Rising is an 82 minute documentary that is an Act For Stolen Children production, funded by the not-for-profit society Mindset Media. For more information visit: http://www.ugandarising.com.

October 18th - 20th
WHO KILLED THE ELECTRIC CAR
I personally saw this film and can attest to its greatness. It's about how we not only have the technology to produce efficient and high functioning electric cars, but that these cars were already on the road. However, due to a combination of sinister forces, these cars are no longer availible, and the existing ones were even repossessed and destroyed. Meanwhile, exhaust induced pollution from gas fueled cars, and the global warming that comes with it, marches on. This film will give us answers about why this happened, and raise many questions, as well.

October 25th
Stephen Lewis - U.N. Envoy on A.I.D.S. in Africa
"This year, RSGC will be hosting a Guild sponsored Speakers' Series with a focus on Africa. ... If you have any questions regarding the speaking events, please contact Emma Roche at eroche@rsg.on.ca. We can expect these events will sell out very quickly, so don't miss out. You can purchase tickets online at http://www.rsp.on.ca."

October 27th - 28th
The Fair Trade Clothing Co-op Presents
UNPRECEDENTED: THE 2000 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION
"This film will be followed by a talk from University of Guelph professor Michael Keefer, who will speak on the research he has done relating to issues of election fraud in the 2004 US presidential election/ This documentary is the riveting story about the battle for democracy in America ... examin[ing] modern America's most controversial political contest ... an election marred by suspicious irregularities, electoral injustices, and sinister voter purges in a state governed by the winning candidate's brother. ... Bush stole the presidency of the United States ... and got away with it."

POST #54 // ISSUE: Israeli Apartheid // ACTION: Interactive Conference to Build a Movement for Boycott, Divestment, & Sanctions Campaign

We are building a movement to take down Israeli's apartheid system through a campaign of boycott, divestment, and sanctions.

This conference is not just about listening to others speak. It is about interacting and participating so we can build a movement together.


===================================================================
Boycotting Israeli Apartheid: The Struggle Continues
October 6-8, 2006
Toronto, Ontario
http://www.caiaweb.org/conferenceregistration

Advance tickets: $25 students or unwaged / $50 employed adults
No one will be turned away for lack of money.
===================================================================


* Conference registration fee includes:

• full conference access (8 sessions)
• ticket for Friday public forum
• pass to Saturday culturalevent.

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

Featuring:

• Jamal Jum'a - Coordinator, Stop the Wall Campaign (PENGON, Palestine)
• Willie Madisha - President, Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU)
• Salim Vally - Palestine Solidarity Campaign (South Africa)

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

See below:

* Conference Description and Program

* Friday, October 6: e-callout and ticket locations

* Saturday, October 7: e-callout for cultural event

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

CONFERENCE DESCRIPTION

Full program @ http://www.caiaweb.org/conferenceschedule

The Coalition Against Israeli Apartheid (CAIA) invites you to join us fromOctober 6-8, 2006 for "Boycotting Israeli Apartheid: The Struggle Continues" a broad-based conference dedicated to promoting the growing anti-apartheidmovement in Palestine and abroad through a comprehensive boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) campaign targeting Israeli apartheid.

The conference will include participants from Palestine, South Africa andTurtle Island; bringing together all those working on BDS as a means ofdismantling Zionist racism and opening up new spaces for creative action.

The weekend will also serve as a showcase of the Palestinian arts, withcultural programming, film-screenings and a marketplace of alternative 'Apartheid Free' products from Palestine. Furthermore, BDS campaigners fromacross Canada, representing different communities, faith, labour, andstudent organizations will be on hand to share in this important strategizing, networking and learning experience.

For more information on the conference visit us at http://www.caiaweb.org or email us at endapartheid@riseup.net

To register, visit:http://www.caiaweb.org/conferenceregistration

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

South Africa to Palestine: Building an Anti-Apartheid Movement

Friday, October 6, 7:30 PM (doors open at 7:00 PM)

OISE, University of Toronto

252 Bloor Street (St. George subway)

Willie Madisha – President, Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU)

Jamal Jum'a – Coordinator, Stop the Wall Campaign, Palestine

Rafeef Ziadah – Coalition Against Israeli Apartheid (CAIA), Toronto

Tickets: $10 in advance. Free for conference registrants.

Tickets available at:

• Toronto Women's Bookstore, 73 Harbord St.
• OPIRG Toronto Office, 563 Spadina, Room 101
• A Different Booklist Bookstore, 746 Bathurst St.

Prayer space available throughout

Dates, pastries and coffee to be served

This is the opening meeting of: *Boycotting Israeli Apartheid: The StruggleContinues* a broad-based conference dedicated to promoting the growinganti-apartheid movement in Palestine and abroad through a comprehensivecampaign of boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) against Israeli apartheid.

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

BILADI (MY LAND) - A night of poetry and music celebrating struggles against Apartheid

Saturday, October 7

Join us for an Iftar (breaking the fast)/dinner followed by some of the best poets and artists in the city in an evening of solidarity between the Indigenous Peoples of the World in our struggles against Settler Apartheid:

Cecil Community Centre: 58 Cecil Street(One street South of College, just East of Spadina)

Doors open at 6:30pm

Featuring performances by:

• Bassam Bishara
• Faith Nolan
• Rafeef
• Spin
• Bighead
• Bill Shawanda

Part of the Boycotting Israeli Apartheid: The Struggle Continues Conference.

Admission $10 at the door (or pay what you can) Free for conference registrants

Organized by the Coalition Against Israeli Apartheid (CAIA)

For more information visit http://www.caiaweb.org or email endapartheid@riseup.net

POST #53 // ISSUE: Sexual Slavery // ACTION: Film

SASSL (The Sexual Assault Survivor’s Support Line) is holding a free movie night on October 10th at York University in room 307 of the Student Centre.

The movie being shown is Human Trafficking, about the buying, selling, and trafficking of women as sex-slaves that is occurring today all over the world.

The movie will begin at 6:00pm and will be followed by a brief discussion on some of the issues raised in the movie. SASSL will be providing light beverages and snacks for all who attend.


Sexual Assault Survivors' Support Line
B 449 Student Centre, York University
4700 Keele St. Toronto, M3J 1P3
phone: 416-736-2100 ext. 40345
fax: 416-650-8051
web: www.yorku.ca/sassl
24-hour support line: 416-650-8056

POST #52 // ISSUE: Media; Palestine-Israel // ACTION: Film

The Fair Trade Clothing Co-op Presents...

Peace, Propaganda & the Promised Land
Tues Sept 26 & Wed Sept 27
7:00pm
Bloor Cinema
506 Bloor Street West (east of Bathurst)

All proceeds go to the Fair Trade Clothing Co-op!

Peace, Propaganda and the Promised Land provides a striking comparison of U.S. and international media coverage of the crisis in the Middle East, zeroing in on how structural distortions in U.S. coverage have reinforced false perceptions of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This pivotal documentary exposes how the foreign policy interests of American political elites -- oil, and a need to have a secure military base in the region, among others -- work in combination with Israeli public relations strategies to exercise a powerful influence over how news from the gerion is reported.

POST #51 // ISSUE: Animal Rights // ACTION: Letter

Did you know certain birds such as chickens and other “poultry” are not protected by animal cruelty laws? This means that the chickens, turkeys, etc people eat can be abused and tortured with impunity.

P.E.T.A. investigators recently went undercover at a Butterball poultry factory and recorded the workers subjecting the birds to extreme abuse. The birds are routinely beaten and handled roughly, and there are also more grotesque incidents such as ripping off a chicken’s leg and fingering a turkey’s vagina.

To watch a video clip of the investigation footage (it’s not very graphic), click herehttp://www.goveg.com/feat/butterball/butterball.asp

Animal cruelty laws must be expanded to include "poultry." To sign and send an online letter, click here
http://getactive.peta.org/campaign/Butterball/

A sample letter is provided online. However, it is wise to change the subject heading and edit the letter into your own words. One original letter is worth about one hundred “form letters.”

POST #50 // ISSUE: Human Rights // ACTION: Boycott

.

For years, workers in Coca-Cola’s bottling plant in Columbia have been struggling for better wages and working conditions. Coca-Cola management doesn’t like this so they have hired a paramilitary to violently oppress the union leaders and other workers. Since 1989, hundreds of Coke workers have been tortured, kidnapped and illegally detained, and nine union leaders have been murdered. All Coca-Cola soft drinks should be boycotted! It would also help to write an indignant letter telling them that you're boycotting.


To take further action, or learn more information, visit:
http://killercoke.org/crimes.htm


The Coca-Cola Company doesn't just make Coke. Boycott all these blood-tainted products, all owned by Coca-Cola.

A
back to top
A&W
Ades
Alhambra*
Ali
Alive
Ambasa
Andina Fortified
Andina Fresh
Andina Frut
Andina Nectar
Aqua
Aquabona
Aquactive
Aquana
Aquarius
Arwa
Aybal-Kin



B
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Bacardi Mixers*
Bacardi Premium Mixers*
Bankia
Barq's
Barq's Floatz
Beat
Belté
Beverly
Bibo
Big Crush
Big Tai
Bimbo
Bimbo Break
Bird's Nest*
Bistra
Bistrone
Bjare
BlackFire
Boco
Bom Bit Maesil
BonAqua/BonAqa
BPM
Bright & Early
Bubbly
Burn



C
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CAFE ZU
caffeine free Barq's
caffeine free Coca-Cola
caffeine free Diet Coke/Coca-Cola light
caffeine free diet Inca Kola
Calypso
Canada Dry
Cannings
Cappy
Caprice
Carioca
Carver's
Cepita
Charrua
Chaudfontaine
Cheers
cherry Coke
Chinotto
Chinotto light
Ciel
Citra
Club
Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola Black Cherry Vanilla
Coca-Cola Blak
Coca-Cola C2
Coca-Cola Citra
Coca-Cola with Lemon
Coca-Cola with Lime
Coca-Cola with Raspberry
Coca-Cola Zero
Cocoteen
Coke II
Cresta
Cristal
Crush
Crystal



D
back to top
Daizu no Susume
DANNON*
DASANI
DASANI Flavors
DASANI Nutriwater
Delaware Punch
diet A&W
diet Andina Frut/Andina Frut light
diet Andina Nectar/Andina Nectar light
diet Barq's
diet Canada Dry
diet cherry Coke
Diet Coke/Coca-Cola light
Diet Coke Black Cherry Vanilla
Diet Coke Citra/Coca-Cola light Citra
Diet Coke Sweetened with Splenda
Diet Coke with Lemon/Coca-Cola light with Lemon
Diet Coke with Lime/Coca-Cola light with Lime
Diet Coke with Raspberry
diet Crush
diet Dr Pepper/Dr Pepper Zero
diet Fanta/Fanta light/Fanta Zero/Fanta Free
diet Freskyta
diet INCA KOLA
diet Kia Ora
diet Krest
diet Lift/Lift light
diet Lilt/Lilt Zero
diet Master Pour
diet Mello Yello
diet Nestea/Nestea light*
diet Oasis
diet Quatro/Quatro light
diet Schweppes
diet Seagrams*
diet Sprite/Sprite light/diet Sprite Zero/Sprite Zero
diet Squirt
diet Tai/Tai light
diet Vanilla Coke
Disney Hundred Acre Wood*
Disney Xtreme Coolers*
Dobriy
Dorna
Dr Pepper
E
back to top
E2
Earth & Sky
Eight O'Clock
Eight O'Clock Funchum
El Rayek
Escuis
Eva Water

F
back to top
Fanta
Finley
Fioravanti
Five Alive
Flavor Rage
Fontana
Fresca
Fresca 1
Frescolita
Freskyta
Fresquinha
Fress
Frestea*
Frisco
Frugos
Frugos Fresh
Fruitia
Fruitopia
Fruitopia Freeze
Fruitopia Tea
Fruktime
Frutina
Frutonic
Full Throttle
G
back to top
Georgia
Georgia Club
Georgia Gold
Gini
Gold Spot
Golden Crush
Grapette
Groovy
H
back to top
Hajime
Hawai
Healthworks
Hero
Hi Spot
Hi-C
Hit
Horizon
Hot Point
Huang


I
back to top
Ice Cold Mix
Ice Dew
INCA KOLA
Ipsei
Izvorul Alb



J
back to top
Jaz Cola
Jet Tonic
Jolly Juice
Joy
Joya
Just Juice


K
back to top
Kapo
Keri
Kia Ora
Kilimanjaro
Kin
Kinley
Kiwi Blue
KMX
Kochakaden
Koumi Soukai
Krest
Kropla Beskidu
Kuat
Kuat light
Kuli
Kyun
L
back to top
Lift
Lift Plus
Lift Plus light
Lilt
Limca
Limelite
Limonade
Linnuse
Lion
Love Body


M
back to top
Maaza
Mad River
Malvern
Mare Rosso
Marocha
Master Chill
Master Pour
Mazoe
Mello
Mello Yello
Mer
Mezzo
Miami
Mickey & Friends*
Mickey Mouse*
Migoro-Nomigoro
Minaqua
Minute Maid
Minute Maid Deli
Minute Maid Juices To Go
Minute Maid Soft Drink
Mireille
Mone
Montefiore
Morning Deli
Moyase
Mr. Pibb
Multivita
N
back to top
Nada
Nagomi
Nalu
Namthip
Nanairo Acha
Naturaqua
Nature's Own*
Nectarin
Nescafe*
Nestea*
Nestea COOL*
Nestle Choglit*
Nevada
Neverfail
New Vegitabeta
Nordic Mist
Northern Neck



O
back to top
Oasis
Odwalla
Orchy

P
back to top
Paani
Pampa
Parle
Pearona
Peats Ridge
Pibb Xtra
Pibb Zero
Piko
Pilskalna
Planet Java*
Play
Pocket Dr
Poiana Negri
Poms
Ponkana
Pop
Portello
POWERADE
POWERADE alive
POWERADE light
POWERADE OPTION
Powerplay
Pulp
Pump
Q
back to top
Qoo
Quatro
Quwat Jabal

R
back to top
Ramblin'
Real Gold
Red Flash
Rich
Richy
Ripe N Ready
Riwa
Rosalta
Roses
Royal Tru
Royal Tru light

S
back to top
Safety First
Safia
Samantha
Samurai
Sarsi
Saryusaisai
Schweppes
Seagrams*
Seltz
Sensation
Senzao
Shizen
Shock
Sim
Simba
Simply Lemonade
Simply Limeade
Simply Orange
Smart
Sobo
Sokenbicha
Solo
Sonfil
Soonsoo
Southern Sun
Sparkle
Sparletta
Sparletta Iron Brew
Splash
Splice
Sport
Sprite
Sprite 3G
Sprite ReMix
Spur
Squirt
Stoney Ginger Beer
Sugar Free Full Throttle
Sunfill
Surge
Sweecha
Swerve


T
back to top
TaB
TaB X-Tra
TADAS
Tai
Ten Ren
The Wellness
Thextons
Thums Up
Tian Yu Di
Tiky
Top
Toppur
Top's
Tropical
Turkuaz

U
back to top
Urge
Urun


V
back to top
Valpre
Valser
Vanilla Coke
Vault
Vault Zero
Vegitabeta
VICA
Vita
Vital
Vital O
Vitingo
VIVA!
W
back to top
Wilkin's
Wink
Winnie the Pooh*

Y
back to top
Yangguang
Yangguang Juicy T
Youki

POST #49 // ISSUE: Organic, Fair Trade // ACTION: Shop with a Conscience

The Fair Trade Clothing Co-op has moved to a new and more convenient location!

The new location is 509 Bloor Street West (2 blocks east of Bathurst Street)

At this co-op they sell ...
... fair trade clothes made with organic cotton
... non-perishable fair-trade food items (such as coffee, sugar, chocolate)
... progressive books, magazines, DVDs, posters, etc.


If you or anyone you know needs a bulk order of uniforms -- whether it's for a bowling league, baseball team, place of business, sorority or fraternity club -- PLEASE tell them to buy it from here! They will sew the team or company logo on, and will design them in the style you want.


Some of their clothing comes from workers in India, some of it from workers in Peru. All of it is certified organic and fair trade certified.


For more information visit: http://www.fairtradeclothing.ca/

POST #48 // ISSUE: The Environment // ACTION: Film

An Inconvenient Truth
"An inconvenient truth is a necessary film." - New York Times

Friday September 8th and Saturday September 9th
at the Bloor Cinema
506 Bloor Street West, 1/2 a block east of Bathurst Street

This film is about global warming and was created by Al Gore, who despite being a former presidential candidate is also a sincere environmentalist.

A Film Review by A. O. Scott of the New York Times

"One of the most exciting and essential movies of the year. The film consists mainly of a multimedia presentation on climate change that Al Gore has given many times over the last few years. Mr. Gore is the surprisingly engagin vehicle for some very disturbing information. His explanations of complex environmental phenomena are clear, and while some of the visual aids are a little corny, most of the images are stark, illuminating and powerful. As unsettling as it can be, the film is also intellectually exhilerating, and, like any good piece of pedagogy, whets the appetite for further study. An Inconvenient Truth is a necessary film."

POST #47 // ISSUE: Human Rights; Police Brutality - Brazil // ACTION: Letter

The impoverished favelas of Rio de Janeiro have had serious problems with drug-dealing gangs for a long time. The state’s response has been to use tactics of fear and violence which terrorize entire communities.Four years ago, the police brought into service a military-style vehicle, known by the people as the caveirão. Amnesty International has received reports of caveirãos driving into communities and firing at random, sending people running for their lives.Innocent victims, including children, are often killed. Local residents, especially children, are beginning to suffer from emotional and psychological problems, such as post-traumatic stress disorder.If you would like more details, see the bottom of this post, below the sample letter.


SEND LETTERS TO

Sr Marcelo Zaturansky Nogueira Itagiba
Exmo. Secretário de Segurança do Estadodo Rio de Janeiro
Secretaria de Segurança Pública
Praça Cristiano Otoni, s/n0 – 40 andar – Centro
20221-250 Rio de Janeiro – RJBrasil
Salutation: Exmo. Sr. Secretário

His Excellency Valdemar Carneiro Leao, Ambassador
Embassy of the Federative Republic of Brasil
450 Wilbrod Street
Ottawa, ONK1N 6M8
Salutation: Your Excellency

SAMPLE LETTER

[Salutation];

Hello. My name is [your name] and I am [half a sentence about yourself to show this letter is from a real person]. I am writing to you because I have heard reports from human rights groups that the police have been using caveirãos to terrorize whole communities of people in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro.

I understand that there is a serious problem with drug-dealing gangs and that the police have a lot of difficulties to deal with. I also understand that the police have a right to self-defence. But this is way beyond that. This is a violation of human rights. It is also punishing entire communities for the actions of a few. The caveirãos routinely fire randomly into the streets causing innocent men, women, and even children to be killed.

This must stop at once, for at least two reasons. As already mentioned, this is a violation of international human rights law. In addition, peaceful and secure communities will never be achieved through methods of violence and intimidation. Violence always escalates violence. Even if it manages to subdue it temporarily, in the long run it will spring back up even worse than before. The reason is because violence and terror lead to psychological and emotional problems, such as post-traumatic stress disorder. People suffering from such problems are much more likely to be dysfunctional and violent; many psychological and sociological research studies have proven this again and again.

There have been reports that the children especially in these communities are starting to suffer from emotional and psychological problems. These actions by the police are traumatizing and brutalizing the next generation. If this continues, you can expect the next generation to be more violent than ever.

Also, the caveirãos create an arms race between the police and the gangs, which will also lead to increased violence.I urge you to adopt public security reforms to create human rights based policing agencies that are representative, responsive, and answerable to all the community.

Finally, I have a personal appeal to you. Sometimes we know what the right thing to do is, but we don’t do it because it would mean risking our own prosperity. Perhaps you are afraid to stand up for what is right because it may mean negative repercussions in your own political career or life. I truly do empathize with your position. But please realize the integrity of human rights is more important than an individual person, including you. I hope you find the compassion and courage within your heart to do what is right.

Wishing you the best,

[Signature and contact info]

DETAILS

“Imagine an official armoured vehicle, emblazoned with a skull and a sword, with police who come in shooting … this is the caveirão. An eleven year old boy had his head torn off his body by shots which came from the caveirão and we … still have to prove that it was the police [who did it].” – Resident of Caju community

The favelas of Rio de Janeiro are some of the poorest and most vulnerable communities in Brazil. Drug gangs have rushed in to fill the vacuum left by the state, organising themselves into rival factions that now dominate the city. The state government’s response has been a series of ever more confrontational crackdowns, involving large-scale police operations which target not just drug gangs, but entire communities.

Four years ago, the police brought into service a military-style vehicle, known by the people as the caveirão. This heavy armoury is being deployed in residential areas.

Amnesty International has received reports of caveirãos driving into communities and firing at random, sending people running for their lives.

Local residents, especially children, are beginning to suffer from emotional and psychological problems, such as post-traumatic stress disorder.

Amnesty International understands the seriousness of drug gangs problem in Rio de Janeiro and the difficulties faced by police. Police have a legitimate right to protect themselves. But these practices are a violation of human rights, and are just exacerbating the problem by brutalizing an entire population through fear and violence, which only breeds more of the same. Security for all will never be achieved through violence and intimidation.

POST #46 // ISSUE: Israel, Palestine, Lebanon // ACTION: Film & Public Forum

Coalition Against Israeli Apartheid (CAIA) invites you to...

FROM PALESTINE TO LEBANON

***Public forum and film screening***

Friday - August 25, 2006 @ 7pm (FREE!!!!)

100 St. George Street (Sidney Smith Hall)

featuring a special screening of Randa Chahal Sabbag's critically acclaimed film
"SOUHA SURVIVING HELL"

-AND-

Report backs from Palestine and Lebanon by:
* Sawsan Kalache (Tadamon, Montreal)
* Stefan Christoff (Electronic Intifada, Montreal)
* Ahmad Shokr (Arab Students' Collective)

For More Info

For more information contact the Coalition Against Israeli Apartheid (CAIA) at endapartheid@riseup.net or visit us at http://caia.tyo.ca

About the Film

'Souha Surviving Hell' :

The subject of Chahal Sabbag's latest film is the charismatic SouhaBeshara, whom many call the "fianceìe du Liban." In 1989 at the age oftwenty-one, Souha-a devoted communist-agreed to attempt the assassinationof Lebanese General Antoine Lahad, who was collaborating with the IsraeliArmy in the South of Lebanon. Lahad survived, but Souha was quicklyarrested and thrown in the Khiam prison where she spent ten years for theattempt on Lahad's life. Conditions in Khiam were horrific, and Souhaendured six of those years in solitary confinement.

Chahal Sabbag follows Souha in the months following her release, as shetirelessly travels Lebanon-speaking about her experiences at Khiam andsearching out others who were imprisoned there. And despite all shesuffered in Khiam, Souha is a survivor who shares her story with a senseof hope for the future-both her own and that of Lebanon.

About the Speakers

* Sawsan Kalache is a member of Tadamon! Montreal based collective workingto build solidarity with movements for social and economic justice inLebanon. Sawsan is from Lebanon and witnessed the first weeks of theIsraeli military assault on the country.

* Stefan Christoff is a social activist from Montreal who is also a memberof Tadamon! Montreal. Stefan recently returned from Lebanon where hewitnessed and reported on the Israeli military attack on Lebanon whilereporting for the Daily Star the Middle East's largest English daily andthe Electronic Intifada.

* Ahmad Shokr is an organizer with the ASC in Toronto. Ahmad recentlyreturned from Palestine where he worked with the Yafa Cultural Center inthe Balata refugee-camp and the Ramallah-based Addameer - Prisoners'Rights Support Group.

POST #45 // ISSUE: Human Rights -- Iran // ACTION: Letter

Nobel Winner's Human Rights Center Banned by Iranian Government

Iran’s Interior Ministry has banned the country’s leading human rights group, the Center for the Defense of Human Rights, headed by 2003 Nobel Peace Prize winner Shirin Ebadi. This is an attempt to silence the Center's criticisms of the state’s arbitrary detentions and murders.
In a statement to the international community, Ebadi wrote: "of course me and other members of the center do not intend to shut down the center and we shall continue our activities. However, there is a high possibility that they will arrest us. The government's action in this regard is illegal."

The Center provides free legal representation to prisoners of conscience, supports their families, and reports on human rights violations occurring in detention facilities. Therefore, closing down the Center will have serious repercussions for all human rights defenders in Iran.

Send this online (pre-written) letter, or write your own:

http://action.humanrightsfirst.org/campaign/Ebadi/i5eewks4ojj3n83?/

To learn more about this issue:

http://action.humanrightsfirst.org/campaign/Ebadi/explanation

POST #44 // ISSUE: Repression of Activists -- Ethiopia // ACTION: Letter

Founder and former Chair of the Ethiopian Human Rights Council, Professor Mesfin Woldemariam, aged 75, has been detained since early November 2005. He was arrested following a demonstration to protest peacefully against fraud in Ethiopia’s May elections.

Eighty-five others are in custody with him, and all are considered by Amnesty International to be prisoners of conscience. The charges against them, many carrying the death penalty, include high treason, inciting and organizing armed uprising, and genocide.

Prior to his arrest, he was in bed for two months suffering from severe back pain requiring regular medical attention.

SEND LETTERS TO

Prime Minister, His Excellency Meles Zenawi
Office of the Prime Minister
PO Box 1031
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia

His Excellency Dr Berhanu Dibaba Kuma, Ambassador
Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
151 Slater Street, Suite 210
Ottawa, ON
K1P 5H3

SAMPLE LETTER

Your Excellency;

Hello. My name is [your name] and I am [half a sentence about yourself to show this letter is from a real person]. I am writing to you to ask for the immediate and unconditional release of prisoner of conscience Professor Mesfin Woldemariam and the eighty-five others detained with him solely for the peaceful expression of their opinions.

Professor Woldemariam is seventy-five years old. Prior to being arrested, he had been in bed for two months with back problems. I can only assume that his condition has worsened in jail, since this is not exactly the most comfortable of accommodations. Please at least ensure he and other prisoners receive adequate medical attention. Or better still, release them.Imprisoning people for peacefully expressing their political beliefs is a violation of international human rights law.

I also have a personal appeal to you. Sometimes we know what the right thing to do is, but we don’t do it because it would mean risking our own prosperity. Perhaps you are afraid to stand up for what is right because it may mean negative repercussions in your own political career or life. I truly do empathize with your position. But please realize the integrity of human rights is more important than an individual person, including you. I hope you find the compassion and courage within your heart to do what is right.

Wishing you the best,

POST #43 // ISSUE: Israel's War on Lebanon // ACTION: Protest Rally & March

STOP ISRAEL'S BOMBING NOW!

MASS RALLY & MARCH
Saturday, August 12
1:00pm
Israeli Consulate
180 Bloor Street West
(west of Avenue Road, north side of Bloor)

March to U.S. Consulate
360 University Avenue
(east of University, south side of Armoury)



Called byCanadian Arab Federation
Palestine House
Muslim Unity Group - Toronto
Jewish Women's Committee to End the Occupation
Canadian Peace Alliance
Toronto Coalition to Stop the War
Coalition Against Israeli Apartheid
Trade Unionists Against the War

For more information, please e-mail info@caf.ca, visit www.caf.ca, or phone 416-493-8635 or 416-879-6766.

POST #42 // ISSUE: Western Funded Overthrow of Democracy -- Haiti // ACTION: Film Screening

Film Screening:
HAITI: THE UNTOLD STORY
(Final cut version)

Saturday, August 5th
Begins at 6:00 pm (Doors open at 5:30)
1 Kings College Circle
Medical Sciences Auditorium,
University of Toronto
Entrance Fee: $5.00

"...the unprecedented chronicling of the horrific events that followed the February 29th 2004 ousting of the democratically elected government of Jean-Bertrand Aristide, an ousting carried out by Canada, the United-States and France. "

DETAILS

Come out for the Toronto premier of the FINAL VERSION of Kevin Pina’s riveting and provocative documentary film, Haiti: The Untold Story.

Kevin Pina screened the preliminary, rough version of the film in Toronto last year - but the final cut has been significantly revised and must be seen!

Labelled “53 minutes of human rights hell in Haiti”, the Untold Story is the unprecedented chronicling of the horrific events that followed the February 29th 2004 ousting of the democratically elected government of Jean-Bertrand Aristide, an ousting carried out by Canada, the United-States and France.

The film documents the abuses, massacres and suppression of democracy carried out by MINUSTAH (United Nations) and RCMP-trained Haitian National Police Forces against the poor masses of Haiti, including extensive coverage of the 2005 July 6th massacre of over 60 unarmed civilians in the slum of Cite Soleil.

This is a chance to view the reality of Haiti silenced by the Canadian state and their compliant media, a reality in which our country is complicit in ongoing atrocities that have resulted in the death of over 10,000 Haitians. It is also a chance to meet and have a discussion with the courageous journalist and director who has risked his life to capture the footage, narrate the story and expose the violators...

***********************************************************************
By the Toronto Haiti Action Committee Co-Sponsored by the OPIRG (Ontario Public Interest Research Group)
***********************************************************************

POST #41 // ISSUE: Polical Prisoners in Israeli Jails // ACTION: Fund Raiser / Evening of Entertainment

HOSTAGES OF APARTHEID

*** A fundraiser in solidarity with Palestinian and Lebanese political prisoners (over 10,000 in Israeli Jails) ***

Friday, August 11 @ 6pm
Steelworkers Hall, 33 Cecil Street
(near college/spadina)

Featuring: dinner, Arabic and urban music, spoken word performances and other surprises!!!

Tickets $10 in advance / 20$ (or more!) at the door

For advance tickets email us at: sumoud@tao.ca or pick them up at OPIRG (UofT), 573 Spadina Avenue, Room 101.

All proceeds will go to support the work of political prisoner advocacy organizations in Palestine and towards Lebanon emergency relief operations.

DETAILS

SUMOUD is calling on all friends and allies to join us on August 11 for an evening of music, food and inspirational performances to remember the nearly 10,000 Palestinian and Lebanese political prisoners who are currently languishing in Zionist prisons and detention centers.

As the Israeli apartheid regime continues massacring civilians in Lebanon and as Israeli military and police forces continue assaulting communities, neighborhoods, refugee camps, villages and ghettoes throughout Palestine let us take a moment together to reflect on the Palestinian and Lebanese fighters, activists and organizers being held hostage in Israeli prisons and be inspired by their example.

For more information on the fundraiser, how to get tickets or ways you can contribute your support to Palestinian and Lebanese political prisoners please visit us at http://sumoud.tao.ca or contact us at sumoud@tao.ca

POST #40 // ISSUE: Prisoners Justice Day // ACTION: March & Demo

What: March & Demo for Prisoners Justice Day
When: Thursday August 10th (Prisoners Justice Day)
Where: All Saints Church (corner of Sherbourne & Dundas)
Why: Because police are getting more funding as social service budgets are being cut back.
Because the crime rate won't go down by increasing police budgets or locking up more people.
Because the crime rate will only go down if we focus on the roots of why people turn to crime.
Because people turn to crime due to financial pressures and/or psychological/emotional disturbances.
Because those police officers who violate human rights, terrorize, and brutalize are not held accountable for their actions.
Because punitive (punishment focused) prisons and jails only produce harder and smarter criminals.
Because prisons and jails should be places of rehabilitation and healing.

DETAILS

DAVID MILLER: CALL OFF YOUR DOGS!

We need more money for Communities NOT for Police

March and Demonstration at the Police Services Board
On Prisoners Justice Day - Thursday August 10, 2006
12noon
All Saints Church (corner of Sherbourne and Dundas)
Lunch will be Served

Across the City of Toronto poor communities are feeling the full weight of the Toronto Police.

They have gunned down Jeffrey Reodica, they have launched para-millitary assaults in the North-West end of the City, they have kicked in the windows of Alexandra Park, they have brutally assaulted people in east-end parks and all the while the Mayor of our City has given them a pat on the back.

60 Richmond drop-in has been shutdown, community programs have been cut, City bureaucrats are cutting families off welfare and we hear that there is no new money for housing.

David Miller sitting in the mayors chair and on the Police Services Board is the person ultimately responsible for the brutality carried out and for the cuts slammed down peoples throats.

August 10 is Prisoners Justice Day and we say: Call off your dogs and put the money where it's needed. Housing not jails and services not cops.

For More information or to get involved in the Campaign Contact OCAP.

Ontario Coalition Against Poverty 10 Britain St. Toronto, ON M5A 1R6416-925-6939 ocap@tao.ca www.ocap.ca

POST #39 // ISSUE: Organic, Fair Trade // ACTION: Shop

An organic / fair trade clothing co-op has recently opened up in Toronto.

This means that the cotton is grown organically and that the workers who grow the cotton and make the clothing work under fair conditions, get a fair wage, work fair hours, etc. (This is usually NOT the case for almost everything else we buy!)

If you or anyone you know needs a bulk order of uniforms -- whether it's for a bowling league, baseball team, place of business, sorority or fraternity club -- PLEASE tell them to buy it from here! They will sew the team or company logo on, and will design them in the style you want.

It's located in Kensington Market, on the West side of Augusta just a few seconds south of College.

I was there the other day and the clothes are very good quality. My favorite item is their hoodie sweatshirts, which are too warm for summer but would be perfect for fall because they're thin.

Some of their clothing comes from workers in India, some of it from workers in Peru. All of it is certified organic and fair trade certified.

They also sell progressive political books, DVDs, CDs, magazines, etc.

For more information, visit: http://www.fairtradeclothing.ca/

POST #38 // ISSUE: War // ACTION: Protest Rally

Israel out of GAZA!! WEST BANK!! LEBANON!!

MASS RALLY
Saturday, July 22
1:00pm
Israeli Consulate
180 Bloor Street West
(west of Avenue Road, north side of Bloor)

BACKGROUND INFO

The situation in the Middle East has rapidly escalated into an international crisis that threatens to pull the entire region into full-scale war. In response to the capture of two of its soldiers, Israel has attacked Gaza - bombing water and electricity stations, bridges, roads and other vital infrastructure, creating a humanitarian disaster for hundreds of thousands of people.

While the Palestinian group has only two prisoners of war, Israel has 1,500. In fact, the only reason they kidnapped these two soldiers is to negotiate the release of their own people.

Israel has now spread its attack to Lebanon - bombing Beirut's international airport, major highways and other civilian infrastructure, at the same time issuing threats to Syria and Iran.

Scores of innocent people in both Gaza and Lebanon have now been killed by Israeli bombs. These are war crimes.

POST #37 // ISSUE: Repression of Activists -- Myanmar // ACTION: Letter

Su Su Nway and lawyer U Aye Myint were jailed in October 2005 for reporting abuses, including forced labour and land confiscation, by the local authorities. Amnesty International considers them prisoners of conscience. In January 2005, in a landmark legal case which can now set the precedent for other similar cases, she and other villagers successfully prosecuted their village administration. Since winning the case, both her and her lawyer have been threatened and harassed, and recently they were sentenced to prison time. Both have suffered poor health in detention.

SEND LETTERS TO

Senior General Than Shwe
Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council
c/o Ministry of Defence
Ahlanpya Phaya Street
Yangon
Myanmar

Mr U Maung Maung, Minister & Chargé d’Affaires
Embassy of the Union of Myanmar
85 Range Road, Suite 902 / 903
Ottawa, ON
K1N 8J6

SAMPLE LETTER

Your Excellency;

Hello. My name is [your name] and I am [half a sentence about yourself to show this letter is from a real person]. I am writing to you to ask for the immediate and unconditional release of Su Su Nway and U Aye Myint, imprisoned in connection with their legitimate defence of human rights.

There has also been reports to human rights organizations that they have been suffering poor health while in prison. Please ensure that they both receive adequate medical care.

I also have a personal appeal to you. Sometimes we know what the right thing to do is, but we don’t do it because it would mean risking our own prosperity. Perhaps you are afraid to stand up for what is right because it may mean negative repercussions in your own political career or life. I truly do empathize with your position. But please realize the integrity of human rights is more important than an individual person, including you.

I hope you find the compassion and courage within your heart to do what is right.

Wishing you the best,

POST #36 // ISSUE: Indigenous Rights; Environmental Justice // ACTION: Earth Justice Gathering at the Grassy Narrows Blockade

Join a week of workshops, trainings, stories, campfires, feasting, music and action at the Grassy Narrows blockade. Let's join together to support this visionary action, deepen our understanding of the issues, and build the bonds between indigenous land struggles and the environmental movement.

*** *** ***

Since December 2002 a blockade has been in place to prevent logging companies from clear cutting the boreal forest on the land of the Anishnaabe (a Native-Canadian tribe).

A public gathering will be held atGrassy Narrows July 10-16 to participate in workshops on this issue and various social and environmental justice topics. The purpose is to learn and strategize for long term solidarity.

On July 4 we will be discussing the background of the blockade and the current situation.

For more info, please visit:

http://www.freegrassy.org

POST #35 // ISSUE: Repression of Activists -- Morocco // ACTION: Letter

Seven Sahrawi human rights defenders were sentenced to prison terms for charges relating to protest demonstrations which called for Western Sahara to be granted independence from Morocco, which has ruled over it since 1975.

Each person imprisoned has been involved in collecting and disseminating information about human rights violations committed by Moroccan forces against Sahrawi protesters in recent demonstrations.The convictions were based on written confessions of guilt, which the defendants claimed that they either never made or made only as a result of torture. The court failed to examine the claims of torture. None were allowed to call witnesses in their own defence.

SEND LETTERS TO

His Excellency Driss Jettou, Prime Minister
Départment du Premier Ministre
Palais Royal
Touarga, Rabat
Morocco

His Excellency Mohamed Tangi, Ambassador
Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco
38 Range Road
Ottawa, ON

SAMPLE LETTER

Your Excellency;

My name is [your name] and I am [half a sentence about yourself to show this letter is from a real person]. I am writing to call for the immediate and unconditional release of Ali-Salem Tamek, Mohamed El-Moutaouakil, Houssein Lidri, Brahim Noumria, Larbi Messaoud, H’mad Hammad, and Brahim Dahane, unless they are promptly retried in full conformity with international fair trial standards.

I’m also disturbed to hear that their confessions were either fabricated or obtained through torture. Torture is a very unreliable way of gaining accurate information from someone; most people, when in extreme pain, will admit to anything, even if totally false. Torture is also a violation of international human rights.

Finally, I have a personal appeal to you. Sometimes we know what the right thing to do is, but we don’t do it because it would mean risking our own prosperity. Perhaps you are afraid to stand up for what is right because it may mean negative repercussions in your own political career or life. I truly do empathize with your position. But please realize the integrity of human rights is more important than an individual person, including you. I hope you find the compassion and courage within your heart to do what is right.

Wishing you the best,

[your signature, name, contact info]

POST #34 // ISSUE: The Environment // ACTION: Online Petition

Aren't online petitions great? They only take a minute! Tell your friends to sign, too.

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/824823621?z00m=90767&z00m=90767&ltl=1151630903
Canada ranks as the third worst polluter in the industrialized world. Our pollution problems stem from the weak and ineffective regulation of toxic chemicals under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA). The opportunity exists now to address the shortfalls of this Act during its mandatory five-year review.

POST #33 // ISSUE: Human Rights // ACTION: Online Petition

Aren't online petitions great? They only take one minute!! Be sure to tell all your friends to sign, too.

http://action.humanrightsfirst.org/campaign/Bloggers?rk=P7NuZ991Qa%5f%2dE
Alaa Ahmed Seif al-Islam is an Egyptian activist and blogger. He uses his blog to speak out against the repressive government in Egypt and to advocate for human rights, freedom, and true democracy. He and his fellow activists are in jail for speaking out. He needs our help!


http://action.humanrightsfirst.org/campaign/dont_forget?rk=r1NuZ991kBLjE
Despite the May peace agreement, the situation in Darfur is deteriorating. On top of this, two key architects of the U.S. policy on Darfur are leaving government service. Tell President Bush not to forget Darfur.

POST #32 // ISSUE: Native-Canadian Land Rights Under Attack!! // ACTION: Letter

For three decades, vast oil and timber wealth is being extracted from the traditional hunting and trapping territory of the Lubicon Cree of Northern Alberta.In 1990, the United Nations Human Rights Committee urged the federal government to end this ongoing violation of human rights by negotiating a just land settlement. In October 2005, the Committee once again criticized the government for this. And both times the UN has been ignored.

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SEND LETTERS TO

.
Right and Honourable Stephen Harper
Office of the Prime Minister
80 Wellington Street
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0A2
no postage required
.
phone: 613-992-4211
fax: 613-941-6900
.
pm@pm.gc.ca
.
.
Premier of Alberta Ralph Klein
Office of the Premier
Room 307, Legislature Building
10800 - 97th Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta
T5K 2B6
.
Phone: 780 427-2251Fax: 780 427-1349
.
Send comments online at:
http://www.gov.ab.ca/premier/feedback.cfm
.
.
Your MP -- can find by typing your postal code in at http://www.parl.gc.ca/information/about/people/house/PostalCode.asp?Source=SM
.
.

SAMPLE LETTER

.
[Salutation];

My name is [your name] and I am [half a sentence about yourself to show the letter is from an authentic person]. I am very upset that vast oil and timber wealth is being extracted from the traditional hunting and trapping territory of the Lubicon Cree of Northern Alberta. This has been going on for three decades.

The Canadian and Albertan government should be recognizing and protecting their lands and territories, which are essential to their cultural survival and economic wellbeing. But both have been failing to do so. Meanwhile, they are descending further into poverty, and the disruption of their land and resources is a major source of the problem.

In 1990, the United Nations Human Rights Committee urged the federal government to end this ongoing violation of the Lubicon Cree’s human rights by negotiating a just land settlement. The government ignored this, disrespecting the wisdom and international position of the UN. In October 2005, the Committee once again criticized the government’s failure to protect the rights of the Lubicon Cree. And once again the UN is being ignored.

I am very disturbed that the UN Human Rights Committee is being so blatantly disregarded and ignored. Currently, the UNHRC is humanity’s major hope for a fair and just world. To disregard the UNHRC is to disregard the desire for a fair and just world.

Canada often likes to promote the reputation that it is on the forefront of respecting and defending human rights in the world. But respecting and defending human rights begins at home.I would like to end with a personal appeal to you. Sometimes we know what the right thing to do is, but we don’t do it because it would mean risking our own prosperity. Perhaps you are afraid to stand up for what is right because it may mean negative repercussions in your own political career or life. I truly do empathize with your position. But please realize the integrity of human rights is more important than an individual person, including you.

I hope you find the compassion and courage within your heart to do the right thing.

Wishing you the best;

POST #31 // ISSUE: Genocide in Darfur // ACTION: Buy a CD - Proceeds Go to Peace & Relief Effort in Darfur

Most of you are probably aware of the terrible genocide occuring in Darfur, Sudan.

Sometimes it's hard to know what to do about something happening so far away.

One thing you can do is buy this really awesome music CD, called ASAP: The Afrobeat Sudan Aid Project. Only $10 US. Available at:

http://www.modiba.net/store.html

For some info on the music in the CD and the Darfur situation, visit:

http://www.modiba.net/music.html

All proceeds go to the peace and relief effort in Darfur.

POST #30 // ISSUE: Poverty (OCAP) // ACTION: Fundraisers - Rumage Sale & Movie Night

The Ontario Coalition Against Poverty June Fundraising Days are coming to a close... please support our events next weekend.

1. OCAP Rummage Sale fundraiser
Dufferin Grove Park, on Dufferin south of Bloor
Sat June 24, starting at 9am
Used books, furniture, appliances, clothes, and more
Item donations welcome!

2. Raise the Rates Film Night fundraiser
Innis Town Hall, 2 Sussex Ave, corner of Sussex & St George
Sun June 25, 7pm
$5 in advance; $10 at door; or pay what you can! Nobody turned away.

DETAILS

1. THE ANNUAL OCAP RUMMAGE SALE
Saturday June 24th
starting at 9:00am
in Dufferin Grove Park (across from Dufferin Mall, on Dufferin south of Bloor)

This is one of our biggest fundraising events of the year- Please come out for used books, furniture, appliances, clothes and more...

IF YOU HAVE DONATIONS: feel free to bring them to the park on the morningof the sale or call Mike D at 416 925 6939 to arrange pick-up

2. RAISE THE RATES FILM NIGHT*
Debut screening of a new Documentary film about the Ontario Coalition Against Poverty's campaign to raise social assistance rates in Ontario.

Following the campaign for the last year, this documentary includes first hand accounts from 5 women on assistance involved in the campaign and footage from recent demonstrations and actions.

**Sunday June 25th, 2006
7:00 PM
Innis Town Hall- 2 Sussex Avenue (corner of Sussex and St. George)
Tickets are $5 in advance, $10 at the door. (Or Pay-what-you can!)

Advance tickets are available at: OPIRG-U of T (563 Spadina Ave) or at the OCAP Office (10 Britain St.) Or by contacting: opirg.toronto@utoronto.ca OR 416-978-7770

SPEAKERS INCLUDE:
- Margarita Navarro
- Gaetan Heroux and Anna Heroux
- Representative of OCAP Women of Etobicoke

CONTACT INFO

Ontario Coalition Against Poverty
10 Britain St.
Toronto, ON
M5A 1R6
416-925-6939
ocap@tao.ca
www.ocap.ca

POST #29 // ISSUE: Repression of Activists -- Myanmar // ACTION: Letter

Thet Naung Soe is serving a 14 year sentence in prison for holding a peaceful demonstration in August 2002. There have been reports that he is suffering serious and deteriorating physical and mental health.
.
Protesting with other students outside Yangon City Hall, he was arrested, tried in a special court in Insein Prison, and denied legal representation. He was charged under the 1950 Emergency Provisions Act, legislation which your military government frequently uses in order to convict political activists. Amnesty International is concerned that this legislation has been used against very many prisoners of conscience, including Thet Naung Soe.
.

SEND LETTERS TO

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Senior General Than Shwe
Chairman, State Peace and Development Council
c/o Ministry of Defence
Ahlanpya Phaya Street
Yangon
Union of Myanmar
(Salutation = Dear General)
.
.
U Maung Maung
Chargé d’affaires, Embassy of Myanmar
85 Range Road, Suite 902 / 903
Ottawa, ON
K1N 8J6
(Salutation = Your Excellency)
.

.
SAMPLE LETTER

.
.
[Salutation];
.
My name is [your name], and I am [half a sentence about yourself to show the letter is from an authentic person]. Thet Naung Soe, a final year law student, is serving a 14 year sentence in prison for holding a peaceful demonstration outside Yangon City Hall in August 2002. There have been reports that he is suffering serious and deteriorating physical and mental health.
.
Protesting with other students outside Yangon City Hall in August 2002, he was arrested, tried in a special court in Insein Prison, and denied legal representation. This violates the universally recognized human right to have a just and fair trial.
.
He was charged under the 1950 Emergency Provisions Act, legislation which your military government frequently uses in order to convict political activists. Human rights groups are concerned that this legislation has been used against very many prisoners of conscience, including Thet Naung Soe.
.
I am writing to urge you to release Thet Naung Soe, and the 1,100 other prisoners of conscience that currently reside in Myanmar.
.
Please remember that it is your responsibility to ensure that prisoners are provided with all the medical treatment they need, which is in accordance with the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners. Since Thet Naung Soe is reported to be in such poor health, he should receive this immediately.
.
Also, me and every other person in this world who cares about human rights would like to see the end of the 1950 Emergency Provisions Act, the repressive legislation which is used to criminalize freedom of expression and peaceful association.
.
I would like to end with a personal appeal to you. Sometimes we know what the right thing to do is, but we don’t do it because it would mean risking our own prosperity. Perhaps you are afraid to stand up for what is right because it may mean negative repercussions in your own political career or life. I truly do empathize with your position. But please realize the integrity of human rights is more important than an individual person, including you. I hope you find the compassion and courage within your heart to do what is right.
.
Wishing you the best,

POST #28 // If We Don't Act On This Issue, ALL Is Lost!!!

The Death of the Internet

-

This is probably the most important issue of our time.

For our generation, and future generations.

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In This Post...

1. Summary
2. What you can do
3. More details on why you should care about this

Summary

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Major telecommunications companies are spending millions lobbying the U.S. congress to make the Internet into a private network. This would mean good-bye to things such as independent news websites, blogs (such as this one), online petitions, and free activist email list-serves. It would mean censorship.

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The internet is perhaps the most powerful and effective tool that activists have at their disposal. It has greatly fascilitated the organizing of countless successful progressive campaigns. No wonder the powers that be want to rob us of this tool.

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What You Can Do

1. Watch the six minute online video: http://coanews.org/netfreedom
2. Sign the petition: http://action.freepress.net/campaign/savethenet
3. Spread the word. Email the weblink for the petition and online video, or the link to my blog, to every caring person you know.
4. To take further action, go to this website: http://www.savetheinternet.com/=act
5. Other resources include: http://www.alliancecm.org/blog.php http://www.saveaccess.org/

More Details On Why You Should Care About This

Why is our world as screwed up as it is?

Many reasons, but a major reason is because so few people actually do anything to solve the problems.

Why?

A major reason is because people are uninformed. So few people actually are aware of the true roots of the problems, or even aware that certain problems exist at all (so many awful things happen that we never even hear about!).

Why?

Two main reasons: the education system miseducates us, and the mainstream media misinforms us -- or just plain withholds information from us. There is always a right wing bias.

Why?

Focusing on the mainstream media (rather than the education system), it's because the interests of corporations (and therefore the richest of the rich) are one and the same with the interests of the mainstream media. For one thing, the media gets its funding from advertising -- and therefore they don't want to "bite the hands that feed them." And, more importantly, television networks, radio stations, newspapers, magazines -- all the major ones are owned by corporations! So when we are talking about mainstream media and corporations, we are really talking about the same thing.

Are there any media outlets that are not controled by corporations and therefore are not tainted by right wing bias?

A few. Some community radio stations, zines, local newspapers ... and of course ... THE INTERNET! It is our last safe zone, the last place we the people can get the truth out and express our views uncensored. Think of all the independent news sites, the blogs, the activist list-serves.

The internet has been an essential tool in organizing activist campaigns. It allows us to connect with countless people all over the world, connecting local issues to international ones. It is probably the greatest tool we have. And they want to take it away from us!

This is a direct attack on democracy. Without a free, independent, and accessible media, democracy becomes a dysfunctional joke.

Whatever issue you care about, you have to care about this one, because without "Net Neutrality" your ability to further your cause by organizing a successful campaign will be seriously weakened.

POST #27 // EVENTS CALENDAR for 2nd 1/2 of June

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POST #26 // ISSUE: Repression of Conscientious Objectors -- Turkey // ACTION: Letter

Defend the human rights of this amazing and brave young man, Mehmet Tarhan. He is a conscientious objector from military service in Turkey. Listen to how great he is:

"I think that wars caused by power-mongering states are first and foremost a
violation of the right to life. The violation of the right to life is a crime
against humanity... I therefore declare that I won't be an agent of such crime
under any circumstances. I will not serve any military apparatus."

He has been put in prison for refusing military service. Imagine this was your good friend in this situation. Wouldn't you want to do something? I think we should consider him a good friend, since he is a friend of human rights and has the courage to take a stand.

SEND LETTERS TO

Abdullah GülState
Minister with responsibility for Human Rights
Office of the Prime Minister
Basbakanlik, 06573 Ankara
Turkey

His Excellency Aydemir Erman, Ambassador
Embassy of the Republic of Turkey
197 Wurtemburg Street
Ottawa, ONK1N 8L9

SAMPLE LETTER

My name is [your name] and I am [write half a sentence about yourself to show the letter is from an authentic person]. I am writing regarding twenty-seven year old conscientious objector Mehmet Tarhan, who is currently serving a four-year sentence in Sivas military prison after refusing to take up military service.

There are reports that he has been severely ill-treated during his imprisonment so far. Human rights groups such as Amnesty International consider him to be a prisoner of conscience.

As someone who cares about human rights, I demand that he be released immediately and unconditionally. I also urge you to recognize the right to conscientious objection to military service, and to establish an alternative civilian service – which is not discriminatory or of punitive length – for those who object to military service.

I would like to end with a personal appeal to you. Sometimes we know what the right thing to do is, but we don’t do it because it would mean risking our own prosperity. Perhaps you are afraid to stand up for what is right because it may mean negative repercussions in your own political career or life. I truly do empathize with your position. But please realize the integrity of human rights is more important than an individual person, including you. I hope you find the compassion and courage within your heart to do what is right.

Wishing you the best,

POST #25 // EVENTS CALENDAR for 2nd 1/2 of June

All events are wheelchair accessible. If you require childcare subsidy, please contact OPIRG ahead of time. TTC tickets also available.

416-978-7770 // opirg.toronto@utorotno.ca // http://www.opirguoft.org

.

delayedWednesday June 14thdelayed

.

Delayed! The woman who is going to speak has been having trouble getting a VISA. The new date will be announced later this month.

Wal-Mart's dirty business of sweatshop labour

Guest speaker: a woman who works at a sweatshop in a Latin American country (I can't remember her name or which country she's from!)

7pm

Medical Sciences Building, Room 3154

1 Kings College Circle (near Queen's Park subway station)

CLICK HERE FOR MAP

.

Tuesday June 20th

.

Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions campaign

With the Coalition Against Israeli Apartheid

7pm

OISE 252 Bloor Street West (near St George subway station)

CLICK HERE FOR MAP

.

Wednesday June 21st

.

OPIRG Open House and BBQ

4 - 8 PM

OPIRG - Toronto

563 Spadina

All are welcome!!!

.

Saturday June 25th

.

Raise the Rates film and discussion night

7pm

Innis Town Hall (Seussex & St George)

$5 in advance as a fundraiser for the Ontario Coalition Against Poverty

POST #24 // ISSUE: Human Rights -- Malaysia // ACTION: Letter

Send a letter to defend the human rights of these prisoners of conscience.
.
There are currently about 80 individuals allegedly involved in Jemaah Islamiah who are detained in Malaysia. All are being held under the Internal Security Act which empowers the Home Minister to order the detention without charge or trial of any person who is perceived to be a threat to the national security or economic life in Malaysia.
.
Such individuals are held on indefinitely renewable two-year detention orders. This means it can last a lifetime. The decision of the Home Minister is final and cannot be challenged in court.
.
There have been reports of torture for the purpose of coercing a confession or other information. The Internal Security Act is a tool to suppress peaceful political, religious, academic and even social activities perceived to be a threat to authorities.
.
.
SEND LETTERS TO
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Prime Minister Dato’ Abdullah Haji Ahmad Badawi
Prime Minister’s Department Block
1 Federal Government Administration Center
62502 Putrajaya
Selangor, Malaysia
.
His Excellency Datuk Dennis Joachim Ignatius
High Commissioner of Malaysia
60 Boteler Street
Ottawa, ON
K1N 8Y7
.

.
SAMPLE LETTER

.
.
Your Excellency;
.
My name is [your name] and I am [write half a sentence about yourself to show this letter is from an authentic person]. There are currently about 80 individuals allegedly involved in Jemaah Islamiah who are detained in Malaysia, all held under the Internal Security Act . There have been reports of torture for the purpose of coercing a confession or other information.
.
This is cruel, a violation of human rights, and also an unreliable method of getting accurate information or a true confession. Most people will admit to anything when tortured severely enough, even when it’s not true. I urge you to take action to ensure that this torture ends immediately.
.
Under both international human rights law and the Malaysian constitution, all persons have a right to legal access upon arrest and detention. Nonetheless, it has been reported to human rights groups that they have been denied access to legal representation.
.
Please respect the constitution of the country you represent. Either release these prisoners of conscience, or give them a fair trial in accordance with international human rights law and the constitution of Malaysia.
.
I would also like there to be a review of the Internal Security Act. Currently, it is a tool to suppress peaceful political, religious, academic and even social activities perceived to be a threat to authorities. It violates fundamental human rights as set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, including the right to a fair and public trial and the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty. Please either reform it or repeal it.
.
Finally, I have a personal appeal to you. Sometimes we know what the right thing to do is, but we don’t do it because it would mean risking our own prosperity. Perhaps you are afraid to stand up for what is right because it may mean negative repercussions in your own political career or life. I truly do empathize with your position. But please realize the integrity of human rights is more important than an individual person, including you. I hope you find the compassion and courage within your heart to do what is right.
.
Wishing you the best,
[your name]
[your contact info, if you choose]

POST #23 // ISSUE: Human Rights / Indigenous Peoples -- Chile // ACTION: Vigil

SUMMARY

.
What? Vigil in support of Mapuche political prisoners. (Mapuche is an Indigenous group in Chile.)

When?: Thursday June 1st, 12 noon -- Friday June 2nd, 12 noon (24 hours, but dropping by for an hour or even five minutes to show support is appreciated)

Where?: Chiliean consulate in Toronto (2 Bloor Street West ... Bloor & Yonge)

Why?: Today in southern Chile, the Mapuche political prisoners have been incarcerated for defending their communities from government and transnational energy, mining and forestry corporations – among others – who expropriate and poison what little land they have left in the interest of profit. Four of these Mapuche Political Prisoners are now in a second recession from a hunger strike that lasted 65 days, resulting in near death and irreparable damage to vital organs, revealing the extent of the Government’s indifference towards their plight for justice.

The imprisonment of these people has been facilitated by Chile's Anti-Terrorist law, a law which the US government has pressured nations all over the world to adopt, and which allows governments to imprison people arbitrarily, indefinately and with no evidence, simply because the state deems considers them "dangerous". (Dangerous to what? The neoliberal profit motive!)
.
.

DETAILS

.
.
This is an invitation to come support a NATION WIDE 24 HOUR VIGIL in support of the Mapuche Political Prisoners who, like Native people from north to south, are putting their lives on the line in order to protect what little remains of this sacred earth - a fight that is universal - for all of humanity's future generations.
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Several major cities acroos Canada will be holding a 24 hr vigil outside of the Chilean consulates:-
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Several of us will be fasting in symbolic solidarity with our Mapuche brothers and sisters and you are invited to do the same if you wish. Bring drums, voices, candles, banners, prayers, chairs, and strength.
.
Hope to see you there.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
.
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
.
Human Rights Organizations, Collectives for the Mapuche cause and people around the world are taking action to denounce the Chilean government’s repressive and inhumane treatment of a dozen Indigenous Mapuche Political Prisoners in that country. The Mapuche people, native to Wallmapu, the territory today known as Argentina and Chile, has been fighting for hundreds of years to maintain their territory and autonomy through a succession of repressive governments that have launched campaigns of genocide against them.
.
Today in southern Chile, the Mapuche political prisoners have been incarcerated for defending their communities from government and transnational energy, mining and forestry corporations –among others – who expropriate and poison what little land they have left in favour of neoliberal interests. Four of these Mapuche Political Prisoners are now in a second recession from a hunger strike that lasted 65 days, resulting in near death and irreparable damage to vital organs, revealing the extent of the Government’s indifference towards their plight for justice.
.
The Mapuche Political Prisoners and their support groups are demanding that the Chilean government of President Michelle Bachelet grant their freedom and abolish the Anti-Terrorist law under which they were unfairly convicted. This is the same law that was created during the military dictatorship of Pinochet, being condemned internationally by different Human Rights organizations and which is still being used by the supposedly progressive government currently in power.
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Freedom to All Mapuche Political Prisoners!
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For further information please contact: Salvador Gallegos at 416-910-1466

POST #22 // ISSUE: 6 Nations Solidarity // ACTION: Start a Solidarity Blockade in Your Neighborhood; Contact Officials

1. Summary
2. Who to contact
3. Details (the original email)

1. SUMMARY

.
Below is an email I recieved from the Food Not Bombs email list. Caledonia settler residents have begun to instigate violence against the 6 Nations people. The disturbing details are below, and it is better if you read it for yourself. The email is written by a 6 Nations women who was a witness to everything.
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There is a request that people set up blockades in their own towns and cities to show their solidarity with the 6 Nations people. Personally I think it would be a great idea to block traffic at a major downtown intersection, if only for a couple hours to send a message to the government and get media attention.
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I would really like to participate in a blockade but we need a group of people. Please, if you are interested in this, email me at harmonyisultraviolet@hotmail.com
.
Another thing to do is contact the following officials to tell them to make the OPP protect the 6 Nations people from the mob of Caledonia settlers, and to otherwise express your solidarity. It is essential that it be made clear that the world is watching.
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Sign the online petition to Governor General Michael Jean
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/850267742
.

For daily updates regarding 6 Nations and the land reclamation, visit: http://sisis.nativeweb.org/actionalert/index.html

2. WHO TO CONTACT

.

It is essential that it be made clear that the world is watching. Click here for an archive of letters.

Ontario Provincial Police, Haldimand CountyInspector Brian Haggith

Phone: 905-772-3322

Fax: 905-772-5815
.

Premier of Ontario Dalton McGuinty

Phone: 416-325-1941

Fax: 416-325-3745

Email: dalton.mcguinty@premier.gov.on.ca
.

Attorney General of Ontario Michael Bryant

Phone: 416-326-2220 or 1-800-518-7901

Fax: 416-326-4007

Web comments (send email online): http://www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/english/comments.asp
.

Federal Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice

Ottawa Office: Phone 613-992-4275;

Fax: 613-947-9475

Constituency Office: Phone 403-216-7777;

Fax 403-230-4368

Email: prentice.j@parl.gc.ca
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Prime Minister Stephen Harper

Phone: 613-992-4211

Fax: 613-941-6900

Email: pm@pm.gc.ca
.

Governor General Michaëlle Jean

Phone: 1-800-465-6890 or 613-993-8200

Fax: 613-998-1664

Email: info@gg.ca

Online petition to Michaëlle Jean: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/850267742

.

Your MP -- can find by typing your postal code in at http://www.parl.gc.ca/information/about/people/house/PostalCode.asp?Source=SM

.

3. DETAILS (THE EMAILS)

Tansi,
.
I have been asked by the people of Six Nations to send out a call to allFirstNations and supporters to set up a blockade in your region in solidaritywith SixNations.
.
Right now, Monday May 22, our people are being attacked by Caledonia residents while the police do nothing. Our people that have been attacked have been peppersprayed and beaten.
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Organize people in your region and send the message that viloence against our people will not be tolerated. STAND IN SOLIDARITY WITH SIX NATIONS. An attack on one is an attack on us all.
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More info below from the front lines.
.
Sharon Menow
.
********************************************************
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HELP SIX NATIONS.
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OPP CONDONE MOB RULE.
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"ALL HELL AND SHIT HAS BROKENLOOSE". YOUR HELP IS URGENTLY NEEDED RIGHT NOW!
.
1:00 Monday. May 22, 2006.
Day 83 of the land reclamation.
.
In agestureof goodwill, Six nations people took down the barricade on Argyle Street in front of Caledonia at 6:00 am this morning. Yesterday the Caledonians blocked the road for 6 buses of supporters from Toronto. They also blocked ambulances from going to the hospital. One man died alone because they did not let him family go to his bedside.
.
A car with a reporter and some women from Six nations paper was surrounded by Caledonian men and women. They smashed the windows. The OntarioProvincial Police stood around shoulder to shoulder without moving, justwatching, allowing the hooliganism to go on. "We are looking after it," they told the Six Nations people.
.
When Six Nations people went to help the people who were being attacked, they were surrounded by more Caledonians, who shoved and hit them and accused the Indigenous people of instigating the violence. When the woman was hit, the Six Nations men jumped in and about three or four big fights broke out. The OPP continued to allow these Caledonian hoodlums to keep up their attack.
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The Six Nations have put up the barricade again. There is a large police presence. But just standing there. They are not stopping the Caledonia people from coming in. Everytime we try to soften things up and deal with people on the expectation they will behave in a civilized way, look at what happens.
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This is public misbehaviour which is a direct result of the way the issues are handled by the Canadian government and the Canadian press. They do not present the legitimate basis of the Six Nations people's complaints. They make it look like we are the law breakers. They are wrong in not letting the public know of our legitimate claims. The blame for this lies squarely on the shoulders of the public officials in the way they are presenting this whole issue.
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EVERYBODY DO SOMETHING.
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Try the Prime Minister, the police, the UN, anyone you can think of who may take responsibility for law and order in Ontario.
.
stonedancer1@yahoo.ca

Post #21 // ISSUE: 6 Nations Solidarity // ACTION: Information Session

What: Six Nations Information Session

When: Monday May 29, 7:00pm

Where: OISE auditorium (252 Bloor Street West, near St. George subway station)

Who: The four speakers are:

• Jacqueline House (Cayuga, Six Nations of the Grand River)
• Doreen Silversmith (Cayuga, Six Nations of the Grand River)
• Peter Hill (Cayuga, Six Nations of the Grand River)
• Salvador Gallegos (Maupauche Nation, Argentina/Chile)

Price: FREE (but cash or cheque donations to the reclamation efforts will be accepted. Cheques made out to Janie Jamieson.)

DETAILS ON THE SPEAKERS

Jacqueline House (Cayuga, Six Nations of the Grand River) was one of the people who planned the reclamation of the Kanenhstaton ("the protected place") and has been camped out on the land since Day 1. She will provide some background information to the action as well as an update.

Doreen Silversmith (Cayuga, Six Nations of the Grand River) will report on the results of her trip to the United Nations in Geneva where she presented on the Reclamation of Kanenhstaton.

Peter Hill (Cayuga, Six Nations of the Grand River) is a Native Studies specialist and will provide historical information on what has happened to the territories of the Grand River community.

Salvador Gallegos (Maupauche Nation, Argentina/Chile) will speak about the struggle for the self-determination of the Maupache People.

POST #26 // ISSUE: Repression of Activists -- Myanmar // ACTION: Letter

Su Su Nway and lawyer U Aye Myint were jailed in October 2005 for reporting abuses, including forced labour and land confiscation, by the local authorities. Amnesty International considers them prisoners of conscience.

In January 2005, in a landmark legal case which can now set the precedent for other similar cases, she and other villagers successfully prosecuted their village administration. Since winning the case, both her and her lawyer have been threatened and harassed, and recently they were sentenced to prison time. Both have suffered poor health in detention.

SEND LETTERS TO

Senior General Than Shwe
Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council
c/o Ministry of Defence
Ahlanpya Phaya Street
Yangon
Myanmar

Mr U Maung Maung, Minister & Chargé d’Affaires
Embassy of the Union of Myanmar
85 Range Road, Suite 902 / 903
Ottawa, ON
K1N 8J6

SAMPLE LETTER

Your Excellency;

Hello. My name is [your name] and I am [half a sentence about yourself to show this letter is from a real person]. I am writing to you to ask for the immediate and unconditional release of Su Su Nway and U Aye Myint, imprisoned in connection with their legitimate defence of human rights.

There has also been reports to human rights organizations that they have been suffering poor health while in prison. Please ensure that they both receive adequate medical care.

I also have a personal appeal to you. Sometimes we know what the right thing to do is, but we don’t do it because it would mean risking our own prosperity. Perhaps you are afraid to stand up for what is right because it may mean negative repercussions in your own political career or life. I truly do empathize with your position. But please realize the integrity of human rights is more important than an individual person, including you. I hope you find the compassion and courage within your heart to do what is right.

Wishing you the best,

POST #20 // ISSUE: Repression of Activists -- Honduras // ACTION: Letter

Feliciano Pineda, an Indigenous community leader, and brothers Leonardo and Marcelino Miranda, also activists, are in prison on trumped up (false) charges. Amnesty International considers them prisoners of conscience and believes the criminal charges against them are part of a pattern of politically motivated charges against activists. The goal is to deter them and other activists from their work to make this world a better place. They have endured torture and death threats while in prison.

If you would like more details, they are written up after the sample letter at the bottom of this post.

Please write a letter to the authorities demanding their immediate and unconditional release.

.

SEND LETTERS TO

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President José Manuel Zelaya Rosales
Casa Presidencial
Boulevard Juan Pablo Segundo
Palacio José Cecilio del Valle
Tegucigalpa
Honduras

Chargé d’affaires Javier Bellederes
Embassy of the Republic of Honduras
151 Slater Street, Suite 805
Ottawa, ON
K1P 5H3

SAMPLE LETTER

.

Your Excellency;

My name is [your name], and I am [write half a sentence about yourself to show the letter is from an authentic person]. I am writing to you to ask that you release prisoners of conscience Feliciano Pineda, Leonardo Miranda, and Marcelino Miranda. Their release should be immediate and unconditional.

Human rights groups believe the criminal charges against Pineda and the Miranda brothers are part of a pattern of politically motivated charges against activists. The goal seems to be to deter them and other activists from their work to make this world a better place.

I am also very concerned to hear that there has been torture and death threats used against them in order to coerce confessions. This is a violation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The torture of any prisoner, be they a prisoner of conscience or not, must stop immediately.

Finally, I have a personal appeal to you. Sometimes we know what the right thing to do is, but we don’t do it because it would mean risking our own prosperity. Perhaps you are afraid to stand up for what is right because it may mean negative repercussions in your own political career or life. I truly do empathize with your position. But please realize the integrity of human rights is more important than an individual person, including you. I hope you find the compassion and courage within your heart to do what is right.

Wishing you the best,

.

[your name]

[contact info, if you choose]

.

.

DETAILS

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On June 5th, 2005, Feliciano Pineda, an Indigenous community leader, was attacked and seriously injured by three men with machetes. Then men told him they had been paid to kill him.

He was taken to a hospital and police officers were waiting for him there to arrest him on trumped up charges of theft, damages, housebreaking, and homicide. They took him to prison before he could receive proper treatment.

The homicide charges were for the murder of wealthy landowner Juan Reyes Gómez in an alleged land dispute. The fabricated evidence used to convict Pineda for this homicide is the same fabricated evidence used to convict two other leaders from his community for this charge: brothers Marcelino and Leonardo Miranda. The brothers are currently serving twenty-five year sentences, even though ten witnesses place them far away from the scene of the crime at the time of the murder.

Amnesty International believes the criminal charges against Pineda and the Miranda brothers are part of a pattern of politically motivated charges against activists. The goal is to deter them and other activists from their work to make this world a better place.

Feliciano Pineda has been acquitted of the homicide charge, but remains in prison on the other charges, even though the legal period for bringing him to trial on these charges has expired.

In September, 2005, he was threatened with an assault rifle to sign a confession by a prison guard who also tortured the Miranda brothers.

POST #19 // ISSUE: Violence Against Women // ACTION: Letter

"Many more women would turn to the authorities if they would really help us. I called the police 16 times in one night; they did not even come once."
-Liliana, age 31, in Amnesty International's Report "Russian Federation: Nowhere to turn to"

Every hour a woman in the Russian Federation dies due to violence by a relative, her partner, or her former partner. Look at your watch. What time is it? How many women in Russia have already died today? How many more will die before you take action?

According to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), which the Russian Federation has signed, states must provide protection for women from violence in all its forms. States must also take action to ensure that the perpetrator is brought to justice.

However, the Russian Federation has no specific legislation on domestic violence and there are few mechanisms of protection such as shelters, hotlines, or legal and psychological support for victims.

SEND LETTERS TO

President of the Russian Federation

Vladimir Vladimirovich PUTIN

Rossiiskaia Federatsia

103132 g. Moskva

4 Staraya Square

Prezidentu Rossiiskoi Federatsii

PUTINU V. V.

Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Government

Mikhail Fradkov

Rossiiskaia Federatsia

103274 g. Moskva

Krasnopresnenskaia nab., 2

Pravitelstvo Rossiiskoi Federatsii

Primyer-Ministru, FRADKOVU M

SAMPLE LETTER

[Name of person here];

Hello. My name is [your name] and I am [write half a sentence about yourself to show that your letter is from an authentic person]. I am writing because I am concerned about violence against women in the Russian Federation. Did you know that, according to Amnesty International, every hour a women dies from domestic violence in the Russian Federation?

Violence against women is a crime against humanity and a human rights abuse. Since the Russian Federation signed the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), I'm sure that you are already aware of this.

Please implement the government's obligation to protect women against this human rights abuse. A good first step for doing this would be to give a strong public statement that violence against women is unacceptable and can never be justified.

To back this up, it would be a good idea to encourage local and regional governments to set up shelters and other protection mechanisms for women, and to give public support to measures which have already been taken by regional and local authorities and also by non-governmental organizations. Also encourage regional governments to make training on gender-specific issues -- including violence against women in the family -- mandatory for police, judges, and prosecutors.

And please cooperate with women's NGOs to draft appropriate legislation and tough laws to protect women from violence.

Thank you. I hope you find the compassion and courage within your heart to do the right thing.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

[Your contact info, if you choose]