P I T T S B U R G H ’ S P E A C E & S O C I A L J U S T I C E N E W S P A P E R Published by the Thomas Merton Center VOL. 40, No. 6, August­September, 2010

IMMIGRATION: The Dream Lives On [Pg. 9]

Marcellus Shale [Pg. 20]; Police Brutality [Pg. 14] PLUS ­ Pittsburgh Local Explores Heart of Iran [Pg. 8]

The Thomas Merton Center works to in- still a consciousness of values, and to raise the moral questions involved in the issues of war, poverty, racism, and oppression. TMC members are people from diverse philosophies and faiths who !nd common

ground in the nonviolent struggle to bring

15224 A VE. PITTSBURGH, P A

PENN about a more peaceful and just society. ON CENTER, 5129 T THOMAS MER 2 AUGUST-SEPTEMBER, 2010 ABOUT

PUBLISHED BY THE THOMAS MERTON CENTER 5129 PENN AVE., PITTSBURGH, PA 15224 Phone: 412-361-3022 — Fax: 412-361-0540 — Web: www.thomasmertoncenter.org EDITORIAL COLLECTIVE TMC STAFF, VOLUNTEERS AND INTERNS TMC BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mana Aliabadi, Michael Drohan, Charles McCollester, Mig Cole, Assistant Bookkeeper Casey Capitolo, Kathy Cunningham, Michael Drohan, Mary Jo Bette McDevitt,, Kenneth Miller, Tris Ozark, Molly Shirley Gleditsch, Manager, East End Community Thrift Store Guercio, Wanda Guthrie, Edward Kinley, Shawna Hammond, Rush, Alyssa Trempus, Florence Wyand Shawna Hammond, Manager, East End Community Thrift Store Jonah McAllister-Erickson, Charles McCollester, Dolly Mason, Furniture Manager, East End Community Thrift Store Diane McMahon, Jibran Mushtaq, Molly Rush, Courtney Smith, Alyssa Trempus, Senior Executive Intern Carole Wiedmann

STANDING COMMITTEES TMC PROJECTS and CAMPAIGNS Open to all TMC members, they give input and help set Projects & campaigns of the TMC are o#ered resources including limited sta# time, interns when possible, !nancial record keeping, the use of the future direction of the Center and prepare reports TMC’s name for grants, listing of events on the TMC website and in The NewPeople, use of TMC facilities, and inclusion in reports to the Board. for Board meetings. At least one sta#er and one board member is on each committee. To get involved, call 412- ANTI-WAR COMMITTEE FED UP PITTSBURGH CAMPAIGN FOR 361-3022 or email: [email protected] [email protected] (PRISONER SUPPORT AND ADVOCACY) DEMOCRACY NOW! WWW.PITTSBURGHENDTHEWAR.ORG 412-802-8575, [email protected] 412-422-5377, [email protected] BOARD DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE WWW.THOMASMERTONCENTER.ORG/FEDUP WWW.PCDN.ORG Recruits board members, conducts board elections BOOK‘EM (BOOKS TO PRISONERS) FIGHT FOR LIFERS WEST PITTSBURGH WORKS! BUILDING COMMITTEE 412-480-0831, [email protected] 412-361-3022 TO LEAVE A MESSAGE (LABOR HISTORY DOCUMENTARIES) Oversees maintenance of 5123-5125 Penn Ave. WWW.BOOKEMPITTSBURGH.ORG [email protected] [email protected] HTTP://FIGHTFORLIFERSWEST.MYSITE.COM DEVELOPMENT/MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE CODEPINK (WOMEN FOR PEACE) ROOTS OF PROMISE Organizes fundraising and outreach events and researches [email protected], 412-389-3216 FOOD NOT BOMBS 724-327-2767, ROOTSOFPROMISE@GMAIL. funding WWW.CODEPINK4PEACE.ORG [email protected] COM HTTP://FNB-PGH.2YA.COM (AND NETWORK OF SPIRITUAL PROGRESSIVES) EDITORIAL COLLECTIVE CONSCIENCE HAITI SOLIDARITY COMMITTEE [email protected] Plans, produces and distributes The NewPeople 412-231-1581 [email protected] WWW.CONSCIENCEPGH.BLOGSPOT.COM 412-271-8414 PITTSBURGH DARFUR EMERGENCY COALI- FINANCE COMMITTEE TION Plans for !nancial stability of TMC DEMILITARIZE PITTSBURGH: WAR-PROFI- IN SISTERHOOD: THE WOMEN’S MOVE- [email protected], 412-371-9447, TEERING EDUCATION & ACTION NETWORK MENT IN PITTSBURGH (DOCUMENTARY FILM) WWW.PITTSBURGHDARFUR.ORG PERSONNEL COMMITTEE 412-361-3022, INFO@DEMILITARIZEPITTS- 412-512-0900, [email protected] Develops sta"ng policies BURGH.ORG SUSTAINABLE LIVING PROJECT WWW.DEMILITARIZEPITTSBURGH.ORG LITERACY FOR ZIGUINCHOR [email protected], 412-551-6957 TECHNOLOGY TEAM 724-549-4933, [email protected] Provides technical advice and assistance to TMC DIVERSITY FOOTPRINT THREE RIVERS AREA MEDICS (TRAM) (ART, JUSTICE, COMMUNITY) PITTSBURGH ANTI-SWEATSHOP 412-641-9191 OR THEFUNNYSMITH@ SPECIAL EVENT COMMITTEES 412-798-5197, [email protected] COMMUNITY ALLIANCE YAHOO.COM Plan major TMC events in a collaborative manner and within the 412-867-9213 current budget. Events include The New Person Awards in May, EAST END COMMUNITY THRIFT SHOP URBAN ARTS PROJECT and the Thomas Merton Award Dinner in November. 412-361-6010, [email protected] [email protected]

These committees also report regularly to the TMC Board.

TMC AFFILIATES and FRIENDS These are groups that !nancially support TMC and/or regularly co-sponsor events. These are also groups that TMC feels con!dent enough in to refer individuals to join them and/or to participate in their activities. Although the work of these groups is consistent with the mission of TMC, listing as an a"liate is NOT an o"cial endorsement of all the aims, goals and strategies of these organizations.

THE AFRICA PROJECT 412-471-7852 [email protected] PITTSBURGH CUBA COALITION SCHOOL OF THE AMERICAS WATCH OF W. PA 412-657-8513, [email protected] 412-563-1519 [email protected] 412-371-9722, [email protected] WWW.AFRICAPROJECT.NET CITIZENS FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY PGH INDEPENDENT MEDIA CENTER TMC MEMBERSHIPS OF GREATER JOHNSTOWN [email protected] WWW.INDYPGH.ORG UNITED ELECTRICAL, RADIO AND MACHINE These are organizations or ALLEGHENY DEFENSE PROJECT, PGH OFFICE LARRY BLALOCK, [email protected] WORKERS OF AMERICA (UE) coalitions in which TMC has 412-559-1364 WWW.ALLEGHENYDEFENSE.ORG PGH NORTH ANTI-RACISM COALITION 412-471-8919 WWW.UEUNION.ORG formal membership, including HAITI SOLIDARITY COMMITTEE 412-367-0383 payment of dues to and ful!ll- AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL [email protected], URBAN BIKERS ment of other agreed-upon [email protected] 412-271-8414 PGH NORTH PEOPLE FOR PEACE [email protected] responsibilities as an organiza- WWW.AMNESTYPGH.ORG WWW.THOMASMERTONCENTER.ORG/HS 412-367-1049 tional member VETERANS FOR PEACE ABOLITION 2000: W. PA. CAMPAIGN TO ASSOCIATION OF PITTSBURGH PRIESTS PA UNITED FOR A SINGLE-PAYER HEALTH PGH PALESTINE SOLIDARITY COMMITTEE [email protected] ABOLISH NUCLEAR WEAPONS MOLLY 412-343-3027 MOLLY.RUSH@VERIZON. CARE [email protected] 724-339-2242 / [email protected] NET (PUSH) WWW.HEALTHCARE4ALLPA.ORG WWW.PITTSBURGH-PSC.ORG VOICES FOR ANIMALS MOLLY RUSH [email protected] [email protected] PENNSYLVANIANS FOR ALTERNATIVES TO THE BIG IDEA BOOKSTORE RAGING GRANNIES 1-877-321-4VFA THE DEATH PENALTY 412-OUR-HEAD, WWW.THEBIGIDEAPGH.ORG PITTSBURGH AREA PAX CHRISTI 412-963-7163, [email protected] 412-384-4310, OSTERDM@EARTHLINK. 412-761-4319 WWW.PITTSBURGHRAGINGGRANNIES.HOMESTEAD. WOMEN’S INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE FOR NET BLACK VOICES FOR PEACE COM PEACE AND FREEDOM (WILPF) GAIL AUSTIN 412-606-1408 PITTSBURGH COMMITTEE TO FREE MUMIA KAREN 412-521-7187 EDITH.BELL4@VERIZON. 412-361-3022, [email protected] RELIGION AND LABOR COALITION NET CITIZENS FOR GLOBAL SOLUTIONS 412-361-4793 [email protected] ABOUT AUGUST-SEPTEMBER, 2010 3

THANK YOU TO ROSEMARY MCMULLEN AND TO HARVEY HOLTZ FOR SERVING ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. Two years ago, Rosemary developed and led a group of seminars, “Who cares about the Thomas Merton Cen- ter?” These meetings helped to move the Center into an era of reorganization.

Harvey felt the TMC needed structure. With his knowledge of Roberts Rules, he implemented a set of updated by-laws.

WELCOME, MARY JO AND JIBRAN. IN JULY TWO NEW DIRECTORS WERE VOTED ON THE BOARD. HOURS OF OPERATION: Mary Jo Guercio has been a resident of the city all her life and has worked at CCAC for the past 25+ years. Cur- rently, she is the Director of Community Training and Development with a BA in Psychology/Special Education, Monday, Tuesday, MSEd. Counselor Education, MS Human Resource Management and an EdD in Higher Education. Mary Jo has been member of the Board of Directors of RCS since 1992 and on the Citizen Police Review Board since 2005. Wednesday & Friday One of her passions is to insure that police o&cers receive training in order to have a better understanding of mental illness. She also ran in 17 marathons and 3 half-marathons. 10 am ­ 3 pm Jibran Mushtaq is a student in Biology and Chemistry at LaRoche College and has plans to go on to medical school. He has a long resume of Activities and Honors, speaks Urdu, reads Arabic and is a member of Amnesty International. He worked on the committee for The Peoples’ Summit. Jibran states his objective for becoming a BOD member as: “Through my diverse experience, ethnic diversity, and dedication to social justice, I hope to promote the mission statement of the Thomas Merton Center: organizing, educating, and taking actions CONTACT INFORMATION around issues of peace and social justice.”

GENERAL INFORMATION: [email protected] CALL FOR CANDIDATES! A MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE (NOMINATING COMMITTEE) As we are well aware, we find ourselves at a critical juncture in the evolution of The Thomas Merton Cen- SUBMISSIONS TO NEWPEOPLE: ter. With the current conditions in our city, our state, our nation, and our world, our unique perspective TMC NEWPEOPLE GMAIL COM as an umbrella organization dedicated to peace and justice is of great importance. We encourage you . @ . to lend your talents to lead us into a newly effective phase of making a difference here and now, into the future. EVENTS AND CALENDAR ITEMS: Our bylaws mandate a Board of up to 20 directors, who are elected by the membership, for a two-year term. There is room on the slate for at least 6 people. The candidates will be introduced at the November [email protected] 1st Award Dinner, honoring Noam Chomsky. Qualifications that are needed include: a committment to activism; qualities that would make our organi- zation more diverse; and specialized skills, as training in the law or financial expertise. BOARD OF DIRECTORS: You may nominate yourself or someone else by sending a bio or resume or contacting us via email. [email protected] Send nominations to: The Thomas Merton Center c/o BDC 5129 Penn Ave. Pgh. 15224 or, email: carol- [email protected]

With sincere thanks for helping in this essential endeavor, -Diane McMahon, Michael Drohan and Carole Wiedmann

T E L E V I S I O N L O C A L R A D I O Your Guide To: PCTV !COMCAST CHANNEL 21/VERIZONFIOS CHANNEL 47" WRCT 88.3 FM “DEMOCRACY NOW” 8 AM MONDAY!FRIDAY “DEMOCRACY NOW”# $8 AM% “RUST BELT RADIO” MONDAY 6 PM & TUES AT 9 AM “FREE SPEECH RADIO” 5:30 PM MONDAY!FRIDAY !MONDAY THRU FRIDAY# “LAW AND DISORDER” 9 AM MONDAYS Progressive “GRIT TV” $9AM% KDKA 1020 AM “CHRIS MOORE” SUNDAYS 4!9PM !CALL#IN 412# “THOM HARTMANN SHOW” $9:30 AM% 333#5352" “PA LEGISLATIVE REPORT” $10 AM% WKFB 770 AM “UNION EDGE RADIO TALK RADIO” 12!1 PM !TUESDAYS & FRIDAYS! News WYEP 91.3 FM “ALLEGHENY FRONT” WED 7 PM & SAT AT 6:30 AM LINK TV !DIRECTV CHANNEL 375/DISH CHANNEL 9410" “COUNTERSPIN $FAIR%” WED AT 7:30 PM

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INFORMATION PROVIDED BY CARLA NARHOTEN; GRAPHIC BY MANA ALIABADI $THESE AUDIO NEWS SOURCES HELP THOSE WITH VISION PROBLEMS%

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T PITTSBURGH’S PEACE AND JUSTICE NEWSPAPER Published by the Thomas Merton Center VOL. 40, No. 5 JUNE­JULY, 2010 PITTSBURGH’S PEACE AND JUSTICE NEWSPAPER Published by the Thomas Merton Center VOL. 40, No. 5 JUNE­JULY, 2010 4 AUGUST-SEPTEMBER, 2010 LOCAL Ujamaa Collective opens marketplace in Hill District he Ujamaa Col- the Pittsburgh’s historic descent who are artisans Ujamaa Collective mem- weekend Ujamaa Market- lective, an emerg- Hill District. and entrepreneurs com- ber, Yejide KMT. place featured product Ting cooperative The Ujamaa Mar- mitted to servant-leader- “The Ujamaa Market- samples, taste testing and of women business ketplace is a project of ship in Pittsburgh’s black place is one component gift give-a-ways. African owners of African de- the Hill District based communities. Ujamaa of our holistic solution drummers, a jazz set, scent, opened their long Ujamaa Collective, a Collective exercises a for the economic crisis gospel choir and open anticipated artists’ mar- black women’s coopera- non-traditional approach facing our communities.” mike session created the ket in the Centre Avenue tive committed to green to overcoming the long- The women of perfect ambience for a business corridor fea- entrepreneurship and standing economic Ujamaa have raised capi- weekend celebration of turing environmentally cooperative busi- tal for their market- black women bringing friendly and handmade ness innovation. place and received their best products to jewelry, body care items, The Ujamaa generous in-kind trade with the region. crafts, fresh produce and Marketplace pro- and funding sup- organic, gourmet, and vides booths and port from the Heinz For more information about international foods. tables for entre- Endowments Inno- the Ujamaa Collective/ The Ujamaa Market- preneurs in the early and racial disparities in vation Economy Fund, Ujamaa Marketplace please place opened for busi- stages of their develop- Pittsburgh’s small busi- McAuley Ministries, the contact Karen Eady - Locket: ness July 31, 2010 and ment to showcase their ness economy. Hill House Hill Associa- Phone: (412) 414-7496 August 1, holding their handmade wares, foods “We intend to increase tion and Pittsburgh Key- Fax: (412) 774-2671 !"#$%&'()*+,"%-+".($% and goods. Ujamaa Col- the net worth of black stone Innovation Zone Email: ujamaacoop@gmail. weekend at 2030 Centre lective is an organization women in our communi- and Sankofa Commu- com Avenue in the heart of of women of African ties exponentially,” says nity Empowerment. The REMEMBERING HIROSHIMA, IMAGINING PEACE 2010 ANNOUNCES VARIETY OF EVENTS IN SEPTEMBER

CHALLENGE YOUR CHILDREN TO CONTEMPLATE PEACE:

THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF PITTSBURGH WILL OFFER THOUGHTFUL PROGRAMMING THROUGHOUT THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER THAT SUP- PORTS PEACE AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION THROUGH ART ACTIVITIES. PLEASE CHECK THE WEBSITE WWW.PITTSBURGHKIDS.ORG FOR DETAILS.

LEARN HOW THE PAST AFFECTS YOUR FUTURE:

ON SEPTEMBER 22 CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY WILL BE HOSTING A LECTURE BY DR. YUKI MIYAMOTO, AN ASSISTANT PROFESSOR AT DE PAUL UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO AND A SECOND-GENERATION A-BOMB SURVIVOR.

SPEND AN ATOMIC WEEKEND AT THE MELWOOD:

FRIDAY, 24TH: THE LAST ATOMIC BOMB SATURDAY, 25TH (THREE FILMS): THE LAST ATOMIC BOMB, I LIVE IN FEAR, AND DR. STRANGELOVE SUNDAY, 26TH (TWO FILMS): I LIVE IN FEAR AND DR. STRANGELOVE

“THE LAST ATOMIC BOMB” FROM 2006 IS A DOCUMENTARY THAT IS DESCRIBED AS CHALLENGING ASSUMPTIONS ABOUT THE RATIONALE FOR USING THE BOMBS AT THE END OF WORLD WAR II. IN ADDITION IT PRESENTS INFORMATION ABOUT THE U.S.-IMPOSED PRESS CODE IN JAPAN THAT PROHIBITED MEDIA REPORTS ON THE BOMB OR ITS HEALTH EFFECTS AND ABOUT THE WORK OF THE ATOMIC BOMB CASUALTY COMMISSION THAT SENT ITS DATA GATHERED FROM THOUSANDS OF SURVIVORS TO THE U.S., NOT JAPAN. THE MOVIE PRESENTS THE STORY OF A SEVENTY- YEAR-OLD BOMB SURVIVOR WHO, WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF COLLEGE STUDENTS WHOM SHE INSPIRED, HAS BECOME AN INTERNATIONAL VOICE FOR THE ABOLITION OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS.

“DR. STRANGELOVE OR: HOW I LEARNED TO STOP WORRYING AND LOVE THE BOMB” IS STANKEY KUBRICK’S 1964 ULTIMATE BLACK COMEDY MASTERPIECE ABOUT NUCLEAR ANNIHILATION. MAGNIFICENT PERFORMANCES BY PETER SELLERS (IN THREE ROLES), STERLING HAYDEN, GEORGE C. SCOTT AND SLIM PICKENS ARE UNFORGETTABLE.

“I LIVE IN FEAR” FROM 1967 IS ANOTHER MINOR MASTERPICE FROM KUROSAWA. SOME ONGOING EFFECTS OF THE BOMBINGS IN JAPAN ARE PORTRAYED THROUGH THE TRAGEDY OF A FAMILY. ALTHOUGH THE FACTORY THAT IS THE SOURCE OF THE FAMILY’S WEALTH AND THE LIVELIHOOD FOR MANY WORKERS HAS SURVIVED THE WAR, THE OLD PATRIARCH LIVES, AS DO MANY OTHERS, IN CONSTANT FEAR OF FURTHER NUCLEAR WAR- FARE, WITH A CONVICTION THAT JAPAN WOULD SUFFER DISPROPORTIONATELY FROM FALLOUT. HIS INCREASING OBSESSION AND DESIRE TO MOVE THE WHOLE FAMILY TO THE SUPPOSED SAFETY OF SOUTH AMERICA AND THE EFFORTS OF THE FAMILY AND THE LEGAL SYSTEM TO ADDRESS HIS CONDITION ARE SHOWN WITH GREAT SYMPATHY AND HUMANITY. PROJECTS UPDATE AUGUST-SEPTEMBER, 2010 5 Economic justice arrives at Thomas Merton Center he Economic Some 60 organizations into the store using this dividing workers and and labor solidarity. Justice came out to support action, not to mention extracting concessions). (2) Organize TCommittee UFCW workers in their ,-.-#,!/%#)0$#/$!'%!'($! As labor struggles educational and (EJC) has been contract negotiations at UFCW workers who and economic justice cultural events on established as a new Giant Eagle’s Market took part. organizing emerges, the issues of workers’ project of the Thomas District store. This The union energized EJC will keep people rights, labor struggles, Merton Center. Its ‘shop-in’ consisted workers, got solidarity abreast of opportunities and economic justice, concerns deal with issues of organizational activists involved and for showing their taking place perhaps of economic justice and spokespeople surprised Giant Eagle, solidarity and making a four times per year. labor solidarity, focusing approaching the which has never faced a difference in bringing (3) Help mobilize on concrete campaigns management, union that mobilized its community pressure support for focused and actions, but also encouraging them members. onto those who would actions related to the involving educational to respect the union, All franchise stores steamroll working class primary concerns of events. while UFCW people and more than half people. the EJC. !!!!"#$!%&!'($!)*+'! handed out stickers overall of Giant Eagle The Economic Justice To get involved, please actions of the EJC was to shoppers and free stores are unorganized Committee, focused on join this group: http:// to support members of reusable shopping bags with new suburban issues of labor solidarity groups.google.com/ the United Food and with the UFCW Local stores built all the time. and economic justice, group/economic-justice- Commercial Workers 23 logo, making a visual The vote for the contract would have three committee. Our next (UFCW) at the Giant statement of solidarity was overwhelmingly in primary functions: meeting is Sunday, August Eagle, the area’s largest with the workers of the favor of the contract, (1) Maintain a 29th at 4pm at the supermarket chain, by store that people who which maintains current communications Thomas Merton Center. participating in a “shop- shop there want a fair pensions and health care network and an in” on June 12, 2010 contract. 1$#$)'+2!*3-+$0!45!'($! internet discussion- -Courtney Smith that was spearheaded by The union claims lowest tier especially list among interested the Pittsburgh Interfaith this action brought 400- and added no new tiers activists around issues Impact Network (PIIN). 500 additional people (the favored method of of economic justice

POEM: “ALSO VICTIMS OF WAR” CARTOON: IMPRESSIONS FROM RUSS FEDORKA

“We are also victims of war” said the old man’s voice on the radio as he told us his story.

His son returned from Iraq a quadriplegic. A bullet in the neck, followed by a stroke. had left him nearly blind, unable to speak, and paralysed from the neck down. He was twenty years old.

Their voices rich with love and sadness, his parents explained how their lives had changed; devoted now, in every sense of the word, to the care of their son.

It takes two people to get him into his wheelchair where he sits awhile most days. In the daytime he has nurses, paid by the V.A.

“There are small victories” said his mother, proudly. They celebrated when, after a year or so, their son could swallow his pureed food.

“In the evenings we turn him in his bed, every 90 minutes. We have no life of our own. I’ll never be able to retire” said the old man’s voice on the radio.

-Hazel Cope 6 AUGUST-SEPTEMBER, 2010 NATIONAL To r tu re : Is it as American as apple pie? S sponsored and sudden shift in how and suspicion being US, State Correctional What Killed Sergeant Gray. torture is not newspapers characterized propagated. We saw Institution - Greene, Now he’s developed Unew. After waterboarding. From the an enemy on every a maximum-security that story in a book World War II the US early 1930s until the modern street corner and the prison in Greene County, that offers a compelling helped to draft the story broke in 2004, the dehumanization of Pennsylvania. While account of how the use Universal Declaration newspapers that covered some segments of the he was there he had a of torture and abusive of Human Rights and waterboarding almost population. The Muslims number of cases brought techniques on prisoners the Geneva Conventions uniformly called the practice were singled out and against him for abusing %0$120*%+,#$34$56,)%7!"$ on the treatment of torture or implied it was we saw many instances prisoners. soldiers caught up in it. prisoners. However with torture: The New York of discrimination. The We also rounded the start of the cold war, Times characterized it thus process of dehumanizing up and incarcerated Some soldiers with Battalion we withdrew from active in 81.5% (44 of 54) of groups of people made it so called terrorists in 1-68 told me about an support of international articles on the subject and much easier to see them places like Guantanamo episode that involved choking human rights. It was The Los Angeles Times did as a threat. and Abu Ghraib. We a detainee with water. during this cold war so in 96.3% of articles” In order to keep us were told they were No one referred to it as period, in the 50’s and (Scott Horton in Harpers safe we still believe the “worst of the “waterboarding” at the time, 60’s, that many torture July 12, 2010). we need to incarcerate worst” and that they nor did anyone reference techniques were tried, those we feel threaten presented a real threat %$-.+)2#0"0%*#/1)/#*)'./+%'"(# tested and perfected - A number of factors our security and it to society and that harsh such techniques. One soldier especially psychological went into creating the is OK to use harsh interrogation techniques from Battalion 1-68 said the torture. present atmosphere interrogation techniques were necessary to get idea was borne out of casual After the cold war we where torture has to get information. information from discussions on the base about once again took up the become more acceptable. Dehumanizing the them. Terminology torture techniques that had issue of Human Rights Horton explains: enemy is something changed; we began to been used elsewhere. In this !"#$%"$&''($)!*%+,#$*-,$ the armed forces have refer to ‘waterboarding’ case, a non-commissioned UN Convention Against “By contrast, from yet refused to use %$-."3#3"$"3"'."(#)#4+'(# Torture. Yet, as Alfred 2002-2008, the studied the word ‘torture’. of water torture that had McCoy points out in newspapers almost never We referred to the been used in Vietnam. his book, A Question of referred to waterboarding “ticking bomb” as This soldier from Battalion Torture.$%*$/!0$)!*%+,#$ as torture. The New a reason for using 1-68 told me that he and while exempting the York Times called harsh techniques others tried to reproduce US from banning waterboarding torture or on prisoners. When the technique—not to gain psychological torture. implied it was torture in these methods were intelligence but because it This meant that the CIA just 2 of 143 articles challenged as being was understood that torture interrogation methods (1.4%). The Los Angeles torture, the Bush and abuse were permissible. were exempt from Times did so in 4.8% of Administration got Naturally, the military and international law. articles (3 of 63). been doing for years in around the setbacks by 5&*1#6(0+'+*/3)/+%'#%$-.+)2*# Prior to 9/11 while So waterboarding in order to make killing using executive orders to approved certain techniques torture was happening the hands of the Japanese, acceptable, but has legalize them. for so-called “harsh and we were very the Khmer Rouge, East certainly been perfected With the climate interrogation.” But there much engaged overseas Germans, Brazilians, and with the Iraq and of fear created in our were other ways in which through training at the Argentinians is “torture,” Afghanistan wars. Many society we began to ideas took root and spread… Western Hemisphere the American newspapers of our armed forces now see other segments Soldiers would draw on what Institute for Security tell us, but indistinguishable come from the National of society as a threat. they had done during their Cooperation, formerly techniques when used with the Guard and Reserve units Immigrants were a training (e.g., exercises from the School of the authority of the American a number of whom serve natural target and the basic training), what was Americas, it was much government are simply as prisons guards in their collapse of the economy available (e.g., a boom box more underground. “enhanced interrogation civilian lives. made it worse as we for sleep deprivation), and We were on the surface techniques,” that “critics” We have already heard perceived immigrants as what they remembered or supporting the UN “refer to as torture.” ... about racism and how part of the problem both heard about from others (such Convention Against It has social and political it has contributed to the in terms of crime and as the water choking reference Torture. consequences far beyond the increase in incarceration taking our jobs. from Vietnam). Those who '&)'."(#*"0)'/+.*#/1)/#-22# of the African American The entertainment study torture say this is often The media: the columns of the public population. Many of industry, including how torture techniques are Prior to 9/11 we see editor. It is shaping a darker, the techniques used television and picked up and travel from the media as supporting more brutal society—one have been transferred videogames, has .%'7+./#/%#.%'7+./8 the myth that the US prepared to accept torture as from prison to places also contributed. I does not torture by the a legitimate tool in the hands like Guantanamo to recently came across Military interrogators, way it depicted certain of the state.” detention centers. We an interesting article %$-."3*9#)'(#:"*/#;%+'/# practices. For example: know for instance by Joshua Phillips who instructors told me how they After 9/11, with that Specialist Charles received the Alfred feared that powerful torture “Examining newspapers the War on Terror, Graner, of Abu Ghraib I. duPont-Columbia scenes on TV and in with the highest daily things changed. As in fame, was a guard at one University Award for his circulation in the country, the Cold War, we saw of the most racist and 2008 American Radio [Continued on page 7] !"#$%&'(#)#*+,'+-.)'/# an atmosphere of fear abusive prisons in the Works documentary NATIONAL AUGUST-SEPTEMBER, 2010 7 BOOK REVIEW: Beyond a one-state solution in Palestine/Israel

“Overcoming Zionism: Creat- In view of this for the rise of Zionism. bedeviled humanity took of the Nazi campaign ing a Single Democratic State situation, Kovel advocates In his critique of anti- root resulting in pogroms, against the Jews, under- in Israel/Palestine” by Joel the formation of a single Semitism Kovel states genocides and countless stands Hitler’s phobia Kovel, Pluto Press, 2007 bi-national State called “Jewishness is a statement injustices over the centu- in broader terms of his Palesrael which would be about something unre- ries. phobia for socialism and a While the main title of secular and democratic. solved in the self of the Zionism can only be more egalitarian society. this book conveys the Apart from the hypocrisy anti-Semite.” In its understood in this frame- In the history of idea that it is principally and insincerity of the broadest aspect, we would work of anti-Semitism. the Israeli state, Kovel about Zionism and go- Two State charade, he say then that the misera- However, according to points out that the state ing beyond it, the subtitle attempts to show that the ble anti-Semitism that has Kovel, Zionists came to born in 1948 has been more accurately expresses state of Israel, founded perfused Christendom is the wrong conclusion and and still is a fervent ally the principal thesis of the on the principles of Zion- a manifestation of its un- wrong solution due to of imperialism and in this book. That thesis is that ism is, as presently consti- lived life, and its failure to their essential acceptance lies its greatest defect. the so-called two-state so- tuted, incapable of being realize Jesus”. In his un- of anti-Semitism. In com- Israel allied itself with the lution is a charade, a dead a democratic and mod- derstanding, Jesus stood mon with anti-Semites British and the French end and a totally insincere ern state. for a radical new soci- down the ages, Zion- in the 1956 war against policy as advocated by According to Kovel, ety. Jesus, he maintains ists believe that Jew and Egypt’s effort to claim the the U.S. and Israel. Kovel the essential principle “spoke to, of, and for gentile were incompatible Suez Canal. The greatest states “consent by Is- underlying the nationalist the beggars, the whores, and irreconcilable and threats to imperial domi- rael to the Two State idea states that emerged from the rabble, the outcasts, the only way forward was nation of the Middle East was from the beginning the feudal regimes of the the underlings, the noth- separation and a special and the Arab oligarchs grudging and purely tacti- Middle Ages, nation for have been nationalist/ cal, while the objective is that the “Zionism cannot be understood out- the Jews. In Islamist tendencies. In all has remained the eventual State belongs this Zion- these struggles—whether possession of the whole to the people side the context of anti-Semitism.” ists differed against Nasser in Egypt, of Palestine and dispos- and the citi- from social- Saddam Hussein in Iraq, session of the remainder zens of the State are sov- ings”. In this he opposed ists and most of the Jew- Hezbollah in Lebanon of its Arab inhabitants ( ereign. In Israel, however, the Roman Empire and ish population of Europe or Hamas in Palestine/ p. 207)”. such is not the case. Only the religious establish- in the 19th century who Gaza—Israel has been the He elaborates that the the Jewish population of ment of the Temple that believed that the curse faithful attack dog. Now two-state idea is a mere Israel have truly sovereign supported empire. of anti-Semitism had to the new front of danger is façade while the real pol- rights and further this For these crimes of be excised from the body Shiite-nationalist Iran and icy is complete disposses- sovereignty is extended to !"#$%&'"()&*+,)&-(./&)0.)0". politic if there was to be on this occasion it seems sion and transfer of the Jewish people all over the 1--23.0"./,!.+24+&*"'5. any progress. It is hardly the attack dog is leading Arab inhabitants from the world, while these rights Christendom, however, in a coincidence that most its master(s) into the fray. remaining territories that are denied to Palestinians a long, sad and pathetic of the advocates of a Kovel’s rejection of Zi- the Palestinian population born in Israel and exiled 0&!)-26.-$ .&'"()&*+,)&-(. separate state for Jews in onism and his condemna- occupy. He elaborates fur- from Israel as a result of with the ruling classes, Palestine such as Lord tion of the state of Israel ther that as a result of 58 the 1948 war. In no other distorted the whole mean- Balfour and Winston is based principally on his years of aggression, occu- modern state, does the ing of Jesus and out of Churchill were ardent assertion that this alliance pation and encroachment State belong only to one bad conscience turned anti-Semites. In regard with imperialism corrupts by settlers, the formation ethnic or religious group. this emancipatory and to Hitler, Kovel asserts the emancipatory role and of a second state is prac- Kovel asserts that universalist message into that his hostility to the possibilities of Judaism tically impossible. What Zionism cannot be under- the absurdity that “the Jews was based on what throughout human his- remains to the Palestin- stood outside the context Jews killed Jesus”. Thus, he calls their “Judaeo- tory. ians is a kind of rag-doll of anti-Semitism which one of the most perni- Bolshevism”. This more penetrated by Israeli-only was the principal factor cious ideas that ever nuanced understanding -Michael Drohan roads and settlements. Torture seen as essential part of American culture [Continued from page 6] public perceptions about how are many who think that cation work on torture that these issues can- interrogations ought to work, with the Obama adminis- must include a discus- not be totally separated. movies (as well as in litera- and how torture is a necessary tration in power we have sion on the moral issue, Organizations such as ture) encouraged beliefs in the and effective tool. stopped the use of tor- and what the impact of The National Religious utility of torture. So today we see a broad ture. its continued use has on Campaign Against Tor- Hollywood interrogation segment of the popula- The need for educa- our society. This is slow ture, The Quaker Initia- scenes often show high-pressure tion that believes that we tion is vital. In order to and sometimes frustrating tive Against Torture, and situations where interroga- need to use some form change the environment work. There is no short the American Friends tors eventually get a suspect of torture to keep us of acceptability of torture )"28.*9.)-.)0&!.&!!4"5.. Service Committee have !"#$%&'%()#*+,-#!+,.#/-'00.# safe. While most folk are we need to make the links Recently there has been all embraced the issue of resort to physical force. Such totally unaware of what between what is happen- recognition by groups torture in prisons as well scenes show how prisoners goes on in our prisons ing in our prisons and working on the issue of as US sponsored torture quickly succumb to torture, and detention centers they detention centers as well US sponsored torture that as part of their mission. and provide truthful, accurate, would probably accept as in places like Bagram concerns about torture and actionable intelligence. that harsh techniques are and Guantanamo. We in our prisons and deten- 12,-#!+"34+#!+,5,#'&,#/%!6"-'0# necessary to keep the (""'.)-.*('./,6!.)-.2",+0. tion centers must also be -Scilla Wahrhaftig depictions, they’re powerful “criminal” element under the media to reframe the addressed. There is be- and dramatic and have shaped +-()2-#5.7('.*(,##6.)0"2". discussion. Finally edu- ginning to be acceptance 8 AUGUST-SEPTEMBER, 2010 TRAVEL AN AMERICAN IN YAZD Pittsburgh local savors sweets, sights of central Iran

was in Isfehan, Iran in 2008 when I Hillary Clinton told the world that the USA would obliterate Iran. A few days later, I was in Yazd when, back home, a Code Pink protester interrupted one of Mrs. Clinton’s Democratic primary campaign rallies. As the protester was removed, Clinton remarked, “I hope he didn’t step on anybody’s cookies or cake.” How clever. Located in Central Iran, Yazd is the center of Zoroastrianism (the ethical and spiritual prototype for Judaism and for Christianity) as well as the so-called ‘Sweets Capital of Iran.’ Cookies from Yazd melt on the tongue; the ice cream is like nothing The photo of the Tower of Silence includes a hospice house with adjacent bengir, with the Tower of Silence in the background. Dying you have ever tasted persons spent their last days in the hospice house, attended by caregivers. Upon death, their body was taken to the Tower of Silence. before, besting even (Photo provided by Florence Wyand) Ben and Jerry’s Cherry been burning for over merriment of a birthday value hypermilitarization for us. We Americans Garcia. On 1200 years. I climbed party for a 9-year old less and the lives of those MUST KNOW what it an evening’s outing in the to the very top of the girl. I snapped a picture 9-year old little girls in is we do, and threaten lively village (once noted Tower of Silence in of one young girl in her Yazd more; that America’s to do. Father, there is for its bicyclists, Yazdians Yazd, and gazed down at no forgiveness for us now favor motorcycles), the Zoroastrian cemetery “Cookies from Yazd melt on the Americans if we continue I bought a bag of the to the left, the village our lying demonization most delightful cookies of Yazd straight ahead, tongue; the ice cream is like nothing and terrorizing of the I’d ever tasted, so light and new apartments little girls of Yazd, and you could scarcely feel $(2) "3*4+) 50'.2'(1%) &") you have ever tasted before, besting our lies about their them before they melted the right. I realized that even Ben and Jerry’s Cherry Garcia” government, and our on your tongue. A young Yazd is a city on the lies about their president boy -- no more than 10 grow, becoming known Ahmadinejad. So many -- was tending the shop as one of Iran’s most 5'#&/2$6)-$#&6)*(+#67)&/$&) leaders make themselves Americans voted for when I walked in; he rapidly industrializing set off a bubbly round aware of the history Obama in the hope that stepped forward smartly, cities with a future that of requests and smiling of Yazd; recognize the we would not destroy the greeted me with a smile, is threatened every poses. I went on to snap importance of Yazd to all cookies of Yazd and the and after observing my day by American arm- another dozen photos of Christianity; invest in children who eat them. indecision for a few twisting of international of laughing, sweet- the sweet delights as well But those children are moments, offered me a corporations who seek to eyed, innocent Iranian as the hopes and dreams now more threatened sample of his cookies. invest in Iran. children, delighted to be of the people of Yazd. than ever by both Barack Yazd is an ancient city When I arrived at my with their friends and Christ on the Cross “Hope and Change” that is home to one of hotel in Yazd, a converted to be immortalized in said, “Father, forgive Obama and Hillary the oldest and most Caravansarie, the Persian an American’s camera. them for they know not “We will obliterate you” beautiful mosques in garden in the courtyard This article is written what they do.” But We Clinton. Father, forgive the world, as well as a -- a mainstay of Iranian in hopes that the people Americans DO know us?? Father, obliterate !"#"$%&#'$() *#+) &+,-.+) hotels as well as homes and decision makers of what we do. There is no Iran? /"0%'(1) $) *#+) &/$&) /$%) -- was alive with the the United States will excuse, no forgiveness -Florence Wyand OPINION AUGUST-SEPTEMBER, 2010 9 Immigration: Waiting for the Barbarians

he Greek poet found that more than 75% Constantine P. Cavafy of Americans who read a Twrote a poem in 1904 description of comprehensive with a punch line that never immigration reform said they wears out. “Waiting for the would support the measure. Barbarians” gets to the heart of We know it is not enough to the nature of political life, civic simply enforce the laws we have; pride and civic hypocrisy: they must be changed. The laws were made by immigrants “What are we waiting for, assembled after all, and the change called in the forum? for must be guided by the The barbarians are to arrive today. values of protecting the dignity Why such inaction in the Senate? of every person and keeping Why do the Senators sit and pass no families together, as well as laws?” promoting national security and ensuring fairness to taxpayers..... (and later in the poem) comprehensive reform! The worst of the Arizona “Because night is here but the law was eliminated but the barbarians have not come, overall effect of the law is now And some people arrived from the in place and this will continue Citizens and activists borders, and said that there are no to promote haphazard and ill- protest SB1070 and longer any barbarians. conceived laws in other states its implications at And now what shall become of us if our federal lawmakers do not without any barbarians? an immigration Those people were some kind of and compassionate laws and set rally in Washington solution.” federal policy on immigration. D.C. in March 2010. The longer they wait the more dysfunctional our system (Photos provided by online. There is both awe and becomes. Wanda Guthrie) contempt toward governmental We can immediately work institutions and the familiar toward passing the Dream and distinct sounds of what Act. The Dream Act would we say, what we know we mean allow students who graduate and what we don’t know we from college to become U.S. mean. citizens. At this time it is This summer both the issue impossible for a student who of immigration and the building of a mosque in Manhattan have professional job, their gifts and reminded us that we are indeed intellect notwithstanding. At willing to suspend government the same time, children with traditions. the justice when loud voices and undocumented parents live in There is a dark side of our compelling rhetoric cause us to fear of being separated from culture, a shadow. We see it in believe that these issues divide parents and family, many of the backlash we are experiencing us deeply. But are we ‘deeply whom came here for work against Latino immigrants as It is for this reason our divided’? embodied in legislation like legislators are now telling us Recent polling found countries. SB1070, the reaction of the they will not consider, let alone widespread support for a path We must continue charitable Anti-Defamation League and pass comprehensive immigration to citizenship for undocumented conversations and make sure others concerning the Mosque legislation until after the mid- immigrants. A new study that our thinking and analysis are in Manhattan and other places. I term elections. don’t think we really anticipated sponsored by America’s Voice grounded in the best of all our -Wanda Guthrie TMC Board Director receives honor in community tribute Drake Dunnett accepts Peaceburgh Transformational - Leaders Tribute for his grandmother, Wanda Guthrie. rie, a TMC Board Director, was one of three acknowledged for her contributions to peace Vikki Hanchin, author of “We Are the Ones and community. We Have Been Waiting For: Pittsburgh’s Role in “William Penn’s vision was for this ‘Holy Ex- the Mayan Calendar and the Shift of the Ages,” periment’ of Pennsylvania,” said Guthrie. “My selected a group of 27 people who have been vision is to continue to lift and declare a ‘hal- instrumental and supportive in all that has been lowed’ world with transformative compassion as unfolding as a result. Acting on this revelation, Vikki recently host- spacious.” ed a community tribute, a gathering to honor the Transformational Leaders in Peaceburgh, -Wanda Guthrie 10 AUGUST-SEPTEMBER, 2010 LOCAL HISTORY Heavenly Healthcare Miners Clinic o!ers vision for healthcare’s future

fter World War who received the care. The patients and be able to years of age at the time, objections, local, state and II, several young facilities and equipment meet their needs, including received two weeks of national medical societies Adoctors and their used by the doctors were referrals to specialists, and vacation, increasing to one denied membership families were drawn to the never have to think about month for those who were to the members of the small coal mining towns board composed of the remuneration system,” there six years or more. Russellton Group Program in the Alle-Kiski Valley to said Doctor Fine. Many of the doctors in and worse, denied them become part of an unusual The best part is that the the group thought of the hospital privileges at medical care program. and later enlarged to a miners and their families Russellton program as the the local hospitals, Among those who came board of 20 people, all received excellent health ideal situation in which to including Citizens General were Dr. Dan and Anita of whom had been coal care. John Begovich, who practice – had it not been in New Kensington Fine, and Dr. Julian miners at one time. In worked in the Harmarville for the opposition of local and Allegheny Valley and Rhoda Eligator, all Mine for 41 years, organized medicine. The Hospital in Tarentum. members of the Thomas clinic in Russellton was remembers the program Group was consistently The opposition lasted Merton Center. well. “My boy, Larry, when denied admission privileges more than a decade and The program was putting up their home at the local hospitals. resulted in pubic debate, served by a group practice, mortgages as collateral. to have a heart operation. The opposition from investigations by the state the Russellton Medical The board met regularly They took care of him, and organized medicine and national medical Group, which employed and communicated freely he had the surgery at St. manifested itself societies, the doctors, in partnership and openly with the Francis, and it never cost on the local, state wide with the Miners Clinics, a doctors. Dr. Fine, at that a penny. I’ve wondered and national newspaper unique structure that was time the Medical Director, many times why the levels, but the coverage, created as an outcome of laterrecalled with a smile government can’t do that stated reasons and a broad the United Mine Workers that the board members now, and make medical were the same: range of of America Welfare were not at all hesitant care work like the Miners the limitation of response by and Retirement Fund. about the the Miners Together, they provided advocating “I’ve wondered many times Clinics, the the services for what is for their patients Fund and the community. best called the Russellton fellow why the government can’t do choice of Not until 1967 were all the Medical Program. miners. physician doctors in the Program The clinic facilities, The that now, and make medical to those given hospital privileges, located in the isolated medical who are and then only through mining towns, gave new care, care work like the Miners members of a lawsuit. When the accessibility to medical including the group’s Federal marshalls served care to the miners and primary Clinics did.” “closed the legal papers on key care and panel,” the members of the medical community clinic was in specialists participating staff and the hospital a former hardware store services, came at minimal physicians’ acceptance of board, their response was on the main cost to the Clinics did. Dr. Fine, he other forms of payment “Why did you do that? road in miners. For their was a prince. He took than the traditional fee for We were going to let you Russellton, routine medical every patient’s troubles to service, and the possibility in.” The Russellton with care (primary his heart and so did the of lay control over the Medical Program and the specialists care as we call it other doctors.” practice of medicine, Miners Clinics, with their never before now) the miners The largest amount which they referred to successes and struggles, available paid through of the doctors’ income as “unethical practices.” are long gone, but their to this the deduction came from the Fund, who In an earlier case, which experiences in working population, tucked away of a few dollars from paid them monthly for reached the Supreme to develop a model for in small rooms on the their paycheck, while the time spent with Fund Court in 1939, the Court delivering health care specialists, diagnostic dismissed the charges in the Alle-Kiski Valley clinic came into being tests, medication, received income from brought by the American has relevance for our in the basement of a emergency room care the miners’ paycheck Medical Association(AMA) time. They succeeded hotel in Apollo, and the and hospitalization costs deductions as well as of “unethical practices” in providing modern, third was nestled in the were paid from the United fees for services from and said “the motivations accessible, community- corner of the Croatian Mine Workers of America non-miner clients, as behind the disciplines were based, comprehensive Hall in Acmetonia. They (UMWA) Miners Welfare the Russellton program purely economic.” health services, without seemed to sprout like the and Retirement Fund, services were open to the The fear that “lay mushrooms in the mines. hereinafter referred to as entire community. control,” meaning The fourth community “the Fund.” Doctors pooled their the union was taking structure, combined with clinic occupied a storefront The doctors were paid a income, and received over health care, was prepayment and medical in New Kensington. salary, rather than the annual salaries that ranged groundless, because the group practice, owned and Worlds apart from the standard “fee for service,” from $12,000 to $30,000, Program, according to Dr. governed by consumers. ordinary medical system, which meant peace of based on years of training, Fine, was never treating the Miners Clinics were mind for both the patients specialty status, experience more than ten percent governed by the members and the doctors. “It was and years with the group. of the population of the -Elizabeth McDevitt of the mining community very comfortable to see Most members, under 35 area. Based on these LOCAL AUGUST-SEPTEMBER, 2010 11 PROJECT UPDATE: Pittsburgh Haiti Solidarity Committee espite the devastation employees gain greater are 28th and 29th employees to All are welcome! and set backs of receive scholarships to Duquesne The Pittsburgh Haiti Solidarity Dthe Jan. 12, 2010 additional leadership at Fonkoze. University over the past 14 Committee is seeking monthly earthquake, Fonkoze, Haiti’s We at the Pittsburgh Haiti years). The Pittsburgh Haiti Alternative Bank for the Solidarity serve as the third leg Solidarity Committee will be students over the nine months of Organized Poor, has again of the program providing room, hosting a welcoming reception their stay. If you are interested in secured two scholarships from board and local solidarity support for them on Sunday, Aug. 29 Duquesne University for two while they are in Pittsburgh. from 3 – 5 PM at Sacred Heart or in other in-kind ways, of their employees for the The two employees soon to Rectory Building at the corner please contact me at 412-271- upcoming academic year. be students are Heguel Mesidor of Shady and Alder (entrance 8414. Through this experience and Patricia Helena Gaurin (they off of Alder Street) in Shadyside. -Joyce Rothermel, Convenor Dennis Brutus to be honored at PNC Park

he members of the Pittsburgh Anti on September 5 for the unveiling of the pressure from outside of South Africa. Sweatshop Community Alliance monument and to hear and tell Dennis’s Dennis began a letter writing campaign T(PASCA) are pleased to invite you to to pressure the International Olympic PNC Park on September 5 to tell the story Dennis’s Black Consciousness and pursuit Organizing Committee to ban South of our dear friend and colleague Dennis of justice in sports were “shots heard Africa from the Olympics. He was shot Brutus, who died in December of 2009. around the world!” and then jailed for these activities. An activist, scholar, educator, and poet, Dennis was one of two South African Here are some examples of how you might !" Thousands of Pittsburghers participated expatriates, along with Mongezi Nkomo, tell the Dennis Brutus story at PNC Park: in the campaign against Apartheid. who co-founded Azania Heritage They did so by collecting used clothes, International and the Pittsburgh Anti !" There were four different racial inviting African National Congress Sweatshop Community Alliance. They representatives to speak, and protesting infused us with the ideas of Black Black, Colored, Indian, and White. against the sale of South African gold Consciousness and our insistence that our Dennis organized athletic events, in currency in downtown Pittsburgh. sports teams can be leveraged to achieve violation of Apartheid laws, between They convinced the University of social equity. Pittsburgh to stop We should all learn investing in South Africa. and share and continue The end of Apartheid to remind ourselves of demonstrated to us that Dennis’s life story and we can help stop global accomplishments. On injustices and that we can April 28 at the August WIN. Dennis Brutus’s Wilson Center we hosted presence in Pittsburgh the Bangladesh Center and participation in for Workers Solidarity. our ongoing solidarity Together, we discussed efforts inspire us to the legacy of Dennis push the limits and give Brutus and how the us a mandate to lead by human rights community example. in Pittsburgh contributed to the dismantling of Check the Thomas Apartheid. We set goals Merton Center’s eblasts aimed to reinvigorate or the announcements on our memory of Dennis’s IWW.org life and our continuing time that we will gather on activism. These goals are September 5 at the new to: Bill Mazeroski statue to them. At these athletic events, he go as a group to the unveiling of the Dennis !" Convince the August Wilson Center worked the crowds, talking about how Brutus monument. Board of Directors to add a permanent Blacks, Coloreds, and Indians were exhibit recalling Dennis Brutus’s arbitrary divisions created by the White Dennis Brutus monument--an aluminum contributions. supremacist regime to divide the masses leaf on the relocated Forbes Field wall !" Integrate Dennis’s Olympic story into of South Africans. He explained how the behind the Bill Mazeroski statue--and Pittsburgh’s sports narrative, at the Heinz people could be united by the ideology of tell the Dennis Brutus story to your History Center, and at the Pittsburgh Black Consciousness. companions. International Airport, for example. You can learn more about Dennis Brutus !" Raise $150 to create a permanent !" It was very clear that, although the Whites by watching “Let’s Talk About Sweatshops monument to Dennis Brutus at PNC were only a small portion of the South at PNC Park” on PCTV, Comcast channel Park. African population, their weapons and 21 or Verizon’s 47. control of the state made it impossible We have reached the third goal! Join us for them to be overthrown without -Kenneth Miller 12 AUGUST-SEPTEMBER, 2010 LOCAL A Movement Against Itself: Why ‘comprehensive immigration reform’ is a dead-end T signaling a strategic “common sense” notions [Continued on page 13] Protest racial pro!ling, Arizona Diamondbacks rizona’s Senate documented or undocumented, or a black, or nothing like Bill 1070 attempts are not the problem--the root that. I want to be treated like Ato legalize racial of this injustice lies in the any person that comes for a global socio-economic system positions in opposition job.” that allows big business to to SB 1070. We are Organizational exploit workers...we are of only one race--the human race. We belong to only one country- -the Earth. We are workers Department, claiming of the world! No to racial .)'/-,012$3'$!'$45$67872$ Yes to solidarity with workers from all countries!” or call Marc Mancini at a protest against racial “They say, Roberto, you organizer Marc Mancini: better keep your mouth shut org because they will ship you “As an advocate and back. [But] this is something supporter of human rights, !"*!$()'9$!"#$/)&!$:*;<$=$&*,:$ especially workers’ rights, I am to myself: I am in the minority appalled to see apartheid exist group. I am from the poor in America with regards to the people. I represent the poor Arizona law--SB 1070, which people. I represent the common unconstitutionally advocates people of America. So I am !"#$%&#$'( $)*+,*-$.)'/-,01$ going to be treated like a -Kenneth Miller to detain undocumented human being. I don’t want to workers...immigrant workers, be treated like a Puerto Rican, LOCAL AUGUST-SEPTEMBER, 2010 13

A VOICE FROM THE US SOCIAL FORUM: JUNE 22­26 The following are excerpts from a speech given by USSF participant Walter Smolarek, a Mt. Lebanon High School Senior, during a forum workshop. The speech covered the correlation between police brutality and the foundations of the capitalist state.

While the police sometimes go after people who actually have com- One thing that became apparent was that the beating of Jordan mitted crimes, they ignore that fact that crime, for the most part, is Miles was just one incident in a long history of abuse. Many “caused by the very system they protect. An underlying issue present “people talked to me about their own experiences with police in most police brutality cases is racism and racial pro!ling. While all brutality. One woman told me about how she had recently been poor and working people su"er from the cops abuses, more often brutalized by cops and another told me about her husband, who then not the victims are people of color. Racism allows the capital- was assaulted and then sent to jail on the false charges invented ist class to exploit sections of the working class especially intensely to justify the beating. One man that I spoke to told me about how and most importantly it serves to divide the oppressed. The capital- he was arrested and falsely accused of a crime simply because he ists understand that the most e"ective way to weaken !t a description. Still others were outraged at the daily resistance to their rule is by sowing disunity, making sure harassment they endure at the hands of the Pittsburgh that the people at the bottom of society are !ghting each Police Department. other rather than their exploiters. A multi-racial movement against police brutality can go a long way in combating ” racism and building working class solidarity.”

However, while organizations like the Alliance for Police Accountability play an important role, its work ultimately will not lead to a society of, by, and for the masses. For that, we need a revolutionary, working class political party, capable of connecting many di"erent struggles and pointing “out in compelling and creative ways the roots of these problems in the capitalism. Those with an interest in the pursuit of the long term interests of the oppressed belong in such a party. A !ghting organization like the Party for Socialism and Liberation is capable of not only combating police brutality, but getting rid of the system that creates it. ” ‘Comprehensive immigration reform’ proves a failure [Continued from page 12] workers determined to “graveyard of social positions and engage in wishes of portions of movements,” they don’t effective action. the movement that program (in that something decent. even have to go to the Up until 1968, the would rather they wait order). By dropping However, the contours trouble of co-opting 1960s radicalization and pipe down.) While legalization provisions, of repression versus them these days, instead confronted a Democratic the DREAM Act isn’t the Democrats haven’t exploitation are up movements co-opt administration and in perfect, if it passed, it attracting any more for debate, the terms themselves, demobilize 1968 at one of its high would be a win for our enthusiasm for their of how best to stoke voluntarily and even points, a Republican side – and the right’s bill. One reason the bill racism to keep us divided attack those who dare was elected to the favorite provision, has been postponed is and distracted from to critically assess the White House, and the encouraging immigrants because the Democrats opposing those with Democrats and hold early 1970s still saw to go into the military are simply unwilling to them to their promises. further labor and social to earn citizenship, is defend immigrant rights. embedded in this debate. With a numerically, struggles. The idea that actually moot at this Because stopping I would argue organizationally, our success is dependent point since recruitment that changing how experientially and on a Democratic is no longer a problem in would also mean paying Republicans behave is infrastructurally weak administration is this economy. people decent wages, just as much outside of left in this country, ahistorical. As Howard A win for the offering labor protections our control as progressive this approach seems Zinn said, who sits in Democrats is not and providing services activists as changing eminently reasonable. the White House doesn’t necessarily a win for our that undocumented Democrats in some direct We must pick our battles, make nearly as much of a side and is often a loss workers don’t get, neither way. All we can do is be realistic about how difference as the strength (especially if we had no the two parties nor demand they answer to big we are and how of independent, mass hand in making it worth employers really want our demands and make movements. winning), but when we to stop immigration. them feel pressure to can have. However, The waiting around demand something and Instead they want to act against their better even the numbers we approach is one reason we get it, that’s something ensure immigrants can be judgment (formed by have now have been young undocumented to build on. We on quietly exploited, while partisan bickering, the systematically shoveled immigrants are laying the left have to take wages for all of us are needs of public relations, into the Democratic everything on the line by questions of strategy and kept down and the threat campaign contributions Party, both in terms of demanding the DREAM tactics seriously and have of using cheaper, less and careerism). votes, but also in terms Act be passed with an on-going conversation rowdy labor can always While the Democrats of movement priorities about how to win. hang above the heads of have been called the and willingness to take actions (against the -Courtney Smith 14 AUGUST-SEPTEMBER, 2010 LOCAL Pittsburgh Police Accountability 2010 Local writer examines organizations’ progress, police responses

wo related reported to be looking following questionable THE G20 REPORT Pittsburgh police into criminal charges for commitment by the DA incidents. Some changes Tissues have the unwarranted use of were made to the The second 2010 occupied members of force. Waiting for their against Mr. Miles. So far original bills after the police accountability issue the peace and justice reports is the excuse there is no sign that the community meetings, but is more convoluted. It community this year: the given for not releasing the police and their allies will the legislation remains concerns the “security” police beating of CAPA quit stalling. ambiguous and needs for the September, honor student Jordan The beating of Mr. City Councilman community attention as it 2009 G20 Summit Miles and the Citizen Miles and the dismissal Reverend Ricky Burgess is implemented. and the CPRB. Many Police Review Board of charges against him Two bills were held for law enforcement effort to investigate stimulated the police, called the Jordan Miles post agenda discussion agencies descended on last September’s G20 the community, and City Public Safety Reform after Council’s August Pittsburgh to suppress preventive detention of Council to react. Agenda. Police conduct recess. They involve the dissent that the Downtown and mass The Pittsburgh experts and community Public Safety Bureau G20 and its policies arrests in Oakland. Interfaith Impact members concluded that, cooperation with the arouse. Legitimate uses however well intentioned, CPRB, and an annual of public spaces were JORDAN MILES the police to develop an Police Service Report. prohibited, and protesters work. Concerned citizens An important change were demonized and Late on January 11, was highlighted. On the met with Reverend requested by the harassed. Downtown Mr. Miles, a black teen other hand, members Burgess numerous community in the police Pittsburgh was essentially walking between family of the Fraternal Order times to amend the bills. report bill would require commandeered, with members’ houses in of Police threatened a Council passed three of publication of statistics many businesses closing Homewood, was arrested on possible and events cancelled or and beaten, for no which was racial and postponed. Finally, miles apparent reason, by three disallowed ethnic away in Oakland, police white undercover police by Deputy who had been mobilized Chief Paul needed to as an intimidating was produced that Mr. Donaldson, evaluate the show of force erupted Miles had done anything and then effectiveness in violence against an illegal, unless you count designed innocent crowd. running from three big and wore program and white men. His family in the St. give it real complaints with the released some now- Patrick’s meaning. CPRB against the infamous photographs of Day parade The bill police. At its October his face after the beating. offensive requiring public business meeting, Mr. Miles’ friends green cooperation the CPRB voted to from CAPA High t-shirts with the investigate the G20 School attended the supporting Jordan Miles of Homewood, pictured recovering from CPRB also procedures broadly, and annual Black and White the accused police attacks (Photo from Google Images, Jasmine needs to be to hold public hearings Reunion Summit Against Goldband/Tribune-Review) on the events of that Racism on January 23 Reportedly and the week. Overwhelmingly, to voice their outrage. the police community speakers denounced the The following Tuesday, the bills on July 27. wants CPRB’s role to be entire security apparatus their principal allowed District Attorney Stephen The bill authorizing a strengthened. as well as the conduct of them to leave school to task force to examine For some, both the individual police. support Mr. Miles. They against Mr. Miles. options for the police importance and the As part of its general protested at the Mayor’s Despite being under concerning accreditation investigation the CPRB was changed to one legislation have taken requested documents movingly before City involved in the beating supporting accreditation. energy away from the from Chief Harper, who Council and the Citizen were publicly awarded The requirement for refused to supply them, Police Review Board. citations for previous accreditation has actually Miles. The authorities based on advice from The Mayor (not the work. been the law for the past seem content to try to the insurance company Chief, who should have) After the student fourteen years, and until let the public forget covering liability for G20 protests, the community recently the police just about him. The FBI and activities. Acting within on administrative leave. held numerous public ignored it and operated grand jury reports seem its authority, CPRB Charges against Mr. Miles meetings. The Alliance the Bureau outside the well overdue for such issued a subpoena for were dismissed. The for Police Accountability, law. The bill passed, a straightforward case. the documents. After a consisting of various but does not impose a KDKA radio recently hearing on the subpoena, Investigations report concerned groups, deadline for compliance. editorialized that it is Judge was to be released in organized a widely A bill requiring time to wrap this matter February; it has still not publicized march and cameras in police cars up. But it will not be been released. The FBI rally on June 12 to also passed, as did one forgotten. [Continued on next page] and a grand jury are also demand prosecution of on administrative leave LOCAL AUGUST-SEPTEMBER, 2010 15 Police Accountability: GET INVOLVED!

THE JORDAN MILES CASE POLICE REFORM CPRB APPOINTMENTS THE G20 REPORT

Visit the website, Read and comment on the new Monitor whether any sudden Demand that the insurance justiceforjordanmiles.com, stay legislation on the city’s website, if meetings are scheduled before the company, the Mayor, the law informed, and spread the word. available. next regularly scheduled meeting on department, the Chief of Police, and September 28. If so, attend. City Council stop interfering with Gather signatures and send letters Help the APA and other groups CPRB’s legal right to information. asking the DA for assurance made monitor the implementation of the Express to any board seated that public that he will not prosecute Mr. three bills that have passed. you expect a full and complete Document the city’s delays Miles. report on the G20, and a continued in allowing public access to Prepare for Council’s post agenda concern for both sensitivity and information. Because of those Go to the next APA meetings and/or meeting on the remaining two bills, fairness to the public and the police. delays, seek a court ordered encourage your organization to send to be scheduled after the recess. extension of the time to #le representatives. Contribute ideas and language to Express your support for the current claims against the city for its G20 the community members who will paid investigative and administrative misconduct. Sign the APA’s petition to the DA to be participating. sta" of the CPRB, their dedication, prosecute the three police o!cers. expertise, and professionalism. Follow the money. Demand details It is currently being circulated, and Contact Rev. Burgess. Ask him of the insurance company’s role and is available on the website. Help to who he intends to invite to speak at Attend CPRB meetings and public in$uence in the document coverup gather signatures. the post agenda. Set up your own hearings to monitor performance and bring them to light. meeting with him on the promised and develop suggestions. Join in e"orts to pressure the Mayor bills. Contribute your opinion on the G20 to release the OMI report. plan and incidents to CPRB. If you Join a group involved with have already done so on the record, Attend the APA march and rally community-police relations. do it again. tentatively scheduled for September 18 in Homewood.

[Continued from page 14] was not cowed. On June was delayed. Council was late August, but a motion sworn G20 complaints it 18, Judge Wettick set a then faced with either to guarantee that was has received. Anticipating Stanton Wettick ruled that second hearing date on agreeing with the public defeated. Some citizens that he will once again the Chief must turn over the contempt charges for and ACLU, or having to attempting to speak refuse to obey a subpoena, the requested documents. August 26. pass legislation to make out on this maneuver, the Chief, represented by The Chief then Within minutes, the Mayor’s appointments citing Council rules that the insurance company supplied documents that apparently following up legal after the fact. They established the right to &/92":@#8/%#,&"-#?7:# were so incomplete as to on the implied warning introduced bills to speak, were removed from protection from the !"#$%"&"%%'##()*+#,&"-# in the Will of Council, reform the appointment Chambers. next contempt of court charges of contempt of the Mayor announced process and rush the Meanwhile, important citation he expects, court against him. A 58/5#8"#9/%#:";&/01.<#,="# Mayor’s appointments postings were delayed causing another delay in hearing on the contempt of the seven members through, apparently so on the city’s website, getting at the facts before charges was scheduled for of CPRB. The sudden that a new board could touted as a tool for 58"#-"/-&1."#57#,&"#0&/16%' June 18. move was not done in be named before Judge “open government.” Like the Jordan Miles Law department accord with the City Code Wettick rules on the Controversy aside, these case, something in those staff lobbied Council provisions governing Chief ’s contempt cases. delays alone should be G20 documents seems suggesting that the city appointments, although >&587$<8#58"#,./&#=":%17.# 0/$%"#?7:#;/$%"'##4.%5"/-@# to be stimulating a cover- would pay dearly if people some replacements had of the appointment bill even before the ejection up. Citizens who have found out what went on, been neglected. was not available for of citizens on August been involved in these and that council members As it became clear that comment until Friday 2, a legitimate petition struggles urge everyone to might be personally a majority on Council July 30, Council passed presented on July 25 for a express concern through ,./.01/&&2#&1/!&"'##345# intended to support 15#3/.-#58"#/;;71.56".5%# public hearing was denied, calls, letters, and emails was later pointed out the Mayor against the the Mayor made before and a citizen reported 57#;$!&10#7?,01/&%@#/.-# that the latter, at least, is sitting CPRB, many the process was in place) that he was denied the letters to the editor and probably false.) Council citizens protested at a on Monday, August 2, right to speak for the broadcast media, calls was urged to try to stall Council meeting on July just before their August record during the public to talk shows, postings the CPRB until after the 6; the ACLU proposed recess. Council members comment session on July on blogs, etc. The 516"#&1615#57#,&"#0&/16%# a widely supported and reassured citizens that the 28. sidebar above contains against the city passed. A reasonable alternative; CPRB investigation would CPRB has also 758":#%;"01,0#/0517.# Will of Council on June /.-#58"#=75"#57#07.,:6# not be hobbled before requested documents suggestions. 15 asked CPRB to delay the Mayor’s appointments Judge Wettick rules in related to the individual -Mark Ozark its investigation. CPRB 16 AUGUST-SEPTEMBER, 2010 NATIONAL REPORT: Resistance for a nuclear free future UNITED NATIONS rom July 3-5 TMC members Fr. Bernard Hammer Has to Fall” and Fr. Carl Kabat, Sr. Survil, Joe Martin and I joined with over Anne Montgomery, John Schuchardt, Liz INTERNATIONAL F200 anti-nuclear resisters and activists McAlister, wife of the late Phil Berrigan, and I from across the US at a gathering near the Y-12 nuclear weapons facility in Oak Ridge, of Prussia, PA. DAY OF PEACE TN. The purpose: to advance the role of Carl has served a total of eighteen years nonviolent direct action and civil resistance in for resisting the bomb. Fr. Dan Berrigan and the movement for a nuclear-free future. Dean Hammer, who could not be there, sent There’s a new urgency for civil resistance messages. Elmer Maas died a few years ago to Administration plans to spend $80 billion and was also deeply missed. (See YouTube: over the next ten years to “modernize” the US Nukewatch-NR - Plowshares Eight). nuclear weapons stockpile, a euphemism for On Monday morning, July 5, a new new bomb development, including $4.5 billion Declaration of Independence was delivered at Los Alamos, $3.5 billion at Y-!2 and about $1 billion at a new Kansas City Plant (www. Complex in Oak Ridge, 23 were arrested on nukewatch.org, Summer quarterly; www. state charges for crossing the property line nukeresister.org). and thirteen were jailed on federal charges for In addition, Pres. Obama has proposed a blocking the entrance (www.nukeresister.org). $54 billion loan program for construction of new nuclear reactors. Yet in April national and The Declaration regional environmental organizations urged of Independence: U.S. nuclear regulators to investigate newly The annual September 21 “Under principles of democracy we exercise the right International Day of Peace, focuses on design.. (www.NIRS.org ; www.BeyondNuclear. of every citizen of this republic and this planet to youth and development, under the org) peacefully resist the nuclear threat; attacking as it does slogan: “Peace = Future.” Clips were shown to the group from a every core concept of human rights. Young people already play a powerful video on the nonviolent campaign “We act to exercise our basic rights to life and freedom crucial role in working for peace. “Bil’in My Love” from violence and we exercise our duty to protect So this International Day comes children and future generations. with a challenge for young people !"#$%&'$'($#)*+,#$'-%'$(+,$.(/#,)0#)'$1+2322*$4'*$ everywhere: Expand on your work of the ships. Several others spoke of the time promise and responsibilities to unequivocally pursue to build peace. Share your plans and they spent in Gaza. and achieve nuclear disarmament in good faith. ideas, with creativity and passion. A spirited new group, THINK OUTSIDE “We call on this government to end the use of our tax The world’s concerns will soon be in THE BOMB, the largest anti-nuke youth-led dollars to wage permanent war and demand clean up network in the US, held an encampment at all chemical and radioactive contamination.” your hands. Achieving the goals is Los Alamos nuclear weapons facility from July essential for ending armed con!ict 30-August 6. Their organizing kit is available at The entire weekend, participants both and building sustainable peace. www.thinkoutsidethebomb.org. inspired us with their years of persistent actions As we start the countdown to There was also a tribute to the Plowshares and led me to hope that a new generation of the International Day of Peace, resisters will bring new energy to the anti- we recognize two truths: Only in a Plowshares actions worldwide. A large number nuclear struggle. peaceful environment will young of these resisters were given a standing people realize their full potential – ovation. Steve Jacobs sang Charlie King’s “The -Molly Rush and young people have the potential to start building that peaceful world today. St. Mary of the Mount will again host an Interfaith Service, a re-blessing of the Peace Pole, and an International Flag Ceremony beginning at 7 PM at the Church located at 403 Grandview Ave. Please save the date and help us celebrate for world peace. This year we will also conduct a 24- hour peace vigil all day Tuesday in the church beginning at 12:01 AM on the 21st through Mid-night. Individuals, families or groups can observe this interfaith Vigil by committing to a minimum of 15 minutes of prayer or meditation during the day-long period. A special Peace Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM at St. Mary’s. Please contact Sandy Crowley at 412 381-0212, ext 101 or scrowley@ (l-r) Molly Rush, Anne Montgomery, Carl Kabat and John Schuchardt (Photo by Jim Haber) smomp.org to reserve your "fteen minute or more time period. NATIONAL AUGUST-SEPTEMBER, 2010 17 REVIEW: Local activist observes revitalized anti-war movement

n Albany, New York, from July 23 to 25 almost 800 Ipeople (776 were registered) came together to plan for the next steps in the movement to stop the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan and bring the troops home now. This is the largest gathering of anti-war activists since the commencement of hostilities against these countries in October 2001 when the U.S. invaded Afghanistan. The meeting included analysis of the present situation, discussion of the different tactics being implemented to oppose the wars but above all the development of strategies going forward to hasten the end of the wars. The Conference also recognized the war situation in Palestine and Gaza being prosecuted by the US proxy in the region namely Israel. A resolution was passed to stop all US aid to Israel because of its policy in Gaza and in the occupied Palestinian lands. (Photos provided by Michael This anti-war Conference brought together Drohan) representatives from more than to denial of essential public 31 different national anti-war services at home. organizations to form a united front of opposition to the war !"In mid-March 2011, around producing a remarkable unity the anniversary of the of purpose and determination commencement of hostilities to end the wars. A towards Iraq in 2003, it will unifying principle guiding the help to organize teach-ins and deliberations was the emphatic demonstrations at the local declaration that the movement and regional level. was independent of any and !" all particular political parties All these actions will whether of the right or the culminate in bi-coastal mass left. Accordingly the principles spring mobilizations on April guiding the assembly and 9 in New York City, San its action plan tried to steer Francisco, and Los Angeles. exposure at the Conference. clear of any and all sectarian The plan tried to develop excellent plans and muster the One such initiative was the divisions and perspectives. forces necessary to organize the showing of the Wikileaks video Some of the highlights of the and initiatives to mobilize the bi-coastal mass marches next of the murder of two Reuters Action Plan that the Conference antiwar forces. A possible April. It will be a test of our reporters and several Iraqs produced are the following: critique of the Action Plan is metal. The composition of the in 2007. that it is over ambitious in the participants had some strengths !"The United National Anti- Another exciting initiative was number of major actions that it and weaknesses. On the war Conference endorses and that headed by Col. Ann Wright sets out to accomplish. strength side, the Conference will promote and mobilize for which is the organization of The United National brought together most of the the October 2 “One Nation” Antiwar Conference (UNAC) antiwar activists from around march on Washington DC Overall, this Conference has a Continuations Committee the country representing a initiated by 1199SEIU and represented a watershed in composed of representatives wide variety of perspectives the antiwar movement and of all the 31 organizations that and approaches from Code build an anti-war contingent manifested that contrary to are members. However, this Pink, UFPJ, and Peace Action to that march. mainstream media opinion, the Committee has no full time paid to the ISO, ANSWER and the movement is alive, well and !" staff and very limited resources weaknesses, however, in the militant. antiwar resolutions for for achieving its aims. small numbers of young city councils and town and It will be up to us – participants and ethnic village meetings linking the antiwar and peace groups across minorities. Many initiatives got -Michael Drohan astronomical war spending the country – to realize the 18 AUGUST-SEPTEMBER, 2010 LOCAL PRESS RELEASE: Jonny Gammage Memorial Scholarship Awarded he Black and White to minimize police brutality, I was Educational Emergency Reunion was established inspired by Billie Holiday’s “Strange Drive, which has added Tin 1996 in response to Fruit.” I rewrote it as “Urban Streets $1,000; the scholarship the death of black motorist Bear Strange Fruit” with the spirit now totals $3,000. NEED Jonny Gammage while in police of our connectional heritage and now handles much of the custody and the unacceptable struggle in America and my desire for administration and promotion not-guilty verdicts at the trials of justice that every human on the globe of the Jonny Gammage the perpetrators. deserves. . . writing this essay helped Scholarship. One of the organization’s !"#$%#&"!"!'"&#()*#+#,&-$#(./$"0#$%# Most money for the Jonny most important projects is the be a lawyer. Lawyers should use their Gammage Scholarship is Jonny Gammage Memorial role to be the voice of integrity and raised through the registration Scholarship to support local dignity in our society and the power to fee for the Summit Against students studying the law. 1/23"/4"#5!"&14./#436$3&"#$%#-$&17"#8%&# Racism, held annually at Applicants write an essay equality for all from corporate law to East Liberty Presbyterian about civil rights and police public interest. Church on the Saturday after accountability. Ms. Coker received her award Martin Luther King Day. This year’s winner, Michelle at the NAACP’s Scholarship Next year’s Summit Against J. Coker, has just begun her Luncheon on July 27 at the Racism will be on Saturday, legal training at the University University of Pittsburgh . The January 22. Registration and of Wisconsin Law School - Black and White Reunion has workshop information will Madison. She was an intern presented the scholarship, since be available soon at www. and a citizen monitor for the its inception, in collaboration blackandwhitereunion.org Regional Equity Monitoring with the NAACP Pittsburgh and in the next issue of The Michelle Coker, the winner of this Project. In her own words: Branch. NewPeople. year’s Jonny Gammage memorial When I thought about what to This year, BWR announced write to address legal changes needed a partnership with the Negro -Bob Maddock scholarship Why to keep pushing for a state single payer bill ow that health insurance reform the palms of lawmakers. (See New York kicked her out when her coverage ended. passed at the federal level, shouldn’t Times, “Insurers Push Plans That Limit Even those who have health insurance Nwe give it a chance to work? Choice of Doctor,” July 17, A1.) face ever increasing co-pays, and premiums The bill puts forth some positive pledges: The fact is we cannot afford to wait are going sky high with no end in 32 million more people insured by 2019, any longer for real reform – reform that sight. Insurance companies are placing low-income subsidies, 16 million added .(%,')%(7+/-!%)'%$.9-%-9-,%2'"-%/"'0)(% more limits on what they will cover. to Medicaid in 2014, more prevention, to the medical industrial complex. community health centers, new coverage THE TIME IS NOW! for long-term services, better assessment ACTION AT THE STATE LEVEL of treatments, support for primary Between now and November 2 we must care physicians, limiting the Medicare Single payer supporters in Congress are educate the public on these issues, and prescription drug ‘donut hole’; plus some now working on strategies for legislation we must press legislators and candidates limited reforms of the insurance industry. that will facilitate the enactment and to support the federal waivers and to co- However, there are far more ominous viability of state programs by removing sponsor Pennsylvania’s bill, SB400/HB1660. drawbacks: How do we pay for it? How obstacles in current Federal law. The Single payer supporters need to pay for an do we enforce it? Despite Democratic federal bill calls for allowing states to independent Economic Impact Study if we Party spin, there are no real cost controls operate an alternative program in lieu are to convince legislators, county, and local on health care treatments or prescription of federal coverage. But it won’t take governments and school districts, businesses !"#$%&'()(*%+,!%,'%"-()"+.,)(%',%/"'0)1 -55-&)%#,).8%:;<=>%?/-&.0&+883*%(.,$8-%/+3-"% and other constituencies of the substantial 0"()%.,(#"+,&-%&'2/+,3%4+()-*%5"+#!*% supporters are working on legislation and/ savings of a single payer program. It will cost abuse, marketing, CEO salaries, or or legislative waivers to move the 2017 $37,000, so we need all the help we can get. on skyrocketing premiums, co-pays, date to an earlier year, no later than 2014. Progressive Democrats of America has and deductibles, not to mention medical We have a real opportunity to move offered to share half the funds we can bankruptcy due to caps on lifetime payouts. ahead right here in Pennsylvania—and raise from calling their PA members. Perverse incentives mean overtreatment we don’t have to wait until 2014. Other Right now we need volunteers to staff the and unnecessary care, more bureaucracy federal waivers being considered address @A?B%'50&-%5'"%+%&'#/8-%'5%7'#"(%+%4--C*% and more waste. Most provisions doon’t potential constraints under ERISA, make calls, help with fundraising, take part go into effect until 2014. By 2019 another and would allow for funds from federal .,%"+88.-(*%+,!%/+((%8-+D-)(%'#)%+)%-9-,)(>% 40-70 million Americans will be without programs (e.g., Medicare, Medicaid, VA, The time is now! True reform any coverage at all. Nearly everyone now etc.) to be used by state single payer plans. is within reach. It’s up to you – to faces the risk of medical bankruptcy. The expectation is that such legislation all of us – if we are to succeed. 67-%/"'0)10"()%.,(#"+,&-%.,!#()"3%4.88% will be taken up after the November, 2010 Join PUSH now. Send $25 or gain millions of new customers at the same election, either in late 2010 or early 2011. more to PUSH, 2101 Murray Ave., time. Already they’re looking for ways to We’re facing a crisis right now; people Pittsburgh, PA. Call 412-421-4242 for get around the very limited reforms in who can’t afford insurance are getting sicker more information or to become active. the bill, continuing their longtime practice and even dying. I’ve learned of one woman EVERYBODY IN; NOBODY OUT! of “gaming the system” and greasing who is dying from cancer, whose hospice -Molly Rush [email protected] CALENDAR AUGUST-SEPTEMBER, 2010 19 Social Action Calendar

- Bill Mazeroski Statue, PNC Park, Highland, East Liberty the Melwood - Melwood Screen- [AUGUST] North Side SUN Sep 19 ing Room FRI, Aug 27 No to Racism on Roberto Clem- [1:30pm – 3:30pm] Mike Stout [8pm] Free GASLAND Screening SAT Sep 11 ente Bridge - On or close to the and the Newlanders - Homestead (rain date Aug 28), Frick Park at 12pm – 1pm Project to End Roberto Clemente Bridge Time: Pump House E. Waterfront Drive, Beechwood & Nicholson, Pitts- Human Tra"cking - Carlow TBA Munhall (Munhall), PA 15120 burgh - Marcellus Action Coalition University, Antonian Room #502, Oakland TUE Sep 21 SUN Sep 26 SUN, Aug 29 *International Day of Peace *Spend and Atomic Weekend at [2pm – 3:30pm] Anti-War Com- SUN Sep 12 [10 am] Peace Mass at St. Mary the Melwood - Melwood Screen- mittee meeting - Thomas Merton [10am – 11am] Women in Black of the Mount, 403 Grandview ing Room Center, 5129 Penn Ave., Gar!eld monthly peace vigil in Slippery Avenue, Mt Washington [2pm – 3:30pm] Anti-War Com- Rock - Ginger Hill Unitarian Uni- [12:01 pm] A 24-hour peace mittee meeting - Thomas Merton [4pm – 5:30pm]2nd Meeting of versalist Congregation vigil begins in the church lasting Center, 5129 Penn Ave., Gar!eld the Economic Justice Committee through Mid-night, may be cel- - Thomas Merton Center, 5129 [1pm – 5pm] What did you ebrated at home as well. Please MON Sep 30 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh learn at the USSF? RSVP - Frick contact Sandy Crowley at 412 [All Day] Last Day: Children Fine Arts Auditorium 381-0212, ext 101 or scrowley@ Contemplate Peace - Childrens [7pm – 9:30pm] Rosa Luxem- smomp.org to reserve your !f- Museum burg’s Reform or Revolution [2pm – 3:30pm] Anti-War Com- teen minute or more time period (1900) {Part II} - Thomas Merton mittee meeting - Thomas Merton for the 24 hour period. [OCTOBER] Center, 5129 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh Center, 5129 Penn Ave., Gar!eld [7 pm] International Day of Peace, Interfaith Service, Interna- FRI Oct 1 MON Sep 13 tional Flag Ceremony, St. Mary of [SEPTEMBER] [6:15pm – 8pm] PUSH meeting the Mount 403 Grandview Ave. Stop Marcellus Shale Gas Drilling! - Health Care 4 All PA o"ce, 2101 Rally - David Lawrence Conven- WED Sep 1 Murray Avenue, Squirrel Hill WED Sep 22 tion Center. Details TBA Reminder! Marcellus Shale Action [7pm - 8pm] Learn How the Past Coalition needs volunteers. FRI Sep 17 A$ects your Future - Carnegie SAT Oct 2 * Children Contemplate Peace - [4:30pm – 5:30pm] No to Rac- Mellon University, Remembering [1:30pm – 3:30pm] Poetry at Children’s Museum, 10 Children’s ism on Roberto Clemente Bridge - Hiroshima, Imagining Peace the Pump House - Homestead Way, North Side On or close to the Roberto Clem- Pump House E. Waterfront Drive, [7pm – 8pm] Pennsylvanians for ente Bridge FRI Sep 24 Munhall (Munhall), PA 15120 Alternatives to the Death Penalty [7:30pm – 10pm] Herbie Han- *Spend and Atomic Weekend at (PADP) meeting - First Unitarian cock “The Imagine Project” - the Melwood - Melwood Screen- [7pm – 8pm] Pennsylvanians for Church (Ellsworth/Morewood, Heinz Hall, 600 Penn ing Room, 477 Melwood Avenue Alternatives to the Death Penalty Shadyside) Avenue Atomic Movie Week End Begins (PADP) meeting - First Unitar- (see article in this paper for ian Church (Ellsworth/Morewood, THU Sep 2 SAT Sep 18 details); Times TBA; Ticket Pack- Shadyside) [7pm – 9pm] Green Party meet- No to Racism on Roberto Clem- ages for sale at the TMC, Electrical ing - Citizen Power’s o"ces, 2121 ente Bridge - Continues On or Workers, and from organizing Murray Avenue in Squirrel Hill, close to the Roberto Clemente members of Remembering Hiro- second #oor Bridge Time: TBA shima-Imagining Peace (remem- CONTACT THE THOMAS MERTON beringhiroshima2010.org) CENTER @ 412 361-3022 FOR SUN Sep 5 [10am – 11:30am] Fight for MORE DETAILS OR VISIT THE WEB- [4:30pm – 5:30pm] Unveiling Lifers West meeting - Crossroads SAT Sep 25 SITE AT thomasmertoncenter.org/ of the Dennis Brutus Monument United Methodist Church, 325 N. *Spend and Atomic Weekend at calendar.htm HYDRAULIC FRACTURING IN THE MARCELLUS SHALE CALL TO ACTION Stop Marcellus Shale Gas Drilling! Rally to Save Our Communities and Environment October 1, 2010 - Pittsburgh, PA David Lawrence Convention Center

On Friday, October 1st, the gas industry will host a national summit on shale gas drilling at the David Lawrence Convention Center in in Pittsburgh. As Pennsylvania citizens concerned about the health of our communities and the environment on which we depend, we will attend this summit in the streets. We hope you will join us.

MARCELLUS PROTEST is an emerging coalition of community groups and individuals from Western PA that is organizing a march and rally to protest the hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking,” of the After fracturing, some of the "uids remain stranded underground. These "uids may include hazardous Marcellus Shale that is already our polluting chemicals such as biocides, diesel fuel, acids, metals, our air, land and water. People from across ethylene glycol, corrosion inhibitors, and other chemicals. the !ve states where the Marcellus Shale is located will likely be in attendance. The PA Dept. of Environmental Protection has issued over 400 permits for fracking in Southwestern PA. They also report nearly 1,500 violations of state Oil and Gas As the facts about fracking bubble to the Laws due to gas drilling related to natural gas extraction from the Marcellus Shale surface, Marcellus Shale gas drilling is becoming more and more unpopular. Several since January, 2008. Meanwhile, fracking is exempt from many of the regulations gas well explosions, dozens of compelling enforced by the US Environmental Protection Agency. personal stories and hundreds of reported July 22, 2010, Canonsburg, PA - 1,200 people turned out for an EPA hearing on a study of the effects of violations have inspired small townships, fracking on water. At least 100 people voiced strong metropolitan cities, and even the entire state concerns, including residents of SW PA counties who of New York to say, “now wait a minute.” But reported that they found toxic chemicals in their water and witnessed gas drilling companies dump- we need to keep up the momentum. ing wastewater in their streams. Some spoke about illnesses they or their animals experienced after The gas industry wants to snatch the dollars drinking their water. Others questioned why the EPA that lay beneath the Shale before too many wasn’t doing anything now as the industry moves forward with fracking. Photo by David Meieran. people stand in their way or a BP oil spill type-disaster involving gas puts the kabash I feel shame and disappointment when I look to the !at mountaintops of West on the deal. That’s why they’re shelling Virginia. I do not want to feel the same shame when I look at this portion of out $2.85 million to both Democrats and Appalachia in two years or sooner. Republicans, and another $900,000 to former - Angela Wiley, Pittsburgh Student Environmental Coalition PA Governor Tom Ridge to spearhead an unprecedented PR campaign. So on October July 29, 2010, Pittsburgh, PA - Residents from 1st, we need to show the corporate execs Lawrenceville, Lincoln Place, Squirrel Hill, Point Breeze and elsewhere hold a press conference outside the and their political cronies that our lives and Teamster’s Temple in the Lawrenceville neighborhood our future are not for sale. By organizing this of Pittsburgh. The press conference was held to mass demonstration we hope to bring our announce the formation of a new group e#ort - now named the Marcellus Action Coalition of WPA - that communities together to build a sustainable will mobilization resistance to hydraulic fracturing. grassroots movement that will protect our The press conference preceded a Marcellus Shale communities and our environment. panel discussion organized by Councilman Patrick Dowd. Photo by David Meieran. Please help us grow that movement. The struggle against gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale is not just about clean water and air; it’s a battle against the corporate powers who are exploiting the Volunteer to help with outreach, publicity, natural resources of the Earth that belongs to all of us. And, given their vast media, web, fundraising or logistics. Ask "nancial resources, they hire most of legislators to do their dirty work. your friends to come to Pittsburgh and to mobilize folks in their communities. Ask your - Mel Packer, Marcellus Action Coalition group to sponsor or endorse the October 1st Free GASLAND Screening protest. Make a donation. Or host an event Friday, Aug 27 8pm (rain date Aug 28) leading up to or following the summit, such Frick Park @ Beechwood & Nicholson, Pittsburgh as a discussion group or screening GASLAND, When a gas mining company o#ered Josh Fox and his a compelling documentary about fracking. upstate New York neighbors $100,000 each for the We’ll help promote your event. right to drill for gas on their land, Fox thought he’d better examine what was going on before he signed Together for a fracking-free future, away his property. Directed by Josh Fox, who will be present at this screening sponsored by All One Water, Allegheny Sierra Club, East End Food Coop, Rooftop - Marcellus Action Coalition WPA Films and the Marcellus Action Coalition. For more information about fracking, organizing resources and groups, as well as an up-to-date calendar of events, visit: MarcellusProtest.org