"We are realists... we dream the impossible" - Che Fire This Time! FREE CHELSEA MANNING! HANDS OFF VENEZUELA! END THE WAR ON YEMEN NOW!

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Her Excellency Despite the U.S. Blockade, Josefina Vidal Cuba Advances Cuban Ambassador to Canada, Speaks in Vancouver May 4, 2019 at 6pm Info: vancubasolidarity.com

LIVING IN A CLIMATE Page 18 Page 6 EMERGENCY JUSTICE FOR GRASSY NARROWS! Page 2

Page 8 Page 21 TARGETED AT THE BORDER

Page 12 No to NATO! No to War!

Volume 13 Issue 4 • April 2019 • In English / En Español • Free • $3 at Bookstores www.firethistime.net Grassy Narrows Injustice against Indigenous People in Canada

By Tamara Hansen to the protesters, many themselves Over 5 decades of mercury poisoning suffering from mercury poisoning. in Grassy Narrows Protester: “Prime Minister Trudeau, The interaction was caught on video According to the activist & community people of Grassy Narrows are and Trudeau’s remarks, as well as website FreeGrassy.net, “In the 1970’s suffering from mercury poisoning. audience laughter, received a firestorm it was revealed that fish caught by the You committed to addressing this of condemnation. Trudeau was forced local fisheries contained dangerous crisis, when will you keep them?” to apologize the next morning, he levels of mercury. It was discovered admitted that his response was “smug” PM Trudeau [addressing the that the source of the mercury was and “lacked respect”. However, the protester as they are carried out by the Dryden paper mill upstream – mainstream media in Canada did security]: “Thank you for being here, then owned by Reed Paper.” This not use the opportunity to educate thank you for your donation tonight. made the fish, an essential food of the people across Canada on what is really I really appreciate it.” community, inedible for many years happening in Grassy Narrows, instead, and forced the closure of the thriving The above exchange took place at a they focused on the personality of commercial fishery, which devastated posh Liberal Party fundraiser hosted Trudeau and whether Indigenous the local economy. The website further by the Laurier Club on March 27, leaders would accept his apology. 2019. The Prime Minister of Canada, explains, “Overnight employment Justin Trudeau, was speaking to a The media has failed to properly rates in the community went from room of guests, which according to highlight why members of Grassy 90% to 10%. The community was Global News, “are considered high-end Narrows, Wabaseemoong, and left to deal with the loss of their Liberal donors who must contribute a Wabauskang First Nations travelled traditional economy, unemployment minimum of $1,500 in order to join the 1,700 kilometres to Toronto to protest and a mysterious new ailment that ranks.” Prime Minister Trudeau and why they was rampant among members of their paid thousands of dollars to make sure community – mercury poisoning.” Wealthy event attendees applauded a group of activists could disrupt this In September 2017, CBC News made and laughed at Trudeau’s cruel, event. mocking, and inhuman response a 20-minute radio documentary titled,

2 FIRE THIS TIME Volume 13 Issue 4 April 2019 “Children of the Poisoned River” about dizziness, seizures, and numbness - of the Grassy Narrows First Nation. In the youth of Grassy Narrows. Reporter the lack of sensitivity means people an interview with Cable Public Affairs Jody Porter explains, “Mercury drop things or cannot feel the touch of Channel (CPAC) following the release “bioaccumulates,” meaning it passes others. Some have hearing and vision of the report Dr. Mergler, along with from one generation to the next, loss, as well as psychological issues and Grassy Narrows Chief Rudy Turtle, from mother to child, through the learning disabilities associated with explain the direct link between fish placenta. Three generations after the mercury poisoning. The Minamata consumption during pregnancy and contamination were discovered, teens in Grassy Narrows have seen their elders die and their parents stumble under the burden.” Mercury is a neurotoxin. The CBC documentary further explains, “The disability board was established in 1986 as part of a court settlement with Ontario and Canada and the two paper companies involved in the contamination. Neither the companies, the governments nor the disability board has ever admitted that anyone at Grassy Narrows has been poisoned — only that some people experience symptoms of Minamata disease.” Minamata disease is also known as methylmercury poisoning. A November 2017 article by the Toronto Star Newspaper titled, “Ontario knew about Grassy Narrows mercury Grassy Narrows Protest, March 27, 2019 site for decades, but kept it secret” explains, Canada “Japanese scientist Dr. prenatal mercury exposure. Masazumi Harada spent They found that the more the majority of his career fish the mother ate, the examining the symptoms more significant challenges of [Minamata] disease. and problems the doctor Harada continued his saw in her children. work in Canada and U.S.A When the interviewer first tested community asks Chief Turtle why members of Grassy community members Narrows in 1975. He continue to eat the fish, found people with he explains, “First of all, mercury levels more our people are poor. The than three times the income level is one of the Health Canada limit lowest levels in Canada. in Grassy Narrows and There are very few jobs seven times the limit in in the community, so that nearby Whitedog. When is one of the reasons they Harada returned in 2004, have to eat fish because it’s all of the people who part of their diet to sustain themselves. had tested over the limit were dead.” disease has also been blamed directly In addition, it is something that has The article continues, “Harada’s 2011 for many untimely deaths in the been a part of their lives for centuries.” study found 74 percent of people community. diagnosed by his team as impacted or Dr. Mergler adds, “The fish For the past 5 decades, the people of possibly impacted by mercury were not consumption levels, at which we began Grassy Narrows have been dealing with receiving any form of compensation.” to see effects are under the Canadian the consequences of mercury poisoning. guidelines for Walleye [fish] from that In interviews with the Toronto Star In December 2018 a new report, “The region, so we are not talking about the Newspaper in May 2018, Grassy Legacy of Mercury Exposure in Grassy high levels of mercury exposure that we Narrows residents outline a long list of Narrows First Nation,” was jointly saw in the 70s. These are much lower issues they are facing: uncontrollable published by Dr. Donna Mergler, a levels and these levels are still having shaking, tingling legs and feet, Biologist at Université du Québec à effects.” Montreal, and Judy Da Silva, a member FIRE THIS TIME Volume 13 Issue 4 April 2019 3 Judy Da Silva co-author of the mercury opposite. It also did on the ground testing and poisoning report on CBC, March 27, 2019 is only in the reported on possible sites of ongoing last two years mercury leakage into the river. The that journalists provincial government responded to from the the media coverage promising $85 Toronto Star million towards clean up, and Ontario’s Newspaper provincial Environment Minister, Rod and the report Phillips promised to send dig plans issued by Dr. over a year ago to Chief Turtle, but Mergler have they have yet to materialize. backed up On November 27, 2017, then- community Indigenous Services Minister, Dr. claims and Jane Philpott, promised the federal forced the Over 5 decades of intergenerational government would build a specialized government to make new promises to mercury poisonings and yet minimal mercury poisoning treatment facility in the people to Grassy Narrows. supports have been set up for the Grassy Narrows. The “Mercury Home” community and those who are In 2017, for example, the Toronto is an important community demand so suffering. First, there is no hospital or Star uncovered provincial government that those suffering from the effects treatment centre in Grassy Narrows. reports from the 1990s revealing that of mercury poisoning can receive Second, the government has yet to treatment in their community, rather clean up all the mercury found in the than paying hundreds or thousands of area or even finalize a plan for digging dollars to travel back and forth to the it up and disposing of it. Third, there is closest hospitals in Kenora, Winnipeg a need for educational specialists and or Thunder Bay. special resources for children and youth affected by mercury poisoning. None The protest held at Trudeau’s Liberal of these needs are being addressed, Party fundraiser on March 27, 2019, although many government promises happened to fall almost exactly 500 have been made. days after Philpott’s promise of a Mercury home for Grassy Narrows. The government of Canada’s inaction The group gathered to protest the fact is killing the people of Grassy that after 500 days the money has yet Narrows to arrive and they have not yet broken In an article for the Toronto Star ground towards building the facility. Newspaper, Karen Wendling points Injustices against Indigenous people out the blatant double-standard in are systemic in colonial Canada Canada’s care and attention to non- Indigenous versus Indigenous health they knew there was still mercury in While we must challenge the governments and safety. She writes, “I first heard the soil and did not inform the people of Canada and Ontario to do more for about Grassy Narrows when I moved to of Grassy Narrows. The journalists Grassy Narrows First Nation, the injustices Canada in 1979. It astonished me then that nothing had been done in over a decade. It appalls me now, especially when I compare it to the international attention and immediate action that occurred when E. coli killed six people in Walkerton, Ont., in 2000.” On the record in April 2010, then- Health Minister Leonna Aglucaq told Parliament that they “reviewed” Grassy Narrows mercury levels and determined the fish to be “Safe”. In February 2016, the Ontario Environment Ministry again said on record that the river was basically cleaning itself over time. The community has been assured by various levels of government that the fish is safe to eat, while many peoples’ Grassy Narrows Protest in Toronto, June 2, 2016 lived experiences demonstrate the 4 FIRE THIS TIME Volume 13 Issue 4 April 2019 committed against this community, while demanding their rights. radical demands; these are just what sickening, are not an isolated incident in people in Canada expect on a daily When all statistics, reports, and research Canada. basis and what the government of demonstrate that we have fundamental Canada has already promised. inequality in our country between Indigenous and In “The Legacy of Mercury Exposure non-Indigenous people, in Grassy Narrows First Nation” report we cannot afford to see there are further recommendations. the mercury poisonings These include the three demands of in Grassy Narrows as the community, but also: increased an anomaly. While it is funding for healthcare (both physical government inaction, it and mental health programs); building is also much deeper. It the “Mercury Home” as a community- is a whole system that based long-term care facility for those feels it owes nothing to who have been poisoned; remediation or Indigenous people, and cleaning up the river; as well as support indeed that Indigenous and resources towards increased food people are in the way of security and special education. Each its monstrous capitalistic of these recommendations needs to be “progress”. funded and built immediately by the governments of Canada and Ontario. Justice for Grassy Narrows! As both Indigenous and non-Indigenous poor and working people, we have On social media the a responsibility to listen, to what Many comparisons between the standards demands of the Grassy Narrows, Indigenous communities are demanding. of living on First Nations reserves in Wabaseemoong, and Wabauskang First It is only when Indigenous people have Canada and the so-called “third world” Nations are clear. They want what all control over their own lands, resources, countries can be made. For example, many people in Canada want and deserve. and communities that they will be able Indigenous communities in Canada are First, they want their community to start recovering and rebuilding after currently under boil water advisories, which cleaned up, either by the government decades and centuries of unjust laws and means the water is not safe to drink out or the corporations which allowed policies. It is up to Indigenous and non- of the tap. A Metro Newspaper article from June 2017 explains, “As Canada spends a half-billion dollars celebrating its 150th year since confederation, it appears more than 150 drinking water advisories still exist, most of them in First Nations communities.” In all significant health indicators: infant mortality, maternal mortality, and life expectancy – Indigenous people in Canada are more at risk than non- Indigenous people in Canada. Every statistic shows that Canada’s healthcare system is not providing equal care for all. According to Statistics Canada at birth, I was expected to live 10 years longer than a baby girl born to an Inuit mother, simply because I was born a baby girl to a white mother. Parade to then Ontario Premier Wynne's house in Toronto, August 25, 2013 If clean drinking water and healthcare are not convincing enough to demonstrate them to be polluted. Second, they want Indigenous people to stand together that Canada has a systemic problem, adequate, free, and universal healthcare to demand the government of Canada look to the youth suicide epidemic on delivered in their own community. respect Indigenous people and their right reserves across Canada; look to the low Third, they want compensation for to determine their own future, their right employment numbers for people living those who have been poisoned and of self-determination. on reserves; look to the high incarceration continue to be poisoned by government rates of Indigenous people; look to the over cruelty and inaction. Every single 1,200 murdered and missing Indigenous person living in Canada knows that women and girls across Canada; or look they would want and demand the same Follow Tamara on Twitter: @THans01 to the consistent Indigenous protests things for their families. These are not Follow Grassy Narrows campaign on Twitter: @FreeGrassy FIRE THIS TIME Volume 13 Issue 4 April 2019 5 Activists in Canada & Internationally Demand: End the Bombing on Yemen

Art by Ahmed Jahaf @A7medJa7af

By Azza Rojbi in March 2019 over previous months, Belgium; Geneva, Switzerland; Flensburg, and doctors are worried that there will Germany; Stockholm, Sweden; Paris, March 26, 2019, marked 4 years of be a repeat of the Cholera epidemic that France; and Ottawa, Canada. suffering for the people of Yemen under ravaged through Yemen in 2017. the U.S.-backed, Saudi-led coalition war Vancouver’s anti-war coalition on their country. With the full backing Saudi Arabia would not be able to carry Mobilization Against War and and help of the United States, Saudi and out its war and aggression on Yemen Occupation (MAWO) participated in the Emirati fighter jets have bombed and without the political and military support march and rally that took place in Ottawa, destroyed homes, schools, hospitals, roads, of imperialist countries such as the U.S., Canada. The protest wasorganized by mosques and all sorts of infrastructure. U.K., Canada, France and other EU Canadian Defenders for Human Rights This indiscriminate bombing and war has countries. In addition to being silent in (CD4HR) and the Yemeni and other caused the death of over 68,000 people the face of crimes committed by since 2016, with more than 30,600 killed the Saudi-led coalition against the in 2018 according to data from the UK- people of Yemen, these imperialist based independent research group Armed countries continue to support the Conflict Location & Event Data Project war by selling bombs, weapons (ACLED). and military equipment to Saudi Arabia and, of course, providing In addition to this inhuman bombing, the necessary training to Saudi Saudi Arabia and its coalition have been Arabian forces. imposing a naval, aerial and land blockade on Yemen, which severely hinders the To mark the 4th year anniversary Yemeni people’s access to desperately of this inhuman Saudi-led war on needed food, fuel and medicines. This Yemen, people from around the blockade aggravates the already dire world took to the streets on March situation that Yemenis have to face daily. 26, 2019, in an International Day The United Nations declared Yemen to of Action demanding an end to be the world’s worst humanitarian crisis the war. The heroic Yemeni people with nearly 80% of Yemen’s population in led the way as they held a massive need of aid to survive. Tens of thousands rally in Sana’a, Yemen despite the of Yemenis have died from starvation, threat of Saudi bombardment. poverty and preventable epidemics. Events, rallies and marches took The U.N.’s World Health Organization place around the world including (WHO) has declared that the number in Houston and New York, U.S.; Firas Al Najim and Aliya Hasan co-managers of of suspected Cholera cases has doubled London, England; Brussels, CD4HR at the rally in Ottawa, March 26, 2019 6 FIRE THIS TIME Volume 13 Issue 4 April 2019 co-managers of CD4HR, read to Actions Around the World participants excerpts from a letter Against the War on Yemen

they delivered to the Canadian government and Prime Minister ► Ottawa Justin Trudeau to demand an end to Canada’s arms sale to Saudi Arabia and the cancelation of the $15 billion arms deal to supply Saudi Arabia with “light” armored military vehicles. The letter was endorsed by a dozen of anti-war groups and human rights organizations in Canada including, Mobilization Against War and Occupation, Rideau

Institute on International Affairs, MAWO executive member Azza Rojbi speaking at Geneva ► the rally in Ottawa, March 26, 2019 Amnesty International, the New Democratic Party and the Yemeni Middle Eastern Communities in Canada. Community in Canada. Members of the Muslim community and peace-loving people from different cities The protest in Ottawa and the in Canada gathered in Ottawa to join the International Day of Action against protest. Protesters held signs demanding the Saudi-led war on Yemen set the an end to the Saudi-led war on Yemen tone for more collaboration throughout and pictures portraying the atrocities Canada and internationally, to unite committed by Saudi Arabia against the our organizing against the Saudi war on Yemeni people. Yemen and expose the complicities of our respective governments in this war.

Protesters chanted “Hands off Yemen” and “Canada Cancel All Arms Deals Let’s join the brave Yemeni people in ► Brussels with Saudis” as they marched in the their resistance in defense of their self- streets of Ottawa, stopping in front of the determination and independence! “This is Embassy of Saudi Arabia, the Embassy of a message to the world, that at the start of the United Arab Emirates and the U.S. the fifth year [of the war], Yemenis will Embassy to condemn their role in the be stronger ..., a message that the Yemeni war on Yemen and finally gathering at the resistance will be even greater,” said footsteps► of the Canadian government Mohammed Haidarah, a protester at the on Parliament Hill to highlight Canada’s March 26, 2019 massive rally in Yemen, as complicity in the war. reported by Reuters. At every stop, participants heard human From Yemen to Houston to London to rights activists and Muslim community Ottawa, we demand:

leaders call for an end to the brutal Hands Off Yemen! Saudi-led war on Yemen and condemn Houston ► the governments of the U.S. and Canada Stop Bombing Yemen! for their support of the war. MAWO Canada, Cancel All Arms Deals with executive committee member and Saudi Arabia! Tunisian social justice activist Azza Rojbi spoke in front of the U.S. Embassy on the importance of this protest in Ottawa Follow Azza on Twitter: @Azza_R14 and the International Day of Action for Yemen as a show of unity London in Canada and internationally

against the war on the people of Yemen. As the protest arrived at ► Parliament Hill, protesters heard the testimony of a member of the Yemeni community in Canada on the hardships and daily struggles that her family and the Yemeni people face daily under this Saudi-led war on their country. Firas Al Najim and Aliya Hasan FIRE THIS TIME Volume 13 Issue 4 April 2019 7 London, England

Kathmandu, Nepal Paris, France

Mexico City, Mexico Vancouver, Canada

Vienna, Austria Sydney, Australia

Vancouver, Canada

Kampala, Uganda

New York, USA Worldwide Student Strike 4 Climate justice! March 15, 2019 Prague, Czech Republic Montréal, Canada

8 FIRE THIS TIME Volume 13 Issue 4 April 2019 By Thomas Davies

A Massive forest fires in Fort McMurray, n e w Alberta, May 2016 Environment and Climate Change Canada report found that Canada is warming at twice the rate of the rest of the world and that Northern Canada is warming nearly three times the global rate. What was the response of politicians to this urgent news? Business as usual. The Liberal government doubled down on its Meanwhile,outdated climate plan – the same one government audits PM Trudeau showing "Greenwashing 101" show has no chance of meeting Canada’s modest UN climate commitments. in BC, the provincial New Democratic Party

(NDP) government announced that they were

providing another tax cut to LNG (Liquified ► Natural Gas) producers to try and attract even more non-renewable energy investment to the province. This after they admitted that their climate “plan” actually has no plan to actually fully accomplish its targets. LIVING Watching politicians perform verbal and policy acrobatics to justify their inaction would be hilarious - but the forests are catching fire, the water is being poisoned and rising, animals are Student strike in Australia, going extinct and the vast majority of scientists March 15, 2019 in are all saying the same thing: we are running out of time. a Undeniable record The Environment and Climate Change Canada report also found that three of the past five years have been the warmest on CLIMATE and that across the country, records show the changing climate has meant extreme heat, less extreme cold, rapidly thinning glaciers, and rising sea levels in coastal regions. EMERGENCY Dispelling the hopeless narrative that these unprecedented changes are somehowWhile part both of earth’s naturalclimate cycle, researchMarjorie divisionShepherd, at ► director of the Environment Canada concluded, “ human activities and actual variations in climate contribute to this observed warming in Canada, the human factor is dominant.” Nancy Hamzawi, the assistant deputy minister of the science and technology branch of who Environment and Climate Change Canada also added, “Global emissions of carbon dioxide HAS from human activity will largely determine how much more warming Canada and the world will THE experience in the future.” REAL “Disturbing” LackEnvironment of GovernmentJulie CommissionerGelfand’s Response final SOLUTIONS?

FIRE THIS TIME Volume 13 Issue 4 April 2019 9 conclusion after approving the multi-billion dollar as the country’s environmental watchdog was that the LNG Canada mega-project is beyond reason. The LNG government’s slow action to deal with the warming planet Canada project had also already received more than $5.35 is most “disturbing”. “For decades, successive federal billion in tax-payer funded financial incentives from the BC governments have failed to reach their targets for reducing government. greenhouse-gas emissions, and the government is not ready to adapt to a changing climate. This must change.” While LNG is trying to be sold as a “clean transition fuel”, it is anything but. The gas is undergroundextracted by rocka process with highly which This follows yet another government report, a collaboration pulverizes hydrocarbon-bearing between the auditors general of nine provinces and the pressurized streams of water, sand and chemicals - a process federal environment commissioner, highlighting “common called “hydraulic fracturing” or “fracking” for short. Writing shortcomings” in how different levels of government are in the Tyee online (thetyee.ca) newspaper, Andrew Nikiforuk lowering greenhouse gas emissions and preparing for the exposed the willful ignorance of the government on this effects of climate change. It concludes that Canada is on destructive process. He wrote, pace to overshoot its emissions target for 2020 by nearly 20 percent and that without major changes Canada will “Although a government-commissioned scientific review definitely not meet its UN Paris Agreement target by of fracking in British Columbia released earlier this month 2030. occupies some 232 pages, the word ‘concerns,’ as in “concerns regarding environmental impact,” pops up more than 130 times. BC NDP Double Down on LNG The word insufficient, as in ‘insufficient information,’ peppers Literally only a couple of days after the Environment the report 27 times, while ‘unknown’ appears 17 times. Canada report on record warming, the BC NDP government announced that it was lowering the income Uncertain or uncertainty, as in ‘uncertain water quality,’ appears tax rate for fossil gas producers from 12 percent to nine nearly 50 times, while gaps, as in ‘important knowledge gaps’; percent in order to attract even more LNG industries litters the document 27 times.” the province, and as a sweet gift to the corporations It’s hard to say what is more irresponsible, approving the already involved in production. massive LNG project before the report on fracking was finished, How they square this with the fact that they were or doubling down after it clearly showed major concerns and already 25% short of their “Clean BC” climate targets ignorance. A recent peer-reviewed study by the David Suzuki Foundation and St. Francis Xavier University also found methane emissions from B.C.’s oil and gas industry are two- and-a-half times higher than reported. “It’s not going to be easy,” BC Premier Horgan told reporters, “Industrial activity and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples are difficult issues. Meeting our climate change objectives are primary and fundamental to the new government’s approach.” “Rather than skirt those issues, like the previous government did — rather than ignore those issues of reconciliation and climate action — we want to marry industrial activity with those two key government objectives.”

From left, LNG Canada CEO Andy Calitz, After seeing the militarized RCMP raidunceded on territoriespeaceful Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and B.C. Wet’suwet’en Nation people protecting their Premier John Horgan at LNG Canada Press from the Coastal GasLink pipeline which would serve the Conference on October 2, 2018 LNG Canada project, as well as the climate impacts of LNG industry expansion, it’s safe to say that the marriage Premier Horgan is proposing is an abusive one. Greenwashing It’s hard to miss oil company commercials featuring inspiring music, children running in fields and promises of a brighter future and sustainability. Likewise, print ads with green colour schemes and sponsorship of community festivals. As people come to understand the fundamental link between fossil fuel production and our current climate crisis, a new report by a British think tank InfluenceMap finds that “the five largest publicly-traded RCMP officers storm a barricade set up to bar entry to oil and gas majors (ExxonMobil, Royal Dutch Shell, Chevron, the traditional territories of the Wet’suwet’en people BP and Total) have invested over $1Bn of shareholder funds against the Coastal GasLink pipeline, J anuary 7, 2019 in the three years following the Paris Agreement on misleading climate-

10 FIRE THIS TIME Volume 13 Issue 4 April 2019 'Grading' oil company spending on misleading

climate campaigns Students Lead the Struggle WORLDWIDE STUDENT CLIMATE STRIKE SHOWS ITS (GREEN) POWER By Thomas Davies

March 15 was another important step forward for the worldwide climate justice movement, as an estimated 1.6 million young people from 123 countries skipped school as part of the “Fridays for Future” global student climate strike. The protests began when Greta Thunberg, 16, began skipping school to strike in front related of Sweden’s parliament in August. Soon students across branding and lobbying.” the world began to follow her example in what became the “Oil majors are projecting themselves as key players in the energy Fridays for Future movement. transition while lobbying to delay, weaken, or oppose meaningful climate policy,” Edward Collins, author of the new report, said in Many cities and towns across Canada participated as well. a statement. “They advocate gradual implementation of market- An estimated 150,000 went on strike across Quebec, with based and technological climate solutions, but the latest [United some circling their campuses and cancelling morning classes. Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change] report In Vancouver, Climate Convergence participated in a rally makes clear that urgent policy action and limitations on fossil in downtown Vancouver organized by “Sustainabiliteens”. fuel use are needed to avoid dangerous climate change.” Over 1000 students probably set the record for the fastest Crisis and Opportunity paced march ever in Vancouver, as they charged to the Vancouver office of Environment and Climate Change The report about rising temperatures in Canada is bad news, Canada office to demand the government do more than but it’s important for us to use the information to reach out just use “Climate Justice” as a catchy slogan. to skeptical friends and co-workers to help convince them that the forest fires which now turn the sky grey and destroy In a letter to the Guardian newspaper, Thunberg and other thousands of acres every summer in BC are going to get protesters said their basic demands are, “keep fossil fuels in worse if we don’t work together to address the climate crisis. the ground, phase out subsidies for dirty energy production, We can also use this as a bridge to expand on the overall seriously invest in renewables and start asking difficult global impacts of climate change and the millions of people questions about how we structure our economies and who whose lives are already in jeopardy because of it. is set to win and who is set to lose.” We live in a strange world – where governments commission climate reports in order to delay action and then ignore the The fact that these protests have grown so rapidly is a good results. Where the world’s dirtiest polluters claim to be the indication of what is yet to come in the climate justice most enthusiastic cheerleaders of creating a sustainable movement. As the situation becomes more drastic, those world. Where the Liberal Prime Minister Trudeau with the least to gain and the most to lose from the status campaigns on the slogan of “Climate Justice” after spending quo, are rising up. Their energy and urgency are undeniable. $4.5 billion on a dirty Tar Sands pipeline and expansion Signs and banners demanding, “System Change Not project. If these governments and corporations followed Climate Change” are a common sight across the globe. through on even half of their promises and “corporate Vancouver, Canada These initiatives statement of principles” we wouldn’t need to fight for a led by young better world, we’d already been there! Obviously there people should is a disconnect between what they say and what they do, and obviously, there is still a need for independent mass be supported organizing to stop this unsustainable madness. and welcomed into the There is still time, but we need to do this on our own overall global terms and through our own growing movements for climate justice climate justice and a better world. movement. System Change Not Climate Change!

Follow Thomas on Twitter:@thomasdavies59

FIRE THIS TIME Volume 13 Issue 4 April 2019 11 By Alison Bodine have escalated their illegal efforts to overthrow the democratically elected government of President Nicolás On March 16, 2019, more than Maduro. This has included an attempted 1000 activists from across the U.S. coup d’état led by U.S. sponsored gathered in Washington, DC for Venezuelan legislator, Juan Guaidó. the “U.S Hands Off Venezuela!” This coup attempt has been defeated demonstration. However, in Venezuela by a committed network Canadian journalist Arnold of community-based organizations, August was not one of them – the armed forces, and hundreds of earlier in the day he was unjustly thousands of Venezuelans who have denied entry into the United been demonstrating in the streets States at U.S. Customs and against any illegal foreign intervention. Immigration in the Montreal Also, the dangerous provocations and Airport. news manipulations at Venezuela’s borders with Colombia and Brazil in A s August explained in the name of so-called humanitarian a video posted on social media, aid has not been successful. Together after asking the U.S. border with the European Union, Canada, officials multiple times the reason Switzerland, and Panama, the U.S. for his denial of entry, he was government has imposed crippling told that he was denied entry border officials politically targeting activists economic sanctions against the people of due to previous arrests in Canada. and journalists. There is a clear pattern of Venezuela. This was in reference to his arrests government attacks on fundamental human at antiwar and labour protests It is no coincidence that August was refused and democratic rights of people crossing in the 1970’s. However, entry into the United States while on his way borders to exercise their freedom of speech as August also stated, the to attend a protest demanding an end to U.S. and assembly, as well as their right to dissent. U.S. border control authorities war on Venezuela. The U.S. government is These abuses have ranged from well-known had been aware of political activists these arrests during being harassed and his other entries into “banned” at the the U.S.: “Previously border, to the denial they have delayed my The U.S. Refusal of Entry of entry to groups departure into the of people to attend U.S., where I missed a peaceful protest or a plane but finally to Arnold August is a conference. left, and on other In fact, when I heard occasions let me go that Arnold August through, but never Dangerous Precedent was stopped from have they stopped entering the border, me.” I immediately So, the question for All Activists recalled my own is – why deny him two-year ban from entry now? What Canada, which was message is the imposed after I was U.S. government sending to independent politically targeted at the border in 2007 and actively attempting to limit the reach journalists and activists by denying Arnold questioned about my antiwar and social of his dissenting voice, and send a signal August’s democratic right to express his justice work. to other like-minded people, that they too political views in support of the sovereignty of might be targeted. As August explained in Back in 2007, within a few months Venezuela at a peaceful demonstration? an interview for this article, “I guess they of my banning, Medea Benjamin Since the U.S./NATO invasion of Afghanistan didn’t like what I was doing with regards and former United States Army in 2001, the government of the U.S. has to Venezuela within the United States of Colonel Ann Wright, carried out continuous wars and occupations America.” leading U.S. peace activists and in parts of the Middle East and North Africa. organizers with Code Pink, were Along with many other independent In tandem with these wars abroad, there has also targeted and denied entry journalists, August has been advocating for an also been a concerning increase in the political into Canada. As Ann Wright end to the U.S. war on Venezuela and exposing targeting of journalists and activists in order explained in Common Dreams, the misinformation and manipulations of to quell opposition to war and suppress voices “I had been denied entry the U.S. government and mainstream media of dissent. Subsequently, the U.S. border, to Canada twice in 2007 and pundits about Venezuela and President where people crossing are already stripped of Medea had been denied once i n Maduro. His opposition to both the U.S. and many fundamental human and democratic 2007. Canadian immigration told Canadian policy of sanctions and aggression rights has become an increasingly threatening us that we were ineligible to enter against this South American nation has been and brutal place. Canada because of our arrests (not well publicized. convictions, just arrests) for peaceful, non- Today, the U.S. government is at war with The red flag really goes up when you violent protest Washington, DC in front of Venezuela. In the last two months, they examine similar cases of U.S. and Canadian the White House and the US Congress; in 12 FIRE THIS TIME Volume 13 Issue 4 April 2019 MOTHER OF ALL STRUGGLES! Indigenous struggle against colonialism

Howard Adams (Métis) 1921 - 2001 Revolutionary Métis Marxist scholar and professor Howard Adams grew up in a Métis Alison Bodine and her defence committee protesting at the Citizenship and community in Saskatchewan. He was a leader Immigration Offices in Vancouver, Canada. October 11, 2007. in the struggle for Indigenous rights, self- determination, and socialism.

New York at the US mission to the United March for “planning to attend a “An effective method Nations and the United Nations itself; ‘potentially violent rally’,” as in Crawford, Texas; and San Francisco, reported in the British newspaper, of distorting the social California.” Targeting them for exclusion set Independent . relationships between white a dangerous precedent for the harassment of and native people is through political activists, and people with dissenting Since then, expanding cooperation between US and Canadian the myth that Indians need to views, on both sides of the U.S./Canada be protected. By persuading border. authorities at the US/ Canada border has whites to believe this illusion, Another notable case is that of Ilija Trojanow, also been further exposed. colonizing governments a Bulgarian–German writer who was denied As reported by the Guardian are able to get away with entry into the United States, without being newspaper, in 2016, U.S. President suppressive and abusive control given any reason. He is well-known for his Obama and Prime Minister of natives. Such protection writing in opposition to the National Security Trudeau expanded an FBI “anti- Administration (NSA). Trojanow was on his terrorism” database called only serves to imprison Indians way to attend an academic conference. There “Tuscan” that provides more and Metis more severely. In is also recent precedent even for the targeting than 680,000 names to every Canada, schemes of protection of people who are not well-known for their border guard. This is a are enforced by the RCMP, political views. For example, in 2017 there database clothed in secrecy, the treaties, the reserves, and were multiple news stories about people being and no doubt full of errors, akin to the Indian Act. The economic turned away from entering the United States the “No Fly Lists” that the U.S. and from Canada while on route to the Women’s dependence connected with Continued on page 30 these schemes fosters distorted social relationships and life styles. A century ago it was rations; today, it is welfare, which prevents occupational independence and allows the government to control native people as wards and “children”. Rather than developing independence and confidence, the protection scheme creates a false sense of security and encourages attitudes of supplication.” "U.S. Hands Off Venezuela!" demonstration in Washington, DC. March 16, 2019 Excerpt from Prison of Grass

FIRE THIS TIME Volume 13 Issue 4 April 2019 13 By Alison Bodine First, I think it is interesting to note that one thing in common: they are either on they mentioned the ‘72 and ‘74 charges, the U.S. “blacklist” and/or their web sites etc. But since then I have been to the and social media have been harassed. So, ALISON BODINE: Thank you very United States, dozens of times, there has that’s one reason as to why I was barred much, Arnold, for taking the time never been an incident in the U.S. I guess from the US on March 16. out of your evening to do this brief you could say that I was a model visitor. interview with me. I have written the The other possible cause is that on There was never any incident at all, but January 20,► 2019, I released my new main components of an article about all of a sudden it came up on March 16. this injustice and undemocratic exclusion YouTube channel. Normally, as you know which happened I write about Cuba and Venezuela, in to you at the U.S. / that order, but YouTube specifically Canada border about ► is dedicated to deconstructing the 10 days ago. (see page media lies with regards to Venezuela. 12) ARNOLD AUGUST I posted a very important Can you explain what YouTube just you believe were the before the March motivations for the 16 activity in D.C. U.S. border officials It is based on a denying your entry radio interview into the country that from Montreal day? with Sputnik ARNOLD in Washington AUGUST: It’s D.C. which was obvious that the also recently on motivation is political. the list of outlets I was surprised that Washington because they took does not like; me aside that day specifically Loud on March 16, 2019, and Clear with when I was on my Brian Becker.

way from Montreal An Interview With I made a video to Washington D.C. on that, one It was a surprise of the main in the sense that it Arnold August speaking at the 3rd International Che Guevara purposes being happened before, many years ago, Conference in Vancouver, Canada, June 2010 to promote the but has not happened for quite demonstration in some time. Several years ago, Washington DC. they took me aside and mentioned the I was quite active in promoting it, but fact that I had charges against me, what So that was the end of that there. I am Facebook actually blocked my Facebook they call a criminal record, dating back still looking into it, but what specifically - post where that YouTube radio interview to 1972, 1974. Of course, they were all why now? I can answer that myself. was published regarding the D.C. activity. related to political activism. One has to put one and one together, and However, I also have another interest that What happened at the airport that that makes two, and that is the following. is uploaded that Youtube. It is my support Saturday was that they notified me that I Firstly, since my visit to Caracas on for the Palestinian people. had this record and that I can’t enter the February 4 of this year when I had the Putting all of these things together it United States. I said, ‘this is ridiculous honour to participate in a very intimate seems that this is what happened, the you’ve known this for 45 years.’ I’ve been meeting with Nicolas Maduro, where answer to the question that the person at stopped in the past in the same way and he gave a speech for close to two hours, the airport did not want to answer - why questioned, but after the questions and I came back with some very important now? Well, everything is looking like it all that, I was never at any time hindered points. I wrote several articles in support is due to my latest activity, especially in or stopped from going into the United of the Bolivarian revolution, against U.S. terms of journalism and increased social States. So, I said ‘well, why now?’ In interference, and the entire theme of media activity since February 4, 2019. Venezuela. the back of my mind, I knew why, but I ALISON: It is very clear also to us and wanted to try to► get that out of them - These particular articles seemed to be very to me that this was a case of political so I asked, ‘why now?’ But the discussion well appreciated in the United States. For targeting and really a violation of your ended right there, and she said, ‘well example, since February 4, 2019, they democratic rights to speak out and to here is a document for you to fill out in were published in the following press defend the people of Venezuela. What do order to try to challenge the fact that you which are popular in the US: Mintpress, you think are the best ways that people were not allowed into the United States’, Venezuelanalysis, Black Agenda Report, can support you at this time? so there was never an answer as to my Global Research, teleSUR English and question - why now? teleSUR Spanish. Now all of them have ARNOLD: In fact, the initial support was

14 FIRE THIS TIME Volume 13 Issue 4 April 2019 this incident is to help circulate all these journalistic views, whether it is Fire This Time, the ones from the United States,

► my views, on the question of Venezuela. It’s an ongoing struggle. Venezuela has

► won the first round but it’s far from

over. I think the United States will never ► give up. Their main goal is to overthrow the Maduro government, overthrow Chavismo, not only for the oil; but also for

► the fact that, I would say, it is becoming

an epicenter of the international left. It’s ► becoming more and more a model for the people all over the world who oppose U.S. interference, U.S. bullying, and the Marching in the streets of Washington, DC at the "U.S. Hands Off Venezuela!" U.S. attempts to dominate the world. demonstration. March 16, 2019 It is pretty inspiring to see all over the world, for example in occupied Palestine, spontaneous on the very first day. On that am even more determined, to tell the people are demonstrating in support of day, on March 16, I was in contact with a truth about Venezuela, to support the the sovereignty of the Venezuelan people. social media journalist in Caracas whom Bolivarian revolution, to support Cuba. This is a theme that I think we all have I met in Caracas on February 4. The goal My lawyer and I are still looking into to work together, that is to mutually help was to send her some of my videos from what happened, looking into the fact that circulate the views that are being written Washington, D.C., especially the message it looks like I might have been barred or spoken with regards to Venezuela. I was bringing with me citing statements for life from visiting the United States of support and activities on Venezuela by As you know we’re up against the of America. So that it is an ongoing international corporate media that has the over 5 million Canadian trade union investigation that we’re looking into workers and social/political activists. The carried out and carrying out such a at this time. Thus, I would say that the massive campaign against Venezuela, young Venezuelan social media activist best thing it not support for me, but to immediately, within against Maduro. I think this is the worst a couple of hours, thing I’ve seen in years. It is even worse converted my report Of course, I will continue to write than some of the media campaigns that from the Montreal they have been carrying out against Cuba, on Venezuela. In fact, I would say that I it is a very serious situation. airport about my denial " of entry into the U.S. am even more determined, to tell the truth ALISON: Thank you Arnold for this into a full video which interview, and all of your ongoing almost went viral about Venezuela, to support the Bolivarian journalism and work. through Twitter. They revolution, to support Cuba were widely circulated, Follow Arnold August on Twitter: especially in Spanish " ► @Arnold_August from Caracas and people such as Jorge help to circulate my journalism, not only Arreaza, who is the Foreign Minister mine but other people as well on the left, Follow Alison on Twitter: @Alisoncolette of Venezuela retweeted. In addition, such as Fire This teleSUR English, with whom I was Time. There a lot likewise in contact with to report on of left progressive my Canadian message of solidarity to journalists who the D.C. activity, also produced a video have done very sent live to Quito, Ecuador, from the taxi great work in driving me back home from the Montreal Venezuela. Some airport. of them, such as So, in response to your question Alison Max Blumenthal regarding support, from the very first and Dan Cohen day, it got around the first 24 hours. and others, they Since that time, there’s been an article in just returned from Prensa Latina, in Spanish, English and Venezuela after French which the Cuban news agency four weeks there been circulating quite a bit. As you know and are doing COHA published your article on the excellent work. incident as part of a wider issue. I think the best Of course, I will continue to write on way to support Venezuela. In fact, I would say that I or to go against FIRE THIS TIME Volume 13 Issue 4 April 2019 15 My name is Greta Thunberg. I am 15 years old. I am from Sweden. I“ speak on behalf of Climate Justice Now. Many people say that Sweden is just a small country and it doesn’t matter what we do. But I’ve learned you are never too small to make a difference. And if a few children can get headlines all over the world just by not going to school, then imagine what we could all do together if we really wanted to. But to do that, we have to speak clearly, no matter how uncomfortable that may be. You only speak of green eternal economic growth because you are too scared of being unpopular. You only talk about moving forward with the same bad ideas that got us into this mess, even when the only sensible thing to do is pull the emergency brake. You are not mature enough to tell it like is. Even that burden you leave to us children. But I don’t care about being popular. I care about climate justice and the living planet. Our civilization is being sacrificed for the opportunity of a very small number of people to continue making enormous amounts of money. Our biosphere is being sacrificed so that rich people in countries like mine can live in luxury. It is the sufferings (SCHOOL STRIKE FOR CLIMATE) of the many which pay for the luxuries of the few. The year 2078, I will celebrate my 75th birthday. If I have children maybe they will spend that day with me. Maybe they will ask me about you. Maybe they will ask why you didn’t do anything while there still was time to act. You say you love your children above all else, and yet you are stealing their future in front of their very eyes. Until you start focusing on what needs to be done rather than what is politically possible, there is no hope. We can’t solve a crisis without treating it as a crisis. We need to keep the fossil fuels in the ground, and we need to focus on equity. And if solutions within the system are so impossible to find, maybe we should change the system itself. We have not come here to beg world leaders to care. You have ignored us in the past and you will ignore us again. We have run out of excuses and we are running out of time. We have come here to let you know that change is coming, whether you like it or not. The real power belongs to the people. Thank you. Speech made at COP24 UN Climate” Change Summit in Katowice, Poland - December 12th 2018

FIRETHISTIME.NET @ GretaThunberg My name is Greta Thunberg. I am 15 years old. I am from Sweden. I“ speak on behalf of Climate Justice Now. Many people say that Sweden is just a small country and it doesn’t matter what we do. But I’ve learned you are never too small to make a difference. And if a few children can get headlines all over the world just by not going to school, then imagine what we could all do together if we really wanted to. But to do that, we have to speak clearly, no matter how uncomfortable that may be. You only speak of green eternal economic growth because you are too scared of being unpopular. You only talk about moving forward with the same bad ideas that got us into this mess, even when the only sensible thing to do is pull the emergency brake. You are not mature enough to tell it like is. Even that burden you leave to us children. But I don’t care about being popular. I care about climate justice and the living planet. Our civilization is being sacrificed for the opportunity of a very small number of people to continue making enormous amounts of money. Our biosphere is being sacrificed so that rich people in countries like mine can live in luxury. It is the sufferings (SCHOOL STRIKE FOR CLIMATE) of the many which pay for the luxuries of the few. The year 2078, I will celebrate my 75th birthday. If I have children maybe they will spend that day with me. Maybe they will ask me about you. Maybe they will ask why you didn’t do anything while there still was time to act. You say you love your children above all else, and yet you are stealing their future in front of their very eyes. Until you start focusing on what needs to be done rather than what is politically possible, there is no hope. We can’t solve a crisis without treating it as a crisis. We need to keep the fossil fuels in the ground, and we need to focus on equity. And if solutions within the system are so impossible to find, maybe we should change the system itself. We have not come here to beg world leaders to care. You have ignored us in the past and you will ignore us again. We have run out of excuses and we are running out of time. We have come here to let you know that change is coming, whether you like it or not. The real power belongs to the people. Thank you. Speech made at COP24 UN Climate” Change Summit in Katowice, Poland - December 12th 2018

FIRETHISTIME.NET @ GretaThunberg Cuba provides free comprehensive healthcare Despite the U.S. Blockade, to its citizens even in the most remote regions of the country. A full range of social programs are delivered to every citizen from cradle to Cuba Advances grave either free of charge or they are heavily subsidized by the state. Contrary to what we have been told by our deliberately biased and misinformed media, democracy does exist in this country where the only political party is the Communist Party of Cuba. Life is not easy for the average Cuban, that’s for sure, but they’re doing the best they can under very difficult circumstances. As many of the world’s nations are looking for alternatives to the authoritarian and cold- hearted neoliberal economic model, Cuba will continue to be a shining example to emulate, despite the contradictions that still exist on this Caribbean island nation.

Ben Lefebvre is a community volunteer, organizer, activist and social democrat. He has been sharing his time between rural Canada and Cuba where has has been writing extensively about Latin American and Carribean culture and politics. * Original title: “Cuban Contradictions Still Exist” By Ben Lefebvre been accused of having a significant military presence in Venezuela. Successive U.S. The small Caribbean nation of Cuba administrations have stated that this peace- Battle of Ideas Press has suffered a crippling U.S. economic, loving island nation is a threat to its national commercial and financial blockade for the security. Both assertions are outright lies. 5 Decades of the Cuban Revolution better part of six decades. Cuba does support Venezuela’s right to • • protect itself against foreign aggression and The Challenges of an This illegal and immoral action has been Unwavering Leadership draining the country’s resources while hurting why shouldn’t it? If the legitimate Venezuelan American farmers and manufacturers that government falls due to yet another Latin would otherwise enjoy access to the Cuban American U.S. coup d’état, what country market. It is said to cost the Cuban economy would be next? We already know what $12 million per day due to having to buy happened in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and goods from afar instead of from its nearest Syria. neighbours. In the words of the Trump administration This antagonistic tactic is a classic example of “all options are on the table” when it comes “biting off your nose to spite your own face”. to U.S. interests. Cuba has always been of interest to American imperialists. Cuba successfully defended itself against a failed American invasion at the Bay of Pigs in Cuba has gained the respect of the vast 1961 and has had to deal with the numerous majority of the members of the United U.S. sanctioned terrorist and biological Nations due to its acts of solidarity around attacks ever since the Revolution was won the world. It has about 40,000 highly on January 1st, 1959. It has averted several qualified doctors, nurses, engineers, teachers and technicians working in dozens of other assassination attempts against the country’s By Tamara Hansen leadership. countries at any given time. Where America offers foreign aid with strings attached Cuba Coordinator of Vancouver Communities In order to protect itself, Cuba has had in Solidarity with Cuba (VCSC). She is delivers the goods because it believes it is, also an editorial board member of The Fire to maintain costly security and military quite simply, the right thing to do. This Time newspaper. She has travelled to presence on the island instead of investing in One of the most important and admirable Cuba over a dozen times and has written its crumbling infrastructure. One of the true extensively on Cuban politics since 2003. gems of the New World has thus fallen into projects of the Cuban government delivers disrepair but it is doing its best at preserving free education to its population up to the April 2010, paperback, $14.00 post-doctoral level. Illiteracy was virtually 314 pages, illustrated, and improving what it can given its limited Copyright © 2010 by Battle of Ideas Press resources. wiped out on the island within a couple of years of ousting the violent, the U.S. WWW.BATTLEOFIDEASPRESS.COM Cuba has also had to defend itself against supported Fulgencio Batista dictatorship. [email protected] a never-ending media war. It has recently 18 FIRE THIS TIME Volume 13 Issue 4 April 2019 de la paz es una amenaza para su seguridad extranjera con cuerdas adjuntas Cuba entrega * EN ESPAÑOL * nacional. Ambas afirmaciones son mentiras los bienes porque cree que es, sencillamente, directas. lo correcto. By Ben Lefebvre Cuba apoya el derecho de Venezuela a Uno de los proyectos más importantes y protegerse contra la agresión extranjera y admirables del gobierno cubano ofrece La pequeña nación caribeña de Cuba ha ¿por qué no debería hacerlo? Si el legítimo educación gratuita a su población hasta el sufrido un paralizante bloqueo económico, gobierno venezolano cae debido a otro golpe nivel postdoctoral. El analfabetismo fue comercial y financiero de los Estados Unidos de Estado latinoamericano estadounidense, virtualmente aniquilado en la isla dentro de durante la mayor parte de seis décadas. ¿qué país sería el próximo? Ya sabemos lo que un par de años de expulsar a los violentos, Esta acción ilegal e inmoral ha estado drenando sucedió en Afganistán, Irak, Libia y Siria. Estados Unidos apoyó la dictadura de Fulgencio Batista. los recursos del país, al tiempo que perjudica a En las palabras de la administración Trump los agricultores y fabricantes norteamericanos “todas las opciones están sobre la mesa” Cuba ofrece asistencia sanitaria integral que de otro modo aprovechara del acceso al cuando se trata de los intereses de Estados gratuita a sus ciudadanos, incluso en las mercado cubano. Dice que costó la economía regiones más cubana $12 millones remotas del país. por día debido a A PESAR DEL BLOQUEO DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, Una gama completa tener que comprar de programas mercancías desde sociales se entrega lejos en lugar de CUBA AVANZA a todos los sus vecinos más ciudadanos de cuna cercanos. a tumba, ya sea de Esta táctica forma gratuita o antagonista es un están fuertemente ejemplo clásico de subvencionados “morderse la nariz por el estado. para despecho de Contrariamente tu propia cara”. a lo que nos han Cuba se defendió dicho nuestros con éxito contra medios una fracasada deliberadamente invasión sesgados y mal norteamericana informados, la en la Playa Girón democracia existe en 1961 y ha en este país donde tenido que lidiar el único partido con los numerosos político es el ataques terroristas partido comunista y biológicos de Cuba. sancionados desde La vida no es fácil que la revolución para el cubano fue ganada el medio, eso es 1 de enero de seguro, pero están 1959. Ha evitado haciendo lo mejor varios intentos de que pueden en asesinato contra el circunstancias muy liderazgo del país. difíciles. Para protegerse, Como muchas Cuba ha tenido de las naciones que mantener del mundo una costosa están buscando presencia militar alternativas al y de seguridad en modelo económico la isla en lugar autoritario y de de invertir en su corazón frío, infraestructura Cuba continuará desmenuzado. siendo un Una de las verdaderas gemas del nuevo mundo Unidos. Cuba siempre ha sido de interés para ejemplo brillante para emular, a pesar de las ha caído en mal estado, pero está haciendo los imperialistas norteamericanos. contradicciones que todavía existen en esta todo lo posible para preservar y mejorar lo que Cuba se ha ganado el respeto de la gran nación insular caribeña. puede dar sus recursos limitados. mayoría de los miembros de las Naciones Cuba también ha tenido que defenderse Unidas debido a sus actos de solidaridad en Ben Lefebvre es un voluntario comunitario, de una guerra de medios interminable. todo el mundo. Tiene alrededor de 40,000 organizador, activista y socialdemócrata. Ha estado médicos altamente calificados, enfermeras, Recientemente se le acusa de tener una compartiendo su tiempo entre el Canadá rural y presencia militar significativa en Venezuela. ingenieros, profesores y técnicos que trabajan Cuba, donde ha escrito extensamente sobre cultura Sucesivas administraciones estadounidenses en docenas de otros países en un momento han afirmado que esta nación insular amante dado. Donde Estados Unidos ofrece ayuda y política latinoamericana y caribeña. FIRE THIS TIME Volume 13 Issue 4 April 2019 19 Celebrating International Women's Day “By Any Means From Vancouver to Cuba to Venezuela Necessary...” By Janine Solanki

On March 8, 2019, women around the world marked International Women’s Day – a day General in Toronto and two other women to celebrate the enormous gains women have from the Cuban Consulate in Toronto, proof of made throughout history. Here in Canada, the strong representation of women in Cuba’s despite having higher rates of post-secondary diplomatic world, in addition to the Cuban education than men, women still make 26% Ambassador to Canada, Josefina Vidal. Later less than men, on average, for full-time work. on in the evening, words of solidarity were also Women in Canada also live the reality that shared from Tatiana Vizcaya, Second Consul one in three women will face sexual violence at the Consulate of the Bolivarian Republic of in their lifetime. Venezuela in Vancouver. The struggle for women’s rights is an The program continued with words from international one, and Vancouver Communities Azza Rojbi, a VCSC organizer, who recently in Solidarity with Cuba (VCSC) marked returned from Venezuela as part of a youth International Women’s Day 2019 by brigade. Azza shared the experience of highlighting the achievements and challenges meeting Venezuelan women leaders who are from around the world. defending their Bolivarian Revolution and resisting imperialist intervention. The event MALCOLM X SPEAKS On March 1, Proyecto Cultural Sur Vancouver then featured three poets from Proyecto together with VCSC organized “Mujer y Cultural Sur Vancouver - Lucy Ortiz, Madre Tierra / Women and Mother Earth”, an The greatest weapon the colonial Macarena Cataldo Hernández and Alejandro powers have used in the past against event to honour women through poetry, music Mujica-Olea. They shared their beautiful and and dance. This first annual event was held in heartfelt poetry, both in English and Spanish, our people has always been divide- Vancouver at Britannia Community Center. on the strengths, struggles and challenges and-conquer. America is a colonial The program also featured women bravely women face. power. She has colonized 22 million sharing their testimonials of violence they had Afro-Americans by depriving us of suffered, with the message that women will be The evening then featured the phenomenal silent no longer and are standing up for their music of Bouna Vedere & the Band. The first-class citizenship, by depriving rights. exceptional singer and performer is a former us of civil rights, actually by member of the two times Grammy Award depriving us of human rights. She On March 8, VCSC organized an event winning Soweto Gospel Choir of South has not only deprived us of the right “Celebrating the Revolutionary Women of Africa. Before long the room was up on their Cuba, Venezuela & the World.” The Cuban to be a citizen, she has deprived us feet, dancing and captivated by the joyous and of the right to be human beings, the Revolution triumphed with strong women soulful music! leading and fighting, and from 1959 to today right to be recognized and respected there has been what Cuba’s former president After the musical performance came to a as men and women. And in this and revolutionary leader, Fidel Castro, called close, participants (out of breath and with big country the black can be fifty years a “revolution within the revolution”. That is, smiles) sat down again and grouped together women organizing within the revolution to in teams for the final part of the event… old and he is still a “boy.” achieve gains such as Cuba having the world’s The Team Trivia Challenge! The teams (each I grew up with white people. I was second highest participation of women in named after a Cuban or Venezuelan women integrated before they invented the parliament. In Venezuela, during the last 20 leader) vied for points by answering questions years of the Bolivarian Revolution, Venezuelan related to women in Cuba and Venezuela, word and I have never met white women have also made great advances in all and the revolutionary history of International people yet—if you are around them sectors of society, such as healthcare, education, Women’s Day. In the end, the winning team long enough—who won’t refer to you and politics. won bragging rights, but everyone won prizes as a “boy” or a “gal,” no matter how – which included candies and souvenirs from old you are no matter what school The event started out with Tamara Hansen, Venezuela and Cuba! coordinator of VCSC, who welcomed everyone you came out of, no matter what your and shared inspiring words about women For more upcoming events with Vancouver intellectual or professional level is. leading the fight for a better world, from Cuba Communities in Solidarity with Cuba, visit In this society we remain “boys.” and Venezuela to around the world. Greetings www.vancubasolidarity.com or follow on via video conference were then shared from Facebook and Twitter @VanCuba_VCSC So America’s strategy is the same Tania Lopez Larroque, the Cuban Consul strategy as that which was used in the past by the colonial powers: divide and conquer. She plays one Negro leader against the other. She plays one Negro organization against the other. She makes us think that we have different objectives, different goals.

Macarena Cataldo Hernandez, Lucy Excerpt from Speech: The Black Full house at VCSC Cuba & Venezuela Ortiz, Nati Rosales and Dilia Ochoa IWD Celebration at "Mujer y Madre Tierra" Revolution (April 8,1964)

20 FIRE THIS TIME Volume 13 Issue 4 April 2019 MAWO Delegation Joins UNITED ANTIWAR

By Thomas Davies Mobilization in Washington, DC & Tamara Hansen a convenient “international community” Code Pink Women for Peace action in As Foreign Ministers from NATO cover for imperialist war and occupation. front of a Venezuelan diplomatic building (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) NATO forces bombed Yugoslavia for in Washington, DC which had been countries met to mark the military 78 days straight to break up the country taken over by pro-coup Venezuelans with alliance’s 70th anniversary, a broad in 1999, they took a leadership role in the support of the US government. There coalition of organizations from across the 2001 war and ongoing occupation was also a solidarity action in front of the the United States and the world of Afghanistan, and also continue to Embassy of Ireland. Two Veterans for organized a series of actions to protest train military forces in Iraq. It was a Peace organizers Ken Mayers and Tarak the organization’s ongoing use as a tool seven month NATO bombing mission Kauff were being held in Irish jail under for imperialist war and occupation. which destroyed Libya in 2011 – turning charges of “trespass and criminal damage” Vancouver-based Mobilization Against Africa’s most prosperous nation into after they had entered the Shannon War and Occupation (MAWO) was an rubble fought over and controlled by airfield base to inspect a plane which they active part of the “NO2NATO2019” competing warlords. believed to be carrying up to 300 armed U.S. troops. coalition which came together to Despite its murky mandate, NATO has organize the main protest in front of grown from 12 signatory nations to 29. The March 30 demonstrationwas held the White House, and sent a delegation They are pushed to spend at least 2% of in Lafayette Park, which borders the of six organizers to participate and their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on White House grounds. Organizers had emphasize Canada’s criminal role in this the military. Last year Colombia became worked hard to jump through countless warmongering organization. a “fully accredited global partner”. This bureaucratic hoops secure permits. In the words of NATO’s first secretary- geographically extraordinary move can Rally set-up requirements included all general (1952-1957), Lord Hastings be explained given the current military equipment being inspected by police Lionel Ismay NATO’s original mandate buildup and attempted coup against its sniffing dog before entering the park! neighbour Venezuela. was “to keep the Soviet Union out, the MAWO co-chair Alison Bodine was Americans in, and the Germans down.” Given this ongoing US-led aggression a co-MC for the first part of the rally The main vehicle of post World War II against Venezuela, “Hands Off with Virginia Defenders for Freedom anti-Communist hysteria lost its main Venezuela!” joined “No to NATO, War Justice and Equality organizer Jacqueline bogeyman when the Soviet Union & Racism!” as the two main slogans of Luqman. They welcomed anti-NATO disbanded in 1991. It now states that its the White House rally. activists from Ukraine, Mexico, purpose “is to guarantee the freedom and Argentina, Belgium Greece and Wales, as MAWO organizers arrived in the security of its members through political well as groups from Boston, New York, week before the rally to help with final and military means.” Florida, North Carolina, New Jersey, and organization, and also to participate in Connecticut among many others. Practically that has meant continuing as some lead-up actions. This included a a military alliance which has served as FIRE THIS TIME Volume 13 Issue 4 April 2019 21 All in all the action last more than four hours and involved dozens of organizations. The overwhelming message was that on its 70 anniversary NATO should be disbanded not celebrated. The war at home and abroad rages on and it’s always poor, working and Boston school bus drivers union local oppressed people who MAWO delegation with "Canada Out of supports Venezuelan pay the biggest price and Afghanistan!" shirts President Maduro bear the biggest burden. Organizing in “the belly of the beast” under a President U.S. President Mike Pence addressing grid. who promotes and NATO foreign ministers with an encourages war and racism is no easy task, MAWO’s delegation wore matching aggressive pro-war, anti-immigrant but the NO2NATO2019 rally confirmed campaign shirts and held a large banner message, said “We must adapt our alliance that there are many organizations across demanding “Canada out of NATO Now! to confront emerging threats … whether the U.S who are still fighting and that they Money for Jobs, Healthcare, Education, that’s Russian aggression, uncontrolled are also connecting with groups around Housing and Environment! Not War!” migration, cyber attacks, threats to energy the world confronting the same issues. security, Chinese strategic competition, The rally returned to Lafayette including technology and 5G, and many Park for a continuing speakers MAWO co-chair Alison Bodine co-MCs the rally other issues.” Meanwhile, Alison and program including William Jacqueline welcomed a diverse group of Camacaro – a Venezuelan member pro-peace speakers articulating an entirely of the Bolivarian Circles New York, different vision for the world - based on Loan Tran of the International social justice, self-determination and Action Centre, Kevin Zeese and cooperation among oppressed peoples. Margaret Flowers of Popular This included Cassia Laham of the United Resistance, and music by Luci National Antiwar Committee (UNAC), Murphy and Ben Grosscup of the Reiner Braun of the No to NATO, No to People’s Music Network. War Network in Belgium, Ajamu Baraka of the Black Alliance for Peace, Andre Francois - President of Boston School Bus Marching in the streets of Driver Union, USW 8751, and Patrick Washington, DC. McCann of Veterans for Peace. This was the real significant international meeting, not The 1,000 strong rally group then made NATO’s anniversary. their way through the busy DC streets. The Cherry Blossom Festival was in full Mobilization Against War and swing so there were large crowds of people Occupation (MAWO) was everywhere to see and hear demonstrators happy to actively participate chanting, “No to NATO, No to War!” and in the organizing an execution “U.S. Hands Off Venezuela!” That same of the successful march and day in Caracas, tens of thousands rallied rally and will continue to do to defend Bolivarian Revolution, despite everything it can to encourage repeated attacks on Venezuela’s electrical international cooperation and ongoing organizing against the U.S and Canada war Join us to build a revolutionary movement! machines. NATO belongs in the scrap Distribute Revolutionary Change in Your Area! heap of history and it’s up to us to put it there. For distribution of Fire This Time in your area, across BC, and internationally, please contact: NO TO NATO, NO TO WAR! Thomas Davies HANDS OFF VENEZUELA! Publicity & Distribution Coordinator MONEY FOR HEALTHCARE, Phone: (778) 889-7664 HOUSING & EDUCATION, NOT Email: [email protected] FOR WAR & OCCUPAPTION!

22 FIRE THIS TIME Volume 13 Issue 4 April 2019 By Max Tennant REPEAL BILL C-51! SCRAP BILL C-59! HUMAN RIGHTS UNDER ATTACK: OUR HERITAGE As the October Federal Election draws closer, Fighting for Democratic and Human Rights in Canada the Liberal government’s “National Security” Bill C-59 is still in front of the Senate waiting to be approved. If it does not pass before the election, it will not become law. Bill C-59 is the Trudeau government’s response to Bill C-51, the much despised “Anti-Terrorism” law passed by the previous Harper Conservative government almost four years ago. Trudeau had promised that as Prime Minister he would “fix” the law and protect democratic and human rights, but Bill C-59 keeps many of the worst elements of Bill C-51 and adds an even more aggressive cyber- surveillance program. So four years and countless empty promises later, the Working Group to Stop 209th Action, Lougheed Station, Burnaby Bill C-51 continues to be in the streets to demand, monitoring and use of the personal data it secretly “Repeal Bill C-51 and Scrap Bill C-59!” collects. Notably, the Trudeau Liberal government With the start of Spring, the Working Group has completely ignored this issue and given the also started a better and broader campaign and Liberal government’s own online surveillance discussions at its picket and petition campaigns at aspirations, it’s clear that Bill C-59 aims to legalize Leslie Feinberg Lougheed and Broadway-City Hall Stations - two privacy rights violations even further. (1949-2014) Leslie identified as an anti-racist white, very busy and important transit hubs in Vancouver As people fighting for democratic and human and Coquitlam. This brought the campaign to 210 rights, it is crucial to continue organizing and working-class, secular Jewish, transgender, consecutive bi-weekly actions. mobilizing against Bill C-51 and to prevent lesbian, female, revolutionary communist. She In a new development, a Tyee online (thetyee. Bill C-59 from becoming law. As long as the was a member of the National Committee of ca) article on March 25 “‘Project Wide Awake’: government of Canada violates our democratic and Worker’s World Party and managing editor of How the RCMP Watches You on Social Media,” human rights, the fight to defend these rights can exposes how the RCMP is monitoring people on and must continue. the Worker’s World newspaper. Her 1993 first social media and details their use of new online REPEAL BILL C-51! SCRAP BILL C-59! novel, “Stone Butch Blues,” is considered a surveillance software to take a “proactive” approach OUR SECURITY LIES IN DEFENDING groundbreaking work about the complexities to online monitoring. It’s important to point out THE RIGHTS OF ALL! of gender. that the RCMP refuses to release its policies on the

Vancouver, Ottawa, Montreal “[With] this novel [Stone Butch and Kiev say, Hey Trump, Lift the Blues] I planted a flag: Here I am— Blockade on Cuba! does anyone else want to discuss By Janine Solanki these important issues? I wrote it, not as an expression of individual ‘high’ After 60 years the U.S. government is still trying – and failing art, but as a working-class organizer – to achieve their goal of “regime change” in Cuba. The U.S. mimeographs a leaflet—a call to government is still causing great hardship to Cuba through action . . . their inhumane blockade, which the Trump administration is tightening. In the last few months, U.S. President Trump has made moves to invoke title III of the Helms-Burton Act, which threatens Cuba’s I am typing these words as June economy by punishing foreign entities who do business with Cuba. 2003 surges with Pride. What year The Cuban people have not just survived under the cruel U.S. blockade, but have advanced tremendously. is it now, as you read them? What Cuba has become world renowned in fields such as healthcare, education, science and technology, agriculture, sports and arts. After all these decades Cuba is not about to bend to U.S. pressure - in has been won; what has been lost? response to the recent U.S. hostilities, the Cuban government and its people have been steadfast in their I can’t see from here; I can’t predict. rejection of any intervention in their internal affairs. In a statement, Cuba’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, But I know this: You are experiencing Bruno Rodriguez said: “the United States will keep on failing to achieve its main purpose of submitting the impact of what we in the by force the sovereign will of Cubans and our determination to build socialism.” movement take a stand on and fight Supporters of Cuba worldwide are standing in defense of Cuba against the U.S. blockade. In Vancouver, Canada, Friends of Cuba Against the U.S. Blockade – Vancouver (FCAB) has been protesting every for today. The present and past are month in front of the U.S. Consulate. This action is in coordination with protests at U.S. Consulates and the trajectory of the future. But the Embassies in Ottawa and Montreal, Canada and Kiev, Ukraine! On March 17, the Vancouver action arc of history does not bend towards gathered together protesters who held up picket signs and banners in the spring sunshine, and chanted justice automatically—as the great energetically “Hey, Trump, lift the blockade!” and “Return Guantanamo to Cuba now!” In between Abolitionist Frederick Douglass rounds of picketing, protesters heard from various speakers, as well as heard a message of solidarity via phone message from Ottawa-Cuba Connections, who were protesting outside of the U.S. Embassy. The observed, without struggle there is no action wrapped up with a customary photo, complete with picket signs and protest banners, under the progress . . .” building sign for the U.S. Consulate. This photo, shared on social media around the world, illustrates Vancouver’s steadfast opposition to the U.S. blockade on Cuba. “That’s what the characters in Stone As long as the U.S. blockade on Cuba is in existence, and as long as the U.S. illegally occupies the Cuban Butch Blues fought for. The last territory of Guantanamo, Cuba solidarity activists in Vancouver and many around the world will join chapter of this saga of struggle has in the protest. To find out about upcoming events with Friends of Cuba Against the U.S. Blockade – not yet been written.” Vancouver, visit www.vancubavsblockade.org or follow on Facebook or Twitter @nobloqueovan FIRE THIS TIME Volume 13 Issue 4 April 2019 23 By Janine Solanki throughout her imprisonment. Chelsea access to books o r Chelsea Manning has already spent too many Manning served seven years of a 35-year jail reading materials. years of her life behind bars, for the crime term, during which she also had to fight for She was only of telling the truth. Today the U.S. judicial her rights as a trans woman and for access system is taking away her freedom once again to medical care related to her transition. because she has stood up against injustice. Former President Barack Obama commuted her sentence, G! permitted Who is Chelsea Manning? and she was IN to make Chelsea Manning is best known as a former released NN phone calls U.S. military intelligence analyst and A and move whistleblower. At great personal risk, M about outside she leaked U.S. diplomatic A her cell between cables as well as SE 1 and 3 am. videos and EL International bodies H have defined solitary C confinement as torture, E and the United Nations RE Special Rapporteur on F Torture, Juan E Mendez, has defined prolonged solitary documents confinement as a period over 15 which have days during which the harmful become known as psychological effects of isolation the Afghan War Diary and can become irreversible. This is the Iraq War Logs. Published what Chelsea Manning has endured. on the whistleblower site Wikileaks, This inhumane and brutal treatment is they further exposed U.S. war crimes around an attempt to coerce her into testifying the world including mass killings, torture, in the grand jury, and to punish her for f r o m corruption, and the attempted cover-up refusing to do so. of U.S. atrocities. For telling the truth and prison on acting upon her conscience, in May 2010 May 17, 2017. What now? Free Chelsea Manning! Chelsea Manning was arrested, imprisoned, Why is Chelsea in jail Since her arrest, Chelsea Manning’s support and held in solitary confinement for the now? committee “Chelsea Resists!” has sprung first 10 months as well as at various points to action in her defense. The first battle “I will not participate in to release Chelsea Manning from solitary a secret process that I morally confinement has been won, and supporters object to, particularly one that has are now fighting for Chelsea Manning to been used to entrap and persecute be released from jail. Chelsea Manning’s activists for protected political support committee is asking for donations speech.” for her legal defense, which can be made at: - Chelsea Manning, from a https://actionnetwork.org/fundraising/chelsea- statement released after she manning-needs-legal-funds-to-resist-a-grand- was taken into custody. jury-subpoena On March 8, 2019, Chelsea You can also write to Chelsea Manning – this Manning was jailed for is not only her fight but a fight for all peace refusing to testify to a grand and justice loving people. While she is leading jury investigating WikiLeaks. this struggle from behind bars, supporters can In a hearing, she asserted Above: Chelsea Manning with supporters and media, let her know that people around the world before Grand Jury appearance. March 8, 2019. that answering questions are standing with her! For guidelines on what before the grand jury would and how to send mail to Chelsea Manning, Below: Chelsea Manning supporters protest outside violate her constitutional and visit Chelsea Resists! at https://xychelsea.is gates of jail where she is imprisoned. March 9, 2019. statutory rights. Without Most importantly, it is vital that Chelsea addressing Chelsea Manning’s Manning’s case is known, and for more people arguments, District Court to take on this case. Chelsea Manning is not Judge Claude Hilton ordered only defending herself but defending the her confined for the term of the right of activists and anyone to not participate grand jury, or until she agrees in secret trials. You can visit Chelsea Resists! to give testimony. website https://xychelsea.is for statements to For 28 days she was held share on your social media, and on Twitter in so-called “administrative follow @ResistsChelsea and @xychelsea for the segregation”, effectively solitary latest developments in her case. You can also confinement. She was held sign a petition demanding her immediate in her cell for 22 hours a day, release, at http://bit.ly/2XPiZ3x not allowed out of her cell Free Chelsea Manning now! while other prisoners were out, not allowed to visit the law library and not allowed Follow Janine on Twitter: @janinesolanki 24 FIRE THIS TIME Volume 13 Issue 4 April 2019 Foreign Minister of the Bolivarian Jorge Republic of Venezuela

Arreaza today to of such aggression. We must also say that there denounce has been in recent days, false flag operations. Speech to the what we Unfortunately organised once again by the have been United States Government with our brothers United Nations denouncing from Colombia, volunteering its territory for since 2015 aggressions against Venezuela. Trying to force Human Rights at this “humanitarian aid” – we said it here, again in council – 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 – the excuse or Council 2015, 2016, pretext of humanitarian crisis is to prepare for February 26, 2019 2017, 2018, an intervention in my country. and today From the United States, Mr. Pence, Mr. New York City 2019 – the Trump say that they will not rule out military aggression intervention. They are in violation of the against Charter of the United Nations, article 2, Venezuela paragraph 4. This Council and the institutions primarily by the United States Government of the United Nations must speak out. They and the Trump administration which is did not say this a year ago, they said it two deepening and has become much more Good morning, thank you very much, on days ago. behalf of the Government of President Nicolas intense. There is a blockade against Venezuela, Last Saturday there was an aggression against Maduro, the Government of Venezuela, thank a blockade on its transactions, a blockade on my country from Colombian territory. you for participating in the United Nations its resources. A robbery, an assault on the Gentlemen who run this worthy Council, Human Rights Council. resources, assets, and gold of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, which belongs to Venezuela is willing to work with the United Today is an important day for Venezuela. 30 the people of Venezuela for healthcare, Nations to receive all humanitarian assistance years ago, on a day like today, our country infrastructure, for production. It’s cost $30 and humanitarian technical assistance and has was witness and victim of a violation of billion from 2017 until December of 2018, been doing so with different United Nations human rights with the most fatalities of any plus the seizure of our oil company Citgo. agencies, but not by force. occurrence in Venezuelan history during the Or is it that perhaps we don’t remember in 20th century, it was during the first mass There are companies that refuse to work Latin America what took place in Nicaragua? general social protest against neoliberalism. with Venezuela, in fear that they will also be Or is it that we don’t remember the so- In 1989, thousands, hundreds of thousands sanctioned. Suppliers are afraid and unwilling called ‘humanitarian crisis’ of the year 1965 of Venezuelans went to the streets to raise to work with Venezuela, and we have been in Dominican Republic? Behind four boxes their voices against the neoliberal package designing other routes with allied countries in of medicines, six boxes of food, and a few imposed on the people of Venezuela, and the order to satisfy the needs of the Venezuelan nurses and doctors, entered eight thousand repression came not only from police – I wish people, but it is very difficult. U.S. marines who toppled the Government of it would have only been the police – instead This Human Rights Council should raise its President Juan Bosch. of the army and the former armed forces of voice, because the blockade against Venezuela Venezuela who acted as a colonial occupation – similar to the blockade against Cuba, as The history of Latin America is very rich, army. It was terrible, many believe there were blockades against any country and unilateral we cannot be confused at a historic moment 3,000 or 4,000 dead, in only 48 hours, the coercive measures – violate the Charter of like this. The Government of President exact number is not known. Even today, 30 the United Nations, as well as violating the Maduro has opted for dialogue and yet the years later, we are still locating the skeletons fundamental principles of coexistence among Government of President Maduro is always and the remains of many Venezuelans who States and peoples of the world. blamed. We are waiting for the Venezuelan protested in Caracas and in the main cities of Enough the country on those days. We also came here

Left: Fire This Time Venezuela Solidarity Campaign meeting Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza. March 6, 2018, Venezuela

Right: Venezuelans marching in support of their democratically elected President Maduro. March 23, 2019. Caracas, Venezuela

FIRE THIS TIME Volume 13 Issue 4 April 2019 25 political opposition to sit and talk, but they don’t because they follow instructions. I just wanted to briefly illustrate, for example, that last Saturday these criminals in Colombian territory, say that Venezuelans and Colombians in Colombian territory, attacked our security forces and wounded Venezuelan military and police personnel by hundreds. They used the emblem of the International Red Cross without any authorization, which was denounced by the Red Cross and their Committee. Or how they burned “humanitarian aid” with Molotov cocktails. Then they claimed it was the tear-gas bombs of President Nicolas Maduro’s Government, when in reality our Bolivarian national armed forces reacted with a measured response, with prudence, and using progressive methods of force to avoid tragedy that day, because the necropolitics of the United States intended for there to be deaths so that they could then accuse the regime and accuse President Venezuelan protester against U.S. intervention. March 2019 Maduro.

Here is Mike Pence, ‘all options are on before the Criminal Court International Security Council, which was by convened the table, we do not rule out a military about the harmful effects of their blockade of United States to discuss the case of Venezuela, intervention.’ Venezuela. we demanded that the United States Here is John Bolton, ‘the Venezuelan military But also, the expert Lord Idrís Jazairi, has said delegation simply say that “they support the have to rebel against Maduro or there will be that, “Sanctions that have the effect of leading Charter of the United Nations in article 2.4 more sanctions and more isolation.’ to starvation and medical shortages, are not and that they are not in favour of the use of force or the threat against Venezuela.” And Here is Marco Rubio, look at this photo, I ask the response to the situation in Venezuela”. they were not capable of doing it, because you to look at this photo. After tweeting 40 The expert also said that, “I am especially they do not respect the Charter of the times against the Government of Venezuela, concerned to hear reports that these sanctions United Nations, because they do not respect Mr. Marco Rubio here puts photos of former are aimed at changing the government of international law. They walked out of the President General Muamar al Gaddafi and Venezuela. Conversion, whether military Council, and we do not understand why they after he was killed. This is a message, this is a or economic should never be used to look are members of the United Nations. It is here threat of death against a President, against a for a change of Government in a sovereign where we need to act, where we formed a head of State. Who is doing something from State. The use of sanctions by outside powers group of countries, 60 delegations at the last United Nations to stop it? to overthrow an elected Government is in violation of all norms of international law.” meeting, to protect peace and international Here even Mr. Deputy Juan Guaidó, who So we return to make our denunciation and law. There are countries on five continents proclaimed himself in a public square the also to propose the path to dialogue. Dialogue which came together not just to protect supposed President of Venezuela, and said with the United States. Yes, why not? Between Venezuela, but any people in the world that Saturday that, “Today’s events are forcing me President Nicolas Maduro and President is threatened, especially with military force by to make a decision, to tell the international Donald Trump, who could meet, acknowledge the great powers of this world. community in a formal manner that we must the disagreements, work on the agreements, We believe that the United Nations can have all options open to achieve the liberation and then the dialogue between Venezuelans. do much for bring together the sides in of this nation which is fighting and he will Venezuela. We believe that you have to continue to fight.” What are you saying Yesterday we demanded at a meeting of the denounce the aggression against Venezuela there? That you want the United States to and that we have to stop this war. militarily invade to Venezuela? This cannot I hope I do not have to come here be accepted by the United Nations under next year to speak here of the any circumstance. victims of war against my country, We want finally, since we know that time of the blood which was spilled is valuable, to reaffirm the invitation which from Venezuelans, of the blood last November President Nicolas Maduro that was spilled by US Marines made to the High Commissioner for in Venezuela, because Venezuela Human Rights, Mrs. Michelle Bachelet, know how to resist, but it is the last to visit Venezuela. We are ready to thing that we want for our country. receive her so she can come to Venezuela Making this denunciation, with absolute freedom so she can see the extremely grateful for the attention, reality of Venezuela and the effects of the and in homage to the victims of blockade, the sanctions. Just as last year we three thousand, four thousand, five saw the report of the Special Rapporteur thousand victims which died 30 Specialist on Democratic and Equitable years ago in my country. I extend Order, in which they made very clear the them an embrace to them from the effects of the sanctions, and even suggested Bolivarian people of Venezuela. that Venezuela could take the United States The Caracazo - When armed forces massacred thousands of protesters in Venezuela. February 27, 1989 Thank you very much. 26 FIRE THIS TIME Volume 13 Issue 4 April 2019 El Canciller de la República Jorge Bolivariana de Venezuela Arreaza Discurso en el Consejo de Derechos Humanos de la Naciones Unidas 26 de febrero, 2019 Nueva York

* EN ESPAÑOL * Venezuela, porque los proveedores se Buenos días, muchas gracias, en nombre del del asustan y no quieren trabajar con Venezuela gobierno del presidente Nicolás Maduro, año 1965 en República y hemos ido diseñando otras rutas con países gobierno de Venezuela, agradezco el poder Dominicana? Detrás de cuatro cajas de aliados para poder satisfacer las necesidades participar en el Consejo de Derechos medicamentos, de seis cajas de comida y de del pueblo venezolano, pero cuán difícil es. Humanos de las Naciones Unidas. unas enfermeras y médicos, entraron ocho mil Un día importante para Venezuela. Hace 30 Este Consejo de Derechos Humanos debe marines estadounidenses que derrocaron el años, un día como hoy, nuestro país fue testigo alzar su voz, porque el bloqueo contra gobierno del presidente Juan Bosch. Venezuela, como el bloqueo contra Cuba, y víctima de la violación de los Derechos La historia de América Latina es muy rica, como el bloqueo contra cualquier país y Humanos más mortal que pudo haber como para confundirnos en este momento las medidas coercitivas unilaterales, violan ocurrido a lo largo de la historia venezolana histórico. El Gobierno del presidente Maduro la Carta de las Naciones Unidas, así como del Siglo XX, se trató de la primera protesta ha apostado por el diálogo y sin embargo, también violan los principios fundamentales social general masiva contra el neoliberalismo. siempre se culpa al Gobierno del presidente de la convivencia civilizada entre los Estados y En 1989, miles, centenares de miles de Maduro. Estamos esperando que la oposición los pueblos del mundo. venezolanos se fueron a las calles para alzar política venezolana se siente a dialogar, pero su voz contra los paquetes neoliberales que Ya basta de tanta agresión. Nosotros no lo hacen porque tienen instrucciones. le impusieron al pueblo de Venezuela, y la también debemos decir que ha habido en Solo quería brevemente ilustrar, por ejemplo, represión no solo policial, que ojalá hubiese los últimos días, operaciones de bandera como el pasado sábado estos facinerosos en sido solo policial, no del Ejército de entonces y falsa. Lamentablemente organizados una vez territorio colombiano, dicen que venezolanos de las antiguas Fuerzas Armadas de Venezuela más por el gobierno de Estados Unidos con y colombianos en territorio colombiano, que fungían como Ejército de ocupación nuestros hermanos de Colombia, prestando agredieron a nuestra fuerza pública, hay colonial. Fue terrible, se habla de entre 3 mil su territorio para la agresión contra Venezuela. heridos, militares, policías venezolanos por muertos y 4 mil muertos, no se sabe la cifra Tratando de forzar una “ayuda humanitaria”, centenares. exacta en 48 horas. Aun hoy, 30 años después, lo dijimos aquí, insisto en 2015, 2016, 2017 y seguimos ubicando las osamentas y los restos 2018. Con la excusa, con el pretexto de crisis Utilizaron el emblema de la Cruz Roja mortales de muchos de los venezolanos que humanitaria se pretende una intervención en Internacional sin autorización ninguna, protestaron durante aquellos días en Caracas mi país. esto lo denunció la Cruz Roja Internacional y en las principales ciudades del país. y su comité. O cómo quemaron la “ayuda Desde Estados Unidos, el señor Pence, humanitaria” con bombas molotov. Y dijeron Nosotros venimos hoy también a denunciar señor Trump dicen que no descartan una que eran las bombas lacrimógenas del lo que hemos denunciado desde el año 2015 intervención militar, están violando la Carta gobierno del presidente Nicolás Maduro, en esta tribuna, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, y de las Naciones Unidas, artículo 2, numeral cuando lo que hizo nuestra Fuerza Armada hoy 2019, hay contra Venezuela una agresión 4. Este Consejo y las instituciones de las Nacional Bolivariana fue sencillamente actuar fundamentalmente por parte del gobierno Naciones Unidas tienen que alzar la voz. Lo con proporcionalidad, con prudencia y con la de Estados Unidos y con la Administración han dicho no hace un año, lo han dicho hace fuerza por métodos progresivos para evitar de Trump se ha profundizado y ha sido dos días. mucho más intensa. Hay contra Venezuela una tragedia ese día, porque la necropolítica un bloqueo, un bloqueo a sus transacciones, El pasado sábado hubo una agresión contra de Estados Unidos pretendía que hubiese un bloqueo a sus recursos. Un robo, un asalto mi país desde territorio colombiano. Señores muertos para que pudiesen entonces acusar al de los recursos, los activos y del oro de la que dirigen este digno Consejo, Venezuela régimen y acusar a presidente Maduro. está dispuesta a trabajar con Naciones Unidas República Bolivariana de Venezuela, que Aquí está Mike Pence, “todas las opciones para recibir toda la asistencia humanitaria y están destinados al pueblo de Venezuela para están sobre la mesa, no descartamos una asistencia técnica humanitaria y lo venimos la salud, la infraestructura para la producción. intervención militar”. Son 30 mil millones de dólares desde 2017 haciendo con distintas agencias de Naciones hasta diciembre de 2018, más la confiscación Unidas, pero por la fuerza no. Aquí está John Bolton, “los militares venezolanos tienen que revelarse contra de la empresa petrolera Citgo. ¿O es que acaso no recordamos en América Maduro o habrá más sanciones y más Latina lo que ocurrió en Nicaragua? ¿O es que Hay empresas que en su temor a que también aislamiento”. sean sancionadas se niegan a trabajar con no recordamos la supuesta “crisis humanitaria” FIRE THIS TIME Volume 13 Issue 4 April 2019 27 Aquí está Marco Rubio, miren esta foto, les pido que vean esta foto. Después de tuitear 40 veces contra el gobierno de Venezuela, el señor Marco Rubio aquí pone fotos del expresidente general Muamar Al Kadafi y como fue asesinado. Esto es un mensaje, esto es una amenaza de muerte contra un presidente, contra un Jefe de Estado ¿quién hace algo desde Naciones Unidas para impedirlo? Aquí está incluso el señor diputado Juan Guaidó, quien se autoproclamó en una plaza pública supuestamente presidente de Venezuela, y dice el sábado que “los acontecimientos de hoy me obligan a tomar una decisión, plantear a la comunidad internacional de manera formal que debemos tener abiertas todas las opciones para lograr la liberación de esta Patria que lucha y seguirá luchando”. ¿Qué está diciendo allí? -queremos Chavista y sobreviviente del Caracazo, en el aniversario de 30 años del Caracazo. que Estados Unidos invadan militarmente Fotos desde el Caracazo. 27 de febrero, 1989 a Venezuela- y esto no puede ser aceptado por las Naciones Unidas y ninguna de sus instancias. Nosotros queremos finalmente, ya que sabemos que el tiempo es valioso, refirmar la invitación que el pasado noviembre le hizo el presidente Nicolás Maduro a la Alta Comisionada para los Derecho Humanos, la señora Michelle Bachelet para que visite Venezuela. Estamos próximos a recibir su avanzada para que vengan a Venezuela y con absoluta libertad puedan ellos presenciar, ver la realidad de Venezuela y los efectos del bloqueo, de las sanciones y pueda luego la Alta Comisionada, Bachelet visitar nuestro país. Como también el año pasado fuimos testigos del informe del Experto Relator Especial para el Orden Democrático y Equitativo, donde fue muy claro sobre los efectos de las sanciones, e incluso sugirió que Venezuela externos para derrocar un gobierno electo está Ahí hay países de los cinco continentes y se podía llevar a Estados Unidos ante la corte en violación de todas las normas del Derecho ha conformado, no nada más para proteger a Penal Internacional por los efectos nocivos del Internacional”, por eso volvemos a hacer la Venezuela, sino a cualquier pueblo del mundo bloqueo en Venezuela. denuncia y volvemos a plantear el camino que sea amenazado, especialmente, con la Pero también, el señor experto, Idrís Jazairi, ha del diálogo. El diálogo con Estados Unidos. fuerza militar por los grandes poderes de este dicho que “las sanciones que tienen el efecto Sí ¿por qué no? Entre el presidente Nicolás mundo. de conducir a la inanición y escasez médica, Maduro y el presidente Donald Trump, que se Creemos que Naciones Unidas puede hacer no son respuesta a la situación de Venezuela”. reúnan, ahí están las diferencias, trabajemos en mucho por acercar también a las partes en El experto también dijo que “me preocupa las coincidencias entonces y el diálogo entre Venezuela. Creemos que tiene que denunciar la especialmente escuchar informes de que estas los venezolanos y las venezolanas. agresión contra Venezuela y que tenemos que sanciones están dirigidas a cambiar el gobierno Ayer le demandamos en una reunión del parar esta guerra. Yo espero no tener que venir de Venezuela. La conversión, ya sea militar o Consejo de Seguridad que convocó Estados el año que viene a hablar aquí de las víctimas económica nunca debe usarse para buscar un Unidos para habla el caso de Venezuela, le de una guerra contra mi país, de la sangre que cambio de gobierno en un Estado soberano. demandamos a la delegación de Estados haya corrido de venezolanos, de la sangre que El uso de sanciones por parte de poderes Unidos, simplemente, decir que “ellos haya corrido de marines estadounidenses en respaldaban la Carta de las Naciones Unidas Venezuela, porque Venezuela sabría resistir, en el artículo 2.4 y que ellos no están a favor pero es lo último que queremos para nuestro del uso de la fuerza ni la amenaza contra país. Venezuela”. Y no fueron capaces de hacerlo, Haciendo esta denuncia, claramente porque no respetan la Carta de las Naciones agradezco mucho la atención y en homenaje Unidas, porque no respetan el Derecho a las víctimas tres mil, cuatro mil, cinco mil Internacional. Ellos se salieron del Consejo, víctimas de hace 30 años en mi país. Les pero no entendemos ni por qué son miembros extiendo un abrazo del pueblo Bolivariano de de las Naciones Unidas. Es allí donde tenemos Venezuela. Muchas gracias. que actuar, se ha conformado un grupo de países, 60 delegaciones en la última reunión para proteger la paz y el Derecho Internacional. Presidente de EEUU, Donald Trump

28 FIRE THIS TIME Volume 13 Issue 4 April 2019 signatures demanding that Canada end its sanctions against Venezuela. During Vancouver Stands with a program of speakers, Azza Rojbi, an organizer with the FTT Venezuela Venezuela: U.S./Canada Hands Solidarity Campaign spoke about her first- hand experience in Venezuela, where she Off Venezuela! along with another By Janine Solanki FTT organizer recently travelled Each day, cruel and illegal sanctions with an international against the people of Venezuela by the youth brigade. A full U.S., Canada, EU and Switzerland cost report of their trip, the government of Venezuela more and of the March 2 than $30 million. At the same time, report back event, they severely limit Venezuela’s access is published in the to imported food, medicines, medical FTT volume 13 issue equipment and basic goods. Since 3 newspaper. March 8, the devastating impact of these Fire This Time sanctions on the people of Venezuela picketing, protesters gathered in front of a Venezuela Solidarity Campaign organizers has been amplified by sabotage against huge banner reading “U.S./Canada Hands are protesting on the streets of Vancouver, Venezuela’s electrical grid. Off Venezuela!” and heard from speakers but are also marching in Venezuela over the megaphone. While the people of Venezuela are alongside the Venezuelan people. FTT From the U.S. organizers have participated in many Consulate, the delegations and conferences in Venezuela protest moved up to over the past few years, and currently, the the busy Vancouver FTT Venezuela Solidarity Campaign Art Gallery public coordinator Alison Bodine is in Venezuela square, where on a U.S./Canada delegation to assess the passersby took impacts of the U.S./Canada/EU sanctions notice of the giant against Venezuela. Check the next issue for Venezuelan flag and Fire This Time for reports from her trip! protest banners. An From Vancouver to Venezuela and around information table the world, supporters of the Bolivarian attracted many Revolution are continuing to mobilize people who stopped in defense of Venezuela sovereignty and to talk to organizers against imperialist intervention. To find and find out about out about upcoming Vancouver events what is really visit www.firethistime.net or follow faced with this brutal assault, the U.S. happening in Venezuela. Teams of activists on Facebook or Twitter @FTT_np talked to people passing by and collected government continues to make the Follow Janine on Twitter: @janinesolanki ridiculous statement that Venezuela is an “extraordinary and unusual threat to U.S. national security.” Meanwhile, U.S. Join the 2019 President Trump and his administration Che Guevara Volunteer Work Brigade are repeating that “all options are on the to Cuba! table” when it comes to how the United States will go about overthrowing the Join volunteers from across Canada to learn about democratically elected President of Cuba in a unique way: volunteering side by side Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro. with Cubans!

In Vancouver, Canada, the Fire This Experience Cuba through volunteer work, Time Venezuela Solidarity Campaign workshops, meetings, culture, travel, and friendship. organizes a protest action and educational tabling and petitioning The 2019 Brigade is going to: every month. The latest protest on  Matanzas, a centre of Afro-Cuban culture March 12 brought together activists and  Viñales Valley, a natural wonder supporters in front to the U.S. Consulate  Havana, celebrating its 500th anniversary! in downtown Vancouver. Protesters held up signs reading “No regime change in Dates: May 23 - Jun 6, 2019 Venezuela!” and chanted in unison up Price: $1,100 (excludes airfare to and from Cuba) to the top floors of the U.S. Consulate Includes all in-Cuba travel, accommodation, meals. Register on-line today! to demand that the U.S. end its policy canadiannetworkoncuba.ca/brigadeFor more information &Accommodation to register inis in BC an internationalcontact: solidarity of intervention and foreign meddling 778-882-5223 | [email protected] outside Havana and a hotel in Matanzas. in Venezuela. In between rounds of A project of the Canadian Network on Cuba in partnership with Have questions? Need help fundraising? FIRE THIS TIME Volume 13 Issue 4 April 2019 Cuban Institute for the Friendship of the Peoples Contact coordinator Saleh Waziruddin 29 (ICAP) 289 990 7683 [email protected] Continued from page 13 Protest in the U.S. against Trump's "Muslim Ban" in 2017 Canada both continue to maintain. There is also the recent case of harassment experienced by Code Pink activists Medea Benjamin and Ann Wright who were questioned at the airport by the FBI upon their return from a peace delegation to Iran. They were “greeted by FBI agents who had a whole dossier on us of what we did, which mostly they got from our own website, our blogs. But they also had a packet of information for us about As the U.S. government ramps up its war the parameters of acceptable debate, this the sanctions on Iran, the U.S. against the people of Venezuela, our united practice of excluding other points of view government policies towards Iran, actions across the U.S. and Canada border, poses a serious curtailment of free speech and the issue about registering as a foreign such as rallies and conferences, are more assembly not just for activists, but for everyone agent, indictment of Iranian groups important than ever before. When Arnold engaged in debate on the most urgent issues to scare us away from talking August was refused entry into the United of our day. to them,” as reported to Real News. States, it was an attack against the human and democratic right to express dissenting Published first on Council on Hemispheric These exclusions constitute a views, organize and gather in opposition to Affairs (COHA) website: www.coha.org slippery slope towards limiting our the United States sanctions and war against democratic rights to organize and Venezuela, and to share reports on what is Follow Arnold August on Twitter: express political views peacefully. In happening in Venezuela today. @Arnold_August 2014, the New York Times reported that “A past arrest or conviction — When it comes to how to support Arnold Follow Alison on Twitter: @Alisoncolette even a public admission of illegal activity August following his political targeting at — can be grounds for inadmissibility. So the U.S. border – he had a clear response: can political activism or the impression that “I would say that the most important Battle of Ideas Press a traveller is visiting on business without thing is not to support me, but rather obtaining a work visa.” to support the Bolivarian revolution, Revolution & Counter Revolution support the cause of Venezuela’s •in Venezuela • From the “Muslim ban” and the brutal right to self-determination.” crackdown on refugees and asylum seekers attempting to enter the United States, to With regard to August’s continuous targeting of people at the borders commitment to continue due to their skin colour, religion or country supporting Venezuela against of origin, both the U.S. and Canada’s borders U.S. war, he said, “Of course, I will are increasingly becoming zones free of continue to write on Venezuela. In respect for human and democratic rights or fact, I would say that I am even more international law. determined to tell the truth about Venezuela, to support the Bolivarian revolution, to support Cuba.” The practice by the US and Canadian governments By Alison Bodine Writer and researcher on Venezuela. She is of refusing a member of the Fire This Time Newspaper entry of those Editorial Board and is the coordinator of who express the Fire This Time Venezuela Solidarity dissent from Campaign. Alison Bodine is an electrical official policy designer based in Vancouver, Canada. erodes our October 2017, paperback, $10.00 democratic 190 pages, illustrated, ISBN 978-0-9864716-5-0 rights both at Copyright © 2016 by Battle of Ideas Press Activists are arrested at a protest against Trump immigration and beyond WWW.BATTLEOFIDEASPRESS.COM the border. policies near the U.S.-Mexico border fence. Dec. 10, 2018 [email protected] By reducing 30 FIRE THIS TIME Volume 13 Issue 4 April 2019 The Newspaper Of Peace-loving people from Venezuela FIRE THIS TIME to Vancouver demand “U.S./Canada MOVEMENT FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE www.firethistime.net By JanineHands Solanki Off Venezuela!” Volume 13 Issue 4 loud and clear, attracting the attention of many April 2019 people passing by. Teams of activists collected Published Monthly “We seek a peaceful transition to power. But signatures on a petition demanding that the all options are on the table” said U.S. President Political Editor: government of Canada end its sanctions against Ali Yerevani - [email protected] @aliyerevani Trump on February 18, 2019. These are not Venezuela, raising many discussions with those just words – the U.S. government is doing all who stopped to sign. An info table was also set Editor: Tamara Hansen @thans01 they can, short of direct military intervention, up and was busy with people who stopped to Editorial Board: to interfere in Venezuela’s affairs and violate collect literature, sign petitions Tamara Hansen, Alison Bodine, Janine Solanki, their sovereignty and self- and talk to organizers. Before Azza Rojbi, Thomas Davies, Ali Yerevani determination. The escalation the action came to a close, Layout & Design: of the U.S. economic war on protesters gathered for a rally Max Tennant, Azza Rojbi, Alison Bodine, Thomas Venezuela, including harsh program. Alison Bodine, Davies, Tamara Hansen, Janine Solanki, Shakeel Lochan, sanctions, and U.S. support MAWO’s chairperson, MC’d Mike Larson, Noah Fine for violent right-wing forces the rally and outlined why in Venezuela culminated in Copy Editors: it is important to defend Tamara Hansen & Alison Bodine the U.S.-backed attempted Venezuela against these coup in January 2019. Publicity & Distribution Coordinator: imperialist threats and actions. Thomas Davies The history of the U.S. in Brian Sproule spoke on behalf Latin America is a long one. of the CPC-ML condemning Production Manager: There have been plenty of the U.S. actions against Azza Rojbi U.S.-backed coups that have Venezuela. Azza Rojbi, an Contributors to this Issue: installed bloody dictators, funding and arming executive committee member of MAWO and Sanam Soltanzadeh, Max Tennant, Ben Lefebvre of right-wing groups and training of some of Mike Larson, a MAWO activist and organizer, Contact: the regions most notorious dictators, torturers also spoke to give their eye-witness accounts of Phone (778) 938-1557 and assassins, especially through the infamous what is really happening in Venezuela, as they Email [email protected] “School of the Americas”. It is no surprise had recently returned from a youth brigade and Mail PO Box 21607 Vancouver BC, V5L 5G3 that today Trump’s pick for the U.S. Special international conference in Venezuela. Subscriptions Representative for Venezuela is Elliott Abrams. MAWO organizers have also travelled across For a one year subscription outside the lower Abrams has a long history of involvement in Canada and the U.S. to participate in antiwar mainland, make cheques payable to “Thomas U.S. covert actions in Latin America that have actions, bridging solidarity and cooperation to Davies” (Canada $15, USA $20, International $30) cost many innocent lives. build a stronger antiwar movement! On March Send to: PO Box 21607 Vancouver BC, V5L 5G3 The Venezuelan people are feeling the impacts 26, MAWO executive committee member Azza Distribution of U.S. sanctions in their daily lives, and Rojbi travelled across to Ottawa, Canada to For Fire This Time in your area across BC, Canada, living under the threat of U.S. war. Here in participate in a march and rally protesting four and Internationally contact Publicity and Distribution Vancouver, Canada, the city’s antiwar coalition years of U.S./Canada-backed, Saudi-led war Coordinator Thomas Davies Phone : (778) 889-7664 Mobilization Against War and Occupation on Yemen. To read the report on this action (MAWO) is demanding that the U.S. and their please visit page 6. On March 30, six MAWO Submissions & Suggestions allies, including Canada, stop their sanctions, organizers marched in the Washington, DC We welcome articles, letters, unsolicited submissions, and threats and meddling in Venezuela’s affairs. mobilization to stop NATO and resist U.S./ suggestions. However, we cannot promise publication. Submissions and suggestions can be made by email On March 15, MAWO organized its monthly Canada attacks on Venezuela. To read more on by contacting [email protected] fax, or antiwar rally and petition campaign in this check out the report on page 21. regular mail. Submissions will not be returned. downtown Vancouver, with the main demand MAWO will continue to defend Venezuela The opinions expressed in the newspaper are those of the being “U.S. Hands Off Venezuela!” This action authors, and do not necessarily represent those of Fire This against the U.S. and Canada’s imperialist Time. was also in coordination with the March 16 aggression, and demands that the sovereignty Donations “Hands Off Venezuela” march in Washington, and self-determination of Venezuela be If you find Fire This Time to be an effective tool inthe DC, organized by the ANSWER Coalition. respected! For upcoming events and actions visit struggle of oppressed people for justice, more than ever, Picket signs and banners made the demands www.mawovancouver.org, follow on Facebook we need your support. On top of our regular costs of or on Twitter @MAWO_van production, we regularly send members of our editorial against U.S. sanctions and war on Venezuela board on assignment throughout North America, the Caribbean and beyond in order to make Fire This Time a Distribute better resource. These efforts have strained our finances. If you would like to help with a donation, please make Revolutionary Change cheques payable to “Thomas Davies”. in Your Area! Fire This Time is an independent newspaper and publishing Fire This Time could not be possible without the generous For distribution of contributions from our supporters. Fire This Time in your Reprint Policy area, across BC, and Reprinting of articles from Fire This Time by progressive internationally, please media is welcomed, with source credit to the author and contact: Fire This Time Newspaper. All other media, including .main Thomas Davies stream media or institutions must request permission. Thomas Davies Advertisement Policy Publicity & Fire This Time does not accept commercial ads. Ads in this Distribution newspaper are political ads and Fire This Time makes no Coordinator profit off of these ads. The presence of ads are solely for political purposes. Phone: (778) 889-7664 Fire This Time Newspaper is written, produced and distributed entirely by volunteer labour and printed in Email: Burnaby, Greater Vancouver, Canada [email protected] -ISSN-1712-1817-

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