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SEE BACK PAGE>>> IN STRONG KEEP THE INDYPENDENT THE LOW-WAGE RISING, P4 WORKERS CLIMATE• DOHA CONFERENCE, P6 Battle for the Rockaways THE INDY THE HOPE EMERGES AMID THE RUINS 2013 A FREE PAPER FOR FREE PEOPLE PAPER FOR FREE A FREE 18, 2013 #182,Issue 2012–January 20, December GOING Laura Gottesdiener, p10 Laura

CATHERINE BYUN 2 DECEMBER 20, 2012 – JANUARY 18, 2013 THE INDYPENDENT VOLUNTEER CONTRIBUTORS: VOLUNTEER INDYPENDENT THE Valkury, Beth Whitney, and Amy Amy Lucy and Wolf. Whitney, Tarleton, Ann Beth Valkury, John Okamoto, Anooj Schneider, Karen Foster, Lynne Kansara, Fisher, Seth D’Souza, Tony Creigh Davidson, Ellen Seamus ton, Castillo, Eleazar Bau- Carmona, Jose Byun, Saint Catherine tista, Nikki Baumer, Bennett site (nyc.indymedia.org). (nyc.indymedia.org). site newspaper. web- publishing open an children’s is IMC NYC a , IndyKids and with production, media grassroots interna- fostering to dedicated an network tional global movement, the of Indymedia part is which Media Center, Independent City York New Indypendent The and content clarity. length, for articles edit Indypendent The globally. and locally of people lives the — — affect and social power political economic, of lens, systems how critical exploring a through culture and news at look that submissions accept We andadvertising. benefits sales, dise merchan donations, reader scriptions, Indypendent The awards, Alliance Media York New Community 50 than more of Winner project. this in activ- participated have media ists and artists journalists, 700 than more 2000, Since management. website provide and fundraise distribute, photos, take design, draw, edit, write, report, who volunteers of network a by produced than is It more 100,000. of readership online and 13 print our for Mondays on published year a times newspaper free based Indypendent The SUBSCRIPTIONS AND SUBSCRIPTIONS DONATIONS: [email protected] Steven Arnerich, Anna Gold, Gold, Anna Arnerich, Steven Ellen Davidson, Anna Gold, Gold, Anna Davidson, Ellen ADVERTISING AND PROMOTION: AND ADVERTISING SUBMISSIONS AND NEWS TIPS: NEWS AND SUBMISSIONS [email protected] SENIOR EDITOR/COORDINATOR: Arun Gupta, John Tarleton John Gupta, Arun ILLUSTRATION COORDINATOR: ILLUSTRATION [email protected] [email protected] indypendent.org/donate PHONE: 666 BROADWAY, SUITE 510 510 SUITE BROADWAY, 666 Mary Annaïse Heglar, Heglar, Annaïse Mary [email protected] Alina Mogilyanskaya Mogilyanskaya Alina Elizabeth Henderson Elizabeth THE INDYPENDENT, INC. INC. INDYPENDENT, THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS: OF BOARD ASSOCIATE EDITORS: ASSOCIATE [email protected] READER COMMENTS: READER GENERAL INQUIRIES: GENERAL NEW YORK, NY 10012 NY YORK, NEW Nicholas Powers Nicholas Mikael Tarkela Mikael Frank Reynoso Frank Adam Johnson Adam ONLINE EDITOR: ONLINE VOLUNTEER: DESIGNERS: (212) 904-1282 INDYKIDS: INTERN: is funded by sub is affiliated with the the with affiliated is reserves the right to to right the reserves is a New York- Sam Alcoff, Alcoff, Sam - - - 212-691-3345 •revolutionbooksnyc.org 212-691-3345 66 Leroy St. Leroy 66 Library Park Hudson 716 Broadway &Co. Shakespeare St. Crosby 126 Works Housing Pl. Mark’s St. 22 Restaurant Falafel Mamoun’s Ave. 31 Third Books Mark’s St. Ave. 155 First City New the for Theater Pl. Mark’s St. 130 Bakery Earth Whole 39 B Avenue Union Credit Federal People’s LES St. 172 Allen Bluestockings St. Jefferson at Broadway E. 192 Library Park Seward 14TH ST.BELOW COPY OF THE MY INDYPENDENT DOWHERE IGET ? •Free 2am 10pm; 31 DEC MON •housingworks.org 347-473-7400 Ave Eighth 73 Coffee Think 2013. January of end the until Coffee Think at display on be to continue will art the and clients, Works’ Housing benefit will proceeds the of All program. therapy art the through created have clients that art featuring sale EXHIBIT. & SALE ART WORKS HOUSING EVENT: •Free 8pm 21 DEC FRI •bsec.org 718-768-2972 Brklyn West, Park Prospect 53 Culture Ethical for Society Brooklyn ( America Una Somos film Watch-produced SOA the of ashowing and back a report for Watch SOA month’s last in participated who those Join education. and action grassroots protest, peaceful through tion institu this close to working is Watch SOA abuses. rights human to tied been has and soldiers American Latin trains which school Army aU.S. is Americas of School The AMERICAS. OF SCHOOL BACK: REPORT •Free 7:30pm 20 DEC THU St W26th 146 Books Revolution welcome. are micro-lending of port sup in arguments and Viewpoints women. empowering and poverty global ending for prescriptions key the of one is micro-lending that idea the challenge will talk This LEM? PROB THE OF PART SOLUTION...OR THE OF PART IT IS MICRO-LENDING: DISCUSSION: scale •Sliding 7pm 20 DEC THU [email protected] AT INDY EVENTS YOUR SUBMIT calendar community We Are One America We Are One Join Housing Works for an art art an for Works Housing Join

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212-592-0116 •indykids.org 212-592-0116 indykids.org. info@ contact RSVP, to and information location For 16. Feb. 9and Feb. 2, Feb. on time same the at held be will workshops ditional ad Two justice. social and events current about articles edit and write research, to journalists professional alongside work Kids 9-13. ages kids to aworkshop offering is per REPORTING WORKSHOP. PENDENT.ORG. AT INDY EMAIL VIA CALENDAR WEEKLY OUR RECEIVE TO UP SIGN Borda. We regret this error. this regret We Borda. Elizabeth of instead Patel, to Babita credited incorrectly was 181 Issue “Solidarity, of 4 page on essay Charity” Not photo The Sliding scale: $6/$10/$15 scale: Sliding information. more for email [email protected] email poets, socially-conscious other with thoughts exchange to like would and poetry writing in interested are or write you If ACTIVISTS. SOCIAL FOR POETRY WORKSHOP: THU, JAN 10 •7:30pm $6/$10/$15 scale: Sliding to follow. Discussion ideas. political behind risk personal the illustrates and love, filial and paternal evokes that tale morality A human RESOURCES. HUMAN SERIES: FILM 1% THE TALES OF JANWED, 9•7:30pm $6/$10/$15 scale: Sliding [email protected]. email presenting, in interested are you If environment. supportive and open an in theorize to theorists professional not are who us of those for resistance. and opportunity an is debt This of understanding our deepening be we’ll meeting, At this structures. power oppressive on dependent increasingly us keeps that economy capitalist our of part integral an is Debt ECONOMY. DEBT THE RESISTING PANEL: 19 DEC WED, •7:30pm UPCOMING EVENTS

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THE INDYPENDENT DECEEMBER 20, 2012 – JANUARY 18, 2013 3 ------TENANTS’ RIGHTS On the other hand, three of the Once again, this mess illus

trates the lack of NewState. York The democracy Republicans in would not be close to a majority in the Senate without gross gerry mandering: Every Senate district upstate has as few people gally permitted, as and every district le tion is Malcolm Smith of Queens. “Ask Governor Cuomo: does he stand on back-room deals Where bus?” theputting of backthein us state Sen. Bill Perkins of Harlem said rally a at there Dec. 8. “Four Amigos” who threatened to jointhe Republicans in 2009 were Latino. They the complained Democratic that excluding leadership Latinos, but was their real motives were more base: Three of them have since been convicted of corruption felony charges, theand fourth was trying to block same- sex marriage. publican Senators, and the nonwhite only member of the Klein fac control of the state Senate. There are no black, Latino, or Asian Re BETH WHITNEY BETH BLOOMBERG TAPS GOLDMAN EXEC TO LEAD SANDY RECOVERY Mayor Bloomberg 6 announced that Marc Dec. Ricks willpost-Sandy lead recovery the effort. city’s Ricks vice is president a at Goldman Sachsinfrastructure in investment. specializes who Goldman Sachs has been at the center of a number of Wall Street scandals recentin years, many of which have impli cated the firm in ripping off its own cli Cuomo’s Cuomo’s list did not mention housing The deal also means virtually all-white in New York City has as many as possible. solution democratic most the housing, On would be for the city to set— its but a own 1971 law policiesprohibits it from state’s. pass the than stronger controls rent ing That keeps power over housing costs here in the hands of politicians who take mil lions of dollars from the real estate lobby, and city renters can’t vote against most of them. the Klein group. issues. Real estate in campaigns, political his has to contributor been the biggest cluding more than $3 million for his 2010 gubernatorial race, and to he support more hasthan minor measures refused to strengthen or enforce the state’s rent con trols and tenant protections.

- - - - - GETTY IMAGES GETTY ents. (For moreSandy recovery coverage, see Page 10.) chase the drug. Five other nonprofits in the statepreliminary have approvalreceived to open dispensaries. New Jersey is one of 18 states to legalize medical marijuana. Medical marijuana mea sures have been stalled in the years due New to opposition York from Senate Republicans. State Legislature for - - , , 354 people Cuomo’s Cuomo’s politics might be described ing to raise taxes on the rich — in a state that has more billionaires than Germany, the United Kingdom, or Japan — or pose im a stock-transfer tax on Street. Wall as “Bloomberg Democrat” — moderately progressive on social issues, hardline serving on and protecting the state’s eco nomic power elite, but willingminor concessions to if they’re makegood public ity. His list of ten “litmus tests” that will determine his support for the Senate deal reflects that mix:wage, raising intensifying the minimum evaluation ers, of and teach preserving property-taxThe deal may also bode well limits. for legalizing medical marijuana, as Sen. Diane Savino, its main proponent in the Senate, is one of likelysupport to his priorities, cut to state workers’ pensions and wages while refus Philadelphia Inquirer ------Crain’s New New Crain’s East mansion. According to the NYCLU, Blacks and Latinos con Latinos and Blacks NYCLU, the to According mansion. East tinue to be the target of about 87 percent all stop-and-frisks90 percent of stop-and-frisks while result in no charges. PROTESTS KILLER AT COP COURT HEARING Chanting and holding Graham up Ramarley of signs supporters that 100 entry,” read no warrant, “Justice “No forand Ramarley” turned out Dec. 11 for the latest court hearing for Richard Haste, the undercover NYPD narcotics officeraccused of shootingunarmed the Bronx teenager in February. into Haste his followed grandmother’s Graham apartment was allegedly and trying shot to flush the a bag teen of marijuana while down The theshooting hetoilet. became a flashpoint in the campaign to reform the NYPD’sstop-and-frisk policy. MEDICAL MARIJUANA COMES TO JERSEY New Jersey’s first medical marijuana dispensary opened Dec.in 6 Montclair. According to the with terminal or chronic illnesses are currently licensed to pur wrote on Dec. 5. “REBNY “REBNY 5. Dec. on wrote - - The deal also works for Governor Cuo “Democratic control of the Legislature has always been the nightmare of real es tate interests,” a blogger for Business York in particular has the carefully cultivated independent Democrats paign contributions. through The Senate cam will main re aligned with the major groups.” real estate mo. A Republican majority will be more more than $165,000 from real estate in terests, including the two main landlord- lobby groups [the Real Estate New York (REBNY) Board and of the Rent Stabi lization Association] and Laurence Gluck/ Stellar Management, an owner notorious for buying buildings in the Mitchell-Lama middle-income housing program and try ing raise to rents market to rate. ------STOP-AND-FRISK NUMBERS DROP 30 PERCENT The total number by New York ofCity police dropped stop-and-frisksby 30percent in the first nine months of 2012 compared to the previous year, accord ing to the New York Civil stopped NYPD Liberties the times of Union. number The and interrogated someone throughout has 2012 from 203,000 fallen stops dur

The decline in stop-and-frisks follows a public outcry against

f you rent an apartment in the state of New York, the political machinations going on in the state Senate will likely

CB14BROOKLYN.COM ing January to March of this year to 106,000to September. Meanwhile,stops duringthe homicideJune rate has dropped percentby to a record20 low. the program which culminated in a 25,000-personFathers Day that passed near Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s silent Upper march on LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS By Indypendent Staff Thepolitical dynamics aresimi This time around, Klein (D-Bronx/ Democrats won a narrow ma By Steven Wishnia I

LANDLORDS WIN BIG IN LATEST ALBANY POWER STRUGGLE POWER ALBANY LATEST IN BIG WIN LANDLORDS Renters in the Hands of a Corrupt Senate: a Corrupt of Hands the in Renters jority of the Senate in November 33–30,eitheror 32–31— depend ing on recounts — but will the deny them deal control over who chairs committees and what bills actually get to the floor. State Sen. Jeffrey Klein, the renegade leader faction, of the the dent “Indepen Democratic Governor Caucus,” Andrew and Cuomo, has who tacitly supported the scheme, say it’s an attempt to dysfunctions avoid of the the 2009–10 ses sion, when two Democrats pulled a similar switch and the Senate for months. gridlocked lar, however. In 2009, the Senate of majority a won aftercrats Demo for the first time sinceexpanding tenant the protections ’60s, was a top priority. But Bronx Demo crat Pedro Espada, now to prison for corruption, switched headed parties the day before his commit tee was scheduled to vote on a bill that would have put vacant apart than$2,000more back for rent thatments into rent stabilization, repealing a hole loop that has enabled massive and illegal often rent increases. Westchester) is the Senate Democrat clos est to the real estate Helobby. worked to keep the repeal of the vacancy-deregula tion law from ever coming to the Senate floor. In the 2012 election cycle, he took ensure that your rent stays too damn high.The agreement by six Democrats to share power with the Republican directly minority related to the is real estate desire lobby’s to prevent any strengthening of the rentstate’s laws. 4 DECEMBER 20, 2012 – JANUARY 18, 2013 THE INDYPENDENT FIGHTING FORFIGHTING AUNION A Rugh Peter By Low-Wage Workers UpinNew York Rising City mum wage — and shifts often last up to 12 12 to up last often mini- shifts and — wage tipped mum the — industry wash car the in $5.50 is wage hourly going The washes. car “good-guy” no really are there admits Axt though shops, Machinists) targeted of not to patronize Association International the by (represented drivers livery city’s the and Alliance Workers Taxi the from agreement citywide a committee. steering through coordinating washes, car numerous at exist councils worker day the to- and another, put one with touch in workers organization The issues. and housing healthcare around working- communities and class immigrant while in crusade wash campaigning car the lead to ready workers identified Road the Make said Axt March. in began drive organizing the since unionize to back voted have washes and car pay. Four wages higher won have strikers among car wash campaign workers in which on.” going ing organiz- of level unprecedented an “There’s Make the Road. labor organization ty-based communi- the of Axt Deborah said other,” York New in workers City. grocery and wash car among drives unionization ful success of number a been recently have there November, of end the at fight food fast the to addition In supporters. their and workers for holiday consumerist the on hope of ray a left Friday Black on Walmarts of hundreds at laborers involving action of day tionwide na a month, Last working States. the United by the in poor initiated struggle a in upsurge the across job. to gothe on refuse city restaurants 27 at workers 200 approximately saw that strike the chestrate or- helped had before day the which paign, Cam- Forward Food Fast the of point focal the became quickly restaurant The defense. Montgomery’s in mobilized city the across from workers food fast out, got firing ofthe to out an make example of her.” news When tried they But back. right go else everybody of “and NYCC, she was the They let newest. worker,”was the youngest Jones Sherry said “She in. clocking bother to not told was ery Montgom- Nov.Shalonda mother single 30, on. back —walking day ing the follow- the challenge Thursday, another faced workers last job the off walking ter af- But recognition. union and hour an $15 workers’ food demands: Their history. fast American in largest strike the in job the off walked City York New across taurants res- food fast other and Brands Yum King, Burger McDonald’s, of employees 29, on Nov. day, previous The elsewhere. eat to ers costum- urging leaflets, en- distributing the trance by stand (NYCC) Change for ties Communi- York New restaurant with the organizers and of front in sidewalk Fulton Street the on circles line picket a because Their efforts have been bolstered by an an by bolstered been have efforts Their a spearhead helped has Road the Make an- one with talking been have “Workers growing a of part is back fight food fast The on Wendy’s at work to returning Upon during lunch hour. lunch Not today.during That’s of door Wendy’sthis the in Brooklyn Downtown at forms typically line - - battling for collective bargaining powers. powers. bargaining collective for battling low-wage of support comrades in their there on Square unions, were 6. from established Many Dec. Times in from rallied city workers the across 2,000 approximately that together.” by fighting this to win going only We’re us. of all for fighting “I’m union. formed newly the with contract de- fair a negotiate wash, Lage that manding car SoHo the of front in brand of a to brass rhythm the stamped supporters and washeros” “car 300 roughly 29, Nov. and as we spoke at a on picket line ganizing, or stop didn’t Carlos But Carlos. said ing,’” go home — and now, all of a a sudden, raise. could he it like didn’t he if that told was he pay his about complained Carlos whenever drive, union raise. the to prior years 50-cent seven the a In him gave and personally him approached Lage union a for ganizing or- began he once that said SoHo, in wash con- Lage. with tracts existing cancel and drivers car livery and taxi by set lead the follow to ernment gov- city the for pushing is Road the Make conditions. and terms discuss and down sit Store Department to but Union, so far has Lage unwilling been and Wholesale Retail, the join to voted have Three washes car Lage’s of violations. wage hourly over office general’s attorney state the by investigation under is who Lage, John kingpin wash car by owned 23 the as such washes, car ative exploit- notably some are there Yet hours. Striking fast food workers and their supporters march through Times Square on Nov. 29. Nov. on Square Times through march supporters their and workers food fast Striking RUMBLE: RESTAURANT It was in this spirit of fighting together together fighting of spirit this in was It said. for he myself,” just “I’m not fighting organiz- ‘Stop saying, of way his was “It car Lage a at employee an Carlos, Juan - her opposition to legislation that would would that pay. sick workers legislation grant to opposition her to declined later comment when asked about Quinn backs.” their have to going are us of being of threat They’re fired. going toand all stand together the faced They’ve rights. have they that said and up stood “They’ve said. she organized,” been never historically workers. food fast city’s the Chris- praised who Quinn, tine Speaker Council City was the podium on those Among reform. immigration Bush-era the comprehensive and wealthy the for ending cuts tax for called Speakers workers and pressuring them into quitting. quitting. into them pressuring and workers discouraging of hopes in stalling been has Kim Sanchez, to according But, in faith. good negotiate to Kim, the Sonny owner, compels store’s now law the and September, this results theelection certified Board tions Rela- Labor National The NYCC. of chez the workers basic benefits,”guarantee said Lucaswill San that contract a sign to cides to boycottnity owner store the the de until table. bargaining at the down sit to yet has boss their but to unionize, voted workers Farm Golden washeros, car the Like grocer. the with business do to not customers urging outside stood people of handful a evening, recent a on Brooklyn, Kensington, in market Farm Golden the of front In city. the across brewing quietly are the large labor rallies, many small struggles of systems speaker and podiums the Beyond STORES GROCERY ORGANIZING “They stood up in an industry that has has that industry an in up stood “They W’e sig utmr i te commu- the in customers asking “We’re - - says, “was when two guys from that other other that from guys two when “was says, top,”Sanchez the over them pushed think I “What doubts. their had workers some But hours. after King Burger nearby a at ularly at Golden reg- Farm and meeting they began employees with touch in got NYCC back.’” fight to want there “‘Workers Sanchez. bers that store on Church and 4th,’” East remem- settlement. and won acontract who had grocer nearby another at workers by Farm Golden to referred were They relationships. building and like are job the on conditions what out finding city, the across washes car la and joints food fast supermarkets, at borers approaching been has NYCC campaigns, Sanchez. to leave voluntarily,” said them get to everything about just done has owner the and process long a it’s been though even continue, to and election to union a lawsuit, a organize on down names their put to also but owner, the to up stand to only not courage the had have store this in workers hour. “Thirteen an $4.90 making years, ten to five for Kim by employed been had Farm Golden at laborers the of Many wage. mum mini- below for worked they years pay the back for for Kim with settlement a reach workers the were able to a lawsuit, Through ways. other in off paid has Farm Golden at alone. not are they know store the in workers the that so support garnering of way but a as wallet also Kim’s in hole a cut to only not front, out leafleting been has and store the of picket a daily organize helped has NYCC “They told “They ‘Hey, us, you should outcheck worker low-wage ongoing its of part As fight the certification, union from Aside - FLICKR/©STEPHANIE KEITH THE INDYPENDENT DECEEMBER 20, 2012 – JANUARY 18, 2013 5 . - - 200 12,300 14,098 50,000 $18,500 $880,618 $1,867,995 $5.5 billion 130 percent130 $200 billion By Karen Okamoto

Marquis said the strike was “just the first In just under an hour, Councilmember LocalIsraelMiro,deli worker joined who hours.home child. go a And to have have I I and be a father,” Marquis said. “When I’d come home with my check I’d have exactly $210. Maybe you can pay your water with that bill and then buy youryou Metrocard broke.” and you’re punch in the fight,”adding that executives with several of the ployees franchises walked off where have agreed em- to begin dialogue a with workers seeking union resentation. rep- But if they reasonable, don’t he want warns, “we’ll to have to go be on strike again. We won’t stop until the is done.” fight Williams emerged from the restaurant with some good news for the picketers. “Thanks to you guys,” said Montgomery is working now inside.” Williams, “Shalonda insolidarity withthe protesters hislunchon bust “We’re news. the by elated was break, ing our asses and making these corporations billions are of shooting the freckle-faced, dollars,” redheaded mas- Miro cot onstorefront Wendy’s the evil said, eye. “But when we stood together today, the lady got her job back. We accomplished something. so beautifulIt’s to see that when New York ers are in the midst of a standtogether. recessionAllthe country, all over over we can the world, this could happen.” Peter Rugh is a facilitator for Occupy Wall Street Environmental blogs at EartoEarth.org. Solidarity and he A version of published on Wagingnonviolence.org. this article was originally -

Numbers

campaign by the food and beverage industry: beverage and campaign by food the by the food and beverage industry: beverage and by food the

: dailykos.com, yahoo.com, ibtimes.com, marketwatch.com, aboutmcdonalds.com, investor.bk.com, opensecrets.org, motherjones.com, nytimes.com, nytimes.com, motherjones.com, opensecrets.org, investor.bk.com, aboutmcdonalds.com, marketwatch.com, ibtimes.com, yahoo.com, dailykos.com, : Marquis Montgomery (no relation to Things would have been different, Mar- “I worked 33 hours a week. That’s a lot of of lot a That’sweek. a hours 33 worked “I

SOURCES Current worthCurrent of fast the industry: food by the the by lastyears: the over profits increased four Percentage that McDonald’s reported profitsin 2011: McDonald’s City: York of New fast in workers food Number of fast strike: that participated in workers food Number City: York New fast wages for in workers food annual Median presidential 2012 to Mitt donated Romney’s of money Amount The Fast Food Industry Industry Food Fast The Amount of money donated to President Barack Obama’s 2012 campaign 2012 Obama’s Barack to President donated of money Amount States: United the in franchises of McDonald’s Number States: United the in franchises King of Burger Number STANDING TOGETHER At the Wendy’s on Fulton Street, the cross- pollination of working-class consciousness that has helped to push the and Golden car Farm wash struggles forward and was well. alive By noon the restaurant was shut down by a swarm of fast food workers and their supporters, who briefly occupiedrestaurant, the chanting, “I know! I saw! What you did was against the law!” then The crowd moved outside and hit thewhile pavement City Councilmember Jumaane liams and NYCC representatives Wil- negotiated withmanagement. Shalonda) was also on hand. He didn’t have the kind of support that Shalonda received him.onfell axtheMarquiswhen work- was ing at the same Wendy’s and spreading the word about the Fast Food paignamong his Forwardwhencoworkers sayshehe cam- was unjustly fired. quis says, ifbeen he’d in a union. “I had no rights, so nothing could chance to a protecthad have would I union me.a inbeen If I’d defend myself.” After he was let go, NYCC gave him a job organizing the strike at the very restaurant that had orches helped Marquis papers. termination handed him his trate a walkout of the entire store on Nov. 29, something proud he’s of since he knows what is it like inside. grocery store came and talked to them and said, ‘Listen, we were able to do the thing. same We kept our jobs and were successful.’ I think that’s definitely what motivated them.” 6 DECEMBER 20, 2012 – JANUARY 18, 2013 THE INDYPENDENT REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK REPORTER’S tive role for the United States at COP18. States United produc role forthe tive a with starting emissions, gas house green- reducing to commit — seriously might speech acceptance night re-election his in planet” warming a of power “destructive the referencing — after Obama second-term would change. it Still, seemed plausiblethis that that skeptical was I and beginning the United from flouted Kyoto has States The emissions. carbon their reduce industrialized to nations on ob- binding ligations set that international treaty the Protocol, Kyoto 1997 the to agreement successor a establish to tries coun- 200 nearly for forum a ties (COP) is tomeant Par provide the of Conference annual Change’s Climate on vention talks. climate the in lead the take to countries Arab on calling for a march gather did hundreds though began, ence confer- the before just prison in life to sentenced was gime re- the of critical poet Qatari A forbidden. largely is protest and everything on plastered is Qatar, of emire Thani, Al Khalifa bin face Hamad Sheik pudgy of The world. the in emitter carbon capita per highest the it making archy, petro-mon- this into has flowed that wealth gas natural and to oil the thanks years 40 past the in that up sprouted had malls shopping and sterile homes trophy traf jams, fic SUV-clogged its with urb conference. climate annual 18th Nations’ United the cover to enclaves wealthiest ar- East’s Middle I the of one in rived Coast, East the hit Sandy Hurricane after month a than Less — Qatar DOHA, Feltz Renée By Inside the Doha Climate Talks lock.” Doha, titled “U.S. Carbon Billionairesin unveiled and the U.N.report Climate new Deada co-authored He Globalization. on Forum global meaningful International the of any director executive Menotti, deal,” hence said Victor and Washington hostage in hold progress Wichita from any barons oil two nation...the polluting Koch. David and Charles brothers billionaire the of influence to in the no part thanks small over ExxonMobil, taking government the as likely as about seems This sectors. transporta manufacturing and its tion as well as industry, gas shale and States oil coal, changes the to United profound requires the that treaty a head-on, to agree to change have would climate address truly To BILLIONAIRES CARBON Con- Framework U.N. The sub- American an of me reminded Doha “As the top spenders to stop climate policy in the planet’s most most planet’s the in policy climate stop to spenders top the “As - - Doha, Qatar during United Nations-sponsored negotiations on a new global treaty to reduce carbon emissions. carbon reduce to treaty global anew on negotiations Nations-sponsored United during Qatar Doha, PLANET: THE FOR A VOICE - es shape the future children will inherit,” inherit,” will children future the shape es our choic- ter that for more to people realize future. their about egates del- conference of thousands with engage to out fanned youth the day Each eyes. their in look earnest the emphasized which wearing hijabs, women several and represented), nations island many of (one Taiwan students from college of delegation a as well as Jersey, New Secaucus, from activist change climate 23-year-old a Nesheiwat, Amanda the included to Participants visit a spokescouncil. youth with mornings began my I of most plenaries, bureaucratic Skipping ACTION IN YOUTH “I don’t want to wait until another disas- another until wait to don’twant “I Arab youth lead the first-ever climate demonstration in a Gulf State on Dec. 1. The rally took place in place took rally The 1. Dec. on State Gulf in a demonstration climate first-ever the lead youth Arab - - United States. United the to imports sands tar of percent 25 about handles that nesota Min in refinery a operates already Resources, Hills Flint sidiary, has a massiveIndustries stakeKoch in seeingCoast. the projectGulf movethe forward.along Its sub refineries U.S. into by oil processed crude be to Canada, carry Alberta, would from which slurry sand tar pipeline, toxic XL Keystone the of expansion the materialize.” to policy environmental in change ful of percent 90 meaning bottom “for heconcluded, the addressed,” be to needs Americans of sway the to contrast in individuals solutions. energy fossil renewable for the subsidies deter and of industry fuel regulation environmental thwart to tanks think and This is the same conclusion drawn by activists trying to stop stop to trying activists by drawn conclusion same the is This wealthy and corporations large of influence disparate “The lobbyists through funneled is money Koch how tracked Menotti what our political masters want. It is about about is It want. masters political our what to do plea for more. impatient colleagues his of a made tearful, — Saño homeless thousands tens dead, 900 than more — toll storm growing a unusu- Amidst equator. the to close landing ally winds, hour per mile 161 with Philippines the struck — storm 5 gory cate- a — Bopha Typhoon Then making.” We’re the in History week. end the of near first the Doha. in here difference the be will youth “The tweeted, Commission, Change Climate Philippines ofthe “Yeb”part Saño, Naderev respond. to began countries some said. Nesheiwat “The outcome of our work is not about about not is work our of outcome “The As the for prospects a strong deal dimmed, - - - the planet because of that extreme concentration of power.” of concentration extreme that of because planet the save to here deals strike to unauthorized are “they report billionaires, to directly not do COP the at negotiators ar the He even hands.” that gued few too in power much too is There democracy. extreme concentration of wealth and power is what undermines take. would brothers Koch the wished he steps he what asked was disobedi he ence, civil of act an as pipe of section a inside 25-feet down had locked how activists describing After at held COP-18. Menotti Blockade, joined in via online videostream to a press conference “We don’t“We want billionaires,” Sprague replied. problem “the of Sands Tar Texas the for spokesperson a Sprague, Ramsey age to take responsibility for the future we future the for responsibility take to age to thecour- do courage so, to the found find world the year the as remembered be 2012 let and around, things turn to will political as remembered be the place where we Doha found the let Please, excuses. more no lays, de- more no Please, all: to appeal billion I people. seven earth’s of demanded is what sion. This was a trade fair.” atrade was This sion. discus- science-driven or environmental an wasn’t “This talks. Doha the of failure the to reacting Scientists, Concerned of Union the of Meyer Alden said here,” won dustry 2020. until effect take won’t agreement the urgency, of “The coal industry won here, the oil in- oil the here, won industry coal “The

LESLYE PENTICOFF where?” then here, not If when? then not now, who? If then not us, I want. ask of of all us if here, tary targets. Betraying a lack lack a Betraying volun- targets. tary for pushing nations industrialized with outlined, vaguely remains nations all that for goals emissions Platform set would Durban the called accord new A China. and States United the luters: pol- largest the by to were agreed cuts emission new no But emissions. world’s the of percent 15 for account who for the 191 countries member 8 years another was extended Fund Wildlife it up. summed World of the Smith Samantha how is down,” to opposed as up ing go- from emissions keep can which deal this in nothing is there that is truth “The mal. nor new the becoming is that turn weather extreme in the causing and planet the ing warm are that emissions bon car- in reduction any deliver to failed 18 COP Ultimately, SMOKE IN UP Yes, the Kyoto Protocol Protocol Kyoto the Yes, — Renée Feltz — Renée - - - - THE INDYPENDENT DECEEMBER 20, 2012 – JANUARY 18, 2013 7 12/12/12 5:30 PM

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dn-Indy-ad-121212.indd 1 MARVIN NALA MARVIN - - - Democracy sil fuel industry’s current reserves were burned, this would cause the carbon levels in the dioxide atmo sphere to soar to 500 parts per mil lion. This is well The significance of delaying structural billion industrialized nations pledged at the 2009 COP-15 in Copenhagenally re-purposed was aid countries actu- had already promised before. Still, put the total disbursed variousin the last few years estimates at about $30 billion. This York and comes New as Jersey requested New about $60 billion in federal aid just Hurricane to Sandy. recover from change is overwhelming. Even if just the fos beyond the current level of would 391 move ppm us and far away from the reducing goal carbon of dioxide levels to 350 ppm, to hit to scientists have whatwhich is we say likelyavoid runaway global warming. “The United States and President have to Obama answer this question Doeshe be? legacy histo want heWhat does very clearly: want his legacy to be that the United States was a country that had responsibility a and huge that actually historical stepped up to lead the rest of the world?” asked Kumi Naidoo, executive director of International, Greenpeace as the conference drew to close. “Or are a they going to send a message that U.S. democracy is best [the] democracy moneycan and buy the money that thebuys democracy is in fact oil, coal and gas. That is what is stake at here.” Renée Feltz is a Now! producer at Democracy Now! “This wasn’t an environmental or science-driven discussion. This was a trade fair,” said one observer. That is because the talks assume the es- The failure of As Claudia Salerno, the climate top nego- Meanwhile, the COP still lacks an agreed- tablishment of a global carbon credit market, as outlined in the Kyoto Protocol, as a way for polluting countries to offset emissions by their purchasing credits from those with some to spare, or from generate projects that carbon offsets, farm. suchThis market is currently asunregulated, a and wind in some cases, only impact corrupted. such schemes have had so far is About the divert to financing makingfor the transition away from fossil fuel dependence, thus locking future in increases. emission the Doha signal talks how United States and the other powerful nations put their own economic interests — which are deeply twined inter- with the existing fossil economy fuel— ahead of any desire driven to keep the planet from becoming uninhabitable. only solutions The that capitalism can entertain to the climate crisis are ones that allow for the ever-greater accumulation profits. of tiator for Venezuela puts it: “The first thing that countries need they to want to understand succeed in when this understand processthat this is is not to an environmental process.” Salerno told AT THEAT CRIME SCENE: Young activists with the“Adopt a Negotiator Project” discuss plans for monitoring the work of negotiators from each of their home countries. that developed countries “want mechanisms that will the buy allow them to to create rightcertainpollutea to to andlevelthen to exchange, among them, their rights to con- taminate the land.” upon mechanism to finance clean energy in developing countries, or even to fund poor nations already adapting curredclimate by change.the$100 of Much to damage in- 8 DECEMBER 20, 2012 – JANUARY 18, 2013 THE INDYPENDENT

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T Kane Alex By AND ASTRENGTHENED HAMAS BLACK FOR EYE ISRAEL Aftermath Assault of Gaza PALESTINE later, Israel was telling U.S. officials it was was it officials U.S. telling in was Israel later, operation year a but 22-day victory, claimed Israel the 2008–09, After 2007. in Gaza of control won movement Islamist the radically since not existed has that quo status will the change — sides be- two disparity the tween power vast the feat considering easy an — Hamas on assault massive level.” this on lost has Israel think then...I solutions, long-term achieve not and years four every society ian Palestin- pummel to is strategy Israel’s that years four again later. when And it it evident becomes to many does Israel when ears deaf on falls It fire. rocket the about thing had to Israel do some- that of sympathy sort Cast Operation Lead there During was some by responded.... this has say media the how only at looking can I And lot. a lost has a in whole, the on Erakat “Israel, but interview, phone Noura activist and rights attorney human said aggressively,” very war to go to willing he’s that demonstrating by Lead.” Cast “Operation dubbed 2008–09, in Gaza on assault deadly Israel’s of replay a is victory Pyrrhic This rule. ian authoritar- its against dissent despite tary, mili- Israeli the of might the resisted having and exposed; by day, another boosted survive will Hamas been has position regional weakened country’s the toll; death civilian political. be will solution lasting only the militarily; won be not will conflict Israel-Palestine the that reminder a It’s it hit. targets how many no matter loser, ceasefire. the announcing astatement in Netanyahu Benjamin Minister Prime raeli Is- said facilities,” control Hamas’ crushed we and Israel, central towards aimed those of most and south the which towards aimed were rockets of thousands destroyed commanders, we senior their hit “We phant. trium- sounded leaders Israeli reached, was agreement ceasefire its the when of And most targets. struck helicopters, Apache jets to F16 from ranging high- weaponry U.S. with tech armed world, the in militaries targets. 1,500 hit have to claimed IDF the eration, op- the into week A firing Israel. into militants projectiles top-level and sites launch combed force rocket for Strip Gaza air populated densely the Israeli the Jihad. Specifically, Islamic the and Hamas like groups Palestinian armed of infrastructure” rorist “ter- the by crippling civilians Israeli tecting pro- was goal stated its assault, its nounced Nov.ment 21. agree- ceasefire a with ended and 14 Nov. on al-Jabari Ahmed commander Hamas of assassination mid-November. the with began in operation The Gaza its on Cloud,” assault of latest Pillar “Operation menced vn n srcl mltr lvl Israel’s level, military strictly a on Even domestically gained perhaps “Netanyahu high the by tarnished is image Israel’s the assault outcome of this will But Israel powerful most the of one that clear It’s an- (IDF) Forces Defense Israel the When tives it set for its army when it com- it when army its for set it tives objec- military narrow the Israel achieved that doubt no be should here Israeli onslaught in November. in onslaught Israeli the during killed were children Thirty-three Gaza. in airstrike Israeli an by killed was who child MOURNING: with dire consequences for the state seems seems state the for consequences dire with of winter” the an nightmare Israeli “Islamist changed Israel’s have position in the region. While uprisings Arab the how of test major crimes. forwar accountable hold Israel immediately.” attacks aerial the to stop Israel on pressure American all, above and, European Arab, elicit to liable is residents the of12 its of all killing of the and Gaza in house bombardment the way same the in world turned operation, Israeli the against and opinion public War Lebanon Second the of face the changed 2006 July in Qana of of bombing Kafr the Israeli the results ing sacharoff noted, “Just as the pictures show launching unit. As As unit. launching rocket- Hamas’ of says head the military for meant the was that strike air Israeli an by out wiped were mem- family same Twelve the of family. bers al-Dalou the of ing civilians. all virtually injured, were 1,000 chil almost and killed were women 13 Thirty-three and dren Rights. Human for Center Palestinian the to according civilians, 103 — died including an 156 Palestinians estimated Gaza, pounding of days eight In Gaza. in toll death the by further back set be will abuses, rights and human occupation tinued by con- the undermined already democratic, and liberal as country the brand to efforts strenuous government’s Israeli The assault. this of out coming reputation international planned?” is tion successful, How morally or generation. militarily, is a war next whose repeti the for hatred of seeds sow they however, ‘mow,’ out in the the in pointed out Center Palestine the of Munayyer Yousef years,” few every groups capacity militant of the reducing of hopes the in tory terri besieged a of bombardment periodic the to refer to used idiom callous a Gaza, in re-arming. was Hamas that worried Last month’s assault was also the first first the also was assault month’s Last to efforts blocked has States United The Perhaps the most striking case is the kill- the is case striking most the Perhaps Israel’s is question military the Beyond “In Israel, they talk of ‘mowing the lawn’ lawn’ the ‘mowing of talk they Israel, “In Palestinian women react to the death of Mahmoud Raed Saddllah, a four-year-old afour-year-old Saddllah, Raed Mahmoud of death the to react women Palestinian e Yorker New Haaretz . “Each time they they time “Each . reporter Avi Is - - - - - rs wt Mhod ba, h ha of head Abbas, Authority. the Palestinian the and Fatah Abbas, Mahmoud with trast eye. new con- stronger ever a an demonstrates with Hamas Hamas to looking now world, patron. main its as Syria abandoning Arab the sweeping wave revolutionary the with lot its lead- in thrown has Hamas’ ership Spring. post-Arab position nimble and of its rational dividends reap the will part Hamas “no run, long the has in it peace,” for ner that evidence as Gaza in rule is blockade eased. permanently the whether seen be to re- it mains though cease, would leaders of Hamas assassinations Israeli that and loosened be will Gaza of the closure economic that crippling states Israel and signed Hamas agreement between ceasefire the And assault. the during leaders Arab by out sought were They politically. strengthened assault Israel’s from emerged weakened, militarily guarantor. the as acting and agreement fire cease- the broker help con- to Hamas its with tacts using by prestige did renewed Egypt garner But economy. reeling its help repair to stability regional for desire its was predicament Egypt’s Compounding other. on the Hamas on one side and States United the and Israel between carefully never been navigating has rhetoric Egypt action. drastic the into turned though East, Middle “terrorist state.” a Israel called flotilla, aid Gaza a board on Turks nine of killing 2010 Israel’s over gry an- express still minister, to Turkey’sprime solidarity. Gaza to delegations high-level sent Hamas, to sympathetic more are who Islamists revolutionary power to brought has a that process of midst the in allies U.S. longtime Tunisia, and Egypt interests. their own for albeit Middle muscles, their new flex did East the in countries overblown, And Palestinians in the West Bank are are Bank West the in Palestinians And Hamas’ use to continues Israel Although while Hamas, that there’sfact Finally, the new a of symbols powerful were These Continued on page 16 page on Continued - ANNE PAQ/ACTIVESTILLS.ORG THE INDYPENDENT DECEEMBER 20, 2012 – JANUARY 18, 2013 9 10 DECEMBER 20, 2012 – JANUARY 18, 2013 THE INDYPENDENT ANOTHER VISION OF RECONSTRUCTION TAKES ROOT BATTLE FOR THE ROCKAWAYS RECOVERY SANDY O Gottesdiener Laura By working-class, mostly people of color live, live, color of other people and mostly Casco working-class, where peninsula, the of area eastern the normalcy, enue-generating due. is rent effect; in back are — tickets accompanying inevitable the and — laws parking street running; are ses bus- school city reinstated; been have functional. Tolls become again once has storm, peninsula a the before people to home was 115,000 that Queens, of outskirts the farthest on life Hall, City minds in the stationed those In of make-believe. of Casco’s state rious cu- City, a in is York Rockaway Far in neighborhood New hurricane the into after slammed months two Almost MAKE-BELIEVE curiously, the tragedy of Hurricane Sandy. of Hurricane tragedy the curiously, event the that had him to catapulted position this was, and — life his in been he’d than power global of stage the to closer standing neigh was he Instead, Rockaway. Far Hispanic in borhood mostly working-class, his in church his at back wasn’t he demonstrated, the Press and Associated the of cameras snapping homes?” these in living How Bloomberg, Mayor youfeel, would now.... housing emergency need We home. a don’thave I home. my lost I sicker. getting asthma with people homes, these in babies two-year-old There’s problem. mold exactly did a have“We voice: low his he in declaring that, later, hour an press conference the of front the to up stepped Casco a zone. resembled war still the fiveboroughs of area one least at that to Manhattan remind apartment Bloomberg’s Mayor at ence confer- press a to way his on was he moment, when very that until up stretching Bay and Jamaica met Ocean Atlantic the nights after few a beginning weeks, five mately approxi- of span the into fit career ganizing or entire whose 22-year-old, the timidating the was jargon in- and activist phrases All technical asked. he community?’” my in on going what’s about you tell to here I’m and Rockaway? Far in church at his back would he how talk just he Couldn’t thing: center of struggles for a fair and equitable recovery. recovery. equitable and the afair for at be struggles of will center five these like groups rebuilding, to turns focus the As efforts. relief initial the in roles key played roots local deep with tions organiza community-based of number a Sandy, Occupy with Along Staff By Indypendent ADIFFERENCE MAKING ARE THAT FIVE veneer of rev- this forced, Yet, underneath Casco spoke with confidence, but, as the the as but, confidence, with spoke Casco when and agreed, car the of rest The Luis, is name my ‘Hi, like know, “You Luis Casco wanted to know one one know to wanted Casco 4, Luis Dec. on Side East Upper the to commute bumper-to-bumper the n e Yr Times York New photographers photographers - - far, they’re winning. they’re far, So part? YorkNew surprising the City. And sustainable and a more equitable builds that reconstruction post-Sandy a vision: different very a toward working grassroots are and organizers Casco like leaders munity com- however, dangers, these of face the In mighty city’s — destruction. real industry threatens estate the to Atlantic churning the towers of Rockaway,Far — force from every where housing public tall brightly-painted and bungalows the in than intense more the nowhere threats and are future current these to Hook Red coast of southern Yet, Island. Staten perhaps to Island boroughs, Coney outer from the of areas hard-hit the buy-out. (and predatory) easy quick, a offering neighborhoods canvassing lators specu- suited of sight common increasingly delayed the and closed) still is are offices post because delivery whose (letters notices rent-hike and eviction for the Rockaways: damaging the less no but subtle more toxins are Other houses. liv- mold-infested are in ing families block after block on and indefinitely, shuttered are schools capacity, Far of neighborhoods Rockaway. poorer the in are houses those of majority the — organizers on-the-ground numerous by reports to ing accord- — and Rockaways, electricity the in heat and without homes 10,000 still are there Addabbo, Joe Senator State toQueens According normal. to back not decidedly is ht nlds ay atcpns rm Oc from participants many network includes recovery that a Sandy, Occupy from organizers with collaboration In plans. ger big- making is Carter down, died has items ahand. lend —and goods receive to hundreds the by flocked Residents plates. California generator with trailer tractor solar-powered a on hauled a boots then winter Sturdy arrived, third. a then porch, bungalow adjoining an to operation her ing expand- clothes, then blankets, then food, canned out handing began She areas: fected af- the across from others of is hundreds like story Her hit. storm the after mediately im- Street 24th Beach on bungalow painted turquoise- neighbor’s her of porch front on the center distribution clothing and food a began 1982, since resident Rockaway Far a and Casco of neighbor nearby a Carter, Pat PAT CARTER hs pritn polm eit n l of all in exist problems persistent These to packed is hospital only island’s The Now that the need for these immediate immediate these for need the that Now - For more, see rhicenter.org. see more, For groups. allied other recov with efforts economic prevention and services, recovery planning and social development and training job through ery comprehensive providing on efforts recovery its focusing is RHI forward, Going water. and heat of prived and seniors of hundreds for buildings disabled de in people stranded apartment nearby high-rise lifeline a and central community a the became for hub RHI relief Sandy, Hurricane of aftermath the In adults. young to students school middle from initiatives empowerment youth of number a developed has Initiative Hook Red decade, past the Over INITIATIVE HOOK RED - Sandy is shaping up to be a two-sided con- two-sided a be to up shaping is Sandy Hurricane of aftermath the relief, immediate in FEMA like agencies federal out ing beat- ground, the on responders first the of some were groups justice social Because sis. cri- a of control take can who ones only the — aren’t speech Occupy in 1 percent, — the hurricane.) the during substantially flooded and areas adjacent highway a (The storm. highway the after Side month West Manhattan’s from blocks two ground broke which in nation, the project development private largest Yards, the Hudson the partnership to Queens public-private in Point Willets to “Park” Bridge Brooklyn from possible, as wa terfront city’s the along building luxury much as promote to been has policy land-use city’s the decades, few last the Over development. re- expensive of target primary the now are YorkTimes (as poor” for one the a “catch be basin to ceased long have coasts York City’s New since especially capitalism, for tions disaster loca prime are Rockaway Far in bungalows the like Areas — and physical both political. landscapes reshape radically to portunities Pat!” “Hey out, called alike, adults and neigh- teenagers bors, passing half-dozen a least at plans, grand her unrolled she As said. she now,” use. national energy foralternative model a into houses tiny these turn and blocks these down and up panels solar stall in- to financing find to proposal ambitious an Even bulldozing. mass avoid to order in Buildings Historic of Registry National to the bungalows the of some include to push A feasible. now looks that zone bicycle-only and a into pedestrian underpass freeway the to convert plan A pre-existing activity. gang reduce to teenagers the for programs way: under- already many initiatives, of list a off rattled Carter detective, Department Police do to need to something keep together.”the community we Now move. to want don’t we and work, disaster on work to together “A she said. Street,” lot of have people come 32nd to way the all Street] [24th here from going. mentum new a mo- recovery the keep launching to group community she’s Street, Wall cupy Yet, elites and transnational corporations corporations transnational and Yet,elites Weather-related disasters are powerful op explained. she my volunteers,” “They’re happen to able be should stuff of lot “A York New retired jolly almost upbeat, An community the organize to need “We essay described the areas), and and areas), the described essay - - For more, see caaav.org see more, For ignored. largely was Chinatown while neighborhoods hattan Man Lower upscale more into aidpoured which in 9/11 of the aftermath of repeat a avoid and to entitled are they payouts insurance and assistance relief disaster the receive neighborhood class working primarily this in businesses small work and is residents it that sure Now, make to ing followed. that outages power the and storm the by stranded residents Chinatown to CAAAV relief providing days, of center the few at was a within business to back was Street Wall While COMMUNITIES ASIAN ORGANIZING CAAAV New New - - - MUTUAL AID: MUTUAL Pat Carter of Far Rockaway started a food and clothing distribution center on her neigh- her on center distribution clothing and afood started Rockaway Far of Carter Pat ORGANIZED: GETTING bor’s front porch. Now she is mobilizing her neighborhood to fight for its long-term needs. long-term its for fight to neighborhood her mobilizing is she Now porch. front bor’s Volunteers distribute relief supplies in Far Rockaway. Far in supplies relief distribute Volunteers - - For more, see elcentronyc.org elcentronyc.org see more, For free. for drywall construct and homes gut help to island the of areas hard-hit to out fanned have members Since Centro El employers. hit, Sandy Hurricane unscrupulous against workers defending and es a providing includingrange languageof English services cours night it with grown has Centro El Richmond-based Port the and years cent re in steadily grown has population immigrant Latino Island’s Staten INMIGRANTE DEL CENTRO EL

KISHA BARI LAURA GOTTESDIENER hood’s perpetual needs. hood’s perpetual neighbor the meet also but resources away washed- the replace only not would that one reconstruction, progressive a envisioning are who those and privatize to order in crisis the on capitalize would who those between test s h tra o ms dis mass of threat the as Meanwhile, areas. astated to homes or — land in dev title the hold to dividual, in an than rather group, community a allow that community structures — trusts land create potential to the cussing dis began country the around from organizers housing hitting, storm eastern peninsula. of the side the on groups mental health counseling peer and clinics free ing creat ground, the on pen hap change the are making others and Caliendo however, change, legislative Caliendo said. now,” right crisis we wouldn’t be having a health cuts. from death to bleeding or stairwells darkened from down falling some like injuries hit, post-storm storm the since have died residents Rockaway eight least at far so that say reports Official medication. their without weeks going addicts recovering or as bipolar, schizophrenic, ready diagnosed al people house), the leaving of (fear phobia agora the growing depression, course, illnesses: of mental then, And respiratory tetanus. distress, mold, hypothermia, concerns: own. of its clinics mobile the of side western to — the city island two spurred create which the on clinic health for YANA Rockaways the established already the network This weeks. in professionals care health and doctors volunteer alongside ing organiz been now has Caliendo College, cal Medi Cornell of department geriatrics the in A who reverend clinics,” worked Caliendo. Mary said to access and about healthcare talking universal be to time perfect a is “This ALL FOR HEALTHCARE Within a week of the the of week a Within Instead of waiting plan, we had “If a single-payer for health top her list to begins Caliendo - - the cost of repairs to boilers and other infrastructure in the form of of form the in increases. rent illegal infrastructure other hasn’t and boilers on to still passing repairs of from power cost and the landlords heat prevent to whose working also is It people restored. been assisting while needs Sandy post- their about business small and residents surveying currently is GOLES River. East the along houses NYCHA the in living people dis abled or elderly were whom of many residents neighborhood hard-hit for many years. After the storm, it channeled emergency has supplies helpedGOLES to to lead theorganization, fight against gentrificationpreservation and of the Lowerhousing East Side neighborhood A (GOLES) SIDE EAST LOWER OLD GOOD ------For more, see goles.org. see more, For

S Y A W A K C O R E H T B R O - O K - - - - - L Y N is ing public hous the and there, still are bungalows The demolished. being from towers housing public and galows bun of stretches prevent to Rockaway Far of area very this in fights including — past the in to prevent displacement struggles and land housing havethere of dozens been successf-ul demolition. and eviction to stop paign cam a of part now is and hit day storm the the after since Rockaways the in working been has who organizer community a Ibanez, ego of the people,” fend interests the best said Di city- of property. owned especially takeovers, land or home vacant and tactics anti-eviction using about speaking begun have some in, sets placement stopped. was it “And city, estate real a is York New Although de to way key a be will defense “Eviction

people. 128,000 another house to developed becould lots empty andpeople real latest has PTH’s estate victims, census shows storm empty buildings for in available the city could housing houseaf 72,000 fordable little is there claims Bloomberg Michael Mayor While storm. the before system shelter city’s the in living were who people 47,000 the to addition in comes which Yorkers New 40,000 estimated an placed demand is group the Now, Hurricane dis Sandy ing after talks seat table atduring the recovery housing. that the affordable to in lots converted be empty and could buildings vacant of number the on ports has Homeless released annual the re years Picture few past the For HOMELESS THE PICTURE Q U

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S know they’re going to find opposition.” opposition.” to find going they’re know they where territory in meddle to start before they pause people estate real the of gives some it that certain I’m “But continued. he reverberate,” things but these lot, a like seem Estate Real al Glob Confronts Planning Community Sale: of author the and College, Hunter at planning and affairs urban of sor profes a Tom Angotti, explained there,” still enhl, o a omnt ta rarely that community a for Meanwhile, not may it things of scope broad the “In . ROCKAWAY FAR Continued on page 16 page on Continued New York for for York New - - - -

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THE INDYPENDENT INDYPENDENT THE 11 DECEEMBER 20, 2012 – JANUARY 18, 2013 2013 18, JANUARY – 2012 20, DECEEMBER MIKAEL TARKELA 12 DECEMBER 20, 2012 – JANUARY 18, 2013 THE INDYPENDENT PEOPLE POWER PEOPLE T YotamBy Marom Time to Go on the Offensive City Hall. City to and WallIsland in Staten Street borhoods neigh- blue-collar the and Beach Rockaway on the bungalows projects, the Island Coney of heart the beast where it — originates from to have we from the wherefight powertake is felt game, to the the of rules the and say change a have really to want we If tance. tential to make the shift from relief to resis away there. far from far, decisions make ful power- the because mistake, a is too, That, exploitation. their from profit who few the from many the separate that ghettos the in city, the around color of neighborhoods communities poor and the in communities, our in — felt most is it where power fight to inclined we’re Similarly, it. stop to late too often that’s but out, carried being is it when ways wanted. al- they’ve hotels luxury and condos fancy the with projects housing bunga- moldy and flooded lows replace to crisis of period this use to hoping circling, still are vultures the Occupy And service. active in hubs from Sandy,fewer emails mass the reading ple moment. peo- fewer the volunteers, fewer now are seize There to need we and again, close soon will opened have that portunity from your phone to [email protected] or call (888) 803-9856 to record your story. story. your record to 803-9856 (888) call or [email protected] to phone your from future.” the for vision your communicating also while community, your in happening what’s of story real the telling in you support to hope We volunteers. recovery tives of Hurricane Sandy and its aftermath through the experiences of community members and stories their told far thus have who project. the through residents of hundreds the of one Island, said Coney in can’t,” Prince those but Derek replaced be can else everything because time... your deserve focus, your recover to neighborhoods. our rebuild and efforts the and Sandy hurricane about documentary participatory a is Storyline Sandy STORY? SANDY YOUR WHAT’S There’s still a bit of time and a ton of po- of ton a and time of bit a still There’s power fight to inclined usually We’re y! ay d h t r i B Happy To see and hear stories and learn how to participate, visit sandystoryline.com. visit participate, to how learn and stories To hear and see Using any phone or mobile device you can contribute a story; send a picture or text message narra underreported many the sharing are “We Falcone, Rachel co-producer to According deserve that things the ...are memories the that was it storm, the from thing one learned I “If urcn Sny Wnos f op- of Windows Sandy. Hurricane offense. agood is defense best he It’s been almost two months since since months two almost been It’s - olcin y h ct gvrmn. Opera- government. city the by collection reduced of because ex-garbage of levels experiencing treme was color, of people ing work overwhelmingly Bedford-Stuyvesant, of population of neighborhood the Brooklyn growing rapidly Op- The Sweep. called Clean was eration what organize helped ity turf. their on where about also it’s when; about just not it’s But LOCATION, LOCATION place? their in built be will what is, question The minutes. within cough you make they moldy so walls with homes in or buildings, one should project have to live in prison-like should no be down; knocked buildings those before to bet on In that. it’s some cases, true, battles many too lost we’ve but them, verse re- to enough strong be we’ll Maybe made. been already have will decisions the place, the come contractors to build condos in their and Rockaways, the in bungalows the down contracts. the get they that to ensure can they everything doing there out already are developers disaster-capitalist The piece pie. ofthe big a get will they confident are ings meet- unpublicized in investors Street Wall The future. near the in redevelopment into poured be will that money federal of sums thinking already about is how it is to going enormous the spend government city The TIMING THE IN ALL n 92 te oges f ail Equal- Racial of Congress the 1962, In knock to come bulldozers the time the By . We have to fight on our terms, but terms, our on fight to have We . —Laura Gottesdiener —Laura PAID ADVERTISEMENT - - ment buildings that always seem to be a to bitbe seem always that buildings ment find initmight byatthesitting city govern heat need still who those and Hall City of steps the on protest the in dumped Rockaways in bungalows the of walls see rotting soon the could we think I victims, storm demands. long-term and short- both with a off campaign Authority,ing kicking Hous YorkCity New the of headquarters the at 27 Nov. on residents Hook Red by held demonstration the also Consider fices. of high-rise their in powerful lurk where decision-makers Street, Wall on the right of scene crime: the at firmly feet its planted it since that justice one, economic for movement good a was a is itself Street Wall Occupy opponents: our to fight the taking Hall. ough Bor Brooklyn’s of steps the on it dumped and trucks collection garbage the by over skipped been had that garbage the all with trucks loaded members community — cate repli to one good closely, a be might read this because and — actions provocative more their of one In be. that Bed-Stuy powers the to from struggle the take to effort community-wide a was Sweep Clean tion From attending meetings of outraged outraged of meetings attending From of examples relevant other are There - - - - - o mc o i; h Glmn ah head Sachs Goldman the it; of much too haveto seem always that places the from it take to decide will back power their want that nizers, soon enough the whothousands - locals-turned-community-orga and angry moms by said was it because I sure, for And know languishing. left has city the prop erties vacant the in it find might housing emergency who need people And us. facing when cold too but inside the on warm too of this article was originally published published originally version was on Wagingnonviolence.org. at article longer found this be of A can writing ForLouderDays.net. his San and Occupy dy, in active is Marom Yotam too. swords and yes, plowshares, — multi-task to learn to have to going We’reway. their on still are bulldozers the that forget not let’s But ery. recov genuine a for groundwork the lay to began and needs, immediate meet help to crisis in communities joined on gloves, put it work plowshares; into swords its turned to start. place agood be might dark was York the New of half while storm through the of night generators on ran that quarters When Hurricane Sandy hit, Occupy Occupy hit, Sandy Hurricane When - - - - - DONDIJ THE INDYPENDENT DECEEMBER 20, 2012 – JANUARY 18, 2013 13

For more information visit: sps.cuny.edu/laborchange or call 212.642.2055

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PLACE YOUR YOUR PLACE INDYPEN 14 DECEMBER 20, 2012 – JANUARY 18, 2013 THE INDYPENDENT gas wealth. gas and oil for potential the to compare cannot value their miners), artisanal conscripted of thousands involve and huge are industries (these be might ores mineral other and diamonds coltan, of pillage the valuable how matter no However, Congo. eastern of resources Rwanda valuable mineral the from and profit efforts to Uganda the of from derived them with associated pillaging and murders rapes, the sponse. re- the impunity and rule the was insecurity endemic; was Rape countries. in neighboring asylum dis- sought or internally placed were more irregular Millions bands. by marauding capture and executions summary from as from the resulting war as well disease or starvation to were due deaths these of Many tripled. almost has number this 2004 Since deaths DRC. the in violent died people million 3.8 some 2004, April Congolese. lion mil- 50 of lives the affected directly and nations African have involved nine Maniema) Congo and Kivu South eastern and (North in mainly centered wars, These nonexis institutions. or civil tent failing with country and unmanaged rich very a in living for price the paid have who Congolese, of millions of deaths the 1995. caused have Congo since eastern in war wars The of state virtual a in been T Busch K. Gary By RESOURCE WARS IN THE HEART OF AFRICA U.S.-BACKED PROXY ARMIES DRIVE Congo’sAgony in addition to the substantial reserves in in reserves Tanzania. in discovered gas the and substantial Uganda the to discovery, addition Kenyan in the with future energy better a on count Com- can forming now African munity East The DRC. the and da Ugan in discoveries recent following oil boom, the African great the become join to has country latest Kenya region. northern remote Turkana the in deposit oil large a months, two in discovery oil profitable ond 1980s. late the per 25 than more by since 100 by percent gas and cent more than grew Africa in reserves oil observed Fund Development African the and Union African African the the Bank, Development by report joint of A gas. findings and oil new substantial and frequent world’smost the has Africa years. nine the last in exploration of area world’s important the most been have Africa Central in and East oil in industries gas discovered and oil The Oil Uganda. Heritage 2009, In DISCOVERIES GAS AND OIL EMPIRE Initially, these wars and and wars these Initially, and 1998 August Between n a 21, ey anucd t sec- its announced Kenya 2012, May In Republic of the Congo (DRC) has has (DRC) Congo the of Republic includes that Rwanda and Uganda, the Democratic territory African he Child soldiers have played an important role in the long-running war in the Democratic Republic of Congo, lives. of Congo, of millions Republic claimed has which Democratic the in war long-running the in role important an played have soldiers Child KILL: TO TRAINED - - - been made by Tullow Oil and Heritage Oil. Heritage by Tullow and made Oil been have discoveries oil major where Uganda in Graben Albertine the of extension southern the is and DRC the and Rwanda straddles which Graben, gas Kivu East and the in oil concession 627-square-mile the to rights exploration exclusive holds Vanoil Africa. of Lakes Great of the component interesting very but small a it making Valleys, Rift can Afri- the of leg western the in lake bearing gas- unique a is Kivu Lake border. da-DRC the on Rwan- Kivu Lake beneath oil finding in re- success Canada’s ofVanoil been has the gion in finds gas and oil of result flicted conflict. the in ita stake has Nonetheless gas. and oil the with DRChas collaborated in extracting and conflict the in role any avoided largely has Tanzania Burundi. and Tanganyika, Zambia, zania, Tan- Lake DRC, the with border a shares beneath which found been patrolled. ily the between two national place armies and the border is heav taken have it; control skirmishes to insurgencies various the ing fund- been has and oil the all wants Uganda and lake. the of middle the Uganda down runs DRC the between border The Albert. Lake of seabed Albert the in the located were in Graven finds Africa Uganda in The destruction wake. Central its and war and brought only Eastern has on smiled Somalia. in fields oil and gas large are also There Community. African East the in membership for applied has reserves, oil large its with Sudan, South In March 2007, the governments of the the of governments the 2007, March In con- and contentious most the Perhaps also have reserves gas and oil Extensive that fortune good the Unfortunately, - h nrhr soe f ae iu o com- to Kivu Lake of shore northern on the Gisenyi at developers and experts lake assembled the with met Rwanda and DRC They continued They to continued rape and and pillage com- diaspora). Tutsi Kagame’s of part were and Congo eastern in lived Tutsiwho (the lenge communications. and Thiswas particularly trueof the Banyamu training weapons, with DRC to the in began armies they surrogate support lapse brief a After impunity? such with DRC the of wealth mineral to the conquer struggle their renew can they now feel and that Namibians, Angolans ans, Zimbabwe the DRC, de- the by battle in soundly feated were and power from Kabila invaded the DRC in 1998 to remove Laurent Why do Rwanda whose armies and Uganda, RULES IMPUNITY methane. buried the for partner gas competent a seek Vanoil with to and exploit to the oil reserves plans and movement M23 the its in surrogates through Goma over taken recently It has lake. the of side other the of control ing lake’s Rwanda to by seeks alter this tak- resources. the of development the control will formed being authority bilateral the which by guide the and lake the on regulations of basis the form now Kivu Lake of velopment de- the for Prescriptions Management involved. The countries the between equitably resources the and definition also that but share lake, to the degassing of means est saf- the to define necessary were regulations These explode. these could lake whole to the rules, adherence strict Without re- gas serves. Kivu’s environmentally Lake of and exploitation sound safe of and regulations rules the define to initiative an mence - - hs epotto to te om f pil- of form groups murder. rape ofand Most these lage, the took exploitation whose militias and warlords by controlled became signed. were war, the ed end- supposedly which Accords, Lusaka the like agreements peace when even continued wealth mineral and human its DRCand the of exploitation This diamonds. and coltan producing bands, marauding to their for work Kivus the of miners artisanal the pelled that is, to restart the 1998 war. That is a dif a is That question. ferent war. 1998 the restart to is, that DRC; entire the over take to going are they that announced have rebels M23 the cause be- resurfaced only has It for years. agendas Union’s African and U.N. ofthe back the to It was in. com- pushed it believes pretends munity world the right human every almost of violation daily the with dealing in ralysis control. to supposed are they bands marauding of the those from indistinguishable often are actions their as the DRC adds to of the fears the population, in and sent presence home. prosecuted Their havebeen Some pillaging. and murder rape, peace many were in engaged fact, of MONUSCO keepers the In Congolese. the for hope limited offers name scheme the This MONUSCO. in of supporting rebels covertly the are against they fight the coordinate to rvd, t ra epne o h US tax- U.S. the to expense great at provide, They Africa. Central and East in initiatives military U.S. of aegis the by covered are da Rwan- and Uganda of governments the that is years has six last horrors the for unabated of continued catalogue this reason The STATES UNITED THE OF ROLE THE Instead of warring armies, eastern Congo eastern armies, of warring Instead h wrd em t b i a tt o pa- of state a in be to seems world The

RHFC.ENOUGHDEV.TECHPROGRESS.ORG relying on Rwandan troops troops Rwandan on (2) and relying outing; officers first the French on two rebels the killed because city the leave to refused encamped and Ituri at which military, French the on at beginning the relying (1) were of success lack their for built- reasons in the of im- Two not pressive. is record track Its (MONUSCO). Congo the of Republic Democratic the in Mission Stabilization zation Organi- Nations United the as DRC of the in teams peacekeepers had has Nations protected. are atrocities continuing the for responsible most people The impunity. with operate They Uganda. for same the do ers Oth- Congo. the of rape ing continu Rwanda’s for leaf fig a provide Bosco These Ntanganda. or like Nkunda warlords Laurent military el” “reb- have backing dans been Rwan- The exported. is that wealth the in trade physical the handle which ernments, gov- Ugandan or Rwandan the either with affinities have Theoretically, the United United the Theoretically, - - - The Indypendent DECEember 20, 2012 – JANUARY 18, 2013 15 ------). ). ali, M M ICO R auritania, M ritain and smaller B Continued on page 16 arines and Special Forces, M urkina Faso, Niger, B A typicalannualA thebuildingOp is block Algeria, Europeancontingents fromGermany, Spain and the Netherlands.with military representation included African countries units from France and The latter organizes phemistically African called armies, “cooperative eu partner ships,” to conduct neocolonial wars based onbilateral agreements as well as “multilat linkseral” withOrganizationthe African of Unity. eration Flintlock exercises, in which African U.S.,and European military forces com bine to engage in a series of multinationalmilitary exercises designed to foster and de velop international security cooperation in North and West Africa. The latest exercises were part of the Terrorism Partnership (TSCTP) and Trans-Sahara includ Counter- ed 600 U.S. strategists, with the backing of both liberal and neoconservative members of Congress, moved to centralize and coordinate a mili tary policy on a continent-wide basis, form ing the African Command (AF ------ush ush B B wan R ush, 15 military B eagan and the first etween 1992 and 2000, R B ost of the U.S. African outreach is Clinton intervened in Liberia, Gabon, M were recorded, though and large-scale clandestine proxy military pervasive. Under operations were (1980–91), military (1980–91), intervention accelerated to eight overt operations, not counting the large-scale clandestine “special forces” and proxy wars in southern Africa. Clinton Under regime, the militarized intervention in Africa took off. the United States conducted 17 armedcursions, including in a large-scale invasion of Somaliaandmilitary backing thefor dan regime. troubled up Sierra prop andCongoLeone to regimes. He bombed the patched Sudan military and personnel dis clientsassaulting to proxy Soback Ethiopia to Kenya and malia. Under George W. interventions took place, mainly in Central and East Africa. disproportionally built on to client military military chiefs. The links Pentagon has military ties with 53 African countries (in cluding Libya prior to the current attack). Washington’s efforts to and militarize turn its Africa armies into ies protecting proxy property mercenar and fighting terror ists were accelerated after 9/11. The administration announced Africa in was a “strategic 2002 priority in that fighting terrorism.” Henceforth, U.S. foreign policy

------e R ali. aghreb hodesia attalion. M R B obutu’s gov obutu’s M C, Larry Devlin of the CIA R PLA forces in Angola, it sent M orocco, Libya and Djibouti, to M command relies on Uganda and ice, who became the United States’ M ), which combines drug and diamondanddrugcombines which ), R M ICO etween the mid-1950s and the end of the of etweentheendand themid-1950s C, Somalia, the Sudan, Ethiopia, So R The United States has been at war in One of the largest of these bases was at Today Today the U.S. battle in North Africa According to a U.S. Congressional B R wanda to carry out its missions in East main supporter of the anti-Kabila alliancewhenshewasassistant secretary state of for Africa, now defends the two with a passion theat U.N. Africa since the 1950s — D in Angola, the ghanistan and elsewhere Africa. in The United the States gives them Horn arms, of equipment, training, air support, cash and immunity for their gross violations man of hu rights of theirAF neighbors. The U.S.R and Central Africa. The U.N. ambassador, Susan payer payer and at a high level of reward Museveni to the and Kagame for clans, the U.S. the surrogate army. Their troops soldiers fight for the United States in Somalia, Af arms and equipment to the UNITA opposi malia, name but a few countries.the United In States has most financed, cases armed supervised and indigenous forces. In its support of the anti- tion. In the D was an unofficial ministerof and German, French, Portuguese and other troops.NATO Wheelus Field, just east of Tripoli,During the Libya.Korean War, Wheelus was used by the U.S. Strategic Air Command (SAC), later becoming a primary training for ground NATO forces. Wheelus became a vital link in SAC war plans for use as a bomber, tanker refuelling and The United States recon-fighter left in 1970. Another base.gi ant base was Kagnew Field in Asmara, Er itrea, home to the U.S. Army’s 4th Detach theSecond of ment Signal Service (AQI Kagnew Station became home for more thanmore Kagnewfor becameStationhome 5,000 U.S. citizens during the 1960s. Kag new Station operated until April 1977. 29, is with Al Qaeda in the Islamic ernment; the United States ran its own force air in the Congo. U.S. airmen supported the South African forces in Kwando, Doppies Fort and Encana bases in regionNamibia. of theseAt thebases couldone Caprivi also find soldiers from southern smuggling with terrorist acts. has required This a lot battle of troops on the ground as advisers and trainers, as well as teams of DEA agents across West Africa. The United States is preparing to sustain andthe support soldiers who will seekMuslim fundamentalist to extremists in M remove the searchService StudypublishedNovemberin Washington 2010, has dispatched anywhere between hundreds and combat troops and dozens several of fighterplanes thousand andwarships buttress to clientdictatorships or to unseat adversarial regimes in dozens of countries, almost on a yearly basis. The record shows that U.S. armed forces inter inAfricavened times thecurrent 47 to prior endeavor. 1970s, only four overt military operations 16 DECEMBER 20, 2012 – JANUARY 18, 2013 THE INDYPENDENT f re rssac wl lo mr entic- more look will resistance model armed Hamas’ of Bank, West the the in on ground apparent more becomes And that effort. once the blocked States United because the failed bid U.N. year’s last how to similar ground, the on anything change not factions. Palestinian rival the reconcile to push found new- a of part as efforts his backed Hamas and bid, his in successful was Abbas state. a “non-member” as accepted to be Palestine to November in Nations push for United the to went WestBank, the in activities Hamas’ suppressed has and support Euro- financial and pean U.S. on depends regime whose 8 page from Continued Gaza press downtown a At back. power some work. organizing their of focus greater a be can — effects lethal its movement global to and stop change climate — to a justice howconsider together climate nine for to come were planning storm, the assistance after days medical and supplies food, distributed which Manhattan, in Side East Lower Old Good the as such advocacy groups, long-established city, the And hous across free. for wall neighbors’ dry constructing and gutting es expertise, struction con- their volunteering were center, day laborer a Centro, El from workers Island, immigrant Staten In Authority. Housing City to by treatment fairer demand the New marches York and meetings were community hosting residents housing public Hook, Red In city: the across spread had Sandy ricane Hur- to response community-led The sive. offen- first its launched city the 6, Dec. On CITY THE ACROSS hand.’” at situation the fix can we so house up out of that ‘Step people, own our telling about be to has also ...This slums. the or ghetto the it’s like Rockaway Far at looks “Everyone explained, woman able to accomplish. are themselves residents the neighbor- what of and the hood of perception the changing about also funding is work The programs. or social for clinics health new of numbers concrete in measured just isn’t recovery the ter.” bet- Rockaways the three make to will it two but years, take to going is This ... ties. activi- school after centers, pro- care day grams, breakfast about is “This on Street, church 38th Gertrude’s St. at meeting hood projects. of long-term funding the rect di to council budgeting participatory the to that have been put aside over be turned will funds donated in $612,000 Sandy’s Occupy of some But receive. to expects it funds tion reconstruc- federal in dollars of billions of the any funneling to commit to yet has city decisions make The allocated. is to about howfunding outside slated is hit, storm the since work recovery doing been have who organizers and leaders community of prised formed —a newly included not condos exclusive of creation the — investment sees 11 page from Continued The Rockaways But the success of the U.N. bid will likely likely will bid U.N. the of success the But take to city the for short, in time, was It one at At St. the meeting Gertrude’s, same Rockaway, Far in leaders young other For neighbor- recent a at said Casco Luis As com- council, budgeting participatory - - lished on Alternet.org. on lished pub- originally was article this of version A a reinvigorated Hamas is no victory for Israel. ing. with Dealing a changed Middle East and butstate, its position region the in is chang quo status is a back. Israel powerful remains when pain.” feel is they group Palestinian a to talk they’ll time only the that world the to proved they is suffered Israel loss biggest the email. “Ironically, an in ex- Hamas, had with has contacts tensive who Arafat Yasir to advisor former and historian a Perry, Mark wrote one,” no with meets everything, offers who Abbas] for nickname [the Mazen Abu table. the to Israel get you how of one, painful albeit a model, a provided has “Hamas ing. this — is.” really threat a big how and — portunity op- an big how community, conceptualize a even can’t we as that, is now right Sandy limitations. mental own community’s the it’s recovery; city’s the heading VP Sachs isn’tGoldman a brokers. power city’s the from away stops few subways a only display on are inaction ef- of the fects while the all — justice climate justice and economic for struggle the combine said. he York New sustainable?” make City to opportunity an into disaster a make we can ow We’re model. asking: alternative and the making We’re storm]. gentrification a [after privatization displacement, there’s where model Orleans New post-Katrina the located. is housing low-income in where low-lying areas public and ticularly par frequent, more ever be will predict tists scien- that crises climate-related future the less to prepared respond to and recover from make neighborhoods which these will nities, commu- poorest city’s the in social, and cal mea physi- both austerity that infrastructure, the weaken sures explained (VOCAL-NY) Leaders & Activists Community of Voices have expected. could few that way a in humanizes battle policy that financial the relationship a — services social to cuts cliff fiscal to and austerity campaigns stop the to effort Sandy reconstruction the uniting own: their of trick term Mayor’s arsenal. the in weapons stored-away the as air the in floated — areas hardest-hit the in ulations reg- corporate and laws labor to suspending partnerships public-private as roads tunnels rebuilding and from everything include written, has Klein Naomi as which, — als propos- behind-the-scenes lobbyists’ dustry in- The waterfront. city’s the for plan ment redevelop- on luxury his doubled-down also Bloomberg effort. recovery Sandy long-term city’s the of head the be would Sachs, man Gold- at team investment infrastructure the a that nounced Marc Ricks, vice president in an- Bloomberg Michael Mayor conference, and airborne pollutants. To them, the solu- the Tothem, pollutants. airborne and say it’slikely aof result officials mold health Public choking.” “slight a as television on ing of type cough that one resident described hack- dry a has Rockaways the now, Right COUGH ROCKAWAY THE Israel’s assault on has Gaza ended, and the around problem biggest our think “I mind, his in challenge, biggest the And to is explained, he goal, long-term The is now have we system economic “The at organizer lead a Saunders, Jeremy long- a have organizers community But - - - phenomenon, the question of how much to much how of question the phenomenon, change. climate to global lated re was storm the thought surveyed those of percent 69 that found College Siena by poll A Sandy. Hurricane of severity the to hu contributed emissions that energy man-created think overwhelmingly New Yorkers good. for Rockaways the submerge cli future eventually may all: that disasters mate-related of crisis health public est Americans. white emit 20 percent less per carbon than person nationally, average that on Americans, fact African the despite use, energy city’s massive the to related toxins the of more to residents these exposing color, of munities dispropor low-incomecom in tionatelyconcentrated are sites pollution City, York New Across opened.) recently field new (A field. neighborhood no was there football because play to used children it the after closed, where, 30s the in site dump bage Rockaway and gar now-inactive the and Boulevard Beach Street 47th at depot MTA bus the as such pollution-generating neighborhood, the in or sites waste of impact health long-term the about also concern residents express Meanwhile, island. the on hospital remaining one only Boule leaving vard, Beach Rockaway and Street 50th Beach at located Hospital, Peninsula tered shut Department Health State York New the when Sandy, before began care health fronts. work multiple on should recovery for model” “alternative an that way the ing demonstrat disasters, and future justice tal environmen cuts, budget together is tie sues underlying the but impact, immediate storm’s the of vocalization the is called, is it as cough,” “Rockaway the leaders, local tion includes face masks and bleach. But for Unlike his father, President Laurent-Désiré Laurent-Désiré President father, his Unlike nation. of a united support of the bereft and leader, current its vacillating that is weak, Kabila, Joseph President fact the with lies difficulties DRC’s the of many of root The WEAKNESSES DRC’S THE DRC. over the to take try do actually they unless problems major face will two these that unlikely is it so and AFRICOM, by needed are armies their er, Howev- DRC. the in civilians of thousands killed have armies proxy whose Rwanda, of Kagame Paul despot, African favorite its of crimes, these just as itpractices was aware of barbaric the in participation Museveni’s DRC. the in sources re natural plundering for Council Security U.N. the by implicated been has He official. military high-ranking a was he that, Before microfinance. for state of the minister Ugandan was he Formerly, matters. military on derer and advisor to the ofPresident Uganda plun- thief, resource dealer, drug launderer, is a Saleh money Salim Saleh. Salim General Yoweribrother, of is his President Museveni of worldthe of rest and a role the good indicator the and Uganda between in relations actors the key the of one Africa Central In KAGAME AND MUSEVENI Mo- and rocco. Tunisia Senegal, Chad, Nigeria, 15 page from Continued Congo Given the growing acceptance of this this of acceptance growing the Given great the there’s course, of then, And lack The ofto and physical access mental The U.S. government was fully aware of aware fully was government U.S. The ------derwater. submerge will un that peninsula Rockaways ofthe half about least increase at rise an will feet, seas 2.6 the century that this predict within Scientists contested. is ways - Rocka the like areas low-lying on rebuild lne vrin f hs ril ws origi- Pambazuka.org. on was published nally article this of version longer A ocnus.net relations tional interna- of journal news web-based the publisher of and editor the is Busch K. Gary continent. for the professes it constantly ues val- the to disgrace a is nothing saying and its hands of policy ington’s wringing Wash-current Kagame. and Museveni humanitarian by any impulse circumvent will nesses busi gas and oil the in made be to buck fast a of lure the region, the in by States United the imposed being contingency With- stern DRC. a out eastern in peace chance establish a to is there perhaps then against humanity, crimes for prosecution to immune not are they that Uganda indicate and Rwanda in and surrogates military its to positive restrain something do actually to bring itself can States United the If politics. again. can Afri- regional for intervene disaster a be well would This may invaders dan Rwan- and Ugandan the against war last its no better. looks future Their independence. after hope of od peri brief a following years, many for ously griev suffered have DRC the of citizens The vulnerable. is country the so these, supply able to not been has government Kabila The and to the materials engage with its enemies. purpose a discipline, needs army The army. many in has alienated the national weakness That beliefs. of core set a without and lative of the DRC, Joseph is seen as aloof, manipu- Kabila, who the commanded loyalty of much Park Press. Home Call to of author the A Dream Foreclosed: is The and Fight for Street a Place with Wall organizer Occupy an is Gottesdiener Laura We’re party.” party. to have abeach going City. So we’re not going to have just a block York New in beaches nicest the of one got directions. four all from said, she ing, flow and house her front in wall concrete the up feet two about rising storm, the of night the on street her up surged had which Ocean, Atlantic the was away, block a than less her, Behind bungalow. her from street the across standing said, she party,” beach organization neighborhood pre-Sandy. possible have been never would of type that this explained She said. she them,” other with each help then and are needs else’s organized. was effort relief immediate the that way same the in challenges long-term a network to creating horizontal respond to neighborhood, the of rest the with mation infor that share will captains block those needs; family’s every knowing with tasked co-captain a and captain a have will block each plans: concrete Rockaway, making Far is Carter in Pat Street 24th Beach On of future promising. looks surprisingly the peninsula short-term the least at bungalows, Yet, from the front ofporches the surviving SURPISINGLY PROMISING The countries that supported the DRC in in DRC the supported that countries The Continuing her thoughts she said, “We’ve “We’ve said, she thoughts her Continuing a have we’ll summer this then “And everyone what see can everyone hope “I , forthcoming,Zuccotti from ------

THE INDYPENDENT DECEEMBER 20, 2012 – JANUARY 18, 2013 17 - Godin (Spring 2013, Univer- IN SERVICE TO OTHERS SERVICE IN I was thinking of this question recently Every time I step foot in one of these If there were a sudden, Tahrir-like popu- If the idea of occupying symbolic public Through religion, again and again, peo- When I stop by the Occupy Sandy hub Anyone who has been around Occupy

really were to happen in the United States? What would be the outcome? while on an unrelated reporting mission at a massive evangelical Christian megachurch near the Rocky Mountains. Severalsand thou- (mostly people were there all of that white, ages. day, They upper-middle-class) had come back after Sunday morning vices ser-anfor afternoon series talks of phi-on thanpeoplemoreattend far your — losophy average Occupy action. places,strikes radicalsit they put how me in the United States to shame. These churches organize real, life-giving mutual aid as the basis of an independent political discourse and power base. Church membership is far larger, for instance, than that of unions inthis country. lar uprising right now, with riots in all thinkthe but that help can’t forth,I so citiesand it would be organizations like the church I went to that would come out taking power in the end, even more so than they already do — just as the Islamists in have Egypt. space was the Egyptians’ first lesson for Oc cupy Wall Street, this is the second: Win religion before over beats it out. you ple in the United States have organized for power. Religion is also the means by which many imagine and work for a world more just than this one. Just about every successful popular movement in U.S. historyhad to has recognize this, from Revolution to labor, and the from civil rights to American today’s campaigners for marriage equality — and Occupy. now near my house — the Episcopal church St. of Luke and St. Matthew — and mayhem join of the volunteers carrying boxes way this and that, and poke my head upper into room the full of line laptops inOccupiers see andand table, long organizersa around for communion at Sunday services, I AlcoholicsAnonymous’12-thinking how keep of step program ends. The 12th step is where you cap off all the self-involved inner work beenyou’ve doing, and get over yourself for a bit, and heal yourself by helping someone else. Wall Street during the year since its eviction need in been has it knows ZuccottiPark from of healing. Whether through flood-soaked churches,oron the debt market, this is how Occupy movement has always been best,mostexciting,andits most nec-andits at its essary: When it shows people how to ownbuild strengthentheir to and power, own their communities, this movement finds itself. Nathan Schneider is an editor at nonviolence.org Waging- andauthoristhe of Proof: The Story of a Search from the An- cients to the Internet sity of California Press).Visit his website at TheRowBoat.com. LYNNE FOSTER LYNNE , magazine ancien ancien regime Adbusters Among many U.S. activists even today, While Tahrir Square was still full tentsof though, and nearly two years after crowds first filled Tahrir, neither revolt very much resembles its origins. The Egyptian lution, first Revo- provoked by tech-savvy young activists, has now been hijacked as a coup for the Muslim Brotherhood, a conservative religious party; its only viable challenger is none other than Mubarak’s minus only meanwhile, Mubarak has lost its himself. encampments and, despite Occupy, whatever evidence there contrary,mostitsenemies of in deempower is to the longerno it a threat. thedreamcreating of Tahrir-sized a rupture inthis country persists finally of — drawing enough people into the streets and causing enough trouble to make Wall Street cower. ifsomethingwhatBut thescaleon Tahrir of March on Wall Street,” the idea that led to call becomewouldwhat their 2011, 13, July to #occupywallstreet. More than a year after the occupation at Zuccotti Park began, were already imagining a “Million Man yet. Occupy Wall Street has learnedthe Egyptian from Revolution before, and even now, if accident, by is it doing so again. and tanks, and Hosni Mubarak was still in power, the editors of The Rolling Jubilee idea has been hugely This newfound access to religious real The religious groups jumped at the chancethe at jumpedreligiousThegroups launch. Occupy Catholics (of which I am a part) took the opportunity to Catholic reclaim concepts the of jubilee and usury the for present economic crisis and released statement a in support of the Rolling Jubilee that has been signed by Catholics across the country. successful, raising more money more quickly than anyone anticipated — around abolished.bemillion poisedBut to is debt in $10 now Strike Debt, too, has turned its atten- tion to working with those affected by the hurricane. On Dec. 2, the group published “Shouldering the Costs,” a reportproliferation on of the debt in Sandy. The thedocument was released aftermathwith an of where— else?church event a at — in Staten Island. estate is not merely a convenience for movement; this it has implications that a lot of people probably aren’t even thinking about pennies on the dollar, and then abolishing them, organizers hoped to spread the spirit of jubilee — an ancient biblical practice of debt forgiveness. to help. Occupy Faith organized an event in New to York celebrate the Rolling Jubilee’s - - year ago around this time, Occupy Wall Street was celebrating Advent — the season when Christians an-

A year later, even as a resilient few con- The day after Hurricane Sandy struck “Occupy Sandy has been miraculous for Religious leaders are organizing tours to AndpartonlyoneMonthsthat’s it. be- of board sign with a verse from Luke’sGospel: “There was no room for them in the inn.” Thereason thesefor activists’ interest in the liturgicalcalendar,course, of themove- was ment’s ongoing effort to convince Trinity to start acting less like a real estatetion and corpora-more like a church, and to let the propertyTrinityvacantthat a use movement owns. tinue their 24-hour vigil outside Trinity, on churches and Occupiers the are sidewalk having a very different kind of Advent sea- no Findingtogether.churchesinisson room longer a problem for the movement. New York in late October, Occupiers hus- tled to organize a massive popular relief effort,andOccupy Sandy came intobeing. By circumstance and necessity, it taken has place in mostly churches; they are the affectedinavailable largespacesareas, publicand they were the people willing to open doors. their Two churches on Brooklynbecame organizing high hubs, and oth- ground in ers in the Rockaways, Coney Island, Staten Island and Red Hook becamegetting supplies depots and for support to devastated make neighborhoods. To this possible, Oc cupiers have had to win the locals’ trust — by helping clean up the damaged churches and by showing their determination to help thosethewhom state-sponsored relief effort wasleaving behind. When the time wor-for ship services came around, the they’d supplies off the pews. cleared Dennis,Bobsaid parish manager really,” us, at St. Margaret Mary, a Catholic church in StatenIsland. “They are doing exactly what ChristBeforethis,police preached.” theand firemen living in his neighborhoodhad much hadn’t good to say about Occupy Wall Street, that but has changed completely. show off the Occupy Sandy of which relief they’ve efforts been a part,speaking and out they’re against the state failures and of federal city, tions government. are getting to know Occupiers Congrega- one on one by working together in a that every relief day — effort as the profiteering developers draw nearer — is growing into an act resistance.of Wall organizersOccupythe withSandy, fore Street group Strike Debt made a concerted effort to reach out to religious allies for help on a new project they were calling the Roll- ingJubilee;buyingdefaulted by up loans for ticipate the birth of Jesus at Christmas. front In of Trinity Church, right at the top of Wall Street along Broadway, Occupiers set littlea up withmodeltent thestatuettes a of nativity scene inside: Mary, Joseph and the ani-surroundedmanger,Christ by a childin mals. In the tiny a back, card an angel held By Nathan Schneider A

TIES TO FRIENDLY CHURCHES SPUR MOVEMENT’S REBIRTH MOVEMENT’S SPUR CHURCHES FRIENDLY TO TIES How Occupy Wall Street Got Religion Got Street Wall Occupy How 18 DECEMBER 20, 2012 – JANUARY 18, 2013 THE INDYPENDENT radical bookstore | activist center | fair trade cafe trade |fair center |activist bookstore radical justice. holistic for aiming movement any within connected remain must and connected all are choices our Clearly, industry. products by- animal global the is gases greenhouse human-created of cause one number the -and Sandy of impact the thus, and change climate to contribute gases Greenhouse 9/11. since moment teaching powerful most the with us presented has Sandy Hurricane of aftermath and impact The POST-SANDY(OUR CHOICES) CLIMATE THE Z.: OCCUPY TALK: MICKEY SAT •Free 7PM 12, JAN India in activism queer constitute that practices everyday the Dave studies 2000s. early the to 1980s the from India in communities lesbian of formation the Dave examines In ETHICS. OF ANTHROPOLOGY A STORY THE IN READING: •Free 10,7PM JAN THU being. ways of different radically imagining in exercise -an enterprise queer fundamentally is a fiction Speculative FANTASY NIGHT. & FICTION LGBTQ SCIENCE READING: 7, JAN MON •Free 7PM Queer Activism in India in Activism Queer bluestockings bluestockings.com 172 ALLEN ST • 212-777-6028 •212-777-6028 ST ALLEN 172 QUEER ACTIVISM INDIA IN , Naisargi N. N. , Naisargi : woman was stabbed 20 times, times, 20 stabbed was woman transgender a after year a 1999, In danger. in is line that crosses whoever And locked. naturally are identity gender and sex that belief the conservatism, of line deep a red last the It crosses self-image. fit to body one’s form trans- to desire the to from seen come be part in now can — movies Wachowski of plots the Wachowski Larry Lana. into of mation transfor- the cheered indirectly las trix the in for Neo who cheered anyone that knew They voices. of their in heard be could wave gratitude great A visibility. for struggled her, like — people al bi-sexu- and transgender bians, les- gays, — audience HRC the because she loudly clap When they ends, Award. Visibility Campaign’s Rights Human the — it is the pivot in her for speech here.” still Iam didn’t, he cause wouldn’t look away. he I All know is be- that why I know other. don’t each at stare animals way the me at stares grandma He wears. my ones the of [me] remind that glasses 1970s square-style large, wearing man older, old skinny down a is It ramp. walking the no- someone I tice comes...Suddenly train the as jumping but anything of think to not try is...I always it because night at empty be platform will train the crisis, know I identity “... teenage her of them told Wachowski lovable.” I am broken...that I never will be in my head that I was a freak, that suicide. considering a woman Matrix the of body male the inside that knew them of None revolution. of dream a them in seeing films, the watched people of Millions the co- and directed co-wrote who man a Wa Wachowski, Larry was Lana chowski ago, years few A head. her on flower a like dreads pink T Warner Brothers, 2012 Wachowski andLana Wachowski Directed by Tom Tykwer, Andy Cloud Atlas Metaphor The Soul isa REVIEW The The need to be free — it drives self true one’s for loved Being voices the believe to began “I would now realize they also also they realize now would or Somni 451 in in 451 Somni or on stage and bows, her her bows, and stage on derous waves as she walks he claps audience in thun- director and director writer, lived Matrix Cloud At- Cloud movies. movies. Ma - - sage to humans living on other other on living humans to sage mes- SOS an zaps she where lite satel mountaintop a to is guided tribe left-behind a to advanced visitor tech a far where the future to finally and century 22nd the in group revolutionary a joins who slave clone a home, retirement prison-like a caping es publisher elderly an 1970s, the in plant power nuclear corruption a at the discovering ist journal- female black a 1930s, the in suicide by separated ple cou male gay a voyage, sea tury the horror of slavery discovering on a 19th lawyer cen leaps a from It plot. overarching into one fused are stories separate six name, same the of book the from adapted film, the In body. to a from female male migration Wachowski’s Lana for allegory an as read be can time through of souls of tif the transmigration acid. logical psycho- of cascade a like them on down flowing isolation and bullying harassment, the that to Add countries. other in ported re- 300 another and 327 to up is States those United the in murdered for call hate roll The in crimes. killed those honor Remembrance to Trans- of Day the gender began advocates Cloud Atlas directors Tom Twyker, Lana Wachowski and Andy Wachowski. Andy and Wachowski Lana Tom Twyker, directors Atlas Cloud In this light, light, In this Cloud Atlas ’ mo ’ - - - - - planets. planets. bed as the hotel staff bang on on bang staff hotel the as bed in frolic couple gay the ship; the on slave African escaped an by The it. saves is lawyer saved and in turn live and truth pressed re- the embody to desire the is natural is What them. in living together of the bodies that those ensnares woven ideology and power of web a is society Every tion order that no exists. natural realiza- the is century of 22nd the slavery clone genetic the to slavery racial from century’s 19th the societies different vastly such seeing in audience the on who female, to effect be a this The knows lie. or male hero, a world.” the to order natural a is “There say — cops city futuristic or ers trad slave whether — figures ity of And in time. each era, author- for expanse great the struggle over freedom same the see can viewer the that so row a in tops mountain- like stories many the of climaxes the up line directors The itself.” begins connections making brain Your stories. six into up it splits longer no brain affects book You your brain. read it your and the felt all “We said, Wachowski Lana ference, At the the At And in each climax there is is there climax each in And Cloud Atlas press con press - - the cocoon of an old body. of an from cocoon the butterfly a like emerging woman a as Wachowski see Lana we’d further, looked we If woman. a became he brother as his Larry loved who man a Wachowski, Andy we’dsee tors direc- the of mind the into and effects special the past lines, ry author’ssto- the past movie, the bodies. different their unites that quality essential the see we but morally personal change ity, change sex, change color, skin change They bodies. different in Grant Hugh and vid Da- Keith Sarandon, Susan cy, Dar- James Berry, TomHalle Hanks, accept to learn but of souls transmigration the Age of New fable the see We actions. their of consequences un- foreseen the by interconnected but lives new different playing make-up, under actors the of faces familiar the see we scene, new is it by law.forbidden though even her, rescued who revolutionary the with love in 451falls Somni woman slave clone the corruption; corporate uncovers journalist a door; the And if we could see through through see could we if And each story, new each in And — Nicholas Powers — Nicholas - CINEHEROES.NET THE INDYPENDENT DECEEMBER 20, 2012 – JANUARY 18, 2013 19 — Mike Newton viated American racism (as if two election victories and four years in officewere enoughto erase centu- ries of violence). Not all of imagesthe of some these— work photos veer uncomfortably close to snap- shot territory. But, even in a less- considered mode, the day-in, day- out familiarity of thesehelps pictures underscore major point: that for many Ameri- Taylor-Lewis’ cans, actions that seem mundane — like raising children, workinga job, living to an old age, going to a Newparty Year’s or even just walking down the street come, at some — level, an be- act of resistance or struggle. Or, as one of “Be-it: subjects put Taylor-Lewis’s ing a Black man in America is like alwayshaving yourwatchback, to home.” at even when you’re On Jan. will hold 25, a Siyaka benefit Brecht auction Taylor-Lewis’Taylor-Lewis Forum was injured of in a fire earlier photos. this year. - Siyaka Taylor-Lewis Other photo subjects include This is an exhibit about the The Fighter,The Taylor-Lewis’ window. professors, fathers, homeless old men, friends, protesters, artistsand drug dealers. was trained Taylor-Lewis in traditionalroom techniques, dark- and The it images shows. here are rich tones made and luminous withcontrasts (appropriately, the photos are all inblackAtits and best, white). his work recalls classic photojournal ism and mid-century, socially-engaged art photography; it’s an ap- oddswith at the bit a that’s proach unmistakably digital-era in which audio, Taylor-Lewis subjects’ puts statements his on race racism and against languid, lounge-ybeats. Obama era, but the work concerns at here have communities wracked Black poverty, for isolation, drugs, aggression generations: police and, above institutional all racism. The else, serves exhibit as a highly personal rejoin- der to those pundits that Obama’s ascendancy who has ob- insist

Siyaka Taylor-Lewis

hen Trayvon was murdered last Martin Feb- ruary, the story struck

The Description, The W Black Targeted and Targeted “Black + Male: Post Obama” Taylor-Lewis Siyaka Brecht Forum St. West 451 30 January Through To Be Young, Be Young, To a deep, nation-wide chord, partly because of how immediately latable re- Martin’s He situation was yet another young, was. Black short,mancutlifewhose waswith the treating police it (initially) all as a simple matter of course — as if it were Martin’s fault for ing hav- existed at all. Trayvon’s case makes its presence felt in “Black+ Male: Post Obama,” a audio photo/ project by Siyaka Lewis at the Brecht Forum. In Taylor- one photo, we see a hooded figure rising through a blurred, anonymous city street, and Taylor-Lewis tells us through that accompanying he sometimes text safety fears while for walking at his night. As a young, Black man, he fitsdescription” “the you see. Is the photo a self-portrait? We don’t Taylor-Lewis’point thatiscould it know; be. In the show’s best image, two youngBlack men are caught in the harsh glare of a police car’s head- lights, subjected to a routine stop- and-frisk. The photo dynamically is through framed panes planks and — it happened outside TheThe FiscalFiscal cliFFcliFF isis RealReal …at least for us.

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