Because People Matter Progressive News and Views September / October 2006 Improving City School Elections Vote Yes on Measures J & K

“Passage of Measures J and K will result in representation for every area of the SCUSD.”

By Dorothy L. Wake member per trustee area by voters within their trustee This criticism rings hollow, however. It ignores the area of residence. (This is the same model used to elect right for all citizen/taxpayers to have equal representa- magine Sacramento City Council election rules that city council members, county supervisors, state assembly tion. And it disregards the need to (a) provide equal would eliminate representation for a large percent- members and senators, etc.) educational opportunities to all students, (b) eliminate age of residents. Outrage and demands for restoring Passage of Measures J and K will result in repre- “machine politics” from local school board elections, (c) Iequal representation would no doubt ensue. sentation for every area of the SCUSD. And hopefully, promote the emergence of grass-roots candidates who Electing city council members at large rather than grass-roots candidates, who truly represent their specific truly represent constituents within their specific trustee from small representative districts would likely produce districts, will emerge. area, and (d) eliminate expensive, unwieldy, and exhaust- very lopsided results. Council members would be clus- ing school board campaigns. tered within the more affluent areas. The legacy of the “Serna juggernaut” Passage of Measures J and K is a step in the right But wait! This undemocratic model is exactly how The current “machine politics” model of electing direction for managing our local schools more demo- Sacramento City Unified School District (SCUSD) SCUSD trustees needs to be understood within the con- cratically and equitably. Vote “Yes” on Measures J and K. trustees are elected now! Five of the seven trustees live text of the “Serna juggernaut” formed in 1996. Former in the Pocket or Land Park areas. Meanwhile, areas Sacramento Mayor Serna’s coalition of higher elected Dorothy L. Wake is a Sacramento area writer and such as midtown, East Sacramento, and Oak Park lack officials took control of SCUSD school board elections to poet, and author of Mother Jones, Revolutionary Leader representation. ensure political agendas. of Labor and Social Reform or All public school students and their parents/guard- For example, on June 17, 2004, SCUSD trustees . ians deserve a school board representative who is elected voted to lease the old district facility at 16th and N by, and is accountable to, the constituents living in their Streets to the Capital Unity Center, founded by then specific trustee area. And this is only possible if one Democratic state Assemblyman Steinberg (and others). trustee is elected from each trustee area by only the vot- This helped to boost his political fortunes. It is worth ers who reside within that specific trustee area. noting that the annual lease rate for the old district Inside this issue: Currently, SCUSD trustee candidates must run facility is $1.00, according to some sources. However, costly and exhausting at-large campaigns that cover the confirmation of this rental rate was “unavailable” from entire district. Something is terribly wrong when the SCUSD’s legal office. 9/11 Truth...... 2 campaign area for school board elections is several times larger than city council campaign areas. And something Why two ballot measures? Opt Out: protect your is surely amiss when school board campaigns can cost When questioned about the necessity of two separate children from military significantly more than city council or even congressio- ballot measures, David W. Gordon, Sacramento County nal campaigns. school superintendent, stated, “Election law splits the recruiters...... 3 questions.” Ballot propositions...... 4–5 November Ballot Proposals can eliminate at-large In other words, only one question can be presented Elections for School Board. in each ballot measure. Measure J addresses the question The Maloof Arena Tax...... 6 The Sacramento County Office of Education of establishing trustee areas. And Measure K addresses Education issues...... 7–9 resolved that: “An election on the proposal to establish the question of electing one SCUSD trustee from each seven trustee areas and the alternative method of elec- trustee area by only the registered voters in that trustee Black Panthers...... 10 tion shall be held on November 7, 2006” (Resolution No. area. Lebanon and Palestine...... 12 2005-A, 7/1/2005). Gordon cited one criticism of Measures J and K: Measures J and K aim to fix current SCUSD trustee “They would allow people to become too provincial,” Sudan...... 13 election inequities. Measure J seeks to establish seven whereby “the seven members would all want what other trustee areas in the SCUSD for election purposes (see members have in their districts,” he said in a July 31 trustee area map). Measure K seeks to elect one board phone interview.  BECAUSE PEOPLE MATTER September / October 2006

because People Matter Editorial Volume 15, Number 5 Published Bi-Monthly by the Seth Sandronsky, Coordinating Editor for this issue Sacramento Community for Peace & Justice P.O. Box 162998, Sacramento, ity non-white neighborhood) into Sacramento CA 95816 Charter High School. (Use addresses below for Education Matters correspondence) Former National Basketball Association star Editorial Group: Jacqueline ummer is coming to a close. Students and Staajabu, a former Sacramento poet who is Kevin Johnson is involved in this change. From Diaz, JoAnn Fuller, Seth teachers are returning to schools. This issue on the East Coast now, contributes a poem on humble beginnings, he became a star guard at Sandronsky of BPM focuses on education. It is a broad education. Rhonda Erwin tackles the substan- Sacramento High who later lead the University Coordinating Editor for Sfield with many issues that are subject to much dard instruction that some low-income youth of California basketball team and played for the this Issue: Seth Sandronsky Editor-at-Large: Jeanie debate. Our writers weigh in on a variety of edu- face in our schools. Phoenix Suns of the NBA. Keltner cational issues—local, national and global—that In the meantime, on the national educational Johnson is also the head of St. Hope, and was Design and Layout: we hope will expand the debates in a direction of recently appointed as the spokesperson for the Ellen Schwartz and progressive action that puts human needs first. “Endless war is sour news national STAND UP, a campaign launched by the Dale Crandall-Bear Heidi McLean and Dorothy L. Wake look at Gates Foundation to improve US public schools. Calendar Editor: for meeting the needs of Position Open!!! issues involving parents, students and teachers Johnson is a former pro athlete helping Gates to Advertising and Business in the Sacramento City Unified School District. all people, which includes a sell education reform. Manager: Edwina White From high school reform to electoral politics, decent education.” A charismatic man like Johnson is much in Distribution Manager: they provide crucial information and analysis to demand by the business forces that push educa- Paulette Cuilla Subscription Manager: help you better understand what is at stake. tion reform. Consider also his recent appoint- Kate Kennedy Michelle Matisons teaches in the women’s front, top US billionaires are becoming more ment to the board of directors of the California studies program at CSUS, and focuses on man- involved in public schools. Take philanthropist Business for Education Excellence Foundation. How to Reach Us: agement, junior professors, and students there. Warren Buffet. Recently, he announced a future The CBEEF backs the increase of competition Subscriptions, letters, punditry: Brigitte Jaensch exposes right-wing censorship multi-billion dollar give-away to the Bill and for public education via the expansion of charter 403 21st Street on college campuses aimed at critics of the Bush Melinda Gates Foundation. schools such as St. Hope in Sacramento. Sacramento, CA 95814 White House. The foundation, launched by the co-founder Why charter schools? Charter schools do 444-3203 Mary Schleppegrell is a former co-editor of the Microsoft Corp. and his wife, seeks to not have to follow many of the regulations and Ads or other business: with BPM who is also a linguist and author of improve US education. Buffet and the Gates rules of community school districts and state 446-2844 many articles and books. She addresses the lan- claim to be interested in helping the nation’s lawmakers. That means respecting the rights of All email correspondence: our classrooms. tunes to do so, but shouldn’t the government we unions. Heather Woodford of Code Pink in Sacra- pay our taxes to pay the bill for education? Against that backdrop, US labor unions are HAVE A CALENDAR ITEM? mento presents what the group has done and Recall that Sacramento’s St. Hope Academy facing extinction. In 1946, 35% of American Send an email with “calendar plans to do to educate local people on issues of was launched with a multi-million dollar grant labor was unionized. Currently, 12.5 % of the item” in the subject line. Make it peace and war. Anie Wilson gives teachers infor- from the Gates Foundation in August 2003. That US work force are members of labor unions. short, and in this order, please: Day, Date. Name of event. mation on progressive Web sites to share with cash successfully changed Sacramento High This is a complicated and complex situation with Description (1-2 lines). Time. their students to supplement assigned textbooks. School (in Oak Park, a working-class, major- unclear solutions. Location. INFO: phone#; Why do employers dislike unions? Union email. members earn higher wages and better benefits HAVE A storY? than their non-union counterparts. Labor unions help most working people most of the We start planning the next issue of BPM the day the current issue time. hits the streets. Let us know The 9/11 truth movement grows Current US struggles around education are by email as soon as you have taking place against the backdrop of the war an idea for a story so we can Terror myths and politics on terror, apparently without an end. This war consider it early in the process. every day.) began after the attacks of September 11, 2001 HAVE SOME time? By Jeanie Keltner Carole Brouillet which killed thousands of innocent people. Sup- (HA HA HA!) Well, you might captures the wider implications: “I began to posedly, this crime “changed everything” about have, and BPM always needs t was a brilliant, ingenious, and, above all, understand 9/11 as ‘a special operation’ designed our world. At least that is what most leaders help with big and small tasks. cinematic event. The huge towers exploding to gain public support for a war without end from both political parties say about that tragic Call 444-3203. into mammoth against a new ‘elusive’ day five years ago. President Bush and Sen. Rick Istreamers of dust and enemy, to justify a Santorum (R-PA) have even called this a war Copy Deadlines: “My job is to remind folks of then toppling into police state, to rede- against Islamic fascists, using World War II imag- For the Nov./Dec., 2006 Issue: 9/11 and that we’re protecting Articles: October 1, 2006 giant smoke clouds that fine opposition to ery to build support. Calendar Items: Oct. 10, 2006 seemed to chase people them.” President Bush to Fox corporate/government At any rate, endless war is sour news for Cultural events welcome! through the Manhattan News interviewer, August 2. policies as domestic meeting the needs of all people, which includes streets were the stuff of terrorism, to give the a decent education. We hope that you find this Because People Matter is an all- volunteer endeavor to present nightmares—tapping green light to the issue of BPM useful as a resource for progressive alternative, progressive news into powerful feelings of terror and rage. crushing of dissent worldwide, to permit the social change that enhances the lives of people and views in Sacramento. Suddenly we were at the mercy of blood- militarization of outer space by a small minority from every background. We invite and welcome your responses. To discuss thirsty, brilliant, fanatical, unstoppable terrorists to control the world’s resources and people. It a proposed article, or help out to destroy us. That justified any expense, was a crime against humanity, with clear victims Seth Sandronsky is a co-editor with Because distribute the paper, inquire any measure to protect us—illegal wars, illegal and clear beneficiaries, which demanded a loud People Matter. about ad rates, or help out in some other way, call or write wiretaps and searches, signing statements, tor- public outcry.” using the phone number and ture, more hundreds of billions to defense and And despite the corporate media blackout address listed under ”How to “security” contractors. The warmongers repeated of 9/11 research—or mocking of “conspiracy Reach Us” above. continually, 9/11 changed everything. wingnuts”—9/11 truths are surfacing daily in the Please reproduce from any of And yet even a single afternoon spent on mainstream. As the Bush/Cheney/neocon war Free Trial Offer! the written contents, but do <911truth.org> will convince the most skepti- and other lies become more blatantly obvious, it’s credit the author and BPM. Try a free six-month subscription to BPM. There cal person that the official story is a lie. The easier for people to doubt the official myth—if is no obligation to buy anything. Bush/Cheney easy success in the crudely obvious this administration is telling the truth about 9/11, Apologies theft of the 2000 presidential election must have it’s the first time they’ve told the truth so far. We think you will like the alternative news from the Production de- and views you find in this all-volunteer local partment. made them careless. They left threads dangling Ridicule is a powerful weapon, and it’s still bimonthly. I am so sorry this issue of the in every direction—from obvious lies about fore- daring in the mainstream to discuss 9/11 as an paper is late. I have not missed knowledge to fighter jets that didn’t scramble to open question. So kudos to SN&R’s RV Scheide a deadline in six years of doing Of course, if you’re already convinced, then BPM layout, but just as I sat still alive hijackers to a non-responding president who highlighted Sacramento’s very active 9/11 enclose $15 with the coupon and help support down to begin my work on this to improbable explosive collapses to Pentagon truth group (see Calendar Page for meeting info). Sacramento’s alternative to the corporate- issue, my 10-month-old com- controlled media. puter died. The manufacturer pictures without plane parts to FAA tapes cut All over the country such groups have plowed replaced the motherboard and in little pieces to stock options on corporations the ground for the change in public opinion now just for good measure, refor- damaged by 9/11 (they just couldn’t pass up a taking place. Vanity Fair, likewise, has run 9/11 Name______matted the hard drive, wiping out a lot of publishing software. chance to make a buck) to three different 9/11 truth stories in the last two issues. A panel on the Address______So, I reinstalled stuff and rein- day stories by Cheney, Rumsfeld, and Gen. Myers Neocons and 9/11 has been aired on C-SPAN sev- stalled stuff and finally—here City ______Zip ______it is. We all hope you will find (former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff). eral times and is a top online request. And then it worth waiting for. -- Ellen The wonder is they thought they could get there’s Loose Change, the downloadable video Email address ______Schwartz away with it. Of course the arrogance of people that’s informing thousands daily. Attempts to fire ❏ Yes, send me BPM for 6 months, FREE! who believe that they can rule the world with Kevin Barrett, U of Wisconsin professor and 9/11 On the cover: force cannot be underestimated. (May it be their researcher, have also raised awareness. ❏ Enclosed is $15 for a one year subscription. Children are our undoing!) And without the internet through The Zogby opinion poll in May showed that (Heck, here’s more money, a donation of $______) future. which thousands of cunning and dedicated more than half the American public distrusts ❏ I want to volunteer. Call me at ______photo: Seth San- investigators gathered and spread their assidu- the official 9/11 story and believes the attacks Mail to: BPM, 403 21st Street, Sacramento, dronsky ous research—they might have gotten away with CA 95814 it. (They still might—though it looks less likely See 9/11 Truth, page 14 September / October 2006 BECAUSE PEOPLE MATTER  Sacramento Welcomes Cindy Sheehan Anti-war activist moves near President Bush’s ranch By Dan Bacher The recent indy Sheehan, the Vacaville mother Sacramento vigil whose son Casey died in Iraq, recently protested the appeared in Sacramento at an evening occupations of Canti-war demonstration at 16th and Broadway, Iraq, Afghanistan, which Steve and Virginia Pearcy organized. Palestine and Leba- About 300 people were there. non, as well as the Sheehan reinvigorated the anti-war move- continued US and ment in the US last year during her vigil, dubbed Israeli aggression in “Camp Casey,” outside President Bush’s vacation the Middle East. The ranch near Crawford, Texas. Sheehan began that Israeli bombard- protest after she repeatedly asked to meet with ment of Lebanon’s Bush. He refused her each time. infrastructure and the massive death “Bush lied to the public about toll of innocent civilians there was going to war in Iraq.” Cindy on everybody’s Sheehan. minds, including Sheehan’s, during the protest. “Bush is too cowardly to meet with me,” “Israel has the Bill Lackemacher and Karen Bernal of Sacramento For she said. “We are beginning to believe that he right to defend itself, Democracy with Cindy Sheehan (center), holding a picture of her Sacramento is frightened of us. It can’t be because we are a but that doesn’t son, Casey, at the July 29 rally. Progressive photo: Dan Bacher physical threat to him. including killing Events This year, Camp Casey was held on Sheehan’s innocent people like Calendar on land in Crawford near Bush’s vacation home it is doing in Leba- for Peace and Freedom, Zapatista Solidarity August 12 - September 2. She bought the land non and Gaza now,” she said. Somebody has to Committee and the Central America Action the Web with some insurance money from her son’s death say no to the killing and stop this war!” Committee. “Half of Camp Casey is woodland and the Hizbullah, the Lebanese resistance fighters, as 4 to urge the Bush administration to bring US Labor, Peace, other half is pasture,” said Sheehan. “It’s a beauti- starting the conflict in mid-July by capturing troops home from Iraq. Code Pink and Gold Star Environment, Human ful and peaceful spot.” (“kidnapping” in many reports) two Israeli sol- Families for Peace have organized the fast. Rights, Solidarity… She will keep Camp Casey near Bush’s vaca- diers. However, they were actually captured on “We hope the fast will stir public attention, tion home until two things—the US withdraws Lebanese soil, Sheehan pointed out. invigorate the peace movement, build pressure Send calendar items to Gail Ryall,. them happen, she will donate the property to the had slogans protesting the Israeli invasion of home,” Sheehan said in a statement before start- city of Crawford to use for a peace park in honor Lebanon, including “Free Palestine: No Aid to ing the fast. of her son. Israel,” “Impeach AIPAC,” and “Occupation Is a For more information, contact Gold Star “GW is a war criminal,” said Sheehan. “Bush Crime, From Iraq to Palestine.” Activists came Families for Peace, . lied to the public about going to war in Iraq. from a diverse array of groups, such as the Sac- He lied to my son. I don’t want to see any more ramento Coalition Against the War, Sacramento Dan Bacher is an outdoor writer, alternative Cindy Sheehans created in this country. The war For Democracy, Code Pink, Voluntarios de La journalist and satirical songwriter in Sacramento, has to stop.” Communidad, the Women’s International League California.

Learning About “Opting Out” Military news that “Adopt-A-School,” which involves giving flyers to Costa-Krisko at 730-9044 or . ing out, the reality of military life, as well as other By Dan Bacher career and non-military school opportunities. Dan Bacher is an outdoor writer, alternative To “opt out”, a parent or guardian signs a journalist and satirical songwriter in Sacramento, he unpopular Iraq war and occupation form restricting the release of his/her child’s California. caused US troop recruitment to drop in personal information, including age, sex, phone 2005. The military dislikes that. Thus it number, address and other data, to recruiters. Tportrays service as a smart move for those seek- The law requires the schools to release this infor- ing to gain new skills. mation to recruiters unless the parent signs the “In the Army, soldiers can take advantage “opt out” form. of a long list of job and leadership training Costa-Krisko and volunteers distributed opportunities to keep their skills sharp,” states information to parents and their kids during the US Army Web site . “back to school nights” at Mira Loma and El “And because there are over 150 army jobs, every Camino High schools in the San Juan Unified soldier plays an important part in the army’s School District in September. These magnet success.” schools are attended by students district-wide. Volunteers are also involved with Natomas “Our goal is to save kids’ lives High, Grant High, Cordova High and high by giving them options other schools in the Sacramento Unified School Dis- trict to distribute “opt out” information. Later, than joining the military.” Costa-Krisko plans to organize volunteers to Roanna Costa-Krisko. inform parents and students about the “opt out” option at career days and Parent Teacher Asso- Roanna Costa-Krisko of the Sacramento ciation meetings. Coalition to End the War has a different view “I want the students to know that there are of military service, and is reaching out to local people out there fighting for them to make sure high school students and their parents. Her focus that they don’t get lied to by military recruiters,” concerns section 9528 of the federal “No Child she said. “I have two children I want to keep Left Behind Act” that allows students to “opt out” alive. I’m sure there’s a mother in Iraq who wants of having their personal information released to to keep her children alive. the military. “The politicians are sending our children This isn’t information the government wants out to slaughter and be slaughtered. The soldiers parents of high school students to know. don’t know the enemy and may end up killing Grandmothers for Peace International is “Our goal is to save kids’ lives by giving them innocent people because they are afraid of being also distributing “opt out” brochures. They options other than joining the military,” she said. killed by them.” are available in English and Spanish at Costa-Krisko encouraged people to join For more information, contact Roanna .  BECAUSE PEOPLE MATTER September / October 2006 Proposition 89

Voting for fair elections Q. Aren’t clean money elections just wel- By JoAnn Fuller Candidates who accept public financing fare for politicians? Election Day must participate in open debates and cannot hide A. We already are supporting politicians. For olitical campaign fundraising is skyrocket- behind negative 30-second TV ads. Prop. 89 will example, every time you buy gas, a fraction 2006 ing. More and more Californians are feel- open our elections to a diversity of qualified can- of your money is used by the oil company to Last day to register to ing ignored by Sacramento policy makers. didates from all walks of life, not just those with lobby politicians. That money comes from us, PThere is a solution on the November 7 ballot: access to the most money. the consumers, but it is not used to advance our vote for the November 7th election: October 23 Proposition 89, The Clean Money and Fair Elec- Elections should be decided by voters, not interests. Clean money is an investment in fair tions Act. Prop. 89 would allow ordinary people special interests. Elections should be about the elections. Last day to request an to mount campaigns without having to depend best ideas, not who has the most money. Vote yes Q. But why should I pay for the cam- absentee ballot: Octo- on wealthy special interests to bankroll—and on Prop. 89 for fair and clean elections. paign of someone I don’t agree with? ber 31st buy—their political platforms. JoAnn Fuller is associate director of California A. Currently, tax money funds election informa- Election Day is Novem- Common Cause and an editor with Because Peo- tion produced by the secretary of state, including ber 7, 2006. “Elections should be about the ple Matter. For more info: 443-1792 x11 . structure of democracy. We all have an interest For election questions, in supporting an elective process in which every call the Sacramento most money.” candidate’s ideas and qualifications are communi- County registrar at 875- Reforming Election cated fairly. Furthermore, if a politician is corrupt 6451or on the web at . million dollar affairs, making candidates increas- clean money will be able to communicate this to ingly reliant on private contributions from Frequently asked questions the voters. Clean money makes it possible to have millionaire contributors, powerful unions and Q. What is ‘clean money’? this debate. Clean money is non-partisan. People deep pocket corporations. We can no longer A. Clean money describes public financing of across the political spectrum can agree on that. pretend that the current campaign finance system elections. The people, the taxpayers, provide the Q. How do you ensure that the rich don’t values the participation of Californians who can- funds needed for candidates to run for office. always win by outspending everyone not afford to contribute thousands of dollars to This money is clean—not tainted by special inter- else? candidates. ests. Thus, once elected, officials are accountable A. Since the system of clean money is voluntary, Prop. 89 sets up a voluntary system of public to all the citizens, rather than only to wealthy candidates who refuse to take public funds and finance for political candidates to end the links special interests. limit what they spend can indeed raise as much between state policy and political contributions. Q. How do candidates get the money? as they want to. However, clean money offers Prop. 89 also sets new limitations on political A. Each candidate voluntarily decides whether other candidates the chance to get their message contributions to ballot measures and candidates. to participate. To qualify for clean money, a out to the public. It makes sense to voters that Clean money candidates are not tainted by candidate must agree to limit over-all campaign candidates limiting spending and qualifying for special interests. Once elected, these officials are spending and use of personal funds, and to agree public funds will be free to support what is good accountable to all of us, rather than to wealthy to be audited and participate in public debates. for the people. backers and special interests. Candidates then receive enough money to run Q. Why don’t we just focus on campaign To qualify, candidates must demonstrate their campaigns without any private funds. contribution disclosures? popular support. They would do this by collect- Q. Why do we want a clean money sys- A. Being able to see the names and occupations ing a certain number of $5 contributions from tem in California? of major campaign contributors is indeed essen- residents of the districts they hope to represent. A. Clean money: tial. But it is not realistic to expect voters to ana- Once clean money candidates qualify, they • Lets qualified people run for office even if they lyze all campaign contributions. And with every receive a limited amount of public funds for their don’t have access to a lot of money. candidate receiving money from big contributors, campaigns and are prohibited from receiving • Makes candidates accountable to the people our elected officials will still be disproportion- private contributions or using personal funds to who elect them. ately influenced by special interest groups. With finance their campaigns. The Clean Money Fund • Decreases tax breaks and subsidies to big clean money, citizens can be confident that their will be paid for by a slight tax increase on corpo- contributors. elected officials will be responsive to their needs. rations—not individuals or small businesses. • Allows politicians to concentrate on legislating, Q. Do clean money systems really work? Prop. 89 also places limits on political con- not fundraising. A. In the clean money states of Arizona, Con- tributions, lowering the amount a person can • Increases participation in elections. necticut and Maine, there has been an increase in give to candidates for state office. And it prohibits • Upholds democracy to ensure that all qualified the number of competitive elections, and more corporations, lobbyists and state contractors from candidates have an opportunity to debate their women and minority candidates. contributing to candidates and political parties. views on important issues with others. Q. Are clean money elections Prop. 89 also sets tough penalties for those Q. What if I don’t want my tax dollars constitutional? who violate the law. For details visit < www.com- used? A. The courts are concerned about limiting the moncause.org/CA>. A. Currently, special interest groups are making amount of campaign contributions or spending Prop. 89 will save taxpayers money. Prop. investments when they contribute to candidates. on this basis: that limiting spending stops can- 89 would end legislative giveaways on lobbyist- In return for contributions, these special interest didates from communicating with voters. The driven projects. The $3.3 billion in corporate tax groups are awarded tax breaks and special favors courts, however, have expressly and consistently loopholes today cost each California household such as government bailouts—all of which come upheld public financing. $275 every year. from taxpayer dollars. With clean money, tax Clean money allows spending limits to be dollars will be spent in the interests of all people enforced because candidates voluntarily limit and not used to pay back how much they spend on their campaigns in campaign contributors. order to receive public finds. Clean money allows Politicians are accountable for more political speech by a larger and more to those who fund them. If diverse group of candidates because it provides your taxes fund candidates, more opportunities to get political ideas to vot- they will be accountable to ers. Clean money broadens the political dialogue you. and enhances democracy.

We’re the perfect bookstore if your idea of “book collecting” is by the stack… The Book Collector “Books for readers and collectors.” 1008 24th Street (Between J & K Streets) Mon-Sat 10-6 916/442-9295 September / October 2006 BECAUSE PEOPLE MATTER  No on Prop. 85 Don’t put pregnant teens’ health at risk By Dorothy L. Wake fully want to be involved in their teens’ lives. But in roposition 85 calls for a State Constitution- the real world, some California teens live in homes al Amendment requiring parental notifica- where there’s violence or where a family member tion and a 48-hour waiting period prior has sexually abused them. Some of these teens Pto pregnant un-emancipated minors obtaining fear being kicked out of their homes, beaten, or wrong. Big money controls the initiative process, abortions. This measure worse for being pregnant and like electoral politics, has for a long time. would result in some and seeking an abortion. In order to comply with the initiative pro- teens postponing critical “Forcing a scared, pregnant Some would go across the cess’ intent, we need the following reforms: medical care or turning teen—who can’t go to her border, consider suicide, • Ban out-of-state money. to self-induced or “back- parents—into California’s and suffer serious injuries • Require five-year California residency for alley” abortions. or even die. initiative sponsors. What part of “No” overcrowded court system Prop. 85 backers • Require one-year California residency for don’t these forces who won’t work, and could cause claim these vulnerable initiative signature gatherers. oppose reproductive teens can go to court. • Require donation limits and full contribution choice understand? State more harm.” But forcing a scared, reporting. voters defeated Prop. pregnant teen—who • Require signature gatherers to be volunteers 73—nearly identical to Prop. 85—in November can’t go to her parents—into California’s over- or to be paid a nominal hourly wage. 2005. Now, the same anti-choice forces have crowded court system won’t work, and could • Require signature gatherers to complete a state demonstrated that they won’t accept the vot- cause more harm. Courts are already backlogged, training course, be registered with the State of ers’ decision by bankrolling a new initiative to there’s lots of red tape, and they are hard to navi- California, and display state-issued identification weaken women’s reproductive rights. gate—even for adults. when collecting signatures, which confirms satis- Prop. 85 supporters include the Traditional Although parents are responsible for their factory completion of a mandated training course. Values Coalition, Evangelicals for Social Action, children, a teenage girl’s body is her own. • Require a waiting period—perhaps four and Right to Life of Central California. These Anything less is reproductive slavery for the years—before an issue can be placed again on the are the same people who want to overturn Roe v. most vulnerable. “Parental consent” supporters ballot. Wade, ban all abortions, and even outlaw birth illogically compare abortion to a tonsillectomy • Require a qualifying number of signatures control! or a tooth extraction, both of which require from all 58 state counties and raise the qualifying Make no mistake—their agenda is not about parental involvement. But the decision whether signature number threshold. protecting female teens’ best interests or promoting to carry a pregnancy to term, go through labor • Require proponents and opponents of ballot teen-parent communication. Prop. 85 “is “part of a and delivery, and have responsibility for another measures to participate in televised debates. larger strategy to chip away at legalized abortion in individual for 18 years or more cannot be reason- Just say No to forces who seek to reverse the United States,” (San Jose Mercury News). ably compared to a routine medical procedure. constitutional guarantees of equal protection The California Medical Association, Califor- One is a critical life decision that involves serious under the law and introduce discrimination into nia Nurses Association, American Academy of educational, economic, and social consequences. our California Constitution. No on Prop. 85. For Pediatrics-California District, California Acad- And medical procedures are just that—and noth- more information, visit . emy of Family Physicians, California Teachers ing more. Association, American College of Obstetricians Further, Prop. 85 demonstrates the need Dorothy L. Wake is a Sacramento Area writer and Gynecologists-District IX California, strong- to reform California’s initiative process. That and poet, and author of Mother Jones, Revo- ly oppose Prop. 85. process was originally seen as a tool to empower lutionary Leader of Labor and Social Reform These groups understand that parents right- ordinary people. But something went very, very (www.xlibris.com or www.amazon.com).

Sacramento County workers Strike! Contract talks stall over health care and wages By Michael Monasky

housands of Sacramento County workers current levels. in a coalition of unions went on strike Management September 5. The contracts for all of the and labor have Tcounty’s 20 labor unions expired on June 30. agreed to compare An energized and organized work force has workers’ wages to consolidated its efforts in a labor coalition that those in other Cali- agrees not to undermine the other in bargaining. fornia counties with Divide and conquer worked for Roman emperor similar populations Julius Caesar. But county management has had and economies. CAAC Goes little success with this strategy by offering more Sacramento County to the Movies to doctors and less to clerks. workers are woe- Almost Every Property tax revenues to the county have fully below their Month never been higher. Although real estate sales have counterparts. Worst The Central America dropped off recently, county government contin- hit by this lack of Action Committee shows interesting ues to tax property assessed at historic highs. This equity are 2,000 and informative means no cutbacks in services—and might mean county clerks. They videos on social filling job vacancies, with equity adjustments and earn unacceptably justice, labor full health-care benefits. low wages when struggles, and so compared to wages Striking County Employees in front of the Administration Building, Weds., much more! Call to Sept. 6. “Sacramento County statewide. These see what’s playing photo: Ellen Schwartz this month… county workers have management seeks to reduce WE ALSO HAVE A been without pay and higher productivity on the job. Such a pro- VIDEO LIBRARY YOU health-care costs in any way it raises for over a decade. Plus, their cost-of-liv- gram has a proven track record in King County, CAN CHECK OUT. can, even if it means shifting ing adjustments have been lower than needed in Washington. 1640 9th Ave (east order to keep up with rising prices. Sacramento County employees are civil off Land Park Dr) those costs to employees.” In the meantime, the costs of health-care servants who seek to do the very best job for INFO: 446-3304 benefits have skyrocketed. Health-care costs are their community. It’s high time for county man- Overall, there is a 10% staff vacancy rate coun- being driven up by the double-digit inflation agers and elected officials to raise low wages, ty-wide, ranging from 30% to 50% in some jobs. of medical services and goods, pharmaceutical improve health-care benefits, and lighten heavy In the past, county management has run company profits, and for-profit health mainte- workloads. roughshod over labor. Management has forced nance organizations. workers to deal with higher caseloads, workplace Sacramento County management seeks to Michael Monasky is a steward of United speedups and mandatory overtime. reduce health-care costs in any way it can, even Public Employees, Sacramento, and member of the With the gutting of Assembly Bill 2193 if it means shifting those costs to employees. board of directors of its parent organization, Public (Bass), county social workers have lost a 10-year Instead, the labor coalition has recommended Employees Union, Local 1. legislative battle to reduce Children’s Protective that the county endorse a wellness program, This story is adapted from Metro/Regional Services’ huge caseloads from half to one-third of which encourages diet, exercise, stress reduction, News at .  BECAUSE PEOPLE MATTER September / October 2006 Kings Arena Deal a ‘Massive Giveaway’ to Millionaires Hurts most people in community, charge opponents By Cres Vellucci

he deal to build a new arena for the Sac- Your “Maloof Tax” dollars at work Capitol ramento Kings is a “massive giveaway” of Arco Arena where the teams Outreach for a taxpayer monies to millionaires, accord- play now, would pay as little Moratorium Ting to People United for a Better Sacramento as $10 million toward the on the (PUBS), a coalition of community organiza- new stadium rather than the Death Penalty. tions—and even a politician. advertised $20-$30 million. The announced measure—which calls for Another analyst did the math Third Mondays, an additional quarter-cent sales tax increase—is and said that the public would 11:30am to 1:30pm. scheduled to be voted on this November by the be better off just giving the L Street at 11th. voters of Sacramento County. But it has drawn arena to the Kings because We bring petitions, hoots and catcalls from community groups and under the plan to charge them JOE literature and banners. even sports fans who do not want the new digs $4 million a year, the county You bring yourselves. to benefit multi-millionaires while sacrificing loses tax and other revenues. services in the community. For years city leaders Cafe nearby for coffee Dave Tamayo, spokesperson for PUBS, have maintained that raising after the vigil. whose partners include advocates for labor, money for school, transit or INFO: 447-7754 seniors, the homeless, affordable housing, other needs in the community transportation, the environment, and other com- was politically impossible, munity concerns, said that deal is just not a good Jones and Tamayo said. “Now Gavin one for Sacramento. there’s a massive giveaway of public funds attached to the “This deal is even worse than arena,” they added. “Some- we expected.” Dave Tamayo, how it is no big deal.” Speaking of dealing, the People United for a Better November vote appears to be Sacramento. a bit of trickery. Voters will be asked to back the sales tax “This deal is even worse than we expected. increase apart from an “advi- The county and city of Sacramento agree to sory” measure asking them spend a half billion dollars to build a stadium, if they support part of the accept all risk of cost overruns, and in return the money be used for the arena. Kings agree to pay rent and receive the rent from The ballot questions were all other events there. If the Maloofs really just designed to avoid and maybe want a better stadium for their team, why do they evade the intent of Proposi- graphic: Ellen Schwartz need all the revenue from the stadium?” Tamayo tion 218, which requires a 2/3 asked. majority approval for a special Assemblyman Dave Jones, a former Sacra- tax. mento City Councilman who opposed public Backers of the arena deal are sneaking the taxpayer pockets to private interests. That trans- financing of sports arenas in the past, announced measure through as a general tax and majority fer of taxes from the many to the few would de- his opposition to the plan, calling it a “backroom vote when the intent to fund an arena is clear. fund vital community programs and services. deal” that is “rigged.” Opponents of the arena deal for the Kings Community organizations opposing the Independent analysis of the deal announced claim the proposed sales tax hike falls hardest on arena deal are asking for volunteers. For more in late July suggested that Tamayo and Jones are lower income families (who can’t afford a Kings information, call 880-1233. correct. One analyst familiar with public financed ticket). These taxpayers are already struggling to stadiums said that the Maloof family, owners of make ends meet. Cres Vellucci is a member of Veterans for Peace Action the Kings, Sacramento’s WNBA Monarchs, and The Kings deal would shift resources from Peace in Sacramento. on the Web Keep up to date on peace activism in Sacramento. Check out . SMUD Expansion to Yolo County Yes on Measure L for better service, lower costs By Dan Berman

Q: What should we do about Sacramen- Q: What are the benefits to existing to Municipal Utility District (SMUSD) SMUD customers? ate 2% cut in their electric bills. Once the Yolo expansion? A: SMUD’s present customers will benefit, poles and wires are paid off, rates will fall sub- A: Vote “Yes,” on Measure L this November because fixed costs, (staff overhead, debt servic- stantially. This July, for example, a typical SMUD 7. Contact Pat Cole of the SMUD-Yes Campaign ing, etc.) will be spread out over a larger custom- residential customer paid $65 for 700 kWh of at 916-736-1797 or email er base. Total revenues are expected to increase electricity. Meanwhile, PG&E charged $106 in to get involved in the campaign. by 13%, while fixed costs will increase by only Yolo County for the same amount. 7%, helping to keep rates low. SMUD will use any Q: Why does SMUD want to expand in savings in costs from serving Yolo to keep rates Q: How has PG&E responded? Yolo County? low and invest in renewable-energy efficiency. A: Since mid-October PG&E has spent A: SMUD is responding to requests from over $3.5 million to fight SMUD service to Yolo, Yolo. In the spring of 2005, the City Councils Q: Who will pay for PG&E’s poles and including over $1 million in TV ads. TV person- of Davis, West Sacramento and Woodland, and wires in Yolo County? ality Stan Atkinson was paid over $180,000 by the Board of Supervisors of Yolo County each A. Those costs--estimated at $110 million by PG&E for his TV spots. He was replaced by Lon voted unanimously to ask SMUD to extend its Sacramento LAFCO--will be borne by SMUD’s Hatamiya, a director for LECG-LLC (a consulting service to Yolo County. Their decision was taken 77,000 new customers in Davis, West Sacramen- firm) and a past attorney for Orrick, Herrington after careful study of the question by R. W. Beck, to, and Woodland, rather than by existing SMUD & Sutcliffe (a global law firm). LECG-LLC did an engineering consulting firm, which found customers. $5.2 million of work for PG&E from 2001-2005, that existing SMUD customers as well as new and Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe billed PG&E a customers in Yolo County would benefit. In May Q: What’s in it for new Yolo customers? combined total of over $3.6 million for 2004 and 2005, the SMUD Board of Directors voted to A: Lower rates, better service, greener ener- 2005. Hatamiya is hardly the unbiased “expert submit an application to the Sacramento County gy, happier customers, and democratic decision- economist” PG&E touts on TV. Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) making by SMUD’s elected Board of Directors. to approve the expansion. LAFCO approved Overall, SMUD charges 10 cents per kilo- Dan Berman is an energy activist and co- SMUD’S application and said there would be watt-hour (kWh), while PG&E charges over 13 author of Who Owns the Sun? For more informa- benefits to both Sacramento and Yolo customers. cents. New SMUD customers will get an immedi- tion, contact 530-757-6609 or 530-383-5510(cell). September / October 2006 BECAUSE PEOPLE MATTER  Political Censors and Uncle Sam Free speech under attack The House of Representatives has passed By Brigitte Jaensch jurors with venomous and inaccurate comments, The International Studies in Higher Education added 18 months to the defendant’s sentence, the Act, HR 3077. HR 3077 would cut Title VI r. Sami al-Arian was a professor in Flor- maximum permitted. funding (essential to schools without wealthy ida who made pro-Palestinian speeches. A Palestinian, born in Kuwait, al-Arian was endowment programs) if course material was For 11 years the FBI surveilled his reared in Egypt and spent his adult years in the not sufficiently supportive of government policy. Dspeech, actions, associates, and recorded thou- US. His wife and five children are all US born. In short, HR 3077 would coerce schools: censor sands of phone conversations. Arrested in a pre- They must leave the US. The story of al-Arian ideas and facts or lose funding. HR 3077 is not dawn SWAT team home invasion in late February serves as a warning to professors who dare to law, but neither is it dead. 2003, al-Arian was denied bail and imprisoned speak freely. In 1995, the unlikely duo of Lynn Cheney for three years, mostly in solitary confinement. Meanwhile, well-funded groups (Campus (VP Cheney’s wife) and Senator Joseph Lieber- Federal prosecutors charged him with 56 crimi- Watch and the [UCLA] Bruin Alumni Associa- man (D-CN) started the American Council of nal counts, later reduced to 34. At the end of the tion-not the official alumni association) with Trustees and Alumni (ACTA). Months after six months’ trial, the jury acquitted al-Arian on political agendas are urging students to monitor 9/11, ACTA issued a report that criticized most of the counts. The jurors couldn’t reach a what their professors say in order to silence pro- academics who connected 9/11 to US foreign fessors whose course content disagrees with these policy. It not only challenged the patriotism of “HR 3077 would coerce schools: groups’ politics. Students confront their profes- the academics, but accused them of providing censor ideas and facts or lose sors, who are then denounced on the groups’ intellectual support for terrorism. Web sites. If such intimidation tactics don’t shut ACTA seeks to eliminate speech codes that funding.” the professors up, the groups orchestrate cam- safeguard harassment-free environments for paigns to get them fired. diverse student populations. Some schools have decision on several other counts. Professors in Middle Eastern studies and adopted speech codes to bar racist, sexist, homo- Financially and emotionally drained, al- languages programs are chiefly vulnerable if their phobic and ethnically demeaning speech and Arian pled guilty to one watered-down conspira- courses include facts about US foreign policy conduct. ACTA wants to make it okay to insult cy count and agreed to be deported from the US. which differ from Bush administration talking women, homosexuals, ethnic minorities, and The defense and prosecution requested release points. Such censorship has increased since the adherents to particular faiths. for time served, but the judge, who disgusted attacks of 9/11. Brigitte Jaensch is a human rights advocate.

Education for Change Web sites highlight social justice By Anie Wilson . showed a film produced by Paper Tiger In addition, the NAPF provides students and TV titled “Class educators with information on the political, legal, SDismissed.” The film focuses on high schools, and ethical challenges of the nuclear age . US history textbooks. The California Federation of Teachers has Today’s teachers have limited time to focus produced a video and curriculum guide titled on educating children about real history let alone “Golden Lands, Working Hands, on California the concepts of peace and justice. There are Labor History” . many online resources for teachers to share with Bullfrog Films offers a variety of indepen- Anie Wilson is a board member of Sacramento their students. Below are some examples. dently-produced, environmental videos . Paper Tiger TV (with the War Resisters League) offers “Military Myths,” a counter- recruitment video. The Web site provides infor- mation for a five-day curriculum produced by the Freedom From War’s (FFW’s) New York Collective of Radical Educators. Week of Peace “There are many online October 1–October 7, 2006 Get dinner, a movie, and more, and support your fa- resources for teachers to vorite peace group!

share with their students.” A $50 “passport” gets admission to all events, and the $50 goes to the peace group of your choice! The events can also be attended individually; individual prices are shown below. Be sure to check the Radical Teacher Magazine is a socialist, calendar for final times and places. feminist, and anti-racist journal dedicated to Sunday Oct. 1: Evening of Peace Dinner at Cantina Del Cabo, 139 G Street, the theory and practice of teaching. It serves the Davis. 5-9:30pm. (Individual price, $25—included in Passport.) has a Web site: Peace Curricula and Classroom community of educators who are working for Resources . democracy, peace, and justice. The magazine Monday Oct. 2: Movie, Beyond Treason. Varsity Theatre, 616 2nd St. Davis. The Nuclear Age Peace Foundation offers examines the root causes of inequality and pro- 7-9pm. (Individual ticket price: $10—included in Passport.) a free publication on its Web site “A Mind is a motes progressive social change . War. Meeting House, 345 L St., Davis. 7-9pm. (Free Access; FFW lapel pin, Green Teacher Magazine is a magazine by $20, free with Passport.) and for teachers concerning environmental and global education across the curriculum at all Wednesday Oct.4: Candidates for Congress discuss solutions for Peace. grade levels . Machinists Hall. 2749 Sunrise Blvd, Rancho Cordova, 7-9pm. (Individual ticket price: $10; free for students; included in Passport.) North American Association for Environ- mental Education provides a database of environ- Thursday Oct. 5: Presentation: “The first casualty of war is the truth” by mental educational resources . David Dionisi. ARC Pavilion. UC Davis. 7-9pm. (Individual ticket price: $10; The Institute for Middle East Understanding free for students; included in Passport.) is an independent source of information about Friday Oct. 6: Music & Mixer: Gigabyte Cafe. 2427 Marconi Ave., Sacramento. Palestine and the Palestinian people . Bring alternative perspectives into the class- Saturday Oct. 7: Direct Action: This is not a scheduled event. Use this time room. Invite a speaker from Sacramento Area to support your favorite peace organization. Peace Action, a local labor representative, or a Buy tickets online at or contact . After Oct. 7 (deadline Nov. 7), return the Passport to speak to students. It just might spark some inter- Freedom From War, 3409 Tanager Ave., Davis, CA 95616, with the name of Terrible Thing to Waste: A Guide to the Demili- est and possibly some progressive change. the peace organization that you want your $50 to go to! tarization of America’s Youth & Students,” written For more information, contact 448-7157 or and produced by and for youth and students email < [email protected]>.  BECAUSE PEOPLE MATTER September / October 2006 Rethinking High School Reform What size means choice high school. Second, students must have it gets less matching funds from the state. As a the means to physically get to such a school. result, the SCUSD is looking for ways to spend By Heidi McLean How will the SCUSD make these small high less to build two small high schools. One high schools more accessible to all students and when? school would specialize in science and engineer- “High school reform” sounds great. The Bill Even if every student wanted to attend a ing and the other in Waldorf methods (arts-based and Melinda Gates Foundation is pouring lots small, choice high school, he or she couldn’t instruction). of cash into it. In 2002, the Gates Foundation because there are only five of them in the SCUSD. The science and engineering school has gave Sacramento City Unified School District Is the solution to build raised concerns. Will this (SCUSD) $4 million dollars to create eight small more such schools? “Students’ enrollment in a small school siphon off high schools of 500 students or less. Construction costs school of their choice is an motivated, high-achieving Since then, five small high schools have are lower for building students who would other- opened and two more are planned. However, a small high school on option with two limiting wise go to Kennedy High this version of high school reform is unproven. an existing elementary conditions.” School? Would that impact Because these small high schools have had an or middle school site. Kennedy’s class offerings? impact on the whole district, educational equity Communities now fear that their neighborhood Where will a science and engineering school and access are issues. school will be closed to make way for a small recruit the best math and science teachers? Will The overwhelming majority of SCUSD stu- high school. teachers leave a large high school for a small dents attend large, comprehensive high schools Recall that new school construction requires high school? Math and science teachers are hard such as Johnson and Kennedy. Students are state matching funds. The SCUSD is not eligible to find. How will those gaps in teaching staff be assigned to such high schools based on where for these matching funds until its student enroll- filled at large high schools? they live. Less than 10% of SCUSD students ment increases. And there’s the rub. Last, we turn to enrollment and per-pupil attend “small” high schools. Why? Students and Four of the five small SCUSD high schools spending at small and large high schools. parents have to choose to attend a small high (America’s Choice, Genesis, New Tech and the school. MET) are charter schools. This is causing a School Projected student Spending enrollment per pupil All small high schools are “choice” high decline in yearly enrollment. Why? The four schools. No student is automatically assigned small high schools are not part of the SCUSD for MET 85 $8,319 to one. Students’ enrollment in a high school the purpose of yearly enrollment. New Technology 335 $7,234 of their choice is an option with two limiting The result is a loss of SCUSD student enroll- Genesis 300 $6,444 conditions. First, there must openings at a small, ment. Fewer students enrolled in SCUSD means America’s Choice 180 $6,376 Kennedy 2,402 $4,308 Hiram Johnson 1,923 $4,755 Source: SCUSD for the past school year.

SCUSD has not looked adequately at how small high schools impact large high schools. In the near future SCUSD should answer these questions: What is the optimum size for a large high school? At what point does the movement of students and teachers away from large high schools affect the quality of educational programs offered to the majority of SCUSD students? High school reform shouldn’t benefit a few at the expense of the many. For more information on high school reform in the SCUSD, contact 456-9435.

Heidi McLean is the chairperson of the Coali- tion to Save Public Education.

Labor Strife at CSUS Junior faculty struggles for campus equity By Michelle Renee Matisons, Ph.D.

ecently, California’s public universities have junior faculty pay issues. We wrote editorials on been in the media spotlight due to pay education issues for campus and city newspapers. scandals involving high-level administra- We organized a junior faculty survey highlighting Rtors. While junior and part- time faculty struggle, pay and workload dissatisfaction. And, at a high- many system administrators, including recently ly attended town hall meeting in spring 2006, retired ones, enjoy staggering pay arrangements. we presented our survey findings to campus Shrinking educational quality and the salary gap and statewide leaders of the California Faculty between managers and workers has put the system Association (CFA—our union) and to Alexander in a crisis; professors, staff and students know this. Gonzalez, the CSUS president. Michelle Renee Matisons The “powers that be” couldn’t care less. In response, Gonzalez offered lowest paid Exploitation of junior faculty members a one-time interests. faculty (full-time, tenure- “We are fighting to freeze summer stipend of a couple Spending decisions made in the next years track, but untenured) rose to student tuition and thousand dollars. (His own will have a huge impact on California’s public a higher level at CSUS dur- $61,000 raise brought his university system, which serves millions of work- ing the past academic year. administrative salaries, annual compensation to ing families statewide. The junior faculty objected. and for more courses and around $327,000!) Gonzalez Stay tuned. Better yet, support the CFA in They also realized that higher faculty salaries.” also committed to revisiting our efforts to defend the quality of our public faculty members hired in the specific issue of the expe- institutions of higher learning. What’s happening 2002-2005 (average annual rience penalty. In the mean- on our campuses impacts us all. salary $48,000) had not received the same annual time, issues of guaranteed annual raises for junior For more information, contact or visit . grants newly hired faculty higher salaries than the CSU system’s Board of Trustees’ predictable those working at CSUS for years. Add that ineq- lack of concern for faculty salary and workload. Michelle Renee Matisons is an assistant profes- uity to increased workloads, rising housing costs, This fall, it is likely that we will be working sor in the CSUS Women’s Studies Program. Her and debt incurred from years of graduate school. without a contract. However, we are fighting to scholarly interests include critical theory, political Despite the lack of tenure security and work- freeze student tuition and administrative salaries, economy and social movements, including resistance ing in classrooms isolated from other faculty, and for more courses and higher faculty sala- to the corporatization of higher education. She is CSUS junior faculty and part-time lecturers ries. We are also challenging the current CSUS co-author of Institutions, Ideologies and Individu- made great strides this past year. administration’s corporate agenda such as Pres. als: Feminist Perspectives on Gender, Race and We did door-to-door advocacy. We passed a Gonzalez and his minions selling off chunks of Class. In 2004-05, CSUS Associated Students named unanimous faculty senate resolution supporting the campus, such as the bookstore, to private Matisons Outstanding Professor of the Year. September / October 2006 BECAUSE PEOPLE MATTER  Education and Incarceration Sacramento’s low-income youth main ingredient for imprisonment By Rhonda Erwin

acramento’s low-income youth are likely to Why are we as a society so fixated with be locked up. Their circumstances did not devoting more resources to incarceration than pop up out of thin air. education? Why do we accept the waste of young SBefore becoming lives spent behind bars? incarcerated, many local “Why do we accept the Our local government is low-income youth attended waste of human lives failing low-income youth and continuation schools with spent behind bars?” their families (many of whom 4-hour instructional days. live in violent neighborhoods) Why? They had been by not providing needed social expelled from mainstream schools with 7-hour and educational support. This is a destructive instructional days. situation for many of these families who struggle A child attending a continuation school to focus on education due to time spent protect- should receive the same hours of instruction ing themselves from daily violence. available at a mainstream school in Sacramento. We need to fund coordinated and research- Yet this is not the case. Why? based prevention programs to keep low-income In the meantime, all youth in the state must youth out of prison. Without placing more pass the California High School Exit Exam to emphasis on truly educating all of our children, graduate from high school. Due to our society’s too many of our youth from low-income neigh- inequality of opportunity, some students are borhoods will continue to become commodities more prepared than others to pass this required for our prison system. exam. What happens to the youth who fail the California High What happens to the youth who fail this Rhonda Erwin is a youth violence prevention School Exit Exam? exam? They are less likely to find gainful employ- activist and mother who lives in Sacramento and ment. Thus, such youth are more likely to be on welcomes those who can help . By The Numbers

Learning the language of schooling In the beginning cells divided and multiplied, What’s at stake for student and teachers and a species became by the numbers By Mary Schleppegrell we by the numbers educate our prescribed this example sentence from a history textbook number of children teaching them the hy are students who are still strug- discussion about the American revolution: “The importance of numbers as soon as they can gling to learn English placed in regu- colonists were justified in rebelling against a say two-years old then turn them over to lar classrooms? Common wisdom has tyrant who had broken the social contract.” a school system that disburses funds Wit that children easily learn new languages. So if Almost no one would express this idea in by headcounts and tax bases not faces, that’s true, why don’t we just teach them English those words in ordinary conversation. Instead, not races, not places in need of more first, and then put them in we would probably say because of poverty or language classrooms to learn school something like: subjects? “It was okay for the how many students in overcrowded It’s true that children early American settlers to classrooms can sit and listen after often quickly pick up the start a war against England breakfasting on sugar/chocolate informal language they because the king of Eng- marshmallow non foods while need for everyday social land had not acted in the watching cartoons that make them want to situations, and this can give ways that people should be run, shout, scream jump the misleading impression able to expect their ruler to hit somebody or tear something up? that they “know” English. act. He acted like a dictator how many can become creative, pursue But there is no such thing who didn’t respect people’s knowledge, invent, imagine, revolutionize as knowing English “in rights.” theorize, philosophize in this antiquated school general.” We learn language As we see, the vocabu- system where bore, bored and boring have become in the situations in which lary and grammar of “ordi- the standard description spit from the lips of children we find ourselves, and nary” ways of talking are as young as five and how do they survive teachers each new situation calls for different from the dense whose sole purpose is to count heads then new language learning. If and “academic” ways that count the ducats in their digit on pay day you’ve ever studied another we use language at school. whether they teach anyone anything or not? language and then traveled That means that every to a place where you could Mary Schleppegrell’s recent book teacher is in some sense by the numbers we declare a person educated demonstrates that the variety of English when they have studied a number of years, use it, you’ve probably expected at school differs from the language a language teacher. Every had this experience. You that students use for social purposes outside teacher needs to help stu- completed a number of courses, written a number use the language to order of school. It analyzes the challenges of the dents recognize the ways of publications, and display a number of letters school curriculum, particularly for non-native after their name not by evaluating their intelligence a meal, take a bus, or do speakers of English, speakers of non- language works in differ- other tasks that your learn- standard dialects, and students who have ent subjects. “Content,” ing has prepared you for. little exposure to academic language outside after all, is presented and by the numbers students pursue careers, instead of schools. But when someone asks assessed through language, of vocations, callings, truths, passions or beliefs you about current events, and students who do not seeking the highest pay with the least sweat or about American culture or history, you find know the language of mathematics or science are musn’t sweat, that is a big no no in this yourself tongue-tied. It’s quite a different thing not able to engage in the learning of mathematics no sweat man, no sweat boss, no sweat to talk in the new language about complex or or science. society where sweating is only allowed abstract topics. Since language is learned in the contexts in in fitness centers. For children in schools the situation is which it is used, the language of school subjects has to be learned in the classroom. by the numbers we are losing our young to “To negotiate academic Teachers need to understand the challenges consumer oriented happy happy happy subjects in English, students of the language used in the subject being taught buy buy buy advertising which will teach them the number of things to possess if need to learn how language so that they can raise students’ awareness of the way language works to construct that knowledge. they want to be considered a success works in those subjects.” And English language learners can’t be expected regardless of the consequence, regardless to learn the language needed for success in school of the price, the highest being not a number, similar. It is one thing to know the English outside the classrooms where that language is but their soul. needed to successfully interact with others, and used. quite another challenge to learn the English of Staajabu, 7/1/06 mathematics, science, and history. To negotiate Mary Schleppegrell is a professor of linguistics academic subjects in English, students need to at the University of Michigan School of Education, learn how language works in those subjects. Take and a former editor with Because People Matter. 10 BECAUSE PEOPLE MATTER September / October 2006 Honoring the Rank and File Young people made the Black Panther Party happen By Elbert “Big Man” Howard

t this 40-year reunion of the Black Pan- ther Party, it’s time to remember and give memorize and understand the 10 Point Party recognition to the members who did the Program and Platform, the Three Main Rules of Awork that made the Black Panther Party Discipline, and the Rules of the Black Panther programs happen around the world. Party. The surprising reality is that the aver- The rank and file members of the Black age Party member was between 18 to 20 Panther Party forged new revolutionary ways of years old. These young Party members thinking and demonstrated new ways of behav- worked long and hard, day and night, ing. They developed and practiced the art of without any pay. They owned nothing; collective thinking by casting aside egotism and they lived collectively and shared almost arrogance. The ‘We’ became more important than everything with fellow Panther members. the ‘I.’ For the most part their closest relation- These were no easy tasks, but for rank and ships were with their file members to accomplish comrades. The ‘We’ became them on a national level, among The young Panthers more important poor, black, disenfranchised, and rose at dawn and worked oppressed people, was a monu- until their assigned than the ‘I.’ mental and astounding revolu- jobs were done. They tionary achievement. functioned for the people and for their So, on the occasion of this 40-year Reunion communities. They cooked breakfasts and Celebration in Oakland, CA, October 13-15, for school children and worked in the we recognize and invite former members of other communities soliciting donations to keep solidarity groups (especially all those rank and programs supplied. They went door-to- file members), our friends, and all those com- door, educating those communities, and munity workers who continue to struggle for gathering signatures for petitions on freedom and justice to join us. We will talk about issues affecting their communities. They the past. Most importantly, we will look at what collected clothes for the free-clothing we are doing today to explore the possibilities of program. what we can accomplish in the future. I believe The job of selling the Black Panther Party we have much to do, for the struggle does not newspapers was very important, which the young end with us and, perhaps, by coming together in Panthers did every day, door-to-door, on college solidarity again, we can set into motion the birth campuses, in bars, restaurants, clubs, bus stations, of a new beginning. and on street corners. This work brought harass- More reunion information is available at: Black Panther Party ment by the police, including arrests and time in . archival photos courtesy of It’s About Time jail. Even imprisoned, they worked to politically Committee. educate and recruit inmates to join the Black Elbert” Big Man” Howard went to Merritt Col- Panther Party. lege in Oakland with Huey Newton, co-founder of At the end of the day, the young Panthers the Black Panther Party. Howard joined the Pan- were expected to read the Black Panther Party thers at the very beginning. He was the first editor newspaper cover-to-cover. They also had to of the Panther newspaper. Later, Howard became attend political education classes, as well as ral- the Panthers’ deputy minister of information and lies and demonstrations. They were expected to spokesperson.

Code Pink Sacramento Women teaching peace By Heather Woodford Sacramento’s new chapter of Code Pink: Women for Peace, has been making a big, pink ruckus this year. For example, we were at CSUS’s annual “Earth Day to May Day” festival. “Code Pink’s approach to our teaching in Sacramento is to work with youth, and inform the community about the war in Iraq.”

Code Pink Sacramento members Jo Souvi- gnier, her husband Rod, and founding member Mary Ellen Asebedo, staffed a booth at the fes- tival. The trio spent hours chatting with CSUS students about US foreign policy and its far- reaching implications for education. Mary Ellen Asebedo and Rod Souvignier decorate the Code Pink Booth, and chat with young potential Jo discussed the links between women and Code Pink members. students and the harmful economic, social and Photo by Jo Souvignier. political effects of war. She also spoke about our role in the community. Code Pink’s approach to our teaching in Sac- puses such as the Not Your Soldier Project. women, and to empower new feminist activists to ramento is to work with youth, and inform the Long-term efforts also include film festi- work to stop the war. community about the war in Iraq. In the future, vals and other fun, high-profile events that will For more information on Code Pink Sacra- we plan to participate in military counter-recruit- engage and educate our community. We seek to mento contact . September / October 2006 BECAUSE PEOPLE MATTER 11

Media Clipped Seth Sandronsky How the Big Press Tries to Fool Us A look at economic gobbledygook Canada provides universal health-care coverage grew at a 17.5 % annual rate over the past 13 id you know that the 2006 Social Secu- to its populace. years. rity Trustees Report was released, which Corporate monopolization is driving up the In fact, Mexico’s GDP grew at a 2.9 % annual includes the Medicare program? The cost of US health care. How? In one case, the rate since 1993, the International Monetary Fund Dtrustees projected the year 2040 as the depletion federal government grants patent monopolies to states on its Web site. Mexico’s per person GDP date of the Social Security trust fund versus 2041 drug companies. growth was 1.3 % per in the 2005 report. These patents can “Corporate press coverage can year from 1993 to 2005 Thanks to the Greenspan Commission in increase by triple digits stink when it comes to the US versus GDP growth per 1983, the trust fund is running a surplus of the prices of prescrip- person of nearly 4.0 % Social Security taxes collected. Contributors tion medications. economy. Such reporting can per year between 1960 include employees, their employers and the Drugs that cost a dollar be even worse when it comes and 1980, Baker adds. self-employed. to produce sell for hun- to Mexico.” Crucially, the As in the 2005 report, the trustees still proj- dreds of dollars, thanks Mexican economy as ect 2017 as the year that the costs of the Social to patent monopolies from the government to the measured by GDP grew at an annual rate six Security program will exceed its tax revenues. drug companies. times slower than what the Post reported for the The trust fund is designed to address this esti- Another factor that causes US health-care 13 years ending in 2005. This is no small error mated shortfall. costs to rise is a government restriction on the for the top paper in the capital city of the US. TheNew York Times ran a number of foreign physicians Does the IMF have a lock on growth figures report (5/2/06), and the Wash- who may practice medicine for Mexico? No. ington Post a column (5/9/06), in the US. This policy makes The Organization for Economic Co-opera- that snubbed the non-partisan domestic doctors the most tion and Development and the World Bank also Congressional Budget Office’s highly paid in the industrial- have GDP data for Mexico. And as of May 26, projection of 2052 as the year ized world. the Post had not printed a correction to its April for the depletion of the Social US doctors are insulated 17 article, which reported that the Mexican econ- Sacramento Security trust fund. What is from foreign job competi- omy “has ballooned” between 1993 and 2005. Soapbox my point? Readers are being tion. This process limits the Still, the paper’s ombudsman wrote on May Progressive Talk Show misled as to Social Security’s number of doctors practicing 7: “TheWashington Post is committed to correct- Access Sacramento, future. medicine in the US. ing all errors that appear in the newspaper, just Channel 17 Further, the Post colum- Limiting the number as we are committed to the kind of careful jour- with Jeanie Keltner & nist wrote that the bonds held of doctors practicing medi- nalism that will minimize the number of errors Ken Adams. by Social Security were “IOUs cine stateside increases the we print. Preventing and correcting mistakes Monday, 8pm, Tuesday from the US Treasury.” That is demand for their labor are two sides of the coin of our realm: accuracy. noon, Wednesday, 4am. an odd way to describe bonds. services. This policy boosts Accuracy is our goal, and candor is our defense.” Now in Davis, Channel 15, Tuesday, 7pm. In serious business jour- doctors’ annual salaries, and The April 17 article ran on the front page of nalism, a bond is called a bond. Apparently, such helps to drive up the over-all price of health care the Post. Forty-three days later, the paper issued journalistic standards do not apply to the Post throughout the country’s economy. a correction to its April 17 report: columnist’s coverage of Social Security. Such processes and policies are helping to “An April 17 article about economic forces The federal government is legally obligated to cause its projected shortfall of funds, and not driving migration from Mexico gave incorrect repay the bonds in the Social Security trust fund. Medicare itself. Repairing the US health care figures on the country’s gross domestic product. A default would be illegal, and would drop the system is the solution for what ails Medicare and In terms of 2005 dollars, Mexico’s GDP grew credit rating for other government bonds. Social Security. from $767 billion in 1993 to $1 trillion in 2005.” The Times reporter and thePost columnist Corporate press coverage can stink when it ThePost reporter and editor(s) had failed to also did a poor job of explaining the financial comes to the US economy. Such reporting can be adjust for inflation, or the rise in prices. In this crisis facing Medicare, the government program even worse when it comes to Mexico. way, the paper reported Mexico’s post-NAFTA that provides health care to Americans age 65 On April 17, 2006, the Washington Post ran growth miracle that wasn’t. and up, plus some disabled recipients of Social an article about Mexico’s economy and the North Security. In the new report, Medicare’s hospital American Free Trade Agreement, which took Seth Sandronsky is a co-editor with Because insurance trust fund is projected to run short of effect on January 1, 1994. Part of the focus was People Matter. cash in 2018 versus the 2020 date projected by on market forces and the flight of some Mexicans the trustees a year ago. to the US. In brief, Medicare’s cash crisis is being driven “Still, the past 13 years haven’t been all bad by the rising cost of US health care. The price of economic news for Mexico,” wrote Manuel Roig- health care is rising faster than the rate of other Franzia of the Post’s Foreign Service. “Spurred goods and services in the economy. by NAFTA, Mexico’s gross domestic product has In 2003, the US spent 15 % of its gross ballooned, multiplying nearly seven-fold, from domestic product (the market price of all goods $108 billion in 1993, the year before NAFTA and services produced within the country implementation, to $748 billion in 2005.” annually), on health care versus 5 % in 1960, If the Post’s data for Mexico’s GDP was cor- according to the Organization for Economic Co- rect, it would be a world record for economic operation and Development. Meanwhile, the US growth, according to economist Dean Baker, co- lacks a national health care program for all of its director of the Center for Economic and Policy citizens. Review in Washington, DC. Thus, economists Canada spent 9.9 % of its GDP on health care and staff at the CEPR repeatedly contacted the in 2003 compared with 5.4 % in 1960. Crucially, Post concerning the assertion that Mexico’s GDP

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nited States, July 14, 2006 - Once again, to stand in support of the popular Israeli colonial policies have engulfed resistance. On the contrary, Arab the Palestinian and Lebanese people regimes are striking with an iron Uin massive destruction and mayhem. Through fist against the Arab people who shocking actions that are clearly crimes against dare to rise against injustice. humanity, Israel is continuing the Zionist project The most atrocious Arab it started nearly six decades ago. Refugees of the positions thus far come from Palestinian Catastrophe (Nakba) of 1948 [Israel’s Saudi Arabia which shamelessly theft of land] can’t return home. Thousands of entered the conflict on the side of Palestinians remain in Israeli prisons. The people the colonizer. The Saudi monar- of Lebanon are subject to systematic atrocities as chy overtly blamed the resistance the world watches. movement in Lebanon and Pal- estine, holding it accountable for “Attempts to destabilize Iran the ongoing Israeli destruction. Fully supported by the Egyptian and Syria are likely to escalate, and Jordanian regimes, the Saudi along with an even larger position appears to be an attempt to provide an “Arab voice,” albeit Some of the attack on the resistance in a token one, that would isolate Places You Can South Lebanon and Palestine.” the resistance in South Lebanon Find BPM and Palestine as “illegitimate” and “adventurous” forces. This Sacramento Area US Destabilization of the Arab World is a dangerous destabilizing role Coffee Works Fully supported by the US, the current played on behalf of the US-Israeli Crest Theater Dimple Records, Arden Israeli war against the people of Lebanon aims alliance. It serves to open the gates Wy to destroy the popular resistance movement and for what is expected to come— Flowers Restaurant ignite internal strife within Lebanon with the widening the US-Israeli attacks to Galleria ultimate goal of creating a proxy state buffered include Syria and Iran. Grinders with a “colonized zone,” severed from its Arab In the same context, and Hart Senior Center neighbors, particularly Syria and Palestine. Such in yet another serious development, Mahmud Light Rail: has been the US-Israeli design for Lebanon for Abbas, president of the Palestinian National Lebanon and Israel: 65/Folsom 2nd Ave/Freeport decades. Authority, has attempted to disassociate the Pal- 1982 - 2006 Los Jarritos In its veto on July 12 of the UN resolution estinian flank from the Lebanese, hoping to strike Luna’s Cafe & Juice Bar condemning the Israeli attacks in Gaza, the Bush a deal and exit the ongoing anti-colonial struggle. 1982: Israel invades and occupies the south Mercy Hospital, 40th/J administration is sending a clear message that This is a blow to the Palestinian-Lebanese soli- of Lebanon, including Beirut, to quell the Pales- Mother India Restaurant Israeli conquests complement US policies for the darity and must be opposed. tinian resistance, massacring thousands of Leba- National University Middle East, as manifested in the occupation and nese and Palestinian refugees, and committing Pancake Circus, 21st/ Palestine, Lebanon and Iraq—Inseparable Broadway destruction of Iraq. Effectively, three Arab states a series of human rights abuses. Hizbullah, the Planned Parenthood: (Palestine, Iraq and Lebanon) are now simultane- The coming period is critical. Attempts to Lebanese popular resistance, is founded to end Franklin Blvd, Watt ously under a violent siege and are being drawn destabilize Iran and Syria are likely to escalate, the Israeli occupation of South Lebanon. Ave., 29th St. into internal strife. along with an even larger attack on the resistance 1983: Israel partially withdraws and estab- Queen of Tarts Remaining in the cross-hairs of destabi- in South Lebanon and Palestine. The confluence lishes a “buffer” zone in southern Lebanon near Quick Market lization are Syria and Iran. There are plans of these policies with US designs in Iraq consti- the northern border of Israel. Sacramento Bagel, underway to plant US proxy (stand-in) forces in tutes the overall defining strategy for the US-con- 1992: Israel assassinates Sheikh Abbas al- 47th/H Sacramento Natural both countries for the overall plan of conquest. trolled “New Middle East. In this “New Middle Musawi, the secretary-general of Hizbullah. Foods Coop US-Israeli strategists hope to ultimately control East,” the US hopes that natural resources, land 1993: Israel carries out its heaviest attack on Sacramento Public the remaining resistance to empire: Palestine, and sea access, and political servitude will be Lebanon in more than a decade with the inten- Library (Main & many Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Iran. With that control, readily available. tion of wiping out Hizbullah. branches) US-Israeli hegemony over the Middle East would The Arab American community and allies 1996: Israel bombs southern Lebanon as Taco Loco be complete. in the peace and justice movement can’t afford part of the “Grapes of Wrath” operation, massa- The Beat Time Tested Books to turn a blind eye to any of the elements of cring hundreds of Lebanese civilians in an attack Tower Books The Role of Arab Regimes these colonial policies. It is vital that the support on a UN shelter in the Lebanese village of Qana. Tower Theater (inside) Nearly all Arab regimes, already changed for an Israeli boycott and divestment campaign 2000: Hizbullah succeeds in forcing Israel Underground Books into proxy status, are incapable of effecting expands. We must jointly call for an end to the to withdraw its troops from southern Lebanon. (35th St. near B'way) change in the political process, even if they war on Iraq and an end to US funding of Israeli July 2006: While continuing its ongoing Weatherstone Coffee choose. The US-Israeli roles for these regimes atrocities. Naiveté in the understanding of geo- assaults on Gaza, Palestine, Israel attacks Leba- have been well defined and choreographed, politics is a hindrance to peace and justice—Iraq non with heavy artillery and destroys Lebanese Chico Area hence their deafening silence and shameless is inseparable from Palestine and Lebanon. infrastructure, the Beirut international airport Davis complacency. Arab states would, at the very least, and all bridges, killing at least 300 people and Bogey’s Books be expected to immediately sever all Israeli dip- More information can be found at . capture of two Israeli soldiers. Davis Natural Food Israel bombs an apartment building in the Coop village of Qana, killing over 40 people and com- Newsbeat University Mall mitting its second massacre in the village since Sacramento Area Peace Action is an all-volunteer organization that 1996. Nevada City works to educate and mobilize the public to promote a non-intervention- August 2006: US Post Office • Hizbullah fires more than 230 rockets into ist and non-nuclear US foreign policy and to promote peace through in- Israel in one day, the highest number so far, vow- ternational and domestic economic, social, and political justice. Join us! ing to hit Israel with more rockets if it continues Where would you like its assaults on Lebanon. to see BPM? Let Paulette • Israeli helicopters attack a hospital in Lebanon and kill several Lebanese civilians. Yes, I want to work for peace! • Israeli soldiers reportedly prepare to occupy southern Lebanon up to the Litani River. Annual dues are $30 individuals, $52 per family and $15 low income. • Hizbullah’s leader Hasan Nasrallah warns Name:______that his fighters will launch rockets at Tel Aviv if Beirut is bombed again. Address:______• Israel massacres over 40 farmers in Bekaa City______Zip______Valley, Lebanon. • Hizbullah fires more than 100 rockets near Phone:______Email:______Tel Aviv. ____Send weekly calendar updates to my email. Over 1,000 Lebanese have been killed and ____Save resources, send me the monthly newsletter by email. over 1 million people displaced as a result of the Israeli bombardment of Lebanon. Russia, the EU, Iran and some Arab states Send your check to: Sacramento Area Peace Action (SAPA) 909 12th Street, #118, Sacramento, condemn the attacks. US President George W. CA 95814. Or call us! 448-7157, email: , web: Bush continues to insist that Israel has the right to defend itself. September / October 2006 BECAUSE PEOPLE MATTER 13 Interview with Ismail Kamal Sudan crisis in focus By Lara Kiswani

smail Kamal is a founder of the Sudanese Africa or the Middle East. American Society. He earned a bachelor’s In 1990, the Sudanese degree in international relations and history government opposed Ifrom UC Davis, with an emphasis on North the first Gulf War, and Africa and the Middle East. A published writer, began an attempt to unite Kamal is a Sudanese activist who resides in different forces in the Washington, DC. region that opposed US Sudan is the largest country in Africa, bor- power. In 1993, Sudanese dering on a total of nine other nations. Sudan government officials tried has played a historically significant role in the to mediate between the politics of Africa and the Middle East. Sudan Palestine Liberation Orga- has been the subject of growing attention from nization, Fateh, Hamas the international community as a result of the and other Palestinian devastating tribal conflict of the last few years in factions, after the signing Darfur, western Sudan. of the Oslo Agreement In a phone interview, Kamal talked about the between the PLO and role of Western governments (US and European), Israeli government. and the international community in Sudan and The Sudanese govern- Africa. ment also took a path that sought self-suf- ficiency and Third World solidarity—having an even greater influence in the African region. This role in regional affairs— par- ticularly the challenge to Western power—led IK: This is by far anover-simplification. Iden- to UK and the US attempts to destabilize the tifying the Darfur conflict as an Arab versus Afri- Sudanese government. It is also interesting to can conflict follows a racial and ethnic line that note that the Sudanese conflict in Darfur has doesn’t apply to Sudan. All Sudanese are African, increased with the discovery and production of and an overwhelming majority speaks Arabic. oil. You cannot tell the difference between those who do and do not speak Arabic and identify as LK: In Sudan, we also witness a great deal of Arabs in Sudan. The crisis is not about ethnicity interest by US nongovernmental organizations and race as much as it is about economics and (NGOs). What do you attribute this to? politics. Ismail Kamal IK: The role of US NGOs has been to further The main issues are specific to Darfur promote an anti-Sudan policy. The Christian locally—water resources, local administrative Lara Kiswani: Concerning the crisis in Right has always viewed and falsely labeled the powers, development and underdevelopment. Darfur, what do people need to know about conflict in southern Sudan as a Christian-Mus- The neighboring countries of Chad and Eritrea Western governments’ humanitarian intervention lim conflict. There are also many Zionist groups are also involved. Plus, there are the interests of in Sudan? that have promoted an anti-Sudan agenda due to governments in France, China and the US. But Ismail Kamal: The humanitarian crisis in the nation being seen as a threat to Israeli inter- the conflict cannot be described as Arab versus Darfur, Sudan has become an excuse to achieve ests in the Middle East and Africa. [Zionism African. other political objectives for Western govern- began as a political movement among European ments. That excuse was also used to intervene in Jews to form a British state in Palestine nearly a “The Sudanese conflict in Somalia. By contrast, there was no such humani- century ago, ed.] Darfur has increased with the tarian intervention for the Congo and South In the 1990s, many Israeli think tanks pro- discovery and production of Africa, or Lebanon and Palestine. duced material on Sudan, and saw the “Sudan Coffee from threat.” Many Israelis also saw the conflict in oil.” Nicaragua LK: Clearly, there is a great deal of devasta- Darfur as a way to rebuild black-Jewish relations tion as a result of the conflict in Sudan. The in the US and globally. This is why the Sudan LK: What role do you think the international Support Sacramento’s sister city, San Juan de intensified violence combined with the historical conflict was promoted as an African versus Arab community should be playing in Sudan? Oriente, Nicaragua, underdevelopment of Sudan has resulted in the issue, with the Jewish community coming to the IK: The heart of the current crisis in Sudan by purchasing organic displacement of hundreds of thousands of war- rescue. There are also many liberal groups in the is underdevelopment. The international com- whole bean coffee affected people. However, this is not uncommon US that work to interfere in global affairs. This munity should focus on promoting development grown in the rich to the many poor countries in the global south tactic follows the liberal myth of humanitarian in Sudan, and providing assistance that promotes volcanic soil on the facing the ravages of wars at the hands of Western intervention that emerged under the Clinton projects that help local people achieve economic island of Omotepe, governments. What is the political objective of administration to hide other motives. self-sufficiency. Nicaragua. Thanks to the efforts of these governments in Sudan? Much of Sudan’s political problems would be the Bainbridge-Omotepe IK: In the case of Sudan, Western govern- LK: Mainstream media, along with various solved with honest and sincere assistance from Sister Island Association ments see an opportunity to further weaken organizations and political leaders, have also outside. in Washington, we are the Sudanese government. Since 1989, the advanced the notion of the “African versus Arab” able to bring you this government has taken a political path that has conflict in Sudan. What do you have to say to For more information on the Sudan visit wonderful medium roast challenged Western influence, particularly US those who understand this to be the case? . coffee. Your purchase helps the influence in the region—whether it is the Horn of farmers on the island Lara Kiswani is a board member of Sacramento and helps support Area Peace Action and a graduate of UC Davis Sacramento’s long where she was an organizer with Third World relationship with San Forum and Students for Justice in Palestine. She Juan de Oriente. is currently the program director for the National All profits go directly Council of Arab Americans back to the Nicaraguan communities. < www.arab-american.net/>. $9.00 a pound. Available in Sacramento at: 
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9/11 Truth, from page 2 Article Criticizes the Israel Lobby—

were inadequately investigated. Yet only 52% of Authors catch flak, stir controversy respondents were aware of the mysterious col- lapse of WTC 7—so inexplicable it is rarely men- By Mary Bisharat tioned in the media and was completely omitted n March 2006, Professor John J. Mearsheimer, again” people such as Gary Bauer, and Jerry by the 9/11 Commission. WTC 7’s collapse offers at the University of Chicago, and Steven M. Falwell, as well as former Republican majority the clearest proof that the buildings were taken Walt, dean of Harvard’s Kennedy School of leaders Dick Armey and Tom DeLay (indicted down in controlled demolitions. Indeed, owner IGovernment, published The Israel Lobby and US for breaking campaign finance laws). Larry Silverstein admitted in PBS documentary Foreign Policy in the London Review of Books AIPAC’s source of power is doing what footage that fearing greater loss of life, they . All hell broke lobbies do: lobbying Congress and the execu- decided to “pull” WTC 7 that afternoon—though loose. tive branch, molding Uncle Sam’s to “pull” a building takes weeks of preparation. The writers assess “The core of the Lobby is public opinion through contractors As more people find out about WTC 7, the political power of comprised of American Jews shaping the news, and disbelievers will multiply. Scientific support for America Israel Public making campaign “Five years after the Sep- the demolition interpretation comes from the Affairs Committee who make a big effort to contributions. “Its tember 11 attacks, the peer-reviewed research of Steven Jones, a phys- (AIPAC), the lead- bend US policy to help Israel’s power flows from its US intelligence commu- ics professor at Brigham Young University. He ing pro-Israel lobby unmatched ability to nity has so many outside identified the presence of the powerful incendi- in the US. Mainline government.” play this game of inter- contractors working for ary explosive thermate on the steel of the WTC headlines read “nutty,” est group politics,” say it that the government wreckage. “paranoid at Harvard,” and the writers were Mearsheimer and Walt, by controlling debate, doesn’t know the exact number. Nor does the In a more recent Scripps Howard opinion called anti-Semites. and making support for the government of Israel top brass know exactly poll, 36% believed that the government was A debate hidden for decades was out in the the “smart political choice.” what all these compa- directly complicit in 9/11. The cover-up proves open. I have followed US policy toward the gov- “Smartness” is produced by campaign con- nies are doing” (Busi- the crime—which one can see in the 9/11 Com- ernment of Israel since 1947. I found it satisfying tributions by pro-Israel government political ness Week, 8/21/06). mission’s efforts to hide the glaring problems with that after almost 60 dreadful years, something action committees, or PACs. Some career totals: the official myth—meticulously documented in even-handed about the Palestine/Israel struggle Shelley Berkley, D-NE, $245,205; Eliot Engel, David Ray Griffin’sThe 9/11 Commission, Omis- was published in the mainstream. D-NY, $171,418; Carl Levin, D-MI, $657,887; sions and Distortions. Both authors of this AIPAC article are Arlen Specter, R-PA, $488,973; Martin Frost, Now a new book, Without Precedent, a respected academics. Mearsheimer is a West D-TX, $245,205; David Obey, D-WI, $152,600; behind-the-scenes look at the official com- Point graduate with 10 years in the military. He Tom Harkin, D-IA, $520,450; Mitch McConnell, mission, is going to raise even more questions. backed the militarism of Israel’s government R-KY,$377,685 McMahon. (Washington Report Co-author and member of the commission, until the 1990s. Then, Mearsheimer began to on Middle East Affairs, August 2006.) Republican Thomas Kean writes, “We to this day read Israeli historians such as Benny Morris and “Candidates are scared they’ll wake up some don’t know why NORAD [the North American Ilan Pappe. Their work probes myths about the morning and find out an opponent has $500,000 Aerospace Command, responsible for the air- founding and early years of Israel. to run against you,” says Morton Kondrake of The space above the east coast] told us what they told The Lobby (AIPAC) is convenient short- New Republic. us. It was just so far from the truth. . . .It’s one of hand for the loose coalition of individuals and Mort Friedman, a local attorney and national those loose ends that never got tied.” Pretty big organizations who actively shape US foreign pol- board member of AIPAC, was contacted for this loose end—especially since the 9/11 Commission icy in a pro-Israel government direction. While article. He does not respond to questions about report presented NORAD’s lies as truth. not entirely unified, the core of the Lobby is com- AIPAC, according to his secretary. The 9/11 truth movement is using facts and prised of American Jews who make a big effort to US taxpayer aid to the government of Israel reason to break the emotional hold of those hor- bend US policy to help Israel’s government. was $6.3 billion in 2006. When AIPAC talks, rific 9/11 images. Yes, international terrorism “There is this image in Congress that you Congress unites. Then the White House makes exists, but, statistically, you’re more likely to be don’t cross these people (AIPAC) or they take US foreign policy. Such policy is bloody. A struck by lightening than attacked by a terror- you down,” according to journalist J.J. Goldberg. case in point is the government of Israel’s 2006 ist. Nonetheless the terror and rage generated Two US politicians knocked down for opposing bombardment of Lebanon, one of the founding by 9/11 allow the Bush/neocon war machine to the interests of Israel’s government were Rep. nations of the UN. keep rolling. 9/11 unchained perhaps the most Paul Findley and Sen. Charles Percy of Illinois. Mary Bisharat is a human rights activist and ruthless individuals in the history of American The Lobby also includes Christian “born retired social worker in Sacramento. politics. 9/11 was the keystone deception, the essen- tial piece holding up an edifice of lies and power grabs that have brought the US closer to fascism than it’s ever been before. What will happen when a significant majority is able to face the The Marxist School of Sacramento sickening truth about these warmongers/profi- P.O.Box 160564 Sacramento, CA 95816 teers? One cannot predict, but our challenge is to September–October 2006 Activities help that majority grow. Jeanie Keltner is a retired professor of Eng- Point of View Speaker Series lish and an editor at-large with Because People Lectures are held in Sierra 2 Ctr, 2791 24th St., 7–9pm Matter. Thurs. Sept. 21—Green Room. Michelle Matisons, Professor of Women’s Studies, CSU Sacramento, on Marxism & Feminism in the 20th Century Monday, Oct. 16—Room 10. Michael Perelman, Professor of Eco- nomics, CSU Chico, presenting his new book. Railroading Economics: The Creation of the Free Market Mythology. Book Discussions/Classes Book discussions are held in Sierra 2 Ctr, Rm. 11, 2791 24th St., 7–9pm. Tuesday, September 5: The Boom and the Bubble, by Robert Brenner. Discussion led by Mike Osman. Tuesday, September 19: The Art of Loving, by Erich Fromm. Discus- sion led by Mike Monasky and Tony Britto. Tuesday, October 3: After Capitalism, by Seymour Melman. Discus- sion led by Dr. Arline Prigoff. Tuesday, October 17: Readings by Gilbert Achcar on the Middle East. Discussion led by Mike Osman. “Capital” Reading Group NEW! Extended book discussion, Vol. 1 of Capital, by Karl Marx. will meet 7-9pm, 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month, starting Sep- tember 6 through December 20, at SMUD, 6301 S St. (the new build- ing!), Timberline Rm. 3. Any edition of Capital will do; we will read together and discuss at each class. It’s not too late to join!

INFO: ; ; 799- 1354. All activities are free and open to the public. September / October 2006 BECAUSE PEOPLE MATTER 15

ONGOING EVENTS September / October Calendar Mondays FRIDAYS Sacramento Poetry Shiny Object Digital Send calendar items for the Nov.–Dec. 2006 issue to by Center hosts poetry Video/Fools Founda- Friday, September 15 October 10, with “calendar item” in the subject line. Make it short, and in this order, please: Day, readings. 7:30pm. tion Film Series. Weekly 14th annual Fairytale Town After Hours. Food- Date. Name of event. Description (1-2 lines). Time. Location. Price. INFO: phone#; . 1631 K St. INFO: independent/foreign tasting from Sacramento’s fine restaurants and 441-7395; and poetrycenter.org>. support of Sacramento Area Emergency Housing $5. INFO: 484-0747or . Center. 5:30-8:30pm. Fairytale Town grounds . Organic Sacto: Coun- aways, foods, theater performances and more. ter ongoing threats 1st Fridays $50 admission. INFO: 454-2120. Friday, Sept. 29 Sunday, October 15 to our food. 6:30pm. Beginner/intermediate The American Astronaut: Shiny Object Digi- 2nd Annual Feral Cat Walk-a-thon to benefit INFO: . Plagues & Pleasures on the Salton Sea. Shiny Ob- Social tango dancing. 7pm, 1025 19th St. $5. Rarely seen, yet neuter clinics. Registration 8am; walk 9am. ject Digital Video/Fools Foundation Film Series. 9pm–12am.YWCA, widely lauded, 2001 Sundance Grand Prize Southside Park, 6th & T Sts. $20 (includes T- 2nd & 4th MONDAYS Documentary by Chris Metzler & Jeff Springer 17th & L, Sacto. $10 nominee. A dazzling and bizarre sci-fi musical. shirt while supplies last). INFO: 446-4290 or UUSS/SAPA Peace and on one of America’s worst ecological disasters for lesson and social INFO: 484-0747or . Sustainability Com- and the people who live there; narrated by John dancing. INFO: . mittee. 6-8pm. INFO: Waters. 7pm. 1025 19th St. $5. INFO: 484- dra.kambestad@ Sunday, October 22 Peace Action, 448- 0747or . 7157. tango-renaissance. Monday, October 2 Daniel Ellsberg, activist and author who released Elk Grove Peace & Justice Forum presents “An the Pentagon Papers, speaks at Physicians for com> or . Annual all-Spanish reading acknowledging Sept. about Global Warming. 4 and 7 pm, Elk Grove ner; 7:45 program. CSUS Alumni Center. Dinner/ Capitol Outreach for 16: Mexican Independence Day. Sponsored by 1st FRIDAYS United Methodist Church, 8986 Elk Grove Blvd., talk--$50/person; Talk only—$20($10 student). a Moratorium on the the Writers of the New Sun/Escritores del Nuevo Community Con - Elk Grove. INFO: 689-6943 or 685-3612. INFO: , 955-6333. Death Penalty. 11am Sol and Dept of Foreign Languages. Poetry of tra Dance. 8-11pm; –1pm, L Street @ 11th. Rafael Alberti and Federico García Lorca, Dr. 7:30pm beginners Saturday, October 7 INFO: 447-7754. Fausto Avendaño, Mariela Santana. Open mic lessons. Clunie Audi- 27th Annual Women Take Back the Night: for poems in Spanish. 7:30—9:30 pm. Mariposa TUESDAYS torium, McKinley Pk, Women, Immigration and Violence. Join us in Hall 1000, Sac State, 6000 J St. $5 ($3 students Sacramento Area Alhambra & F. INFO: the movement to end violence against women. and members; no one turned away for lack of Peace Action Vigil. 4- 641-7781. West Steps State Capitol. INFO: 448-2321 x520, 6pm. 16th & J Sts. money.). Campus parking $2.75. Pay at self-serve . The Freedom Equity INFO: 448-7157. 2nd Fridays kiosks in parking lots. Campus map: . INFO: 278-5506. Sacramento’s 5th Annual Freethought Day. Group presents: Amnesty Int’l, Da- Sierra 2 Ctr, 2791- 24th “A celebration of separation of church and state.” vis Chapter Meeting. St., Rm. 10. $5–$10. Saturday, September 16 Speakers, entertainment, education expo, and International House INFO: 361-3153. The Hip-Hop Legends Concert with Kurtis Blow, children’s activities. Scheduled: Lori Lipman (10 College Park). MC Lyte, Big Daddy Kane, Doug E. Fresh, Slick Brown, Director/Lobbyist, Secular Coalition for “THE SHOW” 7pm. Free Pizza. In- 3rd FRIDAYS Rick, Biz Markie. 7pm. The Historic Colonial America; Michael Newdow, First Amendment Poetry Series with live band LSB. Sacramento’s vited speakers. INFO: Pr o g r e s s i v e Fr e e Theatre, 3522 Stockton Boulevard, INFO: 448- Advocate, performer; Mel Lipman, President, biggest poetry event featuring poets from . Sunday, September 17th terest to atheists, front Park, Front & L Streets, Old Sacramento. Wo’se Community Center, 2863 35th Street The Sacramento Old City Association’s 31st Home 2nd Tuesdays agnostics, human- Free. INFO: (just south of Broadway). ONLY $5.00! Tour, in the Poverty Ridge and Newton Booth Gray Panthers. 2–4pm. ists. INFO: or 447-3589. Hart Senior Ctr., 27th @prodigy.net>. Neighborhoods. 8 vintage homes available for September 30 & J St. Info: Joan, viewing. 10am–4pm. A Street Fair on 23rd Street Sunday October 8 Prentice “2006 Oakland/San Francisco Grand 332-5980. Saturdays between T and U Streets with products and crafts Sacramento Housing Alliance hosts Antsy McClain Slam Champion” Workshops at La Raza for older homes. Tickets available at Street Fair. and the Trailer Park Troubadours—skilled musi- Noah “SupaNova” Hayes (Birthday) 4th TUESDAYS Galleria Posada. 1– $20. INFO: 455-2933. cians who play in the rootsy, rock and roll tradition Lawrence Brooks Amnesty Int’l. 7pm. 3pm. 1421 R St. Under of their hard-working, blue collar forefathers, a Jason Banks Wednesday, Sept. 20, Sacto. Friends Meeting 18, $1; Students over hilarious family friendly rock and blues concert. Miss Ashleigh 18, $5; Adults, $10. Luis J. Rodriguez, award winning poet and au- House, 890-57th St. Crest Theater, 10th and K Sts. 7pm. Tickets at Love Jones Poetry Night (Open mic) Info: 446-5133. thor of the best selling book, Always Running, INFO: 489-2419. La Vida Loca, Gang Days in LA. Reading and October 28 Be a sponsor! Sponsorship allows entrance to 4th Tuesdays 1st Saturdays Q&A. 7–8:30pm. Luther Burbank High School Neo-Soul vocalist Kevin Sandbloom from the VIP Reception. Peace and Justice Films. Health Care for All. (3500 Florin Road). Tickets $10. Proceeds benefit Los Angeles Double-wide @$500 (Includes 12 tickets+ VIP) 7pm. Peace Action of- 10am. Hart Senior Ctr, The Parent/Teacher Home Visit Project. INFO: LSB (Live band jam session) Single-wide @ $250 (Includes 8 tickets+ VIP) fice at 909 12th Street. 27th & J. For universal Carrie Rose, 752-3206,< www.pthvp.org>. Born 2B Poets featuring Bloom Beloved. INFO:448-7157. access to health care. Trailer ……..@ $125 (Includes 4 tickets + VIP Info: 424-5316. Thursday, Sept. 21 Pop-up..……@ $65 (includes 2 tickets + VIP) WEDNESDAYS Ralph Schoenman and Mya Shone of Pacifica Public Admission Tickets $20. INFO: 442-1198 1st SATURDAYS Christ Unity Church: Radio’s acclaimed “Taking Aim” program will or . The “UNDERGROUND POETRY SERIES” Speakers and Music. Sacramento Area discuss, “Apocalypse Now: The US and Israeli Every third Saturday. 7-9 p.m. Underground 7pm. Cost: Donation. Peace Action Vigil. Master Plan for the Middle East.” 7pm, Coloma Books, 2814 35th Street (at Broadway). $3.00. 9249 Folsom Blvd. 11:30am–1:30pm. Ar- Community Ctr, Grass Valley Rm., 4623 T St. 737-3333 INFO: 368-3950. den and Heritage (en- INFO: 455-1396, . trance to Arden Mall). September 16 1st WEDNESDAYS INFO: 448-7157 Friday, Sept. 22 Felecia MaGee Peace & Freedom Par- Sirens of the 23rd Century: Shiny Object Digital Black Men Expressing Tour (All topics) ty. 7pm. INFO: 456- 2nd & 4th Sats Video and Fools Foundation Film Series. 7pm, 4595. Community Contra 1025 19th St. $5. Hit of the gay and lesbian 400 October 21 Dance. 8-11pm; 7:30 film fest circuit. A campy, satirical, androgynous, Red Fox poet Wendy Williams 2nd WEDNESDAYS lessons. YWCA Audito- futuristic fairytale. INFO: 484-0747 or . Women Lori Jean Robinson Questioning the “War INFO: 641-7781 on Terror.” 6–8pm. Juli- Monday, September 25 ana’s Kitchen, 1401 G 3rd SATURDAYS Axis Gallery “What Can We Do About Global Climate INFO: T.Mo at 208-POET, Street, at 14th. INFO: Sacramento Area Change and the Energy Crisis?” Multi-spon- . 372-8433. 11:30am-1:30pm. ing environmental scientist Dr. Amy Lind Luers. Fulton and Marconi. Time permitting, Citizens for Global Solutions The exhibition “400 Women” will 3rd Wednesdays INFO: 448-7157 will show the Flash Film on energy issues which CAAC Goes to the Mov- be on display in October 2006, won this year’s international student contest ies. 7:15pm. Info: Sundays featuring works by Danita Cook (9,000 entries). 7pm. SMUD Auditorium, 6291 446-3304. Sacto Food Not Bombs. and Patricia Wood and dedicated 1:30pm. Come help “S” St. Free. INFO: Chuck O’Neil, 391-6274 or Thursdays distribute food at 9th . to the missing women of Juarez. Freedom From War’s (FFW’s) Daddy’s Here (Father Week of Peace— and J Streets. Thursday, September 28 The backroom of the gallery will Enhancement Program). feature new chalkboard paintings A full week of activities! Men’s support group; 1st SUNDAYS Ralph Schoenman and Mya Shone of Pacifica info on custody, di- PoemSpirits. 6pm. Re- Radio’s acclaimed “Talking Aim” program will by Patricia Wood. October 1–October 7 vorce, raising children. freshments and open discuss “Apocalypse Now - The US and Israeli A reception for the artists will 7-8:30pm. Free! Ctr for mic. Free. UUSS, Rm. Master Plan for the Middle East.” 7pm, Coloma See details page 7. Families, 2251 Florin Rd, 7/8, 2425 Sierra Blvd. Community Ctr, Nevada City Room, 4623 T be held on Oct. 14, 6–9p.m. The Ste 102. INFO: . 424-3237x 205. Our Name/Sacramento. INFO: 455-1396, 1st Sundays cooperative gallery featuring cut- Thursdays Zapatista Solidarity ting edge contemporary art from House of Spoken Peace Action Vigils Coalition. 10am–noon. Friday, September 29 local, regional and national artists. Words. 7–10pm. Co- 909 12th St. Info: Sacramento Masonic Temple annual open house. TUESDAYS: 4-6pm. 16th and J Streets. Be lonial Café, Stockton 443-3424. Guided tours, Italian dinner & live Swing band Regular gallery hours are Sat- Visible For Peace. Blvd. & Broadway. $5. in the ballroom with Sacramento’s “Party of Six”. urday and Sunday, 12-5p.m. or by 1 s t S A T U R DA Y S : 1 1 : 3 0 a m - 2nd SUNDAYS INFO: 308-2766. Tours begin at 4:30, music until 10pm. 1123 J appointment. 1:30pm. Arden & Heritage Atheists & Other Free- Street. $25 person. INFO: 359-0685. Slideshow 3rd Thursdays (entrance to Arden Mall). thinkers. 2:30pm. Si- tour: . for Women (NOW). 10, 2791 24th St. ton and Marconi. 7pm. INFO: 443- INFO: 447-3589. INFO: 448-7157 3470. September / October 2006

Because People Matter Progressive News and Views Focus on Education

Progressive Media Fundraisers for Access Sacramento TV ▼ KDVS 90.3 FM Cable Channels 17 and 18 Democracy Now!: Mon–Fri noon. Local Progressive TV Sacramento Soapbox: Progressive Talk Show Free Speech Radio News (FSRN) Mon–Fri w/ Jeanie Keltner & Ken Adams. Mon 8pm, Wed 4:30pm. The Ground Truth—The Human 4am. (In Davis: Channel 15, Tues, 7pm.) Printed Matter on the Air (interviews with Cost of War is a searing documentary Being Gay Today: Thurs 6am, 10pm, Sat local writers) alternating with about ordinary young men and women 6am. Panic Attack (attorneys and guests discuss who join the military to fight in Iraq. Democracy Now!: Weekdays 6pm, 12mid- what makes people panic): Mon 5pm. Personal demons, an uncomprehending night, 5am. Making Contact (int’l radio seeks to create Chew On This! public, and an indifferent government Media Edge: progressive documentaries, connections): Tue 8am. including local productions.Sundays 8–10pm Proletarian Revolution (focusing on politi- “Chew on This!”, a monthly progressive transform each soldier into a new kind of cal, social, and economic issues) alternating TV show, can be seen on these cable hero, learning to fearlessly wield the most Other sources for Media Edge with The Simple Show (talk show on human channels: powerful weapon of all-the truth. Davis, Channel 15, Sundays, 8–10pm. rights): Wed 8am. Access Sacramento Channel 17 (Com- A fundraiser for equipment to produce Nevada County, Channel 11, Mondays, Speaking in Tongues (labor, environmental, cast, SureWest) and Davis Community local alternative programming on Media 10:30pm –12:30am. West Sacramento, social, and political topics. Callers welcome, Television Channel 15 (Comcast) the first Edge. At the Crest, Tuesday, Sept. 19, Channel 21, Mondays, 9–11pm. interviews frequent): Fri 5pm. Sunday of the month at 8pm. 5:30pm and 8pm. $10. INFO: 803 3909 Memo Durgin and Eddie Salas (Public Dish Network Satellite TV affairs and music of the Chicano/Mexicano West Sacramento Community Access Iraq for Sale: Acclaimed director Robert ▼ Channel 9415, Free Speech TV. people): Sat 6–8pm. Channel 21 (Charter) the first Monday Democracy Now!: News and Analysis. Mon- of the month at 9pm Greenwald (Wal-Mart: The High Cost of day–Friday: 8am, 12pm, 7pm ET. ▼ KPFA 94.1 FM Berkeley Low Price; Outfoxed: Rupert Murdoch’s War Democracy Now!: Reports on US and world Nevada County Television Channel 11 on Journalism) uncovers the connections (Comcast) first Mondays at 10:30pm. ▼ Channel 9410, Link TV news. M–F 9am. between private corporations making a Democracy Now!: Monday–Friday, 11am. Living Room: Chris Welch. M–F Noon. killing in Iraq, the decision makers who Mosaic—World News from the Middle East: Seven Generations: M–F 1pm. Check out our Web site and click on “ChewOnThis!” We set them up, and the soldiers, widows and New Directions: including visionary astrolo- children whose lives have been changed and 10:30pm. ger. Thur 2pm. need volunteer help in many ways. If Flashpoints: News and analysis. M–F 5pm. you have video production skills, or- forever as a result of profiteering in the Radio ganizational skills, writing or research reconstruction of Iraq. ▼ KVMR 89.5 FM ▼ KSQR 1240 AM (TalkCity Radio Sacramento) ability, or if you just have ideas to share, A fundraiser for Media Edge and Soap- BBC News, M-F 6, 7, 8am; Progressive talk radio all day long with please email us at 6:00 and 8:00pm. $10. INFO:444-3203. 7:30am; KVMR Morning News, M-F 8:05am; Stories & Songs with U. Utah Phillips, Sun ▼ KCTC 1320 AM (AirAmerica Radio) 11am; Soundings (Science), Tues noon; Progressive talk radio all day long with Randi Rabble Rousing, Wed noon; Full Logic Rhodes, Al Franken, and others. Sacramento and Central Valley Indymedia: . Reverse, Thu noon; Who Cares? (Health), ▼ KZFR 90.1 FM Chico Fri noon; KVMR Evening News, 6pm daily; People Powered Radio! managed and operated Democracy Now!, Mon-Thu 7pm; Women’s by volunteers, provides mostly locally produced Show, Mon 8pm. and community oriented programs. NON-PROFIT ▼ KCBL Cable 88.7 FM ORGANIZATION ▼ KYDS 91.5 FM U.S. POSTAGE PAID Saturdays, approx. 3–4 pm., followed by Coun- PERMIT NO. 2668 ter Spin from the media watch group FAIR: SACRAMENTO, CA