The Gainesville Iguana A progressive newsletter and events calendar September, 2017 Vol. 31, Issue 9 No to Nazis,
OnNo April 21 1990, the Gainesvilleto Downtown Plaza,Racists now Bo Diddley Plaza, was rented to celebrate Hitler’s birthday (word was whoever signed the paperwork didn’t know what “the fuhrer’s birthday” meant) . Much as today, authorities wanted the event ignored, but an activist-minded President of UF Student Government, as well as many community activists, turned out over 500 people for a counter rally . The celebrants had about 18 people, an assortment of skinheads and nazis . Their “seig heils” were met with loud “fuck yous .” And of course, a large police presence was involved, with everyone required to go through metal detectors . What follows ran in the May 1990 Gainesville Iguana: Nazis protected by US government, speaker says (Carol Giardina of Gainesville Women’s tion was the forced production of future places indeed, with their Nazi credentials Liberation spoke about women, and the fascists. Others were forced into whore- well covered-up. Some of them are larger Nazi threat . Here is part of her houses, for the Nazi armies. They were covered up and promoted, financed and speech at the rally .) sterilized and exterminated. Feminists supported by our government. share a common enemy in Hitler with all The Nazis are anti-woman and they’re See NAZIS, p. 18 of labor and working people ... anti-women’s liberation. They had a KKK just for women. Küche, Kirche, und I wish I could say that the threat was A living wage, Kinder. Cooking, church, and children just these few Nazis in this plaza. These was a Nazi slogan ... For Aryan women chumps, these dupes over here. I wish the right to a union – blonde, blue-eyed women – their func- I could say that the threat was confined to some fringey skinheads. How dare at Santa Fe College INSIDE ... they come out here, these people whose – an anonymous Santa Fe employee National Socialist Party brought us the From the Publisher...... 3 carnage of World War II. Are they really Over the past few years the Alachua Editors’ Picks...... 9 anti-establishment rebels, or do they have County Labor Coalition has helped Event Calendar...... 12–13 backers in high places? [A prior speaker] put millions of dollars directly into the Oral History ...... 20-21 said ... there are Nazi doctors and lawyers, pockets of working people through our Directory...... 21-23 Nazis with money and position. Yes there efforts to combat wage theft and our living are Nazis in high places. In very high See WAGE, p. 18 From the publisher . . US Science Envoy’s letter Meanwhile, Subscribe! even worse stuff... Fundamentalism stops a thinking mind The Gainesville Iguana to Trump: ‘I resign!’ While we are all distracted by inane and I had this phrase as a bumper sticker years back, and while a parody of the anti- is Gainesville's progressive Says President’s actions have harmed our quality of life, horrid tweets, dysfunctional aides and abortion slogan, I always come back to it in different situations. Most recently it newsletter and events calendar our standing abroad, and the sustainability of the planet appointees, and crises of the week, there’s a came to me in regard to the First Amendment and the dilemma of the ACLU and UF lot of bad stuff happening . Stephen Humphrey, when evaluating the free speech rights of the Nazis and racists who have emerged Individuals: $15 Below is the August 23 resignation letter enables sexism and racism, and disregards the former dean of UF’s College of Natural with the election of Trump. (or more if you can) of Daniel Kammen, Science Envoy for the welfare of all Americans, the global Resources, has been closely following Low/No income: What you can the U.S. Department of State. Note first community and the planet. the Trump administration’s attack on the Our community has been targeted by these new brand of Groups: $20 letter of each paragraph (eds .) environment . Here’s what he has noticed (and racists because we are a progressive town that will put Examples of this destructive pattern have up a fight, which is what they want. I was told they are Gainesville Iguana I am resigning from my position as Sci- thanks to Jeff Klinkenberg for posting them): consequences on my duties as science hoping to win “free speech” court cases as a financial P .O . Box 14712 ence Envoy for the Department of State envoy. Your decision to abdicate the 1. Trump administration has blocked the strategy, much like that heinous Westboro Baptist Church, Gainesville, FL 32604 of the United States. Since 1996, I have leadership opportunities and the job creation Clean Power Plan. The plan implemented the folks who picket funerals of gay people and soldiers. served the Departments of Energy, the US benefits of the Paris Climate Accord, and under Obama focused on reducing green- Comments, suggestions, contributions Environmental Protection Agency, and the to undermine energy and environmental house gas emissions from power plants. The violence and ugliness that went down in (written or financial) are welcome. To Charlottesville gave the University of Florida its list your event or group, contact us at: State Department in a number of roles. research are not acceptable to me. 2. Withdrew from the Paris climate Working closely with the talented teams at reasoning to say no to this Spencer character, but now (352) 378-5655 Acts and words matter. To continue in agreement. State Department Headquarters and at US. it is back up in the air. Two otherwise progressive local GainesvilleIguana@cox .net embassies abroad, we have built signifi- my role under your administration would 3. Ended a study on the health effects of attorneys, Gary Edinger and Joe Little, are taking the Joe Courter be inconsistent with the principles of mountaintop-removal mining. The pro- www .gainesvilleiguana .org cant partnerships in North and East Africa, absolutist Free Speech side, backing Spencer. facebook .com/gainesvilleiguana and in the Middle East, around shared vi- the United States Oath of Allegiance to cess involves blasting away the tops of I doubt anything will be firm in three days when this issue of the Iguana is printed (I’m sions of national security, job creation in which I adhere. hills and mountains to get at coal seams The Iguana has been published writing this Sept. 2), but Spencer's people say they are coming on Sept. 12 regardless. I the U.S. and sustainable energy. under the surface. monthly or bimonthly by volunteers Character is vital in leadership. I find do know that much like what Carol Giardina said when we faced off with Nazis 27 years 4. Rescinded a rule mandating that rising for 30 years . Circulation for this My decision to resign is in response to your particularly wise the admonition of ago on the Downtown Plaza (and reprinted on page 1 in this issue), it is just wrong to not sea levels be considered when building issue is 4,500 . attacks on core values of the United States. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who go out to show our opposition and just let these racists have a happy pleasant day. cautioned that, “A people [or person] public infrastructure in flood-prone areas. Your failure to condemn white supremacists Publisher: that values its privileges above principles Back then we had the UF student body president advocate for opposition over the and neo-Nazis has domestic and interna- 5. Reversed an Obama ban on drilling for Joe Courter tional ramifications. On this issue, I stand soon loses both.” oil in the Arctic. wishes of the UF administration who want it to be ignored. Our NAACP head, Joseph Judge, spoke forcefully at the rally. We had 500 people to their 18, we were loud, Editors Emeritus: with the unequivocal and authoritative Herein, with regret, I resign. I deeply 6. Reviewed the status of national monu- strong and we were RIGHT to be out there. Jenny Brown statements of Charlottesville Mayor Mike respect and value the work of the many ments for possible reversal. Signer, Virginia Governor Terry McAu- If and when Spencer or his ilk show up here in Gainesville, I hope we can Boston them, Mark Piotrowski fine people I have encountered in our 7. In April, Trump signed an executive liffe, Ohio Governor John Kasich, Senator overwhelming numbers out to loudly say “You're Wrong, Go Home!” And as far as federal agencies and will miss the order ordering a review of monuments Editorial Board: John McCain, Congresswoman Ileana Ros- opportunity to work with and support all the false equivalency going on regarding anti-fascist organizing, saying that Antifa Pierce Butler Lehtinen, Governor Arnold Schwarzeneg- added in the past 20 years, opening up them. Your actions to date have, sadly, – a far left political movement focusing on fighting far-right and white supremacy Joe Courter ger, Presidents George H. W. Bush and the possibility that some areas previously harmed the quality of life in the United ideology – are terrorists; no. Antifa exists solely to face down racists and fascists – that Beth Grobman George W. Bush, Dr. Cornel West, Linda set aside would have that status revoked. States, our standing abroad, and the is why they exist. That is their agenda. When the cops took a pass in Charlottesville, Jessica Newman Sarsour, the Palestinian-American activist 8. Withdrew a rule regulating fracking on sustainability of the planet. and let that sick torch march attack peaceful anti-racists, Antifa stepped in. I do not and one of the organizers of the Women’s public land. want violence; I would prefer better discipline and less testosterone, but please do not Production work & assistance: March, and many others. Sincerely, 9. Reversed a ban on plastic bottles at fall for the false equivalency narrative. Joye Barnes national parks. Sheila Payne Particularly troubling to me is how your Daniel M. Kammen Two days before the initial good news from UF President Fuchs regarding Spencer, on Carolyn Salt response to Charlottesville is consistent Science Envoy, U.S. State Department 10. Rescinded a limit on the number of August 14, Gainesville had a real victory in the resolution of the Confederate statue D Julie Thayer with a broader pattern of behavior that (Former) sea animals that can be trapped or killed debate. Two years from when Faye Williams and a small group raised their voices and in fishing nets. built a movement, the original party that put up the statue in 1904 raised the money, Distribution: 11. Delayed and potentially rolled back took it down and put it someplace else, reportedly a cemetery SE of town. Kudos to Joe Courter automotive fuel efficiency standards. our County government and the citizens who kept the heat on. And it was citizens from Bill Gilbert 12. Repealed the Waters of the United within and outside of UF who helped sway UF to consider the Spencer visit an issue Sam Madeira States rule. This rule expanded the defini- of public safety. Kudos to all who stepped up then, too. People showed up, spoke out, Jack Price tion of water bodies that were protected and it made a difference. It is what participatory democracy requires us to do. It is what Anita Sundaram by the Environmental Protection Agency. being a civic minded citizen is about. Contact us if you can help with Back to fundamentalism. The rigid human mind is a waste of our naturally evolved 13. Ended a rule banning dumping mining distribution in outlying areas . wastes into streams. intellect. It is also hugely problematic: be it for LGBT children growing up in unaccepting Authors & photographers have sole 14. Reversed a rule banning hunting households, the knee-jerk dismissal of single payer healthcare, the anti-science dismissal credit, responsibility for, and rights bears and wolves on federal refuges in of global warming, climate change and heck, even evolution itself, and perhaps most Alaska. People can now shoot wolves in insidiously, the unconscious acceptance of cultural traditions based on lies as with racism, to their work . their dens and bears in hibernation. sexism or the current (and recurrent) fear mongering about immigrants. Cover drawing of iguana by Daryl 15. Reversed the protection of Alaska’s We need to do better, to recognize and challenge our own unconscious fundamentalisms, Harrison . wilderness from mineral extraction. D and then organize and act to make the world better. It is why we put out this paper, and Printed on recycled paper . why I write these words. D page 2, Iguana, September 2017 Gainesville, Florida www.GainesvilleIguana.org September 2017, Iguana page 3 Labor Council backs Parents Civic Media Center Food Justice Study Group to discuss ‘The Potlikker Papers’ Against Corporate Takeover Florida Certified Organic Growers and tude of pathways into the local, sustain- South. able food movement,” says David Vaina, by Melissa Morris, NCFCLC Secretary Consumers, Inc. (FOG) is launching a The book starts with the contribution of is hiring coordinators FOG’s Education & Outreach Director. Two persons are needed for part-time (25-30 hours per week) new Food Justice Study Group for local During the July executive board meeting and the August general “One might begin farming or garden- the South’s cooks and waiters during the employment with a dynamic political and cultural organization. residents in Gainesville and its surround- body meeting, the North Central Florida Central Labor Council ing organically, others might embrace Civil Rights era, covers the Back to the (NCFCLC) unanimously voted to support Parents Against ing communities. Progressive politics and community organizing interest, consumer-driven solutions, and others Land movement, and concludes with a Corporate Takeover (PACT) in their efforts to campaign skills, and experience a must. Every other month, we will be discuss- might be seeking a deeper understanding South where immigrants have shaped the against Charter School USA coming into Alachua County. The ing a book or documentary that has been Familiarity with databases, spreadsheets, social media, and/or NCFCLC represents union members from twelve different of how our food choices can improve or region’s cuisine and culture. selected to generate a conversation about graphic design all pluses; nonprofit management experience Central Florida counties. disrupt the lives of peoples in our country more so. Good writing/communications skills, demonstrated how our contemporary food system can The Alachua County Library does carry th and around the world.” movement commitment, and ability to work with and inspire On June 15 of this year House Bill 7069 was signed by help us better understand the complex is- the book in both print and electronic The first Food Justice Study Group meet- volunteers also required. Pay is $14 per hour. Governor Scott with an effective date of July 1, 2017. This sues of race, class, gender, both our col- forms. Please consider supporting an in- ing will be held Oct16 at 6:45pm at the bill mandates that public schools share local millage revenue lective and individual histories, and how dependent bookstore if you purchase it! Send your resume via email to coordinators@ with local charter schools, regardless of public or private status. Millhopper Branch Library in Gaines- we might envision and achieve a more civicmediacenter.org. Please state a good day of the week Included in this bill was language for “Schools of Hope” to ville. The October selection for the Study Please visit www.foginfo.org or call and time for a possible future interview. D sustainable, socially-just society. be opened in areas of persistently low performing schools. It Group is John T. Edge’s The Potlikker 352.377.6345 for upcoming selections or also allows for these Schools of Hope to be able to apply to “FOG supports and promotes a multi- Papers: A Food History of the Modern information about the Study Group. D the state for assistance in funding the construction of the new www.civicmediacenter.org buildings. These provisions were put in place to help students coordinators@ in low performing areas, yet the proposed charter school would civicmediacenter.org be built in an area of Gainesville where there are two elementary 352-373-0010 schools that are historically A schools. 433 S. Main St., Gainesville While reviewing Charter School USA’s testing data from the 32601 Department of Education’s website I found that there were schools Park just to the south at SE 5th Ave, (see sign), or after with grades of As and Bs, but there were also schools that had 7 pm at the courthouse (just north of 4th Ave), or GRU grades of Cs and Ds. This company cannot guarantee that they (2 blocks east of CMC). have a better system of education that traditional public schools when they have low performing schools here in the state of Florida. Civic Media Center Events Another concern discussed by members was that while A Southeast regional premiere: Every Wed Table at Farmers Market, 4-7pm charter schools have open enrollment procedures and standard Every Thu Volunteer Meeting, 5:30-6:30pm application process, it does not mean that the schools have to take ‘1984’ (the play) hits the every student that applies, or even keep students for the entire Every Thu Poetry Jam, 8pm year. Unlike the public schools, charter schools are not required Every 1st Fri Open Jam & Art Show, 8pm-2am Hippodrome Mainstage to provide special education services to students. If a student The Hippodrome Theatre and the UF School of Theatre + Dance Every 3rd Fri Open Jam & Art Show, 8pm-2am requires special services while attending a charter school, parents will partner to bring George Orwell’s dystopia to life this fall. have to find services in a private setting. If parents are unhappy Mon, Sep 11 “Water’s Journey,” classic Wes Skiles with the educational services, or the lack thereof, the parents are 1984, written by George Orwell and adapted by Andrew White, documentary on the underground aquifer and frequently encouraged to take their child to another school where makes its Southeast regional premiere on the Hippodrome discussion of proposed phosphate mine in services can be provided. In addition, students who become Mainstage. The show runs Sept. 1 through Sept. 24. ~ We no longer have a Happy Hour ~ Bradford Co., 7-9pm excessive behavior problems can be removed from the schools. This theatrical adaption of Orwell’s literary masterpiece uesday Fri, Sep 15 “Prisons; Reform? Abolish?” Discussion with By the time state testing arrives they have the potential to weed explores themes of erosion of privacy, destruction of identity T author Dan Berger, former prisoners, 6-7:30pm Free Comedy Showcase starting at 8:30 out students that would drop the overall school grade. and the role governments and media agencies have in shaping Tankard prices are $5-$7 Mon, Sep 18 Short documentaries on resisting White If Charter School USA is approved to open the school in our lives. The story follows Winston, played by Hipp company supremacist movements, 7pm southwest Gainesville, it would have a capacity to house over member Niall McGinty, as he navigates a totalitarian world, Wednesday Mon, Sep 25 Biography: “Passionate Pursuits of Angela 1,000 students from kindergarten through 8th grade. Between the where speech and thought are highly regulated. Wine is BOGO (rather than half off) Bowen” – dancer-singer-radical black lesbian state funding per child and the capital outlay money that must The play unpacks the difference between truth and falsehood, Weekly Foosball tournament with no entry fee and prizes for 1st and Fri, Sep 29 ArtWalk, 7-10 pm be shared with the charter, the School Board of Alachua County a message that Hippodrome Artistic Director Lauren Warhol 2nd place (starts at 8pm) with $8 domestic pitchers for players Sat, Sep 30 “Water Is Life” festival: music, info, speakers, 8pm would lose just over $78 million over the course of 10 years. Caldwell said is relevant today. Thursday Wed, Oct 4 “Stetson Kennedy 101” Power-point, music, cake Through Opportunity Scholars the School Board of Alachua “Orwell’s version of the future serves as a reminder to us: We Gainesville Language Exchange (with $3 domestic pints and $5 honoring an amazing man. County already provides opportunity for students at failing need to be better,” she said. “This play dives straight into the tankards) schools to go to schools that are performing at a passing level. In Wed, Oct 20 SAVE THE DATE: CMC 24th Anniversary at dangers of restricting free speech and free press. When we unday Matheson Museum, 6:30 addition to the Opportunity Scholars parents can exercise school reread 1984, we feel its message resonates with us more than S choice through applying for zoning exemptions and magnet ever. We’re excited to partner with UF to share this artistic Now "Nerdy Sunday" with an ongoing in house D and D game Please support the CMC however you can: programs. It is in the best interest of the students of Alachua journey with the Gainesville community.” Other groups interested in meeting up for other RPG, table top, or County to keep the funding in the traditional public schools and video game tournaments volunteering, memberships, donations, ideas, Content advisory: This play contains nudity and adult content. and attendance at our events. Grassroots away from a for-profit educational company. Tickets are on sale now at the Hippodrome Box Office: support keeps us going. Learn more about PACT at: D www .parentsagainstcorporatetakeovers .com . D (352)375-4477 and thehipp.org. page 4, Iguana, September 2017 Gainesville, Florida www.GainesvilleIguana.org September 2017, Iguana page 5 How (not) to challenge racist violence Humanistic Judaism community to hold open house by Aviva Chomsky nuclear weapons, sitting in front of trains ball theory of diversity, in which different Wednesday, Sept. 13 @ 7pm • Jewish Council of North Central Florida • 3835 NW 8th Ave., Gainesville dehistoricized identities roll around a flat This article originally appeared on carrying weapons to Central America. Secular and progressive Jews have As a Society for Humanistic Judaism day, Sept. 13 at the Jewish Council of surface, occasionally colliding. August 21 at www .commondreams .org . All of these kinds of tactics remain long been part of the Jewish people. A board member, I am seeking like-minded North Central Florida Office, 3835 NW Let us be very clear. The white nationalists th As white nationalism and the so-called valid options today. But there has been movement known as Humanistic Juda- Jews to begin organizing a Humanistic 8 Ave, Gainesville. who marched in Charlottesville, hate- “alt-Right” have gained prominence in a puzzling shift away from actual goals ism (HJ) combines attachment to Jewish Jewish group in North Central Florida. filled and repugnant as their goals may be, Enjoy snacks/dessert while meeting other the Trump era, a bipartisan reaction has and towards using these tactics merely identity and culture with a human-cen- are not the ones responsible for the U.S. The Organizing Committee for a Hu- coalesced to challenge these ideologies. to express one’s moral righteousness or tered approach to life. atheist, agnostic, secular humanistic and wars on Iraq, Syria, and Yemen. manistic Judaism Community will have But much of this bipartisan coalition “allyship.” I remember my first “take questioning Jews. For any questions, back the night” march in Berkeley, in HJ defines Judaism as the historical an Open House in September. focuses on individual, extreme, and hate- They are not responsible for turning our contact Rick Gold at goldrickus@gmail. the 1970s. As men and women marched and cultural experience of the Jewish The program begins at 7 pm on Wednes- filled mobilizations and rhetoric, rather public school system over to private com or 571-337-8018. D than the deeper, politer, and apparently through the campus holding candles, corporations. They are not responsible people. It affirms that human beings are more politically acceptable violence I wondered whether they thought that for our separate and unequal health care independent of supernatural authority that imbues United States foreign and would-be rapists would undergo a change system that consigns people of color to ill and responsible for themselves. domestic policy in the 21st century. of heart when they saw that large sectors health and early death. They are not the Humanistic Jews seek solutions to of the public disapproved of rape? conflicts that respect the freedom, Unity in Community Everyone from mainstream Republicans ones foreclosing and evicting people of to a spectrum of Democrats to corporate Over the years I have come to see more and color from their homes. They are not the dignity, and self-esteem of every human executives to “antifa” leftists seems eager more of what Adolph Reed calls “posing authors of neoliberal capitalism with its being. Celebrating International and proud to loudly denounce or even as politics.” Rather than organizing devastating effects on the poor around the for change, individuals seek to enact a planet. They are not the ones militarizing We are committed, in the enduring Jewish physically confront neo-Nazis and white tradition of support for social action and nationalists. But the extremists on the statement about their own righteousness. the borders to enforce global apartheid. Day of Peace They are not behind the extraction and social progress, to community service streets of Charlottesville, or making Nazi They may boycott certain products, refuse burning of fossil fuels that is destroying and actions for social justice. You can salutes at the Reichstag, are engaging in to eat certain foods, or they may show up the planet, with the poor and people of find information about the movement only symbolic and individual politics. to marches or rallies whose only purpose color the first to lose their homes and 9/21/17, 3-7 pm is to demonstrate the moral superiority of and its 26 communities at www.shj.org. Even the murder of a counter-protester was livelihoods. March, rally, and festive event - Bo Diddley Plaza, downtown Gainesville an individual act—one of over 40 murders the participants. White people may loudly claim that they recognize their privilege If we truly want to challenge racism, Thursday, September 21 -- 3pm - 7pm, march promptly at 5pm a day in the United States, the great major- Free stop smoking class Free & family-friendly public event ity by firearms. (Double that number are or declare themselves allies of people of oppression, and inequality, we should turn killed every day by automobiles in what color or other marginalized groups. our attention away from the few hundred by Kali Blount In celebration of our common humanity, we will join with citizens from all around marchers in Charlottesville and towards we call “accidents”—but which obviously People may declare their communities “no There are more reasons to quit smok- the world on September 21 for International Peace Day. The local festivities will the real sources and enforcers of our unjust have a cause also.) Protesters are eager to place for hate.” Or they may show up at ing than most people know. And there include a march and rally, food trucks, music, international flag ceremony, local and global order. They are not hard to find. expend extraordinary energy denouncing counter-marches to “stand up” to white na- are benefits to resigning from the to- international speakers and kid-friendly activities. Join the River Phoenix Center these small-scale racist actors, or celebrat- tionalists or neo-Nazis. All of these types Aviva Chomsky’s most recent book bacco economy – including some fast for Peacebuilding in building a culture of peace that promotes safety, equality, ing vigilante-style responses. But what of “activism” emphasize self-improve- is Undocumented: How Immigration health changes. inclusion, respect and dignity for all. about the large-scale racist actors? Became Illegal (Beacon Press, 2014) . She ment or self-expression rather than seek- Smokers who want to gain tools for International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by unanimous United Nations reso- is professor of history and coordinator There has been no comparable mobili- ing concrete change in society or policy. quitting can now do so for free at the lution, this day of peace provides a globally shared occasion for all humanity to commit of Latin American studies at Salem State D zation, in fact little mobilization at all, They are deeply, and deliberately, apoliti- Civic Media Center, 433 S.Main St. to peace above all differences and to contribute to building a culture of peace. cal in the sense that they do not seek to ad- University in Massachusetts . D against what Martin Luther King called Call the CMC at 352-373-0010 and “the greatest purveyor of violence in the dress issues of power, resources, decision- making, or how to bring about change. ask for Kali (or leave a message), or world today”—the United States govern- text 352-219-0508 to set up a con- WE’VE MOVED! ment, which dropped 72 bombs per day in Oddly, these activists who have claimed venient time to meet. You can stop 2016, primarily in Iraq and Syria, but also the mantle of racial justice seem commit- smoking now! D in Afghanistan, Libya, Yemen, Somalia ted to an individualized, apolitical view of and Pakistan, making every single day race. The diversity industry has become 9/11 in those countries. big business, sought out by universities Historically, people and organizations and companies seeking the cachet of in- struggling to change U.S. society and clusivity. Campus diversity offices chan- policy have used direct action, boycotts, nel student protest into alliance with the and street protests as strategies to pressure administration and encourage students to think small. While adept in the terminol- powerholders to change their laws, institu- WE’VE MOVED! tions, policies, or actions. The United Farm ogy of power, diversity, inclusion, mar- Workers called on consumers to boycott ginalization, injustice, and equity, they Open: Mon-Fri 7 am-10 pm grapes in order to pressure specific grow- studiously avoid topics like colonialism, Sat-Sun 9 am-10 pm capitalism, exploitation, liberation, revolu- ers to negotiate with their union. Antiwar A destination game store and parlor. protesters marched on Washington or tar- tion, invasion, or other actual analyses of DRIVE THRU & CALL-INS geted their Congressional representatives. domestic or global affairs. Lumping race Two locations: 4401 NW 25th Pl., Suite G, Gainesville, FL 32605 (access from NW 43rd St) They also took direct action: registering together in an ever-growing list of margin- 407 NW 12th St. 352-378-PLAY (7529) voters, pouring blood on draft records or alized identities allows the history and re- Subscribe $30/year 5011 NW 34th St. Find us online at gainesvilletabletop.com and Facebook alities of race to be absorbed into a billiard page 6, Iguana, September 2017 Gainesville, Florida www.GainesvilleIguana.org September 2017, Iguana page 7 Editors’ picks: news that didn’t fit United Nations Day 2017 D A Five-Step Toolkit for Dealing with White Supremacists in the Era of Trump by Marty Langelan Celebration Successful intervention options for when a bigot with an attitude starts to go off . “The heroes are the folks who Thursday, Oct. 5, 9am - 1:30pm step up to protect their neighbors .” Gainesville Women’s Club http://msmagazine.com/blog/2017/08/14/five-step-toolkit- 2809 West University Ave. dealing-white-supremacists-era-trump/ D Harvey Didn’t Come Out of the Blue. Now is the The Gainesville Chapter of the United Nations Association in- Time to Talk about Climate Change by Naomi Klein vites you and your members and associates to join us for our In addition to climate change, all systemic injustices, from annual UN Day Celebration. The theme this year is “The United racial profiling to economic austerity, turn disasters like Nations: My World, Your World, Our World.” Hurricane Harvey into human catastrophes . The keynote speaker will be the Honorable Lauren Poe, Gaines- https://theintercept.com/2017/08/28/harvey-didnt-come- ville’s mayor, who will speak on “Global Goals, Local Leaders.” out-of-the-blue-now-is-the-time-to-talk-about-climate- Panelists will be Lorey Campese, Past President of Santa Fe change/ Community College’s Model UN Club and Secretary-General D On Power, Oppression and Freedom by Ursula K. Le of GatorMUN at the University of Florida and now with the Guin Permanent Mission of the United Kingdom to the UN. Brief reflective musings, such as “Most people, in most Also speaking is Taraz Darabi, who founded the Model UN places, in most times, are of inferior status .” Club at Eastside High School several years ago. The topic is https://voxpopulisphere.com]/2016/10/28/17061/ “Young Professional Perspectives on the United Nations and D Teens Discover Boston’s TD Garden has Ignored Global Engagement.” Dr. Leonardo Villalon, Director of UF’s Law Mandating Fundraisers from The Guardian International Center will be the Program Chair. The TD Garden, home of the NBA’s Celtics and NHL’s Bruins, The Gainesville Chapter is looking for co-sponsors of this pro- has failed to hold promised fundraisers over the past 24 years . gram. Those who are interested in being co-sponsors should send The developer had agreed to hold the fundraisers to benefit a completed co-sponsor form, luncheon reservation form and the Metropolitan District Commisson (now merged with the $30 to Lisa Renner at PO Box 358361 in Gainesville (zip code is Department of Conservation and Recreation) which operated 32635-8361) by September 29. The forms are available at: the city’s recreational facilities . http://una-usagainesvillefl.org/index.php/component/ https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/jul/14/teenagers- jcalpro/20-un-day-2017/1-un-day-2017 discover-bostons-td-garden-has-ignored-state-law-since-1993 Program coordinators are also asking for attendees to bring any D Those Mass-Produced Civil War Statues Were Meant foreign money they wish to donate to “Adopt a Future,” UNA- to Stand Forever by Cara Giaimo USA’s program to raise funds and buy backpacks for children in Not only did manufacturers of Confederate statues promise displaced settings. that the statues would last forever, but it is thought that Contact Lisa Renner at [email protected] for further those who put up statues sought to reframe the story of the information. D war, “making the Confederate cause virtually sacred .” http://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/white-bronze-civil- war-statues The primary, the fundamental, the essential purpose of the D United Nations is to keep peace . Everything it does which Confounds the Science (Parody of “Sound of Silence”) helps prevent World War III is good . Everything which does by Don Caron not further that goal, either directly or indirectly, is at best Lyrics to “Sound of Silence”rewritten to describe Trump, e .g ., superfluous. - Henry Cabot Lodge, Jr. “When he talks to crowds of four he sees ten thousand maybe more, believing they all think he’s god on earth and was the product of a virgin birth . ”. http://parodyproject.com/2017/08/17/confounds-the- science-parody-sound-of-silence/ D The Tweeter (Parody of “The Boxer”) by Greg Gower Lyrics to “The Boxer” rewritten to describe Trump, e .g ., “When he wanders out in public he forgets he’s not alone and will start to grope somebody Third Year Birthday Bash at the Atlantic, Sept. 9! or make a crazy statement like he’s on the phone” http://parodyproject.com/2017/08/21/the-tweeter-parody- of-the-boxer/ D
page 8, Iguana, September 2017 Gainesville, Florida www.GainesvilleIguana.org September 2017, Iguana page 9 Southern Legal Counsel celebrates 40 years of social justice lawyering with guest Morris Dees Southern Legal Counsel (SLC) is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year protecting civil rights in Florida. SLC is a Gainesville-based non-profit public interest law firm that does statewide work dedicated to the ideal of equal justice for all and the attainment of basic civil and human rights. They will celebrate 40 Years of Impact at an event at the University of Florida Organic Florida Hilton on Oct. 21. Morris Dees, pioneering civil rights Growers to host lawyer and co-founder of the Southern Poverty Law Center, will be the keynote speaker. Known for innovative lawsuits that organic food/ crippled some of America’s most notorious white supremacist hate groups, Dees will speak about the importance of public farming summit interest law firms, like SLC, that focus on impact litigation. Sunday - Tuesday The event will begin at 6:30pm with music, a silent auction, drinks, and hors d’oeuvres, with Dees scheduled to speak at Sept. 17 - 19 7:30. Tickets are $40 each or two for $75. For more information, see SLC’s Facebook page or website, www.southernlegal.org. Hilton UF Founded in 1977, SLC was created to use the power of the law Conference Center to make positive social change. SLC represents individuals who Gainesville, Florida otherwise would not have access to the justice system, with the goal of fixing an underlying problem for all those who have experienced similar injustices. Taking a systemic approach to legal problems In celebration of its 30th anniver- enables SLC to make a larger impact for those experiencing sary, Florida Organic Growers will discrimination or violations of rights. Its actions help reform host its inaugural Organic Food & systems and institutions, strike down illegal laws and policies, and Farming Summit in September. Crisis Pregnancy Centers are not health clinics hold government accountable to the people it is intended to serve. Southern Legal Counsel represented Fort Lauderdale Food This new event will serve as an From the beginning, SLC has worked on many fronts, resulting Not Bombs in a First Amendment challenge to strike Fort opportunity for growers, educa- Alia DeLong holds a Fake Clinic sign along with others from NWL’s Abortion & in landmark legal victories reforming institutions for people Lauderdale's ban on sharing food with others in public spaces . tors, advocates, academics and Birth Control Committee as National Women’s Liberation protested at the Sira Crisis with disabilities, challenging discrimination in all aspects of researchers to interact and gain Pregnancy Center (CPC) on NW 13th Street. The protest, on August 7, aimed to warn life, and ensuring government accountability and transparency. knowledge through farm tours, the community about the misinformation these “clinics” provide. SLC’s current work includes statewide litigation against the State workshops, a trade show, and day- CPCs like Sira are not health clinics. They use misleading tactics, such as free of Florida to force compliance with the government’s paramount long training sessions. pregnancy tests and ultrasounds, to bring women into their facilities with the intent duty as set forth in our constitution: to provide a high quality See: of steering them away from choosing abortion, using birth control, and if they are system of public education to all children without regard to socio- https:organicfoodandfarming unmarried - having sex. economic status, race, or disability. This case will have wide- summit.org/ for the schedule and ranging impacts on the future of public education in Florida and CPCs in Florida receive funding from taxpayer dollars as well as proceeds from the additional information. D who can seek access to the courts to protect those rights. “Choose Life” license plate. Photo courtesy of Michele Applegarth. Throughout its history, SLC has fought on behalf of some of the most vulnerable in our state, while constantly innovating new Civic Media Center ways to bridge gaps in access to justice. This year, in partnership with Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual and Transgender advocates around to celebrate 24 years the state, SLC is leading a statewide Transgender Rights Initiative Save the date, Friday Oct. 20, for the Civic to assist transgender individuals through clinics and legal advice Media Center's 24th anniversary celebration to change their names and gender markers on government-issued at the Matheson Museum. A variety of food documents. Since more than 68 percent of transgender individuals from local restaurants will be offered, and reported that they have not updated their identification documents, the program will honor local movement elder this project aims to protect against discrimination and harassment Carol Thomas, with short presentations from and provide a critically needed legal service. new and seasoned activists involved in race, Join SLC in celebrating 40 years of innovative social justice women's and LGBT activism, addressing lawyering for the people of Gainesville, our region, and the state who they learned from. A raffle and a silent of Florida. As Morris Dees will surely remind us, in the current auction feature a signed framed photo from political climate this work is needed now more than ever. John Moran – the same photo that graces the Southern Legal Counsel is a not-for-profit, statewide public interest law cover of the Stetson Kennedy book Palmetto firm that represents Florida’s most vulnerable citizens, ensuring that ac- Country – published 75 years ago. More cess to the courts is not dependent on a person’s power, wealth or privi- details are coming in October. D lege . For more information and to buy event tickets ($40 each or two for $75) visit www .southernlegal .org . D page 10, Iguana, September 2017 Gainesville, Florida www.GainesvilleIguana.org September 2017, Iguana page 11
Institute of Black Culture, Institute of Hispanic/ Humanist Society of Gainesville: what we believe by Jim Sullivan the positions of those of differing opinions. We believe that Latino Culture buildings torn down in August What is the Humanist Society of Gainesville? As a member of when the right and wrong of actions are concerned the choice this group for a number of years now I think of it as follows. It is should be made based on the resulting impacts of the action The Institute of Black a group of people who value the idea of thinking for themselves seen in the broadest context. Impacts considered are those on about the most productive and effective ways to live our lives. life on the planet. We typically believe that the life we have here Culture and the Institute of on earth is the only life we will ever have and we seek to make Hispanic/Latino Culture We generally reject the idea that the universe is created and this life meaningful for ourselves and others. controlled by an unseen God or Gods. We tend to be informed were torn down on Aug. 19. by science, inspired by art, and motivated by compassion. We These are my feelings regarding the Humanist Society of Gaines- ville. I feel sure that other members will take issue with my thoughts strive to act rationally while also understanding that we are D UF Multicultural & social beings heavily influenced by our emotions. In a broader because we are, after all, a group of freethinkers. Diversity Affairs did not give social context, we are firmly dedicated to the idea that church and state should be kept clearly separate. students or the community Because we all have been influenced by different life experiences warning or notice. we expect differences of opinion. We believe that these differences are best handled by honest dialogue coupled with Officials alerted students and alumni that careful listening where everyone makes an effort to understand the buildings had been demolished only af- ter an outrage on social media went around about the buildings being demolished. The buildings were built in 1921. They have been standing for 96 years, and out students and have been for countless trend that students have been trying to of those 96 years, one of the buildings others in the past. curtail. Community members are working served as the Institute of Black Cultures The image above is completely to ensure that MCDA is proactive and for 46 years and the other served as the heartbreaking to see. The lack of transparent in their dealings with students Institute of Hispanic/Latino Cultures transparency from MCDA is a continuing in the future, especially pertaining to the for 23 years. They were safe spaces for institutes. D
SEPTEMBER 8 The Duppies Ska, Reggae 15 The Impostors The Beatles Tribute 22 Wild Blue Yonder Classic Rock 29 Gilberto De Paz & Tropix Latin Fusion in partnership with The Latino Film Festival OCTOBER 6 A Tribute to the Music of Eric Clapton & JJ Cale By Mark Miale, Tony McMahon & Friends GALLERY TOUR BEGINS AT 7 PM 13 Gram Fest Gram Parsons Tribute / Various Artists www.artwalkgainesville.com 20 UF World Music Ensembles Jacaré Brazil, Agbedidi Africa & Others 111 E. University Ave. All shows may be subject to change page 14, Iguana, September 2017 Gainesville, Florida www.GainesvilleIguana.org September 2017, Iguana page 15 Say Yes to Second Chances: signatures needed Graduate Assistants United fights for GatorGradCare by Sheila Payne, ACLC Board Member The citizens who want to regain their voting rights must by Graduate Assistants United petition the Board of Executive Clemency, which consists of Members of Alachua County civil rights activist groups and faith Graduate Assistants United (GAU) is the community members are in the midst of helping to collect the Gov. Scott and three elected Cabinet members, to consider their Voting Rights Restoration case. The board meets quarterly, labor union that represents approximately almost 800,000 valid signatures to place 4,000 graduate assistants (GAs) at the a constitutional amendment on the 2018 considering fewer than 100 cases each time. There are more than 20,000 pending cases before the Florida board. Iowa University of Florida. This includes all of Florida ballot to restore voting rights to the the graduate students who may teach up to 1.7 million citizens who are no longer able granted 93 percent of clemency hearings, Kentucky granted 86 percent and Florida granted 8 percent. half of all classes at UF any given semes- to vote because of a past felony conviction. ter and also perform valuable research for We are pushing to collect all the signatures Half of the felonies in Florida do not result in prison time the university. by Dec. 31, 2017 for verification by and can include driving with a suspended license, trespassing February 2018. Sixty percent of 2018 on a construction site and, of course, lots of drug cases. Is Since ratifying our first contract in 1983, voters would have to vote yes to the amendment for it to become an action which the state does not deem serious enough for GAU has made significant progress in im- law. prison time justify having a citizen’s right to vote for elective proving workplace conditions for GAs at representation permanently revoked? UF. GAU has fought for and won health- Florida’s Voting Restoration Amendment would allow people care, yearly pay raises, and many impor- who did not commit a violent felony and have paid their debt Many of us have stories of going into Alachua County communities tant employee protections. to society, including completing probation, to again be voting to knock on doors for a candidate for public office or standing citizens and full members of their community. outside a local library to participate in voter registration drives and Earlier this year, GAU and UF opened ne- gotiations on the complete CBA for GA Florida has the highest voter disenfranchisement rate in the having person after person tell us that they cannot vote because of an offense they committed years, sometimes decades, before. employment. The largest, and most con- country. Florida is one of only three states that imposes a lifetime tentious article thus far covers the terms felon voting ban. Florida, Iowa and Kentucky are the only states Many of these people want to vote; they have expressed how and conditions of GatorGradCare, the where felony convictions permanently strip citizens of voting they want their children to see them doing their civic duty and health insurance package that is offered rights pending elusive clemency hearings. Even after felons in to be part of the political process. They see restoration of their to all GAs. GAU rallies outside Tiger Hall in April for GatorGradCare . Photo courtesy of GAU . Florida have served their time, including probation they must voting rights and engagement in their community as part of their wait at least five years to start the laborious clemency process. own redemption. Some people take for granted their right to In response to attacks to the future of uate student orientations. While we fight bargaining and other GAU events. Any vote, but many of us feel that it is our most basic right as a U.S. this program from the UF administration, for the rights of all GAs at UF, member- questions or inquires can be directed to citizen and should not be so cavalierly kept away from so many. GAU organized a field hospital rally at Ti- ship in GAU is extremely important. Our [email protected]. D gert Hall on campus this past April. With strength at the bargaining table is only If you feel that an injustice has been done to many Floridians over 100 GAs in attendance, as well as the who have turned their lives around, and who want to fully re- as strong as the number and diversity of press, we succeeded in showing that GAU our membership. Additionally, member- join society, if you believe in Second Chances, join us. If you cares about the health of its fellow GAs. would like to help gather signatures with the many members ship in GAU affords GAs legal repre- Through these efforts, GAU was able to en- of local groups such as the Alachua County Labor Coalition; sentation, benefits through our partner sure that GatorGradCare remains the viable Say Yes to Second Chances Alachua, Putnam and Bradford unions (UFF/NEA/AFT), discounts at program into the foreseeable future ,and Counties; NAACP; the League of Women Voters; and others, local businesses, as well as invites to stave off some of the the higher out-of-pock- or would like someone from our speakers bureau to present to members-only socials. et increases the UF administration wanted to your organization, please contact the Alachua County Labor Lastly, GAU is an entirely volunteer run implement. We were able to negotiate down Coalition at 352-375-2832 or [email protected]. organization. All officers and committee the sizeable deductible and new premiums chairs are GAs at UF themselves. If you You can also go to http://laborcoalition.org/ to download a that UF had initially proposed. petition to mail in. Contact information for the groups listed would like to become more involved, con- We are currently still in the bargaining above can be found on Facebook. D sider joining a GAU committee! We have process. After a delay over the summer, initiatives related to healthcare, childcare, GAU and UF recently returned to the table mental health, and several others. to complete negotiations on the last article If you are a graduate assistant at UF, join remaining in the contract—Article 10— GAU today by visiting our website. Fol- which covers minimum stipends and raises low our Facebook page for updates on for GAs. In May, GAU proposed a signifi- cant increase to minimum stipends and an $800 flat raise effective August 2017. The Giraffes vs. Zebras administration has countered with a lower, (GRR skate against a coed Radical Rush, the annual tabling fair coordinated by two-year raise package and no increase in team of referees!) the Civic Media Center, will take place on Tuesday and minimum stipends. Wednesday, Sept. 19 and 20, with a rain date of Sept. 21. GAU is committed to reducing the ineq- Saturday, September 16 It will be located at the Plaza of Americas from 11am until uity within our unit by prioritizing gains Martin Luther King Junior 2pm each day. at the very bottom. We firmly believe Multipurpose Center If your group wants to be part of it or listed in the RR that these GAs should not be forced to live in poverty. 1028 NE 14th St. directory, contact
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