July/August/September 2012

HIGHLIGHTS A PUBLICATION OF THE PEACE & JUSTICE CENTER

PAGE 2 „ From the Center Bill McKibben to Speak on A little news from the Board. Gus D’Ari, in memorium, creator of the PJC Library. Environmental Cost of War

PAGE 3 „ Vets for Peace President he Peace & Justice Center’s Cost of War Series will host a speaking Leah Bolger, the first female president of the T organization Veterans For Peace will speak in event featuring Bill McKibben on Burlington on October 11. September 22. Our Cost of War Series examines the amount of damage war costs PAGE 4 all countries involved. Besides the „ Vessells of Change obvious cost in lives and money, war Fair Trade organizations featured: Denur causes a vast amount of environmental Crafts, National Association of Women’s damage, both short term and long term. Organizations in Uganda, and Altiplano. War further deteriorates our planet and our resources. PAGE 5 Bill McKibben is an American environ- „ Super PAC’s not Quite so Super mentalist, author, and journalist. He is the conceived the 10/10/10 Global Work Because 2012 is an election year, the Schumann Distinguished Scholar at Party, which convened more than 7,000 importance and effects of super PACs are Middlebury College. In 2010, the Boston events in 188 countries as he had told a more prominent now, than ever. Globe called him “probably the nation’s leading environmentalist” and Time large gathering at Warren Wilson College PAGE 6-7 magazine described him as “the world’s shortly before the event. In December 2010, 350.org coordinated a planet-scale „ Marmete Hayes best green journalist.” art project, with many of the 20 works Longtime PJC member and a founder of Pax In 2009, he led the organization of visible from satellites. In 2011 and 2012 he Christi Burlington. Eulogy by her grand- 350.org, which organized what Foreign led the massive environmental fight daughter and a tribute by Robin Lloyd. Policy magazine called “the largest ever global coordinated rally of any kind,” against the proposed Keystone XL PAGE 8 with 5,200 simultaneous demonstrations pipeline project and spent three days in jail in Washington D.C. as leader of one „ The Pipeline and the People in 181 countries. The magazine named him of the largest civil disobedience actions An October 4 deadline looms for the decision to its inaugural list of the 100 most in America for decades. on yet another application to tap the tar important global thinkers, and MSN This event will be part of the Book sands. named him one of the dozen most influential men of 2009. Festival on Saturday, September 22, 11am, PAGE 9 In 2010, McKibben and 350.org Performing Arts Center, 60 Lake St, Burlington. „ Voter ID Laws One of the biggest issues surrounding the upcoming election in November is the institution of voter identification laws.

PAGE 10-11 „ Events Aug 31 - Sept 2: The People’s Convention. The Future of Fair Trade.

research z policy z action 2 July/August/September 2012

From the Center FROM THE BOARD OR DIRECTORS

EDITORS Wendy Coe As our members have seen from our recent e-newsletters, and as you will see elsewhere in Robin Lloyd this issue, the program work of the Peace & Justice Center is continuing to expand its scope and PUBLISHED vibrancy. The very successful Cost of War film and speaker series has a strong line-up for the 4/year fall, beginning with the Songs for Hope Concert and presentations by environmentalist Bill (See form on page 12) McKibben (on the effect of war on the environment) and Leah Bolger (president of Veterans for CIRCULATION Peace). This series has been made possible through the financial support of our members, the 1,200 Block Foundation, and many collaborating organizations, as well as the excellent organizational The opinions expressed in work of Colleen Deignan. We are now seeking additional financial support to ensure the continu- the articles, including those by staff, are those ation of the series in 2013. of the authors and not necessarily those of the Programming is central to fulfilling the mission of the Center—creating a just and peaceful peace & justice center. world. For much of the past year Gaby Brenneman has held the positions of Program Director and Store Manager simultaneously. In order to strengthen both programming and the store, we are now seeking a part time Program Manager. Gaby plans to take a leave of absence during the month of August and return in September to focus on the store and building support for the fair trade movement in Vermont. She will continue her work with local organizations like the Burlington Fair Trade Network and colleges in the region committed to this cause. Our assistant 60 Lake Street #1C Burlington, VT 05401 store manager, Jake Schumann, plans to work for three weeks in Kenya with Volunteers for 802.863.2345 Peace, so he will be bringing back some first-hand knowledge of peace and justice efforts in fax: 802.863.2532 www.pjcvt.org Africa. We are fortunate that Kyle Silliman-Smith, who has had a long and close affiliation with [email protected] the Center, will be managing the store in Jake and Gaby’s absence.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS We are grateful to our loyal store patrons and financial supporters who are helping us to (alphabetical order) Linda Ayer gradually increase the financial health of the Peace & Justice Center. Under the watchful eye of Autumn Barnett founder Wendy Coe, we have managed to stay in the black for this entire fiscal year. Along with Spence Putnam Nathan Suter the hard work of our excellent staff, this is the key to increasing the impact of the important work we are carrying out. Thank you for your role in helping us to move forward. Ed Everts, emeritus

Spencer Putnam STAFF Gabriela Ochoa Brenneman Wendy Coe For the Board of Directors Colleen Deignan Jake Schumann

PJC MISSION Our mission is to create a just and peaceful world. Gus D’Ari ~ 1923-2012 To this end, we work on Gus set up the Peace & Justice Center’s first library in the late 1980’s. Many people were the interconnected issues of economic and racial donating books and lucky for us, Gus came along to organize them into categories and sub- justice, peace, and human catagories – something usable so that people could search and find a book they were interested rights through education, in. When we moved to a new location in 1991, Gus packed up the books, keeping them in order, advocacy, training and non- violent activisim, and and then set up our new library on beautiful new wooden shelves. This was in the days before community organizing, people went online to find information. We had quite a unique little library, thanks to Gus. The since 1979. University of Vermont Debate Team members used to frequent our shelves. We still have a library, though much smaller, but they still have the stickers on them from the categories Gus created. We truly appreciate all the work that Gus has done and the help he’s given us over the years. We also appreciate those who donated to the PJC in his honor. He will be missed.

research z policy z action July/August/September 2012 3 Vets for Peace National President Leah Bolger to Speak in Burlington

BY Tavish MacLeod, PJC Intern

he peace movement made a rare given for those acts. Despite reports to appearance in national main stream the contrary, (3) Leah saw no issues with T media headlines at the Chicago police during this nonviolent action and North Atlantic Treaty Organization found a kinship with local officers who (NATO) summit in May with veterans like military veterans because they both hurling their medals towards the meeting “put themselves in harms way to protect of NATO countries(1). This protest others.” sparked questions regarding how the The election of Leah Bolger to head United States is engaged in the longest Veterans For Peace seems a prescient war in its history (2) and yet large move for the organization as women’s Leah Bolger protests across the country have focused issues within the armed forces continue solely on economic disparity with no to enter the national dialogue. Recently, rather laws are not being enforced within major emphasis on ending the war in the Peace & Justice Center held a the military. Since leaving the military 12 Afghanistan. screening of “The Invisible War,” a years ago, she believes more attention One prominent leader of the antiwar documentary film by Kirby Dick exploring has been paid to this issue recently, but movement sees the two causes as the exorbitant rates of sexual assault there is still a large amount of work to be intertwined. Leah Bolger, the first female within the military (estimates of 20% and done in order to ensure the safety of all president of the organization Veterans For higher of female service members) (4). US service members. Peace (VFP) sees the Occupy Movement Leah assisted Helen Benedict (a PJC Cost The issues that Veterans For Peace and the anti-war movement as comple- of War Series speaker) in identifying work on all have the undercurrent of ments. She spent time living at an Occupy victims of sexual assault for her articles peace and justice with hopes for greater encampment in D.C. and was encouraged that inspired the film. improvements in American society. Leah by the activism she saw there. As she As an officer for 20 years in the Navy, Bolger views the future of the antiwar sees it, one of prerogatives of the peace Leah Bolger herself experienced harass- movement and the Occupy movement movement is exposing how connected ment from another service member. While with hope. She explains that the results of segments of the economy are to govern- playing a game of basketball, a fellow these national protests ensure that ment military spending and the Occupy soldier made several physical and people will not regress to ignoring the movement should focus greater attention inappropriate advances. She reported the problems but allow for greater thought on shifting resources from a militarized incident to her commander and the and discussion about what kind of economy to more socially equitable one. behavior stopped. However, Ms. Bolger society we want to create. Veterans for Peace is a 27-year-old is quick to point out that as an officer, her The Peace & Justice Center and the organization dedicated to international complaints carried more weight than an Will Miller Green Mountain Chapter of peace and post-conflict healing. The enlisted person within the military chain Vets for Peace are bringing Leah Bolger latest protest in Chicago featured VFP of command. She knew of several to speak at 101 Cheray Hall, St. Michael’s members and was organized by Iraq instances of female soldiers reporting College on October 11 at 7pm. Call 863- Veterans for Peace, a group formed out of rape to superior officers and being 2345 x 8 for more information. Special a VFP summit. Ms. Bolger explained the ignored. She even knew of other inci- thanks to the St. Mike’s P&J Club and the genesis of the unique protest as originat- dents where the rapist was actually the Will Miller Social Justice Lecture Series. ing from 1970s protests against the superior officer. The problem, Leah Vietnam War where veterans threw medals explains, is not that laws do not exist but awarded from the war at the White House. In Chicago, VFP provided crowd „ Endnotes control for the Iraq and Afghanistan Endnotes 1) Stephen C. Webster, “Nearly 50 U.S. Veterans return service medals at NATO protests,” Raw Story, 21 Veterans who spoke briefly on their May 2012, http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2012/05/21/nearly-50-u-s-veterans-return-service-medals-at-nato- reasons for returning their medals in a protest/. ceremony that Leah described as “cathar- 2) Rick Hampson, “Afghanistan: America’s Longest War,” USA Today, 28 May 2010, http:// www.usatoday.com/news/military/2010-05-27-longest-war-afghanistan_N.htm tic.” She viewed the action as an emo- 3) Annie Gowan, “Outside NATO Summit in Chicago, protestors in violent clashes with police.” Washing- tional release for those veterans who felt ton Post, 20 May 2012, http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/peace-protesters-gather-in-chicago-for-nato- “guilt and shame about what they did in summit/2012/05/20/gIQAJ7WWdU_story.html. 4) Mary Elizabeth Williams, “Ending Military Rape: The Crusade of ‘The Invisible War,”” Salon.com, 27 Jun war” and wanted to reject commendations 2012, http://www.salon.com/2012/06/27/ending_military_rape_the_crusade_of_the_invisible_war/

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„ NAWOU Vessels of Change (National BY Kelsey Steele, PJC Intern Association of Women’s he most sustainable fair trade These four women then spread the Organizations T organizations are those that have word to other mothers who were strug- in Uganda) been started and led by the people gling to send their children to school. Uganda has selling the goods. They have invested Today, Denur Crafts has 38 members and been getting their talents in creating beautiful artwork is helping 78 children attend school. Each recent public- that benefits their families and community member is responsible for creating their ity because of members. By creating sustainable jobs, own jewelry designs and then making the Kony 2012 these families can send their children to them from raw materials found locally in campaign. The country has suffered with school and keep them in school. With the Kenya. The children in the program are severe cases of human exploitation, most power of education, their children then supported by members like Mitula when involving women and children. The have a greater chance of breaking out of their illiterate families cannot help them. NAWOU aims to empower women so that poverty. They can avoid human traffick- The children who have gone through the they can help themselves to become ing, remain healthy and safe and create program and have graduated either high independent. their own livelihoods. These children will school or college often help the next The organization is a collection of 70 then be able to help their children get an generation of children who are being women’s organizations based in Uganda. education and continue a new cycle out helped by Denur Crafts. The organization helps these groups and of poverty. In order to become a member of cooperatives market and sell their The Peace & Justice Store carries Denur Crafts a person must: products internationally. The profits from artwork created by sustainable fair trade z Have school age children their crafts help the women to gain organizations. These organizations were z Have skills to work by hand and independence, so they do not have to started by hundreds of different people, need extra income. rely on men for food, shelter, health, and all with different backgrounds, skills, and z Be able to work in their own home education for their children. When these talents. They share a vision of a more just environment women bring income into their communi- and peaceful world. Here are the stories z Live in Nairobi or one of the sur- ties it also means that they gain more of three organizations that contribute to rounding villages respect from the community and from the Peace & Justice Store and who are 40% of the profits from the jewelry go within their own family, so they have working to create this vision of a more towards the children’s education, another more of a say in their local government. just world, may they be an inspiration for 40% is reinvested in the business, and In addition to helping to sell artwork, change. 20% serves as income to the organiza- the organization promotes networking tion’s members. The organization sells among members and civic education. „ Denur Crafts their handmade necklaces, earrings, rings, They have developed and advocated It is difficult to focus on education when and wooden animal figures throughout campaigns against domestic violence, your children are hungry and without Europe, Australia, Africa, and North children sexual abuse, and for women clothing. It is difficult to come up with the America. They have most recently started leadership. $150 to send your children to school for a selling at the Peace & Justice Store where year when you are unemployed and your you can „ Altipano husband makes $1 a day or less. This is see and 25 years ago, Vermonters John Von the realty that many Kenyan women face purchase Wodlke and Shari Zarin were enchanted every day. This cycle is impossible to their by the beauty and culture of Guatemala break when you are uneducated and have beautiful and the Mayan people that lived there. no resources. products. Today they are working with 100’s of But according to Leah Mitula, one of Every Guatemalan artists, families, and commu- the founders of Denur Crafts, “the time you nity members to create handbags, universe is looking for a solution.” In the wear this scarves, jewelry, hats, and belts. Each early 1990’s Mitula was approached by jewelry, piece of artwork was designed by Shari several women asking for help in sending you can who uses Mayan culture, nature, and their children to school. After a while, know that love as inspiration. word got around that Mitula was some- you are The organization is beneficial to many one to reach out to if you were in need. helping a Guatemalan people including women Mitula could not financially keep lending child go because it gives them the ability to stay out money to everyone who asked for it to school. at home and care for their children while so in 1994, Mitula taught four women how to make beaded jewelry. Vessels continued on page 5

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McCain believes super PACs allow Super PACs, Not Quite So Super wealthy corporations and unions to have an unfair advantage in electing candi- BY Sydney Groth, PJC Intern dates to federal office. Similarly, accord- ing to Rep. Keith Ellison, Co-Chair of uper PACs came into existence in tions to independent organizations that Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), S July of 2010, following two key sought to influence elections deemed in “The influence of money in politics is the federal decisions that found an “unconstitutional” manner (2). single biggest threat to our democracy, limitations on both corporate and A super PAC, also known as a political and in this election cycle alone, super individual contributions that were action committee, is allowed to raise and PACs have raised almost $160 million and deemed unlawful violations of the First spend unlimited amounts of money from spent close to $90 million. And we still Amendment. The two cases were, corporations, unions, individuals, and have six months until the election.” His SpeechNow.org v. Federal Election associations (2). The ultimate goal and critical point being, “Corporations are not Commission, and Citizens United v. function of these super PACs is to people. And in America, democracy Federal Election Commission. Both cases economically advocate for a specific should never, ever be for sale,” (2). found restrictions on individual contribu- candidate for election or federal office To provide some frame of reference, through purchasing television, radio, here are the super PACs for two of the print advertisements, and other media. Presidential candidates: Restore our Vessels continued from page 4 The role of the super PAC is similar to Future, conservative super PAC support- the previous traditional political action ing Republican Presidential hopeful, Mitt also earning financial independence. committee; however the dissimilarity is Romney, and Priorities USA Action, Today, 75% of the population in Guate- that super PACs can raise as much money liberal super PAC to support President mala lives below the poverty line. And from corporations, unions, and associa- Barack Obama’s re-election bid (2). 41% of school aged children in Guatemala tions as they please and then spend an Because 2012 is an election year, the do not go to school because they have to unlimited amount advocating for the importance and effects of super PACs are help their families earn money. When the election or defeat of a specific candidate more prominent now, than ever. In this families can support themselves through of their choice. The super PACs ulti- year’s campaign there have been endless organizations like Altipano, children have mately contributes a significant amount discussion about the role of super PACs of economic support for the possible and their contributions to both the future success of candidates. Democratic and Republican parties. However, the most important restric- Simply put, all it takes for an obscure tion of super PACs is they are prohibited super PAC to become a big player is for to work in conjunction with the candi- one wealthy person to decide he wants to dates they are supporting. To clarify, influence the race. According to Demo- super PACs cannot spend money “in cratic consultant David DiMartino, concert or cooperation with, or at the “There’s unlimited money floating into request or suggestion of, a candidate, the these races, making unsubstantiated candidate’s campaign or a political party” claims and blanket attacks on candidates (2). on both sides.” (3). With the rising Since their creation in 2010, super popularity of super PACs, presence in the PACs have been considered highly media and the continuing support of controversial in both the political and super PAC donors has become imperative a higher chance of getting an education public worlds. Critics who believe money for candidates. And as Election Day and breaking out of poverty. corrupts the political process say court grows nearer, there will no doubt be an rulings and the creation of the super increase in tempo for the super PACs „ You can make a difference PACs opened the floodgates to “wide- activity. The Peace & Justice Store carries spread corruption.” In 2012, John McCain To sum it up, CPC Co-Chair Rep, Raúl products from these three organizations warned, “I guarantee there will be M. Grijalva stated, “This isn’t just about as well as many others. We hope you will scandal, there is too much money elections, it’s about the principle that visit the store and see the beautiful crafts washing up around politics, and it’s America is run by the people, not just the created by women looking to help making the campaigns irrelevant,” (2). rich and powerful” (1). themselves and their children. When you purchase their products, you are starting Footnotes: a series of ripples that can affect future 1. http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2012/04/19-0 generations of women and children. 2. http://uspolitics.about.com/od/firstamendment/a/What-Is-A-Super-Pac.htm 3. http://nbcpolitics.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/05/17/11748012-from-presidential- race-to-house-primaries-super-pacs-having-wide-impact?lite

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passionate, interesting and surely unique. Grandma Marmete ~ Eulogy And I’ve yet to meet anyone else who BY Erin Bray Gibson, June 22, 2012 can say that their grandmother was arrested along with Martin Sheen for standing up for what she believed in. hen I asked people how they understood, that no gourmet feast could Grandma Marmete had a way of would describe my grandmother, W have improved on the experience. making things magical. Holidays had Marmete Hayes, many words were And instead of nursery rhymes, we special meaning as she shared with us the offered: peace activist, community heard chronicles of Champ, the Lake mystery and mysticism of Christianity organizer, justice and human rights Champlain Monster, and myths of the and explained the symbols and traditions advocate, devotee of Jesus and his Greek Gods and how their images came to that imbued each celebration with history teachings, as well as devoted wife, be forever displayed in constellations in and beauty. Her home was a child-friendly mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and the night sky. museum, filled with a stunning collection friend. Within our family she was most of dolls and crosses from around the certainly the keeper of traditions and our world, and more recently with her striking benevolent and loving matriarch. Though stone work depicting mosaics of early I can hear her protest at that last descrip- Christian symbols and scenes from the tion, saying, “Erin, dear, ‘Beloved life of Jesus Christ. Tuckaway Cottage on Matriarch?’ Well, that makes me sound Butler Island was a haven of treasures, like Queen Elizabeth!” Well, Grandma, I items gathered on the island over the hear you even now, but I get to say it years, each with its tale of discovery, and today, because to us you were, and will memory of good times. So often we would always be, our most beloved Queen. drive by in the boat and look up to see Looking around at everyone gathered her flag flapping in the wind and Grandma here today, I am touched by the many waving vigorously from the cliff, a feather beautiful faces I see, people I know well, from the beach tucked in her hair. and those I have never met, all of whom The magic was not reserved solely for touched my grandmother’s life and were Marmete Hayes 1924-2012 those of us in her family, but was shared touched by hers. Each of you should with all children, and especially with the know that you were loved and so very Instead of lullabies, we sang Advent dearly loved children of Butler appreciated for your various gifts and songs, chanted peace march slogans Island. Each summer she organized a star talents, your strengths and weaknesses, such as, “Money for jobs, not for war, US party on the beach on Gravelly Point your foibles and eccentricities, your out of El Salvador!,” and were inspired by during the mid-summer meteor showers. kindnesses shown, friendship and love the lives of her heroes, such as Oscar In preparation she would have each of us offered and accepted. Grandma Marmete Romero and Dorothy Day. create star books, using black construc- loved life; she adored her family and Instead of bedtime stories by Dr. tion paper and metallic star stickers to cherished her friends. I know it would Seuss, we grew up with tales from Up the make images of the constellations and give her great joy to see all of us seated Chimney Down, a children’s book she learn to identify them in the sky. We here together, in the sanctuary of this wrote, and went to sleep imagining the would take walks and hear stories of her church that she loved so much. Thank adventures of Butler Bear, Nanny Nut the childhood days on the island, of adven- you all for being here today. Squirrel, Harry the Hare and Ozrol the tures on Eagle’s Bluff, Sand Beach and a When thinking about what I wished to Owl, and the winter they spent together particular afternoon escapade that led to say today, so many things came to mind in Tuckaway Cottage on Butler Island. the naming of Yellow Sock Cove. She as Marmete Hayes was not only my Instead of trips to the playground, we brought such experiences to life for all of grandmother, but one of my dearest joined her to march for peace on the us with her creative imagination, her friends. I know that my sister and cousins streets of Burlington, Montpelier and childlike enthusiasm, and her engaging feel the same way. Therefore, I’d like to Boston, and to stand in silent vigil to spunk. And we adored her for it. share some of the things that made my protest the devastating consequences of Grandma Marmete was committed to grandmother so special to us. Of course, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Instead preserving knowledge of the history of she always lamented that she had never of hearing about vacations in sunny Butler Island and to preserving traditions been a “traditional” grandmother. And it’s climates, we heard about her yearly trips there, as well as our family traditions true, instead of homemade pies (or, really, to Fort Benning, Georgia, to speak out beyond the island. She was also commit- homemade anything!), we usually had against the human rights violations ted to a crusade for peace and human tuna fish sandwiches with extra pickles, perpetuated in Latin America by many rights, an end to war and to raising social low fat cheese and Pepperidge Farm graduates of the School of the Americas. awareness about the fight against cookies. But sitting in her kitchen, she No, a traditional grandmother she was injustice around the world. It was her made us feel so loved, special and not. But she was inspiring, fascinating,

research z policy z action July/August/September 2012 7 ardent wish that these traditions and Robin’s Nest gathering is powerful: Catholic and activities would survive her, that they universal at the same time. We walk in a would be embraced, shared and passed long circle, sometimes 20,000 strong, down so as to continue long after she A Life of Devotion squeezed into the street in front of the was gone. gate to the School of the Americas (now I was asked to speak about my BY Robin Lloyd called WHINSEC: Western Hemisphere grandmother’s legacy – no small task Institute for Security Cooperation: but given the richness of the life she lived. In One of the last occasions I spent time we call it the School of Assassins). We writing down my thoughts, I realized that with my friend Marmete Hayes was when carry crosses, stars of David, Muslim she was not interested in simply be- I was invited by her and Sister Miriam symbols. Singers from different faiths queathing us a legacy of past projects Ward to attend the 30th anniversary of Pax chant the names of the dead from the accomplished, marches marched, honors Christi in the basement of St. Joseph’s killing fields of Latin America, and we bestowed, or memories cherished. If church. They had prepared soup and respond, “Presente” You are here. “Oscar asked, she would have hoped, I am bread and butter, and we sat around long Romero, presente!” “Clara Alvarez, 6 certain, for a legacy of action – for the tables and talked and ate. The formal part years old, Presente!” Old, young, continuity of well-loved traditions and of the evening was the story of the important, unknown, all are remembered the creation of new ones, for inspired and founding of Pax Christi International and and sorrowed after. We remember you. ongoing work for peace and justice, for PC USA. As a Quaker, I found these You did not die in vain. the strengthening of ties between family stories fascinating. Both Miriam and Marmete were and friends. Her ongoing presence in our I have broken bread and wept with devoted to this pilgrimage. Miriam went lives will be felt when we delight with a these women during the worst times of even after she had knee replacement child in the discovery of a fallen eagle the Reagan administration, when US surgery. feather or experience the power of a trained and supported soldiers were Marmete was the archivist of Pax march on Washington. It will be felt killing women and children – and whole Christi Burlington. She carefully main- when we welcome a new baby, celebrate villages – in El Salvador with guns made tained the scrapbooks of PC history, and the milestones of family and friends, here in Burlington, VT. During this terrible she and Miriam had been talking with when we take a stand for what we believe time the Sisters of Mercy and Catholic lay Burlington College about developing a in, when we seek out the stars. We will people – mainly women – were steadfast Peace & Justice community room honor- honor her by loving and accepting each in their opposition. After all, the Salva- ing her and other Burlington area activ- other, by finding compassion and doran army supported by the US were ists, a place where the archives could be forgiveness, by rejoicing in laughter, by gunning down their people, the rural made available to a new generation. finding magic in every day, by striving for catechists and liberation theology But she didn’t focus on that during her a life well lived. preachers who taught that Jesus supports last few months. She was determined to As I say goodbye, Grandma, knowing those who work for justice. We wrote complete the art project of her life: a you are at peace and with those whom letters, they held masses, we did demon- series of three dimensional devotional you loved who passed before you, I wish strations together. What I noticed is that plaques that she created from stones she to offer you the blessing that you so they didn’t have the angst, the hopeless- gathered at her beloved Butler Island in often gave to me: “God bless you and ness that I always had to fight down. Lake Champlain. The primitive simplicity keep you, in all places whither thou They had faith; faith in the afterlife, and that results from assembling small goest.” Grandma Marmete, you will be faith that God wanted them to do what pebbles together to create images of the dearly missed. But, Oh! What a life! they were doing despite their lack of cross or Jesus, or St Francis, is very success, and that indeed he would powerful. protect them because they were doing his She confided that the only part of the work. This was amazing to me, something art work that did not come from the island I could not accept, try as I might: they was the halo behind the saint’s head, believed in a benevolent personal God. ‘Can you guess where that comes from?” Some of my most intense political/ I couldn’t and she said, “it’s from a hunk spiritual moments have been spent with of macadam thrown by the side of the Pax Christi activists. We went to the road: the part with the yellow stripe down School of Americas Watch (SOAW) the center”. She relished transforming the protests in Columbus Georgia each humblest of materials into the light of November for several years. This is the God. school where soldiers from Latin Ameri- can countries learn counterinsurgency Burlington College hopes to display tactics. Most LA dictators and soldiers Marmete’s mosaics at the college gallery facing human rights abuses have been at the end of October. trained there. The ritual at this annual

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In the News reverse the flow on the whole of the line from the spill line to Montreal, calling the segment reversal a “stand-alone” project; The Pipeline and the People and denies any plans still exist for crossing the border at all, even though their project partners applied for a permit BY Paulina Essunger (recently denied) for a pumping station. A

station like that would be needed to push An October 4 deadline looms for the catastrophic, responding to bitumen heavy tar sands liquids through the line decision on yet another application to tap spills is much harder. in reverse, pumping it south, from the tar sands. At first glance, this applica- Before the spill, Enbridge was planning Montreal to Maine. tion seems modest: it only involves a on reconstructing that line, to be able to The line they have in mind using was single segment of a pipeline, and it runs pump higher volumes. Enbridge was constructed in 1950. The first pipe along entirely inside Canada. No US Presiden- planning on reversing the flow in the that route was laid a decade earlier, during tial Permits seem to come into play, no segment mentioned above, so that it World War II. It allowed tankers to dock buses to DC, no White House sit-in. would connect with the spill line and and unload in Portland rather than having But on both sides of the border, people bring its tar sands streams further to face the submarines in the Gulf of St. are connecting the dots. To the west, the eastward. In fact, Enbridge planned to Lawrence in order to bring oil to the segment meets up with a line that has reverse the flow in the whole line of refineries in Montreal. already been pumping tar sands liquids which that segment is a part, all the way In the late eighties, a company leased eastward for years. This is the line that to Montreal. And before the spill, the 1950 line and reversed its flow to put bitumen spills on the wider map back Enbridge was working with the operators bring Canadian natural gas to New in 2010, when Enbridge pumped over a of the Portland-Montreal Pipe Line England. A decade later, the line reverted million gallons of tar sands bitumen (PMPL) to reverse its flow, to create one back to pumping oil northwest, from through a pipe rupture and into the long connected pipeline project, known Maine to Montreal. Each change required Kalamazoo River in Michigan. Known as as Trailbreaker. Tar sands liquids arriving a Presidential Permit. From the Tar Sands the Dilbit Disaster (dilbit is diluted in the Chicago area would be pumped Action on Keystone XL, we know that bitumen), this spill demonstrated that eastward through Trailbreaker: via the State Department handles the review while conventional oil spills can be Michigan, Ontario, and Quebec. Part of the flow would for “crude oil” pipelines (at least to the then turn extent that they don’t outsource the south in assessment process to the pipeline Montreal, operators themselves). But bitumen and through diluted bitumen aren’t actually a kind of Vermont, New crude oil (the IRS actually relieves tar Hampshire, sands streams from some taxes for this and Maine, to very reason), they’re a different beast Portland, and altogether, as the spill responders at the out onto the Kalamazoo River learned the hard way. global market. A State Department report notes the After the original plans for flow reversal on the spill, the PMPL were shelved already in 2009 project because local groups objected to using appears to be the pipeline for tar sands liquids. proceeding Well, we’re “objecting”, again. fairly steadily, Suppose the movement against pumping In response to the 2010 Kalamazoo River pipeline rupture and spill, Enbridge is but Enbridge tar sands liquids through Vermont and for expanding that line and reversing the flow in a connecting line, which will a Tar Sands Free Vermont and New support expansion of the Alberta tar sands and Bakken oil fields in North downplays the Dakota. But what happens at the other end of a fossil fuel’s life? There’s no fact that they England proves too strong for Enbridge atmospheric or oceanic “pipeline” for the waste streams, no alarm bells going are currently and PMPL operators. Suppose we “win.” off (if only to be ignored, like Enbridge ignored its own alarm bells in 2010), no Suppose, for instance, a Presidential option to expand “capacity.” Yet every time the fossil fuel industry expands its expanding the “assets”, the atmosphere and oceans, and we, are supposed to just take it. That’s spill line, Permit for flow reversal on the PMPL how the market works. The “capacities” of the atmosphere and ocean are just preferring the depended on it only carrying actual crude about maxed out, but the fossil fuel industry already has assets “worth” more oil? than five times the remaining capacity in terms of CO2, and that’s without even term “restor- counting most of the tar sands, or the gas and oil fracking “boom”, and the ing”; Well, it would be a start. But Enbridge industry is only looking to add more assets of course, to grow. When will we downplays and the PMPL operators could profitably burst at our seams with the moral outrage this embodies? choose to reverse the flow “simply” to Photo: National Transportation Safety Board. plans to ship fracked light crude from Bakken,

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North Dakota. As bad as that is in and of itself, by freeing other capacity, this, too, Voter ID Laws: A civil rights issue would actually support expansion of the Alberta tar sands. masked by political motivations The State Department report notes: “The continuing and rapid growth…from BY Emma Eddy, PJC Intern the Bakken… is changing the situation [regarding the PMPL and tar sands ne of the biggest issues debate has revolved around the upcom- streams]… Carriage of light conventional O surrounding the upcoming ing presidential elections. The two largest crude would presumably meet with less election in November is the political parties have voiced their opin- opposition than oil sand streams.” In institution of voter identification laws. ions on voter ID laws, but facts suggest other words, industry is setting itself up The controversy raises questions about that the protection of civil rights may not to make carrying Bakken light crude (or ways to prevent fraudulent voting but be their primary motivation. maybe tar sands syncrude, just not dilbit) also presents a possible civil rights In the 2008 election, African-American look like the “rational middle ground,” violation. Unfortunately the entire and student votes largely contributed to should the Tar Sands Free movement situation is getting lost beneath a more President Obama’s success. There were prove powerful enough to delay or block publicized struggle: the competition 2.4 million more African-American votes flow reversal projects focused on the tar between the United States’ two largest than the 2004 election. Another fact about sands, even though any line that frees political parties and the presidential these constituencies is that they are the capacity in that region serves to expand election in November. two largest groups of voters most likely the tar sands as well as hydrofracking for The 10th amendment of the Constitu- not to have identification. 20% of eligible oil in the Bakken, i.e., is very far indeed tion states, “Each state retains its college voters and 25% of eligible African from any “rational middle ground.” sovereignty, freedom, and independence, American voters lack proper identifica- Here’s the deal: the physical properties and every power, jurisdiction, and right, tion. of pipelines, hazardous liquids, and spills which is not by this Confederation It would be no surprise to then hear are obviously important, but when we expressly delegated to the United States, that many republicans, including presi- focus mainly on these, we risk missing in Congress assembled.” The determina- dential candidate Mitt Romney, have the fossil forest for the trees. The fossil tion of voting rights therefore, is reserved supported voter identiûcation laws. fuel industry already has enough proven for each individual state to decide Claiming that their intentions are solely to fossil fuel reserves on the books to take independently. This is why many states eliminate voter fraud may seem question- us up to the internationally agreed upon choose to institute voter identfication able when the laws have the ability to global average temperature increase limit laws, and others do not. Recently also eliminate their competition. This is of 2°C – five times over. Governments questions have been raised about not to say the republicans are the only profess to agree with this limit, saying, in whether or not these laws violate a party with the alternative agenda. It effect: “We seek no larger carbon budget, citizens civil rights. would be naive to think the Democratic no higher temperature, no wider war on Requiring identification to vote has Party’s opposition to voter identiûcation climate.” And yet instead of focusing on been a touchy subject lately, with some laws does not have similar motive. deploying infrastructure that can actually states such as Tennessee, Kansas, and Now it is inevitable that the United solve the problem, here we are planning Georgia enforcing strict laws of ID States’ two major political parties will and constructing infrastructure that requirement, and others like Maine, fight for their votes, and certainly with serves to expand our on-the-books fossil Hawaii, and our own Green Mountain the upcoming election only months away. fuel reserves beyond five times as much as State steering clear of them entirely. But more importantly is the voters’ ability the amount we have agreed to limit Because identification can be difficult and to separate the election from the underly- ourselves to burning. costly to obtain, it impedes the path to ing problem. Acquiring identification If you share a fundamental moral the polls for many voters. In fact, 11% of requires many citizens to pay fees for a outrage over this absurdity, join us this eligible voters in the United States do not license or ID card, is this different than summer and beyond as we use organiz- have identfication. The populations least charging a citizen to vote? If more than ing, nonviolent direct action, divestment likely to have identification are minorities, 10% of our eligible voter population can’t campaigns, and transformative pilot the impoverished, student voters, and the voice their opinions in the election is our projects to stop new fossil fuel projects, elderly. States with voter identification country still a democracy? Where do we shut down old ones, and build our future laws boast the elimination of voter fraud draw the line? at the human scale, with human values, while their opponents claim that the instead. count of fraudulent votes in the United Join with us at 350.org and States is nearly non-existent. 350Vermont.org. Now that the argument has been outlined, the issue sparking more recent

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CALENDAR

August 2012 October 2012

[5] Sunday [1] Monday z 12-1 Vets for Peace live call-in show on Channel 15. Will Miller Green z 6:15pm Burlington-Bethlehem-Arad Sister City Committee meeting at Mountain Chapter Veterans For Peace lunch meeting in Montpelier, 4th or Burlington College. 5th Saturday of the month, at Angelinos Restaurant, 2pm. New members or observers welcome. Check with Bert Thompson for exact date and [7] Sunday directions: [email protected] z 12-1 Vets for Peace live call-in show on Channel 15. [6] Monday [8] Monday z 8-8:30am Hiroshima Day silent vigil. Corner of Main St & South Prospect z 6-8pm Vermonters for a Just Peace in Palestine/Israel meeting at PJC. St, Burlington. Bring signs. [10] Wednesday z 6:15pm Burlington-Bethlehem-Arad Sister City Committee meeting at z 5-6:30pm Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom Burlington College. (WILPF) meeting at the Peace & Justice Center. 862-4929. [8] Wednesday [11] Thursday z 5-6:30pm Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom 7pm Leah Bolger, president of the national Veterans For Peace, will speak (WILPF) meeting at the Peace & Justice Center. 862-4929. at 101 Cheray Hall, St. Michael’s College.. Call 863-2345 x 8 for more information. [9] Thursday z 11am Vigil on the 67th Anniversary of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki, Japan. At the Bell Tower, Catholic Cathedral, corner of St. Paul & Cherry Streets, Burlington. All are welcome. For information: 872-9272 [13] Monday z 6-8pm Vermonters for a Just Peace in Palestine/Israel meeting at PJC. [31] Friday - [2] Sunday z People’s Convention for Human Rights. See p. 11.

September 2012

[2] Sunday z 12-1 Vets for Peace live call-in show on Channel 15. [3] Monday z 6:15pm Burlington-Bethlehem-Arad Sister City Committee meeting at Burlington College. [10] Monday z 6-8pm Vermonters for a Just Peace in Palestine/Israel meeting at PJC. [12] Wednesday z 5-6:30pm Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) meeting at the Peace & Justice Center. 862-4929.

Check out our online calendar at www.pjcvt.org

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The Future of Fair Trade

BY Sandy Wynne

The fair trade world is experiencing some growing pains. As your source of information on all things fair trade, we want to share with you some of the issues being discussed. In April 2012, many concerned parties in the fair trade move- ment gathered for the North American Fair Trade Stakeholders Council just met in Minneapolis. I was proud to represent Fair Trade Burlington Network in this incredibly important debate/ discussion about dealing with the challenges faced by the Fair Trade movement, at the national and international level. The Vermont Workers Center invites you to help make history. Last year began This meeting was the beginning of strengthening the move- with the Arab Spring and the Wisconsin Uprising and ended with the birth of ment and clarifying the roles of certifiers. The goal is to raise the the Occupy Wall Street/99% protests, which dramatically changed the political bar for everyone, to reinforce the Fair Trade principles, especially landscape in our country and the world. Vermont’s breakthrough for universal transparency and democratic ideals, and to include the voices of healthcare has inspired people across the country. Now, we believe Vermont all the stakeholders, especially the small producers and workers can catalyze change nationwide by leading the country in a broad movement in the supply chain. Since the Summit, articles have been for human rights and sustainable communities. popping up and we want to share some of the ones we have found to be most helpful in explaining the problem and encourag- Through a unified campaign that we call “Put People First: One Movement for ing dialogue. People and the Planet,” we can build the people power that will be necessary to This is only the beginning of change within the movement. realize the first universal healthcare system in the country, to take the boldest We will continue to keep you informed and we want you to know actions possible in addressing the climate crisis, to build resilient community- that we are available to discuss any of your concerns. Given the based food systems which meet the needs of the people and the land, to current crisis in the US Fair Trade movement, we are hopeful that, expand workers’ rights, disability rights and to obtain social justice for in the end, we will have a stronger and healthier movement. immigrants. We will be able to create public policy that puts people first and For more information go to fairtradeburlington.wordpress.com meets the needs of our communities. Most of all, we will establish the kind of or call Gaby at the Peace & Justice Store 863-2345 x2. real democracy that we will need to meet any challenge that we face.

You can help make the creation of this powerful social movement happen. By working together, in a coordinated, unified effort, we multiply our power. Please join us and sign up for Aug 31 - Sept 2: The People’s Convention: One Movement for People & the Planet

More info: www.vtpeoplesconvention.org or www.workerscenter.org

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