90 Founded 1915 Volume 24, No. 8 A publicationFOR of the Louisville Chapter of the Fellowshipsooth of Reconciliation www.forsoothnewspaper.org October 2013 Peace Through Permaculture at Bluegrass Bioneers? By Ben Evans 1. Care of the earth: Provision for all 6. Produce no waste: By valuing and life systems to continue and multiply. This is making use of all the resources that are Permaculture - the word itself is a port- the first principle, because without a healthy available to us, nothing goes to waste. manteau of “permanent” and “culture” (or earth, humans cannot flourish. 7. Design from patterns to details: By “permanent” and “agriculture” - depending 2. Care of the people: Provision for stepping back, we can observe patterns on how one looks at it). Similarly Bioneers people to access those resources necessary in nature and society. These can form the is, itself, a portmanteau of “biology” and for their existence. backbone of our designs, with the details “pioneers.” On a national level, Bioneers is 3. Return of Surplus: Reinvesting sur- filled in as we go. an inspired and inspiring annual 3-day con- pluses back into the system to provide for 8. Integrate rather than segregate: By ference in Northern California of more than the first two ethics. This includes returning putting the right things in the right place, 3,000 social, scientific, and environmental waste back into the system to recycle into relationships develop between those things innovators working to create a more just and Ben Evans usefulness. and they work together to support each other. sustainable world for humanity - a group this year’s featured live presentations include The 12 principles of permaculture 9. Use small and slow solutions: Small seeking to solve human environmental and design which follow from these tenets and slow systems are easier to maintain social problems by learning from and work- keynotes by Peter Bane, The Permaculture Handbook (published in 2012) and the editor offer us even more of a clue. They are than big ones, making better use of local ing with natural ecosystems. Bluegrass (as enumerated by David Holmgren - resources and producing more sustainable Bioneers (a 501(c)(3) non-profit - www. of The Permaculture Activist; Rhonda and Maya Baird - a mother daughter team that permaculture’s other co-founder - and outcomes. bluegrassbioneers.org) is the regional described in Wikipedia): 10. Use and value diversity: Diversity partner of the national Bioneers organiza- will speak on People Care for Permanent Cultures, a very important aspect of Permac- 1. Observe and interact: By taking reduces vulnerability to a variety of threats tion (www.bioneers.org) whose tagline is time to engage with nature we can design and takes advantage of the unique nature of “Revolution from the Heart of Nature.” ulture; and Ethan Howard, a 7th grade farmer and entrepreneur of integrated pasture-based solutions that suit our particular situation. the environment in which it resides. And so it is that this year in Louisville, 2. Catch and store energy: By 11. Use edges and value the marginal: one portmanteau will be celebrating an- farming. In addition, the conference will also include the always-popular Seed Exchange, developing systems that collect resources The interface between things is where the other as Bluegrass Bioneers digs into the at peak abundance, we can use them in most interesting events take place. These “revolutionary” transformational potential Information Sharing and Reskilling Sessions, the Urban Homesteading Bicycle Tour, and times of need. are often the most valuable, diverse and of permaculture. For anyone interested, this 3. Obtain a yield: Ensure that you are productive elements in the system. year’s Bluegrass Bioneers Conference (the new this year – the Idea Incubator. So what does “peace through getting truly useful rewards as part of the 12. Creatively use and respond to fifth annual) will be held on October 25, work that you are doing. change: We can have a positive impact on 26, and 27 at the Jefferson Community and permaculture” mean? Well, the origin of the word itself - “permanent culture” - implies 4. Apply self-regulation and accept inevitable change by carefully observing, Technical College. Our conference here in feedback: We need to discourage and then intervening at the right time. Louisville will feature an incredible array of persistent peace. The very principles of permaculture are built around making peace inappropriate activity to ensure that systems As one digs into that list of core tenets televised national presentations from world- can continue to function well. and design principles, it becomes clear renowned sustainability icons including with the natural world - and by extension, the rest of our human family. The three 5. Use and value renewable resources that a civilization based on the principles Danny Glover and Janine Benyus, as well and services: Make the best use of nature’s of permaculture would indeed be a much as live featured presenters, workshops, dem- core tenets of permaculture (as enumerated by permaculture co-founder, Bill Mollison, abundance to reduce our consumptive behavior more harmonious one on every level. Our onstrations, eco-tainment, slow/local food, and dependence on non-renewable resources. and more. We are incredibly excited that and described in Wikipedia) are: (continued on page 7) A Too-Short Life,
PAID Very Well Lived U.S. Postage Louisville, KY Permit No. 962 Non-Profit Org. By Isaac Marion Thacker IV by socialism, will eventually win, for the (Ike Thacker) simple reason that there are so many more of us than of them. Dr. Peggy Ann Kidwell’s body died in She is still very much alive through the wee, early-morning hours of Monday, the deep, delving research she did getting July 22, 2013. But, perhaps more than any multiple Master’s degrees, with at least some other living being I have ever known, after of the work being done at the University of such an event (except perhaps [the fictional] Chicago, and a Ph.D in psychology from Tom Joad), she is still very much alive. the University of Toronto. She is still very much alive through She is still very much alive through her beloved husband Joe and godson R.J. the hundreds of lives she transformed as a prison counselor and as a social worker. In these positions she won a staggering majority of her cases by sheer physical and mental brilliance, and hard work. She was employed full-time in Chicago, often putting in many more than 40 hours a week at these jobs, and still carried full academic
Call F.O.R. at 502/456-6586 Call F.O.R. loads. And, although she wouldn’t like to admit it, Peggy is still very much alive as a catalyst for real, meaningful, beneficial
Fellowship of Reconciliation Louisville Chapter 2146 Lakeside Drive 40205 Louisville, KY REQUESTED ADDRESS SERVICE and fundamental social change because of her sentimental side. She never missed her friends’ and family’s birthdays, often in the case of her friends not only sending a INSIDE card but also buying a cake and the usual trimmings for birthday parties financed Page 2...... Cara Cooper urges Power Shift to fight climate change with some of her last dollars. She loved Page 3...... Alex Bradshaw says USA leaning to the left to take pictures of herself and especially Page 3...... Ira Grupper discusses race and class in Labor Paeans others at these parties and at movement events. For these kinds of things (she to a Page 4...... Kentucky Alliance educates on and travels to Peggy Kidwell large extent lived for movement meetings) anniversary of ’63 March on Washington meant literally the world to her—and she Page 4...... Berea College student, Lwamwe Muzima Czajka who, along with the movement for emphatically and proudly considered herself peace and social justice, and the socialism gets inspiration from March on Washington only a world citizen. (she called it communism) that will make But Dr. Kidwell was also a top-notch Page 4...... Gracie Lewis on the March on Washington them possible, were her life. organizer and Director. She traveled to both Page 5...... Russ Greenleaf on Israel’s Prawer Plan of destruction She is still very much alive through that coasts in recent years to national meetings movement, to which as a gadfly, devotee, Page 5...... Tom Pearce on the Egyptian situation from her reluctantly-chosen Kentucky base and especially a catalyst she often gladly (e.g. New York and California), along with Page 6...... Letter to Tom Moffett by Councilwoman Mary Woolridge devoted both 18-hour days and literally much of the space in between (e.g. Chicago Page 6...... Mark Meade’s notes on International FOR chief’s visit the last of her money and gasoline. This and Atlanta). Even a partial list of just the movement, anchored in the final analysis (continued on page 7) 500 for the climate – that’s the goal for a Power Shift By Cara Cooper brought over 6,000 young people out to attend trainings, hear from panels of experts, What can five hundred empowered and and take action together. Power Shift 2009 inspired young Kentuckians do? The answer brought out over 12,000 folks to learn and is anything they put their minds to. That is lobby for green jobs creation. In 2011 we why the Kentucky Student Environmental had over 10,000 show up and we peacefully Coalition is working so hard to send five stormed the nation’s capital to host the hundred folks from Kentucky to the largest largest environmental organizing training Youth Climate conference in our nation’s of all time. This year’s Power Shift is going history, Power Shift 2013, which is happen- to be the biggest and best one yet and it’s up to us to make sure that Kentucky youth make the trip to be a part of the national youth climate movement’s efforts. It is going to take a lot of work and about $60,000 to make our goals a reality, but we have a solid plan for how we are going to make it happen and are rising to the occasion. Our first step was to have five recruitment leads from across the state build teams of recruiters from every campus and community that we could reach. With nine of these teams now off the ground and more being formed every week, we are well on our way to success. The second step was executed the last weekend of August when we had almost two dozen folks converge Cara Cooper in Frankfort for our KY Pre-Power Shift Convergence. At the convergence we talked about the Kentucky we want to work for ing October 18-21st in Pittsburgh, PA. This when we get back from Power Shift, learned year Power Shift will bring 10,000+ young new grassroots organizing skills from each Join the Power Shift today! people from all across the country together other and developed our action plan for to learn from each other and come up with hitting our goal numbers. Now these teams ing the current efforts to stop the attack pollution, and demand that the President’s a plan to stop climate change in it’s tracks, are back home, recruiting their friends and from natural gas liquids (NGL) pipelines, Climate Action Plan take out natural gas as but most of all it will inspire and invigorate peers and fundraising using every means end mountaintop removal coal mining and a “clean” alternative fuel source. the Millennial Generation to keep up it’s possible. From requesting funds from make the corporations who have poisoned So much is at stake right now, when activist work and to hold our government Student Government and campus offices of our air and water pay to clean it up. We we look at the world around us and the and corporate polluters accountable for the sustainability, to reaching out to family and will also be working to show elected repre- degradation and devastation that has already state of the planet that we are inheriting. community members, to planning restaurant sentatives and candidates that if they want occurred due to pollution and a destabilizing Power Shift is a national conference rebate nights and benefit concerts and garage our important youth votes they need to be climate and we (the youth) are the ones who that happens every two years and is put sales and more. Nothing is off the table. committed to making a transition to a just, have the most to lose. That also means that on by the Energy Action Coalition. EAC When we get back from Power Shift green economy possible for our state, and we have the most to gain and should have the is a coalition of over 30 youth climate and we will immediately start to use our new support clean energy and the good jobs that loudest voices when it comes to advocating social justice organizations committed to skills and excitement to make real changes it will create. On the national level, we will for what we know needs to happen to stop stopping climate change and ending the here in Kentucky. On our campuses we will continue to fight tar sands production and climate change and environmental injustice. injustices faced by frontline communities demand commitments to renewable energy the proposed Keystone XL pipeline, sup- That is why all across the country we are in the war against our land, air, and water. and divestment from the fossil fuel industry. port the Environmental Protection Agency’s organizing ourselves to get to this confer- The first Power Shift happened in 2007 and We will protect our communities by help- ability to regulate greenhouse gases as air ence and making it a top-priority to come back home and launch campaigns to make a difference in our communities and our nation. We cannot sit by FINANCIAL REPORT and watch our futures destroyed FOR’s Mission Statement and we won’t. Shift the Power. The Fellowship of Reconciliation seeks to replace violence, war, August 2013 Power Shift. Ready to register for racism and economic injustice with nonviolence, peace and justice. BEGINNING BALANCE ...... $4,007.21 Power Shift? Register before We are an interfaith organization committed to active nonviolence as Donations & Honorariums ...... 1,240.00 October 5th! www.wearepow- a transforming way of life and as a means of radical change. TOTAL ...... 5,247.21 ershift.org/register We educate, train, build coalitions, and engage in nonviolent and To find out more or make compassionate actions locally, nationally, and globally. EXPENDITURES: a donation visit our website: FORsooth editing...... $100.00 www.kystudentenvironmental- FORsooth layout...... 100.00 coalition.org FORsooth printing...... 402.00 FORsooth mailing...... 180.00 Cara Cooper is the state FORsooth labels...... 51.99 organizer for the Kentucky Stu- FOR National Dues...... 100.00 dent Environmental Coalition 90 Office expenses...... 32.10 and earned her Master’s degree $966.09 966.09 in Environmental Science from ENDING BALANCE...... $4,281.12 Founded 1915 Florida International Univer- FORsooth is published by the Louisville chapter of the Fellowship of Reconciliation. sity. She lives in Lexington Send submissions for news stories or commentaries to Peter Fosl, Please make your check Kentucky and can be contacted 1918 Woodbourne Ave., Louisville, KY 40205, e-mail:
Page 2 FORsooth Looking for a left-leaning nation? You live in one By Alex Bradshaw talk of people “voting against their interest” full of violent, unsanitary, and unemployed doesn’t take into account what polls have trust-fund babies. In spite of the slander, Many polls conducted leave one to shown: 40 percent of us don’t bother to the fact that 43 percent of Americans agreed conclude that the American public is far to vote. And who could blame us? with this movement’s aims speaks to the the left of their so-called “representatives” Lawmakers consistently subsidize inherent appeal of OWS’s principles. in Washington. financial capitalism while leaving a Speaking of a population to the left of America is the home of deep-rooted precarious workforce to “pull themselves its policy makers, a December 7-11 2011 social and political mythology. One popular up by the bootstraps.” And we’re catching Pew poll concluded that 49 percent of young myth in the US is that working-class on: a 2011 ABC/Washington Post poll people (aged 18-29) have a positive view people vote against their interest. Status showed that 70 percent of Americans hold of socialism; the same poll showed African quo liberals, bewildered that working-class unfavorable views of Wall Street. It also Americans favored socialism by 55 percent. people wouldn’t support the Democratic shouldn’t be shocking that we’ve connected Alexander Eichler summarized the results Party, commonly state this. They never reach the dots, as any twelve-year-old could: 68 in a December 29, 2011 Huffington Post the conclusion that what Noam Chomsky percent of Americans hold unsavory views piece headlined “Young People More Likely calls the “two factions of the business party” of Washington – Wall Street’s cozy ally. to Favor Socialism than Capitalism: Pew.” – that is, the Democrats and Republicans – The International Monetary Fund Perhaps the answer to our problems have left us disenfranchised. (IMF) published findings that support is call for radical, grassroots democracy. A popular myth touted by conservatives what most Americans already suspect: Alex Bradshaw Democracy shouldn’t simply be equated is that the U.S. is a “center-right” country. Washington works for the super-rich. IMF with ballot boxes or electoral politics: our Right-wing radio hosts like Hugh Hewett economists concluded that the amount 25 article by Laura Seligman headlined government and laws have arguably been a frequently mention the center-right myth; American taxpayer subsidies Wall Street “The Hill Poll: Voters: Pentagon should deterrent for democracy since the Founders. and John McCain said it several times received (roughly $83 billion) was the rough bear the brunt of deficit cuts” also showed Democracy means self-managing our own while running against Obama during the equivalent of the amount of the outrageous, that an overwhelming majority of the same affairs and making decisions collectively. 2008 campaign. and completely unnecessary “sequester.” respondents polled (69 percent) opposed Are we a nation of latent Leftists, This is an effective propaganda tool: if Sequestration slashed social programs cutting social programs; and “just 23 percent yearning for a socialist economy, and true we’re told consistently that we’re a nation across the country in the name of “tightening said they would support slashing Social democracy? This Leftist is stubbornly of centrist conservatives, then we better not the belt.” Programs that benefitted LGBTQ Security and Medicare.” optimistic that we’re moving in that voice our opinions that we’d like to end youth, young children, disabled people, In his piece published February 28 on direction. The history shows that we’re suffering through social justice measures and the elderly, were all impacted, while Washington’s Blog headlined “This Year’s troublemakers with a keen disdain for – a popular idea since the beginning of this speculators and bankers received nanny Subsidy to Wall Street = the Amount of elites, and elitism. American dissidents have nation’s history. state-like treatment in the name of their This Year’s Sequester Cuts,” Eric Zuesse already pushed back at power immensely: One early example is Shay’s Rebellion, institutions being “Too Big to Fail.” Those pointed to a Bloomberg editorial’s summary the Feminist movement; the LGBTQ a struggle that began in August of 1786. requiring vital social services must be “Too regarding the IMF study: nearly $64 billion liberation movement; the disability rights As the late, great Leftist historian Howard Insignificant to Succeed.” taxpayer dollars went to the nation’s top 5 movement; the Civil Rights movement; and, Zinn said of Shay’s Rebellion, it was “a Bailing out capitalism on the back of banks. The $64 billion number should be most recently, the movement calling for a rebellion of small, poor farmers against the working people is nothing new. Scholar appalling to the American working-class, debt jubilee (i.e., “Strike Debt”) affiliated rich of Boston who were over-taxing and David Harvey, in his book “A Brief who actually work for their money: the with Occupy, have all given rise to cultural taking over their land,” and it debunked the History of Neoliberalism,” points out some same Bloomberg editorial mentions that and systematic change. notion that America “had such a pure and historically recent – although seemingly $64 billion happens to be roughly the same A savvy social historian would put her good and democratic beginning.” Shay’s forgotten – examples: amount of profit earned by the top 5 banks (in money on this rambunctious tradition being Rebellion set the tone for many similar “State power has often been used to bail other words, the biggest banks in America here to stay. If we keep it up we just might future American insurrections and protests out companies or avert financial failures, didn’t really profit!). be able to dump Wall Street and Washington, led by ordinary folks, which followed the such as the US savings and loan crisis [in So it’s not surprising that “Occupy opening up space for the creation of social trend of demanding social justice. the 1980s] which cost U.S. taxpayers an Wall Street” (OWS) a candidly radical and economic alternatives to the damning Have Americans forgotten what Zinn estimated $150 billion, or the collapse of the social movement, had high levels of status quo. stated: that our nation’s founding was less- hedge fund Long Term Capital Management support among New Yorkers seeing first- than-benevolent; or that when it comes to [in the 1990s], which cost $3.5 billion.” hand what it was all about: 68 percent of Alex Bradshaw is a former commentator democracy, as scholar and activist David The so-called crisis of the defense NYC voters agreed with the views of the for “The Authority Smashing Hour” Internet Graeber states, the Founders were “uniformly budget cuts is the media’s focus. The media’s protesters, according to a 2011 Quinnipiac radio show, which offers radical analysis of opposed to it?” The Founders spearheaded a shrewdness is grossly cynical: defense cuts University survey. A national poll found current events. Alex is also a co-founder of tradition among U.S. elites: a disdain for the seem to be the only realm of sequestration that 43 percent of Americans agreed with Louisville’s NO BORDERS Radical Lend- masses, and their ability to make decisions that has popular support. For example, the the aims of OWS. The media repeatedly ing Library. He published in the periodical collectively for themselves (i.e., democracy). Washington newspaper The Hill published a tarnished, slandered, and repressed this Perspectives in Anarchist Theory. You can Some telling signs indicate the public poll that showed 49 percent of respondents movement into hibernation, misleading the reach Alex at [email protected]. doesn’t seem to be duped, though. All the support defense spending cuts. A February public that the OWS encampments were Race and class in labor – part 2 By Ira Grupper broke the back of McCarthyism and began to minorities accounted for 25 percent of forge interracial alliances, as well as strong union membership, but the AFL-CIO was Dear Readers: This is Part 2 of a LABOR PAEANS labor support, in many quarters, for an end still ambivalent about race. Discrimination paper I wrote for delivery at a conference to racial segregation (Jim Crow). was officially forbidden, and labor officially in Havana, Cuba in June 2013 (Part 600 in Dearborn, Michigan, with 60,000 This lesson of labor solidarity and racial supported civil rights. But many unions 1 appeared in the June/July issue of members, had a black president. equality can be traced back to the Wobblies continued to keep blacks out. Trade unions, FORsooth. For those who missed the Notes historian and leader of the Civil (Industrial Workers of the World) of the early particularly in the construction industry, first part, and would like a copy—please Rights Movement, Jack Odell: “The new 1900s: “an injury to one is an injury to all,” simply didn’t allow African-Americans to email me). Please note: I was not able militant union movement had organized to the work in the 1930s of the Communist become apprentices. Even the International to attend the conference in person, due to five million workers in various blue-collar Party USA, and other socialist formations. Ladies Garment Workers Union opposed a medical emergency…I have received a industries.” The extreme right-wing of the A number of unions played a role federal job training programs for blacks, good number of responses to Part One of ruling class needed to put an end to this. Mc- in supporting the Montgomery, Ala. bus fearing job competition. this speech. Space limitations allow for Carthyism became their weapon of choice. boycott in 1955 (Blacks had to ride in The relationship between the U.S. only one of these responses to be printed, Odell continues: “All but one of the the back of city buses). Yet and still, for Labor Movement and the U.S. Civil at the end of this column. militant and radical unions were expelled example, some of the railroad brotherhoods Rights Movement can be shown in one from the C.I.O. The one exception was (unions) continued to have white-only interesting example. In the late 1960s, in Mr. [A. Philip] Randolph went beyond the NMU (National Maritime Union). Its clauses in their constitutions. the town of Laurel, Miss., there was a large just his membership, threatening a massive leader, Joseph Curran, had his own internal In 1963 there was a national March lumber factory, owned by the Masonite March on Washington in 1941 if U.S McCarthyite program. on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. It Company. White workers, a number of President Franklin Roosevelt would not “Unions with a total membership of a was supported by many unions. Sadly, them members of the racist Ku Klux Klan, permit integration of the defense industry million workers were expelled—one fifth of George Meany, the leader of the AFL, went out on strike, in a fight for decent that was preparing for possible U.S. entry the total membership. By 1949, of the five opposed the march and made sure he was conditions and wages. Blacks crossed the into World War II. The president assured million workers who had been organized— far away from Washington D.C., where picket line and went to work. Mr. Randolph his demand would be met, and one million (one fifth) were purged.” this demonstration of 250,000 people oc- The African American workers had issued Executive Order 8803—abolishing This McCarthyism was coupled curred. The AFL-CIO was divided in its been totally ignored by the white union for discrimination in all war-production with the Cold War, the U.S. international support of this march for justice. many years. So, although the white workers’ industries. Randolph called off the march. response to socialism in the Soviet The United Auto Workers, the Team- demands would benefit all the workers, their A few years after World War II, the Union. Racism was the weapon of choice sters and many other unions strongly backed racism got in the way of labor solidarity. “witch-hunts” of the McCarthy period began domestically. Odell: “Since 1896, racial the Civil Rights Movement. Viola Liuzzo, Several Civil Rights Movement vet- (Joseph McCarthy was a U.S. Senator who discrimination in much of organized labor the wife of a Teamsters Union official, was erans went to Laurel and held many meet- accused many unionists and government was a spreading disease. It was a source murdered by racists in Alabama in 1965. ings—focusing on the past racism of these workers of being communists). The most of robbery of Black workers. They became Yet and still, some unions fought to white workers. Although the strike was lost, militant, class conscious and anti-racist the last hired and the first fired. African keep out minorities…. Ironically, the most a basis for future work was established. union leaders were expelled from the CIO American workers never got more than 70 prominent civil rights leader, Rev. Martin Today, in 2013, it is no secret that for being “communist.” percent of the wages of white workers.” Luther King, was assassinated while helping the U.S. labor movement is in crisis. It These included Ferdinand Smith, from It is this writer’s opinion that the strength striking union garbage workers in Memphis, is hemorrhaging union members, and the Jamaica (International Maritime Union), of the Civil Rights Movement of the mid- Tenn. in 1968. rough economy has meant tough times Asbury Howard (Mine, Mill and Smelter 1950s and onward was the main vehicle that By the 1960s blacks and other Workers). The United Auto Workers local (continued on page 7)
October 2013 Page 3 At the 50-year mark of 1963 March on Washington, community education and an anniversary trip Louisville Standing up For Racial Justice Ashey, Dana Seay, Sonya Watson, Chanelle and Women In Transition. Helm, Gracie Lewis and Mattie Jones. The community education comprised Said K.A. Owens, “Most impressive two Teach-Ins featuring Dr. Ricky Jones was the diversity of the two busloads by race, - Chair of Pan African Studies at the age and economic class. We had families University of Louisville and Professor with two and three generations on the bus. Ira Grupper of Bellarmine University in We had a veteran of the first march in 1963 Louisville, KY. The well attended Teach- on the bus. We had senior citizens and young Ins were held at the Carl Braden Memorial veterans of Occupy Louisville on the bus. Center at 3208 West Broadway on August We also had people on the bus who had 8th and 15th. The two professors talked never been involved in activism before.” about the fifty years of organizing that led According to Tom Moffett, “ It is up to the 1963 March on Washington. particularly noteworthy the amount of The KY Mobilization was able to fill donations that came in that enabled people two busloads for the trip to Washington. who were not able to afford a ticket to get on The bus caravan left Louisville on the bus and attend the anniversary march.” Friday August 23, 2013 at 7pm from Lyles Remarked K.A. Owens, “The diverse Mall at 26th and Broadway. Arrived in individuals on the bus and the organizing Washington Saturday morning August 24, team were well aware of the fact that we as left Washington Saturday evening 7pm and a nation are slipping back in some respects returned to Louisville Sunday afternoon in regards to civil rights and economic August 25, 2013. opportunity. The people on the bus and 50th Anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington” The KY Mobilization then held a Talking the organizing team are committed to Photo credit: Eddie Davis Back / Action Forward meeting of Mobiliza- reversing the backslide and moving the tion participants and others to discuss next country forward. That’s why we organized The KY Alliance Against Racist and and organizing a bus trip to Washington steps on Wednesday September 4, 2013. the trip to Washington. We didn’t do it just Political Repression spearheaded the D.C. to take part in the anniversary march Among the KY Mobilization volunteers to recognize the history, we did it to build formation of the KY Mobilization. The on Saturday August 24, 2013 sponsored who worked to create and structure the the future.” purpose of the KY Mobilization was to by the National Action Network and other activities were KY Alliance board members honor the 50th anniversary of the March on groups. The KY Mobilization was endorsed - Barbara Boyd, Tia Edison, Tom Moffett, Contact the KY Alliance Against Washington by doing community education by Kentuckians for the Commonwealth, David Lott, K.A. Owens, Community Racist and Political Repression at kyall@ about the original March on Washington Jefferson County Teachers Association, volunteers - Becki Winchel, Marianna insightbb.com or (502) 778-8130.
Strengthening the dream for the US and the Congo By Lwamwe Muzima I listened to speeches delivered by some of the most prominent African American I am proud for having made it to the 50th leaders, including Attorney General Eric Anniversary March on Washington. I was Holder, Martin Luther King III, and impressed by the large crowd (the biggest Reverend Al Sharpton. While praising I have seen so far in this country) and the the gallant Americans of the civil rights racial diversity of the people who attended movement era for their courageous fight for social justice, the speakers reminded us that the struggle is far from over. Indeed, this was evident from the messages people carried on their posters. Messages such as “Equal Pay for Equal Work,” “Close Prisons Not Schools,” “Living Wage Not Minimum Wage,” and “Justice for Trayvon Martin,” to name just a few, reminded everyone of the necessity to continue the fight against structural injustice in America. Recognizing the remarkable successes that have been achieved since the 1960’s, an emotional Reverend Al Sharpton reminded young Americans from minority groups, 50th anniversary march on Washington especially those who often claim that “the Photo credit: Lwamwe Muzima civil rights movement did not write their resumes,” that “the civil rights movement did, people who marched on Washington, DC social justice practitioner, this experience has Lwamwe Muzima at least, make someone read their resumes.” on that fateful day in 1963, to advance the strengthened my dream of contributing toward Perhaps the most important message I cause of socioeconomic justice. social justice in my country. retained from this event is the idea that the I was inspired by the various messages the event. In fact, Americans of all walks struggle for equality in this country—be it I heard and the significance of this historical Lwamwe Muzima, Senior—Political of lives, young and old, gathered not only to equality before the law or in terms of oppor- event. I could not help but reflect on the social Science and Peace and Social Justice commemorate this historical event but also to tunities, must continue. Today’s generation injustices that continue to cripple my native Studies, Berea College. He can be reached revive their common struggle—the struggle must continue the legacy of the 250,000 Democratic Republic of Congo. As an aspiring at [email protected]. for social justice and equality for all. Don’t ‘turn Martin’s dream into a nightmare’ By Gracie Lewis That night, I made my way to meet with the A. Philip Randolph Institute, which Last Friday morning, I boarded a plane was holding its 44th national education for Washington, D.C. to commemorate the conference. The day before, the opening 1963 March on Washington on Saturday plenary, whose theme was “Why Are and to hear from speakers and labor and We Here?” featured civil rights leaders civil rights organizations about what we including Myrlie Evers-Williams, the should do to “continue the dream.” At the widow of slain civil rights leader Medgar Renaissance Hotel, there was a huge poster Evers, Julian Bond, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, of the march on the wall, as well as black the Rev. Dr. Joseph Lowery, and the Rev. and white photos of Dr. Martin Luther King C.T. Vivian. Jr., A. Philip Randolph, Bayard Rustin and At this rally to prepare for the 50th others. There also was a photo of the Lincoln anniversary, one of the speakers was the Memorial and the more than 200,000 Rev. Dr. William Barber, president of the people who converged on Washington 50 North Carolina NAACP. He reminded us of years ago today, who came by bus, train, our great mission to “let justice roll down automobile and plane. They shared a joyous like waters.” God is concerned about those day of speeches, songs and prayers led by a who are poor and in the greatest need, and celebrated array of clergymen, civil rights the church is called to reflect that concern in leaders, politicians and entertainers. I felt Trayvon Martin cause lives on beyond the courts blessed to have landed this room. Photo credit: Eddie Davis (continued on page 5)
Page 4 FORsooth Israel plans to destroy 25 Palestinian villages By Russ Greenleaf Sydney Levy, of Jewish Voice for Peace, said, “This is a massive violation Israel has announced plans to evict of human rights. From the years I lived in 40,000 Palestinians from their homes, Israel, I remember visiting Bedouin villages destroy their villages, and confiscate their in the Negev that had been destroyed mul- land. Israel will build military bases and tiple times by Israel. I remember children Jewish settlements on some of the land and and grandmothers sitting near the rubble of will plant forests on the rest. The plan to their homes. The Prawer Plan threatens that level of destruction on an unprecedented scale. It is appalling that this plan, based on nothing more than ethnic identity, is even under consideration.” Levy urges people to contact their elected officials and ask the US to stop military aid to Israel until Israel agrees to halt the Prawer Plan and stop destroying Palestinian villages. Rabbis for Human Rights issued a statement saying the Palestinians have been living on that land for many centuries and were legally recognized as the owners during the Ottoman period, long before creation of the state of Israel. The rabbis found official Israeli soldiers detain a Palestinian woman after destroying her home Zionist documents from 1920 acknowledg- ing Bedouin ownership of the land. Israel plans to uproot the Bedouins from people of conscience around the world to The Palestinian BDS National their agricultural and shepherding way of life support Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions Committee (BNC), the largest coalition and transfer them to segregated townships (BDS) campaigns against the state of Israel in Palestinian civil society, said, “The similar to those in apartheid South Africa. and its institutions which are responsible Prawer Plan is a new chapter of the ongoing Israel has already created seven of these for this latest chapter of ethnic cleansing Russ Greenleaf Nakba (catastrophe) against the indigenous Arab-only townships, and they are islands against our people.” Palestinian people, which started in 1948 of unemployment, poverty, and despair. when Zionist militias, and later the newly The Bedouins being evicted are citizens Russ Greenleaf is a Jewish peace destroy 25 Palestinian Bedouin villages in established State of Israel, uprooted and of Israel. Israel claims to be a democracy that activist, writer, and organizer. He does the Negev Desert in southern Israel is called dispossessed a majority of Palestinians grants equal rights to its non-Jewish citizens, volunteer work for Students for Justice in the Prawer Plan. It is currently making its from their ancestral land. The Prawer Plan which are about 20% of its population. Palestine, for the Louisville Committee way through the Knesset. violates universal principles of human The Prawer Plan demonstrates that Israel’s for Peace in the Middle East, for the Several Jewish human rights groups, rights, including the United Nations treatment of its minority citizens is strikingly Fellowship of Reconciliation, and for including Rabbis for Human Rights and Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous similar to that of apartheid South Africa and Louisville Jewish Voice for Peace. Contact Jewish Voice for Peace, are protesting this Peoples, which prevents forcible removal the Jim Crow South in the United States. him at [email protected]. latest example of ethnic cleansing by the of indigenous peoples from their lands.” The Palestinian BNC “calls upon all state of Israel.
Blood thirsty and oil hungry – the intervention in Egypt continues
By Thomas Pearce to live lives of peace and equality. This of the Middle East are no longer considered will never happen as long as Americans to be expendable in the quest for resources Mubarak is gone and yet the military are willing to watch the entire planet and gain control of their lands. in Egypt have regained full control of that suffer so we can enjoy cheap oil, labor, and nation. Why? Is it any wonder? Mubarak resources. The people of the Middle East Thomas Pearce is a long time social was a figurehead for a military that has had have not enjoyed self-determination for justice activist, a representative of the weapons and covert steroids pumped into it many years. It is important to remember American Indian Movement, and has for decade upon decade. Is anyone surprised that Egypt has been under European control worked with the Kentucky Alliance Against that the military has ended up on top? The since 1798. Most of the boundaries of the Racist and Political Repression and Arab Spring has turned into a killing field nations of the Middle East were drawn Citizens Against Police Abuse in the past. for the Americans, the European Union, by oil hungry Europeans. The region will Thomas can be reached at thomas.pearce@ and last but not least Israel. It is almost as probably remain in turmoil until the people sierraclub.org. if they planned it this way. Behind Israel, from 1981-2002 Egypt has been the second largest recipient of US Thomas Pearce military aid. From 2002 to present Egypt was in the top four recipients of US military aid. What is next for the region? So are we surprised the Egyptian military Egypt will either settle into military rule forcibly removed the Muslim Brotherhood once again or descend into civil war until someone comes out on top the CIA and the from power? Did we really believe Israel (continued from page 4) would allow a friend to the Palestinian cause Israelis can control. Anyone who does not Martin’s dream to control Egypt? think that the United States engineered this entire situation should take the time to follow its missions. So every Monday Rev. Barber died in the Senate. And labor and the civil The fact is that the Mossad, their holds a “Moral Monday” rally in front of rights movement have to come together buddies in the CIA, Turkish Intelligence, the money that paid for the guns the Egyptian military is using to murder their citizens. the state legislature. More than 1,000 people with business to create jobs. have had a busy couple of years instigating have gone to jail in North Carolina, most of Attorney General Eric Holder said excuses to topple governments. In Libya, Now the Syrians have used chemical weapons and that is an atrocious turn of them white. Rev. Barber said we have “got there is pending legislation to end racial Egypt, and Syria the powers that be have to take back our country from a tea party- profiling. We need this legislation to restore been lining the pockets of blood thirsty events. I ask one question, who took a peaceful protest and armed it in the face backed Congress; they are turning Martin confidence in the community of color. Call mercenaries. In fact many of the mercenaries Luther King’s dream into a nightmare.” your congressmen and senators. fighting on the ground that are calling of 55% approval rating for the Syrian government? The CIA did. I am not in Too many people are unemployed, Rev. At the march, U.S. Rep. John Lewis themselves the “Free Syrian Army” are Barber said, there is income disparity. Too said, “I gave a little blood on that bridge Libyan thugs without jobs after toppling support of using chemical weapons but I am also not in support of US intervention many of our elected officials don’t want in Selma, Alabama,” referring to the brutal that government. health care for all. There are those who love beating by police in gas masks on Bloody It is quite amazing that the US gets to in Syria. I am not in support of the covert actions by our government in the last year the nightmare, who live off their hatred. Sunday in March 1965. The Rev. Al Sharp- step back and now condemn the Egyptian Rev. Barber said we must stand up and say ton reminded us that our vote was soaked in military for shooting civilians with weapons that destabilized Syria and I never will be. The blame for chemical weapons being used we won’t let you turn Martin’s dream into the blood of martyrs “and you cannot take it given to them by the USA? Our United a nightmare. We cannot let our dream for from us now.” So it is now up to Congress States tax dollars are hard at work making in Syria is squarely in the lap of the people who paid mercenaries to flood the country jobs, justice and freedom be hijacked by this and President Barack Obama to pass a new sure US geopolitical interests are always on Congress. This dream, now 50 years later, law to determine which jurisdictions need top. I predict a quick slap on the wrist for and commit unspeakable acts for the last year that have barely been reported about is still about hope. We can’t let our ances- to be “precleared” before making changes the Egyptian military and then a shifting of tors down. This is why we are marching, in their voting laws. There were all kinds the pipeline of imperialist support to Egypt’s in the media. At the end of the day, those of us who 50 years later. of posters stating “Protect Voting Rights.” pro-US and pro-Israeli friends the Saudis On the day of the march, by divine The speakers issued a challenge to all of and other oil rich dictatorships. live in the Imperialist state of America need to organize night and day to demand providence, I met a woman who, when I us to continue the fight. Seize the moment. I It is obvious that the United States and told her I was from Louisville, informed am deeply grateful for everyone who helped Israel have decided to make everyone who that our government cease their policy of toppling governments. We need to demand me she attended Kentucky State University me to attend this historic event. disagrees with them in the Middle East into with the great Rev. Louis Coleman. a diabolical criminal as a pretext to intervene the dismantling of the National Security Agency and the Central Intelligence Agency I listened intently to the great speakers Gracie Lewis is a longtime activist for militarily. Once they have intervened they on this sunny day, and it became clear to social and racial justice. She works with will act quickly to see that someone who that have for 66 years committed murder, carried out terrorist attacks, destabilized me that the call has been issued. We must the Kentucky Alliance Against Racist and protects their interests will be in charge. go back to every state and hamlet and Political Repression. www.louisvillepeace. The saddest thing about all of this is that governments, destroyed economies, and instigated civil wars. organize for passage of the American jobs org/kyalliance.html. because Obama is in charge it has the stamp bill introduced in October 2011, but which of approval from many liberals. The people of the Middle East deserve October 2013 Page 5 A birthday wish to the sweater-clad man for justice Third Thursday Lunches Hello Mr. Moffett: presented by the On today, Sunday August 4, 2013, you are to be honored. Unfortunately, I am out of town at my family reunion and unable to attend. How- Fellowship of Reconciliation & ever, I did not want this day to go by without me honoring you for all the things you do. Some of you know him as “The Man in Interfaith Paths to Peace The Red Sweater” but I know him as one of the kindest, most generous, compassionate, committed persons I know. October-November 2013 I met Mr. Moffett in 1974 when I went to work at Park DuValle Community October 17 Water With Blessings – Bringing Clean Water to God’s Thirsty Children Health Center. We worked in the accounting department. I was a Junior Accountant and he Sr. Larraine Lauter and Rev. Jim Flynn was the Comptroller. Tom and I along with the rest of the finance staff became friends and as Louisville-based Water With Blessings has brought water purification systems to time went by, we became family. I told his communities in 14 developing countries, yielding overnight improvements in community daughter Anne, that I was his daughter too. He health. Executive Director Larraine Lauter, OSU, and Rev. Jim Flynn will discuss WWB’s was always there for me as well as my family. Tom was very involved in the civil rights work and the vital role played by “Water Women” in the development and ongoing success movement and so was I. I think that is the reason of the organization. Larraine will talk about her experiences in Honduras, where it all I was so fascinated with him. I went on a number of marches with him and the Kentucky Alliance started, and Jim will share his recent efforts to deliver water filters to Nicaragua. (An Against Racist & Political Repression. We would opportunity to purchase a water filter for a community will be offered.) travel all night to Washington DC, get off the bus and march, then get back on the bus, and return to Louisville. November 20 Lessons from Mali and Beyond – Good and Bad Development At Park DuValle Health Center, we would Chris Harmer, Recent Peace Corps Volunteer have some great Christmas parties in our office. All of the staff would decide what we Chris Harmer is a retired engineer, a Quaker, an FOR Steering Committee member and a wanted for lunch and who was going to prepare various dishes. We would always buy the “twice returned” Peace Corps volunteer. He will talk about his recent experiences in Mali meat for our Christmas lunch. We exchanged and will share current research and his personal assessment of different aid/development Christmas presents, but Tom was always more approaches. Some change lives for the better, while others can entrench poverty, injustice generous with his gifts. He gave individual gifts to the entire staff. The staff would collectively and violence. Focusing on our roles as planners, do-ers and donors, how can we improve the buy him a gift that usually was red because he outcomes of projects we choose to support – at home and abroad? was a die-hard Louisville Cardinal fan. In my 20 years of working with him, we brought him a number of red sweaters. “The Man In The Red Sweater” namely Thomas F. Moffett is someone that I admire and will always love and cherish. Tom is a person The Rudyard Kipling • 422 West Oak Street • Louisville who would give you the shirt off his back. He is very encouraging, always sees the glass not half Buffet Lunch at 11:30 • Presentations at Noon • $7.00 empty but half full. He believes we can all do a little bit more to make the world a better place. For reservations, contact Cathy Ford at 458-1223 or I would like for Tom, his family and everyone that is hearing this letter being read, to know that I [email protected], or Cindy Humbert at 214-7322 or am eternally grateful for all of his encouragement, his support, love and most of all his friendship. [email protected] by Tuesday before the lunch Sincerely,
Councilwoman Mary C. Woolridge Metro Council District 3 More diplomatic options needed in Syria, IFOR chief says Francesco Candelari, International Many say that given evidence that to intervene? [They have stated] with mis- Coordinator (chief executive officer) chemical weapons have been used by siles, they will hit military facilities, but as of the International Fellowship of the government of Syria that the United always they will also hit civilians. This will Reconciliation, visited Louisville’s chapter States has an obligation to intervene. How weaken the [Syrian] government a little bit, of FOR at its August steering committee do you think someone from the Fellow- but it is going to fuel the war and certainly it meeting. Francesco hails from Italy and ship of Reconciliation should respond to will not close it down. Moreover, if the U.S. currently lives in London, but has spent this argument for violent intervention? intervenes, we cannot expect that Iran and time in the United States, Africa, the Middle Russia will be just spectators. East, and India as a journalist and peace I am close to the situation for a few rea- maker. His visit was part of a tour of FOR in sons. I am also a journalist by background. Chris Harmer, a member of Lou- the United States. He was interviewed about In 2011, I consciously decided to leave my isville FOR’s steering committee asked his background, his tour of the United States, job as a United Nations officer to report on Francesco a follow-up question about and his reaction to the crisis in Syria. The Francesco Candelari the countries of the Arab spring, and one of other steps that could be taken to avoid a interview was recorded by Mia Frederick Photo courtesy of IFOR them was Syria. As International Coordinator big misstep in invading Syria. Would mo- of WFOR, Forward Radio (www.wforradio. of IFOR, I was on a delegation to Syria led bilization of street protests be effective? org), and the recording will be available in college [and for] my master’s degree. I by Nobel Prize laureate Mairead Corrigan on the WFOR website. The interview started to work and travel around the world Maguire at the beginning of May this year. Diplomatic action has been explored was conducted by Mark Meade of FOR’s when I was 19, and now I’m 32 and I don’t The third thing I want to mention is that the very little by the main actors in the Syrian steering committee. Here are excerpts from think I stopped. In fact, the International FOR, especially in Belgium, is supporting a game. In particular the US and Russia would the first half of the conversation: Fellowship of Reconciliation with its 72 group of Syrian refugees and youth to build have certainly the power to push both the branches in 42 countries around the world the future because, at some point, the war Free Syrian Army and Assad to sit at the MARK: The former director of FOR- gives me the opportunity to do it even more. is going to end. [They are] rebuilding the table and discuss a way out. But they both USA described you as being “born into relationships for the next generation. prefer to support their counterpart and hope the movement.” Please tell us about this? Did you reject the peace work at some To respond to your question, violence, that it will win the whole game. point growing up because your father was in 99.9% of cases, leads to more violence I do not believe street action could do I think the former director of FOR involved in FOR? rather than limiting [it]. Although it is most anything in this case, but I do believe that [Mark Johnson] was a little bit right in likely that the Assad government used chemi- bringing the concerns of the Syrian com- saying I was born into the work. My father I thought it more rebellious to think cal weapons, the diplomatic options on the munity outside Syria to the decision-makers started to be interested in the Fellowship one could be non-violent and to think that table were not explored enough or, in many in Washington, at the UN, to the NATO in of Reconciliation at the beginning of the change could come through non-violent cases, were not explored at all. The countries Brussels would certainly play a role. 80’s, I was born in 1981, so while my revolution rather than in violent ways… I that are behind both the government and the school friends were playing with soldiers always thought this was way more rebellious rebels could do much more to push their Mark Meade is the Assistant Director in elementary school, I was considering than being violent even during my teenage counterparts to bring them to the table. They of the Thomas Merton Center. He serves Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr. my [years] when whatever my father was saying, did some negotiations last June and last year, on the National Council of the Fellowship heroes, which was unusual for the cultural I was thinking the opposite. In this [regarding but it seems the interest of these countries to of Reconciliation and is a member of the background I [had] around me. Then, my non-violence] I was relatively close to him. fuel the war is much higher than to solve the Louisville FOR steering committee. He can studies brought me to international relations conflict. So how is the U.S. military going be contacted at [email protected].
Page 6 FORsooth Permaculture (continued from page 1) Regular Meeting Times for ability to cultivate from Mother Earth all our Ben Evans is the co-founder and Area Organizations needs in a localized, regenerative, generous director of the award-winning documentary way would surely eliminate the root of most “YERT: Your Environmental Road Trip” ADDICTION RECOVERY ADVOCATES OF KENTUCKIANA – (485-1248) (YERT.com), the co-founder/co-producer of human conflict. AIDS INTERFAITH MINISTRIES (AIM) OF KENTUCKIANA, INC. – (635-4510) And so, we invite all organizations the annual Bluegrass Bioneers Conference, and individuals involved in working the co-founding director of The Green AMERICA 2000 DEMOCRATIC CLUB –4th Tuesday. Contact Enid Redman at 459-0616 toward a more resilient and abundant Institute, and the newly-minted owner/ or John Mine at [email protected]. Also see www.America2000plus.net. Louisville, not to mention a more peaceful publisher of GreenList Louisville. Prior AMERICANS UNITED FOR SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE – Every and just world, to join us at this year’s to moving to Louisville, Ben spent more month at noon (contact Paul Simmons: 608-7517) conference. Still FREE and open to than a decade as a professional actor/ AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL – 1st Saturday (Sharon: 637-8951) at Heine Bros. on ALL, Bluegrass Bioneers is completely singer in LA, NYC, and around the US Douglass Loop community powered. Donations of time, and Europe. He now spends most of his money, talent/skill and resources are always time generating green media, content, and APPAF [American Palestine Public Affairs Forum] – 2nd Thursday (773-1836) welcome. For more information about the ideas for businesses and organizations BREAD FOR THE WORLD – Last Monday every other month (239-4317 for details) conference or to make a reservation, please locally and nationally as BEcreative visit: www.bluegrassbioneers.org. (BenEvansCreative.com) - you can reach CAPA [Citizens Against Police Abuse] –2nd Thursday (778-8130) Meet at Braden him at [email protected]. Center, 3208 W. Broadway CART [Coalition for the Advancement of Regional Transportation] – 3rd Wednesday,Union Station, TARC Board Room CLOUT [Citizens of Louisville Organized and Working Together] – (583-1267) (continued from page 1) COMMITTEE FOR PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST – 2nd Monday (456-6586) Peggy Kidwell COMMON CAUSE – Ad hoc discussions. Continuous engagement. organizations with which she was involved and uncompromisingly honest, in only the www.commoncause.org/ky here in Louisville is daunting: the Fellowship very best sense of those words, saying for COMMUNITY FARM ALLIANCE OF JEFFERSON COUNTY – of Reconciliation, the Louisville Peace example that people should simply refuse 2nd Tuesday (223-3655) Action Community, Kentuckians for Single to serve in the military because killing is Payer Health Care, the Kentucky Alliance vile and wrong (she is right, of course)— COUNTER RECRUITMENT, “Aim Higher” – Second Sunday (893-2334) Against Racist and Political Repression, the and writing (not in these words, for she EARTH SAVE LOUISVILLE – 2nd Saturday (299-9520) www.LouisvilleEarthSave.org Kentucky Coalition to Abolish the Death is far too articulate) the taunting phrase FAIRNESS CAMPAIGN – Quarterly community dialogues and volunteer opportunities Penalty, The Newby Network, Aim Higher, “capitalism sucks” all over leading-question (893-0788) Solutions to Violence, and the CPUSA. And surveys supplied at financial advisers’ “free” in California, where she lived with Joe in dinners for potential investors. And yet she FDR/Lincoln Legacy Club – 1st Thursday, [email protected] and around L.A. for more than a dozen years would never say anything ultimately bad FELLOWSHIP OF RECONCILIATION – 4th Monday (609-7985 or 291-2506) before returning to her native Kentucky— about anyone, at least not anything false, and ultimately Louisville—she played many properly blaming the capitalist system FRIENDS FOR HOPE (Support Group for Adult Cancer Survivors) – prominent, leadership roles, even editing rather than individuals. About the latter she 4th Wednesday at 6:30 PM (451-9600). a newsletter at one point in addition to her simply stated facts rather than engaging in FRIENDSHIP FORCE OF LOUISVILLE – 2nd Tuesday (893-8436) positions on many Boards of Directors, vituperation. GREATER LOUISVILLE SIERRA CLUB – 3rd Tuesday, 7pm. (502-644-0659) often as Chair, in a seemingly endless array On top of all this, I am one of many who of “communistic” (read “beneficial to the still benefit from accurate little things that HUMANISTS OF METRO LOUISVILLE – 2nd Monday, 7:00pm (896-4853) vast majority instead of a tiny minority”) Dr. Peggy Ann Kidwell’s very thorough and INTERFAITH PATHS TO PEACE – 3rd Wednesday, every other month. (214-7322) enterprises. deep psychological knowledge, perceptions, IRFI [Islamic Research Foundation International, Inc.] – Peggy, a proud member of Mensa, and vital intelligence allowed her to point Sundays at 6:00 PM (502-423-1988) believed that the pursuit of knowledge out to me, about myself. and beneficence was the ultimate aim of The last thing Peggy ever said to me- JEWISH VOICE FOR PEACE (jvp.org) – 1st Friday and 4th Thursday. human life, and if that be so she gained a -and my indistinctly-hearing ears forced Contact 256-525-5290 or [email protected] perhaps-unparalleled store of it through her to say it three times--was a sincere, JOBS WITH JUSTICE KENTUCKY (582-5454) her work not only in academia but in “Thanks for calling.” The next time I called JURISDICTIONARY CLUB OF LOUISVILLE – providing geodesic-dome homes for the she couldn’t even physically make it to the Know the law and how to use it (500-8161) homeless, fighting furiously for single-payer phone. Well, the world owes Dr. Peggy health care and against the death penalty, Kidwell “thanks for calling” at least equal to JUSTICE RESOURCE CENTER – (345-5386) lambasting racism as unutterably wretched the megatonnage of the very crazy-biggest KFTC [KENTUCKIANS FOR THE COMMONWEALTH] – 2nd Monday (589-3188) (a sign in the only real office she had while of the nuclear weapons she fought so hard I knew her said simply, “There Is Only One against, for her all-too-short life that was KITOD [Kentuckiana Interfaith Taskforce on Darfur] – (553-6172) Race: The Human Race”), and many, many very well-lived. Thanks for calling, Dr. KY ALLIANCE AGAINST RACIST & POLITICAL REPRESSION – other causes. Peggy Ann Kidwell—thanks for calling on 3rd Monday (778-8130) In short, it is profoundly emblematic us, Peggy, even though in many ways we KY COALITION TO ABOLISH THE DEATH PENALTY – (541-9998) of Dr. Peggy Kidwell that she always were unworthy of you. left her doors unlocked, even in “bad May you live forever, my friend, in the KITLAC [KY INTERFAITH TASKFORCE ON LATIN AMERICA & THE CARIBBEAN] – neighborhoods,” saying that locked doors even-better form you so desire and deserve! 2nd Wednesday (479-9262) were a capitalistic perversion. She actively Isaac Marion Thacker IV (Ike Thacker) League of Women Voters (502-895-5218), www.louisville-orglwv lived the precept that we are ALL equally is an advocate for political, social, and LOUISVILLE COMMITTEE FOR ISRAELI/PALESTINIAN STATES – human and thus deserving of at least the especially economic democracy (socialism) 3rd Sunday (451-5658) very-broadly-defined basics of life--good who focuses on housing issues and has been and plenty food, a decent and safe home, writing about them for more than twenty LOUISVILLE PEAK OIL GROUP – 2nd Saturday (425-6645) serviceable clothes, free quality health care, years. He believes simply that we are all LPAC [LOUISVILLE PEACE ACTION COMMUNITY] – (456-6914) a free college education, freedom from fear, absolutely equally human, regardless of LOUISVILLE WOMEN CHURCH – Meditation every Sunday (473-8435) and more--more fully than any other person absolutely everything, and that everyone I have ever known. deserves a place to call home. He may be LOUISVILLE YOUTH GROUP – Friday nights (893-0788), She was absolutely uncompromising, contacted at [email protected]. www.louisvilleyouthgroup.org LOUISVILLIANS IN FAVOR OF EQUALITY (LIFE) – 4th Sunday (384-3875) METRO SWEEP FOR ACCESS – 3rd Tuesday (895-0866 or 899-9261) METROPOLITAN HOUSING COALITION – 4th Wednesday (584-6858) Labor Paeans (continued from page 3) MIGHTY KINDNESS – [email protected] (235-0711) MUHAMMAD ALI INSTITUTE FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE, at UL (852-6372) during various contract negotiations. There as you, mis hermanos y hermanas en Cuba, NAACP [National Association for the Advancement of are important attempts by the AFL-CIO to would put it: Patria o muerte. Venceremos. Colored People] – 3rd Monday (776-7608) meet this downward slide. In conclusion: The U.S. Labor Now for one of the responses to my NAMI [National Alliance for the Mentally Ill] – Movement, as an institution within a system speech. It is from Bill Londrigan, president 2nd Monday (245-5287) where contention between capital and labor of the Kentucky State AFL-CIO: “Ira: OCCUPY LOUISVILLE – every Wednesday, 7:00 p.m., Braden Center (384-3875) has existed throughout history, has had Nice historical piece... let me point out that many heroic moments and many shameful United Mine Workers was an “AFL” union PARENTS, FAMILIES & FRIENDS OF LESBIANS AND GAYS (P-FLAG) – episodes. There has been class solidarity, that did not practice race discrimination and 3rd Sunday (329-0229) but also class collaboration. Jim Crow style separate locals. I believe PEACE & COMPASSION BUDDHA CIRCLE/CML – (451-2193, Currently before the U.S. Supreme that non-discrimination was included in [email protected]) Court is a case brought by racists seeking to their original constitution. Lumping all RCRC [Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice] – overturn protection of the right to vote won “AFL” unions together might also lead (866-606-0988) by the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. us to conclude that all “CIO” were non- We must understand these dynamics, discriminatory and non-Jim Crow when RESULTS (a hunger lobby) – 2nd Saturday (451-4907) these dialectics, these divisions--in order surely gradations of this practice were sierra club inner city outings – 2nd Thursday, 7:30 PM (558-0073) to build a cohesive, unified response to evident among “CIO” unions. Just a thought WOMEN IN TRANSITION (WIT) – every Wednesday, 6-8 PM (636-0160) the whiplash of capital accumulation. In to consider. Bill.” the words of the great U.S. labor martyr of the early part of the last century, Joe Contact Ira Grupper: [email protected]. Note: If your group would like to be added to this list or if information needs to be updated, please Hill: “Don’t mourn for me. Organize!” Or, let us know by calling 458-8056. October 2013 Page 7 Calendar for peacemakers Oct 1 to Nov 1 STRUGGLE AND TRIUMPH ART EXHIBIT. at the FOR office. Discuss conscientious objection, military Oct 14 (Mon) JUSTICE MINSTRY TEAM ASSEMBLIES, Metro Hall Rotunda, weekdays through Nov 1st. Paintings recruitment, and the possibility for high school students to CLOUT (Citizens of Louisville Organized and United chronicle struggle and triumph from the Underground Railroad “opt out” of having their names given to recruiters. Call Jim Together) at 7PM.Nineteen diverse congregations assemble to to contemporary events. www.louisvilleky.gov/mayor Johnson, 262-0148. identify for critical community problems for group advocacy Oct 1 to Nov 30 MOTOWN IN BLACK AND WHITE. The Oct 6 to 27 THE MOUNTAINTOP. Actors Theatre of Louisville. this coming year. Visit www.cloutky.org Muhammad Ali Center, daily until Nov 30th. Photo exhibit An exhausted Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., returns from a Oct 14 (Mon) AUTHOR JAMES MCBRIDE. Main Public chronicles the exciting music that brought down racial barriers. prophetic speech during the sanitation workers’ strike and is Library, 7PM. The author discusses The Good Lord Bird: A Visit http://alicenter.org visited by a mysterious maid with a much greater mission than Novel -- the story of a young boy born a slave who joins John Oct 1 to May 9 TELLING THE STORY OF ASIA THROUGH delivering his coffee. Visit www.actorstheatre.org Brown’s antislavery crusade. Visit www.lfpl.org HATS. The Crane House. An exhibit of hats from China, India, Oct 7 (Mon) BICYCLES FOR HEALTH AND CLEANER Oct 15 GROWING FOOD AND COMMUNITY. 15 Thousand Thailand, Malaysia, Central Asia, Japan, Korea and others. Ex- AIR. Louisville Bicycle Club, Every Monday, weather Farmers, at Dismas St. Ann’s on Algonquin Pkwy, the 15th day plore Asian cultures and traditions. Visit www.cranehouse.org permitting. Fat Forty at 8:45AM. Recovery Ride at 6:45PM. each month. Share ideas and experiences about growing your Oct 1 (Tues) SISTERS WHO CARE SUPPORT GROUP. Visit www.louisvilleky.gov/bikelouisivlle. own food. Taste samples. Visit www.15thousandfarmers.com Northwest Neighborhood Place, 6PM to 8PM. Every Tuesday Oct 7 (Mon) MALE MENTORING, Byck Elementary School, Oct 15 (Tues) DEVELOPMENTAL DISABLITIES WORK- until Nov 5th. Enhancement, communication training, and 9AM. Other times available. Volunteer once a week to mentor SHOP. Every third Tuesday, 11AM to 1PM. Expressions Café family management in a supportive female environment. Call a young male student. For more information, call 485.8862. at The Council on Developmental Disabilities. Learn how an 583-6820 for more information. Oct 8 (Tues) FREE HOME ENERGY EFFICIENCY SEMINAR. Individualized Education Program (IEP) is prepared for a child Oct 1 (Tues) THE HANDS-UP BENEFIT, The Community Energy Pros Sustainable Home Education Group, 6:30PM to with a disability. Address barriers to inclusion. Call 584-1239 Services Project, Inc.,5:30PM. Dinner and auction. CSP finds 8:30PM. Learn the basics. Visit www.theenergypros.net Oct 15 (Tues) HAND IN HAND MINISTRIES. Orientation, fulfilling job opportunities for persons with disabilities. For Oct 8 (Tues) GREEN CONVENE. Every second Tuesday at The 7PM. Learn about our immersion trips to Appalachia and more information, call 368.4886. Highland Green Building, 6:30PM. Join residents and policy- the Caribbean and other volunteer opportunities. Visit Oct 1 (Tues) BLUES TO BLUEGRASS. Main Public Library, makers in examining ways to connect the health of our com- http:// myhandinhand.org 5:30PM. Six week series on American music led by a UofL munity with our environment. Visit www.greenconvene.org Oct 16 (Wed) INTERNATIONAL BOOK DISCUSSION. Main Music History professor. Blues, jazz, bluegrass, country, rock, Oct 8 (Tues) AMERICANA COMMUNITY CENTER. Orienta- Public Library, Noon. Read and discuss books from around mambo, hip hop, and gospel. Visit www.lfpl.org tion at 7pm every second Tuesday. Learn how you can help the world. Visit www.lfpl.org Oct 2 (Wed) DEADLINE FOR THE NOVEMBER ISSUE immigrant families learn practical skills, join social networks, Oct 16 (Wed) KENTUCKY POET LAUREATE FRANK X. OF FORsooth. Contact John Hartmann, editor, at 296-1793 and improve language skills. Call 366-7813 to RSVP. WALKER. Main Public Library, 7PM.The author discuses or [email protected]. Please email new or updated Oct 8 (Tues) MOVIMENIENTO DE MUJERES LATINA Turn Me Loose: The Unghosting of Medgar Evers – a new calendar listings to [email protected]. -- LATINA WOMEN’S MOVEMENT, La Casita Center, book that explores the void left by the horrific slaying of the Oct 2 (Wed) NATIONAL PEACEMAKERS DAY. Interfaith Every second Tuesday, 5:30PM. Network, mentor, find friends civil rights activist. Visit www.lfpl.org Paths to Peace, 6:30PM to 8PM. Presentation of the National and share. Call 322-4036 for more information. Oct 17 (Thurs) KENTUCKY SINGLE PAYER HEALTH Peacemaker of the Year Award. Visit http://paths2peace.org October 8 to 29 THOMAS MERTON: THE ECHO OF SI- CARE. Every third Thursday, 5:30PM at First Unitarian Oct 2 (Wed) NOONTIME INTERFAITH MEDITATIONS. LENCE AND PEACE. Bellarmine University, Sundays, 6PM Church. Call Kay Tillow 636-1551. Every Wednesday from 12:10 to 12:30 at Christ Church to 7:30PM. Study Merton’s insights on writing about the echoes Oct 17 (Thurs) COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATES Cathedral, Downtown. Weekly rotation includes Zen Buddhist of silence you hear. For more information, call 272-8166. FOR CHILDREN (CASA). Orientation, Noon to 1PM. Learn silence, Lecto Divina, Vipassana Buddhist practices, and Oct 9 (Wed) KENTUCKY INTERFAITH TASKFORCE ON how you can help defend the rights of abused and neglected Creative Visualization. Visit http://paths2peace.org LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN (KITLAC). children in our community. Call 595-4911 to RSVP Oct 2 (Wed) NATURE PRESERVE VOLUNTEERS. Blackacre Every second Wednesday at the 1741 Building on Frankfort Oct 17 (Thurs) MENTAL ILLNESS SUPPORT & ADVOCACY. State Nature Preserve and Historic Homestead. Every Avenue. 7:30 PM. For more information, call David Horvath NAMI Louisville every third Thursday at 3PM. Also Saturdays Wednesday, 9AM to Noon. Help care for gardens, trails, and at 479-9262 or Pat Geier at 456-6586. and Sundays. Support group for families. Draw on years of farmland. Visit www.blackacreconservancy.org Oct 9 (Wed) LOUISIVLLE FORUM. Every 2nd Wednesday, experience. Visit www.namilouisville.org. Oct 2 (Wed) CITIZENSHIP TUTORS. Kentucky Refugee Noon at Vincenzo’s Downtown. Speakers on current public Oct 17 (Thurs) THIRD THURSDAY LUNCH. Rudyard Kipling Ministries, 6:30 to 8:30PM. Every Wednesday. Also every issues. nonpartisan discussion. For details, call 329-0111. Restaurant, 11:30AM. Recognized speakers on compelling Thursday, 11AM to 1PM. Help students study for the Oct 9 to 13 PRAYERS IN THE DARK, Harrods Creek Farm in social, political and spiritual subjects. For more information, citizenship exam. Ask about our other volunteer opportunities. Oldham County. A retreat for learning ways to deepen your contact Cathy Ford, 458-1223, [email protected] or Call 479-9180 Ext 57 for more information. soul-encounter practices and connecting to others. Visit https:// Polk Culpepper, 948-2077, [email protected] Oct 2 (Wed) THE LOUISVILLE SUSTAINABILITY FORUM. cultivatingconnections.org Oct 17 (Thurs) FORsooth LABELING. Presbyterian Every first Wednesday. Sustainability and relationships that Oct 10 (Thurs) EMPTY BOWLS. Bellarmine University, Seminary, Nelson Hall, Room 10. 6:30 PM. Every 3rd create a community for change. Bring your lunch. Noon to 5:30PM. Soup supper and action for Highland Community Thursday. We need volunteers! Many hands make light work, 1:45 PM, Passionist Earth & Spirit Center, the Barn at 1924 Ministries. For more information, call 451-3695. and the opposite is also true! So please join us if you can. Call Newburg Road. Oct 10 (Thurs) REAL PEOPLE, REAL CHALLENGES, REAL 451-5658 for more information. Oct 2 (Wed) MEETING OF THE MINDS. Crescent Hill Public SOLUTIONS. Volunteers of America Family Emergency Shel- Oct 19 (Sat) KY STATE TREE CLIMBING FESTIVAL. Library, 6PM. Participate in discussions of current issues with ter, 4PM. One hour interactive tour of VOA’s work and programs Olmstead Parks Conservancy at Central Park, 11AM to 5PM. your neighbors. Visit www.lfpl.org for self-determination. For more information, call 636-4660 Tree climbing competition, recreational climbing, tree walks, Oct 4 (Fri) THE MORE BEAUTIFUL WORLD OUR Oct 10 (Thurs) AMERICAN PALESTINE PUBLIC AFFAIRS games, food and art. Visit www.olmsteadparks.org HEARTS KNOW IS POSSIBLE, First Unitarian Church, FORUM (APPAF). Every second Thursday. A documentary Oct 19 (Sat) NON-GMO DAY. Rainbow Blossom stores, 12PM 7PM. Author Charles Eisenstein discusses political, film exploring the situation in Middle East will be presented. to 4PM. Choose foods that do not contain genetically modified technological and social change in an age of transition. Visit 7 PM, Louisville Presbyterian Seminary, Nelson Hall, Room organisms from 1,400 retailers. Visit www.rainbowblossom.com https://cultivationingconnections.org 119. For more information, call Bashar Masri, 773-1836. Oct 21 (Mon) SOCIAL CHANGE BOOK CLUB. Every third Oct 4 to 6 MEDITATION RETREAT BASED ON BUDDHIST Oct 11 (Fri) AFRICAN AMERICAN ARCHIVES TOUR. Monday, Heine Bros., 119 Chenoweth, 6PM. For book list, TEACHINGS. Center for Interfaith Relations. Engage in Western Public Library, 10:30AM. Peruse the African Ameri- Visit www.greenlistlouisville.com timeless Buddhist teachings. Learn to practice open question- can book collection. Short documentary. Light refreshments. Oct 21 to 29 SUSTAINABLITY WEEK. UofL, Every day. ing. Take a fresh look at spirituality. Visit www.dharmata.org Visit www.lfpl.org Activities to raise awareness of sustainability methods. Oct 5 (Sat) MUSLIM JOURNEYS. Bon Air Public Library, Oct 11 (Fri) A GLIMPSE OF ETERNITY. The Louisville Includes Bluegrass Bioneers Conference, Farm-to-Table Saturdays at 1PM and Wednesdays at 6PM. A series of lectures, Astronomical Society at dusk in Tom Sawyer Park. Every Dinner, Gray Street Farmers Market and Arbor Day films, and discussions on Islamic Teachings and Muslim 2nd Friday. Look through telescopes at planets, our moon, observance. Visit http://louisville.edu/sustainablity culture. Visit www.lfpl.org stars, double stars, the Orion nebula and other wonders. Visit Oct 22 (Tues) FREE NON-PROFIT START UP CLINIC Center Oct 5 (Sat) SPEAKING SPANISH, Iroquois Public Library. www.louisville-astro.org for Nonprofit Excellence, 3:30PM. Learn the fundamentals. Every Saturday, 3PM. An introduction to the language. Meet Oct 11 (Fri) APPALATIN FUSION, The New Vintage on Preston Pitfalls to avoid. Visit www.cnpe.org your neighbors who originated in Spanish speaking countries. Street. Hear the Appalachian and Latin fusion of performers Oct 22 (Tues) GREEN NETWORKING. Louisville Green Drinks, Visit www.lfpl.org hailing from Hazard, Richmond, & Louisville plus Ecuador, 6:30PM to 8:30PM. Every 4th Tuesday. Meet ecology-minded Oct 5 (Sat) LOUISVILLE SOLAR TOUR. UofL, Noon To 4PM. Nicaragua, and Guatemala. Visit www.appalatin.com business people. Exchange ideas. Visit www.greendrinks.org Tour solar-powered homes and see the future of renewable Oct 11 & 12 GARVIN GATE BLUES FESTIVAL. Garvin Oct 23 (Wed) COMPASSIONATE LOUISVILLE. Noon, energy. Visit http://louisville.edu/sustainablity Place in Old Louisville, 6:30PM to 11PM. Mix into a diverse meeting locations rotate. Help monitor the progress of Metro Oct 5 (Sat) LOUISVILLE COMMUNITY AGRICULTURE. audience about one mile south of downtown. Feel the Blues Louisville’s ten-year campaign for compassion. http://www. Every Saturday morning. Also, other days and times. 26 together. Visit www.garvingatebluefestival.com louisvilleky.gov/compassionatecity farmers’ markets from California neighborhood to Norton Oct 12 (Sat) OLMSTEAD PARK VOLUNTEERS. Iroquois Oct 25 to 27 BLUEGRASS BIONEERS at Jefferson Commu- Commons. Visit www.louisvilleky.gov/HealthyHometown Park, 9AM to Noon. Shawnee Park, Oct 26th. Help maintain nity & Technical College. Examine innovative solutions for a Oct 5 (Sat) HOME REPAIR VOLUNTEERS. Fuller Center for and restore our urban forests. Visit www.olmsteadparks.org sustainable community. Affiliated with the Bioneers Network. Housing of Louisville. Every Saturday. All skill levels. Ask Oct 12 (Sat) EARTHSAVE POTLUCK. Crescent Hill Ministries, Visit http://bluegrassbioneers.org about our other volunteer opportunities. For more information, 6PM to 8PM. Every 2nd Saturday. Bring a plant-based dish and Oct 26 (Sat) MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY. Join thousands of call 272-1377. share your recipe. Discuss healthy food and behavior change. local volunteers working for dozens of service agencies. Coor- Oct 5 (Sat) ENGLISH CONVERSATION CLUB. Every Mix, mingle, music. For more information call 299-9520. dinated by Metro UnitedWay. Visit www.metorunitedway.org Saturday at the Iroquois & Newburg Public Library Branches, Oct 12 (Sat) PEAK OIL. Every 2nd Saturday, St. Matthews Public 3PM. Also Main Library on Thursdays at 7PM. Practice Library, 10 AM to Noon. Call George Perkins, 425-6645. conversational English with neighbors and friends from many Oct 12 (Sat) BIRDS, ECOLOGY AND RELATIONSHIPS. OUT OF TOWN parts of the world. Visit www.lfpl.org Beckham Bird Club at the Clifton Center, 7PM. Every 2nd Sat- Oct 6 to 9 ASSOCIATION OF THE ADVANCEMENT OF Oct 5 (Sat) SACK LUNCHES FOR THE HOMELESS. Every urday. Deepen your personal relationship with nature by observ- SUSTAINABLITY IN HIGHER EDUCATION. Annual Saturday, 12pm to 2PM, Bates Community Development ing and studying local birds. Visit www.beckhambirdclub.org Conference at the Nashville Convention Center. UofL Corporation, 1228 S. Jackson Street. Call 636-0573 for Oct 12 (Sat) HEALTHY FOODS, LOCAL FARMS participates with many other universities in projects that teach more information. CONFERENCE. Kentucky Country Day School, All Day. sustainability. Visit http://louisville.edu/sustainablity Oct 5 (Sat) CANVASS NEIGHBORHOODS FOR FRESH Renown speakers on sustainable methods of food production. Oct 10 (Thurs) ADVANCING GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE FOOD. Saturdays and Sundays. Come join us anytime. Fresh Many practical ideas. Visit http://louisville.edu/sustainability IN LEXINGTON. Watershed Watch Program, KY Division of Stop Project volunteers take orders door to door for locally Oct 13 (Sun) VETERANS FOR PEACE. Every second Sunday, Water. Conference on sources of pollution, storm water runoff, grown fruits and vegetables. Visit http://newrootsproduce.org 3PM to 4PM. Heine Bros. Coffee at the Douglas Loop, Call water treatment, natural resources and citizen involvement. Oct 5 (Sat) JEFFERSON MEMORIAL FOREST. Land Stewart 632-2177 for more information. Visit http://kwalliance.org Project. Every first Saturday, 9AM to Noon. Also, Wednesdays. Oct 13 (Sun) VIGIL FOR PEACE. Every second Sunday. A Oct 13 (Sun) THE PRISON, JAIL & REENTRY MINISTRY Help improve landscape and protect native flora. Gloves, remembrance of all those suffering from conflicts in the Middle FALL GATHERING, Catholic Charities at St. James tools, water and on-the-job training provided. Visit www. East. Bring a sign. 5PM to 6 PM, Bardstown Road at Douglass Catholic Church in E-town, 2PM to 5PM. Lean more about louisvilleky.gov/metroparks/jeffersonmemorialforest/ Blvd. Sponsored by LPAC (Louisville Peace Action Commu- this vital ministry. Speakers and box supper. Call 637-9786 Oct 5 (Sat) JAM FOR WATER STEP. Benefit performances nity). For more information, call Harold Trainer at 387-9490. for more information. of Local bands at Captains Quarters on River Road for Water Oct 14 (Mon) URBAN LEAGUE YOUNG PROFESSIONALS. Oct 15 to 17 INTRODUCTION TO PRAYER FOR LIFE. St. Step, a Louisville-based organization that works for clean Louisville Urban League, Every 2nd Monday, 6PM. Networking Meinrad Retreat Center. Learn how prayer blends into the water around the world. Visit www.waterstep.org opportunities for emerging leaders of all minority backgrounds. substance of life; how it becomes the essence of strength and Oct 6 (Sun) “AIM HIGHER” focusing on military counter- Call the Urban League office for more info: 561-6830. joy. Visit www.saintmeinrad.org recruitment. Every first Sunday at 7 PM, 2236 Kaelin Avenue