President Obama, We Don't Need This Kind Of Thing

This is not good news.


The Campaign for Community Change has some clear and helpful information.

Sign a Petition! Support The Providence Community Library

Providence Community Library Petition

For more information about recent community meetings, visit the Library Reform Group blog

Remembering the Station Nightclub Fire

On this day in 2003, RI experienced a terrible tragedy. I remember waking up early that morning and watching the story unfold on tv.

The number "100" is the official toll of victims, but I think that not accurate.

There is a facebook group in memory of all who perished.

Jeffrey Goldberg's Head Explodes Again, Over Caryl Churchill's Gaza Play

Jeffrey Goldberg’s Head Explodes…Again, Over Caryl Churchill’s Gaza Play

Posted using ShareThis

Death Sentence in Virginia, Just Say No.

In Rhode Island, we no longer mete out death sentences. An innocent man was once executed here however. We've just passed the anniversary of his death, February 14, 1845.
John Gordon was his name.

Amnesty International has put out a call regarding Travis Bell in Virginia...

I was first introduced to Amnesty International by my Mom when I was in junior high school. They do incredible research and work.

Rhode Island Children Deserve Certified School Nurse-Teachers

The following is the text of a letter my son brought home:

February 12, 2009

Dear Parents & Guardians,

The Providence School Board is scheduled to layoff [sic]certified school nurse-teachers in anticipation of the passage of Article 23 in the Governor's supplemental budget proposal.

The Governor has proposed lowering the educational standards and requirements for school nurses. Nurses are now required to have a four year college degree, be registered by the state and in addition, certification by the Rhode Island Department of Education. On going [sic] education is required to renew school certification. Nurses must have years of nursing practice before being considered for a position.

Lowering the educational requirements could affect the health and well being of your school age students. Please take the time to contact members of your school board and request that the educational requirements for school nurses not be lowered.

Minimum requirements for nurses caring for your children should not be acceptable in the Providence Schools. There is nothing more important them the health and safety of your children. Please contact the: Providence School Board Members as soon as possible.

Sincerely,
~~~~ ~~~~~~~ R. N.
School Nurse

Here is a link to the RI Certified School Nurse-Teachers.

I am not always a believer in the need for certifications; but this method of saving money is penny wise and pounds foolish.

Dr. Mustafa Barghouti Speaks In Providence 2/14

Palestine in Context: The Occupation, the Siege, and what Lies Ahead

A Lecture by Mustafa Barghouti, a Palestinian political activist, doctor, and leading figure for humanitarian aid and non-violent resistance.

Saturday February 14th, 3 pm, MacMillan 117 (167 Thayer Street)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dr. Mustafa Barghouti is a physician and political activist; advocate for the development of Palestinian civil society and grassroots democracy; international spokesman for the Palestinian NGO sector, and organizer of international solidarity presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. He writes extensively for a local and international audience on civil society, democracy issues and the political situation in Palestine, and on health development policy for Palestinians living under occupation. He supports non-violent resistance as the most effective means of overcoming Israeli occupation.
In June 2002, Barghouti, Haidar Abdel-Shafi, Ibrahim Dakkak and Edward Said established the Palestinian National Initiative (al-Mubadara al-Wataniyya al-Filistiniyya), an attempt to build a reformist, inclusive alternative to both the established Palestine Liberation Organization and to Islamic militant groups such as Hamas. Barghouti currently serves as the Initiative's general secretary.

In 1979, Barghouti founded the Union of Palestinian Medical Relief Committees, a non-governmental organization which provides health care and related services in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. He continues to serve as the Union's president. In 1989, Barghouti was one of the founders of the Health, Development, Information and Policy Institute, a think tank representing an alliance of 90 Palestinian community organizations.

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Sponsored by Common Ground: Justice & Equality in Palestine/Israel, End the Siege Coalition, and Rhode Island Mobilization Committee

Climbing Out of Nazism, There and Here...

This little article moves me greatly. When I reflect on the power of different speakers/teachers/nurturers in my life, I just dissolve into a tearful puddle. In the midst of all the anger and destruction, I can't hear too many of these stories.

Here's the post with link to the Ohio story and a book review...

Last night, at Rites and Reason, we shared our rehearsal with an audience including several academics, a rabbi or two, members of the Muslim community, and more. The conversation afterwards surprised me.

Three cheers for Noam Dorr and Everyone associated with this production.

Providence College Students Present The Vagina Monologues

As commenter, meadow reminded me: We are approaching that time of year.

Here is the article from The Cowl, the campus paper.

I have not seen any version of this event, but I have heard and read many, many wonderful things about it.

When I did a search on facebook, I found 315 groups, but here's a link to the PC production.

Has Patrick Kennedy (PC Alum) made any statements about this, either pro or con?

Celebrating Community Service on Valentine's Day

Oddly, the Olneyville Neighborhood Association doesn't have a website or blog, I think. But it is a remarkable group of people and they send me emails. My interview there was conducted by several of the board members...and I learned that one of them was my neighbor, living only two houses away from me...

This Community Defense Network is made up of people all over Rhode Island, and probably Massachusetts, et cet.


¡el día de amor y amistad, celebra con la comunidad!
Sábado, 14 de febrero



Celebración del primer aniversario

de la Red de Defensa



en solo un año hemos

· dado consejos urgentes y apoyo directa a 55 personas

· repartido 2,000 tarjetas de conoce tus derechos

· proveído talleres de "conoce tus derechos" a mas de 300 personas

· logrado 2 intervenciones exitosas – que no agarraron a las personas

· organizado una protesta inmediata de 200 personas en contra la redada en las cortes


Ven y reconoce a los voluntarios que lo han hecho posible – come la comida más rica y disfruta la música, el amor y la amistad de nuestra comunidad y la donación de un cuadro precioso por la artista Salvadoreña Alicia Preza

de las 6:00 de la tarde hasta las 9:00

en ONA (122 de la Manton, donde está el flea market)



Donación: $5 - $25 (lo que puedas)



Llamanos al (401)228-8996 o envíanos un mensaje a onaprovidence@gmail.com
ONA – Asociación de Vecinos de Olneyville

On St. Valentine's day, celebrate with the community!
Saturday, February 14



Celebration of the first anniversary of the

Red de Defensa (Community Defense Network)


In only one year, we have

· given urgent advice and support to 55 people

· distributed 2,000 "know your rights" cards

· held "know your rights" workshops for more than 300 people

· had 2 successful interventions – the people were not taken away

· organized an immediate protest of 200 people against the courthouse raids


Come and recognize the volunteers who have made it possible – eat delicious food and enjoy music, love, and friendship of our community and
the donation of a beautiful painting by Salvadoran artist Alicia Preza

from 6:00 until 9:00pm

at ONA (122 Manton – where the flea market is)



Donation: $5 - $25 (what you can)



Call us at (401)228-8996 or send a message to onaprovidence@gmail.com
ONA –Olneyville Neighborhood Association

Wyatt's Shameful Legacy (Matt Jerzyk of Rhode Island's Future)

Although I have not posted recently about Central Falls, RI's Wyatt Detention Center. It has been addressed by again by Matt Jerzyk (and Pat Crowley and Tom Sgouros)

I am grateful for the work of the ACLU (check their news releases).

Ironically or not, given the smallness of RI, I once wrote a letter of reference for a colleague who was seeking a position at Wyatt. The friend did get the job, but is no longer there. That's a story I've not yet heard...

Lately I've been wondering: Who was or is Donald Wyatt? How does he or his family feel about what is happening in a building with his name on it?

Good News from the ACLU (Rhode Island chapter)

Hi Everyone,


We have a 2nd showing of The Visitor scheduled. It will take place Wednesday, February 11 at the Cable Car Cinema again, and it is free and open to the public. The only change from the last one is that it will begin at 6:45pm. Based on the turnout last time, I would suggest getting there early if you missed it the first time. If anyone needs any more information or has questions, let me know.


See you there!

Amy


Amy Vitale

Program Coordinator

ACLU of Rhode Island

128 Dorrance Street, Suite 220

Providence, RI 02903

(t)401-831-7171

(f)401-831-7175

The Power of Forgiveness: The Story of Congressman John Lewis and Former Klansman Elwin Wilson

This is a powerful story of forgiveness by Georgia Congressman John Lewis to former klansman Elwin Wilson. John Lewis was involved in the civil rights movement of the 1960's. He was a part of the student organization (SNCC) of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. He was physically beaten in Rock Hill, South Carolina by klansman Elwin Wilson. Wilson recently apologized to Congressman John Lewis for his display of hatred. Elwin is a changed man. This is a video clip that has its own message and power. Please take the time to watch this. Since Elwin Wilson has apologized to John Lewis he has received a phone call asking how he could renounce his oath as a klansman. However, Wilson's about face in his life is a beautiful story.

Hudson Street Market To Leave Providence's West End

Hudson Street Market has been part of my life since 1989. It's been part of Providence's West End for a much longer period. It has been owned and operated by various. The sandwiches attract people from all over the state, and probably from Massachusetts and Connecticut.

It has been a haven to dogs and their companions, and to young people (including the very, very young) and their elders...

The Hudson Street Market has been a safe place in the neighborhood where people could congregate and it's hard to imagine that area without it.

Yesterday Khym (Kim?) told me that the woman who bought the building has other plans for that space. She will be auctioning off memorabilia very soon and its last day will be February 20 (?).

K. said that she's moving the business to Richmond Street to Jerky's.
It will be called "Hudson Market at Jerky's"...

One Alabama-Rhode Island Connection and One Question

Dr. Lawrence Davenport is the new Executive Director and Academic Dean at Times Squared Academy in Providence. It's my son's school and I'm committed to supporting it and its mission.

I am a member of the PTO. Alas I miss more meetings than I attend, and I rely on conversations with parents, faculty, students and even Board members for information on the inner workings of the school.

OK, the Alabama connection is: Dr. Lawrence Davenport of Times2 was and is a candidate for a university presidency [thank you Anonymous!] in Alabama.

"A & M Prospect has other job"

I don't care if "presidentship" is not a word; it's staying in this post until someone sends me something better. [Feb. 5, 2009 about 20 to 1: I have changed my above sentence to include an existing word, "presidency"]

I've blogged about this on the Times2 Academy Blog

Friends(dang, I feel like John McCain for a moment), What do you think about this?

Resistance and Recovery: Rhode Island Learns from Chicago Workers

I will be unable to attend (rehearsal for Gever/Shabab @ Rites and Reason)but am very happy to know this event is taking place.


Resistance & Recovery
Friday, February 6 at 5:30 pm
Open Table of Christ Church, 1520 Broad Street, Providence

Event is free, but please consider making a donation to the Republic Windows Workers.

Hear UE Sit-Down Strikers from Republic Windows and Doors in Chicago talk about their victory. Join us to discuss how we can fight together for an economy that puts people first.

Republic Windows gave workers only 3 days notice that their jobs were vanishing, along with earned vacation and health benefits.

These workers chose to resist.

For six days and nights, they occupied their plant, sparking nationwide support rallies, leading to a settlement and a plan to reopen their plant, making eco-friendly windows.

This fight is just the beginning.


Join the fight as Jobs with Jutice allies discuss how we can take direct action here in Rhode Island to resist, fight for recovery that puts workers before wall street and keeps people in their homes.

RSVP On Facebook or e-mail RIJobswithJustice@gmail.com

Resistencia y Recuperación

Viernes, El 6 de febrero a las 5:30 PM
En la iglesia Open Table of Christ
1520 Broad Street, Providence


Venga a escuchar de los trabajadores de la compañía “Republic Windows & Doors” de Chicago sobre la victoria de su huelga. Hablaremos de cómo unirnos para salir de la crisis económica.

La compañía les informó a sus empleados con sólo tres días de anticipación que sus trabajos se iban a desaparecer, juntos con las vacaciones acumuladas y otros beneficios que habían ganado.

Los trabajadores decidieron resistir.

260 trabajadores de Republic Windows & Doors tomaron su lugar de trabajo y lo ocuparon durante 6 días. Inspiraron protestas por toda la nación y lograron que la planta se abrirá nuevamente.


La lucha está apenas comenzando

Mientras la crisis económica se hace más profunda, millones de gente afronta la pérdida del trabajo o de la casa. Participe con nosotros celebrando la resistencia de Republic Windows y exigiendo una recuperación económica que ponga al pueblo primero.

Visit a new Blog: Signs of the Times

Nezua has founded a new blog.

I am one of thirteen authors, but there's plenty of room...

Here's my humble post:

potholes in providence
31 January


The potholes in the roads of Providence, Rhode Island are something Fierce. My grandmother used to say, “well, it gives people work”…

RI has a 10% unemployment rate. That’s the official rate.

Nezua, thanks for starting this

RI ACLU Hosts Debate Tonight!

The Rhode Island ACLU will be hosting debates in three venues across the state – in Providence, Bristol and South Kingstown – on the timely subject of “National Security and Civil Liberties: Guantanamo, Military Commissions and the Obama Administration.” The debates will feature U.S. Attorney for the State of Rhode Island Robert Corrente and civil liberties attorney Jerry Elmer.



The debates are free and open to the public. The dates and locations for the debates are:



Tuesday, February 3 at 7 PM at the Old Statehouse in Providence, 150 Benefit Street;

Wednesday, February 18 at 7 PM at the Bristol Statehouse in Bristol, 240 High Street; and

Tuesday, March 3 at 7 PM the URI Memorial Union in South Kingstown.



These timely debates are being held as President Barack Obama issues a series of Presidential orders designed to close Guantanamo and change other policies affecting the country’s approach to the “war on terror.” Among other things, the debates will discuss what the role of the courts, the military and the new President should be in dealing with “enemy combatants” and the threat of terrorism generally.



The debates are part of a variety of activities being sponsored in 2009 by the RI ACLU to commemorate the organization’s 50th anniversary of protecting civil liberties in the state.



Megan Khatchadourian

Assistant to the Director

Rhode Island ACLU

128 Dorrance Street, Ste. 220

Providence, RI 02903

Tel: 401-831-7171

Fax: 401-831-7175


Please note: Jerry Elmer and I had the same social studies teacher although we are separated by many years. I am sad to note that I cannot recall this wonderful teacher's name. When I decided to move to Providence, my teacher said, oh be sure to look up Jerry Elmer. And I certainly did.

If the amount of snow is not prohibitive, I will be at rehearsal tonight and that's my reason for absence...hopefully Jerry will email me the name of this teacher, who incidentally looks like Pete Seeger. The last time I saw this teacher was at a protest of a planned nuclear power plant on Long Island...

Justice for Jason: Today!

Subj: National Call In Day Reminder and Details
Date: 2/2/2009 8:57:32 P.M. Eastern Standard Time
From: justiceforjason@gmail.com
Sent from the Internet (Details)

Hello everyone,
Thank you for taking the time to join the National Call-In Day and demand Justice for Jason Vassell. We have attached a script below, on our website, and on the group.

Hundreds of people are planning to call in on that day. We already have confirmed callers from supporters in 13 different states and 3 countries!

So Here's what we need from you:
Please make sure to call. And also let us know the response from either the DA herself or one of her secretaries by going to our website justiceforjason.org and visiting our poll.

Thank you,
Jasmin Torrejon
Committee for Justice for Jason

*******SCRIPT AND INFO FOR THE NATIONAL CALL IN DAY*******

The phone number for the office of Northwestern District Attorney Elizabeth Scheibel is (413) 586-9225. The office is open from 8am-5pm. You are welcome to call anytime. We have attached a sample script for your call below, feel free to stick with it, or speak your mind as you deem appropriate.

We ask that you keep your call respectful in tone.
Hello.
My name is __________ and I'm calling from ______________. I am calling to express my concern about the manner in which your office has pursued charges against Jason Vassell. It has become apparent that Jason was unjustly and selectively prosecuted due to the color of his skin, while his white assailants have escaped serious charges.

For local supporters: As a resident in the Northwestern District, this is not how I had intended for my elected District Attorney to act. I urge your office to view all races equally in the eyes of the law and to drop all charges against Jason Vassell. Thank you for your time.

For non-local supporters: As a resident of (your hometown) I will be watching closely the developments of this case and the actions you choose to pursue. I urge your office to view all races equally in the eyes of the law and to drop all charges against Jason Vassell. Thank you for your time.

If you are unable to reach via phone, please either send an e-mail or fax demanding that the charges against Jason Vassell be dropped and informing the DA that you are watching her actions.

FAX: (413) 584-3635

E-Mail: elizabeth.d.scheibel@state.ma.us

--
Justice for Jason Vassell
Website: www.justiceforjason.org
Petition: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/justiceforjason/
Facebook: http://umass.facebook.com/group.php?gid=8053969667&ref=nf
To contribute, you may write a check to Esmie James, Mr. Vassell's mother.
Mail checks to "Justice for Jason," PO Box 197, Amherst MA 01004

Thank You, Anonymous: Grace Paley: Pressing the Limits of Action

One of the enormous joys of blogging, and the internet more broadly, is finding kindred spirits who may live far away, but who are so clearly connected to oneself and who inspire, encourage and challenge.

"Anonymous" left news of the above blog, Grace Paley: Pressing the Limits of Action.

Beth Schwartzapfel whose article is the post from yesterday happens to be my former neighbor, literally. I would find her walking her dog (dogs?) when she lived in Providence. Before that we met when she worked at Miriam Hospital (or for some of the doctors there) and I worked with people living with HIV and Hepatitis C (B, etc.).

Dear Anonymous, Thank you for letting me know about this wonderful site. After I finish this post, I will add it to one of my blogrolls--either extended family or the list at the bottom. Also I will be promoting this blog on facebook or supporting its existing network.

My understanding is that Grace, herself, was not a big internet user, but perhaps I'm wrong. No matter, I believe she would support many actions on behalf of justice, peace, civil rights, libraries and Love.

Happy Birthday, Frank Ferri!

It's a small state, Rhode Island, so though I may have never met, Frank Ferri, it's only a matter of time.

Be sure to visit the photos on the site.

One of my hopes for this blog this year is to balance the grief with the gratitude.

Jason (Hiu Lui) Ng's Cellmate And the Wyatt Detention Center (C.F., Rhode Island)

Marino De Los Santos has been making public his experience.

This story is being heard in Rhode Island, but I am not sure how widely it has spread.

I don't think many prisons have positive reputations for medical care or more broadly. compassion. There are doctors, nurses, mental health workers, and social workers I know who work in Locked "facilities". They know what they're doing and I respect them.
Prisons are one of the few growth industries that spring to my mind.

Whether private prisons are all that different from publically run ones, I do not know. My bias is in favor of the ones with unions and with the most transparency.

During my work with alcoholics and addicts, I heard many say, if it weren't for being locked up, they would have died. Others have told me the exact opposite.

I'm A Nominee.(for a Coveted Award).

I'm a Nominee.
Nomi's a nominee.

Isn't this musical?

It really has been a while since I was nominated for anything, and we know: it's an honor just to be Nominated.

I think if you visit Johnny Pez' priceless blog, and say I sent you, well maybe he'll send me more of the Lil Rhode Island gifts on facebook.

This computer will only allow for 3 opened windows at once, so I will post some links tomorrow...

Nezua,of the Unapologetic Mexican, has begun a new blog...