Forgotten Voice remembers those who have died on the streets
Someone once said "No one is truly dead until they are forgotten."
"Do you ever get afraid of death? Death is your friend. When this long hard journey is over, and I'm too tired to go on, Death will say, "I understand." "Then there'll be no more trouble, no more pain." Conversation between Junior and Nanny from the show Lackawanna Blues
Annual Candlelight Vigil memorializing the homeless who have lived and died on the streets of Las Vegas, Nevada will be held on December 20, 2007 at 3:45 pm at the Center for Independent Living at N. Las Vegas Blvd. and Foremaster Lane.
Annual event organized by Linda Lera-Randle El,
Founder of Straight From the Streets
List of deceased can be viewed in the December 2007 Issue of the Forgotten Voice street newspaper at
www.forgottenvoice.org
Click on Archives, and then click on Volume 1 No 8
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Hutto Prison Candlelight Vigil
Free the Children of Texas' Hutto Prison
Candlelight Vigil for Families in Detention - Toy Drive
T. Don Hutto prison in Taylor, Texas
Sunday, December 16: speakers and vigil, 4-6pm; pre-vigil walk, 2pm
The T. Don Hutto detention center in Taylor, Texas, is a for-profit prison operated by Corrections Corporation of America, through an Inter-Governmental Service Agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Williamson County. Since May 2006, immigrant families, about half of them children, have been jailed in the facility while they await asylum or immigration hearings. The prison has been criticized by human rights organizations worldwide as an inappropriate facility for children. An incident involving an "inappropriate sexual relationship" between a CCA staff member and a detainee, and one where an eight-year-old girl was left without her mother for four days have increased scrutiny of Hutto in recent months.
Hutto is not an immigration solution or a national security solution; it merely uses these pressing issues as an excuse for CCA, Williamson County, and countless politicians to enrich themselves on the misery of powerless people. At an occupancy rate of 400 (maximum capacity is 512), CCA pulls at least $7,000 per month per prisoner, or $28,000 for a family of four. The cost to shelter and feed the same family at the Austin Hilton for a month? $14,934, featuring real beds and an enclosed bath in place of prison bunks and a mid-cell commode.
According to studies conducted by the Vera Institute, more humane alternatives, which ICE detailed in a March 2007 memo, are up to fifty percent more cost-effective. A vast majority of immigrants attend their hearings when enrolled in alternative supervisory programs.
Please join immigrant rights advocates, residents of Williamson County, and members of many faith communities in a vigil for families detained at the Hutto prison. The main program will begin at 4:00 pm, with the candlelight vigil starting as the sun sets at 5:00 pm. A walk to the facility from downtown Taylor's Heritage Park starting at 2:00 pm will precede the vigil.
Advocates will also be gathering toys, music players, and books to give to families detained at the prison. Toys must be in their original packaging and cannot be wrapped.
Schedule of Events
Pre-Vigil:
2:00pm- Walk From Heritage Park in Taylor (4th & Main) to T. Don Hutto Prison
3:00pm- Gather at T. Don Hutto (1001 Welch) for protest and music.
Vigil Events:
4:00pm - Program with speakers focusing on the immoral detention of families.
5:00pm- Candlelight Vigil and silent remembrance of families in detention.
Please contact Jose Orta at (512) 365-2143 or Bob Libal at (512) 971-0487 or blibal@grassrootsleadership.org for information regarding the vigil.
Bob Libal
(512) 971-0487
Grassroots Leadership
Austin, Texas
Candlelight Vigil for Families in Detention - Toy Drive
T. Don Hutto prison in Taylor, Texas
Sunday, December 16: speakers and vigil, 4-6pm; pre-vigil walk, 2pm
The T. Don Hutto detention center in Taylor, Texas, is a for-profit prison operated by Corrections Corporation of America, through an Inter-Governmental Service Agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Williamson County. Since May 2006, immigrant families, about half of them children, have been jailed in the facility while they await asylum or immigration hearings. The prison has been criticized by human rights organizations worldwide as an inappropriate facility for children. An incident involving an "inappropriate sexual relationship" between a CCA staff member and a detainee, and one where an eight-year-old girl was left without her mother for four days have increased scrutiny of Hutto in recent months.
Hutto is not an immigration solution or a national security solution; it merely uses these pressing issues as an excuse for CCA, Williamson County, and countless politicians to enrich themselves on the misery of powerless people. At an occupancy rate of 400 (maximum capacity is 512), CCA pulls at least $7,000 per month per prisoner, or $28,000 for a family of four. The cost to shelter and feed the same family at the Austin Hilton for a month? $14,934, featuring real beds and an enclosed bath in place of prison bunks and a mid-cell commode.
According to studies conducted by the Vera Institute, more humane alternatives, which ICE detailed in a March 2007 memo, are up to fifty percent more cost-effective. A vast majority of immigrants attend their hearings when enrolled in alternative supervisory programs.
Please join immigrant rights advocates, residents of Williamson County, and members of many faith communities in a vigil for families detained at the Hutto prison. The main program will begin at 4:00 pm, with the candlelight vigil starting as the sun sets at 5:00 pm. A walk to the facility from downtown Taylor's Heritage Park starting at 2:00 pm will precede the vigil.
Advocates will also be gathering toys, music players, and books to give to families detained at the prison. Toys must be in their original packaging and cannot be wrapped.
Schedule of Events
Pre-Vigil:
2:00pm- Walk From Heritage Park in Taylor (4th & Main) to T. Don Hutto Prison
3:00pm- Gather at T. Don Hutto (1001 Welch) for protest and music.
Vigil Events:
4:00pm - Program with speakers focusing on the immoral detention of families.
5:00pm- Candlelight Vigil and silent remembrance of families in detention.
Please contact Jose Orta at (512) 365-2143 or Bob Libal at (512) 971-0487 or blibal@grassrootsleadership.org for information regarding the vigil.
Bob Libal
(512) 971-0487
Grassroots Leadership
Austin, Texas
Friday, November 30, 2007
Dear Canada, Let US War Resisters Stay!
As part of UFPJ's commitment to support war resistance, we want to make sure that you were aware of an important development and need for action: Recently, the Supreme Court of Canada declined to hear appeals from U.S. war resisters Jeremy Hinzman and Brandon Hughey seeking refuge in Canada. Click here for more background information: http://www.couragetoresist.org/x/content/view/544/1/
Courage to Resist is urging people in the U.S. to sign their "Dear Canada: Let US War Resisters Stay" appeal, which will be sent to Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Diane Finley, and Stéphane Dion, Liberal Party. Click here to sign the appeal: http://www.couragetoresist.org/x/content/view/499/1/
The appeal letter begins: "I am writing from the United States to ask you to make a provision for sanctuary for the scores of U.S. military servicemembers currently in Canada, most of whom have traveled to your country in order to resist fighting in the Iraq War. Please let them stay in Canada..." Click here (and scroll down) to view the full text of the letter: http://www.couragetoresist.org/x/content/view/499/89/
More resources, including postcards, petitions, etc. can be downloaded and ordered here: http://www.couragetoresist.org/x/content/view/520/89/
We urge you to do what you can to support this effort. Please forward this information to others. No AWOL service person has yet been deported from Canada. However, that can now change quickly, following the Supreme Court of Canada's decision. Now is the time to add our voices as people in the United States in support of our war resisters.
More News on War Resisters:
On Nov. 8, a U.S. federal court granted a preliminary injunction in favor of Lt. Ehren Watada, preventing a second court-martial from proceeding! Charges had been re-filed against Lt. Watada, the first commissioned officer to refuse deployment to Iraq, in Feb. 2007, following a mistrial called during his first court-martial despite the defense's objections. The Army was proceeding with a second court-martial, even though Lt. Watada's appeal based on double jeopardy was still pending. Find out the latest developments in his case and how you can help: http://www.thankyoult.org/
Conscientious objector Agustín Aguayo has decided to appeal the two felonies on his record to th eU.S. Supreme Court. He returned home on May 18, 2007, after serving 7 months of an 8-month sentence for desertion and missing a movement of his unit. Click here to find out how you can support Aguayo and his family: http://www.aguayodefense.org/
Yours, for peace and justice,
Leslie Cagan
National Coordinator, UFPJ
Courage to Resist is urging people in the U.S. to sign their "Dear Canada: Let US War Resisters Stay" appeal, which will be sent to Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Diane Finley, and Stéphane Dion, Liberal Party. Click here to sign the appeal: http://www.couragetoresist.org/x/content/view/499/1/
The appeal letter begins: "I am writing from the United States to ask you to make a provision for sanctuary for the scores of U.S. military servicemembers currently in Canada, most of whom have traveled to your country in order to resist fighting in the Iraq War. Please let them stay in Canada..." Click here (and scroll down) to view the full text of the letter: http://www.couragetoresist.org/x/content/view/499/89/
More resources, including postcards, petitions, etc. can be downloaded and ordered here: http://www.couragetoresist.org/x/content/view/520/89/
We urge you to do what you can to support this effort. Please forward this information to others. No AWOL service person has yet been deported from Canada. However, that can now change quickly, following the Supreme Court of Canada's decision. Now is the time to add our voices as people in the United States in support of our war resisters.
More News on War Resisters:
On Nov. 8, a U.S. federal court granted a preliminary injunction in favor of Lt. Ehren Watada, preventing a second court-martial from proceeding! Charges had been re-filed against Lt. Watada, the first commissioned officer to refuse deployment to Iraq, in Feb. 2007, following a mistrial called during his first court-martial despite the defense's objections. The Army was proceeding with a second court-martial, even though Lt. Watada's appeal based on double jeopardy was still pending. Find out the latest developments in his case and how you can help: http://www.thankyoult.org/
Conscientious objector Agustín Aguayo has decided to appeal the two felonies on his record to th eU.S. Supreme Court. He returned home on May 18, 2007, after serving 7 months of an 8-month sentence for desertion and missing a movement of his unit. Click here to find out how you can support Aguayo and his family: http://www.aguayodefense.org/
Yours, for peace and justice,
Leslie Cagan
National Coordinator, UFPJ
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Free The Children of Texas'
Hutto Prison Protest
Free The Children of Texas' Hutto Prison - No Child Left Behind Bars - Close Hutto!
The children at the T. Don Hutto Residential Center in Taylor, 35 miles northeast of Austin, live in cells; they wear uniforms and receive inadequate medical and educational services, are often cold and hungry, separated from their parents as punishment, and until the recently filed ACLU case received only one hour of schooling per day and rarely played outside.
They are guilty of no crimes, and endanger no one. Their parents, who are incarcerated here because they are seeking asylum after fleeing such circumstances as war, torture, political persecution and rape, or are accused of violating civil immigration laws, have committed no crimes. Many of the children are US Citizens.
Teachers at the center are not required to be licensed in Texas, and the state’s family welfare agency exempted Hutto from child care licensing requirements. Along with one other, less prison-like facility in Pennsylvania, Hutto is operated without official regulations.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the arm of Homeland Security that runs the two centers, relies on custody rules designed for inmates
Corrections Corporation of America (CCA), a for profit company running the majority of privatized prisons in the US, is paid 2.8 million dollars a month (7k per child per month or 84k per child per year) to keep these children behind bars.
It would cost less to put them up at the Austin Hilton with room service.
In contrast, putting a monitoring bracelet/anklet on a parent costs $660 per month.
In past years CCA has made political contributions to key Texas politicians, 100k to Tom Delay and 100k to Governor Perry. Overall, for profit prison companies contributed roughly 519k to state level political campaigns in one year alone. Lt Governor Dewhurt's cut was 53k, while House Speaker Craddick received 34.9k.
Why free the children when keeping them locked up makes so much money?
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=171847268
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Baker Park
Baker Park, E. Saint Louis & 10th Street
(Left) No adults allowed in children's play area unless supervising a child 12 years or younger. However, there are no signs that clearly express where the children's play area begins.
(Left) West side of Baker Park, children's play area, concrete block wall, tree is approximately 5 feet east of city sidewalk.
(Above) Parked car east of church, sidewalk, tree, concrete block wall, children's play area.
(Left) North side of Baker Park, E. Saint Louis, city sidewalk, grass, concrete block wall, children's play area is to the south of the block wall.
(Above) Parked cars east of church, sidewalk, tree, concrete block wall, children's play area is to the east of the block wall.
(Left) West side of park, sidewalk, block wall, children's play area.
(Above) E. Saint Louis, sidewalk, children's play area behind block wall.
(Left) No adults allowed in children's play area unless supervising a child 12 years or younger. However, there are no signs that clearly express where the children's play area begins.
(Left) West side of Baker Park, children's play area, concrete block wall, tree is approximately 5 feet east of city sidewalk.
(Above) Parked car east of church, sidewalk, tree, concrete block wall, children's play area.
(Left) North side of Baker Park, E. Saint Louis, city sidewalk, grass, concrete block wall, children's play area is to the south of the block wall.
(Above) Parked cars east of church, sidewalk, tree, concrete block wall, children's play area is to the east of the block wall.
(Left) West side of park, sidewalk, block wall, children's play area.
(Above) E. Saint Louis, sidewalk, children's play area behind block wall.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Beneath the Neon, Book Signing Schedule
Matthew O’Brien is a Las Vegas-based writer and editor. He’s the author of Beneath the Neon: Life and Death in the Tunnels of Las Vegas and news editor of Las Vegas CityLife, an alternative weekly with a circulation of 85,000.
Beneath the Neon: Life and Death in the Tunnels of Las Vegas is a creative nonfiction book that chronicles his adventures in the Las Vegas storm drains, which he has explored for more than five years with a flashlight, tape recorder and expandable baton for protection.
"The catacombs of ancient Rome served as houses of worship for Jews and Christians. When surveyed by Pierre-Emmanuel Bruneseau in the early 1800s, the sewers of Paris yielded gold, jewels and relics of the revolution. And thousands of people lived in the subway and train tunnels of New York City in the 1980s and '90s.
What secrets do the Las Vegas storm drains keep? What discoveries wait in the dark? What’s beneath the neon?"
Book signing schedule:
• Book fair from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 27 at the Clark County Library (1401 E. Flamingo Road)
• Vegas Valley Book Festival from 11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m. Nov. 2 at the El Cortez (600 Fremont St.)
• Book signing from 1 p.m.- 3 p.m. Nov. 17 at B. Dalton (in the Galleria Mall)
To buy Beneath the Neon: Life and Death in the Tunnels of Las Vegas, visit:
www.shoplva.com/productdetail.cfm?ItemNumber=1495 .
For more info, visit:
www.beneaththeneon.com .
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Las Vegas Peace Festival
When? Saturday, Oct. 13, 2007, 4:00 - 11 PM
Where? The Box Office / Las Vegas Peace Festival 1129 Casino Center and California Avenue 1 Block South of Charleston, NV 89101
What? The Las Vegas Peace Project is honored to be working with HRP No. 5 and The Box Office to present The Las Vegas Peace Festival. The Festival is multi-cultural event to support the Las Vegas community's growth in ART, EDUCATION, HEALTH and WELLNESS.
This wonderful family event brings people from all over the Las Vegas Valley who are dedicated to growing in peace and wellness to build a strong community here in Las Vegas.
For more info, please contact Kat at 702-202-5029
Las Vegas Peace Project
http://peace.meetup.com/177/?a=mu_fzxy47nlmm
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Meet Presidential Candidate,
Mike Gravel in Las Vegas
Photo Credit: Clint Karlsen, Las Vegas Review Journal
Former Alaska Senator Mike Gravel, a Democrat running for president, right, speaks with homeless men in Frank Wright Plaza in Las Vegas on Friday afternoon. Gravel was assisting homeless advocate Gail Sacco with feeding the needy.
Meet Mike Gravel
Mike Gravel, former US Senator for Alaska and current candidate for President, will be meeting with
Gail Sacco, homeless advocate and other social activists.
We will be discussing homelessness and poverty among other social issues.
We will be meeting at Frank Wright Plaza (Fourth Street & Stewart Ave.) tomorrow, Friday, October 12, 2007 at Noon.
Frank Wright Plaza is known as a gathering spot for about 100 homeless and poor people daily.
Free lunch provided to anyone who is hungry.
Mike Gravel's Official Campaign Site:
http://www.gravel2008.us/
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Recent Media Coverage,
Food Not Bombs & Feeding the Hungry,
Eric Montanez, Not Guilty
October 9, 2007
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Jury Delivers Verdict In Homeless Feeding Trial
The first man arrested in Orlando's crackdown on food sharing in public parks was found not guilty by a jury on Tuesday afternoon.
Eric Montanez admitted he opposes the ordinance but claimed on the day he was arrested he wasn't protesting the law but instead following it, WESH 2 News reported.
Just minutes before his court appearance, Montanez was feeding the homeless in Lake Eola.
http://www.wesh.com/news/14300798/detail.html
October 10, 2007
Feeding the Hungry is a Crime
The stake-out was almost comical in its absurdity:
On April 4, 2007, undercover police counted how many times Eric Montanez, a 22-year-old volunteer with Food Not Bombs, dipped a serving ladle into a pot and handed stew to hungry people.
Once Montanez had dished up 30 bowls, the police moved in, collecting a vial of the stew for evidence as they arrested him for violating an Orlando, Fla., city ordinance: feeding a large group. Two days into his trial yesterday, Montanez was acquitted by a jury of the misdemeanor charge, but was cautioned to obey the law.
As activists celebrate the verdict, the Orlando Police Department has said it will continue to ordinance, making the fight for the free flow of food in the city far from over.
“He is on trial for the crime of feeding the homeless—literally,” says George Crossley, a member of the Stop the Ordinance Partnership (S.T.O.P.), an alliance of 19 advocacy groups, including Orlando branches of Code Pink, the NAACP, and the National Organization for Women.
http://www.inthesetimes.com/article/3358/feeding_the_hungry_is_a_crim/
October 8, 2007
UPDATED: October 9, 2007
Group Protests Member's Arrest With Food Food Not Bombs Feeds The Homeless Despite Bans
ORLANDO, Fla. -- The local chapter of Food Not Bombs protested the arrest of one of its members in Orlando on Monday.
They said Eric Montanez is going on trial for feeding the hungry.
Food Not Bombs protested by doing exactly what an ordinance stated they should not do; they gathered the homeless in a public area and fed them.
http://www.wesh.com/news/14292465/detail.html
October 8, 2007
UPDATED: October 8, 2007
Group Intentionally Violating City Ordinance During "Ladle Fest"
ORLANDO, Fla. -- A controversial city ordinance has led to a number of protests and now a trial. An Orlando man is the first person to face a jury for feeding the homeless.
It's the first trial of its kind. A man is facing a judge and jury for violating Orlando's ban on feeding the homeless. Eric Montanez, 22, was caught feeding a group in Lake Eola Park earlier this year. The prosecution told Eyewitness News their case rests on video taken of Montanez feeding the homeless, breaking Orlando's feeding ban.
http://www.wftv.com/news/14289861/detail.html
For more information visit:
http://www.foodnotbombs.net
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Jury Delivers Verdict In Homeless Feeding Trial
The first man arrested in Orlando's crackdown on food sharing in public parks was found not guilty by a jury on Tuesday afternoon.
Eric Montanez admitted he opposes the ordinance but claimed on the day he was arrested he wasn't protesting the law but instead following it, WESH 2 News reported.
Just minutes before his court appearance, Montanez was feeding the homeless in Lake Eola.
http://www.wesh.com/news/14300798/detail.html
October 10, 2007
Feeding the Hungry is a Crime
The stake-out was almost comical in its absurdity:
On April 4, 2007, undercover police counted how many times Eric Montanez, a 22-year-old volunteer with Food Not Bombs, dipped a serving ladle into a pot and handed stew to hungry people.
Once Montanez had dished up 30 bowls, the police moved in, collecting a vial of the stew for evidence as they arrested him for violating an Orlando, Fla., city ordinance: feeding a large group. Two days into his trial yesterday, Montanez was acquitted by a jury of the misdemeanor charge, but was cautioned to obey the law.
As activists celebrate the verdict, the Orlando Police Department has said it will continue to ordinance, making the fight for the free flow of food in the city far from over.
“He is on trial for the crime of feeding the homeless—literally,” says George Crossley, a member of the Stop the Ordinance Partnership (S.T.O.P.), an alliance of 19 advocacy groups, including Orlando branches of Code Pink, the NAACP, and the National Organization for Women.
http://www.inthesetimes.com/article/3358/feeding_the_hungry_is_a_crim/
October 8, 2007
UPDATED: October 9, 2007
Group Protests Member's Arrest With Food Food Not Bombs Feeds The Homeless Despite Bans
ORLANDO, Fla. -- The local chapter of Food Not Bombs protested the arrest of one of its members in Orlando on Monday.
They said Eric Montanez is going on trial for feeding the hungry.
Food Not Bombs protested by doing exactly what an ordinance stated they should not do; they gathered the homeless in a public area and fed them.
http://www.wesh.com/news/14292465/detail.html
October 8, 2007
UPDATED: October 8, 2007
Group Intentionally Violating City Ordinance During "Ladle Fest"
ORLANDO, Fla. -- A controversial city ordinance has led to a number of protests and now a trial. An Orlando man is the first person to face a jury for feeding the homeless.
It's the first trial of its kind. A man is facing a judge and jury for violating Orlando's ban on feeding the homeless. Eric Montanez, 22, was caught feeding a group in Lake Eola Park earlier this year. The prosecution told Eyewitness News their case rests on video taken of Montanez feeding the homeless, breaking Orlando's feeding ban.
http://www.wftv.com/news/14289861/detail.html
For more information visit:
http://www.foodnotbombs.net
Monday, October 08, 2007
The Difference Between Rich/Poor People
The Difference Between Rich/Poor People
One day, the father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the express purpose of showing him how poor people live. They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be considered a very poor family. On their return from their trip, the father asked his son, "How was the trip?" "It was great, Dad." "Did you see how poor people live?" the father asked. "Oh yeah," said the son. "So, tell me, what you learned from the trip?" asked the father. The son answered:
"I saw that we have one dog and they had four. We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden and they have a creek that has no end. We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at night. Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon. We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that go beyond our sight. We have servants who serve us, but they serve others. We buy our food, but they grow theirs. We have walls around our property to protect us; they have friends to protect them."
The boy's father was speechless.
Then his son added, "Thanks Dad for showing me how poor we are."
One day, the father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the express purpose of showing him how poor people live. They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be considered a very poor family. On their return from their trip, the father asked his son, "How was the trip?" "It was great, Dad." "Did you see how poor people live?" the father asked. "Oh yeah," said the son. "So, tell me, what you learned from the trip?" asked the father. The son answered:
"I saw that we have one dog and they had four. We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden and they have a creek that has no end. We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at night. Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon. We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that go beyond our sight. We have servants who serve us, but they serve others. We buy our food, but they grow theirs. We have walls around our property to protect us; they have friends to protect them."
The boy's father was speechless.
Then his son added, "Thanks Dad for showing me how poor we are."
Sunday, September 02, 2007
New Orleans After 24 Months
New Orleans After 24 Months
'They wanted them poor niggers out of there.'
by Greg Palast / August 31st, 2007
“They wanted them poor niggers out of there and they ain’t had no intention to allow it to be reopened to no poor niggers, you know? And that’s just the bottom line.”
It wasn’t a pretty statement. But I wasn’t looking for pretty. I’d taken my investigative team to New Orleans to meet with Malik Rahim. Pretty isn’t Malik’s concern.
We needed an answer to a weird, puzzling and horrific discovery. Among the miles and miles of devastated houses, rubble still there today in New Orleans, we found dry, beautiful homes. But their residents were told by guys dressed like Ninjas wearing “Blackwater” badges: “Try to go into your home and we’ll arrest you.”
To read the full article:
http://www.dissidentvoice.org/2007/08/new-orleans-after-24-months/
'They wanted them poor niggers out of there.'
by Greg Palast / August 31st, 2007
“They wanted them poor niggers out of there and they ain’t had no intention to allow it to be reopened to no poor niggers, you know? And that’s just the bottom line.”
It wasn’t a pretty statement. But I wasn’t looking for pretty. I’d taken my investigative team to New Orleans to meet with Malik Rahim. Pretty isn’t Malik’s concern.
We needed an answer to a weird, puzzling and horrific discovery. Among the miles and miles of devastated houses, rubble still there today in New Orleans, we found dry, beautiful homes. But their residents were told by guys dressed like Ninjas wearing “Blackwater” badges: “Try to go into your home and we’ll arrest you.”
To read the full article:
http://www.dissidentvoice.org/2007/08/new-orleans-after-24-months/
Friday, August 31, 2007
Sometimes a voice, by Chip Mosher,
Las Vegas CityLife
Mom's Comment: I made a conscious decision not to go to this Neighborhood Meeting because I knew that the subject of Circle Park would be brought up. And a lot of these people from this neighborhood are truly vicious.
The last Neighborhood Meeting at the Fremont Middle School was suppose to be about the burglaries in the neighborhood. And also about the murder of a man in his home near Baker Park in November 2006.
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Nov-15-Wed-2006/news/10834811.html
But instead, the subject quickly turned to the homeless in Circle Park when one woman yelled out to get rid of the homeless. "Take them to your house!" and other comments of the like by neighbors were yelled out of turn throughout the whole meeting.
But when my son very respectfully asked when Circle Park was going to be reopened, the president of one of the neighborhood associations (Gregory Brown) told my son that he couldn't speak out of turn. He then physically assaulted my son by shoving his hands against my son's chest from inside the classroom all the way out the door.
This all happened in front of the police, Councilman Reese, the city attorney, news cameras and dozens of other witnesses but nothing was done about it. Can you imagine what would have happened if my son had done that to Brown?
So, I'm glad I missed the recent Neighborhood Meeting. These meetings are only put together for the hateful to spout their venom toward the homeless and poor.
Thankfully we still have some decent folk like long-time resident Mary Alderman. My utmost respect for you, Ms. Alderman.
And Chip, thanks for filling us in on the meeting!
Sometimes a voice
by Chip Mosher
IN MY CLASSROOM I HAVE two posters to remind me the human race survives by its sheepishness. On a sociopathic planet born of a psychopathic universe that couldn't care less whether we live or die, the herd mentality has served our species well. To be fruitful and multiply is the human way. Occasionally, though, there are glitches. Like when our tribal instincts lead to intense group paranoia where horrible things happen, and the human herd goes collectively crazy. ("Kill all faggots!" "Exterminate the Jews!") Because genocide's just another word for no one left to kill. And we love it that way, once we've been reduced to a frenzy of communal insanity triggered by irrational fear.
The posters on my wall are of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, two men who persistently stood up and, consequently, stood out from the flock. Kind of what one might expect in a high school classroom. But what is the lesson?
Last year, a new teacher waltzed into my room to study these posters, trying to divine the mystery behind reaching kids' minds.
"How nice that you teach students to grow up and be like Martin Luther King and Malcom X!" he said.
"Are you fucking crazy?" I asked. "I should be arrested if I taught my kids to hasten their own deaths, as Malcolm and Martin did. Neither man lived to 40. I want my students to have long, happy lives."
I explained to him what I actually teach my students is that most likely a day will come in their lives when their own family or group -- be it a church, political party or gang -- might want to do something brutally wrong which could have grave consequences. On such a day, I tell students, they will have to make a choice -- to remain silent with the herd, or to raise a voice and, without rancor, insistently ask a question or two: Is this what we should be doing? Is this who we are?
Many a lynching might've been avoided if one person who grew up with and knew everyone committing the dastardly deed stood and said he believed these friends and neighbors to be good people, and murder was not what they really were about.
Of course, those irrational folks could have turned on the person speaking out for justice and, no longer finding him to be one of them, lynched his complaining ass, too. Thus, such choices have never been easy. Even among relatives and neighbors. Especially among relatives and neighbors.
I mention all this because I saw such courage demonstrated at a town hall meeting recently. This gathering was held at the old Bishop Gorman High School, recently sold to the Clark County School District and renovated into the Eldorado High School Freshman Preparatory Academy, on Maryland Parkway, located in the Huntridge/Marycrest neighborhood downtown.
Although the meeting was about residents' concerns regarding public school buses regularly delivering 1,200 students to this academy, at one point the community discussion veered off topic to the subject of the controversial closure of Huntridge Circle Park, down the street from the school. In November 2006, this park was shut down following a stabbing death there. It hasn't reopened since. After one woman shouted to "keep the homeless out of the neighborhood by keeping the park closed," Las Vegas Councilman Gary Reese, whose ward includes the park, announced that a federal court ruled in the neighborhood's favor to limit park access to the homeless.
"The good people finally won one in court," said Reese, implying the homeless are "bad people."
Suddenly, long-time resident Mary Alderman stood and, with genuine passion, said: "This is my neighborhood. I've lived here all my life and enjoy having that park, and want it back. Millions were spent to 'rejuvenate' it. Now it just sits with hideous 'Park Closed' signs everywhere. I know some people think keeping it closed will keep the homeless away, and I disagree with that. Is it worth not having a park at all? Homeless people are people, too. I have lived in this neighborhood all my life and have never had a problem with anyone, homeless or otherwise. I think the age-old 'do unto others' applies here. Hopefully, we can get back to that, at least in this part of town which I am proud to call home."
Sometimes, all it takes is a voice. Hopefully.
Chip Mosher is a simple classroom teacher.
The last Neighborhood Meeting at the Fremont Middle School was suppose to be about the burglaries in the neighborhood. And also about the murder of a man in his home near Baker Park in November 2006.
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Nov-15-Wed-2006/news/10834811.html
But instead, the subject quickly turned to the homeless in Circle Park when one woman yelled out to get rid of the homeless. "Take them to your house!" and other comments of the like by neighbors were yelled out of turn throughout the whole meeting.
But when my son very respectfully asked when Circle Park was going to be reopened, the president of one of the neighborhood associations (Gregory Brown) told my son that he couldn't speak out of turn. He then physically assaulted my son by shoving his hands against my son's chest from inside the classroom all the way out the door.
This all happened in front of the police, Councilman Reese, the city attorney, news cameras and dozens of other witnesses but nothing was done about it. Can you imagine what would have happened if my son had done that to Brown?
So, I'm glad I missed the recent Neighborhood Meeting. These meetings are only put together for the hateful to spout their venom toward the homeless and poor.
Thankfully we still have some decent folk like long-time resident Mary Alderman. My utmost respect for you, Ms. Alderman.
And Chip, thanks for filling us in on the meeting!
Sometimes a voice
by Chip Mosher
IN MY CLASSROOM I HAVE two posters to remind me the human race survives by its sheepishness. On a sociopathic planet born of a psychopathic universe that couldn't care less whether we live or die, the herd mentality has served our species well. To be fruitful and multiply is the human way. Occasionally, though, there are glitches. Like when our tribal instincts lead to intense group paranoia where horrible things happen, and the human herd goes collectively crazy. ("Kill all faggots!" "Exterminate the Jews!") Because genocide's just another word for no one left to kill. And we love it that way, once we've been reduced to a frenzy of communal insanity triggered by irrational fear.
The posters on my wall are of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, two men who persistently stood up and, consequently, stood out from the flock. Kind of what one might expect in a high school classroom. But what is the lesson?
Last year, a new teacher waltzed into my room to study these posters, trying to divine the mystery behind reaching kids' minds.
"How nice that you teach students to grow up and be like Martin Luther King and Malcom X!" he said.
"Are you fucking crazy?" I asked. "I should be arrested if I taught my kids to hasten their own deaths, as Malcolm and Martin did. Neither man lived to 40. I want my students to have long, happy lives."
I explained to him what I actually teach my students is that most likely a day will come in their lives when their own family or group -- be it a church, political party or gang -- might want to do something brutally wrong which could have grave consequences. On such a day, I tell students, they will have to make a choice -- to remain silent with the herd, or to raise a voice and, without rancor, insistently ask a question or two: Is this what we should be doing? Is this who we are?
Many a lynching might've been avoided if one person who grew up with and knew everyone committing the dastardly deed stood and said he believed these friends and neighbors to be good people, and murder was not what they really were about.
Of course, those irrational folks could have turned on the person speaking out for justice and, no longer finding him to be one of them, lynched his complaining ass, too. Thus, such choices have never been easy. Even among relatives and neighbors. Especially among relatives and neighbors.
I mention all this because I saw such courage demonstrated at a town hall meeting recently. This gathering was held at the old Bishop Gorman High School, recently sold to the Clark County School District and renovated into the Eldorado High School Freshman Preparatory Academy, on Maryland Parkway, located in the Huntridge/Marycrest neighborhood downtown.
Although the meeting was about residents' concerns regarding public school buses regularly delivering 1,200 students to this academy, at one point the community discussion veered off topic to the subject of the controversial closure of Huntridge Circle Park, down the street from the school. In November 2006, this park was shut down following a stabbing death there. It hasn't reopened since. After one woman shouted to "keep the homeless out of the neighborhood by keeping the park closed," Las Vegas Councilman Gary Reese, whose ward includes the park, announced that a federal court ruled in the neighborhood's favor to limit park access to the homeless.
"The good people finally won one in court," said Reese, implying the homeless are "bad people."
Suddenly, long-time resident Mary Alderman stood and, with genuine passion, said: "This is my neighborhood. I've lived here all my life and enjoy having that park, and want it back. Millions were spent to 'rejuvenate' it. Now it just sits with hideous 'Park Closed' signs everywhere. I know some people think keeping it closed will keep the homeless away, and I disagree with that. Is it worth not having a park at all? Homeless people are people, too. I have lived in this neighborhood all my life and have never had a problem with anyone, homeless or otherwise. I think the age-old 'do unto others' applies here. Hopefully, we can get back to that, at least in this part of town which I am proud to call home."
Sometimes, all it takes is a voice. Hopefully.
Chip Mosher is a simple classroom teacher.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Child Discipline
~ Tough Love vs. Spanking ~
(a psychological conundrum )
Most of America 's populace think it improper to spank children, so I have tried other methods to control my kids when they have one of "those moments."
One that I found effective is for me to just take the child for a car ride and talk.
They usually calm down and stop misbehaving after our car ride together.
I've included a photo below of one of my sessions with my son, in case you would like to use the technique.
Sincerely,
A Friend
(a psychological conundrum )
Most of America 's populace think it improper to spank children, so I have tried other methods to control my kids when they have one of "those moments."
One that I found effective is for me to just take the child for a car ride and talk.
They usually calm down and stop misbehaving after our car ride together.
I've included a photo below of one of my sessions with my son, in case you would like to use the technique.
Sincerely,
A Friend
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
What Political Party Do Your Beliefs Put You In?
You scored as Anarchism, <'Imunimaginative's Deviantart Page'>
What Political Party Do Your Beliefs Put You In? created with QuizFarm.com |
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Hutto Prison
A cell with a baby bed and children’s toys is shown at the T. Don Hutto Residential Center in Taylor, Texas. The detention facility houses immigrant families awaiting deportation. Officials with Immigration and Customs Enforcement describe the facility as a residential, nonsecure environment that keeps families together. However, advocacy groups say “it’s a prison” and that separation and threats of separation were used as disciplinary tools on adults and children.
LM Otero, Pool via AP
Groups compare Texas, Pennsylvania immigrant facilities to jails
By Suzanne Gamboa, Associated Press
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-02-22-immigration-detention_x.htm
Prison gets major contract
By Kurt Johnson
The T. Don Hutto prison facility in Taylor won't be closing anytime soon.
http://www.taylordailypress.net/articles/2005/12/21/news/news01.txt%7C%7Cheight=,width=,location=no,resizable=yes,scrollbars=yes,toolbar=no
World Refugee Day Rally, Elizabeth Kucinich speaks
June 24, 2007
http://www.youtube.com/v/C-8pX_BZJFE
Immigrant Detention Blues
http://www.austinchronicle.com/gyrobase/Issue/story?oid=oid%3A441523
CCA's Profits
http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=171847268&blogID=262784200&Mytoken=448312E6-7172-4E8E-AE8576160F1F3CE133003523
Corrections Corporation of America Announces Contract Award With Federal Bureau of Prisons
Jan 22, 2007, News Report
http://www.govtech.com/gt/articles/103442
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Corbin Harney passed
Corbin Harney passed over today July 10th, 2007
March 24, 1920- July 10, 2007
Public Statement by Corbin¹s Immediate Family
July 10, 2007 (TurtleIsland) . Corbin Harney Spiritual Leader of the Western Shoshone Nation crossed over at 11:00 a.m. this morning in a house on a sacred mountain near Santa Rosa, CA (Turtle Island). He had dedicated his life to fighting the nuclear testing and dumping.
That battle claimed his life through cancer.
Before he passed, he said to remember:
³We are one people. We cannot separate ourselves now.
There are many good things to be done for our people and for the world.
It is important to let things be good. And it is important to teach the younger generation so that things are not lost.
According to witnesses present, in the morning fog, the spirits of four Shoshoni dog soldiers were outside on horseback before Corbin¹s passing. But then one of the Shoshone present, Santiago Lozada, yelled ³Tosawi Tosawi!² (White Knife). And then the fog shifted and there were thousands of spirits waiting.
Corbin passed peacefully at the end. He was only worried that he still had more to do. When he finally let go and went with the dog soldiers, Red Wolf Pope, grandson of Rolling Thunder, was present and sang him the Tosawi death song to call the dog soldiers to come take him home. Golden eagles continue to circle the house hours after his crossing.²
True to form Corbin joked around several days ago that he was going to go at 11:00, and kept his promise.
Over his lifetime, Corbin traveled around the world as a speaker, healer and spiritual leader with a profound spiritual and environmental message for all. He received numerous national and international awards and spoke before the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. Corbin also authored two books: ³The Way It Is: One Water, One Air, One Earth² (Blue Dolphin Publishing, 1995) and a forthcoming book, ³The Nature Way². Numerous documentaries have been made about his work and message. In 1994, Corbin established the Shundahai Network to work with people and organizations to respond to spiritual and environmental concerns on nuclear issues. He also established Poo Ha Bah, a native healing center located in Tecopa Springs, California. He will be missed but always honored for his work and dedication to traditional ways.
Corbin Harney is descended from generations of Newe (Shoshone) traditional healers and was always grateful for the many extraordinary teachers who shared their knowledge in his lifetime. Corbin is survived by his daughter Reynaulda Taylor; granddaughters Ann Taylor and Nada Leno; grandsons Keith, Jon and Joel Leno and William Henry Taylor; seven great-grandchildren ; two great-great grandchildren; and his sister Rosie Blossom¹s family and many cousins and other family members as well as many, many friends around the world. Corbin was preceded in death by his mother, father, sister, grandparents, uncle, great granddaughter, cousins, and friends. A very special thanks to Patricia Davidson, Corbin¹s caregiver in his final months; Dominic Daileda, Corbin¹s friend and companion for his support and compassion in hard times, and the family of Dixie and Martin van der Kamp for opening up their home and their hearts to Corbin and his family and friends during his time of need.
Dates and times for services are being made with official announcement to follow. Three day services are planned at the home of Larson R. Bill, So Ho Bee Newe Sogobe (Lee, Nevada Western Shoshone Territory) with burial services at Battle Mountain Indian Community, Battle Mountain Nevada.
Family contact information (non-media only):
Donations may be made either to the immediate family through:
Reynaulda Taylor
P.O. Box 397
Owyhee, Nevada 89832
775-757-2610 or 775-757-2064
annietaytay@ yahoo.com
Or, to:
The Corbin Harney Way
6360 Sonoma Mtn. Rd.
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
No other individual, organization or entity is authorized to receive donations on behalf of Corbin¹s immediate family or Corbin Harney.
\
March 24, 1920- July 10, 2007
Public Statement by Corbin¹s Immediate Family
July 10, 2007 (TurtleIsland) . Corbin Harney Spiritual Leader of the Western Shoshone Nation crossed over at 11:00 a.m. this morning in a house on a sacred mountain near Santa Rosa, CA (Turtle Island). He had dedicated his life to fighting the nuclear testing and dumping.
That battle claimed his life through cancer.
Before he passed, he said to remember:
³We are one people. We cannot separate ourselves now.
There are many good things to be done for our people and for the world.
It is important to let things be good. And it is important to teach the younger generation so that things are not lost.
According to witnesses present, in the morning fog, the spirits of four Shoshoni dog soldiers were outside on horseback before Corbin¹s passing. But then one of the Shoshone present, Santiago Lozada, yelled ³Tosawi Tosawi!² (White Knife). And then the fog shifted and there were thousands of spirits waiting.
Corbin passed peacefully at the end. He was only worried that he still had more to do. When he finally let go and went with the dog soldiers, Red Wolf Pope, grandson of Rolling Thunder, was present and sang him the Tosawi death song to call the dog soldiers to come take him home. Golden eagles continue to circle the house hours after his crossing.²
True to form Corbin joked around several days ago that he was going to go at 11:00, and kept his promise.
Over his lifetime, Corbin traveled around the world as a speaker, healer and spiritual leader with a profound spiritual and environmental message for all. He received numerous national and international awards and spoke before the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. Corbin also authored two books: ³The Way It Is: One Water, One Air, One Earth² (Blue Dolphin Publishing, 1995) and a forthcoming book, ³The Nature Way². Numerous documentaries have been made about his work and message. In 1994, Corbin established the Shundahai Network to work with people and organizations to respond to spiritual and environmental concerns on nuclear issues. He also established Poo Ha Bah, a native healing center located in Tecopa Springs, California. He will be missed but always honored for his work and dedication to traditional ways.
Corbin Harney is descended from generations of Newe (Shoshone) traditional healers and was always grateful for the many extraordinary teachers who shared their knowledge in his lifetime. Corbin is survived by his daughter Reynaulda Taylor; granddaughters Ann Taylor and Nada Leno; grandsons Keith, Jon and Joel Leno and William Henry Taylor; seven great-grandchildren ; two great-great grandchildren; and his sister Rosie Blossom¹s family and many cousins and other family members as well as many, many friends around the world. Corbin was preceded in death by his mother, father, sister, grandparents, uncle, great granddaughter, cousins, and friends. A very special thanks to Patricia Davidson, Corbin¹s caregiver in his final months; Dominic Daileda, Corbin¹s friend and companion for his support and compassion in hard times, and the family of Dixie and Martin van der Kamp for opening up their home and their hearts to Corbin and his family and friends during his time of need.
Dates and times for services are being made with official announcement to follow. Three day services are planned at the home of Larson R. Bill, So Ho Bee Newe Sogobe (Lee, Nevada Western Shoshone Territory) with burial services at Battle Mountain Indian Community, Battle Mountain Nevada.
Family contact information (non-media only):
Donations may be made either to the immediate family through:
Reynaulda Taylor
P.O. Box 397
Owyhee, Nevada 89832
775-757-2610 or 775-757-2064
annietaytay@ yahoo.com
Or, to:
The Corbin Harney Way
6360 Sonoma Mtn. Rd.
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
No other individual, organization or entity is authorized to receive donations on behalf of Corbin¹s immediate family or Corbin Harney.
\
The Shameful Problem
Free The Children of Texas' Hutto Prison
The Shameful Problem
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=171847268
June 24, 2007
World Refugee Day Rally, Elizabeth Kucinich speaks
http://www.youtube.com/v/C-8pX_BZJFE
The Shameful Problem
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=171847268
June 24, 2007
World Refugee Day Rally, Elizabeth Kucinich speaks
http://www.youtube.com/v/C-8pX_BZJFE
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Washington, DC to Transform Services for the Homeless
Washington, DC to Transform Services for the Homeless in New Public/Private Sector Partnership With Prosperity Studios, Inc.
WASHINGTON, DC--(Marketwire - July 3, 2007) - Ambassador Hope, Chairman of Prosperity Studios, has agreed to a $500 million inward investment for Washington, DC to transform the City for the homeless.
Prosperity Studios will provide the funding, DC will provide a guarantee and the homeless will receive support via the Homeless Care Clubs™ and new green studio homes to get people back on their feet. New business opportunities will be created for social entrepreneurs to train, mentor, care for and serve the homeless.
The Program will provide:
-- The assembly of green studios in a Healthy Living Community(TM) throughout the City. The building process will be filmed and available on the internet to inspire other Cities as to what is possible and to reduce the learning curve and implementation time.
-- Each Healthy Living Community(TM) will be built with the latest green technologies for sustainability and reduced environmental impact.
-- Healthcare, retraining and community facilities will be included to ensure that the homeless can get back on their feet, create work opportunities and then rent or buy a property.
-- Contracts for small, minority-owned, veteran- and disabled-owned businesses to provide services on a fee-for-service basis.
-- 30+ Homeless Care Clubs(TM) around the District managed by caring and professional teams to provide respite from the harsh street environment. The homeless will have access to computers to apply for jobs, education and benefits. They will also have showers, and laundry facilities plus a relaxation lounge where they can rest and sleep for a few hours in a safe environment.
-- The homeless will have a Smartcard which credits them for each hour's work in the community that they can save up and pay towards their rent in the Healthy Living Communities.
-- Courses on Healthy Living will also be available at the Homeless Care Clubs: Healthy Living (Sustainability and Self-care), Healthy Finances (Creating wealth and gratitude), Healthy Relationships (Building open dialogue and handling conflict), and Healthy Giving (Being in service to others and sharing).
Ambassador Hope has listened to the homeless in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, New York and Washington, DC. She has also visited the Mayors' programs and interviewed existing service providers to learn about the challenges they have. Hope says, "I've witnessed a severe lack of compassion by other citizens who don't appreciate that in the USA, 98% of people are one or two paychecks away from homelessness. The 'failure cascade' can happen very fast with the loss of a job or a death in the family. Suddenly the person finds themselves homeless with no knowledge of where to seek help and most often encounters hostile and unhelpful people. "We want to demonstrate how you can serve the homeless and the poor with professional and caring services focused on getting them back on their feet the fastest. This is a huge problem and cost for the Cities and passing laws to ban homeless sitting on park benches as Las Vegas has done is not a solution."
Hope continues, "Mayor Newsom of San Francisco is doing a great job mobilizing citizen support." She says however, "Mayor Fenty has demonstrated both compassion and the understanding of a systems approach that embraces all homeless. Barbara Pitman, Veterans affairs at the Mayor's office shares the same dream and is willing to unite all stakeholders and resources behind the vision. Leadership, vision and creativity are vital components of serving the poor, a hand up is far more valuable than a handout."
Prosperity Studios, Inc. is a Delaware Corporation which manages Intellectual Capital and provides international public/private partnerships for social transformation. The company combines innovation, collaboration, technology, global supply chains and private sector funding. The company has a stakeholder business model which values every contribution of its stakeholders including customers, volunteers, consultants, service providers, vendors, Fortune 500 companies, associations, and governments. The global health care market is valued at $3.7 trillion. 4.5 billion global citizens do not have access to healthcare. Prosperity Studios solves global challenges at the scale and speed of the need.
Ambassador Hope
Chairman
Prosperity Studios, Inc.
Email Contact: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/emailprcntct?id=F880D72C66ABDE43
Website: www.prosperitystudios.net
Website: www.hlcglobal.com
Videos: http://www.sms.ac/video/MyVideo.aspx?u=hope5000
Blog: www.prosperitystudios.blogspot.com
Cell: +1 213 820 7777
Transforming Homelessness in Washington, DC (video)
http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/mmframe?prid=273661&attachid=527742
WASHINGTON, DC--(Marketwire - July 3, 2007) - Ambassador Hope, Chairman of Prosperity Studios, has agreed to a $500 million inward investment for Washington, DC to transform the City for the homeless.
Prosperity Studios will provide the funding, DC will provide a guarantee and the homeless will receive support via the Homeless Care Clubs™ and new green studio homes to get people back on their feet. New business opportunities will be created for social entrepreneurs to train, mentor, care for and serve the homeless.
The Program will provide:
-- The assembly of green studios in a Healthy Living Community(TM) throughout the City. The building process will be filmed and available on the internet to inspire other Cities as to what is possible and to reduce the learning curve and implementation time.
-- Each Healthy Living Community(TM) will be built with the latest green technologies for sustainability and reduced environmental impact.
-- Healthcare, retraining and community facilities will be included to ensure that the homeless can get back on their feet, create work opportunities and then rent or buy a property.
-- Contracts for small, minority-owned, veteran- and disabled-owned businesses to provide services on a fee-for-service basis.
-- 30+ Homeless Care Clubs(TM) around the District managed by caring and professional teams to provide respite from the harsh street environment. The homeless will have access to computers to apply for jobs, education and benefits. They will also have showers, and laundry facilities plus a relaxation lounge where they can rest and sleep for a few hours in a safe environment.
-- The homeless will have a Smartcard which credits them for each hour's work in the community that they can save up and pay towards their rent in the Healthy Living Communities.
-- Courses on Healthy Living will also be available at the Homeless Care Clubs: Healthy Living (Sustainability and Self-care), Healthy Finances (Creating wealth and gratitude), Healthy Relationships (Building open dialogue and handling conflict), and Healthy Giving (Being in service to others and sharing).
Ambassador Hope has listened to the homeless in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, New York and Washington, DC. She has also visited the Mayors' programs and interviewed existing service providers to learn about the challenges they have. Hope says, "I've witnessed a severe lack of compassion by other citizens who don't appreciate that in the USA, 98% of people are one or two paychecks away from homelessness. The 'failure cascade' can happen very fast with the loss of a job or a death in the family. Suddenly the person finds themselves homeless with no knowledge of where to seek help and most often encounters hostile and unhelpful people. "We want to demonstrate how you can serve the homeless and the poor with professional and caring services focused on getting them back on their feet the fastest. This is a huge problem and cost for the Cities and passing laws to ban homeless sitting on park benches as Las Vegas has done is not a solution."
Hope continues, "Mayor Newsom of San Francisco is doing a great job mobilizing citizen support." She says however, "Mayor Fenty has demonstrated both compassion and the understanding of a systems approach that embraces all homeless. Barbara Pitman, Veterans affairs at the Mayor's office shares the same dream and is willing to unite all stakeholders and resources behind the vision. Leadership, vision and creativity are vital components of serving the poor, a hand up is far more valuable than a handout."
Prosperity Studios, Inc. is a Delaware Corporation which manages Intellectual Capital and provides international public/private partnerships for social transformation. The company combines innovation, collaboration, technology, global supply chains and private sector funding. The company has a stakeholder business model which values every contribution of its stakeholders including customers, volunteers, consultants, service providers, vendors, Fortune 500 companies, associations, and governments. The global health care market is valued at $3.7 trillion. 4.5 billion global citizens do not have access to healthcare. Prosperity Studios solves global challenges at the scale and speed of the need.
Ambassador Hope
Chairman
Prosperity Studios, Inc.
Email Contact: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/emailprcntct?id=F880D72C66ABDE43
Website: www.prosperitystudios.net
Website: www.hlcglobal.com
Videos: http://www.sms.ac/video/MyVideo.aspx?u=hope5000
Blog: www.prosperitystudios.blogspot.com
Cell: +1 213 820 7777
Transforming Homelessness in Washington, DC (video)
http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/mmframe?prid=273661&attachid=527742
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
It's Good Business To End Homelessness
Present efforts to address homelessness overlooks the fact that many homeless people are currently employed, underemployed or have just recently attained a job. In fact, numerous shelter rules penalize employed homeless people by imposing non-yielding shelter curfews and allow basic services to be provided at specific times.
Last year Clark County spent $25 million dollars and reduced the homeless population by about 10%. In order to eradicate the scourge of this extreme type of poverty it stands to reason the County Commissioners would need to spend $250 million dollars, cross their fingers and hope that no one else lacks the resources to buy their own housing. This wish and hope strategy is best exemplified by the current funding of a summer day shelter at the cost of thousands of dollars which does nothing more then give single men a place to watch TV. The current strategy if followed to its logical conclusion dictates the need to escalate fees and taxes to astronomical levels.
What is never spoken about except in a quiet whisper is the hidden cost of homelessness. There is no scientific method which can calculate the cost of homeless people sleeping in your business doorway or loitering in your parking lot or outside your shop. As a business owner you know this situation hurts your revenue stream but feel powerless to do anything about it short of calling the police which in itself costs you money in the long run.
How much the quality of life in your immediate community is diminished by homeless people sleeping in the parks is also unknown. Common sense tells us when present and potential customers feel uncomfortable with the area surrounding your business they will go somewhere else even if prices are slightly higher.
Our organization is dedicated to developing and implementing a cost effective solution to this problem. For an extremely long time we have addressed the problem primarily by sharing food in local parks and providing limited assistance in acquiring state issued identification. Recently we realized that our present strategy does not completely address our goal of eliminating homelessness and we have now begun to focus additional resources towards five areas.
1) Establishing this website where job listings are posted by area employers. This website also provides information and strategies to finding and maintaining employment.
2) Establish a link between employers and unemployed workers
3) Develop, create and fund self-employment opportunities
4) Providing direct support by providing all employment related documents. Such things as birth certificates, state identification, work cards, etc.
5.) Providing what ever assistance is needed while recently employed homeless people struggle to get their first pay check. This assistance specifically takes the form of transportation, food and shelter.
In short what we tell homeless people is “You go get the job and let us worry about the rest."
What makes our organization truly unique is that from the top to the bottom homeless people run our organization.. It is they who set the tone and direction of what type of services we provide, how they are provided and to whom. In partnership with our program facilitator (who is a formerly homeless person), community organizations and individuals they decide how funds are dispersed.
We are solution based. Our organization is not content with simply handing out sandwiches. We identify the obstacles that block people in their recovery from homelessness and provide the means and resources to remove that roadblock. We actively encourage people to develop a plan of action that will result in them becoming self-reliant. There is not a single program in existence here in Clark County that is run by homeless people and dedicates resources to reducing the ever growing army of homeless people.
By supporting our organization you provide a means for people to pursue economic opportunities so that it is no longer necessary for them to sleep in your doorways and in turn take a pro-active step to protect your business which you worked so hard to build. This is why you should support our organization. For it is good business to end homelessness.
Sponsorships
Homepage
3 months $240.00
6 months $360.00
12 months $480.00
Single page banner
3 months $60.00
6 months $90.00
12 months $120.00
Business Partners
(one time contribution)
Four Star $1,000.00
Three Star $500.00
Two Star $250.00
One Star $125.00
For more information on where to send your donation and other ways you can help, please call Gail Sacco at (702) 355-2764 or e-mail her at: mom_in_las_vegas@yahoo.com .
To make a donate, visit our website at: http://www.labordawgs.citymax.com
Last year Clark County spent $25 million dollars and reduced the homeless population by about 10%. In order to eradicate the scourge of this extreme type of poverty it stands to reason the County Commissioners would need to spend $250 million dollars, cross their fingers and hope that no one else lacks the resources to buy their own housing. This wish and hope strategy is best exemplified by the current funding of a summer day shelter at the cost of thousands of dollars which does nothing more then give single men a place to watch TV. The current strategy if followed to its logical conclusion dictates the need to escalate fees and taxes to astronomical levels.
What is never spoken about except in a quiet whisper is the hidden cost of homelessness. There is no scientific method which can calculate the cost of homeless people sleeping in your business doorway or loitering in your parking lot or outside your shop. As a business owner you know this situation hurts your revenue stream but feel powerless to do anything about it short of calling the police which in itself costs you money in the long run.
How much the quality of life in your immediate community is diminished by homeless people sleeping in the parks is also unknown. Common sense tells us when present and potential customers feel uncomfortable with the area surrounding your business they will go somewhere else even if prices are slightly higher.
Our organization is dedicated to developing and implementing a cost effective solution to this problem. For an extremely long time we have addressed the problem primarily by sharing food in local parks and providing limited assistance in acquiring state issued identification. Recently we realized that our present strategy does not completely address our goal of eliminating homelessness and we have now begun to focus additional resources towards five areas.
1) Establishing this website where job listings are posted by area employers. This website also provides information and strategies to finding and maintaining employment.
2) Establish a link between employers and unemployed workers
3) Develop, create and fund self-employment opportunities
4) Providing direct support by providing all employment related documents. Such things as birth certificates, state identification, work cards, etc.
5.) Providing what ever assistance is needed while recently employed homeless people struggle to get their first pay check. This assistance specifically takes the form of transportation, food and shelter.
In short what we tell homeless people is “You go get the job and let us worry about the rest."
What makes our organization truly unique is that from the top to the bottom homeless people run our organization.. It is they who set the tone and direction of what type of services we provide, how they are provided and to whom. In partnership with our program facilitator (who is a formerly homeless person), community organizations and individuals they decide how funds are dispersed.
We are solution based. Our organization is not content with simply handing out sandwiches. We identify the obstacles that block people in their recovery from homelessness and provide the means and resources to remove that roadblock. We actively encourage people to develop a plan of action that will result in them becoming self-reliant. There is not a single program in existence here in Clark County that is run by homeless people and dedicates resources to reducing the ever growing army of homeless people.
By supporting our organization you provide a means for people to pursue economic opportunities so that it is no longer necessary for them to sleep in your doorways and in turn take a pro-active step to protect your business which you worked so hard to build. This is why you should support our organization. For it is good business to end homelessness.
Sponsorships
Homepage
3 months $240.00
6 months $360.00
12 months $480.00
Single page banner
3 months $60.00
6 months $90.00
12 months $120.00
Business Partners
(one time contribution)
Four Star $1,000.00
Three Star $500.00
Two Star $250.00
One Star $125.00
For more information on where to send your donation and other ways you can help, please call Gail Sacco at (702) 355-2764 or e-mail her at: mom_in_las_vegas@yahoo.com .
To make a donate, visit our website at: http://www.labordawgs.citymax.com
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Elizabeth Kucinich To Speak
at Hutto Prison in TX June 23, 2007
Elizabeth Kucinich To Speak at Hutto Prison in TX June 23, 2007
This is not a campaign stop -- Elizabeth has been a children's rights activist for many years and has graciously agreed to come in support of these babies behind bars.
Please come out as well to Taylor Texas and help Free The Children!!!
ALL ARE WELCOME!!!
Elizabeth Kucinich
Democratic Presidential Candidate Dennis Kucinich
2008 Kucinich for President Campaign Site
http://kucinich.us/
This is not a campaign stop -- Elizabeth has been a children's rights activist for many years and has graciously agreed to come in support of these babies behind bars.
Please come out as well to Taylor Texas and help Free The Children!!!
ALL ARE WELCOME!!!
Elizabeth Kucinich
Democratic Presidential Candidate Dennis Kucinich
2008 Kucinich for President Campaign Site
http://kucinich.us/
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Free The Children of Texas'
Hutto Prison Protest
Posted By: Free The Children of Texas' Hutto Prison
Hosted By: Amnesty international and many other organizations
E-mail: ftc@satx.rr.com
When: Saturday Jun 23, 2007 at 11:00 AM
Where:
Outside T. Don Hutto
1001 Welch St
Taylor, TX 76574
United States
This is a Vigil/Protest/Rally outside the T. Don Hutto prison. Sponsored by Amnesty International and many other organizations. Please RSVP to this event.
http://events.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=events.detail&eventID=345818.527
56&hashcode=F6A08132-B28A-475B-992E-8813AF33EE8D
SPREAD THE WORD...
Please come and lend your support even if it is only for a short while. Freeing the prisoners of Hutto will require major effort, but it is the small efforts of many that will make this effort successful.
There will be three stages with speakers, music, poets, performance artists.... and you!
Hold a sign. Listen to the speakers. If you feel so inclined be interviewed by the press who come out and are willing to speak truth to power.
Note: there are train cars permanently parked in front of the prison hiding the facility from the sight of drivers on 79 and the people of Taylor. You have to turn either very early off of 79 or well into town to find a way across the blocked tracks.
Please check the main ftc page on the left hand column for a link to a helpful blog for what to bring, expect, etc.
We are multicultural and from all walks of life. All races, genders, creeds, political persuasions, social-economic demographics, you name it -- we are standing united on this issue!!!
You can dance naked under the full moon for a living, but if you'll put on some shorts and hold a sign outside of the Hutto Prison and work to battle this crime against humanity -- we welcome you as our brothers and sisters for Justice!
Be Well -- Be Brave -- Be True!!!
Click to enlarge.
Click to enlarge.
Hosted By: Amnesty international and many other organizations
E-mail: ftc@satx.rr.com
When: Saturday Jun 23, 2007 at 11:00 AM
Where:
Outside T. Don Hutto
1001 Welch St
Taylor, TX 76574
United States
This is a Vigil/Protest/Rally outside the T. Don Hutto prison. Sponsored by Amnesty International and many other organizations. Please RSVP to this event.
http://events.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=events.detail&eventID=345818.527
56&hashcode=F6A08132-B28A-475B-992E-8813AF33EE8D
SPREAD THE WORD...
Please come and lend your support even if it is only for a short while. Freeing the prisoners of Hutto will require major effort, but it is the small efforts of many that will make this effort successful.
There will be three stages with speakers, music, poets, performance artists.... and you!
Hold a sign. Listen to the speakers. If you feel so inclined be interviewed by the press who come out and are willing to speak truth to power.
Note: there are train cars permanently parked in front of the prison hiding the facility from the sight of drivers on 79 and the people of Taylor. You have to turn either very early off of 79 or well into town to find a way across the blocked tracks.
Please check the main ftc page on the left hand column for a link to a helpful blog for what to bring, expect, etc.
We are multicultural and from all walks of life. All races, genders, creeds, political persuasions, social-economic demographics, you name it -- we are standing united on this issue!!!
You can dance naked under the full moon for a living, but if you'll put on some shorts and hold a sign outside of the Hutto Prison and work to battle this crime against humanity -- we welcome you as our brothers and sisters for Justice!
Be Well -- Be Brave -- Be True!!!
Click to enlarge.
Click to enlarge.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Homelessness Among LGBT Youth
Task Force homeless study in the New York Times
Times spotlights problem of homelessness among LGBT youth and Task Force's work on this critical matter
The scourge of homelessness among LGBT youth continues to garner massive media attention generated by the Task Force's work on the issue, including the release of our comprehensive report, Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth: An epidemic of homelessness. The New York Times featured a substantial May 17 story on the topic
that spotlighted our report, quotes from Executive Director Matt Foreman, and comments and information from partner organizations and service providers included in our study. The Times online edition included the article, direct links to the Task Force and our report, and a powerful audio slideshow focusing on LGBT youth at the Ruth Ellis Center (Ruth's House) in Detroit, Mich.
Stories about our report, issued nationally on Jan. 30 by the Task Force in collaboration with the National Coalition for the Homeless, have appeared in thousands of outlets, with media impressions now topping 655 million. This unprecedented coverage on the issue has generated public concern and spurred real movement on Capitol Hill to secure more funds to address the problem of homeless and runaway youth. Our Public Policy & Government Affairs team is working hard this appropriations cycle to make sure the needs of LGBT youth are not ignored and to increase the overall funding through the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act for the next fiscal year.
Read the Times online coverage
www.nytimes.com/2007/05/17/us/17homeless.html?_r=1&oref=slogin
See the article as it appeared in the New York Times
www.thetaskforce.org/Update/2007/21_07_0522/content/NYTimes_homeless_72.pdf
Download a copy of our report
www.thetaskforce.org/reports_and_research/homeless_youth
Your support makes a difference
The Task Force has stepped up to the plate as THE organization bringing attention to the issue of LGBT youth homelessness. Their report on this epidemic demonstrates not only the need for a comprehensive response from our nation's political leaders and the LGBT community, but also lays out the human toll of the crisis. True to the Task Force's history, they are taking a leading role working with social service providers like our agency, as well as with state and federal policy makers, to advance the fight for equal rights and protections for our community's most vulnerable members.
--Grace A. McClelland, Executive Director, Ruth Ellis Center
Your support of our work makes a difference in the lives of others. Help today!
www.thetaskforce.org/donate
Times spotlights problem of homelessness among LGBT youth and Task Force's work on this critical matter
The scourge of homelessness among LGBT youth continues to garner massive media attention generated by the Task Force's work on the issue, including the release of our comprehensive report, Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth: An epidemic of homelessness. The New York Times featured a substantial May 17 story on the topic
that spotlighted our report, quotes from Executive Director Matt Foreman, and comments and information from partner organizations and service providers included in our study. The Times online edition included the article, direct links to the Task Force and our report, and a powerful audio slideshow focusing on LGBT youth at the Ruth Ellis Center (Ruth's House) in Detroit, Mich.
Stories about our report, issued nationally on Jan. 30 by the Task Force in collaboration with the National Coalition for the Homeless, have appeared in thousands of outlets, with media impressions now topping 655 million. This unprecedented coverage on the issue has generated public concern and spurred real movement on Capitol Hill to secure more funds to address the problem of homeless and runaway youth. Our Public Policy & Government Affairs team is working hard this appropriations cycle to make sure the needs of LGBT youth are not ignored and to increase the overall funding through the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act for the next fiscal year.
Read the Times online coverage
www.nytimes.com/2007/05/17/us/17homeless.html?_r=1&oref=slogin
See the article as it appeared in the New York Times
www.thetaskforce.org/Update/2007/21_07_0522/content/NYTimes_homeless_72.pdf
Download a copy of our report
www.thetaskforce.org/reports_and_research/homeless_youth
Your support makes a difference
The Task Force has stepped up to the plate as THE organization bringing attention to the issue of LGBT youth homelessness. Their report on this epidemic demonstrates not only the need for a comprehensive response from our nation's political leaders and the LGBT community, but also lays out the human toll of the crisis. True to the Task Force's history, they are taking a leading role working with social service providers like our agency, as well as with state and federal policy makers, to advance the fight for equal rights and protections for our community's most vulnerable members.
--Grace A. McClelland, Executive Director, Ruth Ellis Center
Your support of our work makes a difference in the lives of others. Help today!
www.thetaskforce.org/donate
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
MOTHER’S DAY GATHERING
(Newe) Spiritual Leader
Corbin Harney
by attending
A MOTHER’S DAY GATHERING
REUNION WITH CORBIN
at Peace Camp, Mercury, Nevada
MAY 11-13 2007
This gathering is to honor Corbin and all who participated over the decades at NTS to end the nuclear madness and the destruction of our Mother Earth.
Corbin Harney has taught many to respect and protect Mother Earth and traditional ways through ceremony and nonviolent direct action.
We're calling everyone who loves Mother Earth to join us!
MOTHER’S DAY WEEKEND!!!
* CEREMONIES
* PUBLIC SPEAKERS
* PEACEFUL NON VIOLENT DIRECT ACTIONS
* RAFFLE
& MORE ACTIVITIES
Come self-sufficient for desert camping: water, food, sunscreen, hats
TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATIONS NEEDED FOR:
EXPENSES OF GATHERING,
FOOD FOR COMMUNITY KITCHEN,
RAFFLE ITEMS
NO DRUGS, ALCOHOL, OR WEAPONS!
This is an invitation to Newe Sogobia (Western Shoshone Land) where we observe traditional native spirituality.
You are responsible for your own pets.
WWW.WILDERNESSTHX.COM/NTSREUNIONWCORBIN
E-MAIL: ntsgathering@wildernessthx.com
JULIA MOON SPARROW Cell: 702 521 7627 Home: 702 304 9859
Willy Fragosa cell: 702-812-4664, hm: 702-649-6014
UPDATE: As of 5/4, Peace Camp is the Gathering site for all 3 days, not Cactus Springs
Directions to Peace Camp:
· From Las Vegas, US 95N, 18 miles North of Indian Springs, take Mercury Exit, slow down to U-turn away from entrance to NTS, head back under Hwy 95 straight into Peace Camp.
For Elders’ housing, etc, to Cactus Springs from Peace Camp:
· US 95S, approx. 15 miles, turn right at first dirt road (see grove of cottonwood trees and buildings), head back on this road all the way to the end (approx. 50 yards).
Download and HANG THIS FLIER!
http://www.wildernessthx.com/ntsreunionwcorbin/mothersdayflier.pdf
Monday, April 09, 2007
Unprovoked beatings of homeless soaring
Unprovoked beatings of homeless soaring
By TODD LEWAN, AP National Writer
Sun Apr 8, 7:20 PM ET
ORLANDO, Fla. - It was a balmy night, the sort that brings the homeless out from the shelters, when the police were summoned to America Street. On the driveway of a condo, just a few paces from the gutter, lay a man. A dying man.
He looked to be 50-ish, and a resident of Orlando's streets, judging by the moldy jacket. And he'd been bludgeoned — so badly bludgeoned that he could hardly move.
Before being rushed to the hospital, where he died of his head injuries, the man, August Felix, described his attackers. Young fellows did it, he whispered to the officers who got to him first. Kids.
...While some investigators believe the attacks are random, Sgt. Richard Ring, who investigated the murder of August Felix in Orlando last year, sees "a more deep seated problem here."
As he puts it, "Our young people get prejudices from their parents in regard to homeless people. They don't identify with the homeless, and they don't seem to see them as important."
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070408/ap_on_re_us/preying_on_the_homeless
By TODD LEWAN, AP National Writer
Sun Apr 8, 7:20 PM ET
ORLANDO, Fla. - It was a balmy night, the sort that brings the homeless out from the shelters, when the police were summoned to America Street. On the driveway of a condo, just a few paces from the gutter, lay a man. A dying man.
He looked to be 50-ish, and a resident of Orlando's streets, judging by the moldy jacket. And he'd been bludgeoned — so badly bludgeoned that he could hardly move.
Before being rushed to the hospital, where he died of his head injuries, the man, August Felix, described his attackers. Young fellows did it, he whispered to the officers who got to him first. Kids.
...While some investigators believe the attacks are random, Sgt. Richard Ring, who investigated the murder of August Felix in Orlando last year, sees "a more deep seated problem here."
As he puts it, "Our young people get prejudices from their parents in regard to homeless people. They don't identify with the homeless, and they don't seem to see them as important."
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070408/ap_on_re_us/preying_on_the_homeless
Monday, April 02, 2007
Catholic Charities Ban Homeless Advocate, AND
new emergency program with a 200 bed loss
Comment: The article below written by homeless advocate, Mike Lee was posted on his blog on Wednesday, March 28, 2007. The article posted on News 3 was posted on April 2, 2007.
So, if I have this right (and as always, I could be wrong) "the winter program helps about 400 people stay out of the cold each night." The winter shelter has closed. But, Catholic Charities is opening up a "new emergency shelter program [which] will provide 200 beds year round for those who need it most."
...but West adds there are other programs aimed at helping the homeless get back on their feet for good.
"There are beds available inside a work program," said West.
The work program with beds is NOT new. We are losing 400 emergency beds and gaining 200 emergency beds. That's a 200 bed loss.
In addition, 40-50 women who were staying in the dining room during the winter are being (or have been) kicked out.
Will the "new emergency shelter program" accomodate men AND women, or as usual, just men?
New year-round homeless programs opens at Catholic Charities
http://www.kvbc.com/Global/story.asp?S=6313768&nav=menu107_2
Catholic Charities Ban Homeless Advocate
From the blog: www.on-the-nickel.blogspot.com
Who decided that homeless people are stupid and helpless? At some point in the history of providing services to the homeless someone had to make this decision. Someone had to decide we aren’t capable of running our own shelters or even participating in the process. Somewhere, somehow, someone decided that grown men and women are incapable of making decisions for themselves. That they should be treated like children. Told what to eat, when to go to bed. To be subject to arbitrary rules which govern something as natural as when to wake up in the morning.
If one were to examine the present social policy closely you would discover that due to our poverty we are automatically treated as little children. A dog in Lied animal shelter is fed and housed better than we are. For present policy has decided that we are to be treated as children. Fed and housed in conditions worse than animals. Like Barbary apes at the zoo we are put on exhibit so a few can make money off of our captivity. Our zookeepers smile and tell half truths. Frozen donuts become pastries. Watery soup becomes nutrious meals in proposals that fill the coffers of so called charitable organizations.
As a person recovering from homelessness I look back and become angry. When I slept in the rain I was mad. Mad because at every twist and turn I was treated like a child. Once I escaped (at least temporary) that circumstance I became an angry advocate for my other 14,399 brothers and sisters. It would have been easy for me to turn my back on them. After all I got mine, you go get yours. I didn’t. As a result I have been banned by Catholic Charities for daring to advocate for the over forty women who were sleeping in the dining hall. I was kicked off the plantation in their eyes I’m an uppity homeless person. In mealy mouth fashion they claim I’m a risk management liability. Yep they is worried they might get sued if I do something criminal. Keep in mind that these same people call frozen donuts pastries and as a business practice postulate half truths and deceit. Looking at the history of the Catholic Church we see it is full of rape robbery mayhem and not only turned a blind eye to child molestation but also covered it up. Who is the one here with criminal propensities?
By banning myself and restricting media access creates an obstacle to ending homelessness. Mayor Goodman has stated that any one asking for assistance would be provided for. In doing this he is basically saying to homeless people you have to take responsibility for solving your own problems. Forty homeless women through their advocate did exactly that and now that advocate has been banned. They wanted to explain their situation to the public and ask them for their advice. They were prevented from doing that. The question that now must be posed is what are these people trying to hide and what are they afraid of? The tax payers should be concerned because without the voice of the consumer how is Catholic charities held accountable for the money it receives from the public? What is truly interesting is that two City Council members Brown and Tarkanian sit on the Board and another (Wolfson) has an unknown relationship with them. Shouldn’t we be asking Councilwoman Lois Tarkanian (info@loistarkanian.com) why the media and homeless advocates are banned from Catholic Charities? Shouldn’t we be asking for accountability from an organization that just received $176,000 for its Residential Work Program that doesn’t include women?
I’ve been banished for the Catholic Charities township but I will not be silenced. As such I’ve continued to explore ways that the message ‘We Are Homeless Not Helpless is heard by the largest number of people. One of those ways is the current electoral process. After several tries I finally was able to meet with Sanda Coon candidate for Mayor. Ms Coon is a slightly built grandmother of nine. What was impressive was that as this old bum explained the issues of her future constituents she locked eyes with me. She actually listened and made a few intelligent comments in the midst of my ramble. It was a far different experience then speaking with Masser Goodman.
Continued, next article down.
So, if I have this right (and as always, I could be wrong) "the winter program helps about 400 people stay out of the cold each night." The winter shelter has closed. But, Catholic Charities is opening up a "new emergency shelter program [which] will provide 200 beds year round for those who need it most."
...but West adds there are other programs aimed at helping the homeless get back on their feet for good.
"There are beds available inside a work program," said West.
The work program with beds is NOT new. We are losing 400 emergency beds and gaining 200 emergency beds. That's a 200 bed loss.
In addition, 40-50 women who were staying in the dining room during the winter are being (or have been) kicked out.
Will the "new emergency shelter program" accomodate men AND women, or as usual, just men?
New year-round homeless programs opens at Catholic Charities
http://www.kvbc.com/Global/story.asp?S=6313768&nav=menu107_2
Catholic Charities Ban Homeless Advocate
From the blog: www.on-the-nickel.blogspot.com
Who decided that homeless people are stupid and helpless? At some point in the history of providing services to the homeless someone had to make this decision. Someone had to decide we aren’t capable of running our own shelters or even participating in the process. Somewhere, somehow, someone decided that grown men and women are incapable of making decisions for themselves. That they should be treated like children. Told what to eat, when to go to bed. To be subject to arbitrary rules which govern something as natural as when to wake up in the morning.
If one were to examine the present social policy closely you would discover that due to our poverty we are automatically treated as little children. A dog in Lied animal shelter is fed and housed better than we are. For present policy has decided that we are to be treated as children. Fed and housed in conditions worse than animals. Like Barbary apes at the zoo we are put on exhibit so a few can make money off of our captivity. Our zookeepers smile and tell half truths. Frozen donuts become pastries. Watery soup becomes nutrious meals in proposals that fill the coffers of so called charitable organizations.
As a person recovering from homelessness I look back and become angry. When I slept in the rain I was mad. Mad because at every twist and turn I was treated like a child. Once I escaped (at least temporary) that circumstance I became an angry advocate for my other 14,399 brothers and sisters. It would have been easy for me to turn my back on them. After all I got mine, you go get yours. I didn’t. As a result I have been banned by Catholic Charities for daring to advocate for the over forty women who were sleeping in the dining hall. I was kicked off the plantation in their eyes I’m an uppity homeless person. In mealy mouth fashion they claim I’m a risk management liability. Yep they is worried they might get sued if I do something criminal. Keep in mind that these same people call frozen donuts pastries and as a business practice postulate half truths and deceit. Looking at the history of the Catholic Church we see it is full of rape robbery mayhem and not only turned a blind eye to child molestation but also covered it up. Who is the one here with criminal propensities?
By banning myself and restricting media access creates an obstacle to ending homelessness. Mayor Goodman has stated that any one asking for assistance would be provided for. In doing this he is basically saying to homeless people you have to take responsibility for solving your own problems. Forty homeless women through their advocate did exactly that and now that advocate has been banned. They wanted to explain their situation to the public and ask them for their advice. They were prevented from doing that. The question that now must be posed is what are these people trying to hide and what are they afraid of? The tax payers should be concerned because without the voice of the consumer how is Catholic charities held accountable for the money it receives from the public? What is truly interesting is that two City Council members Brown and Tarkanian sit on the Board and another (Wolfson) has an unknown relationship with them. Shouldn’t we be asking Councilwoman Lois Tarkanian (info@loistarkanian.com) why the media and homeless advocates are banned from Catholic Charities? Shouldn’t we be asking for accountability from an organization that just received $176,000 for its Residential Work Program that doesn’t include women?
I’ve been banished for the Catholic Charities township but I will not be silenced. As such I’ve continued to explore ways that the message ‘We Are Homeless Not Helpless is heard by the largest number of people. One of those ways is the current electoral process. After several tries I finally was able to meet with Sanda Coon candidate for Mayor. Ms Coon is a slightly built grandmother of nine. What was impressive was that as this old bum explained the issues of her future constituents she locked eyes with me. She actually listened and made a few intelligent comments in the midst of my ramble. It was a far different experience then speaking with Masser Goodman.
Continued, next article down.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Please Vote
written by Mike Lee, homeless advocate
...The current Mayor could care less than tweddle deed um about homeless people and is content with simply paying us lip service and tossing us a few crumbs. “Yo honey hand them kids a lollypop so they’ll shut up and I can continue my self-indulgent way.” On the flip side, Ms. Coon appears to be a concerned person willing to listen.
She appears to be a strong, intelligent, moral individual who wants to do what’s best for her future constituents. As homeless people we understand that a change in the present regime must occur if we are to have any future which does not include being treated like children. Ms. Coon when elected may do nothing for our community but she will listen to our leadership which is a positive step forward to ending homelessness. It is in our best interest to vote for Ms. Coon and I personally encourage our advocates and friends to do likewise.
For the sake of argument let me say you could care less about the homeless. Like Goodman and his underling Gary Reese you scream “Filthy, stinky bums get a job.” I want you to look out your front door. Like what you see? Go drive around the city. See all the graffiti, abandoned buildings, trash, broken windows? Read the Review Journal. Rape, robbery, mayhem. Taking all this into consideration, do you think your quality of life is enhanced by the present administration? Like me as a citizen you have to say no!
The number of incidents and arrests associated with the recent NBA event screams for change. The present administration embraces and promotes such immoral and criminal acts to the detriment of all. It squanders law enforcement dollars by arresting homeless people for misuse of a bus stop. It encourages blight by allowing perfectly suitable housing to be boarded up and trash to pile up in vacant lots. As residents of Las Vegas whether homeless or not, we should be demanding for change. On April 3rd we can make that change happen by voting for
Sandra Coon - Mayor http://www.sandracoonformayor.com/index.html
Stacy Truesdell – Ward Five http://stacietruesdell.com/
Joe Sacco - Ward Three http://www.votejoesacco.com/index.html
Shawn Spanier – Ward One http://www.shawnspanier.com/index.php
To read the full article: www.on-the-nickel.blogspot.com
...The current Mayor could care less than tweddle deed um about homeless people and is content with simply paying us lip service and tossing us a few crumbs. “Yo honey hand them kids a lollypop so they’ll shut up and I can continue my self-indulgent way.” On the flip side, Ms. Coon appears to be a concerned person willing to listen.
She appears to be a strong, intelligent, moral individual who wants to do what’s best for her future constituents. As homeless people we understand that a change in the present regime must occur if we are to have any future which does not include being treated like children. Ms. Coon when elected may do nothing for our community but she will listen to our leadership which is a positive step forward to ending homelessness. It is in our best interest to vote for Ms. Coon and I personally encourage our advocates and friends to do likewise.
For the sake of argument let me say you could care less about the homeless. Like Goodman and his underling Gary Reese you scream “Filthy, stinky bums get a job.” I want you to look out your front door. Like what you see? Go drive around the city. See all the graffiti, abandoned buildings, trash, broken windows? Read the Review Journal. Rape, robbery, mayhem. Taking all this into consideration, do you think your quality of life is enhanced by the present administration? Like me as a citizen you have to say no!
The number of incidents and arrests associated with the recent NBA event screams for change. The present administration embraces and promotes such immoral and criminal acts to the detriment of all. It squanders law enforcement dollars by arresting homeless people for misuse of a bus stop. It encourages blight by allowing perfectly suitable housing to be boarded up and trash to pile up in vacant lots. As residents of Las Vegas whether homeless or not, we should be demanding for change. On April 3rd we can make that change happen by voting for
Sandra Coon - Mayor http://www.sandracoonformayor.com/index.html
Stacy Truesdell – Ward Five http://stacietruesdell.com/
Joe Sacco - Ward Three http://www.votejoesacco.com/index.html
Shawn Spanier – Ward One http://www.shawnspanier.com/index.php
To read the full article: www.on-the-nickel.blogspot.com
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Please Join Us on Wed., March 28, 2007 for
Breakfast and to Support bill AB-126
March 21, 2007
Dear Family Promise Supporter:
Today I am writing you about something very important to the future of transitional housing and supportive service programs for our state. Currently, before our State Legislature is a bill AB-126. This bill has been proposed by Assemblywoman Sheila Leslie. On February 18, 2007, I traveled to Carson City with a large group of supporters in order to participate in a Tent City Event and testify before a legislative committee regarding this bill. This bill is scheduled to go before the Nevada State Legislature’s Ways and Means Committee on March 28,2007. In a nutshell, AB-126 will designate $10 million for Southern Nevada and $10 million for Northern Nevadato address the regional plan for transitional housing and supportive services. These funds are desperately needed by Nevada Regional Homeless Commissions to meet the crisis need of transitional housing as a first priority and then provide wrap-around services to assure successful outcomes for our clients.
How can you help?
On Wednesday, March 28th at 8 a.m. it is critical that we fill the meeting room #4401 ofthe Grant Sawyer Building on the corner of Washington and Las Vegas Boulevard, across from Cashman Field. Onthis date and at this time all attending will be part of a teleconference directly linked to the Nevada State Assembly Ways and Means Committee in Carson City.
Our Assistant County Manager Darryl Martin will be in Carson City with other representatives from our region. At the same time we in Southern Nevada will be gatheringin a meeting room at the State of Nevada Building room #4401 and it is critically important that we fill this room and overflow it if possible to show the support for this much needed financial assistance from our State.
For those of us that provide services to homeless individuals and families we have long recognized that the seriousdeficit of transitional and affordable housing in Southern Nevada is the number one barrier to getting our clientson the “Road to Success”. We must have transitional housing matched with supportive services and we musthave immediate assistance from all corridors of funding to achieve this goal.
I have read many statements from our major faiths this year that include statements of reaching out and assistingour brothers and sisters that are trapped at or below the line for poverty. Sadly, this housing issue affects all ofus. I cannot tell you how many people I know, including my own adult children that struggle to maintain a quality ofhousing in an economy that has spun out of control. If those of us that are working and have never been homeless cannot afford decent quality housing, how can we imagine that individuals and homeless families can even dream of achieving this goal.
It is my hope that all of you that share this mandate to reach out and help those who cannot help themselves willjoin me on Wednesday morning March 28th and become a visually loud and clear message that the community isasking for our states assistance with passage of Assembly Bill AB-126.
Terry Ruth Lindemann, Executive Director
Family Promise of Las Vegas is a 501-(c)3 non-profit organization. This message is non-partisan in content and intended to request support of important program goals of our agency
Please [see below] for more information about this event and Bill AB-126
Wednesday Morning, March 28th at 7:00 a.m.
JOIN US AT 7 A.M. IN FRONT OF CASHMAN FIELD, ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE GRANT SAWYERBUILDING FOR A BREAKFAST GATHERING. IF POSSIBLE, THE ORGANIZERS FOR THIS BREAKFASTRALLY ASK THAT YOU BRING DONUTS, PASTRIES, JUICE, ETC. FOR SIX HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS.
My Favorite Quote: “WE MUST BE VISABLE PROOF OF OUR CALLING” (Dietrick Bonhoeffer, Lutheran Minister and WWII Advocate for the rescue of our Jewish brothers and sisters from the hands of the Nazi’s)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Talking Points on AB 126, “Homelessness Bill”
Ways and Means Committee Presentation 3-28-07
Nevada has the dubious distinction of leading the nation as the state with the highest percentage of its citizens that are homeless, only Washington D.C. is higher. Nevada’s current population is 2,414,807.
Conservatively, approximately 16,000 people at any given time are homeless in Nevada, although the number of individuals who experience homelessness during a year could be 2-3 times that number. People move in and out of homelessness, with most individuals homeless for short periods of time.
A growing amount of research shows that providing transitional/supportive housing to those experiencing homelessness is effective, and cost effective, approach to breaking the cycle of homelessness and strengthening our communities.
AB 126 proposes that $20 million be appropriated to local governments to fund transitional housing with supportive services for targeted homeless populations throughout the State of Nevada. If approved by the Assembly Ways and Means Committee, the funds would be disbursed over the biennium, at $10 million per year.
What is the Intent of Transitional Housing?
1. Reduce financial and societal costs to the community
2. Reduce load on mainstream service providers while using resources more effectively and efficiently.
3. Do what is morally right.
1. Reduce financial and societal costs to the community.
Currently, in Northern Nevada $14 million is being spent on homelessness, between social services, law enforcement, first responder, medical, and judicial services. The long-term societal costs are extensive (children’s education, individual independence, mental illness, and family stressors). Programs such as Drug Court and Mental Health Court are perfect examples of how Nevada can effectively dealing with pressing social issues.
2. Reduce load on mainstream service providers while using resources more effectively and efficiently.
Currently there are load/capacity problems and resource inefficiency driven by homeless individuals, especial experienced by service providers related to health care, detention facilities, judicial services and housing services. In Northern Nevada, the biggest provider of homelessness services is the Washoe County Sheriff’s Department. The situation is similar in Clark County and the rural areas of Nevada.
Cost of housing in Washoe County’s Detention Facility $81.51/day
Cost of housing in Northern Nevada's ReStart ANCHOR Program $31/day
Cost of housing in a State of Nevada Shelter (including care programs)
$26/day
3. Do what is morally right.
Everyone has a right to housing. The fastest growing segment of those experiencing homelessness are women and families, while the number of homeless youth is increasing. Approximately 14% of the homeless population are veterans. The most common factors leading to homelessness in Northern Nevada are domestic violence, inability to find an affordable house or apartment, unemployment, sudden illness in the family, and unforeseen major expenses, such as medical and car repairs. Approximately 20% of the homeless population is chronically homeless, mostly individuals with substance abuse problems and mental illness.
The Unmet Need of Beds in Nevada
Southern Nevada
Transitional housing beds - 1,382
Permanent-supportive housing beds - 2,589 (240 for families)
Reno, Sparks & Washoe County
Transitional housing beds - 120
Permanent-supportive housing beds - 821 (474 for families)
Rural Areas
Transitional housing beds - 489
Permanent-supportive housing beds - 999 (702 for families)
There is a more effective and resource efficient strategy to solving the issue of homelessness: this is to provide well-designed housing and supportive services for those who experience homelessness.
What Can Be Done?
Call, write, and speak to your State Senate or Assembly representative and show you support for AB 126. Visit www.leg.state.nv.us to find out who your representatives are and their contact information.
Contact members of the Assembly Ways and Means Committee and urge them to support AB 126. Go to www.leg.state.nv.us for a list of the committee members.
Write letters to the editor of your local newspapers.
Write a letter of support for AB 126 and email it to ajmcclure@planevada.org by March 21st. The submissions will be given to the Ways & Means Committee.
Attend the Ways and Means Committee hearing on Wednesday, March 28 at 8am, either in Carson City or by teleconference in Las Vegas. We need large numbers of people to show up in support for this important and much needed legislation. Your participation can make the difference!
If you would like more information
Contact PLAN at (775) 348-7557 or (702) 791-1965
Dear Family Promise Supporter:
Today I am writing you about something very important to the future of transitional housing and supportive service programs for our state. Currently, before our State Legislature is a bill AB-126. This bill has been proposed by Assemblywoman Sheila Leslie. On February 18, 2007, I traveled to Carson City with a large group of supporters in order to participate in a Tent City Event and testify before a legislative committee regarding this bill. This bill is scheduled to go before the Nevada State Legislature’s Ways and Means Committee on March 28,2007. In a nutshell, AB-126 will designate $10 million for Southern Nevada and $10 million for Northern Nevadato address the regional plan for transitional housing and supportive services. These funds are desperately needed by Nevada Regional Homeless Commissions to meet the crisis need of transitional housing as a first priority and then provide wrap-around services to assure successful outcomes for our clients.
How can you help?
On Wednesday, March 28th at 8 a.m. it is critical that we fill the meeting room #4401 ofthe Grant Sawyer Building on the corner of Washington and Las Vegas Boulevard, across from Cashman Field. Onthis date and at this time all attending will be part of a teleconference directly linked to the Nevada State Assembly Ways and Means Committee in Carson City.
Our Assistant County Manager Darryl Martin will be in Carson City with other representatives from our region. At the same time we in Southern Nevada will be gatheringin a meeting room at the State of Nevada Building room #4401 and it is critically important that we fill this room and overflow it if possible to show the support for this much needed financial assistance from our State.
For those of us that provide services to homeless individuals and families we have long recognized that the seriousdeficit of transitional and affordable housing in Southern Nevada is the number one barrier to getting our clientson the “Road to Success”. We must have transitional housing matched with supportive services and we musthave immediate assistance from all corridors of funding to achieve this goal.
I have read many statements from our major faiths this year that include statements of reaching out and assistingour brothers and sisters that are trapped at or below the line for poverty. Sadly, this housing issue affects all ofus. I cannot tell you how many people I know, including my own adult children that struggle to maintain a quality ofhousing in an economy that has spun out of control. If those of us that are working and have never been homeless cannot afford decent quality housing, how can we imagine that individuals and homeless families can even dream of achieving this goal.
It is my hope that all of you that share this mandate to reach out and help those who cannot help themselves willjoin me on Wednesday morning March 28th and become a visually loud and clear message that the community isasking for our states assistance with passage of Assembly Bill AB-126.
Terry Ruth Lindemann, Executive Director
Family Promise of Las Vegas is a 501-(c)3 non-profit organization. This message is non-partisan in content and intended to request support of important program goals of our agency
Please [see below] for more information about this event and Bill AB-126
JOIN US AT 7 A.M. IN FRONT OF CASHMAN FIELD, ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE GRANT SAWYERBUILDING FOR A BREAKFAST GATHERING. IF POSSIBLE, THE ORGANIZERS FOR THIS BREAKFASTRALLY ASK THAT YOU BRING DONUTS, PASTRIES, JUICE, ETC. FOR SIX HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS.
My Favorite Quote: “WE MUST BE VISABLE PROOF OF OUR CALLING” (Dietrick Bonhoeffer, Lutheran Minister and WWII Advocate for the rescue of our Jewish brothers and sisters from the hands of the Nazi’s)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Talking Points on AB 126, “Homelessness Bill”
Ways and Means Committee Presentation 3-28-07
Nevada has the dubious distinction of leading the nation as the state with the highest percentage of its citizens that are homeless, only Washington D.C. is higher. Nevada’s current population is 2,414,807.
Conservatively, approximately 16,000 people at any given time are homeless in Nevada, although the number of individuals who experience homelessness during a year could be 2-3 times that number. People move in and out of homelessness, with most individuals homeless for short periods of time.
A growing amount of research shows that providing transitional/supportive housing to those experiencing homelessness is effective, and cost effective, approach to breaking the cycle of homelessness and strengthening our communities.
AB 126 proposes that $20 million be appropriated to local governments to fund transitional housing with supportive services for targeted homeless populations throughout the State of Nevada. If approved by the Assembly Ways and Means Committee, the funds would be disbursed over the biennium, at $10 million per year.
What is the Intent of Transitional Housing?
1. Reduce financial and societal costs to the community
2. Reduce load on mainstream service providers while using resources more effectively and efficiently.
3. Do what is morally right.
1. Reduce financial and societal costs to the community.
Currently, in Northern Nevada $14 million is being spent on homelessness, between social services, law enforcement, first responder, medical, and judicial services. The long-term societal costs are extensive (children’s education, individual independence, mental illness, and family stressors). Programs such as Drug Court and Mental Health Court are perfect examples of how Nevada can effectively dealing with pressing social issues.
2. Reduce load on mainstream service providers while using resources more effectively and efficiently.
Currently there are load/capacity problems and resource inefficiency driven by homeless individuals, especial experienced by service providers related to health care, detention facilities, judicial services and housing services. In Northern Nevada, the biggest provider of homelessness services is the Washoe County Sheriff’s Department. The situation is similar in Clark County and the rural areas of Nevada.
Cost of housing in Washoe County’s Detention Facility $81.51/day
Cost of housing in Northern Nevada's ReStart ANCHOR Program $31/day
Cost of housing in a State of Nevada Shelter (including care programs)
$26/day
3. Do what is morally right.
Everyone has a right to housing. The fastest growing segment of those experiencing homelessness are women and families, while the number of homeless youth is increasing. Approximately 14% of the homeless population are veterans. The most common factors leading to homelessness in Northern Nevada are domestic violence, inability to find an affordable house or apartment, unemployment, sudden illness in the family, and unforeseen major expenses, such as medical and car repairs. Approximately 20% of the homeless population is chronically homeless, mostly individuals with substance abuse problems and mental illness.
The Unmet Need of Beds in Nevada
Southern Nevada
Transitional housing beds - 1,382
Permanent-supportive housing beds - 2,589 (240 for families)
Reno, Sparks & Washoe County
Transitional housing beds - 120
Permanent-supportive housing beds - 821 (474 for families)
Rural Areas
Transitional housing beds - 489
Permanent-supportive housing beds - 999 (702 for families)
There is a more effective and resource efficient strategy to solving the issue of homelessness: this is to provide well-designed housing and supportive services for those who experience homelessness.
What Can Be Done?
Call, write, and speak to your State Senate or Assembly representative and show you support for AB 126. Visit www.leg.state.nv.us to find out who your representatives are and their contact information.
Contact members of the Assembly Ways and Means Committee and urge them to support AB 126. Go to www.leg.state.nv.us for a list of the committee members.
Write letters to the editor of your local newspapers.
Write a letter of support for AB 126 and email it to ajmcclure@planevada.org by March 21st. The submissions will be given to the Ways & Means Committee.
Attend the Ways and Means Committee hearing on Wednesday, March 28 at 8am, either in Carson City or by teleconference in Las Vegas. We need large numbers of people to show up in support for this important and much needed legislation. Your participation can make the difference!
If you would like more information
Contact PLAN at (775) 348-7557 or (702) 791-1965
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Out of Iraq Rally March 17 and,
Candlelight vigil March 19
The Las Vegas Out of Iraq Coalition invites you to a patriotic protest against the continued occupation of Iraq on the fourth anniversary of the invasion. We demand that Congress end the occupation and fully fund medical care for all injured veterans.
On Saturday, March 17 we will meet on the plaza in front of the Federal building, 333 S. Las Vegas Blvd., at 2 PM.
This demonstration, in solidarity with gatherings across the nation and a March on the Pentagon, will be the largest yet in Las Vegas.
Bring American and Nevadan flags, make a sign or hold one of ours, and invite your friends. We will have tabling to sign petitions and write letters to our elected officials and provide information about Las Vegas's many progressive organizations.
On Monday, March 19 at 7 PM Vicenta Montoya and Democracy for America will host a Candlelight Interfaith Vigil at the same location to remember and mourn the deceased, the injured and the displaced and to demand a withdrawal from Iraq. Bring your signs, candles and flags. Poets, musicians and artists are especially invited to perform their anti-war statement.
What: Peace Rally, 2 PM Saturday March 17th and Candlelight Vigil 7 PM March 19th
Where: Lloyd George US Courthouse 333 S. Las Vegas Blvd. for both events.
Why: Take a stand and send a message to Congress. Enjoy camaraderie with like-minded souls.
Bring: Signs, flags, snacks water, a chair if you want, and a candle for the Monday vigil.
For more info:
www.lasvegasantiwar.org
lasvegasantiwar@cox.net
or call: 702-241-8578 or 702-526-8445
On Saturday, March 17 we will meet on the plaza in front of the Federal building, 333 S. Las Vegas Blvd., at 2 PM.
This demonstration, in solidarity with gatherings across the nation and a March on the Pentagon, will be the largest yet in Las Vegas.
Bring American and Nevadan flags, make a sign or hold one of ours, and invite your friends. We will have tabling to sign petitions and write letters to our elected officials and provide information about Las Vegas's many progressive organizations.
On Monday, March 19 at 7 PM Vicenta Montoya and Democracy for America will host a Candlelight Interfaith Vigil at the same location to remember and mourn the deceased, the injured and the displaced and to demand a withdrawal from Iraq. Bring your signs, candles and flags. Poets, musicians and artists are especially invited to perform their anti-war statement.
What: Peace Rally, 2 PM Saturday March 17th and Candlelight Vigil 7 PM March 19th
Where: Lloyd George US Courthouse 333 S. Las Vegas Blvd. for both events.
Why: Take a stand and send a message to Congress. Enjoy camaraderie with like-minded souls.
Bring: Signs, flags, snacks water, a chair if you want, and a candle for the Monday vigil.
For more info:
www.lasvegasantiwar.org
lasvegasantiwar@cox.net
or call: 702-241-8578 or 702-526-8445
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Forgotten Voice Newspaper Launched
Forgotten Voice Newspaper Launched
On Sunday, March 4, 2007 the official launch of the Forgotten Voice newspaper was held across the street from Las Vegas City Hall at Frank Wright Plaza.
Forgotten Voice is a street paper in which homeless and formerly homeless people, as well as homeless advocates, write and produce. The mission is to be a voice for homeless people.
The objectives for Forgotten Voice are:
To publish a street newspaper written mainly by homeless people, formerly homeless people, and homeless advocates in order to empower them and give them a voice;
To build and enhance a sense of community and facilitate positive communication between homeless people, homeless advocates, service providers, and the general public;
To build awareness of social services that are available to poor and homeless people, and other such information that would be educational to the homeless population;
To expand and redefine our charitable, educational, and literary program from time to time as necessary to meet the continuing need to empower homeless people.
If you are homeless, formerly homeless, or a homeless advocate, you are encouraged to write and submit an article so that your voice can be heard.
To submit your fiction, journalism, artwork, photography, or poetry please send it to Forgotten Voice 9901 W. Sahara Avenue #1183 Las Vegas, NV 89117.
Or, attach the file electronically via email to Amanda Haymond, President at amanda@forgottenvoice.org, .
Submissions deadline is the 14th of every month.
To view the first issue of Forgotten Voice online, click on the following link:
http://www.forgottenvoice.org/archive/FV_V1_No1.pdf
Visit Forgotten Voice homepage at www.forgottenvoice.org
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Photos taken of the launch of Forgotten Voice March 4, 2007
Photo Credit: Gail Sacco, homeless advocate
As the launch gets started, two Metro bike officers talk with a couple of gentlemen just outside of the Frank Wright Plaza at Fourth and Stewart.
Food Not Bombs and Father Flanagan LTD, homeless advocates
Homeless Advocates and Homeless chatting
William Cole Sr., homeless and strong homeless advocate who has recently received his BA in political science from the University of Nevada Las Vegas. He is currently a graduate student at UNLV, major undecided. William has been written about twice in local newspapers for being homeless and going to college at the same time.
Amanda, President/Treasurer/Founder of Forgotten Voice, and our friend John
Roussan Joshua Collins (Josh), homeless advocate, homeless by choice, street preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ
Linda Lera-Randle El, homeless advocate, founder and executive director of Straight from the Streets talks with Amanda
Homeless and homeless advocates sharing food and building community
More homeless and homeless advocates sharing food and building community
Chatting and resting after lunch
Las Vegas City Hall, where all those unjust ordinances against the homeless and poor are usually unanimously voted on and passed
West side of the now closed Downtown Post Office what Father Joe of Mash Village desperately tried to make into a homeless shelter and social service center. But the city council has voted on a Mob Museum instead.
On Sunday, March 4, 2007 the official launch of the Forgotten Voice newspaper was held across the street from Las Vegas City Hall at Frank Wright Plaza.
Forgotten Voice is a street paper in which homeless and formerly homeless people, as well as homeless advocates, write and produce. The mission is to be a voice for homeless people.
The objectives for Forgotten Voice are:
To publish a street newspaper written mainly by homeless people, formerly homeless people, and homeless advocates in order to empower them and give them a voice;
To build and enhance a sense of community and facilitate positive communication between homeless people, homeless advocates, service providers, and the general public;
To build awareness of social services that are available to poor and homeless people, and other such information that would be educational to the homeless population;
To expand and redefine our charitable, educational, and literary program from time to time as necessary to meet the continuing need to empower homeless people.
If you are homeless, formerly homeless, or a homeless advocate, you are encouraged to write and submit an article so that your voice can be heard.
To submit your fiction, journalism, artwork, photography, or poetry please send it to Forgotten Voice 9901 W. Sahara Avenue #1183 Las Vegas, NV 89117.
Or, attach the file electronically via email to Amanda Haymond, President at amanda@forgottenvoice.org, .
Submissions deadline is the 14th of every month.
To view the first issue of Forgotten Voice online, click on the following link:
http://www.forgottenvoice.org/archive/FV_V1_No1.pdf
Visit Forgotten Voice homepage at www.forgottenvoice.org
Photos taken of the launch of Forgotten Voice March 4, 2007
Photo Credit: Gail Sacco, homeless advocate
As the launch gets started, two Metro bike officers talk with a couple of gentlemen just outside of the Frank Wright Plaza at Fourth and Stewart.
Food Not Bombs and Father Flanagan LTD, homeless advocates
Homeless Advocates and Homeless chatting
William Cole Sr., homeless and strong homeless advocate who has recently received his BA in political science from the University of Nevada Las Vegas. He is currently a graduate student at UNLV, major undecided. William has been written about twice in local newspapers for being homeless and going to college at the same time.
Amanda, President/Treasurer/Founder of Forgotten Voice, and our friend John
Roussan Joshua Collins (Josh), homeless advocate, homeless by choice, street preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ
Linda Lera-Randle El, homeless advocate, founder and executive director of Straight from the Streets talks with Amanda
Homeless and homeless advocates sharing food and building community
More homeless and homeless advocates sharing food and building community
Chatting and resting after lunch
Las Vegas City Hall, where all those unjust ordinances against the homeless and poor are usually unanimously voted on and passed
West side of the now closed Downtown Post Office what Father Joe of Mash Village desperately tried to make into a homeless shelter and social service center. But the city council has voted on a Mob Museum instead.
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