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
Thursday, May 24, 2007
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.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Told to wait, a Marine dies
Comment: I encourage anyone who is ashamed or fed up with the lack of services to get in touch with local support groups and contribute to the cause. Volunteer, donate, and/or get politically involved. Note: We are now seeing Iraq homeless veterans. If our country is going to continue with war after war then we must support our soldiers when they get home!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Told to wait, a Marine dies
VA care in spotlight after Iraq war veteran's suicide
By Charles M. Sennott, Globe Staff | February 11, 2007
...On the morning of Jan. 11, Jonathan, an Iraq war veteran with two Purple Hearts, neatly packed his US Marine Corps duffel bag with his sharply creased clothes, a framed photo of his new baby girl, and a leather-bound Bible and headed out from the family farm for a 75-mile drive to the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in St. Cloud, Minn.
...he confessed to an intake counselor that he was suicidal. He wanted to be admitted to a psychiatric ward.
But, instead, he was told that the clinician who prescreened cases like his was unavailable. Go home and wait for a phone call tomorrow...
When a clinical social worker called the next day, Jonathan, 25, told again of his suicidal thoughts and other symptoms. And then, with his stepmother listening in, he learned that he was 26th on the waiting list for one of the 12 beds in the center's ward for post-traumatic stress disorder sufferers.
Four days later, on Jan. 16, he wrapped a household extension cord around his neck, tied it to a beam in the basement, and hanged himself.
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2007/02/11/told_to_wait_a_marine_dies/
"What we need is more public awareness and more of the public doing things to help veterans," said Perna. "If you see veteran housing, go in and give them a donation. Give them clothing. Help them yourself. The politicians are not going to do it. The VA is not going to do it. We have to do it ourselves."
http://lasvegascitylife.com/articles/2007/02/15/news/local_news/iq_12571578.txt
"There will be 200,000 veterans tomorrow who are homeless and 200,000 the next night. They are homeless largely because they served their country in time of war."
Fulkerson said homeless veterans suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, mental illness and substance abuse. About half are Vietnam veterans.
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2007/Feb-19-Mon-2007/news/12680977.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Told to wait, a Marine dies
VA care in spotlight after Iraq war veteran's suicide
By Charles M. Sennott, Globe Staff | February 11, 2007
...On the morning of Jan. 11, Jonathan, an Iraq war veteran with two Purple Hearts, neatly packed his US Marine Corps duffel bag with his sharply creased clothes, a framed photo of his new baby girl, and a leather-bound Bible and headed out from the family farm for a 75-mile drive to the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in St. Cloud, Minn.
...he confessed to an intake counselor that he was suicidal. He wanted to be admitted to a psychiatric ward.
But, instead, he was told that the clinician who prescreened cases like his was unavailable. Go home and wait for a phone call tomorrow...
When a clinical social worker called the next day, Jonathan, 25, told again of his suicidal thoughts and other symptoms. And then, with his stepmother listening in, he learned that he was 26th on the waiting list for one of the 12 beds in the center's ward for post-traumatic stress disorder sufferers.
Four days later, on Jan. 16, he wrapped a household extension cord around his neck, tied it to a beam in the basement, and hanged himself.
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2007/02/11/told_to_wait_a_marine_dies/
"What we need is more public awareness and more of the public doing things to help veterans," said Perna. "If you see veteran housing, go in and give them a donation. Give them clothing. Help them yourself. The politicians are not going to do it. The VA is not going to do it. We have to do it ourselves."
http://lasvegascitylife.com/articles/2007/02/15/news/local_news/iq_12571578.txt
"There will be 200,000 veterans tomorrow who are homeless and 200,000 the next night. They are homeless largely because they served their country in time of war."
Fulkerson said homeless veterans suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, mental illness and substance abuse. About half are Vietnam veterans.
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2007/Feb-19-Mon-2007/news/12680977.html
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Blind Abused in the Name of Employment Training
by Bill Meinecke and Cheree Heppe
Blind Abused in the Name of Employment Training
by Bill Meinecke and Cheree Heppe
Note: The authors have never met, but felt compelled to relate their experiences as a warning to others. Many blind people do not speak out publicly due to subtle threats that the weight of IRS, Social Security and rehab agencies will be used in a retaliatory manner.
Bill Meinecke
I am currently employed. However, about three years ago a friend suggested I investigate the IRS Program at Lions World Services for the Blind, Little Rock, Arkansas. I heard extremely disturbing reports about LWSB over the years but chalked it up to people’s negative opinions. I looked LWSB up on the Internet, found them and contacted the organization to inquire about the program. I spoke with Sherrill Wilson who ran the IRS program. She mentioned that one work site I could relocate to would be in Brookhaven, New York. I grew up on Long Island and hoped to return to my home.
The Virginia Services for the Blind insisted I not go in to IRS collections because they claimed I did not have the right personality. They told me that I would be happier in the Taxpayer Service Representative Program. I could not argue as they paid my way and it would be their way or no way. Blind Rehab claimed a track record of thirty years' experience rehabilitating blind consumers through this Little Rock program.
Blind participants must stay in Little Rock for five months to complete training. I planned to get an apartment but LWSB staff told me I must live on site in its dorm, eating its food, with no explanation given.
Although I enrolled in the IRS program in August, 2004, I first had to take a month of precursory courses in areas I had long experience with, including Braille and orientation and mobility. Part of the months' evaluation required training in LWSB's Tec Lab where I experienced some difficulty with the computer. I read their home grown manual, worked hard learning what they wanted us to know and got through it, however, the month's training failed to adequately prepare me for practical computer use during class. To my complaints about on going computer and equipment trouble, staff said I was not taking care of the computer properly and did not have good computer skills.
I use a Braille note taker very fluently. Staff refused to permit my use of my Braille Note in the IRS class. This denied me a means of note taking in classes packed with essential detail. Four months later, in the last week I attended class, LWSB policy flip- flopped to permit note takers. But, for me, the damage had already been done.
In November, 2004, two blind students undergoing IRS training died within four days of each other. The first blind student died of sleep apnea, staff said. The second blind student committed suicide, but staff called it a heart attack when casually informing assembled trainees during a meeting in LWSB's auditorium. I learned the actual cause of death from friends in the lions club who contacted the District Governor in Arkansas.
I found LWSB's facility to be dirty with poor quality food. Because my dog guide would sometimes lie on my bed to get some sunlight, this made staff crazy and housing staff summoned me from class about it one day. Another time I wanted to go out by myself to do some shopping and get a bite to eat. Staff pitched a fit and I got to go only after arranging to take someone else with me. Another time I stayed in a hotel because of flying out early the next morning, but staff railed that this was against LWSB rules. Once I left and got my Seeing Eye dog groomed, the groomer told me she found rodent feces on my Seeing Eye Dog's coat.
Although I maintained an 85 average throughout the course, Bruce assured me my scores did not place me high enough. Bruce, the designated IRS Instructor, talked down to blind classmates repeatedly throughout, saying things like: if you don’t want to be in the program, you can leave now and kept talking about people who failed the program. I think Bruce knew there were not enough Schedule A jobs to go around and he needed to weed out class members.
The class computer I used always exhibited problems. It would lock up and I would lose my work. Other students who used The Braille Star found their unit positioned under the PC keyboard within fast, easy reach. I found my Braille Star positioned off to the side of my desk. Trainees could not re-position equipment at all, leaving this simple duty to staff. I mentioned the awkward placement of my equipment to the IRS class instructor numerous times. Bruce always responded that he would take care of it, but the position of my Braille display never shifted. When one of my blind classmates asked the Accounts Instructor, Fern, how he could help me, Fern chilled this student from offering me help.
The last month's accounts section proved overwhelming for me. Denied a means of note taking, staff told me that I was not learning the material fast enough for them. Things culminated with a conference call to Lee Gurlanda, the blind person at IRS in charge of the Blind Program, LWSB staff and my Virginia State Rehabilitation Counselor. LWSB staff told me that at the rate things were going I would be fired anyway working for IRS and that I was not where I should be in the course. Faced with the projected threat of being fired once hired by IRS, I felt under extreme pressure and decided to withdraw from the program.
The blind have a huge struggle finding work without the added obstacle of an institutional sink hole such as Lions World Services for the Blind. How do funders and cognoscente parties justify the poor outcomes, sufferings, abuse, deaths and failures of blind trainees enough to keep such an institution open?
Cheree Heppe
Blind and looking for work? Any experienced blind job holder knows not all employment opportunities are created equal. The blind face an extremely uneven playing field, discrimination and major impediments, most surprisingly exacerbated by agencies set up specifically to empower and equip blind consumers for competitive employment.
Since college graduation with a B.S. in zoology, my employment history represents rich and varied professional experience. I currently hold a position as a grant writer with a local firm. I secured this position myself, but in June, 2006, I was unemployed. I sought funding from Nevada Services for the Blind and travelled to Little Rock, Arkansas to undertake training at Lions World Services for the Blind. All indicators pointed toward my success. LWSB began training blind candidates for IRS employment in 1967 and holds out competitive Federal employment as the attractive outcome to completion of IRS training.
Based on what I saw and experienced, I cannot recommend that Lions World Services for the Blind gain access to vulnerable blind populations. LWSB exists in one of the most impoverished, down trodden areas in the United States and may be using the blind as cash cows to draw funding. Lions World services for the Blind manipulates blind trainees and offers a destructive, institutionalizing setting with very chancy likelihood of getting actual work, all the while claiming a superior record of employment placement for the blind based on the few who get through. Further, LWSB may introduce false, damaging, professional seeming material into blind consumer's blindness rehab files which may have a prejudicial impact on willingness of state blindness services to go forward with assisting the affected blind consumer.
LWSB insists that it alone must conduct month long, in house, evaluations of potential blind candidates for IRS training. While LWSB "evaluation" drags on, state blindness services, Lions clubs and private donors receive pleas, solicitations and bills for LWSB's unique brand of blindness training. Under Federal Schedule A, disabled must accept a two year probation before being offered permanent employment while non-disabled undergo six months probation before being offered permanent Federal employment. The IRS pays LWSB to conduct initial evaluation and training as IRS's gateway through which blind people may enter full time employment under Schedule A.
The first few weeks' meandering class time at LWSB consisted of folding money and dialing a phone, rudimentary basics which could have been evaluated in a day.
Assistive technology forms the bulwark of tools now used by blind people to do many jobs, including IRS work. LWSB assistive technology review process is structured to exclusively support the JAWS screen reader through MS Windows. I use the Window-Eyes screen reader but needed to learn the JAWS screen reader for IRS work, even though Window-eyes seems to function with IRS interfaces. Initially, I was told tech tests would be open book, then, the afternoon prior to my IRS interview, Tech Lab personnel unexpectedly administered my final test -- from memory. Tech lab staff accelerated my tech training when they realized their languorous pace would fail to meet the completion deadline prior to the IRS employment interview. However, I had not completed the manual Jan Lynch, the lab manager authored and had zero exposure to Braille Star. I would not have enough time to finish LWSB's confusing tech training manual and successfully solidify my JAWS and Braille Star knowledge, as IRS class work began in three days.
Trainees told me that Jaws in combination with Braille Star barely allows a totally blind person to do the IRS job and that no one is hastening to explore other technologies or ways to improve access. The barriers are used, I was told, to safely eliminate blind candidates because there aren't enough Schedule A positions available for the number of blind undertaking IRS training at LWSB.
Most blind consumers who do not finish at LWSB appear to be minorities, dog guide owners or those with no usable vision. During my month's stay at LWSB, five or six blind people left. Days prior to class completion and IRS training, one totally blind African-American man and North Little Rock resident, got dismissed because LWSB staff claimed this long time musician spoke indistinctly and would be poorly understood by customers during IRS telephone consultations.
LWSB staff seem to keep lists of everything trainees do and to classify All sorts of seemingly ordinary doings as infractions with deep psychological overtones. I needed to run essential errands on a Saturday on what I imagined to be my own time following a recreation outing. I found out, ex post facto, in an impromptu, unfriendly meeting with staff members Ms. Jeannie Bates, Director of Vocational Services and Jerry Leach, an LWSB Counselor that the LWSB recreation program is actually a means for LWSB staff to observe and document trainees' social interactions, not simply a means of having an outing and good time. One LWSB recreation outing took the blind to Pinnacle Mountain near Little Rock on what we understood to be a day hike requiring no special equipment or training. In fact, this hike was an intermediate to advanced hike for which almost none of us were prepared. One terrified, totally blind cane using woman was guided up this mountain by one of the partially sighted male trainees at the insistence of LWSB's sighted recreation director. A retarded blind teenager on crutches could not participate at all and had to sit at the staging area the entire day. My dog guide very sensibly turned around once the climb became all boulders and loose rocks. Coming down, I fell and injured myself and my dog. The makeshift hiking staff I used, a rough branch, injured my hand which could be seen in the FBI fingerprints taken for the IRS.
I left LWSB the day my IRS interview was to take place due to inside staff information that LWSB staff circulated unfavorable commentary to IRS interviewers to sabotage my prospects of getting an IRS placement.
by Bill Meinecke and Cheree Heppe
Note: The authors have never met, but felt compelled to relate their experiences as a warning to others. Many blind people do not speak out publicly due to subtle threats that the weight of IRS, Social Security and rehab agencies will be used in a retaliatory manner.
Bill Meinecke
I am currently employed. However, about three years ago a friend suggested I investigate the IRS Program at Lions World Services for the Blind, Little Rock, Arkansas. I heard extremely disturbing reports about LWSB over the years but chalked it up to people’s negative opinions. I looked LWSB up on the Internet, found them and contacted the organization to inquire about the program. I spoke with Sherrill Wilson who ran the IRS program. She mentioned that one work site I could relocate to would be in Brookhaven, New York. I grew up on Long Island and hoped to return to my home.
The Virginia Services for the Blind insisted I not go in to IRS collections because they claimed I did not have the right personality. They told me that I would be happier in the Taxpayer Service Representative Program. I could not argue as they paid my way and it would be their way or no way. Blind Rehab claimed a track record of thirty years' experience rehabilitating blind consumers through this Little Rock program.
Blind participants must stay in Little Rock for five months to complete training. I planned to get an apartment but LWSB staff told me I must live on site in its dorm, eating its food, with no explanation given.
Although I enrolled in the IRS program in August, 2004, I first had to take a month of precursory courses in areas I had long experience with, including Braille and orientation and mobility. Part of the months' evaluation required training in LWSB's Tec Lab where I experienced some difficulty with the computer. I read their home grown manual, worked hard learning what they wanted us to know and got through it, however, the month's training failed to adequately prepare me for practical computer use during class. To my complaints about on going computer and equipment trouble, staff said I was not taking care of the computer properly and did not have good computer skills.
I use a Braille note taker very fluently. Staff refused to permit my use of my Braille Note in the IRS class. This denied me a means of note taking in classes packed with essential detail. Four months later, in the last week I attended class, LWSB policy flip- flopped to permit note takers. But, for me, the damage had already been done.
In November, 2004, two blind students undergoing IRS training died within four days of each other. The first blind student died of sleep apnea, staff said. The second blind student committed suicide, but staff called it a heart attack when casually informing assembled trainees during a meeting in LWSB's auditorium. I learned the actual cause of death from friends in the lions club who contacted the District Governor in Arkansas.
I found LWSB's facility to be dirty with poor quality food. Because my dog guide would sometimes lie on my bed to get some sunlight, this made staff crazy and housing staff summoned me from class about it one day. Another time I wanted to go out by myself to do some shopping and get a bite to eat. Staff pitched a fit and I got to go only after arranging to take someone else with me. Another time I stayed in a hotel because of flying out early the next morning, but staff railed that this was against LWSB rules. Once I left and got my Seeing Eye dog groomed, the groomer told me she found rodent feces on my Seeing Eye Dog's coat.
Although I maintained an 85 average throughout the course, Bruce assured me my scores did not place me high enough. Bruce, the designated IRS Instructor, talked down to blind classmates repeatedly throughout, saying things like: if you don’t want to be in the program, you can leave now and kept talking about people who failed the program. I think Bruce knew there were not enough Schedule A jobs to go around and he needed to weed out class members.
The class computer I used always exhibited problems. It would lock up and I would lose my work. Other students who used The Braille Star found their unit positioned under the PC keyboard within fast, easy reach. I found my Braille Star positioned off to the side of my desk. Trainees could not re-position equipment at all, leaving this simple duty to staff. I mentioned the awkward placement of my equipment to the IRS class instructor numerous times. Bruce always responded that he would take care of it, but the position of my Braille display never shifted. When one of my blind classmates asked the Accounts Instructor, Fern, how he could help me, Fern chilled this student from offering me help.
The last month's accounts section proved overwhelming for me. Denied a means of note taking, staff told me that I was not learning the material fast enough for them. Things culminated with a conference call to Lee Gurlanda, the blind person at IRS in charge of the Blind Program, LWSB staff and my Virginia State Rehabilitation Counselor. LWSB staff told me that at the rate things were going I would be fired anyway working for IRS and that I was not where I should be in the course. Faced with the projected threat of being fired once hired by IRS, I felt under extreme pressure and decided to withdraw from the program.
The blind have a huge struggle finding work without the added obstacle of an institutional sink hole such as Lions World Services for the Blind. How do funders and cognoscente parties justify the poor outcomes, sufferings, abuse, deaths and failures of blind trainees enough to keep such an institution open?
Cheree Heppe
Blind and looking for work? Any experienced blind job holder knows not all employment opportunities are created equal. The blind face an extremely uneven playing field, discrimination and major impediments, most surprisingly exacerbated by agencies set up specifically to empower and equip blind consumers for competitive employment.
Since college graduation with a B.S. in zoology, my employment history represents rich and varied professional experience. I currently hold a position as a grant writer with a local firm. I secured this position myself, but in June, 2006, I was unemployed. I sought funding from Nevada Services for the Blind and travelled to Little Rock, Arkansas to undertake training at Lions World Services for the Blind. All indicators pointed toward my success. LWSB began training blind candidates for IRS employment in 1967 and holds out competitive Federal employment as the attractive outcome to completion of IRS training.
Based on what I saw and experienced, I cannot recommend that Lions World Services for the Blind gain access to vulnerable blind populations. LWSB exists in one of the most impoverished, down trodden areas in the United States and may be using the blind as cash cows to draw funding. Lions World services for the Blind manipulates blind trainees and offers a destructive, institutionalizing setting with very chancy likelihood of getting actual work, all the while claiming a superior record of employment placement for the blind based on the few who get through. Further, LWSB may introduce false, damaging, professional seeming material into blind consumer's blindness rehab files which may have a prejudicial impact on willingness of state blindness services to go forward with assisting the affected blind consumer.
LWSB insists that it alone must conduct month long, in house, evaluations of potential blind candidates for IRS training. While LWSB "evaluation" drags on, state blindness services, Lions clubs and private donors receive pleas, solicitations and bills for LWSB's unique brand of blindness training. Under Federal Schedule A, disabled must accept a two year probation before being offered permanent employment while non-disabled undergo six months probation before being offered permanent Federal employment. The IRS pays LWSB to conduct initial evaluation and training as IRS's gateway through which blind people may enter full time employment under Schedule A.
The first few weeks' meandering class time at LWSB consisted of folding money and dialing a phone, rudimentary basics which could have been evaluated in a day.
Assistive technology forms the bulwark of tools now used by blind people to do many jobs, including IRS work. LWSB assistive technology review process is structured to exclusively support the JAWS screen reader through MS Windows. I use the Window-Eyes screen reader but needed to learn the JAWS screen reader for IRS work, even though Window-eyes seems to function with IRS interfaces. Initially, I was told tech tests would be open book, then, the afternoon prior to my IRS interview, Tech Lab personnel unexpectedly administered my final test -- from memory. Tech lab staff accelerated my tech training when they realized their languorous pace would fail to meet the completion deadline prior to the IRS employment interview. However, I had not completed the manual Jan Lynch, the lab manager authored and had zero exposure to Braille Star. I would not have enough time to finish LWSB's confusing tech training manual and successfully solidify my JAWS and Braille Star knowledge, as IRS class work began in three days.
Trainees told me that Jaws in combination with Braille Star barely allows a totally blind person to do the IRS job and that no one is hastening to explore other technologies or ways to improve access. The barriers are used, I was told, to safely eliminate blind candidates because there aren't enough Schedule A positions available for the number of blind undertaking IRS training at LWSB.
Most blind consumers who do not finish at LWSB appear to be minorities, dog guide owners or those with no usable vision. During my month's stay at LWSB, five or six blind people left. Days prior to class completion and IRS training, one totally blind African-American man and North Little Rock resident, got dismissed because LWSB staff claimed this long time musician spoke indistinctly and would be poorly understood by customers during IRS telephone consultations.
LWSB staff seem to keep lists of everything trainees do and to classify All sorts of seemingly ordinary doings as infractions with deep psychological overtones. I needed to run essential errands on a Saturday on what I imagined to be my own time following a recreation outing. I found out, ex post facto, in an impromptu, unfriendly meeting with staff members Ms. Jeannie Bates, Director of Vocational Services and Jerry Leach, an LWSB Counselor that the LWSB recreation program is actually a means for LWSB staff to observe and document trainees' social interactions, not simply a means of having an outing and good time. One LWSB recreation outing took the blind to Pinnacle Mountain near Little Rock on what we understood to be a day hike requiring no special equipment or training. In fact, this hike was an intermediate to advanced hike for which almost none of us were prepared. One terrified, totally blind cane using woman was guided up this mountain by one of the partially sighted male trainees at the insistence of LWSB's sighted recreation director. A retarded blind teenager on crutches could not participate at all and had to sit at the staging area the entire day. My dog guide very sensibly turned around once the climb became all boulders and loose rocks. Coming down, I fell and injured myself and my dog. The makeshift hiking staff I used, a rough branch, injured my hand which could be seen in the FBI fingerprints taken for the IRS.
I left LWSB the day my IRS interview was to take place due to inside staff information that LWSB staff circulated unfavorable commentary to IRS interviewers to sabotage my prospects of getting an IRS placement.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Local Activist Joe Sacco Enters City Council Race
http://votejoesacco.com
Local Activist Joe Sacco Enters City Council Race
On Monday, January 29, Joe Sacco officially announced his candidacy for Las Vegas City Council, Ward 3. Spurred by the recent closure of his neighborhood park (Huntridge Circle Park) and dismissal by his elected officials, Mr. Sacco hopes to restore hospitality and accountability to the City Council.
“This is the culmination of a very frustrating and disheartening situation,” Sacco stated. “I have repeatedly been ignored by Mr. Reese, my local councilperson, and feel it is my duty as a responsible citizen in Ward 3 to make sure this does not continue. As Ward 3’s next councilperson, I pledge that every citizen in my ward will have their voice heard.”
The main plank of the Sacco campaign’s platform is social justice. Homelessness, police abuse and harassment, and equality across the board are issues that must be addressed. Standing for a united Ward 3, Mr. Sacco plans extensive outreach campaigns to allow Hispanic and other underrepresented populations a chance to participate in the future of their community.
Other points of the Sacco campaign include the preservation of historic neighborhoods, affordable housing, and property rights - particularly opposition to the misuse of eminent domain laws.
Off to an immediate start, the Sacco campaign is calling for a series of debates against incumbent Gary Reese, in addition to an old-fashioned town-hall meeting to introduce Joe Sacco to the residents of Ward 3.
Media Contact:
Charles Imboden
Campaign Manager
cimboden@votejoesacco.com
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Las Vegas Anti-War Rally In Solidarity
with January 27, 2007 March on Washington
United for Peace and Justice (1500 organizations) is teaming with over 500 additional groups to march on Congress to insist the U.S. get out of Iraq. Massive numbers are expected to rally and march around the Capital on January 27th at the start of a 3-day event.
This is a call for participation in an anti-war rally Saturday, January 27, 2007 at 1 pm in front of the Federal Building at 333 So. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, Nevada.
Nevada Workers Against the War will be joining with members of several progressive organizations including MoveOn and Democracy For America.
This march will coincide with a massive demonstration in Washington D.C., and other actions around the country.
There will be signs available, or you can make your own. Everyone is strongly encouraged to bring American flags, as we are exercising our great American right to publicly protest the stupidity of our elected officials. As usual, we will express our intention to support our troops by bringing them home.
For those who don't know, the Federal Building, officially known as the Lloyd George Federal Courthouse, is the huge modern building at 333 So. Las Vegas Blvd. just a few blocks south of Fremont Street.
Though the Federal building has no public parking, there is a City of Las Vegas public parking lot just south of the building, across Clark Street. It has parking meters that charge $1.00 per hour Mon.-Sat., so bring some quarters if you park there. The surrounding side streets also have a lot of parking meters, but most of them are not in use on Saturday. (Some are, so check.) Also, the Fremont Street Experience parking garage is up the street with ample parking for $1.00 per half-hour. Also, the Strip bus (the Deuce) passes by the Courthouse, and the 105 and 108 busses have stops within walking distance.
Bush has chosen to ignore the will of the people by calling for an escalation of the war in Iraq with threats of expanding the war to Iran and Syria. Las Vegas needs to be part of January 27th showing of people power. This war will never end until the people show threw massive and frequent demonstrations that the president cannot ignore what the people say. We cannot sit by while our GI's are called on to sacrifice for an illegal occupation and lost cause and tens of thousands of Iraqi's sufferings from a foreign occupation and the civil war it has caused.
STOP THE WAR NOW
NO ESCALATION
NO SABRE RATTLING
www.lasvegasantiwar.org
http://lasvegas.staughton.indypgh.org/news/2007/01/6500.php
This is a call for participation in an anti-war rally Saturday, January 27, 2007 at 1 pm in front of the Federal Building at 333 So. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, Nevada.
Nevada Workers Against the War will be joining with members of several progressive organizations including MoveOn and Democracy For America.
This march will coincide with a massive demonstration in Washington D.C., and other actions around the country.
There will be signs available, or you can make your own. Everyone is strongly encouraged to bring American flags, as we are exercising our great American right to publicly protest the stupidity of our elected officials. As usual, we will express our intention to support our troops by bringing them home.
For those who don't know, the Federal Building, officially known as the Lloyd George Federal Courthouse, is the huge modern building at 333 So. Las Vegas Blvd. just a few blocks south of Fremont Street.
Though the Federal building has no public parking, there is a City of Las Vegas public parking lot just south of the building, across Clark Street. It has parking meters that charge $1.00 per hour Mon.-Sat., so bring some quarters if you park there. The surrounding side streets also have a lot of parking meters, but most of them are not in use on Saturday. (Some are, so check.) Also, the Fremont Street Experience parking garage is up the street with ample parking for $1.00 per half-hour. Also, the Strip bus (the Deuce) passes by the Courthouse, and the 105 and 108 busses have stops within walking distance.
Bush has chosen to ignore the will of the people by calling for an escalation of the war in Iraq with threats of expanding the war to Iran and Syria. Las Vegas needs to be part of January 27th showing of people power. This war will never end until the people show threw massive and frequent demonstrations that the president cannot ignore what the people say. We cannot sit by while our GI's are called on to sacrifice for an illegal occupation and lost cause and tens of thousands of Iraqi's sufferings from a foreign occupation and the civil war it has caused.
NO ESCALATION
NO SABRE RATTLING
www.lasvegasantiwar.org
http://lasvegas.staughton.indypgh.org/news/2007/01/6500.php
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Amendment Protects Grassroots Organizing
Click here to listen to the audio of Senator Bennett's floor statement to strike section 220-The Disclosure of Paid Efforts to Stimulate Grassroots Lobbying- from the bill.
http://src.senate.gov/public/_files/radio/bennettlobbying01_17_07.mp3
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Thanks to the efforts of Feminists for Life members and others, the Senate voted 55-43 to pass the amendment offered by Senator Robert Bennett. This amendment protects grassroots organizing within the Senate’s version of the Lobbying and Ethics Reform Bill (S.1).
The passed amendment strikes Section 220 of the bill, which would have for the first time restricted and regulated paid efforts to stimulate "grassroots lobbying."
Grassroots lobbying was defined as the "voluntary efforts of members of the general public to communicate their own views on an issue to Federal officials or to encourage other members of the general public to do the same."
We thank FFL activists who contacted their senators in support of the Bennett amendment so that we may continue to be a vital voice for women and children.
Because women deserve better, Serrin M. Foster, President
Feminists for Life of America www.feministsforlife.org
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
January 19, 2007, 8:31 AM PST
The U.S. Senate has rejected a proposal that may have required some political bloggers to register as lobbyists or face prison time.
By Anne Broache
Staff Writer, CNET News.com
By a 55-43 http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=110&session=1&vote=00017 vote on Thursday evening, the senators approved an amendment that dropped a controversial section dictating such regulations from a massive piece of federal lobbying legislation.
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d110:s.00001:
Seven Democrats joined 48 Republicans voting in favor of the amendment, which was proposed by Sen. Bob Bennett (R-Utah). http://bennett.senate.gov/ No Republicans voted against the measure.
http://news.com.com/Lobby+bill+spares+political+bloggers/2100-1028_3-6151519.html?tag=st.txt.caro
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
January 18, 2007
The Hill, The Newspaper for and about the U.S. Congress
McCain does about-face on grassroots reform bill
By Alexander Bolton
Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) has told conservative activists that he will vote to strip a key provision on grassroots lobbying from the reform package he previously supported.
The provision would require grassroots organizations to report on their fundraising activities and is strongly opposed by groups such as the National Right to Life Committee, Gun Owners of America, and the American Civil Liberties Union.
...“Under Section 220, anyone who is paid anything by an organization that spends any money at all to encourage more than 500 members of the general public to communicate with members of Congress, if he or she also has contacted congressional offices directly as few as two times, and has spent as little as 20 percent of his or her time on such direct lobbying and grassroots-motivating activities, would be required to register with Congress as a ‘lobbyist’ and file detailed quarterly reports,” wrote [Douglas]Johnson [director of legislative affairs for the National Right to Life Committee] in a letter to Senate offices, adding, “If enacted, it will disrupt the constitutionally protected activities of thousands of issue-oriented citizen groups from coast to coast. …”
http://www.hillnews.com/thehill/export/TheHill/News/Frontpage/011807/mccain.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Wednesday January 17, 2007 Highland, California
Highland Community News, WEB EDITION
Traditional Values Coalition opposes lobby bill
“The Traditional Values Coalition is deeply concerned about the grassroots lobbying requirements in Section 220 of S.1, Legislative Transparency and Accountability Act,” said TVC Chairman Rev. Louis P. Sheldon today. “Section 220 is a direct assault on the First Amendment and the right of citizens to freely petition their government for a redress of grievances!
http://www.highlandnews.net/articles/2007/01/17/opinion/06values.txt
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jan 17, 2007 at 07:22 PM ET
Political Bloggers Could Be Required To Register Or Face Jail Time
By Mitch Wagner
"Section 220 of S. 1, the lobbying reform bill currently before the Senate, would require grassroots causes, even bloggers, who communicate to 500 or more members of the public on policy matters, to register and report quarterly to Congress the same as the big K Street lobbyists. Section 220 would amend existing lobbying reporting law by creating the most expansive intrusion on First Amendment rights ever. For the first time in history, critics of Congress will need to register and report with Congress itself," according to a statement from GrassRootsFreedom.com
http://www.informationweek.com/blog/main/archives/2007/01/political_blogg.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
January 17, 2007
The Chattanoogan.com
Alexander Co-Sponsors Amendment To Preserve Citizens
Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN) announced Wednesday that he has co-sponsored an amendment by Senator Bob Bennett (R-UT) to preserve the rights of groups and citizens to petition the U.S. government.
“Thomas Paine, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Martin Luther King Jr. and countless others have rallied like-minded Americans to their causes. Our nation is better for it,” said Senator Alexander. “I will oppose any language that could hinder the next generation of civic leaders from encouraging Americans to petition their government and improve our nation.”
The Bennett amendment would strike Section 220 of the ethics bill now under consideration by the Senate. That section, if left intact, would require burdensome and expensive filing and reporting requirements for grassroots organizations that encourage their members to contact government representatives. This could discourage membership organizations from playing an active role in the democratic process, infringing on their members’ First Amendment rights.
http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_99943.asp
S.1
Title: A bill to provide greater transparency in the legislative process.
Sponsor: Sen Reid, Harry [NV] (introduced 1/4/2007) Cosponsors (17)
Latest Major Action: 1/18/2007 Passed/agreed to in Senate. Status: Passed Senate with an amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 96 - 2. Record Vote Number: 19.
http://src.senate.gov/public/_files/radio/bennettlobbying01_17_07.mp3
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Thanks to the efforts of Feminists for Life members and others, the Senate voted 55-43 to pass the amendment offered by Senator Robert Bennett. This amendment protects grassroots organizing within the Senate’s version of the Lobbying and Ethics Reform Bill (S.1).
The passed amendment strikes Section 220 of the bill, which would have for the first time restricted and regulated paid efforts to stimulate "grassroots lobbying."
Grassroots lobbying was defined as the "voluntary efforts of members of the general public to communicate their own views on an issue to Federal officials or to encourage other members of the general public to do the same."
We thank FFL activists who contacted their senators in support of the Bennett amendment so that we may continue to be a vital voice for women and children.
Because women deserve better, Serrin M. Foster, President
Feminists for Life of America www.feministsforlife.org
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
January 19, 2007, 8:31 AM PST
The U.S. Senate has rejected a proposal that may have required some political bloggers to register as lobbyists or face prison time.
By Anne Broache
Staff Writer, CNET News.com
By a 55-43 http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=110&session=1&vote=00017 vote on Thursday evening, the senators approved an amendment that dropped a controversial section dictating such regulations from a massive piece of federal lobbying legislation.
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d110:s.00001:
Seven Democrats joined 48 Republicans voting in favor of the amendment, which was proposed by Sen. Bob Bennett (R-Utah). http://bennett.senate.gov/ No Republicans voted against the measure.
http://news.com.com/Lobby+bill+spares+political+bloggers/2100-1028_3-6151519.html?tag=st.txt.caro
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
January 18, 2007
The Hill, The Newspaper for and about the U.S. Congress
McCain does about-face on grassroots reform bill
By Alexander Bolton
Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) has told conservative activists that he will vote to strip a key provision on grassroots lobbying from the reform package he previously supported.
The provision would require grassroots organizations to report on their fundraising activities and is strongly opposed by groups such as the National Right to Life Committee, Gun Owners of America, and the American Civil Liberties Union.
...“Under Section 220, anyone who is paid anything by an organization that spends any money at all to encourage more than 500 members of the general public to communicate with members of Congress, if he or she also has contacted congressional offices directly as few as two times, and has spent as little as 20 percent of his or her time on such direct lobbying and grassroots-motivating activities, would be required to register with Congress as a ‘lobbyist’ and file detailed quarterly reports,” wrote [Douglas]Johnson [director of legislative affairs for the National Right to Life Committee] in a letter to Senate offices, adding, “If enacted, it will disrupt the constitutionally protected activities of thousands of issue-oriented citizen groups from coast to coast. …”
http://www.hillnews.com/thehill/export/TheHill/News/Frontpage/011807/mccain.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Wednesday January 17, 2007 Highland, California
Highland Community News, WEB EDITION
Traditional Values Coalition opposes lobby bill
“The Traditional Values Coalition is deeply concerned about the grassroots lobbying requirements in Section 220 of S.1, Legislative Transparency and Accountability Act,” said TVC Chairman Rev. Louis P. Sheldon today. “Section 220 is a direct assault on the First Amendment and the right of citizens to freely petition their government for a redress of grievances!
http://www.highlandnews.net/articles/2007/01/17/opinion/06values.txt
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jan 17, 2007 at 07:22 PM ET
Political Bloggers Could Be Required To Register Or Face Jail Time
By Mitch Wagner
"Section 220 of S. 1, the lobbying reform bill currently before the Senate, would require grassroots causes, even bloggers, who communicate to 500 or more members of the public on policy matters, to register and report quarterly to Congress the same as the big K Street lobbyists. Section 220 would amend existing lobbying reporting law by creating the most expansive intrusion on First Amendment rights ever. For the first time in history, critics of Congress will need to register and report with Congress itself," according to a statement from GrassRootsFreedom.com
http://www.informationweek.com/blog/main/archives/2007/01/political_blogg.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
January 17, 2007
The Chattanoogan.com
Alexander Co-Sponsors Amendment To Preserve Citizens
Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN) announced Wednesday that he has co-sponsored an amendment by Senator Bob Bennett (R-UT) to preserve the rights of groups and citizens to petition the U.S. government.
“Thomas Paine, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Martin Luther King Jr. and countless others have rallied like-minded Americans to their causes. Our nation is better for it,” said Senator Alexander. “I will oppose any language that could hinder the next generation of civic leaders from encouraging Americans to petition their government and improve our nation.”
The Bennett amendment would strike Section 220 of the ethics bill now under consideration by the Senate. That section, if left intact, would require burdensome and expensive filing and reporting requirements for grassroots organizations that encourage their members to contact government representatives. This could discourage membership organizations from playing an active role in the democratic process, infringing on their members’ First Amendment rights.
http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_99943.asp
S.1
Title: A bill to provide greater transparency in the legislative process.
Sponsor: Sen Reid, Harry [NV] (introduced 1/4/2007) Cosponsors (17)
Latest Major Action: 1/18/2007 Passed/agreed to in Senate. Status: Passed Senate with an amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 96 - 2. Record Vote Number: 19.
Saturday, January 06, 2007
- Stop Divine Strake 2007 -
Did you know that fallout is present everywhere in our living environment?
A U.S. government study, ordered by Congress in 1998 and released in 2002 stated: "Any person living in the contiguous United States since 1951 has been exposed to radioactive fallout and all organs and tissues of the body have received some radiation exposure."
For more: read 'Life in a Nuclear World'
http://www.stopdivinestrake.com/index2.html
- Stop Divine Strake 2007 -
Here We Go, Again!
The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) has again announced plans to detonate a 700-pound test at the Nevada Test Site: Divine Strake Part II.
The DTRA completed a revised Environmental Assessment (EA)
http://www.nv.doe.gov/library/publications/environmental.aspx in the middle of the holiday season and are ready to "drop the bomb." This revised assesment ignores Governor Guinn's request for a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and the valid concerns many people have regarding the safety of the test.
We want to stop this test - because it will kick-up radioactive fallout from the Test Site floor, because it will help to develop a nuclear bunker-buster that will support more warmaking, and because it violates Western Shoshone
http://www.shundahai.org/divinestrakecomments.htm land rights.
The DTRA is holding "open houses" in select cities rather than having public hearings, contrary to what they told our elected officials last spring they would do.
This Tuesday you can help.
Join us for a Press Conference at Cashman Center before the DTRA open house. Bob Hager, the attorney from Reno who is representing some members of the Western Shoshone and Utah downwinders will be on hand to talk about his case in Federal Court. We will be video taping your comments and will submit them to the agency.
After the press conference, stay for the DTRA open house, ask questions, and submit your comments in writing. Let your voice be heard!
Date: January 9, 2007
Time: 5:30 pm (Press Conference), 6:30 - 9:00 pm (DTRA open house)
Location: Cashman Convention Center, 850 Las Vegas Blvd North, Las Vegas, NV 89101
Map:
http://www.mapblast.com/(pwvx1p45q5xqpw450wael0rt)/map.aspx?L=USA&C=36.17928%2c-115.13483&A=7.16667&P=|36.17928%2c-115.13483|1|850+Las+Vegas+Blvd+N%2c+Las+Vegas%2c+NV+89101-2062|L1|
The lack of respect and concern that our federal agencies are exhibiting compares to the heyday of nuclear testing at the Nevada Test Site, when they assured us it was perfectly safe. It wasn't and it Divine Strake isn't!
After Tuesday we will be planning a follow-up educational community forum on Divine Strake and an organizing/strategy meeting. Please let us know if you are interested! For questions please contact NDE at (702) 646-4814.
Many thanks,
Nevada Desert Experience
Citizen Alert - http://www.citizenalert.org
The National Anti-Divine Strake Coalition
If you are not able to attend, you can submit your comments via these methods:
Due by 1/24/07
Mail:
NNSA/NSO
Divine Strake EA Comments
PO Box 98518
Las Vegas, NV 89193-8518
E-Mail:
divinestrake@nv.doe.gov
Fax:
702-295-0625
http://www.nevadadesertexperience.org/issues/2007/stopdivinestrake2007.htm
New report clears test blast
Public meetings set on 'Strake' test in Nevada
http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,650217412,00.html
Divine Strake now set for the spring of 2007
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/01/05/18344300.php
Jan 6, 2007
Gov. Huntsman Plans Hearing On Divine Strake
SALT LAKE CITY Utah Gov. John Huntsman has directed the state’s environmental quality office to hold two public hearings on the proposed non-nuclear explosion planned for the Nevada Test Site near Las Vegas.
The 700-ton “Divine Strake” blast has raised concerns about the possible release of radioactive debris from Cold-War era nuclear tests at the site. The blast will send a 10,000-foot mushroom-shaped dust cloud over the Nevada desert.
http://kutv.com/southernutah/local_story_006193134.html
Learn more about Divine Strake
In late January 2007, based on public review of its environmental analysis, the Pentagon agency will make a decision to go down one of two paths: either go ahead with the test scheduled for mid-2007 or complete a full Environmental Impact Statement. That Environmental Impact Statement is the only way to ensure the safety to ourselves and our children. Please visit our action steps page http://www.stopdivinestrake.com/index3.html to learn about how you can help stop Divine Strake.
http://www.stopdivinestrake.com/
A U.S. government study, ordered by Congress in 1998 and released in 2002 stated: "Any person living in the contiguous United States since 1951 has been exposed to radioactive fallout and all organs and tissues of the body have received some radiation exposure."
For more: read 'Life in a Nuclear World'
http://www.stopdivinestrake.com/index2.html
- Stop Divine Strake 2007 -
Here We Go, Again!
The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) has again announced plans to detonate a 700-pound test at the Nevada Test Site: Divine Strake Part II.
The DTRA completed a revised Environmental Assessment (EA)
http://www.nv.doe.gov/library/publications/environmental.aspx in the middle of the holiday season and are ready to "drop the bomb." This revised assesment ignores Governor Guinn's request for a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and the valid concerns many people have regarding the safety of the test.
We want to stop this test - because it will kick-up radioactive fallout from the Test Site floor, because it will help to develop a nuclear bunker-buster that will support more warmaking, and because it violates Western Shoshone
http://www.shundahai.org/divinestrakecomments.htm land rights.
The DTRA is holding "open houses" in select cities rather than having public hearings, contrary to what they told our elected officials last spring they would do.
This Tuesday you can help.
Join us for a Press Conference at Cashman Center before the DTRA open house. Bob Hager, the attorney from Reno who is representing some members of the Western Shoshone and Utah downwinders will be on hand to talk about his case in Federal Court. We will be video taping your comments and will submit them to the agency.
After the press conference, stay for the DTRA open house, ask questions, and submit your comments in writing. Let your voice be heard!
Date: January 9, 2007
Time: 5:30 pm (Press Conference), 6:30 - 9:00 pm (DTRA open house)
Location: Cashman Convention Center, 850 Las Vegas Blvd North, Las Vegas, NV 89101
Map:
http://www.mapblast.com/(pwvx1p45q5xqpw450wael0rt)/map.aspx?L=USA&C=36.17928%2c-115.13483&A=7.16667&P=|36.17928%2c-115.13483|1|850+Las+Vegas+Blvd+N%2c+Las+Vegas%2c+NV+89101-2062|L1|
The lack of respect and concern that our federal agencies are exhibiting compares to the heyday of nuclear testing at the Nevada Test Site, when they assured us it was perfectly safe. It wasn't and it Divine Strake isn't!
After Tuesday we will be planning a follow-up educational community forum on Divine Strake and an organizing/strategy meeting. Please let us know if you are interested! For questions please contact NDE at (702) 646-4814.
Many thanks,
Nevada Desert Experience
Citizen Alert - http://www.citizenalert.org
The National Anti-Divine Strake Coalition
If you are not able to attend, you can submit your comments via these methods:
Due by 1/24/07
Mail:
NNSA/NSO
Divine Strake EA Comments
PO Box 98518
Las Vegas, NV 89193-8518
E-Mail:
divinestrake@nv.doe.gov
Fax:
702-295-0625
http://www.nevadadesertexperience.org/issues/2007/stopdivinestrake2007.htm
New report clears test blast
Public meetings set on 'Strake' test in Nevada
http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,650217412,00.html
Divine Strake now set for the spring of 2007
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/01/05/18344300.php
Jan 6, 2007
Gov. Huntsman Plans Hearing On Divine Strake
SALT LAKE CITY Utah Gov. John Huntsman has directed the state’s environmental quality office to hold two public hearings on the proposed non-nuclear explosion planned for the Nevada Test Site near Las Vegas.
The 700-ton “Divine Strake” blast has raised concerns about the possible release of radioactive debris from Cold-War era nuclear tests at the site. The blast will send a 10,000-foot mushroom-shaped dust cloud over the Nevada desert.
http://kutv.com/southernutah/local_story_006193134.html
Learn more about Divine Strake
In late January 2007, based on public review of its environmental analysis, the Pentagon agency will make a decision to go down one of two paths: either go ahead with the test scheduled for mid-2007 or complete a full Environmental Impact Statement. That Environmental Impact Statement is the only way to ensure the safety to ourselves and our children. Please visit our action steps page http://www.stopdivinestrake.com/index3.html to learn about how you can help stop Divine Strake.
http://www.stopdivinestrake.com/
Friday, January 05, 2007
Wrapped Around a Bullet
Opinion/Editorial
Wrapped Around a Bullet
Kathy Kelly, Electronic Iraq, 2 January 2007
An Iraqi friend whom I've known for ten years looked worn and very weary yesterday when he came to visit me in my apartment here in Amman, Jordan. He hadn't slept the night before because he'd been on the phone with his wife who, throughout the night, was terrified by gunfire in the Iraqi village where she stays with their four small children. My friend longs to soothe and protect his wife and kids. But now he lives apart from them, in another country.
To read the full article:
http://electroniciraq.net/news/2785.shtml
Wrapped Around a Bullet
Kathy Kelly, Electronic Iraq ( 2 January 2007)
"It's hard to put your foot down over something called a 'supplemental spending bill' - over a piece of paper, a bit of writing that you didn't write yourself but are perhaps helping to deliver. My friend's life was ruined by such a piece of paper. Iraqis are leaving their homes in Iraq by the thousands every day, and prolonging this war will cause more to flee." Kathy Kelly, writing from Amman, Jordan, encourages civil disobedience in opposition to more spending on the war in Iraq and wraps her call in a story about a friend forced to flee the war and live separated from his family.
http://electroniciraq.net/news/opeds.shtml
Wrapped Around a Bullet
Kathy Kelly, Electronic Iraq, 2 January 2007
An Iraqi friend whom I've known for ten years looked worn and very weary yesterday when he came to visit me in my apartment here in Amman, Jordan. He hadn't slept the night before because he'd been on the phone with his wife who, throughout the night, was terrified by gunfire in the Iraqi village where she stays with their four small children. My friend longs to soothe and protect his wife and kids. But now he lives apart from them, in another country.
To read the full article:
http://electroniciraq.net/news/2785.shtml
Wrapped Around a Bullet
Kathy Kelly, Electronic Iraq ( 2 January 2007)
"It's hard to put your foot down over something called a 'supplemental spending bill' - over a piece of paper, a bit of writing that you didn't write yourself but are perhaps helping to deliver. My friend's life was ruined by such a piece of paper. Iraqis are leaving their homes in Iraq by the thousands every day, and prolonging this war will cause more to flee." Kathy Kelly, writing from Amman, Jordan, encourages civil disobedience in opposition to more spending on the war in Iraq and wraps her call in a story about a friend forced to flee the war and live separated from his family.
http://electroniciraq.net/news/opeds.shtml
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Vigil - Iraq 3000 U.S. Troops
"Not One More Death, Not One More Dollar"
"Not One More Death, Not One More Dollar"
Please join us to mourn all the lives lost in the Iraq war and call for the troops to come home!
Where: Lloyd George Federal Building, 333 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas NV
When: Thursday, January 4, 2007 8:30 am
Map: http://tinyurl.com/y4mjg6
Why: 3,000 U.S. troops have died in Iraq. We must bear witness to this tragic milestone, even though many people are beginning their celebrations of the new year. And when we do take action on this occasion, we must remind others that hundreds of thousands of Iraqi children, women and men have also died in this outrageous war and occupation. Our call to end this war and to bring all the troops home now must be heard in every corner of the country! The killing must stop.
http://www.unitedforpeace.org/article.php?id=3475
Las Vegas Catholic Worker - Sacred Life Vigil
Join us as we vigil in front of the Federal building each week to to say no to the violence, and disrespect for human life our nation continues to wage in our names through war, abortion, the death penalty and the continuing growth of poverty and homelessess on our streets. Help us say yes to a culture of life. Yes to feeding the poor, yes to shelter, yes to nonviolence!
http://tinyurl.com/y8vxbh
U.S. Deaths Confirmed By The DoD: 2991
Reported U.S. Deaths Pending DoD Confirmation: 9
Total 3000
http://icasualties.org/oif/
American death toll in Iraq hits 3,000 By STEVEN R. HURST, Associated Press Writer
BAGHDAD, Iraq - The U.S. military announced Sunday the deaths of two soldiers, pushing the number of Americans who have died in the Iraq war to the grim milestone of at least 3,000.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061231/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq
Please join us to mourn all the lives lost in the Iraq war and call for the troops to come home!
Where: Lloyd George Federal Building, 333 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas NV
When: Thursday, January 4, 2007 8:30 am
Map: http://tinyurl.com/y4mjg6
Why: 3,000 U.S. troops have died in Iraq. We must bear witness to this tragic milestone, even though many people are beginning their celebrations of the new year. And when we do take action on this occasion, we must remind others that hundreds of thousands of Iraqi children, women and men have also died in this outrageous war and occupation. Our call to end this war and to bring all the troops home now must be heard in every corner of the country! The killing must stop.
http://www.unitedforpeace.org/article.php?id=3475
Las Vegas Catholic Worker - Sacred Life Vigil
Join us as we vigil in front of the Federal building each week to to say no to the violence, and disrespect for human life our nation continues to wage in our names through war, abortion, the death penalty and the continuing growth of poverty and homelessess on our streets. Help us say yes to a culture of life. Yes to feeding the poor, yes to shelter, yes to nonviolence!
http://tinyurl.com/y8vxbh
U.S. Deaths Confirmed By The DoD: 2991
Reported U.S. Deaths Pending DoD Confirmation: 9
Total 3000
http://icasualties.org/oif/
American death toll in Iraq hits 3,000 By STEVEN R. HURST, Associated Press Writer
BAGHDAD, Iraq - The U.S. military announced Sunday the deaths of two soldiers, pushing the number of Americans who have died in the Iraq war to the grim milestone of at least 3,000.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061231/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq
Friday, December 29, 2006
Free Lunch and Protest at City Hall
Where: Frank Wright Plaza
(the park right across from the DTC)
Dates: Wednesday Jan. 3rd, and Wednesday Jan. 17th
Time: Lunch and Encouragement Rally will be between 12pm and 2pm in Frank Wright Plaza, and then from there we will walk to the city council meeting (across the street at city hall council chambers) around 3pm and let our voice be heard!!
Why: Your rights are being taken away by the rich in power (See James 2:5-7),
and we welcome you to join us in fighting for your liberty and the liberty of
GOD's people!
Many are being harmed by:
1. extreme fines/jail times for petty crimes
2. police abuse
3. discrimination and unjust laws against the poor
4. Park closures
5. Oppression in other forms by the city of Las Vegas
(Please pray GOD gives us the victory!!)
You can view previous Televised city council meetings of
Las Vegas online at:
http://www.lasvegasnevada.gov/Find/Dec2006.asp
and see activists speak out for the poor!
Go to the city council meeting for December 6th,
and December 20th, and click on Video.
(Please pray many watch these videos and join us
in fighting for the poor!)
You also will be given 3 minutes to speak at the televised meeting,
so come prepared!!!
Activists speak to the Mayor and city council members during the "Citizen's participation" portion of the meeting (which is the last part of the meeting).
You should be able to forward to it on the website. Please let me know if you
are able to view this or if you have any other questions, and also if you have
any prayer requests, and I hope to hear from you soon!
Sincerely yours in CHRIST JESUS,
Roussan Joshua Collins (So thankful JESUS saved my life!)
email Roussan Joshua Collins at: servingjesus99212@yahoo.com
or email Gail Sacco at: mom_in_las_vegas@yahoo.com
for more information and to get involved!
and we hope to see you soon!
(If you can, please also bring food, water, & hope to share-
thanks so much!)
Addendum: Just to let everyone know there is ALSO a Jan. 3rd, 9 am discussion on the status of the Committe on Homelessness.
On September 25, 2003, the Southern Nevada Regional Planning Coalition (SNRPC) established the Committee on Homelessness (CoH) to ensure that there are adequate resources and supportive services available to assist those most in need in Southern Nevada. The CoH is comprised of representatives from the city of Las Vegas (Orlando Sanchez), Clark County, Clark County School District, State of Nevada, law enforcement and area service providers.
http://www5.lasvegasnevada.gov/sirepub/cache/1/vl0nnu45vcyry445neidwors/15674612312006020127218.PDF
City Council Meeting: Wednesday, January 3, 2007 at 9 am
Item Description: Report on the status of the SNRPC Committe on Homelessness
regional effort - All Wards
The SNRP created the Committee on Homelessness (CoH) to address regional homeless issues. All jurisdictions are required to contribute to the CoH regional budget based on population. The city of Las Vegas contributed $244,680 for FY 2005-2006 and $276,760 for FY 2006-2007.
The CoH projects include:
-- Implementation of the region's ten point plan
[ http://www.accessclarkcounty.com/social_service/homeless_default.htm ]
-- Inclement weather shelters - provided for homeless persons during extreme hot or cold weather conditions
-- Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) - a HUD mandated system designed to track services provided to homeless individuals in an effort to avoid duplication of services and improve the coordination efforts of service providers
-- Homeless Street And Shelter Count - mandated by HUD to count the number of homeless persons at a certain point in time
-- Public Awareness Campaign - the goal is to educate the community regarding the issue of homelessness with the result being a mobilized community will around homelessness and promotion of community and corporate investment into the Homeless Trust Fund. PSAs and the website, helphopehome.org , have been developed.
-- AB580 Funds - a $4 million biennium granted by the state legislature to address homelessness in the southern region through the provisions of services. This has provided funding for several capital projects and programs (called Transition from Homeless)
http://www5.lasvegasnevada.gov/sirepub/cache/1/33d24f45nnf4xh45dgeeapy4/15674712292006093416296.PDF
NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES - DISCUSSION
57. Report on the status of the Southern Nevada Regional Planning Coalition (SNRPC) Committee on Homelessness (CoH) regional effort - All Wards
http://www5.lasvegasnevada.gov/sirepub/pubmtgframe.aspx?meetid=121&doctype=Agenda
Purpose/Background:
http://www5.lasvegasnevada.gov/sirepub/cache/1/csokd045u5egwv45sc13mk55/15674612302006105439484.PDF
The CoH projects include:
http://www5.lasvegasnevada.gov/sirepub/cache/1/33d24f45nnf4xh45dgeeapy4/15674712292006093416296.PDF
Monday, December 25, 2006
Rules for whites, by Saab Lofton
Rules for whites
Article By Saab Lofton - Dec 22 2006
"White folks only want to hear the good shit: life eternal, a place in God's Heaven. But as soon as they hear they're getting this good shit from a black Jesus, they freak. And that, my friends, is called hypocrisy.
A black man can steal your stereo, but he can't be your savior."
-- Kevin Smith's Dogma
The aforementioned line illustrates just how important it is for whites to constantly be exposed to positive black role models — be they a historically accurate Jesus of color or stellar fictional characters such as Captain Sisko from Star Trek, Mace Windu from Star Wars or the Green Lantern John Stewart from DC Comics. If black saviors (as opposed to the clowns or beasts blacks are usually depicted as being) are not highly visible to the masses, there will be a complete disregard for black life.
Two atrocities recently occurred that proved this to be the case: On the west coast, the concept of blacks performing on cue like the minstrels of old was revived in Tempe, Arizona when a cop told a couple of black men they could avoid getting a littering ticket if they improvised a rap song for said cop ... and on the east coast, the villainous NYPD — the same police department responsible for the rape of Abner Louima — murdered 23- year-old Sean Bell en route to his wedding.
All too many whites still fear a future in which they'll lose their strength-in-numbers due to ethnic miscegenation. Oscar winner Halle Berry is half black and half white, but since she clearly looks more black than white, more than enough whites throughout history have acted, voted and invested out of fear of being cosmetically/superficially assimilated. So with any luck, the following list of rules
for whites will save lives and spare us all some grief.
1) Horatio Alger was a child molester. The man who coined the phrase "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" was an admitted pedophile, so don't ever tell a black man to risk getting hit by a car a la Will Smith's The Pursuit of Happyness just to get a job. CREATE JOBS! A Greenpeace version of FDR's New Deal would be a good start. Professor Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States said it best, "While some multimillionaires started in poverty, most did not. A study of the origins of 303 textile, railroad and steel executives of the 1870s showed that 90 percent came from middle- or upper-class families. The Horatio Alger stories of 'rags to riches' were true for a few men, but mostly a myth, and a useful myth for control."
2) Learn to deal with double standards. Just as it's not OK for men to walk into the ladies room, it's not OK for whites to use ebonics with cavalier abandon. If you're directly quoting someone or you've been accepted into the black community the way white rapper Eminem has, fine. Otherwise, act as though you're visiting another country with a different culture. If we were all Americans, there wouldn't be any disparity between blacks and whites insofar as the statistics charting everything from employment to imprisonment ...
3) It's not about equality, it's about respect. Whites need to admit that the current institutional structure of the so-called First World amounts to what is known as white skin privilege. As a result, whites are more powerful than blacks — NOT superior, simply more powerful. A good way to look at it is to imagine whites in the role of Superman and blacks in the role of Batman. They're obviously not "equal" — one has bulletproof skin whereas one is reliant on body armor — but they RESPECT each other. Knowing that Batman is — for all his many skills — a mere mortal, Superman has enough respect for the Dark Knight not to put him in just any ol' situation ...
4) Being called a "conspiracy theorist" is far worse than being called a "nigger." It's inevitable that some blacks might "cry wolf" as it were, but people in pain usually don't protest in vain. White supremacy may be in decline, but it's still very much in power, and blacks have a lot more to worry about than an occasional lynching/cross burning. There's this great quote in the book Whiteout: The CIA, Drugs and the Press: "It is not in the least paranoid for any black person to conclude that since
the late nineteenth century prominent white intellectuals and politicians have devoted much effort to reducing the number of black people by the expedient of sterilization, or selective medical assault, often chastely described as the 'science' of eugenics."
5) The price of liberty is eternal vigilance and when you forget history it repeats itself. This means there will NEVER be a point in which whites will be let off the hook. You'd never ask a Jew to let down his/her guard when it comes to anti-Semitism, so ...
Finally, there must be some consequence to police murders like Sean Bell's, so from now on — every time there's a similar murder — I will personally burn an American flag. I'll close with the words of Brooklyn City Councilman Charles Barron: "Don't ask our people to be peaceful while they are being shot dead."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SOURCES:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minstrel_show
http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0612/03/sm.01.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miscegenation
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horatio_Alger
http://www.alternet.org/mediaculture/29266/
http://www.counterpunch.org/webb12172004.html
http://www.finalcall.com/artman/publish/article_3113.shtml
Enjoyed the article? Check out the website www.coanews.org
COA News is a non-profit online news network featuring diverse, credible independent news and current affairs.
Article By Saab Lofton - Dec 22 2006
"White folks only want to hear the good shit: life eternal, a place in God's Heaven. But as soon as they hear they're getting this good shit from a black Jesus, they freak. And that, my friends, is called hypocrisy.
A black man can steal your stereo, but he can't be your savior."
-- Kevin Smith's Dogma
The aforementioned line illustrates just how important it is for whites to constantly be exposed to positive black role models — be they a historically accurate Jesus of color or stellar fictional characters such as Captain Sisko from Star Trek, Mace Windu from Star Wars or the Green Lantern John Stewart from DC Comics. If black saviors (as opposed to the clowns or beasts blacks are usually depicted as being) are not highly visible to the masses, there will be a complete disregard for black life.
Two atrocities recently occurred that proved this to be the case: On the west coast, the concept of blacks performing on cue like the minstrels of old was revived in Tempe, Arizona when a cop told a couple of black men they could avoid getting a littering ticket if they improvised a rap song for said cop ... and on the east coast, the villainous NYPD — the same police department responsible for the rape of Abner Louima — murdered 23- year-old Sean Bell en route to his wedding.
All too many whites still fear a future in which they'll lose their strength-in-numbers due to ethnic miscegenation. Oscar winner Halle Berry is half black and half white, but since she clearly looks more black than white, more than enough whites throughout history have acted, voted and invested out of fear of being cosmetically/superficially assimilated. So with any luck, the following list of rules
for whites will save lives and spare us all some grief.
1) Horatio Alger was a child molester. The man who coined the phrase "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" was an admitted pedophile, so don't ever tell a black man to risk getting hit by a car a la Will Smith's The Pursuit of Happyness just to get a job. CREATE JOBS! A Greenpeace version of FDR's New Deal would be a good start. Professor Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States said it best, "While some multimillionaires started in poverty, most did not. A study of the origins of 303 textile, railroad and steel executives of the 1870s showed that 90 percent came from middle- or upper-class families. The Horatio Alger stories of 'rags to riches' were true for a few men, but mostly a myth, and a useful myth for control."
2) Learn to deal with double standards. Just as it's not OK for men to walk into the ladies room, it's not OK for whites to use ebonics with cavalier abandon. If you're directly quoting someone or you've been accepted into the black community the way white rapper Eminem has, fine. Otherwise, act as though you're visiting another country with a different culture. If we were all Americans, there wouldn't be any disparity between blacks and whites insofar as the statistics charting everything from employment to imprisonment ...
3) It's not about equality, it's about respect. Whites need to admit that the current institutional structure of the so-called First World amounts to what is known as white skin privilege. As a result, whites are more powerful than blacks — NOT superior, simply more powerful. A good way to look at it is to imagine whites in the role of Superman and blacks in the role of Batman. They're obviously not "equal" — one has bulletproof skin whereas one is reliant on body armor — but they RESPECT each other. Knowing that Batman is — for all his many skills — a mere mortal, Superman has enough respect for the Dark Knight not to put him in just any ol' situation ...
4) Being called a "conspiracy theorist" is far worse than being called a "nigger." It's inevitable that some blacks might "cry wolf" as it were, but people in pain usually don't protest in vain. White supremacy may be in decline, but it's still very much in power, and blacks have a lot more to worry about than an occasional lynching/cross burning. There's this great quote in the book Whiteout: The CIA, Drugs and the Press: "It is not in the least paranoid for any black person to conclude that since
the late nineteenth century prominent white intellectuals and politicians have devoted much effort to reducing the number of black people by the expedient of sterilization, or selective medical assault, often chastely described as the 'science' of eugenics."
5) The price of liberty is eternal vigilance and when you forget history it repeats itself. This means there will NEVER be a point in which whites will be let off the hook. You'd never ask a Jew to let down his/her guard when it comes to anti-Semitism, so ...
Finally, there must be some consequence to police murders like Sean Bell's, so from now on — every time there's a similar murder — I will personally burn an American flag. I'll close with the words of Brooklyn City Councilman Charles Barron: "Don't ask our people to be peaceful while they are being shot dead."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SOURCES:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minstrel_show
http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0612/03/sm.01.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miscegenation
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horatio_Alger
http://www.alternet.org/mediaculture/29266/
http://www.counterpunch.org/webb12172004.html
http://www.finalcall.com/artman/publish/article_3113.shtml
Enjoyed the article? Check out the website www.coanews.org
COA News is a non-profit online news network featuring diverse, credible independent news and current affairs.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Candlelight Vigil for Homeless who died this year
Today there will be a candlelight vigil for the homeless who died in 2006. The names of at least 78 homeless will be read in memoriam at this candlelight vigil.
"The annual vigil is scheduled for 3:45 p.m. today at the Center for Independent Living, 1417 Las Vegas Blvd. North, at Foremaster Lane.
Outreach workers at the event will pass out 200 "survival bags" containing food and clothing."
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Dec-20-Wed-2006/news/11525525.html
"The annual vigil is scheduled for 3:45 p.m. today at the Center for Independent Living, 1417 Las Vegas Blvd. North, at Foremaster Lane.
Outreach workers at the event will pass out 200 "survival bags" containing food and clothing."
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Dec-20-Wed-2006/news/11525525.html
Sunday, December 17, 2006
More Americans hungry,
homeless in 2006: mayors
"More Americans went homeless and hungry in 2006 than the year before and children made up almost a quarter of those in emergency shelters, said a report released on Thursday by the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
...The group estimated 23 percent of requests for emergency food assistance simply went unmet."
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20061214/us_nm/usa_homelessness_mayors_dc
...The group estimated 23 percent of requests for emergency food assistance simply went unmet."
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20061214/us_nm/usa_homelessness_mayors_dc
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