A vision for the new year from Ohio's Logan Martinez

National Priority Proposal for the 2006 Election

2006 will be a crucial year for the party and the country. We need to focus our energy by mobilizing our people and organizing our resources to make a major impact. The goal of Ohio's proposal is to make 2006 the best year ever for the Green Party. It will take the state parties, the CCC, and the NC working together to make it happen. The proposal is a suggested national election strategy, leaving it to individual states to decide how they might implement it and allowing a great deal of room for innovation.

The Green Party encourages states to put together a slate of candidates, to the best of their ability, to achieve their strategic goals. A state slate might include a variety of offices. 48 states will have statewide offices, state senate and state representative elections in 2006.* The priority for 2006 will be to encourage states to run candidates in these races to build a block of Green voters across the country and to win seats. Early recruitment of candidates is important in making this happen. (In some states filing dates are fast approaching.) We suggest that states consider running candidates for their state House of Representatives, the first rung of state government, the People's Houses. This will be an effective way to challenge the system. In most states, representative districts are relatively small in size and lend themselves to grassroots, door to door neighborhood outreach. The Green Party has won two state representative seats thus far, in California and Maine. We can win in several more states if we make the effort.

Building a Green Wave for 2006 - The Coordinated Campaign Committee and the Steering Committee will develop a comprehensive mobilization plan to recruit and use volunteers to support our candidates. Our potential for 'people power' has, for the most part, been under utilized and we need to organize ourselves and our supporters to maximize our impact to win races.

(Seeking ballot access is mutually compatible with this effort. We suggest that the Ballot Access Committee and the states working on ballot access for next year devise a working plan for moving forward. Where it's applicable we need to organize regional mobilization to support states working for ballot access. Expanding the number of states that have ballot access is a national priority. )

We ask the Coordinated Campaign Committee [CCC] and the Steering Committee to research and report on the feasibility of establishing two pledge funds to support Green Party candidates. We propose that the first help Green congressional candidates and the other statewide, state representative, state senate and local candidates. Raising money is essential to successful campaigns. We can to do much better. (By setting up a pledge fund we believe we can, for the most part, bypass the legal hurdles.) We should investigate all possible avenues to increase national fundraising efforts to support candidates and the party. If we are going to make 2006 a breakout year, we must all work hard to build internal and external unity to make it happen. Ohio's proposal calls on the sc and ccc to develop proposals for mobilizing volunteers and for fundraising. But those will be future proposals and will be voted on separately.

We need to focus (but not exclusively) on doable races, city, town, and village councils and state representative seats. These races are potentially winnable and are the building blocks for the future. With a major effort we could win several state representative races which would go a long way to build the party. To be competitive next year, we need to begin mobilizing now.

Build the Green Wedge! Run with the Greens! Run as a Green!
In Solidarity, Logan Martinez Dayton OH / 937-275-7259 /

* Virginia and New Jersey both had governor, state senate and state representative races this year. Next year both states hope have greens running for congressional and other key races.

Down for the count.

Mayoral candidate Freman Hendrix has announced he will drop his recount effort if no voting irregularities are found in the next few days. With 1/3 of the 720 city precincts recounted, no significant changes to the voting totals have been discovered. Hendrix did call for changes to our voting process, particularly around absentee ballots.

The future beckons

While all the media runs their look back at 2005 (Free Press here and Detroit News here) I prefer a future focus, one of the Green Party's Ten Key Values, this time of year. As the new year approaches here is something I won't be looking forward to, the opening of the hazardous waste site near I-94. The plant will treat up to 400,000 gallons of corrosive acids, heavy metals and other toxic chemicals, to be injected into 4500 feet deep wells. Right here in the middle of 20 percent of the worlds fresh water supply, the Great Lakes. Whoever came up with and authorized this travesty didn't look beyond the money to be made.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukka and Happy New Year!

Well, this years holiday break started early and is likely to last a while. If you're looking for something to keep you occupied in the meantime, check out the blogs listed in the Green Bloggers Blogroll, particularly Greeg Jocoy's Green News and Opinion and Steve Herrick's Chlorophyll.

Enjoy the holidays and stay safe.

Water water everywhere but not a penny to keep it clean.

Both the news and the Free Press have article on the release and signing of the Great Lakes Annex 2001. While they both point out the limiting of large-scale diversions in the pact they miss the death by a thousand cut provisions that allow for any number of smaller-scale diversions such as the Nestle Ice Mountain facility in Mecosta county.

While the MCWC suit against Nestle winds its way through the courts, an injunction limits their takings to 200 gallons a minute, half their 400 g/m capacity. They, of course, just open up a second facility.

It will come as no surprise when someone brings up the idea of selling the water in order to pay for the plan. Make sense, right?

Wrong!

Stop the privatization of water!

Money for Water, not for War!

A smoking gun in Detroit's election disaster?

The Free Press reports that a handful of Detroit write-in ballots are being questioned in the Mayoral recount. The ballots appeared to be filled out by the same hand and will be investigated further on Thursday. The article mentions 8 or 15 ballots from a single precinct but Hendrix's lawyer says that as many as 8 precincts have ballots with similar irregularities. And only 100 of the 720 precints have been recounted. More news to follow I'm sure.

Elaine Brown being Counter-Sued

[This was posted as a comment on a older entry so I've brought it to the top]

Friends of Brunswick
PO Box 1776
Brunswick, GA 31521

December 10, 2005

Elaine Brown being Counter-Sued

Elaine Brown, the former and only female leader of the Black Panther Party, wanted to be Mayor of Brunswick, Georgia. Before the election a challenge was filed to the candidacy of Elaine Brown. A hearing was held and evidence presented established that Elaine Brown DID NOT meet the legal requirements to run for Mayor.

Elaine Brown has since filed appeal after appeal and filed other lawsuits challenging the Nov 8 Election results citing many violations and other reasons she cites in her lawsuits.

Now, the first COUNTER-SUIT has been filed against Elaine Brown seeking damages and legal fees.

This is a copy of the news report from The Brunswick News, Friday, December 9, 2005 on Page 2-A

Mayoral election back in court
The Brunswick News
Brunswick, Georgia

The two Brunswick residents who successfully petitioned to get Elaine brown off the mayoral ballot in the Nov 8 city election are now counter-suing her.

Brown has challenged the Glynn County Board of Elections ruling that removed her from the ballot in both Superior Court and U.S. District Court.

In their lawsuit filed Wednesday, Howard Buie and Alice Norman seek restitution of their legal fees for defending themselves during Brown’s hearings.

A hearing on Brown’s lawsuit contesting the results of last month’s election and a request for a new election will be held Dec 19 in Glynn County Superior Court.

A hearing date has not been set for the counter-suit.

[ Green Party Press Releases on Elaine Brown can be found here and here. Additional info at http://www.elainebrown.org ]

Kilpatrick Get out The Vote effort key to win

In this article the Detroit News claims it was Mayor Kilpatrick's ability to bring out non-traditional voters that won him re-election. One political consultant describes it as 'quite odd, quite unusual.' Kinda like the articles suggestion that the fallout from election irregularities was due to some Detroit News breaking stories when all they were doing was covering City Council candidate Maureen Taylor's suit against City Clerk Jackie Currie. Credit where credit is due, I guess.

The story behind the recount

In this story on Hendrix's call for a recount of the recent Mayoral race we learn that candidate Freman is certain he won in his own back yard, Northwest Detroit. His poor showing in that area is what prompted his call for a recount. While many credit the hard work of the Kilpatrick campaign for their victory, this quote may say it all: "Many of the people he [Hendrix] used to know since the 1980s have either died or moved to the suburbs," Lansing pollster Ed Sarpolus concluded from census data. It appears that the Mayor's hip-hop supporters put him back in office.

Windsor Green Party starts blogging

Our green friends across the border have started blogging. With the recent controversy over the admittance of the green party to national debates, there's a lot of interesting info. Take a look and tell them Lou sent you.

Kilpatrick calls recount a waste (sic)

Irony abounds in the fall out of Detroit's recent election as Mayor re-elect Kwame Kilpatrick, of Navigator, petty-cash and late-night-Washington-DC fame, calls recount a waste of taxpayers monies.

Currie requests a partial recount

In what has to be the ultimate irony, former City Clerk Jackie Currie, who obstensibly ran the election, has called for a partial recount. That makes 4, with Currie, Hendrix, city council candidate Dearing and school board candidate Hammons calling for recounts of Detroit's recent general election. And we though Ohio and Florida had problems.

Ohio Greens announce state executive slate

I picked this up over at Steve Herrick's blog Chlorophyll. The Ohio Greens announce candidates for Governor, Lt. Governor and Secretary of State, Bob Fitrakis, Anita Rios and Tim Kettler respectively. Dr. Fitrakis, known as fraudbuster Bob, and Rios and Kettler were all involved in exposing the election irregularities that have occured in Ohio.

Now everyone is concerned about the security of the ballots.

Does the mayor not trust the Michigan State Police? Or does he know what can happen to a ballot box that lies unattended? Whatever the reason, the Mayor's lawyers have asked for and received Wayne County Sheriff's protection in addition to the State Police. This is all in preparation for the recount that was called for by the Hendrix campaign, which lost the election by 15,000 votes.

UPDATE: Chief Judge Mary Beth Kelly has struck down Kilpatrick's request for additional protection of the ballots.

It's Time To Dump The Dems, Support The Green Insurgency

Scott McLarty, national media coordinator for the Green Party of the United States wrote an open letter to the Nation in response to their position that they "will not support any candidate for national office who does not make a speedy end to the war in Iraq a major issue of his or her campaign. We urge all voters to join us in adopting this position." ("Democrats and the War", November 9, 2005 <http://www.thenation.com/doc/20051128/editors>)

In his letter Scott concludes: "The Nation's pledge is admirable, but it says nothing about supporting antiwar candidates. Is this a loophole, in order not to offend
Democrats? Or is the pledge a serious statement that its support for Democrats can no longer beguaranteed? If the latter, we invite all who oppose the Iraq war and the bipartisan consensus to consider seriously the Green insurgency, support our candidates, and join us in making the Green Party the great political endeavor of the
21st century."

A petty punitive proposal to the National Committee of the GPUS

Proposal 191, the latest incarnation of the love-it-or-leave-it rule that would subject any state that didn't put the GPUS nominated candidate on the state's presidential ballot line to possible dissaffiliation is currently being discussed by the National Committee. Voting will begin on Monday.

How this proposal supports our values of grassroots democracy and decentralization is beyond me. The argument is being made that to attract high-caliber candidates we must be able to offer a guarantee of all available state ballot lines. This seems to be pandering in contradiction to our stated values. Will it attract the candidates we want or need?

I urge our National Reps to vote no on 191.

Happy Thanksgiving and remember, Friday is Buy Nothing Day

Wired Magazine has an interview with one of the founders of Buy Nothing Day, a global holiday from consumerism.




Buy Less! Live More!

Huge changes in Michigan's economy in store

With GM's announcements of 9 plant closings and 30,000 jobs cut, Ford Motor Company's intention to terminate 4,000 workers and the Delphi backruptcy, it should be clear to everyone that change is in the air. With each job in the auto industry creating up to 7 jobs in the economy, that change could be devastating to Michigan's economy. What are our leaders doing about it? Apparently, very little.

Gorcyca remark goes too far, experts say

How can Oakland County Prosecuter David Gorcyca be 100% confident that Fieger tried to blackmail Attorney General Mike Cox yet be unable to prove it? That sounds a little fishy to me and apparently a Wayne State University law professor agrees. I'm pretty certain Fieger isn't going to take ths lying down. More on the Cox Affair(s) at 11!

Do we still have our hands on the lever of democracy?

Apparently, they are still counting the ballots in last Tuesday's Detroit election and even though 'no protests or challlenges had been filed' as of Saturday, counting will resume on Monday. A state elections spokesperson says 'We want to preserve the integrity of this process'. You can't preserve what has already been lost.

More on voting irregularities here and here.

more on the Cox Affair(s)

This story tells us that Cox' PAC was the single largest contributor to the State Supreme Court justice that was the target of a 'secret' Fieger campaign. (Why the campaign was secret is never fully explained in this article.) Apparently that's the campaign that the AG was investigating that prompted Fieger's alleged 'threat'. It also describes a fund-raising event for the AG that sounds more like a meeting of (alleged) unindicted co-conspirators.


The more I hear about this story the uglier it gets.

Green Party Victories

Here's the Green Party press release detailing the victories in 19 races this election season.

More coverage of Green victories can be found here and here.

Shocker isn't Currie loss, but who won

This analysis of the City Clerk results compares Jackies campaign to Mayor Kilpatricks and one consultant says many well known politicians wish they had run against Currie. Well, Janice Winfrey is well known now. Congratulations to the new City Clerk!

More analysis of the Mayor's re-election victory and a rather interesting take here.

Michigan attorney general acknowledges having an affair

Gosh, I don't want anyone to miss this admission in the flurry of election results. Mike Cox even turns it into an attack on prospective opponent Jeffrey Fieger, claiming he's making the announcement in advance of a threatened exposure of his unseemly actions..

The Dream is over...

...this morning with Mayor Kilpatrick winning re-election, contrary to the early calls for a Hendrix victory.

Full Detroit election results

include 4 new members of Detroit's City Council:

Ken Cockrel Jr. (I) 145,230
Monica Conyers 117,811
Jo Ann Watson (I) 116,413
Sheila M. Cockrel (I) 113,682
Barbara-Rose Collins (I) 110,941
Kwame Kenyatta 108,180
Alberta Tinsley Talabi (I) 103,421
Martha Reeves 88,349
Brenda Jones 86,840"

more here and here

early results show Hendrix leading...

... in a poll of 800 voters. The story also mentions possible intimidation of voters and poll workers by members of the Republican Party.

Update: At 9:10pm WDIV called the race for Freman Hendrix.

Write-in Maureen D. Taylor for Detroit City Council

When you vote today in Detroit, remember Maureen D. Taylor is running as a write-in candidate for City Council.


Info on other Green candidates around the country can be found here and here.

Jackiegate blows up days before the election

After hearing testimony of possible felony violations in the handling of absentee ballots, Wayne County Circuit Chief Judge Mary Beth Kelly put County Clerk and Secretary of State officials in charge of the absentee ballots being cast in next Tuesday's general election.

Here's the Detroit News story.

Green Party of Ontario would reduce voting age to 16

Our neighbors across the river are holding their Annual Policy Conference and General Meeting in Orillia. There they passed resolutions on Democratic Renewal, Agriculture, Economics, Energy, Infractructure and Governance including a move to lower the voting age to 16. They make some interesting points suggesting an increase in voter participation would result. I'd have to agree.

State targets Detroit ballots

I'm curious about the Detroit News probe mentioned in this article. It sounds like a couple of reporters showed up in court and listened to the testimony of Maureen Taylor, write-in candidate for Detroit City Council. Maureen and her team have been trying to bring Jackiegate to the attention of the authorities since the night of the primary. Her lawyers had Detroit City Clerk Jackie Curry sanctioned by the court for sending out absentee ballot applications in violation of a court order. Monitors have been selected to oversee the general election in Detroit next Tuesday.

In this editorial the News endorses Janice WInfrey for Detroit City Clerk.

Maureen Taylor Announces Write-In campaign for Detroit City Coucil

COMMITTEE TO ELECT
MAUREEN D. TAYLOR
FOR DETROIT CITY COUNCIL
P.O. Box 02008, Detroit, MI 48202
(313) 832-0618...Fax#: (313) 832-1409
www.taylorforcouncil.org

“Ezekiel 37...Can these dry bones live?”

November, 2005

To: Supporters & Residents of Detroit
From: The Grassroots Candidate
Re: Official Campaign Statement

>>ANNOUNCEMENT<<

The unprecedented, lawless acts of the Detroit City Clerk have mandated a full court press relative to the voter tampering that has transpired under her leadership. As you know, there were grave concerns raised when the Primary results of August 2nd showed that we were not among the top eighteen vote getters, when clearly there were extraordinary efforts forged that suggested more votes were cast for our Campaign. When the recount was requested and granted, no one was more shocked by the results than I was. Fraud, fraud, & more fraud...

Of the 46 absentee ballot boxes that we wanted to view, 29 couldn’t be recounted because the number of votes put in these boxes on August 2nd were found to be different when the recount was ordered. Suspicion has now given way to proof that the Clerk has committed fraud and that the Primary Election of August 2, 2005 was tainted.

I have been reluctant to energize our people toward an uphill, write-in campaign, knowing how challenging such a grassroots effort would be. Despite this, volunteers all over the city who have faith in what the Grassroots can do have been waging an exhausting day and night campaign to get a seat at the Council table. The out-pouring of love has been so tremendous, the level of faith has been so humbling and the need for our presence has been so compelling that a forward pass is required to equal the intensity of those who continue to promote the Grassroots Campaign. I now declare my official candidacy for the Detroit City Council as a write-in candidate.

Our Campaign has made a choice...we stand and fight no matter the odds, no matter the threats, no matter the sacrifices. We are approaching another winter of discontent & calling real warriors to first meet at the council fire, pray to our Spirit for success, and into battle we go. Many will not survive the winter as foreclosures, along with the costs of heat, lights and water, rise with few voices in position to do battle with these corporations who would rather we die if payments are not made. Michigan is second in high unemployment, and no elected official has even suggested an extension of unemployment benefits. WHY??? We are almost alone. From this position we will organize our city and help provide those things that will make Detroit great.

Maureen D. Taylor, Michigan Welfare Rights Org. State Chair

Absentee ballots tainted?

The Detroit News reports on the Jackiegate irregularities of the recent primary election and suggests the upcoming general election may be tainted?

You think?!?

The role of election assistants, or 'ambassadors', is becoming clearer and the picture isn't very pretty.

Jackie currie's response: 'Prove it, P-R-O-V-E.'

Ad depicting lynching draws a bevy of 'I do not condone'

Here's a few of the absurd statements in this article on the infamous lynching ad.

From Mayor Kilpartrick: "I do not condone the images in this advertisement."

"This organization does not condone the images that were in that ad," says Publisher Sam Logan about the content of his own newspaper, the Michigan Citizen.

and

"This advertisement is not affiliated in any way with the Kilpatrick administration or the Kilpatrick for Mayor campaign,"

That one had me rolling on the floor.

Rosa Louise Parks 1913-2005

A heroine of the civil rights movement, Rosa Parks died Monday evening. Her legacy will live forever.

Detroit needs to face its city's welfare state (sic)

I can't believe this! Thomas Bray describes municipal jobs that pay a living wage, provide health insurance and a middle class standard of living as welfare . This guy is so out of touch with reality I can only assume he's a Republican. Let him know what you think at (313) 222-2544 and tbray@detnews.com.

And here, Nolan Finley decries medical care for poor mothers and their children. He states: "Raising my own kids took a big bite out of my wallet. I'd rather not pay to rear someone else's." Does he really think you and I and others didn't help pay for and build the schools and other infrastructure that he used to raise his kids?

The complete dismantling of civil society that John Engler started here in Michigan and George Bush continues across the country is the problem. Not good jobs and children.

The Detroit New is a rag!

Round 3 ends in a draw.

'Detroit's mayoral candidates turn down heat in final debate' or so says this article on last nights final Mayoral debate. This Detroit news poll gives the round to Hendrix. I heard a couple of heated remarks from each candidate. A WDIV Poll is showing a tightening race with Hendrix' 13% lead dwindling to single digits, within the polls margin of error, though I can't find the poll on their site.

Round Two goes to Hendrix

This Detroit News editorial gives last night's debate edge to Freman Hendrix. I taped the debate so I can't yet comment, but this online survey overwhemingly calls it for Hendrix.

Probe cites $21/hour intern

Could this be a simple mistake? Somebody transposes a '1' and a '2' and a $12/hour city council intern gets paid $21/hour? Or is this an example of the corruption that runs through our governemnt from the local to the federal level? Our mayor and city clerk field charges of money and absentee ballot mismanagement. Our state legislature allows our water to be sold out from under us and protects internet server providers from the competition of municipal community based services. The corruption and cronyism of our federal government is just beginning to become obvious and reaches right into the oval office. How did we get into this mess?

Detroit mayoral candidate's son faces drunken driving charge

Could Stephen Hendrix be the family member who came in 'contact with anybody in the criminal justice process' that Mayor Kilpatrick referred to in his infamous closing remarks of the September 15th debate? If so, how did the Mayor become aware of this arrest on the very next day? I think the Mayor has some explaining to do.

UPDATE: In this article, Kilpatrick spokesperson Bob Berg says that the Mayor did not know of the arrest when he made his statement at the debate. I find that very hard to believe. No candidate would make such inflammatory accusations without the truth on their side. Would they?

Southwest Detroit is likely site for new bridge

Windsor Mayor Eddie Francis askes "Why are we continuing to drag this out?" in this Detroit News article. When are they going to understand that the residents of Southwest Detroit don't want another bridge any more than the residents of Downriver Metro Detroit and other regions that have made the cut, er, been removed from the list of possible sites.

Watch this...

little film in quicktime or windows media. Then read more about it on BoingBoing.

Embattled Detroit clerk hires own counsel

Apparently, after ignoring it for the last few weeks, the Detroit News has jumped on the Jackiegate story. While this article contains nothing we didn't already know about the story (the event of the headline occurred almost 2 weeks ago), it does explore how we are going to have to pay for this travesty of justice our CIty Clerk has brought down on us.

Detroit City Council candidates in East side forum on Thursday

Crain's Detroit Business reports that a public forum for Detroit City Council candidates will take place on Thursday from 6-8pm at the Charity Lutheran Church, 17220 Kelly Road.

Hendrix gets crucial support from city union

AFSCME Council 25, which represents 5000 city employees and has more than 18,000 members who are eligible to vote in the upcoming Mayoral election hasendorsed candidate Freman Hendrix.

Mahaffey to retire after 31 years on Detroit City Council

Council President Maryann Mahaffey will retire after being diagnosed with a non-fatal leukemia. Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick calls her "the absolute toughest women I have ever met in my entire life." This is a great loss to the City of Detroit and I wish Councilwoman Mahaffey good health.

Detroit clerk Jackie Currie found in contempt of court, could face sanctions

A hearing will be held this morning to determine what sanctions Detroit City Clerk Jackie Currie will face in violating a court order against sending out unrequested absentee ballot applications. Meanwhile, in an obvious diversionary tactic, Currie and her posse are going back to federal court, suing the Judge who sanctioned our City Clerk as well as Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land. Go figure!

No count recount, Metro Times Covers Jackiegate

I missed this getting ready for the trip to DC last week. In 'No count recount ', Curt Guyette does a great job explaining the mess that our City Clerk has made of the electoral process in Detroit. Under the guise of aiding the voter, Jackie Currie has broken the law and violated court orders. Now we find out that the election results are unverifiable. I'm dumbfounded why John Conyer's isn't looking into this. Contact him at John.Conyers@mail.house.gov or (313) 961-5670

Sheehan Arrested During Anti-War Protest

The action in Washington DC continues today with acts of civil disobedience at the White House resulting in the arrest of Cindy Sheehan and others. Here's her side of the story.

She speaks for me.

Thousands worldwide protest Iraq war

With estimates running from 100,000 to 250,000 people in attendance, most agree this weekends rally and march in DC was a great success. Coverage includes this story from Reuters that appeared in the Sunday Free Press with a photo: Thousands worldwide protest Iraq war, as well as this AP story.

Yahoo has a photo slide show here, Indymedia has some photos here and you can find some Green Party photos here and here.

City Council weighs in on Jackiegate

Marisol Bello of the Free Press reports in this POLI-BYTES ( at bottom of page ) that the Detroit City Council voted 5-4 in favor of a resolution supporting the City Clerk. They seem to have fallen for the line that because all the other cities in Michigan violate the law so should Detroit. The law in question is the requirement that applications for absentee ballots be requested in person. A Federal judge disagreed with the council and threw City Clerk Currie's 'it smacks of Jim Crow" case out of court.

Jackiegate

While the mainstream media buries the story (it appeared in the Free Press opposite the obituary page), the office of City Clerk is up against the ropes. The Federal judge threw the City Clerk's counter-suit out of court, forcing Jackie Currie to face Maureen Taylor''s suit in state court. The judge also threatened sanctions and perjury charges according to Ms. Taylor. It appears that while we were looking for election fraud in Florida and Ohio, it was running rampant in our own back yard.

I guess you had to be there.

How Brian Dickerson of the free press can give Round 1 to Kilpatrick in the Mayoral debates is beyond me. After accusing suburban communities of doing more drugs "than all the schools in the city of Detroit put together", Mayor Kilpatrick stated that he had never been arrested and asked: "can Mr. Hendrix say the same thing?" Perhaps candidate Freeman Hendrix should have asked, "When did you stop cheating on your wife?"

Video of the debate can be found here.

Race still divisive in mayoral campaign

Is race an issue in the Detroit Mayoral campaign? This story seems to suggest that while the issue is being raised, particularly by the Black Slate in its support for Mayor Kilpatrick, it may not be a factor in the race. What do you think?

Camp Casey Detroit to Close Down

After 21 days at Grand Circus Park, Camp Casey Detroit will be closing. Here's the announcement: "**CAMP CASEY DETROIT WILL CLOSE DOWN ON SUNDAY AFTERNOON, SEPT. 11. BY THEN WE WILL HAVE COMPLETED DAY 21 OF MAINTAINING A 24/7 PEACE ENCAMPMENT! OUR GRATITUDE TO ALL WHO HELPED. THIS BLOG WILL CONTINUE TO OFFER AN ONLINE COMMUNITY FORUM FOR DETROIT AREA PEACE ACTIVISTS.**" My night at Camp Casey last Saturday was one of my most rewarding days as a Detroiter and an activist.

10 Great Ways You Can Help

Alternet has some great coverage of Katrina and its aftermath, including 10 Great Ways You Can Help. They say: "Let's not let our clumsy, uncaring government undermine our capacity to help those in need."

Covering Katrina in pictures

The pictures accompanying this story on the aftermath of Katrina carry the weight of a nation. That this is America in the early 21st century is a failure of historic proportion.

Judge: Detroit can't send absentee ballot applications without request

While Maureen's case winds its way through the courts, we are trying to insure that the general election in November doesn't see the widespread abuse of the past. This attempt to get the City Clerk to follow the law has apparently failed. At Camp Casey Detroit last night, Maureen Taylor reported that the Clerk sent out the applications anyways, in direct violation of this court order.

Money for Hurricane relief, not for war!

As the tragedy in New Orleans and the Gulf coast unfolds in the wake of Hurricane Katrina we are hearing numerous stories of our unpreparedness for this catastrophe. The Army Corp of Engineers has been asking for monies to strengthen the levees that failed and drowned the city of New Orleans for decades. This White House called it pork. The head of FEMA this morning said he was surprised at the violent response of people who have been without food, water or shelter for days. I guess the sight of dead bodies in the streets can make people do strange things.

This is a shameful time for America.

http://www.redcross.org

Black people loot, white people find?

As the governor of Mississippi said this morning, times like these bring out "the best in most people and the worst in some". Sometimes those people are the media. Two blogs, BoingBoing and Eschaton point out the captions on two photos showing Katrina victims in similar circumstances (Visit www.redcross.org to help out). Why do the two photos carry such disparate captions?

*ALERT**: NYPD arrests Camp Casey NYC Organizer*

Unlike Detroit, the Camp Casey NYC has a valid permit. Despite this, the New York City Police arrested organizer Paul Zulkowitz, a member of the Green Party's Peace Action Committee.

Mainstream media pick up the Camp Casey Detroit story

Despite a somewhat disparaging headline, this article in the Detroit Free Press does a good job of covering Detroit's own Camp Casey, including links to MECAWI and the Camp Casey Detroit Blog.

Camp Casey Detroit Blog

Camp Casey Detroit now has it's own blog! After visiting online, consider heading down to Grand Circus Park for a couple of hours. If you're able, bring some food and water along to share with others. Tonight, Friday, is Pizza Night from 5 to 8pm. On Sunday at noon they're having a Potluck Picnic. Indoor facilities are available if the weather doesn't cooperate. Hope to see you down there soon!

They are still there...

While Cindy Sheehan is returning to the original Camp Casey in Crawford Texas, our own Camp Casey Detroit is still going strong. At last nights rally we heard from a few of the folks from Detroit who made the trip down to Texas last weekend. The electricity and excitement they picked up there was shared with those of us who attended.

Update: You can find a report and photos of the event here.

Detroit Delegation to Camp Casey Will Hold Report Back Rally Wednesday Night at Grand Circus Park

Detroiter's who have visited Camp Casey in Crawford Texas and returned to Detroit to set up our own 'Camp Casey Detroit' in Grand Circus Park, will be holding a rally tonight including a report out on their visit down south. More info here.

Maureen D. Taylor Files Suit Claiming Fraud in the Detroit Election

Maureen D. (for Detroit) Taylor, activist candidate for Detroit City Council, has filed a suit claiming fraud in the recent Detroit primary election. This press release reads, in part: [Taylor] 'has filed suit on August 19, 2005, against the Detroit City Clerk, Jackie Currie; the Detroit Elections Commission; and a phantom candidate, “Marino Taylor”, for stealing the election from her, demanding a recount and demanding that the practices of the Detroit City Clerk and Election Commission be reformed. The suit seeks the preservation of all records related to the Detroit August 2, 2005 primary, not just the ballots needed for the recount that Maureen Taylor (The Grassroots Candidate) requested on August 16, 2005. The case has been assigned to Wayne County 3rd Circuit Court Judge John H. Gillis, Jr.'

Update: The Michigan Citizen provides an excellent article on the subject here.

War protesters injured

Our Cindy Sheehan vigil last week in downtown Detroit was under surveillance by two well marked Homeland Security vehicles, cleary an attempt to intimidate those attending the vigil. How long before something like this takes place in Detroit?

Update: Here's some video of a protestor being tasered and another being set upon by a police dog.

Cindy Sheehan, mother of Casey Sheehan

Cindy Sheehan is a mother who lost her son in Iraq and wants to ask the President a question. As the mainstream media (OK, so the Christian Science Monitor ain't so mainstream) starts to pick up her story, the right-wing attack squad has started their disinformation campaign. To listen to Mrs. Sheehan herself and visit the organizations that support her, start here. MoveOn.org is organizing vigils to support her request to ask the President 'Why did we go to war?' Two of the four Detroit area events are full.

Shrinking Detroit has 12,000 abandoned homes

Even the dead are leaving the city according to this article. "Suburbanites are taking the bodies of their relatives out of cemeteries because they're afraid to come to the city," said Stephen Vogel, dean of the school of architecture at University of Detroit Mercy.

Greetings from Cape Cod

Hey Folks,
just now in that vacation mode as we leave the Mass. coast into a beautiful summer sunset. I'll be back in a week. I hope you enjoy it as much as I am! Adios.

This is starting to taste bad.

Here's something interesting. The Detroit News page here has Marino Taylor (sound familiar?) with 2,218 votes or 0.3%

This page [WDIV Click on Detroit] has him at 8,717, almost as many as Maureen Taylor (that's our candidate).

If the WDIV page is with 100% reporting and the DetNews page is with 95.1% (which both pages do state), that means Marino picked up 75% of his vote in only 5% of the precincts. That's seems awfully extraordinary to me.

It could be just a typo in one of the web pages, like the names. Some candidates have their first name repeated.

Has anyone obtained any official results?

So close you could taste it!

Election results in the Detroit City Council race have Maureen 'D for Detroit' Taylor with 8,947 votes or approximately 1.0%. That puts her in 24th place in a race in which 18 advance. Only a little over 4000 votes separate her from the 18th place finisher, police officer Tia Davis with 13,129 votes.

Maureen ran a very strong campaign, hobbling on an injured foot, she covered this city like blanket of snow (I'm trying to ignore the heat) while maintaining the services she always provides through Michigan Welfare Rights. Along with Marian Kramer, Sylvia Orduno, and scores of other volunteers, this was a grassroots campaign that was all over the ground.

The endorsements of the AFL-CIO of Metropolitan Detroit, Committee for the Political Resurrection (CPR) of Detroit, Detroit Green Party (GPMI), Detroit Million Worker March (MWM) Movement, Keep the Vote/No Take Over Coalition, League of Revolutionaries for a New America (LRNA), Operation Uplift, Riverfront East Alliance, Sierra Club of Southeast Michigan, Socialist Party of Michigan, Solidarity and the Triangle Pride Political Action Committee show the depth and breadth of support for the grassroots candidate.

All Taylor for Council volunteers worked long hours, starting off armed with hand copied and cut flyers and just 100 yard signs, they used face to face organizing to draw in more supporters and get the campaign message out. While other campaigns relied on TV and print advertising, the Taylor volunteers worked the streets in their neighborhoods and at large gatherings in the city. All along they kept it real. It was not uncommon for folks who took a flyer to come back and ask for a button to wear. Now everyone wants a Taylor Campaign Volunteer t-shirt of their own.

While Maureen will not be on the November ballot, this grassroots campaign serves as a shining example of the power of the people.

Most City Council incumbents will be back in November

The have the lowest confidence rating in Detroit Government at 75% negative, yet Most City Council incumbents will be back in November. In fact, 20% of those voting completely ignored the City Council race. I blame our local media which did nothing to inform the people of the their choices in these council elections.

Detroit's future in sharp focus for mayoral race - The Boston Globe

Here's an even-handed view of the state-of-the-city on the eve of the mayoral and council primary from the Boston Globe.

Newspaper Under Fire For Alleged Racist Cartoon

This WDIV coverage includes an image of the 'Alleged Racist Cartoon'. In a rather interesting piece of synchronicity, the Detroit Free Press publishes this article on the fear that not enough migrant workers will be available to pick the cherry crop due to massive migrant deportations. The cartoon states that 'Services for legal and illegal immigrants cost taxpayers over $68 billion per year.' The article doesn't state how much 'legal and illegal immigrants' contribute to the economy here in Michigan and across the US. I wonder why?

Unofficial report from Oklahoma

Here's a "completely lo-fi, diy publication" covering the recent events at the GPUS Annual National Meeting in Tulsa last week. The official press releases can be found here.

'Detroit's radios paid by suburbs' reads inflammatory headline

Here we have the City of Detroit installing and paying for a digital radio system meant to be used during a terrorist attack (how's that for inflammatory) and all the Detroit News and other reactionaries want to talk about is why the water department pays more than its fair share? Are the 'water wars' simply a cover for other forces here in the most segregated region of our country?

In a completely unrelated story...

... a recent report shows that home buyers steered separately by their race.

Hendrix trumps Kilpatrick in funding

Not only is he winning according to the polls, but Freeman Hendrix is raising more money than Mayor Kilpatrick. And with elections like this: 'with less than two weeks remaining before the Aug. 2 primary, the top two candidates had already raised as much as Kilpatrick and his general election opponent, Gil Hill, spent on their entire campaigns in 2001.' - money may be more important than the polls.

Look, over there, a new Supreme Court nominee

While the counter-attack on Joe Wilson is replaced with more pressing business (congress won't in session for over a month) the paper trail begins to emerge. He leaked it, and now it's obvious he knew she was covert. Boy is it hot this summer!

When did you first hear about Joe Wilson's wife?

Naming a covert operative is what Karl Rove did. Now what happens? Is he indicted or does the whole mess blow over in the heat?

Green Party Mayoral candidates around the country

Elaine Brown in New Brunswick, GA. Alice Green in Albany.
In Minnesota, Elizabeth Dickinson. More at http://www.greens.org/elections/

And the people agree...

...with Nolan according to this poll

Old enemies agree: Detroit's Kwame Kilpatrick must go

I don't often agree with Nolan Finley and I don't buy into the enemies metaphor but I do agree that Kilpatrick must go.

Ralph Nader's Open Letter to George W. Bush

In his Open Letter to Bush, he asks: "Who is doing the sacrificing on the US side besides our troops and their families and other Americans whose dire necessities and protections cannot be met due to the diversion of huge spending for the Iraq war and occupation?"

Iraqis uneasy with Bush's handling of war

Local Iraqi Americans' attitudes to US actions in their native land is changing according to this Free Press Article. With the 67% negative rating given to Bush's handling of the war, they seem to be in total agreement with African Americans, Latino Americans, Native Americans and all the rest of the Americans that want the US policy in Iraq to change.

George Corsetti: This Land is Their Land

Detroit Greens own George Corsetti has a thoughtful analysis of the recent Supreme Court decision on the use of eminent domain. In 'This Land is Their Land', George draws comparisons to Detroit's Poletown affair and points out the Michigan Supreme Courts recent reversal of its decision to allow the destruction of the east side neighborhood to build a GM plant. HIs liberal references to Ralph Nader may discomfit some Greens, but hey, deal with it.

"the twilight of Black broker politics"

Are we seeing the "the twilight of Black broker politics" as Yoshie suggests in this post?.

Michigan Greens Endorse Maureen D. Taylor for Detroit City Council, Expand Calls to End War in Iraq at Quarterly Statewide Meeting.

Highlights of the Green Party of Michigan meeting held in East Dearborn on June 25th include, among other things:

• Grassroots Candidate Maureen Taylor Welcomes State Party's Support; Has Worked with Greens to Help the People on Water, Utilities Issues
  
• GPMI Plans Outreach to Young People on War and the Economy, Billboards and Petition Drives to "Bring the Troops Home Now"
  
• Party Backs Voters' Rights, Supports Pinkney in Benton Harbor Recall Flap
  
• New State Officers Elected; Preparing for GPUS Meeting in July, 2006 Elections
  

GP's Scott McLarty on the Downing Street Memos

Green Party spokesperson Scott McLarty appears on the Lizz Brown Show (Audio - MP3 - Scott's about 2/3 through the show) to speak on the Green Party support for impeaching President Bush.

more info at http://www.gp.org/impeachbush.shtml

What the 'Downing Street' memos show

'Interpretations vary.' Those folks at the Christian Science Monitor are so damn polite aren't they. While this story may not call it a smoking gun, 91.5% of CSM readers do on the attached poll. What do you think?

Lyndon Baines Bush

Many are starting to see the similarities between our current situation in Middle East and Viet Nam but this is frightening.

Downing Street Memo finally hits Detroit press.

Over 6 weeks after the documents were released, a Detroit Newpaper finally deigns to cover the story of evidence of Bush 's rush to war. Our own Representative, John Conyers is holding hearings on the issue and there is no mention of it in this article. Perhaps we'll look back on articles like these with the same fondness we remember stories like 'Burglars break into Watergate office of Democratic Party'

More info at http://www.downingstreetmemo.com

These are the days, folks!

Michigan Greens Agree with National Party that Downing Street Memo Is Evidence for Bush Impeachment

The Green Party of Michigan (GPMI) joins the national Green Party of the United States (GPUS) in citing the "Downing Street memo" as further evidence of the deceit of the Bush administration in its rush to unconstitutional, unjustified, and undeclared war in Iraq -- and as reason for citizens of all parties (or none) to call for the end of the occupation and the impeachment of George W. Bush.

GPMI welcomes the efforts of Michigan's 14th District Congressman John Conyers, Jr. on these issues. Conyers has written to the White House, with the backing of 88 other House members, demanding explanations of the revelations in the memo from a top-level meeting of the British government.

With the help of a wide spectrum of citizens' groups, Conyers and others have collected almost half a million signatures on petitions supporting the demand for the truth..

[full release & contact info]

[Sign the petition]

By its name it shall be known: Ctheory Article on Detroit

Found this on the Real Detroit blog at LiveJournal. Interesting read or academic clap trap? You decide.

Kilpatrick's threat: No fireworks

Like the kid who would take his ball home if he couldn't get his way, out mayor is threatening to cancel the fireworks if the city council overides his budget veto. Citing security concerns and the 'safety of citizens,' this kind of heavy handed power brokering is a little over the top for an election year. Is this the end of a 46 year tradition?

Kilpatrick's ad: 'I've made ... mistakes'

"'But I'm the mayor, so it's my fault,' he said with sarcasm."

I'm sorry, but the sarcasm is lost on me.

State goal: Hands off city

This has to go into the 'famous-last-words' category. I'm sure we heard this before the school board takeover (you remember, right after the half a billion dollars in school bonds were floated) and before the Flint and Hamtramck takeovers. It's nice to know that our state leadership is willing to let us go on suffering a steady state of decline while they keep their hand off. Give me a break!

Kilpatrick reduced to tears.

Really, that's what is say's in this Free Press article. It seems that the Kilpartrick campaign is adopting the common practice of blaming all criticism on a vast conspiracy of other-wingers. At this event, even Nazi's were invoked to paint the 'others' as extemist. And for something completely different, the Mayor has reimbursed the city for $9000 he charged on his city issued credit card. Move along, these are not the issues you are looking for (Star Wars opens Friday).

Mystery donors aid Kilpatrick

Does the fact that Dennis Archer and Coleman Young used this fund for similar purposes make this use of private funds by the Kilpatrick administration any less unethical? While campaign finance is heavily regulated it appears that funding for the salaries and benefits of public officials is not. It may be legal but is it right? The results of this Detroit News on-line survey suggest it's not.

City-suburb politics play out in fight over Pistons

Well, I've never heard the race based segregation of southeastern Michigan described as city-suburb politics, but if that's how it appears from the sports page, so be it. Go Pistons!

Democratic chairman says nonpartisan method needed to handle redistricting,

I find striking similarities between this redistricting issue and the current filibuster nuclear option being suggested by Republicans at the National level. In both cases, the fact that a clear majority can redraw congressional districts or consent on the appointment of federal judges must be tempered to prevent a 'tyranny of the majority'. The recent redistricting of Texas that caused the furor over state legislators leaving the state to avoid voting on a redistricting law is a rather grievious example of the former. The renomination of Priscilla Owens after our own Attorney General describes her as an 'activist judge' is the latter.

British Green vote doubles in two seats

While failing to win it first Parlimentary seat, the good showing of the Green Party in yesterday's election in Britian is good news. More news here.

Kilpatrick says city won't pop for bubbly

Why is it that our Mayor only seems to do the right thing after he's been caught with his hand in the cookie jar? I don't think he should reimburse the city for only the alcohol purchases, but for all the $210,000 he's spent over the years. He owes me.

Council vote a win for casinos

Yeah, the casino owners are happy, but is it
a win for the people of Detroit? What do you think?

Google Search: german visa scandal

Germany's Green Foreign Minister is embroiled in a scandal around relaxing requirements for tourist visas. While Joschka Fischer says he will not resign, his former deputy denies responsibilty for the 'Volmer Decree'. It looks a lot like the Willie Horton scandal used to attack Democratic candidate Dukakis.

Senate Democrats announce hearings for water protection bills

The Democrats are providing a forum to allow citizen input into the proposed Water Legacy Act. Not only should Greens urge the legislature to consider the law, they should also call for stricter controls over diversions. Republican Senate Majority Leader Ken Sikkema's delay in considering the Act is a threat to our greatest resource, the Great Lakes.

Iowa County gets C plus, but flunks water, on Green Party report card

Here's a service being provided by a Green Party local in Iowa, a report card on Air Quality, Water Quality, Energy & Conservation and Recycling. They have been doing this report card for 5 years now. Way to go Greens!

Happy Earth Day!

We only have one planet. Use it wisely.

Greens seek Peace Port - Olympia, Washington

I wonder how this would go down here in Detroit. Do we move any war-related materials? Do we still have a port?

Detroit's Kilpatrick makes Time's worst-mayor list

Another example of the national media's coverage of Detroit. And here's the Mayor's response.

Debtors of the World Unite!

As we read of the tightening of bankruptcy laws without any corresponding additional controls on the credit industry, this article points out the Democratic Party and our own Debbie Stabenow's role in the debacle. (Oh yeah, she's not up for re-election next year.)

Even our own Mayor, who is up for re-election this year, wants to balance the budget on the backs of the people. His proposed tax increase is on fast food!

Early Green Party Victories in 2005.

Buried in this GPUS press release is the telling of the Democratic Party's strategy on local GP candidates: automated phoning and a negative direct-mail campaign suggested that an "ultra-liberal" political party was about to "seize control". As the Democrats have lost control at the national level and are increasingly marginalized, we can expect more of this kind of treatment in the future.

"Diagnosing the Green Party"

This exchange illustrates much of the negative aspects of the two tendencies in GPUS. Here we find Cobb's campaign contributors held against him, much as was done with Nader's Republican doners. The original article buries its salient points in overblown rhetoric. Sad, but true, the saying goes.

Kilpatrick ready to overhaul, cut, merge

As Mayor Kilpatrick prepares to announce further privatization and reduction of city services, city unions prepare to resist.

The AFSCME City of Detroit Presidents are calling on all city workers, city residents and supporters of public services to rally on April 12 at 4:00 p.m. at the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center (Woodward entrance)

Detroit kids poor even in good times

George Corsetti brought this article to our attention on the Detroit Greens email list. So much for a 'booming' economy.

Peter Camejo: The Crisis in the Green Party

Peter Camejo, who was the vice-presidential candidate on the Nader ticket in last years presidential race, is leading the effort to address what he describes as the crisis in the Green Party. Many are dismissing those of us in Greens for Democracy and Independence as Nader/Camejo supporters who are unable to accept our lose at the Milwaukee nominating convention and while I might admit many of us are motivated by that event, it does not diminish the criticisms.

Daily Nebraskan - Green Party gains ballot access, becomes recognized party

After losing ballot status in a poor showing in last years elections, Nebraskan Greens get back on the horse.

Maureen Taylor for Detroit City Council

Maureen Taylor, lifetime Detroit activist and State Chair, Michigan Welfare Rights Organization, announces her candidacy for Detroit City Council.

Stay in touch with here campaign at: http://www.taylorforcouncil.org

Detroit's mayor vs. Oakland Co.'s exec

It's good to see this is falling along 'traditional' lines. Detroit mayor berates uncooperative suburban leaders and they in return attack his leadership. The article here includes a transcript of their comments.

That's my congressperson

When it looked like the FEC was going to come down on bloggers like a certain state party treasurer came down on a certain local, Michigan congressperson John Conyers steps up and contends: Bloggers have rights too. What a small world.

Kilpatrick asserts progress

Our 'imperfect servant' gives us the low down on the state of the city. The freep coverage is here.

Wrangling Over Metro Water System Is Unnecessary

Rarely do I find anything to agree with in the Detroit News, so I am surprised to find out they think it is 'unwise' to wrest control of Detroits Water Department from the city. Of course, this is buried in a story on a voluntary Metro Detroit water group. Go figure.

The Free Press has more details on the proposed takeover here.

"It's not all as grim as war protesters want us to believe" (sic)

Dawson Bell seems to be upset that Lansing protesters didn't repeat the lies his paper and the mass media publish about Iraq. His suggestion that 'every analyst and government on the planet' believed there were weapons of mass distraction ignores the truth for a shared false reality based on misinformation and misunderstanding. He then goes on to belie the difference between 'grave' and 'imminent'. I found urgent and pressing in my thesarus. Me thinks he doth protest too much!

The Iraq War Fact Sheet

Local experts put the cost of the Iraqi war to Detroit's citizens at $429 million. Here's some other facts on this second anniversary.

Highland Park manager resigns

Happy days are not quite here again but this quote from *former* HP Emergency financial Manager Ramona Pearson: "'I'm angry at politics, not at the people who are doing what they are told to do", should give you an idea why HP Councilwoman Thompson said: "The city did not improve as much under her administration. We still have the same problems today as we did four years ago." The article doesn't paint a very good picture of her replacement, former Wayne County commissioner Arthur Blackwell, either.

Restarting the Anti-War Movement

As Detroit prepares for a Friday March 18th event, Ralph Nader gives us some ideas. He also admonishes us a bit with: "If the peace movement had continued to advocate for an end to the war during the presidential election year, rather than remaining silent where would be today?"

Manitoba Green Party feud

Well there seems to be a lot of feuding going on in the Green Party these days. Some may say all days. In Manitoba it looks like a classic realo's vs fundi's struggle.

Senate Passes New Bankruptcy Legislation

The Senate has spoken: put away your credit cards. New Bankruptcy Legislation will make it harder to get rid of debt. Particularly for those whose medical bills put them into debt and ilness keeps them from paying it off. Go figure.

Bottler offers sports fields for city water

Here we find Nestle violating the spirit of the courts decision to limit their water usage by paying off a small town willing to sell what belongs to all of us.

Insult of Thomas sparks protests

Ann Coulter's recent bilge water has raised the ire of metro Detroit's Arab American communities.

The coming crackdown on blogging

Hell, we just got started and now they want to shut us down. Can you believe this BS?!

Blogs of War

New Hampshire Public Radio has a nice audio interview with a couple of bloggers that gives a good introduction to blogging in an easy to consume media. Both Real Audio and Windows Media feeds available.

Detroit water wars update

While the city council considers water credits, citizens face a %45+ increase in sewerage rates. If we are going to stop this raiding of the public trust we have to elect new members to the council like Maureen Taylor.

Show me your papers! ... No!!!

John Gilmore refuses to provide identification when asked upon boarding aircraft or trains. Surprisingly, our government refuses to show him the law that requires him to do so. Go figure.

Bush Gently Prods Putin on Democracy

Talk about the blind leading the blind: Bush Gently Prods Putin on Democracy

Steady but Quiet: Green Party Rising

These stories from Berkeley California and Vigo County Indiana reflect a more focused Green Party coming into its own.

Payment error likely to cost city

As the City of Detroit contemplates a 40%+ increase in sewerage rates to pay back 'overcharges' to suburban water and sewerage customers, we find here another example of balancing the books on the back of urban citizens and workers. Hamtramck and Highland Park are both suffering badly from state receivership. Is this what Detroit has to look forward to?

Midwest Academy - Organizing Training

At the SMM today, Green and Kalamazoo City Councilperson Don Cooney gave an inspiring talk on his efforts. When asked for information on how to reproduce his efforts he pointed us to the Midwest Academy. Please take a look and let me know what you think.

Ralph Nader, Put Up, or Shut Him Up!

I'm not the only one who would like to see Ralph Nader in the race in 2008. This guy suggests you visit Ralph's site and make a contribution to help him pay off his debt.

National ID cards on the way?

this card you don't want to get for Valentine's Day.

New Mexico Green Party loses 'major' status

This sad tale points out the manipulation of election law on the part of the so-called major parties that creates a third-party political ghetto. Here in Michigan we are more fortunate as any candidate receiving the requisite percentage will retain our ballot status and eventually put us in the 'majors'. We can thank the Republican dominated Michigan legislature for that. What party is in the majority in New Mexico?

Detroit budget crises: Can the people really win?

The current Detroit budget crisis -- a three year projected short fall of $389 million -- is the worst since the early 1980s. Mayor Kilpatrick has sent layoff notices to 700 workers effective March 4. He has cut all non-union salaries 10%. He has eliminated nearly 250 unfilled positions. The decrepit bus system will be further crippled by route eliminations and reductions in service. He plans a second round of more service and jobs cuts, including closing the Belle Isle Aquarium. Announcing these actions in a televised address January 12 he said: “we have reached a dire moment in the history of our city. We have failed for decades to make tough decisions by spending millions as … tens of thousands of people were leaving the city.”

The Detroit Public School System has a budget shortfall of $200 million. The unelected, appointed board and its CEO, Kenneth Burnley, propose cutting 5,400 jobs and closing 40 schools. Projections point to closing nearly half the schools.

more at http://www.detroitgreens.org/article.html

Why we must lose this war (Metro Times Detroit)

In Why we must lose this war, Jack Lessenberry introduces us to Gwynne Dyer, who says, among many other interesting things:

"The United States needs to lose the war in Iraq as soon as possible. Even more urgently, the whole world needs the United States to lose the war in Iraq. What is at stake now is the way we run the world for the next generation or more, and really bad things will happen if we get it wrong.”

as well as

“The U.S. economy is a confidence trick based on everybody else’s perception that the United States is centrally important for the world’s security and that its economy is centrally important for the world economy.”

Powerful stuff.