Mn-prog-events Mailing List: Progressive Calendar 01.27.06

[David Shove (shove001]

             P R O G R E S S I V E   C A L E N D A R    01.27.06

1. Counter recruit     1.27 12noon
2. El Salvador         1.27 12noon/2:15pm/8pm
3. Palestine vigil     1.27 4:15pm
4. Latina labor/film   1.27 7pm
5. Venezuela/oil       1.27 7pm
6. Peace/garden/story  1.27 7:30pm

7. MN women pol caucus 1.28 9am
8. Miss River forum    1.28 10am
9. NWA solidarity      1.28 10am
10. Salvador disasters 1.28 10am
11. Theatre/oppressed  1.28 12noon
12. Northtown vigil    1.28 1pm
13. Permaculture       1.28 1pm
14. Labor/carnival     1.28 1:30pm
15. YAWR/metro-wide    1.28 2pm
16. Mortenson 64A/GP   1.28 6pm
17. Teen poetry slam   1.28 7pm
18. Empire/WorldBank   1.28 7pm

19. Salim Lamrani - Cuba, the obsessive target of the Bush administration
20. ed            - Sex, good and bad (paired haikus)

--------1 of 20-------

From: sarah standefer <scsrn [at] yahoo.com>
Subject: Counter recruit 1.27 12noon

Counter Recruitment Demonstration
 Our Children Are Not Cannon Fodder
Fridays   NOON-1
Recruiting Office at the U of M
At Washington and Oak St.  next to Chipolte
for info call Barb Mishler 612-871-7871


--------2 of 20---------

From: Ernest Jenkins <erjenkins [at] msn.com>
Subject: El Salvador 1.27 12noon/2:15pm/8pm

FRI JAN 27
12noon-1:30pm

Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights: lunch lecture focusing on the
upcoming elections in El Salvador. The program will last approximately one
hour. We would like her to speak for 40 to 45 minutes and leave the
remaining time for questions.

From: humanrts [at] umn.edu
January 27, - Human Rights in El Salvador Today.  12noon-1pm

Briggs and Morgan & Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights Invite you to
Human Rights in El Salvador Today.

Ms. Schuld will talk about democracy and human rights in El Salvador since
the signing of the Peace Accords in 1992. She will discuss the advances
and set backs to human rights, including the implications of the recently
ratified Dominican Republic/Central America Free Trade Agreement
(DR-CAFTA) with the United States and El Salvador's upcoming elections
scheduled for March 2006.

Leslie Schuld is the director of the Center for Exchange and Solidarity
(CIS) in El Salvador and has lived there for the last 12 years. She has
been active in solidarity work with the struggle of the Salvadoran people
for social and economic justice since 1981. She is currently getting her
masters degree at the University of El Salvador.

Location: Briggs and Morgan, Minnesota Room, 80 S. Eighth St., 2200 IDS Center,
Minneapolis MN 55402

---
From: Ernest Jenkins <erjenkins [at] msn.com>

FRI, JAN 27
2:15pm
LOCATION: University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Social Science Building,
Global Studies Lounge on the second floor (right next to Professor
Barbara. Frey's office). 267 19th Avenue South, University of Minnesota,
Minneapolis, MN 55455

Leslie's general topic is "Human Rights in El Salvador Today." She will
talk about some of the following subpoints:
 A. Elections in El Salvador Since the Peace Accords
 B. Other Human Rights in El Salvador
 1. CAFTA - implications and violation of human rights (looking at the
implications of intellectual property rights chapter, public services,
government contracts, economic impact, ability of corporations to sue
States, etc.)
 2. Democracy in El Salvador after the Peace Accords - gains and obstacles
to political, civil, social and economic rights.  (looking at reforms and
creation of institutions as well as continued obstacles - Armed Forces,
PNC, Supreme Electoral Tribunal, elections, political parties, PDDH,
Supreme Court, social economic forum, economic policy)
 3. Privatization of Health Care - movement to defend the right to public
health care and its impact.
 4. Human rights violations during the war impunity (she is not an expert
on this but can talk about the Truth Commission, the general amnesty,
Romero, 4 US religious women cases, the case of disappeared children in
the Interamericana Human Rights Court
 5. Tropical Storm Stan - natural disaster and/or result of social
economic policies.

---
FRI JAN 27 EVENING
Comite Salvadoreno de Minnesota
El Salvador: Response to Natural Disasters (en español) 08:00 PM (20:00
hrs) at 251 McAndrews Road West, Burnsville MN 55337 presentation by
Leslie Schuld, Director of Centro de Intercambio y Solidaridad (CIS), EL
SALVADOR


--------3 of 20-------

From: peace 2u <tkanous [at] hotmail.com>
Subject: Palestine vigil 1.27 4:15pm

Every Friday
Vigil to End the Occupation of Palestine

4:15-5:15pm
Summit & Snelling, St. Paul

There are now millions of Palestinians who are refugees due to Israel's
refusal to recognize their right under international law to return to
their own homes since 1948.


-------4 of 20------

From: bkucera [at] csom.umn.edu
Subject: Latina labor/film 1.27 7pm

Maid in America is the next film in the Labor & Community Film Series
sponsored by the University of Minnesota Labor Education Service.

In English with Spanish subtitles, the film will be shown at 7 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 27, at the Resource Center of the Americas, 3019 Minnehaha
Ave. S., Minneapolis, 55406. Maid in America is an intimate look into the
lives of three Latina immigrants working as nannies and housekeepers in
Los Angeles. These personal portrayals provide insight into the immigrant
experience.

The screening is free and open to the public. For directions and other
information, visit the LES website, www.laboreducation.org or call
612-624-5020.

Barb Kucera 612-624-1104 bkucera [at] csom.umn.edu


--------5 of 20--------

From: August H Nimtz Jr <animtz [at] tc.umn.edu>
Subject: Venezuela/oil 1.27 7pm

"Venezuela and the Sale of Cheap Heating Oil to the U.S." will be the
topic of Jesus Chucho Garcia's presentation this Friday, Jan. 27, Blegen
Hall 10, 7pm, at the Univ. of Minnestoa.

Garcia is Venezuela's foremost Black activist. The founder of
Afro-Venezuela Network and the Afro-Americana Foundation - presently its
director of international relations - Garcia has also authored numerous
books on the black presence in Venezuela. In addition to talking about the
specifics of Chavez's offer and its political significance, Garcia will
also address the current political situation in the country and
developments elsewhere in Latin America.

For more information, call 612-623-3452.  Sponsored by the
Minnesota-Venezuela Committee and the MacArthur Interdisciplinary Program
at the U of M.


--------6 of 20--------

From: Larry Johnson <elent7 [at] comcast.net>
Subject: Peace/garden/story 1.27 7:30pm

Please join us January 27, 7:30pm at the FIRE ROAST MOUNTAIN CAFE at
3800 East 37th Ave. in Minneapolis.

Larry and Elaine will do a storytelling benefit for the SPIRIT OF PEACE
sculpture to be installed at the Peace Garden by Lake Harriet.  We will
tell some of the stories of peace and justice we've gathered and told for
many years at venues around the world. We will tell the story of doing our
Air America show from the September 24 March on Washington and of going to
church with Joe Wilson the next day.  We may tell how we once told the
LEGEND OF SADAKO to the Stockholm Rotary Club, meeting on the Hutton Yacht
in Stockholm Harbor, or maybe we'll tell some of the peace stories left by
artists who refused to serve the Nazis just outside of Bremen, Germany.
Larry will do some of his MUSIC FOR ARMS AND LANDFILL REDUCTION, and we
may be joined by storytelling friends.

We're suggesting a donation of $25 but its certainly OK to be there and
give what you can afford, less, or considerably more. There will also be
opportunity to buy the beautiful peace crane earrings the Peace Garden
Committee has been making available in recent months.

Please call us and tell us you'll be there January 27, and/or call and ask
how else you can help raise the money to further enhance the Peace Garden,
a place of inspiration for activists as well as ordinary folks just
seeking to make their personal lives more peaceful.

Larry Johnson and Elaine Wynne KEY OF SEE STORYTELLERS 612-747-3904


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From: ewomenwin [at] mnwpc.org
Subject: MN women pol caucus 1.28 9am

MWPC 2006 Annual Meeting on Jan. 28

The 2006 Annual Meeting of the Minnesota Women's Political Caucus,
Political Action Committee and Education Council will be on Saturday,
January 28, from 9am to noon at the newly remodeled Minnesota Women's
Building (550 Rice Street, St. Paul).

Come together with MWPC members, colleagues, and friends to reflect on
2005 and bound into election 2006! Social hour begins at 9 a.m.,
continental breakfast is provided, and the business meeting and program
will begin at 10 a.m. The MWPC PAC will hold an endorsing convention at
noon. You must be a current MWPC member by January 14, 2006, to vote on
endorsements and other business.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns =
"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

For more information about the meeting, endorsements, or membership, call
651-228-0995 or email women [at] mnwpc.org. Guests welcome!


--------8 of 20--------

From: Gjerry Berquist <GjerryBerquist6 [at] msn.com>
>From: "Mississippi Corridor Neighborhood Coalition" <mcnc [at] qwest.net>
Subject: MCNC Miss river forum 1.28 10am

MCNC Presents
~Water Quality and the Health of the Mississippi River~

Presenter 1: Dr. William Toscano, U of M School of Public Health
This presentation will answer questions such as:
What toxins are entering the Mississippi River?
What are the effects?
What can we do about it?

Presenter 2: Mike Davis, Ecologist, Dept. of Natural Resources
  The Mississippi River Pool Plans

The Mississippi River Pool Plans are a result of a cooperative effort
among State and Federal agencies and the public to help develop common
habitat goals and objectives for the Mississippi River. The plans
establish desired habitat conditions and identify actions to reverse the
trend of reduced ecological integrity. Implementation of the Pool Plans
would result in a sustainable Mississippi River ecosystem.

*Our new informational brochure will be available at no cost*

Saturday, January 28
10am-12noon
East Side Neighborhood Services
1700 2nd Street NE
Minneapolis, MN 55413

For more information contact us! www.mcnc-mpls.org info [at] mcnc-mpls.org
612-331-4738

Shanda Fisher, Program Coordinator Mississippi Corridor Neighborhood
Coalition 1528 Marshall St NE Minneapolis, MN 55413 Office: 612-331-4738
Email:  <mailto:mcnc [at] 2z.net> info [at] mcnc-mpls.org Web:
<http://www.mcnc-mpls.org/> www.mcnc-mpls.org Visit our Town Hall Forum!
-Click <http://www.mcnc-mpls.org/MCNCTownHall/default.asp> Here-


--------9 of 20--------

From: Solidarity Committee <nwasolidaritymsp [at] hotmail.com>
Subject: NWA solidarity 1.28 10am

Please join us on Saturday, January 28th at 10am in the Wings Financial
Credit Union Building

Here's an update on what we've been doing.

The Twin Cities Solidarity Committee met again this past SAturday, January
21 at the AMFA office. We discussed the terroristic approach NWA is using
against the other unions on the property in the bankruptcy courts this
past week. Our conclusion is that NWA is a cancer and if left behind, it
will kill workers benefits at every other airline and then creep into all
industries across America. We also discussed getting jobless worker
benefits for striking Minnesotans. It seems NWA has said they have all the
techinicians, cleaners, and custodians that they need, so the remainder of
unemployed AMFA members should now be entitles to State jobless benefits.

Meetings with Legislators are being set up by local officers and
individual striking workers, to get support for a jobless package from the
State of Minnesota. Individual Solidarity members are encouraged to make
contact with their respective legislators and stress the importance of
retraining and unemployment benefits for those who have not crossed the
picket line. A draft letter was put together as talking points for the
Legislators. A copy will be posted and sent out soon.


--------10 of 20--------

From: Mary Turck <mturck [at] americas.org>
Subject: Salvador disasters 1.28 10am

Saturday, January 28. El Salvador: Response to Natural Disasters.
Maria del Pilar Romero Gonzalez and Leslie Schuld will
speak on disaster response and on the work of Los Olivos in El Salvador.

[Part of weekly coffee hour series, with a talk by a featured speaker and
discussion. Saturdays, 10-11:30 a.m. $4 includes first cup of coffee.
Resource Center of the Americas, 3019 Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis 55406
FFI: 612-276-0788]


--------11 of 20--------

From: humanrts [at] umn.edu
Subject: Theatre/oppressed 1.28 12noon

January 28 - Theatre of the Oppressed: A Workshop With Theatre Artist
Michael Agnew.  12noon-6pm.  Cost: $65.

Intermedia Arts is pleased to present an introductory training in Theatre
of the Oppressed (TO) facilitated by lead artist Michael Agnew. TO uses a
variety of theatrical games and unique theatrical formats to explore
common oppressions and to stimulate debate and motivate action leading to
social change.

Participants will come away from this introductory workshop with an
overview of the theoretical basis of the Theatre of the Oppressed, and
will gain experience with the games and exercises involved in the process
of making this type of theatre. The workshop will culminate in an
in-workshop performance of the Forum Theater process.

To register for the workshop, please download/print the flyer (available
at http://aaa.mpls.k12.mn.us/Fine_Arts_ListServ.html), fill out the
registration form, and return with payment to Intermedia Arts. For further
information, or if you have difficulties opening or printing the flyer,
please contact Melis (melis [at] intermediaarts.org) at Intermedia Arts.
Location: Intermedia Arts, 2822 Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN
55408


--------12 of 20--------

From: Lennie <major18 [at] comcast.net>
Subject: Northtown vigil 1.28 1pm

We will now be peace vigiling EVERY SATURDAY from 1-2pm at the at the
southeast corner of the intersection of Co. Hwy 10 and University Ave NE
in Blaine, which is the northwest most corner of the Northtown Mall area.
This is a MUCH better location.

We'll have extra signs.  Communities situated near the Northtown Mall
include: Blaine, Mounds View, New Brighton, Roseville, Shoreview, Arden
Hills, Spring Lake Park, Fridley, and Coon Rapids.

For further information, email major18 [at] comcast.net or call Lennie at
763-717-9168


--------13 of 20--------

From: Margaret Beegle <beegle [at] macalester.edu>
Subject: Permaculture 1.28 1pm

Building our Bioregional Community (Part III)
Saturday, January 28, 1-5pm
2420 17th Avenue South, Minneapolis (home of Lynne Mayo)
(612) 722-7356 LLEN [at] usfamily.net

Agenda - Join us for any of four sessions

1-1:30pm Session I: Gathering and conversation
1:30-2:30pm Session 2: Class on the theory and practice of Permaculture*
For those new to Permaculture who want to know about it. Practitioners
share their knowledge.

Break

3:00 - 4:00 Session 3: Action Committees
Land, Gardens, Trees, Urban Permaculture, Training, Library, Networks,
Midwest Permaculture Group, May Day Project, Funding.

Hear about the work being done in each area. Join an action committee.
Insure food stability and an abundant world for our children.

Break

4:30-5pm Session 4: Community for Mutual Aid and Transformation
Preliminary Discussion
Design community based on the values and principles of
BioPermaculture/Mindfulness
Introductory Remarks by Lynne Mayo

*BioPermaculture Values and Principles:
Care for Earth
Care for People
Consume Mindfully, Mutual Aid, Redistribute Wealth
Mediate Conflict

Design Principles:

Observe and Interact, Catch and Store Energy, Obtain a Yield, Apply
Self-Regulation and Accept Feedback, Use and Value Renewable
Resources/Services, Produce No Waste, Design from Patterns to Details,
Integrate rather than Segregate, Use Small and Slow Solutions, Use and
Value Diversity, Use Edges and Value the Marginal, Creatively Use and
Respond to Change

Proverbs Reflecting the Design Principles
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder; Make hay while the sun shines; You
can't work on an empty stomach; The sins of the fathers are visited upon
the children unto the seventh generation; Let nature take its course; A
stitch in time saves nine; Waste not, want not; Can't see the forest for
the trees; Many hands make light work; The bigger they are, the harder
they fall; Slow and steady wins the race; Don't put all your eggs in one
basket; Don't think you are on the right track just because it is a
well-beaten path; Vision is not seeing things are they are but as they
will be.

"The sad reality is that we in danger of perishing from our own
stupidity and lack of personal responsibility to life. If we become
extinct because of factors beyond our control, then we can at least die
with pride in ourselves, but to create a mess in which we perish by our
own inaction makes nonsense of our claims to consciousness and reality."
Bill Mollison

"Warmer Seas may wipe out Plankton - Source of Ocean Life" (Source of All
Life) Published on Thursday, January 19, 2006 by the Independent/UK

And the elephant smiled. "So, you see what I mean?...They've proved they
ARE persons, no matter how small. And their whole world was saved by the
Smallest of all!" Horton Hears a Who, by Dr. Seuss

-- 
Margaret R. Beegle Program Assistant International Studies and Programming
Macalester College 1600 Grand Avenue St. Paul, MN 55105 (651) 696-6332


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From: stpaulunions.org <llwright [at] stpaulunions.org>
Subject: Labor/carnival 1.28 1:30pm

WINTER CARNIVAL 2005
Come join us for the Winter Carnival 3M King Boreas Grande Day Parade on
Saturday, January 28, 2006 at 1:30 p.m.  Our marching unit is co-sponsored
by the Saint Paul Area Trades and Labor Assembly&rsquo;s AFL-CIO Community
Services program and the Greater Twin Cities United Way.

If you would like to participate, please call Kera Peterson at (651)
222-3787 extension 18 or email kpeterson [at] stpaulunions.org.  Co-workers,
union members, family and friends are encouraged to participate in this
fun community event.  Those marching should plan on wearing their local
union jackets or uniforms if available and carry your local union banners.

We are looking for volunteers to carry the Assembly - United Way banner
and signs that proudly proclaim, &ldquo;Unions and United Way, Partners
Serving our Community.&rdquo;  Following the parade there will be a
wonderful warm-up party at the assembly hall with good food and fun for
the whole family.


--------15 of 20---------

From: Lydia Howell <lhowell [at] visi.com>
Subject: YAWR/metro-wide 1.28 2pm

Metro-wide YAWR meeting
*** please send representatives from your school ***

Saturday, January 28
2pm
Resource Center of the Americas
3019 Minnehaha Av Minneapolis
(Lake and Minnehaha, near Lake St light rail stop and #21 bus)
Downstairs in Victor Jara Meeting Room
*** If you need a ride, or have other questions, call Ty at 612-760-1980

This is a very important meeting. At our December meeting, when it was
clear that our school officials had still done nothing to push recruiters
out of our schools, we agreed to organize another walkout in April 2006.
Now we need to finalize this plan, decide on an exact date, and come up
creative ideas to build for an even bigger turnout this time.

Also, a major protest is being organized in Minneapolis on March 18th to
commemorate the 3rd anniversary of the US invasion of Iraq, and YAWR
should decide how we can help mobilize for this in our schools. Finally,
YAWR students from a number of schools are planning two more anti-war
concerts (one on February 18th, and another on March 12 at the Triple
Rock. We need to discuss

Proposed Agenda:
 1. Discussion on the growth of YAWR since November 2nd, including reports
from schools
 2. Deciding on future walkout plans, including date and main demands
 3. Building for March 18th protest
 4. Upcoming YAWR concerts
 5. Other ideas for activities?


---------16 of 20---------

From: Kathy Stone <stonekat [at] comcast.net>
Subject: Mortenson 64A/GP/eat 1.28 6pm

A kickoff volunteer fundraiser will be held January 28 for Jesse
Mortenson, candidate for the Minnesota House of Representatives District
64A seat.  A vegan Indian dinner will be served.  In addition, there will
be entertainment by surprise guests!  There is no entrance fee for this
event, which is open to the public.

:  Jesse Mortenson is a small business owner, community activist, Green
Party member and Macalester College graduate.  His experience includes:

· Co-founder, web design and programming company IDC WebDev
· Coordinating volunteer, Midway Citizen Consumer Community Coalition
  (MC4)
· Chair, Small is Beautiful (SIB) Committee of the Green Party of St. Paul
· Founding member, Metro Independent Business Alliance
· Co-organizer, Sustainable St. Paul (SSP)
· At-large member and Finances Chair of the Green Party of Minnesota
Coordinating Committee
· Member, state board of directors for the Minnesota Public Interest
Research Group (MPIRG)
· Monthly volunteer, Hampden Park Co-op natural and organic foods store
· Co-organizer of the Defend Need-Blind Admissions at Macalester campaign

Saturday, January 28 - 6pm.
Dunning Recreation Center 1221 Marshall Ave. - St. Paul, MN 55104

This event is open to the public and all are invited to attend.  There is
no entrance fee.  Supporters of Jesse Mortenson can contribute up to $500
in 2006.  $50 of this contribution is eligible for a full refund from the
state of Minnesota through the Political Contribution Refund program.
For more information on Jesse Mortenson, visit www.jessemortenson.com.

Contacts:  Brant Skogrand Kathy Stone
612-965-1649 651-646-3224
media [at] jessemortenson.com media [at] jessemortenson.com


---------17 of 20--------

From: Todd Heintz <proud2liveinjordan [at] yahoo.com>
Subject: Teen poetry slam 1.28 7pm

Teens Rock the Mic, MN Spoken Word Association
+ Spoken Word University present:

Quest for the Voice! A Youth Poetry Slam Series
Qualifying Six Teens for the
Brave New Voices
9th Annual International Youth Poetry Slam Festival in New York

2nd Semi-Final
Saturday  *  28 January  *  7pm
Macalester College's Weyerhaeuser Chapel
1600 Grand Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55105
$5 * $3 for students

The top 10 poets at these Semi-Finals advance to the Finals.

Finals
Saturday  *11 February  *  7:00pm
In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre
1500 East Lake Street Minneapolis, MN 55407
$10 * $5 for students

MATERIAL IS UNCENSORED
POEMS SHOULD BE NO LONGER THAN 3 MINUTES IN LENGTH

For questions and more info, please contact: info [at] mnspokenword.org or
612-288-9491

Brave New Voices is a project of Youth Speaks, Inc. This event is brought
to you in part by: SASE: The Write Place, Capri Theater, Yo! The Movement,
In the Belly Collective, St. Paul Central Touring Theater, KMOJ Radio, MN
Writing Project, The Loft Literary Center, Trú Rúts Endeavors, Heart of
the Beast + The Juno Collective.

www.mnspokenword.org | www.junocollective.org/teensrockthemic |
<spokenworduniversity [at] yahoo.com>

Todd Heintz Jordan, Mpls More info:
http://forums.e-democracy.org/stpaul/contacts/toddheintz


--------18 of 20--------

From: Tessa Eagan <teagan [at] umn.edu>
Subject: Empire/WorldBank 1.28 7pm

Reading & Discussion--Imperial Nature: The World Bank and Struggles for
Social Justice in the Age of Globalization

UMN Sociology Professor Michael Goldman
Imperial Nature: The World Bank and Struggles for Social
Justice in the Age of Globalization

Saturday January 28, 7pm
Arise! 2441 Lyndale Av S Minneapolis

Goldman will read selections from, answer questions about, and discuss his
recent book. The book shows how the World Bank has gained more power than
ever before despite its devastating track record. Examining the Bank's
production of "Green Science" and "Environmental Knowledge," Professor
Goldman takes us from Washington to development project sites in Laos,
India, and other countries, highlighting human rights and environmental
concerns. By examining the processes through which knowledge becomes
authoritative, his work also points to fragilities in World Bank
neoliberal hegemony and opportunities for more enabling alternatives.

Michael Goldman is associate professor of sociology at the University of
Minnesota and is affiliated with its Institute of Global Studies. Arise!
is an all volunteer-run books and resources collective. The event is free,
but donations are encouraged. Contact Raphi Rechitsky, Arise! collective
member, at (612) 729-8438, with questions.

Tessa Eagan Media and Public Relations College of Liberal Arts University
of Minnesota 225 Johnston Hall 101 Pleasant St. S.E. Minneapolis, MN 55455
Tel: 612.625.3781 Fax: 612.625.3504 http://www.cla.umn.edu


--------19 of 20--------

Cuba, the obsessive target of the Bush administration
By Salim Lamrani
Progreso Weekly - Jan 26, 2006

[From: Joan Malerich <joanmdm [at] comcast.net>
Quite a while ago, I sent the National Network on Cuba (NNOC) listing of
the six steps the US uses when planning to take down a country.  They are:
 (1) Impose economic sanctions
 (2) Impoverish the country
 (3) Spread lies and slander the government/leader/president
 (4) Finance internal operations
 (5) Ferment a civil war (which the US calls "civil society.")
 (6) Send in the marines

[[If you accept the claim that, like all other ruling classes in history,
the US ruling class is essentially fascist, none of this is surprising; it
is exactly what one would expect. The Evil Empire 'R' Us - ed]]

The most important thing activists can do is inform themselves. Education
is being proactive. It does no real good to stand on a bridge or somewhere
else with a sign saying get out of Cuba (or any other country) AFTER the
US has invaded the country. Cuba has been told to use Iraq as example of
what is going to be done to them. So, if you are an activist - a real
activist - be proactive. It is educating oneself about the truth and
reality that can and will stop wars before they start. If Cuba goes, does
do the millions of lives the Cuban doctors save, the free literacy
programs that have taught millions to read, the continued supply of
doctors and literacy workers to Venezuela which needs them to establish
its social programs. If Cuba goes, so goes the example for Latin America
and the hope of Latin America. -Joan Malerich]

--
Progreso Weekly - Jan 26, 2006
http://www.progresoweekly.com/index.php?progreso=Salim_Lamrani&otherweek=1138255200

Cuba, the obsessive target of the Bush administration
By Salim Lamrani

The United States' harassment of Cuba does not relent. Condoleezza Rice
has just decreed a tightening of the economic blockade against the island,
at the same time that the American chargé d'affaires in Havana
(Parmley)devotes himself to fabricating a pseudo-opposition in
Washington's service. The Bush administration hopes that the embargo will
make life impossible for Cubans and push them into overthrowing the
government, which will permit Washington to install its people in power.

The cruel state of siege the United States has imposed on Cuba since 1959
hardens every day. Now, the objective of overthrowing the government of
Havana by any means has been expressed publicly and the suffering of the
population is of only secondary importance to the White House [1].

The transformation of the political landscape in Latin America, with the
consolidation of Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez's prestige and the
spectacular victory of Evo Morales, Bolivia's new president, have only
reinforced the United States' intention to put an end to the "bad example"
of Cuba, a synonym for hope for the Latin American peoples, who have come
undone after decades of ultraliberal policies [2].

On Dec. 19, 2005, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice met with the
Commission of Assistance to a Free Cuba for the purpose of increasing the
economic sanctions against Cuba. Established in 2003 by President George
W. Bush, the commission had published a preliminary report in May 2004
that instituted new coercive measures against the island, among them
prohibiting Cubans living in the U.S. to visit their families in Cuba for
more than 14 days every three years [3].

Not totally satisfied with the terrible human consequences wrought by this
unprecedented economic throttling, Ms. Rice has scheduled other aggressive
measures for May 2006 [4].

One of the principal policies of destabilization designed by Washington
consists in fometing domestic subversion by organizing and funding some
unscrupulous people who are attracted by the payments offered. The budget
assigned to the fabrication of a domestic opposition comes to more than
$50 million [5].

Michael Parmly

The new chief of the U.S. Interests Section (USIS), Michael Parmly, who
replaced Mr. James Cason on Sept. 15, 2005, immediately took over the task
by meeting with the media-savvy members of the Cuban "dissidence" [6].

The appointment of Mr. Parmly is not routine and says much about
Washington's objectives. Earlier, that diplomat served in Afghanistan for
three years and acquired certain experience about societies devastated by
war [7]. "I come from some post-war societies involved in long periods of
difficulties," he stressed, suggesting that his experience might serve in
the case of Cuba [8].

On Dec. 15, 2005, Mr. Parmly summoned the "dissidents" to his private
residence in Havana. He hastened to congratulate his guests for their work
toward a "democratic change." "The United States will not impose its own
style of government," he said, quoting President Bush. "Our objective is
rather to help others to find their own voice, to achieve their own
freedom and to build their own road," Parmly said with a straight face,
ignoring his country's pitiless political and economic aggression against
the small Caribbean island.

Watched attentively by the Ladies in White, Messrs. Oswaldo Payá and
Vladimiro Roca, and Mrs. Martha Beatriz Roque, Parmly decreed that "the
Cuban government does not represent its people and is not interested in
improving their lives."

Evidently, Washington's sole concern is the welfare of Cubans, as clearly
shown by the ferocity of its acts, because the economic sanctions are
designed to "reestablish democracy," not to starve the population into
submission [9].

Martha Beatriz Roque

Mrs. Martha Beatriz Roque, president of the Assembly to Promote a Civil
Society, disclosed the functioning of the "dissident" trade during a
telephone conversation that was recorded without her knowledge. Referring
to some people who had refused to participate in the "Congress of
Dissidence" held in May 2005 with the public support of the United States,
she said that "nobody from Pinar del Río [a province west of Havana] will
travel to Miami. The Americans said they won't issue them a single visa."

Which means that, to recruit new collaborators, the USIS, in addition to a
substantial financial enticement, promises to give visas to those who are
most docile and obedient [10].

The telephone conversation, recorded by Cuban intelligence, also revealed
Mrs. Roque's true face. "If the cost to the Cuban government is a Yankee
invasion of Cuba, I couldn't care less," she told her caller. With such
words, it is easy to understand the reasons why Mrs. Roque does not create
waves of enthusiasm in the Cuban heartland [11].

The international press, which is fully aware of this reality and the
tricks orchestrated by the United States, aligns itself in a disciplined
manner with Washington's viewpoint. Thus, it appears vexed by the hostile
reaction of residents to the demonstrations staged by the "dissidents,"
which are skillfully organized by the USIS, and denounces the popular
rejection of the "peaceful opposition militants." Obviously, it does not
mention that the demonstrations are part of a strategy aimed at
destabilizing the country.

Perhaps Mrs. Roque expected to be greeted with bouquets of flowers after
her statements were broadcast over Cuban television. As to Mr. Parmly, he
described the Cubans who support their government as "a modern version of
the Nazi black shirts or the Ku Klux Klan [12]."

The European Union's complicity with the hostile policy of the United
States was confirmed by the award of the Sakharov Prize to the "Ladies in
White," [13] and by the statements of the new U.S. representative in
Havana. In fact, Mr. Parmly congratulated the European parliamentarians
who "truly showed valor and perspicacity when they selected the Ladies in
White."

Parmly added that the disagreements with Europe regarding the economic
sanctions were only of a "tactical" nature, since Washington and Brussels
are on the same wavelength as to "the direction" Cuba must take [14].

Sometimes, Mr. Parmly expresses with sincerity his real impressions about
the Cuban people: "I take long walks and visit places frequented by the
Cubans [...] I stop at newspaper stands and restaurants, and I walk on the
beach, where I talk to fishermen and the young people [...]. I have been
extremely surprised by the extent of the creativity and spontaneity of the
Cuban people. If you talk to the people, they respond. I talk not only to
the artists, the musicians or the independent [militants.] The Cuban mind
is very lively. [15]

He also admits that the support of the Cuban people for their government
surprised him: "There's a certain number of people who believe in the
system. To give you an example, I met a person who expressed his
skepticism about [...] the dissidents, because they threaten the
achievements of the Revolution. He told that everything he was and
everything he had accomplished was the result of the Revolution [...]. I
was amazed by those conversations [16]."

The landscape of Cuban society painted by the U.S. representative in
Havana is totally different from the image of a bogged-down world that has
been promoted, in response to ideological imperatives, by the
transnational news media. The reactions of the USIS chief surprise no one,
because they illustrate clearly the ideological narrowmindedness of the
White House, which is incapable of accepting Cuba's independence. The
truth is that it is politically painful to admit that the Cubans still
support their government, despite all the means utilized to overthrow it,
including terrorism.

In this connection, the case of Mr. Luis Posada Carriles, a dedicated
criminal who is responsible for numerous attempts against civilians, [17]
continues to disturb deeply the Bush administration. After arresting him
for entering illegally into U.S. territory, the government refuses to
deport him to Venezuela, a country that demands his extradition, and will
not try him for his terrorist past [18]. The reason is simple: Mr. Posada
Carriles, who worked for the Central Intelligence Agency for many years,
clearly threatened to reveal state secrets if he went to trial [19].

Nevertheless, U.S. law forbids the indefinite detention of foreigners in
an irregular situation if extradition is not accomplished within 90 days.
In house arrest since May 17, 2005, Mr. Posada Carriles could be free on
Jan. 24, 2006, when the immigration service reviews his case [20]. Mr.
José Pertierra, legal representative of the Venezuelan government in this
affair, expressed his amazement:

"That means, no more no less, that in a few weeks Posada Carriles -- the
author of the bombing of a civilian aircraft with 73 people aboard in 1976
-- could be freed by the federal government [...]. However, that law does
not shelter terrorists [...]. You don't have to investigate much to
conclude that Luis Posada is a terrorist. It's enough to read his book,
The Ways of the Warrior, where he tells with pride about some of the
terrorist acts he has organized. Or to examine the CIA's intelligence
cables that report his boast, days before the plane was bombed, that he
was going to blow up a Cuban passenger plane.

"Or to read the interview he gave The New York Times in 1998, where he
admits the intellectual authorship of the sabotage with bombs that Central
American mercenaries placed in several hotels and restaurants of Havana in
1997, causing the death of an Italian tourist and leaving several people
wounded. Or to read the ruling of a Court in Panama that sentenced him for
the failed attempt to blow up with C-4 [plastic explosive] an auditorium
filled with Panamanian students who listened to a speech by Cuban
President Fidel Castro in the year 2000 [...].

"There are enough laws in the United States to keep this terrorist in
prison. What's lacking is the political will of the federal government to
enforce justice. [But] from the start, the Bush administration has wanted
to protect, not to inculpate this terrorist [21]."

The case of Mr. Posada Carriles is only one example of the double standard
the U.S. applies in its "war against terrorism." The international media
also have a big responsibility in the cultivation of this doublespeak
about terrorism. The few times the international press alluded furtively
to Mr. Posada Carriles, it never described him as a "criminal" or a
"terrorist," but as an "anti-Castro militant," as a "dissident," or as a
"former terrorist." The possible release of "the worst terrorist in the
American continent," as the FBI described him, has been totally concealed
from world opinion.

In turn, in a diversionary maneuver, the world press focused, in an
incredibly disproportionate manner, on a propaganda documentary released
by German filmmaker Wilfried Huismann, who again maintains that the person
truly responsible for the death of John F. Kennedy is none other than Mr.
Fidel Castro himself [22].

The media frenzy reached such intensity that Germany's Vice Minister of
Foreign Affairs, Helmut Schaefer, described Mr. Huismann's product as a
fantasy. This documentary "lacks all political logic [and] is wholly
improbable," he declared, adding that "a realist like Castro would never
run the absurd risk of entering into a military conflict with the United
States [23]."

Washington's preocupation is understandable, because of the influence and
prestige Cuba enjoys throughout the South American hemisphere,
particularly with some leaders such as Hugo Chávez and Evo Morales. Cuba
was the first stop in an international tour by the new Bolivian president,
who did not conceal his admiration for the island's economic and social
model. "The struggle of the Cuban people, particularly of Che [Guevara],
has not been in vain," he said during his visit. "They planted the seed
and now we see fruits, not only in Bolivia but also in all of Latin
America [24]."

Accords of bilateral cooperation on matters of education, health and
sports were signed by the Cuban and Bolivian presidents. One of the
accords deals with a campaign that will make the entire Bolivian
population literate; the campaign will last from July 2006 to December
2008. This ambitious project was applied by the Cubans in Venezuela with
impressive success, because illiteracy was wiped out, making Chávez's
homeland the second Latin American territory free from illiteracy, behind
Cuba [25].

As to Chávez, in addition to making the poor and homeless the focus of his
social policy, he also decided to help the poor in the world's richest
country, in response to a request from several American senators.
Venezuela has decided to supply heating oil at reduced prices to
low-income people in New York and Massachusetts, plunging the Bush
administration into a singular discomfort [26].

The willingness to create another economic model based not on profits but
on the needs of the people, as the Cuban government does to a certain
extent, has generated a huge wave of hope in the continent. But the White
House, already discredited in the eyes of international opinion because of
its bellicose hegemony, will not admit this new challenge.

Sometimes, U.S. hostility toward Cuba takes an irrational form. For
example, the Treasury Department forbade the participation of the Cuban
baseball team in the next World Baseball Classic, to be held in the U.S.
in March of this year. The excuse given was that the competition would
allow Cuba to obtain financial benefits and that would constitute a
violation of the economic sanctions. Faced with this bizarre decision,
more than 100 puzzled U.S. Congressmen asked their government to retract
[27].

Cuba's reaction was to offer to donate all its earnings to the victims of
Hurricane Katrina in the U.S. However, the U.S. Treasury officials
remained inflexible [28]. (After much controversy, President Bush on Jan.
20 authorized the participation of the Cuban team in the tournament in
March.)

The United States' obsession with the Cuban Revolution also reflects some
frustration. Despite a military invasion, a threat of nuclear conflict, a
ferocious campaign of terrorism and sabotage, biological warfare, an
implacable economic blockade regularly tightened, and an intense
political, diplomatic and media aggression, Washington has been unable to
discourage the Cubans [29].

Worse yet, Cuba's economic growth for 2005 reached 11.8 percent [30]. And
the dizzying rate of human development achieved by Cuba plunges its
neighbor to the north into a profound confusion.

It is to be hoped that this discouragement will not turn into madness and
that the U.S. government will not begin a military adventure, for its
result would be an interminable conflict from which the world's major
power would not emerge victorious.

Notes:

[1] "[Enrique Román Hernández: Cuba is ready to deal with an aggression,
but we're worried about destabilization]", Voltaire Network, Nov. 18,
2005.

[2] Christopher Toothaker, "Morales Aligns Himself With Castro, Chávez",
The Miami Herald, Jan. 3, 2006.

[3] "Le plan Powell pour l'après-Castro" by Arthur Lepic, Voltaire
Network, June 16, 2004. The full text of the Powell Report is an annex to
the article.

[4] Condoleezza Rice, "Meeting of the Commission for Assistance to a Free
Cuba", United States Department of State, Dec. 19, 2005 (site consulted on
Dec. 21, 2005).

[5] Colin L. Powell, Commission for Assistance to a Free Cuba, p. 22;
Roger F. Noriega, "Assistant Secretary Noriega's Statement Before the
House of Representatives Committee on International Relations", Department
of State, March 3, 2005.
http://www.state.gov/p/wha/rls/rm/2005/ql/42986.htm (site consulted on
April 9, 2005).

[6] Michael E. Parmly, "Speech by U.S. Interests Section Chief of Mission
Michael Parmly Marking the 57th Anniversary of the U.N. General Assembly's
Adoption and Proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights",
United States Interests Section, Dec. 15, 2005.
http://havana.usinterestsection.gov/uploads/images/H6d6TbvWetXZoCJAPwksLQ/parmly1210e.pdf
(site consulted on Dec. 29, 2005).

[7] United States Department of State, "Biography: Michael E. Parmly",
Sept. 22 2005. http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/biog/53709.htm (site consulted
on Dec. 21, 2005).

[8] Frances Robles, "My Interest Is the Future", The Miami Herald, Dec.
25, 2005.

[9] Michael E. Parmly, op.cit.

[10] Jean-Guy Allard, "If the Yankees invade Cuba, I couldn't care less,"
Granma, Dec. 22, 2005.
http://www.granma.cu/espanol/2005/diciembre/juev22/1disidencia.html (site
consulted on Dec. 23, 2005).

[11] Ibid.

[12] European Parliament, Trois lauréats pour le Prix Sakharov 2005.
Femmes courage à Cuba: un groupe de femmes manifeste contre les détentions
abusives, Oct. 20, 2005. www.europarl.eu.int/ (site consulted Oct. 31,
2005).

[13] Agence France-Presse, «Seule une infime minorité de Cubains
profiteraient de la levée de l'embargo», Dec. 20, 2005. «La politisation
du prix Sakharov», by Salim Lamrani, Voltaire Network, Jan. 12, 2006.

[14] Ibid.

[15] Frances Robles, op.cit.

[16] Ibid. About the reasons for the popular support for the Castro
regime, read: "Cuba n'est pas un fragment de l'URSS oublié aux Caraïbes"
by Rémy Herrera, La Pensée libre n°6, June 2005.

[17] "The confessions of Luis Posada Carriles", Voltaire Network, June 14,
2005.

[18] «Appel de six personnalités pour le jugement au Venezuela de Luis
Posada Carriles» by Noam Chomsky, Adolfo Pérez Esquivel, José Saramago,
Rigoberta Menchú Tum, Salim Lamrani, Voltaire Network, Aug. 29, 2005.

[19] Oscar Corral & Alfonso Chardy, "One Mysterious Voyage Links Five",
The Miami Herald, Dec. 31, 2005.

[20] Wilfredo Cancio Isla, "U.S. considers granting parole to Posada
Carriles", El Nuevo Herald, Jan. 4, 2006.

[21] José Pertierra, "Posada Carriles about to take to the streets", Cuba
Debate, Jan. 4, 2006.

[22] Anthony Summers, "$6,500 To Kill a President: Did Oswald Sell His
Soul to Cuba?", The Times, Jan. 7, 2006; BBC News, «JFK Assassination `Was
Cuba Plot'», Jan. 4, 2006; José Pino Valencia, «`Castro Ordered Kennedy's
Assassination», Deutsche Welle World, Jan. 5, 2006; Mark Trevelyan, «Cuba
Behind JFK Killing, New Film Says», The New Zealand Herald, Jan. 5, 2006;
Kate Connolly, «Cuban Secret Service Plotted JFK's Death, New Film
Claims», The Sydney Morning Herald, Jan. 5, 2006; Dominican Today, «Cuba
Paid Oswald to Kill Kennedy, New Film Says», Jan. 5, 2006; El Nuevo
Herald, «Cuba blamed for Kennedy's death,» Jan. 5, 2006; Mark Trevelyan,
«Cuba Behind JFK Killing, New Film Says», Reuters, Jan. 4, 2006; Matt
Trevalyn, «Cuba Behind JFK Murder, Claims Film», The Irish Examiner, Jan.
6, 2006; David Crossland, «Filmaker Links Island to '63 Killing of
Kennedy», The Washington Times, 6 de enero de 2006; Hugh Williamson,
«German Film Links Cuba to Kennedy Assassination», The Financial Times,
Jan. 6, 2006; Philippe Gélie, «L'assassinat de John F. Kennedy est de
nouveau attribué à Cuba», Le Figaro, Jan. 7, 2006; L'Express, «Lee Harvey
Oswald payé par Cuba pour assassiner John F. Kennedy ?», Jan. 4 2006; Mark
Trevelyan, «Lee Harvey Oswald payé par Cuba pour assassiner John F.
Kennedy ?», Libération, Jan. 4, 2006; Hugh Williamson, «Film: Cuban Secret
Service Organized JFK's Murder», The Miami Herald, Jan. 7, 2006; Le Nouvel
Observateur, «Un documentaire relance la thèse du complot castriste», Jan.
4, 2006.

[23] La Jornada, «No es responsable Cuba del asesinato de Kennedy:
Berlín», Jan. 8, 2006.

[24] Joaquín Rivery Tur, «Suscriben Fidel y Evo Morales acuerdo de
cooperación bilateral», Granma, Dec. 31, 2005.
http://www.granma.cu/espanol/2005/diciembre/sabado31/fidelevo.html (site
consulted on Jan. 2 2006).

[25] Frances Robles & Pablo Bachelet, «Cuban Policy Commission Revived to
Take a Fresh Look», The Miami Herald, Dec. 20, 2005.

[26] Justin Blum, «Chavez Pushes Petro-Diplomacy», The Washington Post,
Nov. 22, 2005, p. A22.

[27] Frances Robles, «Lawmakers: Let Cuba Play Ball», The Miami Herald,
Dec. 18, 2005.

[28] Anne-Marie García, «Cuba Offers to Donate Money to Hurricane Victims
as Baseball Reapplies for Permit», The Sun-Sentinel, Dec. 23, 2005.

[29] «Les États Unis en guerre de basse intensité contre Cuba», by Philip
Agee, and «Un demi-siècle de terrorisme états-unien contre Cuba», by Salim
Lamrani, Voltaire Network, Sept. 10, 2003 and Nov. 29, 2005.

[30] Andrea Rodríguez, «Cuba Announces 11.8 Percent Economic Growth in
2005», The Sun-Sentinel, Dec. 23, 2005.

[Salim Lamrani is a French researcher at the Denis-Diderot University
(Paris VII) who specializes in the relations between Cuba and the United
States. His most recent published work is "Washington against Cuba: Half a
century of terrorism and the affair of the Five," Le Temps des Cerises
Publishing House.]

[The biggest blessing Latin America may ever have had is the US military
being tied down in Iraq, and thus unable to perform its two-centuries old
mission of subduing Latin American independence and humanity. Let us hope
LAm moves quickly to establish a wide democratic people's alliance
strong enough to repel Big Brother to the North. The less of the world the
parasitical US ruling class controls, the better off is everyone else.
-ed]


--------20 of 20---------

 First sex was so good
 awe-filled and long, they never
 slept with anyone else.

 First sex was so bad,
 awful and long, they never
 slept with anyone else.


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

   - David Shove             shove001 [at] tc.umn.edu
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