Mn-prog-events Mailing List: Progressive Calendar 04.18.07

[David Shove (shove001]

             P R O G R E S S I V E   C A L E N D A R     04.18.07

1. Ralph Nader here   4.18 7:30pm

2. Michael Pollan/eat 4.19 8:30am
3. Coerced migrations 4.19 12noon
4. NWN4P NewHope      4.19 4:30pm
5. Eagan peace vigil  4.19 4:30pm
6. Northtown vigil    4.19 5pm
7. RamonaAfrica/Mumia 4.19 6pm
8. Sami/Iraq          4.19 7pm
9. AI Wayzata         4.19 7:15pm
10. China/film        4.19
11. Intl film fest    4.19-29

12. Ralph Nader - Where are the cries of outrage over military rapes?

--------1 of 12--------

From: david unowsky <david.unowsky [at] gmail.com>
Subject: Ralph Nader here 4.18 7:30pm

MAGERS AND QUINN PRESS RELEASE : For Immediate Distribution : Ralph
Naderdiscusses his new book

THE SEVENTEEN TRADITIONS (Harper Collins) April 18, 7:30 pm at Plymouth
Church, 1900 Nicollet Avenue, Minneapolis. TICKETS REQUIRED: ADVANCE
TICKETS $5 at Magers and Quinn, $7 at the door (if any remain). $3 of each
ticket goes to the Groveland Food Shelf.

Ralph Nader was recently named by the Atlantic as one of the 100 most
influential figures in American history, one of only four living people to
be so honored. The son of immigrants from Lebanon, he has launched two
major presidential campaigns and founded or organized more than one
hundred civic organizations. His groups have made an impact on tax reform,
atomic power regulation, the tobacco industry, clean air and water, food
safety, access to health care, civil rights, congressional ethics.

"My boyhood in a small town in Connecticut was shaped by my family, my
friends, our neighbors, my chores and hobbies, the town's culture and
environment, its schools, libraries, factories, and businesses, their
workers, and by storms that came from nowhere to disrupt everything. . . .
Yet childhood in any family is a mysterious experience. . . . What shapes
the mind, the personality, the character?"

So begins The Seventeen Traditions, the unexpected and extraordinary book
by Ralph Nader. Known for his lifetime of selfless activism, Nader now
looks back to the earliest days of his own life, to his serene and
enriching childhood in bucolic Winsted, Connecticut. From listening to
learning, from patriotism to argument, from work to simple enjoyment,
Nader revisits seventeen key traditions he absorbed from his parents, his
siblings, and the people in his community, and draws from them inspiring
lessons for today's society. Warmly human, rich with sensory memories and
lasting wisdom, it offers a kind of modern-day parable of how we grow from
children into responsible adults - a reminder of a time when nature and
community were central to the way we all learned and lived.

Plymouth Church is currently celebrating 150 years of ministry in the
heart of Minneapolis with liberal theology, social justice, traditional
worship and the arts as integral to spiritual life. The Groveland
Emergency Foodshelf, located in the Plymouth Congregational Church
building, distributes over 25,000 pounds of food to about 900 individuals
and families each month in nearby downtown neighborhoods.

For further information, contact: David Unowsky 612/822-4611
davidu [at] magersandquinn.com


--------2 of 12--------

From: tom [at] organicconsumers.org
Subject: Michael Pollan 4.19 8:30am

His books - The Omnivore's Dilemma, The Botany of Desire among others.
Pollan is also a contributing writer to the New York Times Magazine.

Kinda spendy but you do get that lunch with the whole day price and the
unannounced local chefs discussion with Pollan will be something not only
good to hear but to eat as well.  Proceeds from the luncheon goes to
Cornercopia, the U of M's student organic farm and the Minnesota Landscape
Arboretum. -tom taylor 612-788-4252

What's for Dinner? The Ethics and Aesthetics of Eating
Thursday, April 19, 2007 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Conference: $100 for full day including keynote, panel and special
luncheon discussion with author.
Morning Session keynote and panel only:  $35.00

To register for the event call:  952-443-1422. Additional information is
also available at www.arboretum.umn.edu/education/adult/publicpolicy.htm

What should we have for dinner? That simple question is at the heart of
Omnivore's Dilemma- The History of Four Meals, the celebrated new book by
Michael Pollan. Join us as Pollan gives the keynote address, surveying the
often bewildering food landscape and the dynamic relationship that exists
between us and the species we depend on. When it comes to food, says
Pollan, doing the right thing often turns out to be the tastiest thing an
eater can do.

Pollan's presentation will be followed by a panel discussion featuring
Allen Levine, Dean of the U of M's College of Food, Agriculture and
Natural Resource Sciences, along with regional experts, growers and
distributors. Continue the conversation with Pollan and celebrated chefs
at a special luncheon benefiting Cornercopia, the U of M's student organic
farm, and the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Event is presented by MLA's
Public Policy Programs and sponsored by the University of Minnesota's
Program on Agriculture, Food and Environmental Ethics and the Minnesota
Institute for Sustainable Agriculture (MISA).

Mr Pollan will sign books at the event. Tickets are limited! Scholarship
information is available for students currently enrolled at the U
University of Minnesota.


--------3 of 12--------

From: Stephen Feinstein <feins001 [at] umn.edu>
Subject: coerced migrations 4.19 12noon

INFORMAL NOON SEMINARS: Disciplinary Research in an Interdisciplinary
Field: Migration Studies (All events at noon in 308 Andersen Library)

Apr. 19 - Eric Weitz, History, "Coerced Migrations"


--------4 of 12--------

From: Carole Rydberg <carydberg [at] comcast.net>
Subject: NWN4P NewHope 4.19 4:30pm

NWN4P-New Hope demonstration every Thursday 4:30 to 6 PM at the corner of
Winnetka and 42nd.  You may park near Walgreens or in the larger lot near
McDonalds; we will be on all four corners.  Bring your own or use our
signs.


--------5 of 12--------

From: Greg and Sue Skog <skograce [at] mtn.org>
Subject: Eagan peace vigil 4.19 4:30pm

CANDLELIGHT PEACE VIGIL EVERY THURSDAY from 4:30-5:30pm on the Northwest
corner of Pilot Knob Road and Yankee Doodle Road in Eagan. We have signs
and candles. Say "NO to war!" The weekly vigil is sponsored by: Friends
south of the river speaking out against war.


--------6 of 12--------

From: EKalamboki [at] aol.com
Subject: Northtown vigil 4.19 5pm

NORTHTOWN Peace Vigil every Thursday 5-6pm, at the intersection of Co. Hwy
10 and University Ave NE (SE corner across from Denny's), in Blaine.

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

For more information people can contact Evangelos Kalambokidis by phone or
email: (763)574-9615, ekalamboki [at] aol.com.


--------7 of 12--------

From: Michelle Gross <mgresist [at] minn.net>
Subject: RamonaAfrica/mumia 4.19 6pm

MUMIA ABU-JAMAL HEADS BACK TO COURT: RAMONA AFRICA COMING TO TOWN

Mumia Abu-Jamal is a political prisoner on death row.  He was convicted of
killing a Philadelphia cop but significant evidence (including the
confession of another man) shows that he is innocent.  As a radio and
print journalist, Mumia reported truthfully about police brutality and was
dubbed "voice of the voiceless" by his community--with cops gunning for
him ever since.  His case is moving into its final appeals.

As supporters of Mumia Abu-Jamal prepare for his case to go back to court
on May 17th in Philadelphia, Ramona Africa is coming to town next week to
give an update on Mumia's case and to raise badly needed funds for his
legal defense.

Dinner and Discussion with Ramona Africa
Thursday April 19th, 6 p.m.
Jack Pine Community Center
2815 E Lake Street, Minneapolis
$5-$15 dollars suggested--no one turned away for lack of funds
Vegetarian meal included

Ramona Africa is the only adult survivor of the May 13th, 1985 bombing of
the MOVE family by the Philadelphia police and city officials. Ramona was
immediately taken into custody and eventually convicted on trumped-up
charges of riot and conspiracy.  She spent the next seven years in prison.
Immediately upon her release, she rejoined her family's struggle to free
all remaining MOVE political prisoners, including the MOVE9 and Mumia
Abu-Jamal. This event is part of a tour meant to raise awareness about the
MOVE 9, who are preparing for the possibility of parole in 2008.

Sponsored by the Twin Cities Eco-Prisoner Support Committee.  For
more information: ecoprisoners.googlepages.com or (612)729-2837


--------8 of 12--------

From: Joseph Schwarzberg <schwa004 [at] umn.edu>
Subject: Sami/Iraq 4.19 7pm

THIRD THURSDAY GLOBAL ISSUES FORUM, April 19, 2007, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Free and open to the public. Come and bring a friend.

Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church, 511 Groveland Avenue,
Minneapolis. Parking in church parking lot.

WHAT NOW IN IRAQ? A substantial majority of Americans now believe that our
country should speedily disengage itself from the quagmire that the Bush
administration has created in Iraq and an increasing number of
Congresspersons are - belatedly -- voicing a similar view, despite
widespread fears that civil war, if not a wider regional war, will follow.
But a civil war is already under way. Our speaker will provide a
first-hand account of the current situation in Iraq, comment on the role
of the US military and on the resistance, discuss the aspirations and
hopes of ordinary Iraqi people, and offer his views on our options for the
future and our moral responsibilities in the region. How can we make
maximum use of diplomacy? Can we engage the UN, the Arab League and Iran
in a meaningful peace process? Can we and should we hope to avoid
partitioning of the country?

Presenter: SAMI RASOULI. An Iraqi-American who grew up in Najaf, Sami
Rasouli left Iraq in the late 1970s and eventually moved to the United
States. He has lived in the Twin Cities for more than 17 years and was the
popular owner of Sinbad's restaurant In November 2004, nearly 30 years
after leaving Iraq, he returned to help rebuild that country.  Since then,
he has worked with the Karbala Human Rights Organization in Najaf and
started the Muslim Peacemaker Team movement, a group dedicated to the
principle of nonviolence. He returns to the US for two to three months
each year to help build bridges between the people of his two homelands.


--------9 of 12--------

From: Gabe Ormsby <gabeo [at] bitstream.net>
Subject: AI Wayzata 4.19 7:15pm

There are several local Amnesty International groups in the Twin Cities
area. All of them are welcoming and would love to see interested people
get involved -- find the one that best fits your schedule or location:

AIUSA Group 315 (Wayzata area) meets Thursday, April 19th, at 7:15 p.m.
St. Luke Presbyterian Church, 3121 Groveland School Road, Wayzata (near
the intersection of Rt. 101 and Minnetonka Blvd). For further information,
contact Richard Bopp at Richard_C_Bopp [at] NatureWorksLLC.com.


--------10 of 12--------

From: Charles Underwood <charleyunderwood [at] hotmail.com>
Subject: China/film 4.19

4/19 to 4/29, film "On a Tightrope" about Uyfhur Muslim orphans in China's
Xinjang Province, learning to balance in several senses, Bell Museum, 10
Church St, East Bank, Mpls.  www.mnfilmarts.org


--------11 of 12--------

From: Lydia Howell <lhowell [at] visi.com>
Subject: Intl film fest 4.19-29

Onward and Upward!
25th Minneapolis-St. Paul International Film Fest
Set for April 19-29

Minneapolis, Minn.:  The 25th Annual Minneapolis-St. Paul International
Film Festival will take place this year April 19-29 at four venues in the
Twin Cities. Featuring 80 films from more than 45 countries, the festival
will once again bring the best in international cinema to Twin Cities
moviegoers as the most important film event of the year in the Upper
Midwest.

Scheduled for opening night Thurs., April 19, is the Danny Glover produced
film Bamako, an exquisite film from the West African country of Mali, is
directed by widely-known director Abderrahmane Sissako. Mr. Glover is
scheduled to be on hand for the opening night gala. Screening venues to
date include the Oak Street, the Bell Aud, St. Anthony Main theaters and
the Riverview Theater.

³Weıll have a strong line up of films again,² festival director Al Milgrom
remarked. ³The best films from the worldıs top film fests ­ Seattle,
Montreal, Toronto, Berlin and Sundance.²

To keep abreast of the offerings at this yearıs fest, check the film fest
web site ­ www.mspfilmfest.org ­ as titles will be posted regularly.

Contact: Vince Muzik, Al Milgrom, Jim Brunzell (612-331-7563)


--------12 of 12--------

Where Are the Cries of Outrage Over Military Rapes?
Beyond the Strange Furor Over Imus
By RALPH NADER
CounterPunch
April 16, 2007

Now that the Don Imus flameout has once again demonstrated that vile words
energize many activist groups and many media more than do devastating
deeds, it is useful to revisit this strange dimension of public furor.

The latest three word outburst in Mr. Imus' practice of sexist and racist
remarks may be compared with the continuing sexist and racist behaviors
that civic opponents would argue should at the very least receive equal
time from those who become indignant over cruel, bigoted language.

On March 18, the New York Times ran a lengthy cover story in its heralded
Sunday Magazine about widespread sexual harassment and rape of female U.S.
soldiers by their male colleagues in Iraq. Written by a reporter, Sarah
Corbett, the article combined the available official studies, and
statements of specialists, with poignant narratives by women soldiers whom
she interviewed intensively.

The evidence she amassed included a report in 2003, funded by the
Department of Defense (DOD), which declared that nearly one-third of a
nationwide sample of female veterans seeking health care through the V.A.
said they experienced rape or attempted rape during their service. Of that
group, 37 percent said they were raped multiple times, and 14 percent
reported they were gang-raped.

A change in DOD policy in 2005 allowing sexual assaults to be reported
confidentially in "restricted reports" led to the number of reported
assaults across the military rising 40 percent.

There are still many reasons why female soldiers are reluctant to report
sexual violence, especially in combat zones. Solidarity is survival.
Complaining about your superior or soldiers of comparable ranking ruptures
the working hierarchy and its military mission. In addition, it is often
the woman's word against the man's word. As one sailor told Ms. Corbett,
"You just don't expect anything to be done about it anyway, so why even
try?" She said she was raped at a naval base on Guam before being deployed
to Iraq.

Female soldiers coming back from Iraq relate their fears of even going to
the latrines in the middle of the night for the fear of being sexually
assaulted.

Sexual violence is often dismissed as fabricated, exaggerated or
consensual. It is important not to tarnish many upstanding and respectful
male soldiers and sailors with sweeping generalizations.

Abbie Pickett, who is a 24 year old combat-support specialist with the
Wisconsin Army Naitonal Guard, told Ms. Corbett: "You're one of three
things in the military-a bitch, a whore or a dyke. As a female, you get
classified pretty quickly."

Particularly since the Tailhook episode in 1991 which involved sexual
violence against women at a naval party, the Pentagon has become more
concerned about such assaults. There are far more women in areas of combat
now as well. Over 160,000 women have seen active duty in Iraq and
Afghanistan already.

Bottom line to all the reports-official and individual-was summarized by
the New York Times this way: "Many have reported being sexually assaulted,
harassed and raped by fellow soldiers and officers." (For more information
see http://www.democracyrising.us)

Assault and rape are crimes, deeds of devastating impact on the lives of
these young women. They are not just vile words. Yet in the month since
the New York Times article was published, there has been almost no public
outrage and no demands for more investigation, more corrective action,
more law enforcement.

The members of Congress-women and men-have not mobilized for action. The
press did not follow up on the article-"The Women's War" by Ms. Corbett.
The National Organization of Women (NOW) condemned Don Imus in no
uncertain terms. They have not yet demanded multiple actions to be taken
on this continuing violence against women.

Aside from the indifference of the male legislators, Congress is now
graced by the largest number of women lawmakers in its history. The
Speaker of the House is a woman-Nancy Pelosi. Sure, she has her hands full
with the Iraq war. But this is an internal war against many women who need
her leadership and her status to spark remedial or preventative action.

Words inflaming more than deeds is also too often the case when racial
epithets are uttered by public figures. All those groups and civil rights
leaders who conquered and ended the Don Imus media empire should ask
themselves what have they done in any sustained manner, given their power
and media access, about the brutality of racism by commercial interests in
the urban ghettos. Deaths, injuries, disease and loss of livelihood are a
daily occurrence, apart from raw street crime and drugs. Little children
seriously poisoned by lead, asbestos and other toxics. Whole neighborhoods
redlined without adequate corporate police protection. Predatory lending,
predatory interest rates, marketing shoddy products and contaminated food
proliferate.

Where have been the cries of outrage, the demands for removal of these
conditions and prosecution of these crooks and defrauders? The abysmal
conditions are daily, weekly, monthly. They have been occasionally
reported in gripping human interest terms and statistics and maps.

If only the offenders used words, instead of committing these awful deeds.
Maybe there would have been action, front page headlines and prime time
television and radio coverage. If only they used words!

Ralph Nader is the author of The Seventeen Traditions


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

   - David Shove             shove001 [at] tc.umn.edu
   rhymes with clove         Progressive Calendar
                     over 2225 subscribers as of 12.19.02
              please send all messages in plain text no attachments