November 2, 2011, Issue #670
Send event announcements to jacdon@earthlink.net
———————————————————————
Dedicated to Helping Build Activist
Movements in the Hudson Valley
———————————————————————NOTE: From Nov. 14 to Dec. 4 there will be a number progressive events directly and indirectly honoring the late left activist and intellectual Howard Zinn at SUNY New Paltz, including a talk by Noam Chomsky. They are all listed below.
———————————————————————
But first...
PUBLIC OPINION BACKS IDEAS OF PROTEST MOVEMENT
Repeated public opinion polls show that the Occupy Wall Street protest and growing 99 Percent movement are attracting public support. Here’s the rundown of several new public opinion polls compiled by the Center for American Progress on Oct. 27:
82% of New York State voters think it’s OK for the Occupy Wall Street protesters to protest.
58% of New York State voters agree with the views of the Wall Street protesters.
46% of Americans think the 99 Percent movement “reflect[s] the views of most Americans,” compared to just 34% who say it does not.
43% of Americans agree with the views of protesters, compared to just 27% who disagree.
70% of Americans have heard “a lot” or “some” about the 99 Percent Movement.
67% of Americans think it would be a “bad idea” to lower taxes on large corporations.
66% of Americans think the distribution of money and wealth in this country should be “more evenly distributed among more people.”
65% of Americans think taxes should be raised on millionaires.
66% of New York State voters support a millionaire’s tax.
69% percent of Americans think that the policies of the Republicans in Congress “favor the rich.”
———————————————————————
"OCCUPY" ACTIONS IN THE HUDSON VALLEY
The Occupy Wall Street/99 Percent movements are conducting demonstrations throughout the United States and internationally. In the Hudson Valley region, at least 15 cities and towns have experienced "occupation" protests — Albany, Beacon, Gardiner, Glens Falls, Kingston, Liberty, Monroe, New Paltz, Nyack, Pine Bush, Poughkeepsie, Saratoga Springs, Saugerties, Woodstock, and Yonkers. Mostly, these events have been one-day occasions but there are longer-term encampments in Albany and Poughkeepsie (and off course New York City to the south, where this movement originated Sept. 17).
We urge our readers to support all such manifestations, especially the encampments where expressions of solidarity are extremely important for morale and perseverance.
• POUGHKEEPSIE: At Hulme Park, on the corner of Market Church Sts. General assembly is at noon and 7 p.m. daily. Many people will be joining the Poughkeepsie group on Saturday Nov. 12 for a march and rally, see below. (http://occupypoughkeepsie.org/)
• ALBANY: At Academy Park, on the corner of Washington Ave. and Eagle, near the capitol building. (http://occupyalbany.org/)
• NEW YORK CITY: At Liberty Square (Zuccotti Park), Liberty St., between Broadway and Trinity Pl. (http://occupywallst.org/)
For more information on these and all other occupations, worldwide, http://www.occupytogether.org/
———————————————————————
OTHER EVENTS
Thursday, Nov. 3, NEWBURGH: Dr. Sacha Spector, Scenic Hudson’s director of Conservation Science, will discuss what the latest climate change projections mean for the Hudson Valley, and how avoiding the worst impacts can improve the security and financial future of communities and their citizens. The free public event lasts from 5-6 p.m. at the Desmond Campus for Adult Enrichment, 6 Albany Post Rd. Information, aconeski@scenichudson.org, (845) 473-4440, ext. 273.
Thursday, Nov. 3, TROY (Russell Sage College): Journalist and author Andrew Revkin will discuss "Writing about Science for an Audience of Humanists" starting at 7:30 p.m. at Bush Memorial, 65 First St. Revkin has written for Discover magazine, Science Digest, and hosts his "Dot Earth" blog on the N.Y. Times Op-Ed section. Information, https://www.sage.edu/newsevents/events/?event_id=257799&date=2011-11-03.
Thursday, Nov. 3, DELMAR: Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace sponsors a free public screening of the documentary, "Hidden Battles," at the Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., 7-8:45 p.m. The film documents the psychological impact of killing as portrayed by five soldiers: a female Sandinista rebel, an Israeli officer, a Palestinian member of Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, a Vietnam vet, and a U.S. veteran of the Somalia conflict. These soldiers reveal intimate memories about the central act of war — the killing of another human being. A discussion will follow the film. Information, (518) 466-1192, jlombard@nycap.rr.com, http://www.bethlehemforpeace.org.
Thursday, Nov. 3, POUGHKEEPSIE: The Dutchess Peace Coalition will sponsor the free screening of the film "What Would Jesus Buy?" at Crafted Kup, 44 Raymond Ave. (near Vassar College), starting at 7 p.m. This film follows the Reverend Billy and the Church of Stop Shopping Gospel Choir as they travel around the country to save Christmas from the "Shopocalypse." Free and public. Information, (845) 876-7906.
Friday, Nov. 4, NEW YORK STATE: In America, 68,842 bridges are structurally deficient. Meanwhile, 9.1% of Americans are jobless. In New York State, 2,088 bridges are deficient — with more than 15 million vehicles crossing those bridges every day, and 8% of New Yorkers are jobless. The AFL-CIO is urging people to contact their members of Congress — today or in the next week or two — to support investing in bridges, transit, rail, airports, highways, schools and the rest of our failing infrastructure, putting the jobless to work in the process. To send a message to Congress, click on http://act.aflcio.org/c/18/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=2880.
Saturday, Nov. 5, RHINEBECK: The annual dance to benefit needy children in Larreynaga, Nicaragua, starts at 7:30 p.m. at Church of the Messiah Parish Hall, 6436 Montgomery St. This event — sponsored by Mid-Hudson/Larreynaga Sister City, Dutchess Peace and Church of the Messiah — features live Latino dance music provided by the group "Cuboricua," dance demonstrations, door prizes, and light refreshments. The cost is $20 per person. Bring a non-perishable food item for the church pantry for a free door prize ticket. Reservations suggested (845) 876-3779.
Saturday, Nov. 5, TROY: Occupy Troy has called for a general assembly starting at 3 p.m. at Riverfront Park. We're told: "Citizens of Troy plan to assemble downtown to discuss grievances and solutions to the systems that create and reinforce inequalities in our society on a local and national scale."
Saturday, Nov. 5, NEW YORK CITY: An "Evening of Solidarity with the Cuban Five" begins at 7 p.m. at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Labor Center, 310 W. 43rd St. (between 8th and 9th Aves.). The five Cubans infiltrated right wing anti-Cuba groups in Florida in order to report upon planned terrorist activities. (Over 3,000 Cubans have been killed in U.S.-backed attacks by these groups since the 1959 Cuban Revolution.) When the five Cubans detected a plot, Havana then informed Washington. The U.S. responded by arresting the anti-terrorists, and they have been in American prisons for 13 years so far, not even allowed to have visits from their families. Speakers at the meeting include Richard Klugh, member of the Cuban Five legal team; Thenjiwe McHarris, Amnesty International; Gloria La Riva, National Committee to Free the Cuban Five; Rev. Luis Barrios, IFCO/Pastors for Peace; Alicia Jrapko, International Committee to Free the Cuban Five; and Michael Tarif Warren, civil rights attorney. There is a $10 suggested donation at the door — but "no one turned away for lack of funds." The evening is sponsored by The July 26 Coalition, Casa de las Americas, the National Network on Cuba, the National Committee to Free the Cuban Five, and the International Committee to Free the Cuban Five. Information, ANSWER Coalition, (212) 694-8720, nyc@AnswerCoalition.org.
Saturday, Nov. 5, BEACON: MoveOn is initiating nationwide actions at over 200 branches of big banks, emphasizing the damage they have done to the economy and local communities. The demonstrators also encourage customers of major banks to move their money to smaller institutions. In Beacon the protest will be at the Chase Bank, 404 Main St., 11. a.m. Says MoveOn: "The big banks may have massive marketing machines and spend huge advertising dollars, but that can't compete with a group of community members in front of their branches across the country, telling their friends and neighbors that this bank can't be trusted because it's firing tens of thousands of people, foreclosing on our neighbors, and helped crash our economy."
Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 5-6, POUGHKEEPSIE (Vassar College campus): See and purchase Local and imported fair traded crafts, food, and specialty items at the Fair Trade Bazaar, taking place at The Aula, Vassar College, on Raymond Ave. Featuring live music and organic refreshments from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and until 3 p.m. on Sunday. Information, patla@hvc.rr.com.
Sunday, Nov. 6, NEW PALTZ to WASHINGTON: Demonstrators plan to encircle the White House today to tell President Obama to reject Keystone XL — the planned pipeline that will transport environmentally "dirty" oil extracted from the Tar Sands of northern Canada to Texas. A bus chartered by the Sierra Club will transport activists to D.C. leaving from the New Paltz Thruway park and ride at 6 a.m. and returning around midnight. The cost of a ticket will be from $20 roundtrip. For tickets contact Joanne Steele immediately, sierraclubjoanne@gmail.com, or (845) 338-0300. People are also carpooling from the Mid-Hudson region. If you are interested contact Richard Parisio the New Paltz Climate Action Coalition, rparisio@hotmail.com. According to 350.org, the main sponsor of the event, "over 4,000 people have signed up to join the action. With scandals around Keystone XL brewing, and momentum shifting in our direction, we need to make this action as big as possible." If you are going, remember Daylight Saving Time ends today so turn your clock back one hour.
Sunday, Nov. 6, NEW PALTZ: "Debunking the Insanity of the Debt Hawks" is the topic of a 6-8 p.m. free public talk by Brent Kramer, longtime activist, CUNY economics professor, and research associate at the Fiscal Policy Institute. (An optional potluck begins at 5 p.m.) The venue is New Paltz Village Hall, 25 Plattekill Ave., a block south of Main St. (Rt. 299). Park in the Village Hall lot. Sponsored by the Caribbean and Latin America Support Project. Information, (845) 255-0113.
Monday, Nov. 7, POUGHKEEPSIE: Help plan antiwar and anti-military recruitment actions at the Dutchess Peace monthly meeting at the Unitarian Fellowship, 67 Randolph Ave, 7-8:30 p.m. Information, (845) 876-7906, http://www.dutchesspeace.org.
Wednesday, Nov. 9, ANNANDALE-ON-HUDSON (Bard College campus): Bassam Haddad, director of the Middle East Studies Program and teacher of Public and International Affairs at George Mason University, will speak on the topic of "Syria and Arab Uprisings" starting at 7 p.m. For building location, (845) 758-6822. Information, http://www.bard.edu/hrp.
Wednesday, Nov. 9, INTERNATIONAL: Today begins the Week Against the Apartheid Wall, referring to the barrier Israel erected to separate itself from the Palestinian West Bank, lasting until Nov. 16. For details, http://www.stopthewall.org/week-against-apartheid-wall.
Thursday, Nov. 10 and 24, WOODSTOCK: Middle East Crisis Response, a group of Hudson Valley residents joined in protest against policies of Israel and the United States, will hold its twice monthly meeting these evenings at the Woodstock Public Library, 5 Library Lane. Information, (845) 876-7906. http://www.mideastcrisis.org.
Friday, Nov 11, NORTH TROY: Vietnam war veteran and antiwar/anti-imperialist activist S. Brian Willson will speak from 7-9 p.m. at The Sanctuary for Independent Media, 3361 6th Ave. Willson, who lost his legs while blocking a munitions train in 1987, will give a Veterans Day talk and sign his new book. Willson’s appearance is part of a national tour he is conducting on two prosthetic legs and a three-wheeled handcycle, to promote the ideas of a right livelihood and a simpler lifestyle that are set forth in his recently published book, "Blood on the Tracks." A $5 donation is requested. Sponsored by Rensselaer Neighbors for Peace. Information, (518) 272-2390, schris.christianson@gmail.com, http://www.mediasanctuary.org/node/3146.
Saturday, Nov. 12, POUGHKEEPSIE: Today is the day to join with the activists of Occupy Poughkeepsie for a march in solidarity to oppose gross economic inequality and political domination of the United States by finance capital, big corporations, the wealthiest 5% of the American people and their most influential minions in the legislative and executive branches of the federal and state governments. Assemble at Hulme Park (corner of Market and Church Sts., about a quarter-mile east of the Mid-Hudson Bridge), where the local encampment is situated, for the 12 noon to 2 p.m. march and rally, which will be followed by a general assembly. Information, http://occupypoughkeepsie.org/.
Saturday, Nov. 12, NEW ROCHELLE: Women in Black will hold a 2-3 p.m. vigil in support of Occupy Wall Street and a Free Palestine, Main St. and Memorial Highway, sponsored by WESPAC and CodePink. Information, (914) 654-8990, ceilie@aol.com.
Saturday, Nov. 12, MILLBROOK: The Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies is organizing a "Full Moon Ecology Walk" on the internal paved roads of its large wooded acreage. "Guests will be treated to the sights and sounds of nature at dusk," starting at 6:30 p.m. Cary educators will be the guides. It's free and public. "All ages are welcome to participate; long pants, hiking shoes, binoculars, and flashlights are recommended. The walk will begin at our main campus parking area, located at 2801 Sharon Turnpike (Route 44). In the event of heavy rain, the program will be cancelled." Information, http://www.ecostudies.org/.
Monday, Nov. 14, NEW PALTZ (SUNY campus): Abigail Robin, a retired SUNY NP professor, will discuss "Emma Goldman NOW!" — the life of the famous revolutionary anarchist (1869 –1940) and her relevance today. This free public talk will begin at the Honors Center at 5 p.m. Campus map: http://www.newpaltz.edu/map. Information, (845) 257-3456.
Monday, Nov. 14 to Thursday, Dec. 10, NEW PALTZ (SUNY campus): "Windows in the Wall," an exhibition of photos from the West Bank by artist and activist Rebecca Heyl, will be shown at the Sojourner Truth Library. There will also be an exhibition of social documents titled Just Text. Campus map: http://www.newpaltz.edu/map.
Wednesday, Nov. 16, NEW PALTZ (SUNY campus): "Noam Chomsky and Linguistic Theory" is the subject of a 4 p.m. talk by Linguistics Professor Oksana Laleko in Lecture Center 104. This is a side of the well known left social critic and public intellectual not often known by activists. Campus map: http://www.newpaltz.edu/map.
Thursday, Nov. 17, NEW PALTZ (SUNY campus): Frank Morris, the vice chairman of Sierra Club's N.Y. State Chapter, will discuss "Unifying the Environmental Perspective: Ecologic Solutions for the 21st Century," 4:30-6:30 p.m. in Lecture Center 104. He will touch upon climate change, the environmental crisis, threats to life from pollution, and the dangers associated with natural gas extraction and use. This free public event is sponsored by the Sociology Dept. Information, Irwin Sperber, (845) 257-2772, sperberi@newpaltz.edu. Campus map: http://www.newpaltz.edu/map.
Friday, Nov. 18, ROCK TAVERN: The documentary "Before Stonewall" will be screened at 7 p.m. at 9 Vance Lane, sponsored by the Social Action and Welcoming Committees of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Rock Tavern. This film, to be followed by a discussion, describes the repressive atmosphere that existed prior to the Stonewall uprising in 1969 and the subsequent movement for gay rights. Free and public. Information, Verne M. Bell at (845) 569-8965, or Athena Drewes (845) 496-5322.
Monday, Nov. 21, NEW PALTZ to TRENTON: Attention anti-fracking activists: The fate of fracking in the Northeast may be determined very soon. For New Yorkers, the problem isn't only Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who strongly favors the use of dangerous hydraulic fracturing to extract natural gas from upstate Marcellus Shale. The Delaware River Basin Commission, comprising representatives from four states (New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware) and the federal government, will vote today on whether to allow fracking in the river's watershed, which supplies drinking water for more than 15 million people. A charter bus will be leaving New Paltz at 6:30 a.m., bringing activists to Trenton, N.J., where events begin at 8 a.m. at the War Memorial and continue at the commission meeting. The boarding location is the New Paltz Thruway park and ride, just off Rt. 299. Transportation is being organized by the local Food and Water Watch. The cost is $30 for the roundtrip. For reservations, http://action.foodandwaterwatch.org/p/salsa/event/common/public/index.sjs?event_KEY=72090. Information, George Koury, (845) 657-8308, prosper@hvc.rr.com.
Thursday, Nov. 24, AMERICA: Today is Thanksgiving, a traditional day for family and friends to get together. This year, how about a vegetarian or vegan meal for the holidays? There are endless entries under "vegetarian thanksgiving dinner" on Google with thousands of recipes. Why a meatless Thanksgiving? Aside from health and environmental reasons, we'll quote Farm Sanctuary, an organization for the protection of farmed animals: "Dark, dirty warehouses. Crowds of animals in distress. Mutilated beaks and toes. Sick, injured birds left to suffer and die without anyone to help them. These are not the kinds of images we tend to conjure when we think about Thanksgiving, yet they are indicative of the reality faced by more than 46 million turkeys slaughtered every year in the U.S. for this holiday alone [all told throughout the year, about 300 million turkeys are raised for slaughter in our country].... The more our fellow citizens learn about the cruelty that goes on behind the closed doors of factory farms, the less sense it makes that we feast on these maligned birds as symbols of gratitude, and the more natural it becomes to spare a life in the spirit of thankfulness that shines this time of year."
Friday Nov. 25, NORTH AMERICA: Tired of all the hype, rushing and consumerism beginning today, the day after Thanksgiving (known as Black Friday), which is supposed to be the biggest shopping day of the year? Join people around North America for the annual Buy Nothing Day. Instead of just buy, buy, buy for the holidays, perhaps there are other options. Check out http://www.buynothingchristmas.org/alternatives/index.html for substitutes to commercial gifts this season. In Europe Buy Nothing Day is Saturday the 26th, so you may wish to make it a two-day escape from our consumer culture and credit card usury.
Tuesday, Nov. 29, NEW PALTZ (SUNY campus): A free public viewing of "You Can’t Be Neutral on a Moving Train," the biographical film of the late progressive activist Howard Zinn, will be screened at 7:30 p.m. in Lecture Center 104. Campus map: http://www.newpaltz.edu/map.
Wednesday, Nov. 30, NEW PALTZ (SUNY campus): "The People Speak," a film screening of the dramatic staging of Howard Zinn’s "People’s History of the United States," directed by Anthony Arnove, will begin at 4:30 p.m. in CSB Auditorium (public and free). Campus map: http://www.newpaltz.edu/map.
Thursday, Dec. 1, NEW PALTZ (SUNY campus): "Manufacturing Consent: The Political Economy of the Mass Media" — a film screening with presentations by Profs. Donna Flayhan, Jerry Persaud and Daniel Schackman (Communication and Media) — takes place in CSB Auditorium starting at 5 p.m. (public and free). Campus map: http://www.newpaltz.edu/map.
Thursday, Dec. 1, NEW PALTZ (SUNY campus): "Howard Zinn and Racial Justice" — a panel discussion by the Black Studies faculty — starts at 7:30 p.m. in Lecture Center 102. Campus map: http://www.newpaltz.edu/map.
Saturday, Dec 3, NEW PALTZ (SUNY campus): "Intervals of Change: Students, Music, Protest" — musical performances by student groups — will start at 4 p.m. at the Honors Center in College Hall. Campus map: http://www.newpaltz.edu/map.
Sunday, Dec. 4, NEW PALTZ (SUNY campus): There will be a "Puppet Procession Across Campus" starting at 2:30 p.m. by the Redwing Blackbird Theater and students, culminating in a puppet show based on Howard Zinn’s "People’s History" and inspired by Occupy Wall St. Campus map: http://www.newpaltz.edu/map.
Sunday, Dec. 4, NEW PALTZ (SUNY campus): "Honoring Howard Zinn: An Historian Who Made History" — Talks by Noam Chomsky and Anthony Arnove begin at 4 p.m. in Lecture Center 100. This will be Chomsky's first local talk in least 20 years, and we anticipate a large crowd. Campus map: http://www.newpaltz.edu/map. Sponsors of this event and most of the SUNY NP programs from Nov. 14: College of Liberal Arts & Sciences; Departments of Anthropology, Art, Black Studies, Communication and Media, English, History, Political Science and International Relations, Secondary Education, Sociology, Theatre Arts; The Honors Program; Programs in Linguistics and Women’s Studies; Major Connections Program.
