This guy Joe needs to show us his union card...
Dear friends,
During the final debate, John McCain started pushing his new-found buddy "Joe the Plumber". About a week later, I saw the guy on a "fair and balanced" Fox News program.
The original portrayal of Joe was that he wanted to buy his employer's business, but was concerned about Senator Obama's tax plan. Now, especally since he has been interviewed on television, there is no more mention of him wanting to buy his employer's business. What's going on? As a matter of fact, out of the hundreds of thousands across the country - and the world, if not millions, who have come out to see Senator Obama, why were reporters, along with their television camera crews so ready and focused on this particular "little guy"? They had never done that at previous rallies - or since.
It seems, at least to me, that, suddenly, Joe the Plumber is now Joe Sixpack. Is that not interesting, necause while McCain is pushing this "ordinary" working guy, he is also the same politician who is going out of his way to make sure that his super-rich friends do not receive tax increases either? McCain insists: Why should anyone have their taxes raised at a time like this?
The answer, of course, is: Those guys get to keep their wealth, due to the sacrifices of everyday workers, police, firemen and firewomen, and all kinds of other people. Why shouldn't they want to share some of their wealth with the aforementioned, right now? Moreover, is this guy Joe actually a plumber, anyway? Frankly, I think that this guy Joe needs to show his union card...
G, Djata Bumpus
Read full post
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Will Senator Obama be "ready" for a Major War-type Crisis?
Was George Bush "ready" for 9/11? Apparently not. Moreover, on that day, when he was first told of the disaster, Bush simply kept his focus on the photo-op that showed him reading to some grade-schoolers?
Dear friends,
Was George Bush "ready" for 9/11? Apparently not. Moreover, on that day, when he was first told of the disaster, Bush simply kept his focus on the photo-op that showed him reading to some grade-schoolers?
Now, because of something that Joe Biden, the Democrats' vice presidential candidate, said, perhaps in reflection, regarding his running mate's forthcoming task, the same Republicans who shunned the abovementioned initial response of President George Bush to 9/11, are now trying to use Senator Biden's comments as proof that Barack Obama has not been tested in handling a major war-type crisis. That is an obvious example of fear-mongering. One would think that John McCain would be too embarrassed to bring it (Biden's comment) up. But he is not. Consequently, at least to me, that shows: When John McCain sees danger, he does not think his way through the dillemma. Instead, he panics and does anything that he feels will help him charm his way out of the predicament. What a warrior!
Senator Obama will do quite well. He is a man who maintains great composure amongst many who offer him no goodwill. Rather, some of them yell, "Kill him!" But he will defend them too. Moreover, he will have the likes of the great Colin Powell nearby. There will also be many more generals and other officers, along with a couple of million soldiers/warriors who are our armed forces. Most of all, he will also have the resolve of any man who is one in millions of others who know his course so very well. Yet, the thoughtless McCain people keep disrespecting the intelligence of the American public, by trying to have us believe that whatever situations occur, Senator Obama will somehow be on his own. No. He will have plenty of help!
Cheers!
G. Djata Bumpus
Read full post
Dear friends,
Was George Bush "ready" for 9/11? Apparently not. Moreover, on that day, when he was first told of the disaster, Bush simply kept his focus on the photo-op that showed him reading to some grade-schoolers?
Now, because of something that Joe Biden, the Democrats' vice presidential candidate, said, perhaps in reflection, regarding his running mate's forthcoming task, the same Republicans who shunned the abovementioned initial response of President George Bush to 9/11, are now trying to use Senator Biden's comments as proof that Barack Obama has not been tested in handling a major war-type crisis. That is an obvious example of fear-mongering. One would think that John McCain would be too embarrassed to bring it (Biden's comment) up. But he is not. Consequently, at least to me, that shows: When John McCain sees danger, he does not think his way through the dillemma. Instead, he panics and does anything that he feels will help him charm his way out of the predicament. What a warrior!
Senator Obama will do quite well. He is a man who maintains great composure amongst many who offer him no goodwill. Rather, some of them yell, "Kill him!" But he will defend them too. Moreover, he will have the likes of the great Colin Powell nearby. There will also be many more generals and other officers, along with a couple of million soldiers/warriors who are our armed forces. Most of all, he will also have the resolve of any man who is one in millions of others who know his course so very well. Yet, the thoughtless McCain people keep disrespecting the intelligence of the American public, by trying to have us believe that whatever situations occur, Senator Obama will somehow be on his own. No. He will have plenty of help!
Cheers!
G. Djata Bumpus
Read full post
General (ret.) Colin Powell's Endorsement of Senator Barack Obama
What better endorsement than from a man who really knows how to win a war?
Dear friends,
On the link below, there is an article and video of General (ret.) Colin Powell's endorsement of Senator Barack Obama to be the president of the United States. What better endorsement can there be than from a man who really "knows how to win a war"?
Cheers!
G. Djata Bumpus
http://www.truthout.org/article/101908Y
Read full post
Dear friends,
On the link below, there is an article and video of General (ret.) Colin Powell's endorsement of Senator Barack Obama to be the president of the United States. What better endorsement can there be than from a man who really "knows how to win a war"?
Cheers!
G. Djata Bumpus
http://www.truthout.org/article/101908Y
Read full post
What's up with the ACORN Scandal?
We are now hearing about arrests being made, and "further investigation" of ACORN...
Dear friends,
We are now hearing about arrests being made, and "further investigation" of ACORN workers and former workers. Yet, Bob Herbert, the outstanding New York Times columnist, questions the actual purpose that the Republican Party has for creating all of this consternation, on the link below.
G. Djata Bumpus
Read full post
We are now hearing about arrests being made, and "further investigation" of ACORN workers and former workers. Yet, Bob Herbert, the outstanding New York Times columnist, questions the actual purpose that the Republican Party has for creating all of this consternation, on the link below.
G. Djata Bumpus
Monday, October 20, 2008
In Honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month
The document below was actually posted on this blog back in Aygust. However, in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it appears here again.
******************************************
Dear friends,
I was forwarded the information below, very recently. Normally, I am not the type to distribute petitions, although I have signed many such documents, over the years, when approached by someone working a "petition drive" on the streets.
In any case, this particular issue, about mastectomies, is too serious a matter for any of us to ignore. After all, our love for ourselves cannot have any substantive meaning apart from our love for others. As a matter of fact, how would we even know what love is, without understanding what it means to share the experience of love through/with others?
Therefore, please try to imagine, especially for a woman, having to have a breast removed. Forget about the physical pain and discomfort, or the cometic stuff. That must pale in comparison to the emotional and spiritual well-being (mother nature) of any woman, whether she has ever had children or not. For a moment, the initial feeling cannot be a lot different than losing a child - the most devastating of all human losses. Of course, the reason for that is: You have lost a part of your very being.
We live in an age when opportunistic people who have taken improper stock of themselves make inane statements like, "I can run a business well; therefore, I can run a government well." The purpose of an enterprise/business is to create customers. The point of hospitals is to help those who are in immediate need of care for physical and/or mental ailments. If the hospital is seeking customers, as we now see ads running both by and for them today, then the entire health care system has lost its very meaning. That's sad.
Please take, literally, less than two minutes of your time. I did it! Peruse the missive below, and simply type your name, US mail address, and e-mail address into the already-made form. It is that simple. That info will be forwarded to the US Comngress, on your behalf, as a supporter of the petition. By the way, there is also a little space to leave a small comment, if you choose to. I did that too.
Finally, It is easy to show indifference; it requires no inner strength. However, it takes the inner powers of love and courage to care about other people and things. Besides, have you ever felt bad about doing the right thing?
One Love,
G. Djata Bumpus
*****************************************************
Please sign the petition and help other women.
City of Hartford - City Hall - Rm. 305
Office for Youth Services,
550 Main St.> > Hartford, CT. 06103
860-757-9883
martha.jackson@hartford.gov
Proposed Mastectomy Law Change (Outpatient> Surgery)
(written by a surgeon)
I'll never forget the look in my patients eyes when I had to tell them they had to go home with the drains, new exercises and no breast. I remember begging the Doctors to keep these women in the hospital longer, only to hear that they would, but their hands were tied by the insurance companies.
So there I sat with my patient giving them the instructions they needed to take care of themselves, knowing full well they didn't grasp half of what I was saying, because the glazed, hopeless, frightened look spoke louder than the quiet 'Thank you' they muttered.
********************************************
A mastectomy is when a woman's breast is removed in order to remove cancerous breast cells/tissue. If you know anyone who has had a mastectomy, you may know that there is a lot of discomfort and pain afterwards. Insurance companies are trying to make mastectomies an outpatient procedure. Let's give women the chance to recover properly in the hospital for 2 days after surgery.
This Mastectomy Bill is in Congress. It takes 30 seconds to do this and is very important . Please take the time and do it really quick! Breast Cancer Hospitalization Bill - Important legislation for all women.
Please send this to everyone in your address book. If there was ever a time when our voices and choices should be heard, this is one of those times. If you're receiving this, it's because I think you will take the 30 seconds to go to vote on this> issue and send it on to others you know who will do the> same.
There's a bill called the Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act which will require insurance companies to cover a minimum 48-hour hospital stay for patients undergoing a mastectomy. It's about eliminating the 'drive-through mastectomy' where women are forced to go home just a few hours after surgery, against the wishes of their doctor, still groggy from> anesthesia and sometimes with drainage tubes still attached.
Lifetime Television has put this bill on their web page with a petition drive to show your support. Last year over half the House signed on.
PLEASE!! Sign the petition by clicking on the web site> below. You need not give more than your name and zip code number. http://www.mylifetime.com/community/my-lifetime-commitment/breast-cancer/petition/breast-cancer-petition
This takes about 2 seconds.> PLEASE PASS THIS ON to your friends
Read full post
******************************************
Dear friends,
I was forwarded the information below, very recently. Normally, I am not the type to distribute petitions, although I have signed many such documents, over the years, when approached by someone working a "petition drive" on the streets.
In any case, this particular issue, about mastectomies, is too serious a matter for any of us to ignore. After all, our love for ourselves cannot have any substantive meaning apart from our love for others. As a matter of fact, how would we even know what love is, without understanding what it means to share the experience of love through/with others?
Therefore, please try to imagine, especially for a woman, having to have a breast removed. Forget about the physical pain and discomfort, or the cometic stuff. That must pale in comparison to the emotional and spiritual well-being (mother nature) of any woman, whether she has ever had children or not. For a moment, the initial feeling cannot be a lot different than losing a child - the most devastating of all human losses. Of course, the reason for that is: You have lost a part of your very being.
We live in an age when opportunistic people who have taken improper stock of themselves make inane statements like, "I can run a business well; therefore, I can run a government well." The purpose of an enterprise/business is to create customers. The point of hospitals is to help those who are in immediate need of care for physical and/or mental ailments. If the hospital is seeking customers, as we now see ads running both by and for them today, then the entire health care system has lost its very meaning. That's sad.
Please take, literally, less than two minutes of your time. I did it! Peruse the missive below, and simply type your name, US mail address, and e-mail address into the already-made form. It is that simple. That info will be forwarded to the US Comngress, on your behalf, as a supporter of the petition. By the way, there is also a little space to leave a small comment, if you choose to. I did that too.
Finally, It is easy to show indifference; it requires no inner strength. However, it takes the inner powers of love and courage to care about other people and things. Besides, have you ever felt bad about doing the right thing?
One Love,
G. Djata Bumpus
*****************************************************
Please sign the petition and help other women.
City of Hartford - City Hall - Rm. 305
Office for Youth Services,
550 Main St.> > Hartford, CT. 06103
860-757-9883
martha.jackson@hartford.gov
Proposed Mastectomy Law Change (Outpatient> Surgery)
(written by a surgeon)
I'll never forget the look in my patients eyes when I had to tell them they had to go home with the drains, new exercises and no breast. I remember begging the Doctors to keep these women in the hospital longer, only to hear that they would, but their hands were tied by the insurance companies.
So there I sat with my patient giving them the instructions they needed to take care of themselves, knowing full well they didn't grasp half of what I was saying, because the glazed, hopeless, frightened look spoke louder than the quiet 'Thank you' they muttered.
********************************************
A mastectomy is when a woman's breast is removed in order to remove cancerous breast cells/tissue. If you know anyone who has had a mastectomy, you may know that there is a lot of discomfort and pain afterwards. Insurance companies are trying to make mastectomies an outpatient procedure. Let's give women the chance to recover properly in the hospital for 2 days after surgery.
This Mastectomy Bill is in Congress. It takes 30 seconds to do this and is very important . Please take the time and do it really quick! Breast Cancer Hospitalization Bill - Important legislation for all women.
Please send this to everyone in your address book. If there was ever a time when our voices and choices should be heard, this is one of those times. If you're receiving this, it's because I think you will take the 30 seconds to go to vote on this> issue and send it on to others you know who will do the> same.
There's a bill called the Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act which will require insurance companies to cover a minimum 48-hour hospital stay for patients undergoing a mastectomy. It's about eliminating the 'drive-through mastectomy' where women are forced to go home just a few hours after surgery, against the wishes of their doctor, still groggy from> anesthesia and sometimes with drainage tubes still attached.
Lifetime Television has put this bill on their web page with a petition drive to show your support. Last year over half the House signed on.
PLEASE!! Sign the petition by clicking on the web site> below. You need not give more than your name and zip code number. http://www.mylifetime.com/community/my-lifetime-commitment/breast-cancer/petition/breast-cancer-petition
This takes about 2 seconds.> PLEASE PASS THIS ON to your friends
Read full post
Is Barack Obama experienced enough to be our president?
Dear friends,
One of the most specious arguments that people make against Senator Obama becoming the president of the United Staes is: He doesn't have enough experience...
At least to me, that does not make sense. Moreover, anyone who has ever started a new job should be able to follow me through the following scenario. It is: If, for example, you are a janitor of a huge building, for several years, then you change employers and start working for someone who gives better pay and has a smaller place to keep clean, you will still be quite inexperienced, regarding your new duties. Do you agree? Likewise, no one is qualified to be either the president or a janitor, from the very start of that particular gig. Dig?
Besides, Senator Obama will have many competent advisers, as well as other managers, just as all of those who preceded him into the Oval Office did. People who argue about him not having experience act as if he will be doing all of the work by himself. At any rate, , if you look at George Bush's horrendous double-performance, then the argument that Senator Obama is unqualified is exposed for what it really is (no need to mention those adjectives).
G. Djata Bumpus
Read full post
One of the most specious arguments that people make against Senator Obama becoming the president of the United Staes is: He doesn't have enough experience...
At least to me, that does not make sense. Moreover, anyone who has ever started a new job should be able to follow me through the following scenario. It is: If, for example, you are a janitor of a huge building, for several years, then you change employers and start working for someone who gives better pay and has a smaller place to keep clean, you will still be quite inexperienced, regarding your new duties. Do you agree? Likewise, no one is qualified to be either the president or a janitor, from the very start of that particular gig. Dig?
Besides, Senator Obama will have many competent advisers, as well as other managers, just as all of those who preceded him into the Oval Office did. People who argue about him not having experience act as if he will be doing all of the work by himself. At any rate, , if you look at George Bush's horrendous double-performance, then the argument that Senator Obama is unqualified is exposed for what it really is (no need to mention those adjectives).
G. Djata Bumpus
Read full post
Limbaugh's latest media "attention" grab
Dear friends,
Only a year or so ago, Rush Limbaugh was telling us empty-headed African Americans that Senator Obama is not even a Black man. Now, Limbaugh has decided that the latter is, in fact, an African American. Wow! He is also saying that General Powell is only voting for Obama because of his skin color.
But are either of them (i.e., Senator Obama or General Powell) the same complexion as his Black savior - in the form of a hotel maid, who used to buy drugs for Rush Limbaugh before he finally was caught? Oh, I see, let us not mix Limbaugh's religion with his politics.
"This was all about Powell and race, nothing about the nation and its welfare," Limbaugh added. The talk radio host also criticized members of the media for not addressing his claim that Powell likely hasn't endorsed white candidates who, according to Limbaugh, have similar political leanings and experience as Obama.
I wonder what Limbaugh would have said about "inexperience" had he been at the meeting where Colonel Powell was first promoted to General Powell. Would any African American ever be "experienced" enough to be more than a maid, if Rush Limbaugh had his choice in the matter?
One thing for sure is: After the election, Limbaugh's ratings will be higher than ever, because of the opportunity for racists to spew forth their venom, in the name of "democracy". After all, for most of the illusion that has always been "The American Dream", the only thing that people had who cling to their "whiteness" was just that. They had no money or anything else, but they could still poke out their chests and exclaim, "I don't have anything, but, at least, I'm WHITE!" Right.
Limbaugh will now, without shame, just as the lying, Black baby-making Strom Thurmond did, get new recruits to protect his idiocy, huge bank account(s), and, maybe, drugs. Who nows?
And the beat goes on...
G. Djata Bumpus
Read full post
Only a year or so ago, Rush Limbaugh was telling us empty-headed African Americans that Senator Obama is not even a Black man. Now, Limbaugh has decided that the latter is, in fact, an African American. Wow! He is also saying that General Powell is only voting for Obama because of his skin color.
But are either of them (i.e., Senator Obama or General Powell) the same complexion as his Black savior - in the form of a hotel maid, who used to buy drugs for Rush Limbaugh before he finally was caught? Oh, I see, let us not mix Limbaugh's religion with his politics.
"This was all about Powell and race, nothing about the nation and its welfare," Limbaugh added. The talk radio host also criticized members of the media for not addressing his claim that Powell likely hasn't endorsed white candidates who, according to Limbaugh, have similar political leanings and experience as Obama.
I wonder what Limbaugh would have said about "inexperience" had he been at the meeting where Colonel Powell was first promoted to General Powell. Would any African American ever be "experienced" enough to be more than a maid, if Rush Limbaugh had his choice in the matter?
One thing for sure is: After the election, Limbaugh's ratings will be higher than ever, because of the opportunity for racists to spew forth their venom, in the name of "democracy". After all, for most of the illusion that has always been "The American Dream", the only thing that people had who cling to their "whiteness" was just that. They had no money or anything else, but they could still poke out their chests and exclaim, "I don't have anything, but, at least, I'm WHITE!" Right.
Limbaugh will now, without shame, just as the lying, Black baby-making Strom Thurmond did, get new recruits to protect his idiocy, huge bank account(s), and, maybe, drugs. Who nows?
And the beat goes on...
G. Djata Bumpus
Read full post
Claims of "Voter Fraud" may promote "Genuine Fraud"
About what are the recent cries of "voter fraud" by the Republican Party - or the Democrats, for that matter?Dear friends,
On the link below is a very eloquent piece, regarding the cries of "voter fraud" during, especially, presidential elections. George Curry of the Philadelphia Inquirer delivers an exceptional analysis of this topic. Check it out!
G. Djata Bumpus
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/columnists/george_curry/20081016_Beyond_the_Spin__Threats_to_the_ballot_box.html
Read full post
Smith on Understanding Economics
When politicians and pumdits talk about "the economy", a great deal of attention is given to our government's and big businesses' spending. But how much, if any, do we as workers/citizens, whether employed or self-employed, contribute to overall spending, in comparison?On the link below. Elm Smith of the Philadelphia Daily News gives us a brief "economics" course. Please prepare to make some notes.
Cheers!
G. Djata Bumpus
http://www.philly.com/dailynews/local/20081017_Elmer_Smith__Read_this_if_you_know_zilch_about_the_economy.html
Read full post
Foreclosing on a neighborhood
Imagine having finally landed in a dream situation. A home - no more landlords. Feeling like part of a real community. Then...
Dear friends,
It is easy to put blame on people who have no power. What if millions of Americans began thinking and initiating their own "Habitat for Humanity" programs, across the country?
Below, is the link to a recent story that I read in the New York Times. It is very well written, in my opinion, and raises the question of the role that citizens may want to consider playing with each other, instead of embracing the anti-social, anti-community spirit, dog-eat-dog - wishing your fellows "the worse" - mindset that permeates many social and cultural experiences and events in our society, including its prevalence on television "Reality" shows, and the many and varied gambling forums.
One Love,
G. Djata Bumpus
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/19/nyregion/19block.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin
Read full post
Dear friends,
It is easy to put blame on people who have no power. What if millions of Americans began thinking and initiating their own "Habitat for Humanity" programs, across the country?
Below, is the link to a recent story that I read in the New York Times. It is very well written, in my opinion, and raises the question of the role that citizens may want to consider playing with each other, instead of embracing the anti-social, anti-community spirit, dog-eat-dog - wishing your fellows "the worse" - mindset that permeates many social and cultural experiences and events in our society, including its prevalence on television "Reality" shows, and the many and varied gambling forums.
One Love,
G. Djata Bumpus
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/19/nyregion/19block.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin
Read full post
The content of their character?
With what Dr. King's offspring are showing the world these days (and actually have been for many years), I do not think that he would want people to judge them by their characters. How sad.Dr. King would not be too happy with the way his progeny are currently behaving. Unfortunately, greed is not just a part of the character of many of those on Wall Street. This family has a history of it, just as many others in our society do.
Yet, at least to me, it is respect - not whether you like someone's "character" or not - that should be the driving force behind human relations. After all, if a person truly respects you, then he or she will never deliberately do anything to harm you. Do you agree?
At any rate, the link below is to a piece by the ever effervescent, informative, and thoughtful Jen Armstrong of the Philadelphia Daily News. Cheers!
G. Djata Bumpus
http://www.philly.com/dailynews/features/31093009.html
Read full post
Sunday, October 19, 2008
More about our "allies" in Columbia
Dear friends,
With all of John McCain's talk about the rulers in Columbia being "our allies", we may want t consider keeping in mind the fact that, as Senator Obama pointed out during the debate, Columbia is guilty of all kinds of human rights violations. Moreover, at least to me, it seems that it is easy for us to ignore the plight of Early American Native Peoples. However, many of our ancestors escaped chattel slavery and were accepted into Early American Native groups. As a matter of fact, it is hardly uncommon to hear African Americans, today, talk about having ancestors who were so-called Indians. After all, that is from where the body of folks wo were called the "Seminoles" of Florida came, for example. That is, the group was made up of Early American Natives who brought in African captives who themselves had "run" from, mostly, enslavers' plantations in Georgia...
*****************************************
Press Release from ACIN on Third Day of Mobilization: Imminent
A call to the Inter American commission of Human Rights, global solidarity and progressive Governments to intervene immediately.
The army has surrounded the approximately 10.000 indigenous protesters and is preparing an assault. A man and a woman have been injured with gunshots. The man was transferred to a Hospital with a wound to his head and signs of decerebration. There are five wounded so far and two indigenous have been captured.
Another native, 23 year old César Hurtado Trochez, was shot to death by 4 men last night as he rested at home in Guadualito, Northern Cauca. This indigenous community member had received no threats and dedicated his life to agriculture. The assassination follows the same pattern as that of Nicolás Valencia, whose funeral is taking place right now. César was not involved in the protest.
We call upon the Inter American commission of Human Rights, global solidarity and progressive Governments to intervene immediately. It is a crime to resist corporate greed in Colombia. It has been a crime to be indigenous for 516 years. Repression and death are the institutional responses to our direct action, to which we are forced by terror, media and legal aggression. This Government is against life, we are forced to resist a regime at the service of corporate greed and when we do, we are murdered and the world watches in silence.
Association of Indigenous Councils of Northern Cauca
ACIN
Colombian Military and Police Confronting Indigenous Protesters in Cauca;
Organizers call for solidarity from the international community
The Association of Indigenous Councils of Northern Cauca, ACIN, reports that today, on the third day of the national mobilization dubbed "Commotion of the Peoples," all the communities gathered in the locality of La Maria, in the department of Cauca, are completely surrounded by the Colombian Army. Apparently, the security forces are preparing to carry out an armed assault against the civilians involved in the protest, which began on Sunday, October 12th. Organizers estimate that there are over 10,000 people currently at La Maria and surrounding areas.
The communities have blocked a portion of the Pan American Highway that connects the cities of Popayn and Santander de Quilichao in the department of Cauca, in an acto f civil disobedience. They are demanding a face to face meeting with the President to discuss the main points on their agenda.
ACIN reports that in the confrontations today, there were at least two indigenous activists severely wounded, with one possibly fatally. Two other indigenous activists from Tierradentro were detained.
Simultaneously, 4 cadavers were transfered from Corinto to the morgue in the town of Caloto. According to ACIN, up to now, local officials have not allowed indigenous authorities in to identify the victims and examine the corpses.
Prior to the mobilization, which was called to protest against the militarization of indigenous territories, the US-Colombia Free Trade Agreement, and the government of Alvaro Uribe, indigenous leaders warned about the potential for this kind of backlash against the movement. That the government declared a state of internal commotion just two days before the start of the protest gave them more reason to be alarmed.
In an urgent communique put out by ACIN a few moments ago, the organization states: “Everything indicates that this criminal government has initiated a massacre as a response to our indigenous resistance!
Spokespersons for ACIN are calling on the world not to serve as accomplices with silence in the face of this criminal regime.
For more information, contact:
--
Posted By MAMARadio toMAMA Radio at 10/14/2008 08:00:00 AM
Read full post
With all of John McCain's talk about the rulers in Columbia being "our allies", we may want t consider keeping in mind the fact that, as Senator Obama pointed out during the debate, Columbia is guilty of all kinds of human rights violations. Moreover, at least to me, it seems that it is easy for us to ignore the plight of Early American Native Peoples. However, many of our ancestors escaped chattel slavery and were accepted into Early American Native groups. As a matter of fact, it is hardly uncommon to hear African Americans, today, talk about having ancestors who were so-called Indians. After all, that is from where the body of folks wo were called the "Seminoles" of Florida came, for example. That is, the group was made up of Early American Natives who brought in African captives who themselves had "run" from, mostly, enslavers' plantations in Georgia...
*****************************************
Press Release from ACIN on Third Day of Mobilization: Imminent
A call to the Inter American commission of Human Rights, global solidarity and progressive Governments to intervene immediately.
The army has surrounded the approximately 10.000 indigenous protesters and is preparing an assault. A man and a woman have been injured with gunshots. The man was transferred to a Hospital with a wound to his head and signs of decerebration. There are five wounded so far and two indigenous have been captured.
Another native, 23 year old César Hurtado Trochez, was shot to death by 4 men last night as he rested at home in Guadualito, Northern Cauca. This indigenous community member had received no threats and dedicated his life to agriculture. The assassination follows the same pattern as that of Nicolás Valencia, whose funeral is taking place right now. César was not involved in the protest.
We call upon the Inter American commission of Human Rights, global solidarity and progressive Governments to intervene immediately. It is a crime to resist corporate greed in Colombia. It has been a crime to be indigenous for 516 years. Repression and death are the institutional responses to our direct action, to which we are forced by terror, media and legal aggression. This Government is against life, we are forced to resist a regime at the service of corporate greed and when we do, we are murdered and the world watches in silence.
Association of Indigenous Councils of Northern Cauca
ACIN
Colombian Military and Police Confronting Indigenous Protesters in Cauca;
Organizers call for solidarity from the international community
The Association of Indigenous Councils of Northern Cauca, ACIN, reports that today, on the third day of the national mobilization dubbed "Commotion of the Peoples," all the communities gathered in the locality of La Maria, in the department of Cauca, are completely surrounded by the Colombian Army. Apparently, the security forces are preparing to carry out an armed assault against the civilians involved in the protest, which began on Sunday, October 12th. Organizers estimate that there are over 10,000 people currently at La Maria and surrounding areas.
The communities have blocked a portion of the Pan American Highway that connects the cities of Popayn and Santander de Quilichao in the department of Cauca, in an acto f civil disobedience. They are demanding a face to face meeting with the President to discuss the main points on their agenda.
ACIN reports that in the confrontations today, there were at least two indigenous activists severely wounded, with one possibly fatally. Two other indigenous activists from Tierradentro were detained.
Simultaneously, 4 cadavers were transfered from Corinto to the morgue in the town of Caloto. According to ACIN, up to now, local officials have not allowed indigenous authorities in to identify the victims and examine the corpses.
Prior to the mobilization, which was called to protest against the militarization of indigenous territories, the US-Colombia Free Trade Agreement, and the government of Alvaro Uribe, indigenous leaders warned about the potential for this kind of backlash against the movement. That the government declared a state of internal commotion just two days before the start of the protest gave them more reason to be alarmed.
In an urgent communique put out by ACIN a few moments ago, the organization states: “Everything indicates that this criminal government has initiated a massacre as a response to our indigenous resistance!
Spokespersons for ACIN are calling on the world not to serve as accomplices with silence in the face of this criminal regime.
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Posted By MAMARadio to
Mind over matter
Dear friends,
Many people, at least, know of someone who has lived with a spinal cord injury for many years. While the Bush administration has taken a great amount of funds away from scientific research - generally, there has been some progress made with the development of new ways to end paralysis.
Please check out the short article, on the link below, from BBC. I found it interesting. You may too.
G. Djata Bumpus
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7669159.stm
Read full post
Many people, at least, know of someone who has lived with a spinal cord injury for many years. While the Bush administration has taken a great amount of funds away from scientific research - generally, there has been some progress made with the development of new ways to end paralysis.
Please check out the short article, on the link below, from BBC. I found it interesting. You may too.
G. Djata Bumpus
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7669159.stm
Read full post
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