Transnational Feminism: A Tribute to India’s Gulabi Gang
The Gulabi Gang is an extraordinary women’s movement formed in 2006 by Sampat Pal Devi in the Banda District of Uttar Pradesh in Northern India. This region is one of the poorest districts in the country and is marked by a deeply patriarchal culture, rigid caste divisions, female illiteracy, domestic violence, child labour, child marraiges and dowry demands. The women’s group is popularly known as Gulabi or ‘Pink’ Gang because the members wear bright pink saris and wield bamboo sticks. Sampat says, “We are not a gang in the usual sense of the term, we are a gang for justice.”
Sacramento Prisoner Support are curating an online exhibition of artworks for June 11 - the International Day of Solidarity with Eric McDavid, Marie Mason & Long Term Anarchist Prisoners.
The ‘Never Alone’ exhibition will serve as an avenue not only for fundraising for Marie & Eric, but as a way to reach out creatively and informatively to a broad audience on issues of earth & animal liberation, and state captivity.
We have some amazing artists on board already, including Eric & Marie themselves! If you are in the U.S. and interested in contributing artworks – anything from original pieces, prints, sculptures, and anything else creative you can think of (that can be sent through the post) – please get in touch with us at neveraloneexhibit@gmail.com for more information. Please share this tumblr post around too!
The exhibition will run online at www.neveraloneart.org (website going live very soon!) between June 11-30. Expressions of interest would be appreciated before May 1.(Thanks to Josh MacPhee, one our awesome contributing artists from the JustSeeds Collective, for the beautiful image we’re using to promote the exhibition)
Oh, you know I am all about this. So exciting!
Thank you, Will.
I am so proud to be internet in love with Brittany. She is amazing.
This is beautiful, brave Brittany. Please keep her information circulating far and wide.
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Salvador Allende and Che Guevara
Comrade Qasem: We want dignity, freedom and self determination
The liberated prisoner Comrade Woroud Qasem called urgently for a popular movement to take action on behalf of Palestinian prisoners in the jails of the occupation, to uphold unity and resistance, and to unite to confront the occupation. In an interview on August 14, 2012 with the Voice of the People radio, she said “We are one people, with so many martyrs who have fallen in the cause of freedom for our land. We do not want chairs with no power, we want to live in dignity, freedom and self-determination. We have suffered from division for too long and must become one hand so as to prevent the enemy from exploiting the division.”
She said she was shocked to be released, saying she was accustomed to the manipulations of the occupation, and had been promised release more than one time only to then be told it would not happen, saying that this was an attempt to manipulate prisoners’ feelings and emotions. She said that all of the practices and policies of the Zionist occupation could not kill the will of Palestinian prisoners and that those who have been patient for many years can retain their patience again and again.
She said that her feelings at the moment of freedom were indescribable, and she wanted each prisoner to experience those feelings, and the joy of welcome by her family and community. “I did not believe that they were releasing me,” she said, “but when I left the door of the prison, and saw my family there, I felt I had actually been freed. It was a very strange feeling after long years of captivity, and the indescribable joy of seeing my father and mother, my sister, who had been denied visits for an entire year, and my brother and his children, who had been denied permission to visit.”
Comrade Qasem said that the prisoners remaining in the occupation jails suffer from extremely difficult circumstances, harsh measures of repression, and attacks on prisoners in units targeted for raids. She also called for action to save the life of prisoner Lena Jarboni, who is suffering from a serious health condition due to inflammation of the gallbladder because of medical neglect, saying that the occupation prisons deal with prisoners as guinea pigs and that Lena Jarboni was scheduled to receive surgery, which has now been cancelled.
Houston, Texas: Striking janitors and supporters were attacked by police on horses while protesting outside downtown offices of wealthy banks and corporations, June 14, 2012.
“It would take a Houston janitor more than 2,500 years to earn just what JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon took home last year, and most earn less in a year than he earns in an hour.”
Photos by Gloria Rubac
What Greece’s SYRIZA stands for
June 6, 20121. Creation of a shield to protect society against the crisis:
— Not a single citizen without a guaranteed minimum income or unemployment benefit, medical care, social protection, housing, and access to all services of public utilities.
— Protection of and relief measures for indebted households.
— Price controls and price reductions, VAT reduction, and abolition of VAT on basic-need goods.2. Disposal of the debt burden
The national debt is first and foremost a product of class relations, and is inhumane in its very essence. It is produced by the tax evasion of the wealthy, the looting of public funds, and the exorbitant procurement of military weapons and equipment.
We are asking immediately for:
— A moratorium on debt servicing.
— Negotiations for debt cancellation, with provisions for the protection of social insurance funds and small savers. This will be pursued by exploiting any available means, such as audit control and suspension of payments.
— Regulation of the remaining debt to include provisions for economic development and employment.
— European regulations on the debt of European states.
— Radical changes to the European Central Bank’s role.
— Prohibition of speculative banking products.
— A pan-European tax on wealth, financial transactions, and profits.3. Income redistribution, taxation of wealth and elimination of unnecessary expenses:
— Reorganization and consolidation of tax collection mechanisms.
— Taxation of fortunes over 1 million euros and large-scale revenues.
— Gradual increase, up to 45 percent, of the tax on the distributed profits of corporations (SA).
— Taxation of financial transactions.
— Special taxation on consumption of luxury goods.
— Removal of tax exemptions for ship owners and the Greek Orthodox Church.
— Lifting of confidentiality for banking and merchant transactions, and pursuit of those who evade taxes and social insurance contributions.
— Banning of transactions carried out through offshore companies.
— Pursuit of new financial resources through efficient absorption of European funds, through claims on the payment of German World War II reparations and occupation loan, and finally via steep reductions in military expenses.4. Productive social and environmental reconstruction:
— Nationalization/socialization of banks, and their integration into a public banking system under social and workers’ control, in order to serve developmental purposes. The scandalous recapitalization of the banks must stop immediately.
— Nationalization of all public enterprises of strategic importance that have been privatized so far. Administration of public enterprises based on transparency, social control and democratic planning. Support for the provision of Public Goods.
— Protection and consolidation of co-operatives and SMEs in the social sector.
— Ecological transformation in development of energy production, manufacturing, tourism and agriculture. These reforms will prioritize nutritional abundance and fulfillment of social needs.
— Development of scientific research and productive specialization.5. Stable employment with decent wages and social insurance:
The constant degradation of labor rights, coupled with embarrassing wage levels, does not attract investment, development or employment. Instead, we are calling for:
— Well-paid, well-regulated and insured employment.
— Immediate reconstitution of the minimum wage and reconstitution of real wages within three years.
— Immediate reconstitution of collective labor agreements.
— Instigation of powerful control mechanisms that will protect employment.
— Systematic opposition of lay-offs and the deregulation of labour relations.6. Deepening democracy: Democratic political and social rights for all:
There is a democratic deficit in the country. Greece is gradually being transformed into an authoritarian police state. We are calling for:
— The restoration of popular sovereignty and an upgrade of parliamentary power within the political system:
— Creation of a proportional electoral system
— Separation of powers
— Revocation of ministerial immunity
— Abolishment of economic privileges for MPs— Real decentralization to create local government with sound resources and expanded jurisdiction.
— The introduction of direct democracy and institutions of self-management under workers’ and social control at all levels.
— Measures against political and economic corruption.
— The solidification of democratic, political, and trade union rights.
— The enhancement of women’s and youths’ rights in the family, in employment, and in public administration.
— Immigration reforms:— Speeding up the asylum process
— Abolition of Dublin II regulations and granting of travel papers to immigrants
— Social inclusion of immigrants and equal rights protection— Democratic reforms to public administration with the active participation of civil servants.
— The demilitarization and democratization of the Police and the Coast Guard. Disbandment of special forces.7. Restoration of a strong welfare state:
Anti-insurance laws, the shutdown of social services, and the steep fall in social expenditures under the Memorandum have turned Greece into a country where social injustice reigns. We are in need of:
— An immediate rescue of the pension system, to include tripartite financing and the gradual consolidation of separate pension fund portfolios into one public, universal system of social insurance.
— A raise in unemployment benefits until the substitution rate reaches 80% of the wage. No unemployed person is to be left without unemployment benefits.
— The introduction of a guaranteed minimum income.
— A unified system of comprehensive social protection covering the vulnerable social strata.8. Health is a public good and a social right:
Health care is to be provided for free and will be financed through a Public Health System. Immediate measures include:
— Support and upgrades for hospitals. Upgrade of health infrastructures of the Social Insurance Institute (IKA). Development of an integrated system of first-level medical care.
— Covering the needs of medical treatment in both personnel and equipment, in part by stopping layoffs.
— Open and cost-free access to medical treatment for all residents in the country.
— Free pharmaceutical treatment and medical examinations for low-income pensioners, the unemployed, students, and those suffering from chronic diseases.9. Protection of public education, research, culture and sports from the Memorandum’s policies:
With regards to education, we are calling for:
— Consolidation of universal, public, and free education, including coverage of its urgent needs in infrastructure and personnel at all three levels.
— Compulsory 14-year unified education.
— Revocation of the Diamantopoulou Law.
— Assurance of self-government for Universities.
— Preservation of the academic and public character of Universities.10. An independent foreign policy committed to the promotion of peace:
The capitulation of our foreign policy to the desires of the U.S. and the powerful states of the European Union endangers the country’s independence, peace, and security. We propose:
— A multi-dimensional and peace-seeking foreign policy.
— Disengagement from NATO and closure of foreign military bases on Greek soil.
— Termination of military cooperation with Israel.
— Aiding the Cypriot people in the reunification of the island.Furthermore, on the basis of international law and the principle of peaceful conflict resolution, we will pursue improvements in Greek-Turkish relations, a solution to the problem of FYROM’s official name, and the specification of Greece’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
Alison Roh Park: The Danger of One Story
This past weekend in New York was a beautiful one. Mostly because I spent Saturday in a room full of women who I’ve known of for years (mostly on social media, but had never met in person) at the first ever conference of the New York City Reproductive Justice Coalition.
The daylong media workshop was like my own personal Disneyland—minus the behemoth media conglomerate/bajillion dollar lobbying force part. Experts came together as part of a daylong media workshop on polling research, framing and messaging, integrating messaging, and public relations, all within the reproductive justice framework.
Three of the major points I took from the event that I want to share here are
1) Community polling and research support the practice of using health as an entry point to talk about RJ with communities and frame for the media.
2) The “war on women” meme doesn’t resonate with communities of color as the term “women” typically connotes white women.
3) The danger of one story is alive and well when it comes to building movement power.
Some of you may be familiar with the concept of the “danger of the single story” from talks by the Nigerian writer Chimamanda Adichie, where exposure to people from communities and cultures—typically nonwhite—via one source is a dangerous way of painting a picture of and generalizing an entire people. This is also the case when it comes to the media.
Stand up for Political Prisoner Robert Seth Hayes!
Revolutionary greetings, dear comrades, friends and supporters.
This is Robert Seth Hayes, a former member of the Black Panther Party and a Black Liberation Army combatant. Still incarcerated, yet still progressing, I am determined to have closure to an era of Civil Rights struggles. To those of you who have been partners in solidarity, I extend my arms to enfold you. Let the vibration of my beating heart surround and comfort you. And may my spirit ever illuminate as a light along the path, as you continue your journey of making history. Greetings of profound respect. To all the Sisters and Brothers new to this all inclusive struggle: welcome, thank you, your support and attention are sorely needed.
In June of 2012 I will return to the New York State parole board, and again apply for release. After being originally incarcerated in 1973, I first came up for parole in 1998, and have continued to receive two year hits since then. At present, we are again engaged in fund raising mode for our new legal strategy and have our work cut out for us. We are our own liberators, so we again ask you for assistance.
June of 2012 is the next date where we will again meet our opposition and enter the fight for freedom. We have already accomplished much, but the battle resumes and again we must be prepared.
Please assist us with whatever funds you can contribute in this on going fight to free all PP/POW’s.
Please send contributions for the Legal Defense Fund for Robert Seth Hayes to our director: Nate Buckley, 438 Massachusetts avenue, Buffalo, NY 14213.
If you wish to send a letter to the parole commissioners requesting my release and asking them to bring closure to both our fallen freedom fighters and our communities as a whole, send your letters c/o Cheryl L. Kates, P.C., Attorney At Law, PO Box 734, Victor NY 14564.
Your efforts are honored and appreciated. Stay Strong.
Know that your love and support provides support and strengthens my and others determination to prevail.
As a political prisoner and prisoner of war, I extend to you much love and admiration, from the many who are confined, but who remain still at the heart of the struggle. Much love to you!
With honor and respect, love and solidarity,
Robert Seth Hayes
Please register today for this historic weekend of panels and workshops dedicated to the struggle for a better world!
Childcare will be provided throughout the weekend by the Chicago Childcare Collective.NATO war makers are preparing to meet in Chicago on May 20-21 following the meeting of the G8 heads of state behind the fortified walls of Camp David.
By contrast, the People’s Summit invites community groups, labor unions, anti-racist organizers, Occupy activists, environmentalists, faith leaders, immigrant rights activists and anyone else committed to social justice to a grassroots, bottom-up forum of, by and for the 99 percent.
There will be large plenary sessions as well as more than 40 workshops that will provide everyone the opportunity to engage in a dialogue about the many pressing issues facing our world today.
All those opposed to the NATO/G8 war and poverty agenda are invited to attend the People’s Summit, and then join the mass march on Sunday, May 20, beginning at 12 noon at the Petrillo Band Shell in Grant Park. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of history as people around the U.S. and the world engage in solidarity actions with our May 20 march.
A better world is possible, and we have a responsibility to become the change that we want to see in this world. See you at the People’s Summit and the May 20 march!
How Occupied Oakland co-opted city's historic immigrant rights march (Reflection)
Occupy Oakland may have been “at it for months,” but the group’s naive attempt at supporting the struggles of our most vulnerable communities fell flat on May 1.
May Day marches in the past, typically led by the immigrant rights group Oakland Sin Fronteras - OSF - served to highlight the fight for immigrant rights. But this year, it was Occupy Oakland and the Black Bloc that made global May Day headlines.
The Dignity and Resistance group (led primarily by Occupy Oakland organizers) had its banner leading the march, but it was the trust of OSF that brought the majority of Latino migrants to the protest. Ultimately, OSF seemed to be treated merely as a “contingent.”
It was noon and the mood downtown had grown tense. A haze of smoke from flash-bang grenades filled the air as nearly 100 protesters, led by the Black Bloc and their shields, advanced towards at least 30 riot police. Still more deterrents were launched and the pandemonium continued.
Meanwhile, at the Fruitvale Plaza, the May Day rally had begun. Scores of families were gathering and the familiar, cheery bells of popsicle vendor carts filled the air. The mood was pleasant and the sun was out. It was a good day for immigrant rights.
For the past six years, the city of Oakland has given permits to OSF to organize and take to the streets on May Day. This year was no different. Yet, despite permits, stakes are high for undocumented migrants who brave leaving the shadows of invisibility to make their voices heard. In my opinion, they are far braver then the most aggressive, shield-wielding “Occupier” could ever hope to be.
Arrest for an undocumented immigrant does not just mean a few hours in jail, only to be bailed out. Rather, its deportation from the United States and, often, permanent separation from their families.
News of the violence downtown had reached the Fruitvale rally and there was a tense feeling among Latino organizers. Their contingents trusted them to execute a safe march with minimal police presence. One leader admonished her high schoolers saying, “If you see an Occupier, engage them, ask them to chant with you. Be inclusive!”
May Day 2012 - Durham, North Carolina
Photos by Dante Strobino
On January first, the president of Nigeria Goodluck Jonathan ended what many considered to be an 8 billion dollar fuel subsidy program. Many people in Nigeria considered the subsidy their share of the oil wealth as well as one of the few effective welfare programs present in Nigeria. President Jonathan states that it is a good idea to end the fuel subsidies because Nigeria’s economy will benefit from the austerity measures. He has stated that some of the money saved would be transfered to infrastructure building which could eventually offset commuting costs.
quote:
When subsidies on imports of motor fuel were scrapped on January 1, many citizens saw what they regard as their only welfare benefit disappear and the price of petrol more than doubled to 150 naira ($0.93) a liter.
By January second, people were gathering.quote:
Young activists have begun a series of protests against the withdrawal of gasoline subsidies announced by the Nigerian government on New Year’s day. Activists marched to the Eagles Square to hold a demonstration but were turned by back by fierce-looking soldiers and police teams.
The action of the police did not stop the groups from staging symbolic actions around the Eagle Square.
There are reports of sporadic protests in other cities around Nigeria as activists vow to shut down Nigeria over the increase in prices of gasoline prices they said is bound to make life more unbearable for a country where most of citizens live on less than $3 a day.
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Within several days, the gatherings exploded into nationwide protests and union strikes demanding the reinstatement of the oil subsidies. Various reports of police firing on protesters with tear gas and rubber bullets abound.
On January 10th, thousands of protesters converged on the governors office in Kano.quote:
KANO (AFP) – At least five people were shot dead Monday during protests over an oil price hike while a nine-year boy was reportedly trampled to death by a crowd, officials and medical sources said.
Sixteen others suffered gunshot wounds, with most of the violence in the northern city of Kano, where police clashed with demonstrators.
The head of Nigeria’s Human Rights Commission, Chidi Odinkalu, said three people were shot dead in the economic capital Lagos while another was shot in Kano, where a boy also crushed to death in a stampede.
“My understanding is that the nine-year-old appears to have been trampled in what looks like a stampede in Kano,” he told AFP.
Earlier, a hospital source in Kano reported at least two dead — a 25-year-old and 27-year-old — from gunshot wounds, bringing the nationwide toll to up to six.
A union leader accused police of shooting dead a protester in Lagos. Police spokesman Samuel Jinadu confirmed the death and said an officer had been arrested.
Police fired tear gas and shot into the air as thousands of protesters converged on the governor’s office in Kano, the largest city in the north.
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Trade unions stated yesterday that they will be shutting down Nigeria’s oil industry on Sunday if the subsidy is not reinstated. In response to both the strikes/protests as well as a surge in acts of violence linked to Boko Haram, President Jonathan has ordered the closing of Nigeria’s borders.
Over 25 people have been killed during protests.quote:
Since 9 January, tens of thousands of Nigerians throughout the country went on strike to protest against the removal of fuel subsidy and to demand good governance. The protests are generally peaceful, however in some instances violence has been reported.
In Kaduna, on 10 January a man was seriously injured after he was shot in his head by the police. The state government subsequently imposed a 24 hour curfew and the police have threatened to arrest anyone who would protest.
In Benin City, the capital of Edo State, according to unconfirmed reports three people were injured on 10 January after the police shot in the air. Some of the leaders of the protests in the state are currently in hiding and fear for their safety.
In Kano, on 9 January at least one person was killed and 22 people were injured when the police fired live ammunition at demonstrators in an attempt to disperse the crowd near the gates of Government House. Unconfirmed reports suggest another two persons may have been killed. The police issued no warning before using lethal force, but opened fire and used teargas simultaneously. At least one bystander who was not participating in the protest was shot and injured. According to eyewitnesses, the protesters were unarmed. Following the incident, the union in Kano state halted further public protests and asked people to strike by staying at home. The government has put in place a curfew from 6 pm till 8 am.
On 9 January, at least five people were shot; three were reportedly injured and two were killed in Lagos. The police announced the arrest of one police officer suspected to have fired at demonstrators.
Intentional use of lethal force against people in a public order situation violates the right to life as guaranteed by Nigeria’s Constitution, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
In January 2006, the UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions said that the force order (referring to Force Order 237) provided “carte blanche to shoot and kill at will.” He recommended the amendment of the force order to meet with international standards. The government took no action.
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Some pictures of the protests in Nigeria.
New York City: Protest outside the Japanese Consulate for the Global Solidarity Day of Action for Comfort Women, December 14, 2011.
Global Solidarity Day coincided with the 1,000th weekly rally in front of the Japanese Embassy in central Seoul Wednesday, calling for Japan’s formal apology and compensation for Korean women forced to proved sex to frontline Japanese soldiers during World War II.
Photos by Juyeon J.C. Rhee
Revealed – the capitalist network that runs the world
AS PROTESTS against financial power sweep the world this week, science may have confirmed the protesters’ worst fears. An analysis of the relationships between 43,000 transnational corporations has identified a relatively small group of companies, mainly banks, with disproportionate power over the global economy.
[…]
When the team further untangled the web of ownership, it found much of it tracked back to a “super-entity” of 147 even more tightly knit companies - all of their ownership was held by other members of the super-entity - that controlled 40 per cent of the total wealth in the network. “In effect, less than 1 per cent of the companies were able to control 40 per cent of the entire network,”
