Connexions Information Sharing Services

TORONTO EVENT: ROADSWORTH: CROSSING THE LINE

2011-08-08T06:12:00.000-07:00

This week! On Wednesday August 10th at 4pm NFB Mediatheque in Toronto will have a FREE viewing of Peter Gibson's (Alias Roadsworth) 73 minute video "Crossing the line".

For those of you who are unfamiliar with NFB Mediatheque it is a centre for media literacy for adults and children, as well as where NFB Films are showcased for public viewings. Located in the entertainment district of Toronto, Ontario 150 John St (at Richmond St. W).

Filmmaker Alan Kohl provides a portrait of an artist who provokes debate about the significance of art in urban spaces.

"Crossing the Line details the artist's prosecution at home and his travels abroad to France, London and Amsterdam, as he imprints himself legitimately (and illegitimately) on foreign streets. The film reflects Roadsworth's personal struggle to defend his work, define himself as an artist and address difficult questions about art and freedom of expression".

Summary of: "New H.I.V. Cases Steady Despite Better Treatment"

2011-08-03T12:11:00.000-07:00

On the Connexions website there is a page where you can look at articles in chronological order of their publication. That is where I stumbled upon the New York Times article entitled, New H.I.V. Cases Steady Despite Better Treatment by Donald G. McNeil Jr.

For the last decade in the United States the number of people infected by Aids has remained at about "50, 000". This article states that gay men, and more specifically young black gay men are increasingly suffering from this epidemic.

The problems that are rising as a result of the above facts are that people think there is a lack of government prevention; if the prevention that exists doesn't improve than the epidemic will worsen; and the "stigma" that is still tied to Aids correlates with its growth.

I am unable to site the radio station but yesterday on news it said a man who had given Aids to women and is being imprisoned for it wanted to get, "H.I.V. infected" tattooed on both his wrists. The Judge did not, and would not approve this. I don't see how this tattoo would be a positive statement. What is the reasoning behind it? He is being convicted for passing this infection without informing the women he was sleeping with, and so would the tattoo be a way to tell them? That just isn't right.

This article takes an interesting turn when it compares the death rate due to other accidents, and health care issues. For example,

"Philip Alcabes, a public health epidemiologist at Hunter College in Manhattan, noted that 50,000 is close to the number of Americans who die in road accidents each year — almost 40,000 — 'and in some ways, we consider dying on the road an ordinary thing.'”

When it comes to heart disease and strokes the numbers worsen; and nearly 1 million Americans die per year. It is not to say which death is worse, but it does prove a logical point. I do agree that it must be the stigma of Aids that makes it seem worse than a fatal car crash. You would assume that Aids is more preventable than a road accident.

McNeil examines the main group who suffers from Aids, as mentioned above young black homosexuals. The explanation tied to this research is the lack of health insurance, and the lack of tolerance from family/friends for homosexuals. If an individual is keeping their sexual preference a secret McNeil states that, "[...] it [is] more likely they will have furtive, risky sex".

This article examines other ways that Aids can be contracted such as through breast feeding, or the ingesting of drugs such as Oxycontin & needle sharing. It states that those numbers have decreased as well as those who have taken antiretroviral drugs at an early age. You can read more here.

It is said that San Francisco, and Vancouver (Canada) have reduced Aids infection rates. The article snarkily remarks that the U.S. cannot benefit from the way in which Vancouver reduced it's numbers,

"Vancouver’s success relies partly on a government-approved center where drug addicts can shoot up under the eyes of a nurse and without fear of arrest — an experiment unlikely to be repeated in the United States".

The above statement is one of the last ideas of the article. This article does not provide a way in which the numbers can be reduced in America, but it does provide informational links in relation to the facts it states and is a good source for a current update of Aids in America.

World News: Australia

2011-08-03T11:42:00.000-07:00

An 18-year-old woman was in the presence of a "collar bomb" for about 9 hrs. This article was released today by the gaurdian.co.uk. Authorities, and bomb squad officers had closed down the streets surrounding the "wealthy" suburb of Mosman. The surrounding streets were closed to traffic.

Once the device was removed, it is said that it was still intact. The 18 year old girl was Madeleine Pulver "whose father, William, is the CEO of an international software company". The police report states that the Pulver family did not know why they were a target. The police did not share whether or not the Madeleine was used because of specific demands, or if there were demands made at all. Madeleine had previously interacted with the person who attached the bomb to her.

"Police said defusing the device demanded 'a high level of skill and must be meticulous'".

This report remains vague, but it is one of interest. The idea that someone you have previously interacted with could threaten your life in this way, and force you to be near a bomb is a situation most people wouldn't even think to be in.

Focus: Women Issues "We Have Bigger Abbortive Problems Than Abortion"

2011-08-03T11:16:00.000-07:00

Dissident Voice: A radical newsletter in the struggle for peace and social justice is another source where Connexions.org gets its News Feed articles from. "We Have Bigger Abortive Problems Than Abortion" written by E. R. Bills in May 2011 portrays a pro-choice perspective.

Bills claims that she has always been pro-choice, and so this was her perspective from a young age. One of the most beautiful and rewarding aspects of a woman's life is the ability to give birth, but it is not the only purpose of a woman. Contraceptives, such as birth control have given women a type of freedom that did not exist prior. Bills continues to defend pro-choice by boldly stating that abortion isn't the, ""[...] important achievement that women are capable of".[...] most immoral or destructive abortive process that affects our daily lives".

Further in the article Bills compares reproductive abortion to intellectual abortion. This metaphor seems like a long shot and even the author admits this, but to read more click here. In the end the purpose of this comparison is to birth a new consciousness. One where the reader is able to "[...]be intellectually fruitful and multiply our critical thought processes".

Abortion is a sensitive subject. Most often it is due to religious reasons that it is frowned upon, and Bills mentions this. I too believe in pro-choice, but if someone is abusing the use of abortion and using it as a form of birth control, I don't think abortion is justifiable.

Focus: Women Issues "Woman from Jenin Now Longest Serving Female Prisoner in Israeli Detention"

2011-08-03T10:47:00.000-07:00

A brief article found on the International Middle East Media Centre website and posted on the Connexions News Feed states: "The Palestinian Center for Detainees stated Tuesday that Hana Al-Shalabi has now been in Israeli administrative detention for longer than any other female prisoner, according to sources at Ma’an News Agency".

Danny Johnes' above article is straight to the point, and tells us that Al-Shalabi was kidnapped, and imprisoned in 2009. She has been detained for two years, and her trial continues to be pushed back without a publicized reason. There was also no mention to Al-Shalabi or the public as to why she is being detained.

"Administrative detention allows the Israeli government to detain individuals who pose a threat to national security without trial or sentencing. The detention is subject to a judicial review and renewal on a regular basis".

Human rights groups are protesting the above law around the world. Nothing has changed. Al-Shalabi's situation is similar to "over 800 Palestinians" and unimaginable to most.
To read the full article click here.

"Legion of Cell phone resisters..." by Shannon Rupp

2011-08-03T08:41:00.000-07:00

The Tyee: B.C.'s home for news, culture, and solutions has many easy reads that are interesting, and unique. They can be found at Connexions.org on our News Feed. "Legion of Cell Phone Resisters: Count me in!" by Shannon Rupp is the 2nd article we've summarized from The Tyee.

It is becoming more apparent that people are tied to their electronic devices and especially their smart phones. My mother just last night spoke to me about how future generations growing up and it's not related to nature. She thinks there will no longer be people outside playing, but rather inside on the computer, or watching television. While attending the Book Summit 2011 in downtown Toronto this summer specialists were remarking on how reading at a young age makes the child more socially adaptable vs. someone who is on electronics all day. What does this mean for our world?

This article introduces us to two people who are boycotting technologt. It begins by discussing whether it's rude or not to ignore your phone? The answer is broken up into two parts: "the corporate ethics adviser said yes, everyone is obligated to be available to everyone else all the time; the legal scholar said no, one is entitled to set limits". The article goes on to say: "More than 75 per cent of Canadian households have cell phones, so it's clear our days are numbered". Personally when I lived in Ottawa for my undergrad I didn't even have a land line, we purchased basic digital cable because it was the cheapest and had it cut off in the winter because it was too cold to enter our back room. I only had my cell phone and highspeed internet. I wasn't glued to either, but I didn't really let my phone out of site either as it was my only connection to family and friends in case of an emergency. I do think that technology is getting out of hand and I try to limit myself to using it.

In this article we meet Robin Laurence, a visual arts critic in Vancouver who does not have wireless Internet at home, and is said to have only given into emailing and a voicemail service on her cell for work purposes. Robin does not use these features though, unless she is in a free wireless Internet area. This is a rarity. On top of being unlocked from the Internet Laurence does not have cable either. Her way of socializing is to go out every night rather than stay in with mimicked forms of social atmospheres such as facebook & twitter.

The other resister Rupp mentions is Greg Klassen, publicity and marketing directory for Winnipeg's Prairie Theatre Exchange theatre. Klassen remained phoneless until he was hired for a freelance job marketing a film festival. Aged 47 Klassen witnessed the younger generations texting away, but his main concern is, "[...] that they steal our concentration without actually helping us do the job at hand, which is his primary objection to cell phones". In my opinion there is a difference between productivity when you are exposed to facebook, your cellphone, and twitter vs. productivity when you aren't connected. For example, when studying and you need that two second break I think it may be useful to have different outlets. At the same time, while at work and trying to blog a summarization of an article it isn't helpful at all to continue checking my vibrating phone.

In the end everyone can reach you at any given time. Robin Laurence only calls out on her phone, and doesn't like when people are calling in. I agree with this. Personally, I have had many occassions where I've told my mom to let people know I'm busy or not home. I don't feel like socializing all the time, and frankly it's draining. I would never give up my cell phone but some days it is nice to ignore it.

To read this article in full click here.

Summary of Ryan Fletcher's Experience as an Undercover Homless Man

2011-08-03T06:53:00.000-07:00

"I spent 10 days homeless in Abbotsford, Vancouver and Surrey. Incidents I came across on the streets of the "best place on Earth" were as distressing as some of the worst instances of suffering I've witnessed in war-affected countries. Thankfully, just the same as those countries, the streets of B.C. can be friendly, innovative and beautiful. The following articles give voice to the people I met on those streets, so often reported on or talked about -- but rarely listened to".]

- Ryan Fletcher

The above quote is taken from a link sighted in the original article found on the Connexions News feed entitled, "Finding Shelter in Vancouver, BC" by Ryan Fletcher. Fletcher's series of articles on this issue, and his experiences are printed in The Tyee: B.C.'s Home for News, Culture, and Solutions.

When Fletcher was 18 years old he found himself in a similar situation. His father had passed away, and he was tied to street drugs. Fortunately he decided to stop himself from spiraling out of control. However, he states that he understands how hard it can be not to fall into deadly habits. Fletcher's series is a story of his survival in Abbostford, Surrey, and Vancouver British Columbia, Canada while pretending to be homeless in order to share their side of the story.

This particular article is the last installment of his series and begins by describing a night without a bed. The sleeping bag Fletcher did have he gave away to a woman who he thought needed it more than he did. In his attempts at survival he turns to a First United Church located in the Downtown East side for breakfast. There he witnesses the beds that are full of homeless people, and describes a couple of the 70 - 80 people there who await food.

Fletcher describes the "Shelter" and The Salvation Army day centre on Pender in particular. After personal observation Fletcher sees that Vancouver's shelters are more cultured than that of Abbotsford and Surrey. Unlike the other two, which only had Bible's for entertainment, Vancouver had chess and other games available to play as well as different books, televisions, and coffee. In the above shelter Fletcher meets a 23-year-old man named Matt who is trying to escape society. Matt knows that being homeless is a temporary state and he aspires to buy a cottage in Ireland where he can continue to avoid society. Matt introduces Fletcher to the life of a non-addicted, homeless, and unemployed person. You can read more on this intriguing friendship and story here.

"Because we don't have any money, our lives are governed by the choices other people make for us". Fletcher says this in relation to how they spend their time. Daily homeless people are either waiting in line for food or occupying their time with the games (or lack there of) provided by the shelters. I think that this sentence is a powerful thought. It shows the limitations of those without jobs, and money. Some say money can't buy you happiness, but in this situation it allows you to be independent, free, and less bored.

Fletcher continues to write about his experience by describing the night he went to the Union Gospel Misson on Cordova. Before the homeless can recieve their food it is required of them to sit through a half hour service. The Priest is aware that he is "preach[ing] at [them]". Some of the people around Fletcher are listening to music, or simply not paying attention. Fletcher doesn't mention his thoughts on how the homeless are forced to sit through a religious discourse, but I think that this is unfair. You can't force individuals to have a faith, and you can't assume that those who do believe in a religion are believers of the particular faith you are forcing them to listen to.

The last portion of the article discusses East Hastings, which is an area for drug dealers to make their money and where addicts come to purchase. Fletcher interacts with some of the women who sell, and to his surprise one woman questions him about being part of the RCMP, and being a cop. It has been a week since Fletcher has been homeless, and he has not changed his clothes. It is interesting that someone who remains healthy and not on drugs can recognize Fletcher as someone different than the crowd even though he has been homeless for some time.

This article brings to light the different types of people who are homeless in Abbotsford, Surrey, and Vancouver. Fletcher's approach to his investigation - pretending to be homeless - allowed him to gain the trust of others in similar situations and tell their stories. His goal to raise awareness of homelessness in British Columbia is successful through this series. British Columbia is often spoken, written, and documented as one of the most beautiful places, and yet there is a lot of suffering, lack of jobs, and homes for its inhabitants.This has been an ongoing issue, but this unique series allows us a true scope into the lives of the homeless.

Summary: "Lightning storm strands Halifax airline passengers"

2011-08-03T06:23:00.000-07:00

This photo is taken from the original article, posted on CBC News Canada.

This article is currently rotating on our news feed. It caught my eye because this morning while eating my cereal and watching the news I was thankful that I wasn't stuck on the airplane unable to land in France. To my surprise there was a Canadian incident similar to the international one.
"Halifax Stanfield International Airport declared a red alert Tuesday night" which resulted in a couple of problems. Firstly Airport workers were unable to unload the planes that had already landed, and were parked at a gate. Secondly, once planes had landed they remained on the tarmac unable to dock to a gate, and so people were left awaiting departure inside the plane. It is said that people began to get off at around 1am. Thirdly, there were not just delays for those on the planes, but for the people boarding their flights. People were waiting within the airport for hours, and everything became backed up due to mother nature.

This morning some flights were cancelled and others after having been delayed were ready to take flight. It is amazing how a thunderstorm, and lightning can make humanity stop. It isn't the most ideal situation, but maybe it's a sign for everyone to slow down.

"Noam Chomsky: My Reaction to Osama bin Laden’s Death"

2011-07-25T11:05:00.000-07:00

This argumentative article written by Noam Chomsky allows us to look at Osama Bin Laden's death differently in comparison to how Americans and the American News expected, and wanted the world to view it. Published in Guernica - "a magazine of art & politics" Chomsky's article raises a lot of unique, and interesting topics.

What initially grabbed my attention is the excerpt from the article, and the subheading,

"We might ask ourselves how we would be reacting if Iraqi commandos landed at George W. Bush’s compound, assassinated him, and dumped his body in the Atlantic".

Chomsky says this in comparison to how Iraq responded to the assassination of Bin Laden, and puts his death into a more realistic perspective for Americans and the world. Bin Laden in 2002 was only "believed" by the FBI to have "plot[ed what] was hatched in Afghanistan [...]". Chomsky also brings to our attention that Bin Laden never had a fair trial once he was captured, but rather shot to his death inhumanly. Bin Laden's "famous" confession says Chomsky was not a confession at all, but in reality Bin Laden was proud and "boasting" about this "great achievement".

Chomsky looks at each country's perspective (U.S.A. & Iraq) and compares them. He states how Washington was angry with Pakistan for not handing over Bin Laden. However, no one sympathises with Pakistan and their anger towards the U.S. for, "invading their territory and carrying out a political assassination".

This article concludes by allowing its readers to comtemplate the above & other facts not mentioned in this summary for ourselves. There is a link at the bottom of the article that leads us to "Hitchens Distorts Noam Chomsky" by George Scialabba, which is related to Chomsky's above article. It too is an interesting read, and one that is unlike most of the American media.

Focus: Work "Death in a New York Food Sweatshop"

2011-07-19T12:00:00.001-07:00

Summary of the article, "Death in New York Sweat Shops" by: Daniel Gross

"Hundreds of small and mid-sized food warehouses line an industrial corridor starting in East Williamsburg and Bushwick, and extending into the Ridgewood and Maspeth neighborhoods of Queens".

The aim of these factories is food processing, and package these various goods (see article for a detailed list), and send them off to grocery stores, restaurants, and vendors prior to your consumption of them or their final destination point which is your dinner table. How do these factories run? Well, this article states that it is through "sweat-shop like conditions" that the operation of packaging food supplies is completed.

The work conditions are: "Wage theft, reckless disregard for the safety of workers, grueling shifts through the night, and abusive management are all common hardships facing workers in the sector. The work is heavy and exhausting [...]".

The young man - Juan Baten - aged 22 - with a new little girl, and wife at home tragically died at a tortilla factory called Tortilleria Chinantla where he was crushed by an industrial dough making machine. Not only did this factory take his life due to the harsh and unsafe conditions but, "Mr. Baten's workplace did not have a union and had never been inspected by OSHA, the federal workplace safety authority". Mr. Baten's job description consisted of 12 hr days, and night shifts (starting from 6pm - and ending at 6am) six days a week.

It is somewhat comforting to know that action is being taken on the part of the New York State Workers Compensation Board. Due to the factory owner being unable to provide worker's compensation coverage as a result of death at the workplace the factory was closed. The workers of these eastern Williamsburg, Brooklyn factories have the right to file a complaint about these work conditions. The shifts for example being night shifts and working with heavy duty machinery, as well as things like how many people are working at a time - correlating with the work speed at which you are expected to work - wages, and safety... are all examples of things that should be taken into consideration by employees.

As the article states when accidental workplace deaths take place people wonder things like, what kind of training do employees receive? What is the supervision, and is there any? Was the equipment maintained, and updated to regulations?

This article really pulls on your emotions, and heart strings. They say that Jan's death was fully presentable and if he had still been working presently that he and his family would have been able to save enough to go back to Guatamala. Instead the reality is much harsher, and this family will never be seeing their husband, and father again. The inconsistency of factories like these is a prominent social justice issue in the U.S. It is said to admit, but until a tragedy happens these issues don't get resolved, and people tend to turn away from reality. The article also states this fact, and continues to go on to say that this issue of unacceptable work environments, and pay affects, "workers of color and immigrants" more so.

"To lend a hand through solidarity actions, financial support, or to share any other ideas you might have, please connect with the Focus campaign at http://tinyurl.com/focusonthefoodchain or focus@brandworkers.org" or visit the article for a more in depth account of this tragic death.

Focus: Women Issues "The Murdered Women of Juarez"

2011-07-19T11:09:00.000-07:00

Laura Carlsen's article, "The murdered women of Juarez" is about femicide and it's relevance in Ciudad Juarez. In particular it opens with one woman, Marisela Escobedo's loss of her daughter Rubi who was murdered by her boyfriend at the time.

Femicide is:

"The murder[ing] of young women, often raped and tortured, brought international infamy to the city long before it became the epicenter of the Calderon drug war and took on the added title of murder capital of the world".

Escobedo's story ends tragically, and she is killed because of her investigations into the cause and truth of Rubi's death; and her quest to persecute the man who inhumanely killed Rub. Before Escobedo's death she had gotten the boyfriend arrested and soon after brought to trial for his illegal actions. The boyfriend was ultimately let free due to a "lack of evidence" even though he had admitted to the death, and showed the police where Rubi's body - in pieces - had been ditched. Escobedo had recieved many death threats on account of her detemination to have a fair trial conducted for her daughter. She had even said herself that if they were to kill her to do so in front of goverment buildings so that they would feel shame at taking her life injustly.

The point of the story is:

"A family's story had come full circle. By all accounts, Rubi's death came at the hands of an abusive boyfriend. Marisela's death, however, was caused by an abusive system that sought to protect itself from her determination to expose its injustice".

These deaths came at the cost of a lack of eqaulity, women's rights, and the political sphere taking women's rights seriously. Unfortunately, as my co-intern stated if Escoedo hadn't been shot this story might not have recieved the coverage that it has. Even though it is an article that was published in January of this year this is a huge tragedy, and the lack of social justice is an issue at hand.

Mexico, Ciudad Juarez "legal institutions have lost control to the armed force of drug cartels". This article claims that about 17 years ago this location in Mexico had numerous accounts of women being disappearing, tortured, and murdered. There is little to no stopping the gener violence that takes place. Once these issues came to the forefront the United Nations and the United States of America tried to intervene by, "provid[ing] over 200 recommendations on protecting women's rights, with fifty for Ciudad Juarez alone.

Due to the lack of stable political institutions if any outside source gets involved in stopping the drug wars, and trafficking that is the sustinance of this area's lifestyle. The "drug related violence" that ensues is unstoppable by the authorities there since the protocol is also corrupt. There is no process of "investigation, arrest, prosecution, or punishment".

The scariest truth of this article in my opinion is that,

"Not only does Juarez shelter murderers, torturers, and rapists of women, it attracts them".

The slogan for the activist movements against the non-existance women's rights in Ciudad Juarez is based on the words of a feminist, woman poet named Susana Chavez who was found murdered with her hand cut off. Her phrase "Not One More Death!" stands strong with the movement.

If this article is of interest to you as it was to me, and to the movement of connexions which is geared to social justice in all forms then please feel free to educate yourself more by reading the full article.

The last section of the article contains the "civil society's response" to the deaths of Marisela Escobedo and her daughter, Rubi.

Focus: Sexuality "Lupercalian Valentine's Day"

2011-07-19T09:42:00.000-07:00

Dr. Block is an internationally renowned LA sex therapist who believes, "real-life love rarely measures up to the Valentine ideal—at least not in that gauzy goody-goody eternally youthful way, plus all that candy just puts on weight".

I know, I know, Valentines day shouldn't really be spoken of or referred to unless it's in and around February 14th. However, this engaging article is one of intrigue for readers! Valentine's day was invented in the 19th Century by Hallmark Cards in order to increase their revenue in card sales. That being said, there is a fantastical, ideally romantic story that goes along with this day and Dr. Block describes the tale (see article for full fictional story).

Dr. Block goes on to describe the association of Valentine's day with sex, and lust. She states that it is rooted in, "Ancient Romans celebrated the Lupercalia, an archaic festival of the now obscure old shepherd god Lupercus (or perhaps Faunus, the Roman Pan), and a celebration of communal sexuality, purification, fertility, the rush of hormones, the howl of the wolf, the crack of the whip and the coming of Spring". Therefore, it is not a new idea that natural desire goes hand in hand with valentine's day.

The next story that is shared in relation to valentine's day is the one of Romulus, Remus, and the she-wolf Lupe. Romulus, and Remus' uncle had tossed them in the Tiber where they were seducted under Lupe's will. It is said that, "The priests would sacrifice a goat or two and anoint the foreheads of several of the community’s most virile young men, the Lupercii, with goat’s blood and milk, at which the young men were expected to laugh uproariously. Then it appears that they all stripped naked, cut leather thongs from the goat’s skin, used one thong to gird their loins and made whips with the other pieces. At this point, they got very drunk and ran through the streets, joyously brandishing their Lupercalian leather thongs, whipping the young ladies who were also probably quite drunk, and would gladly offer up their behinds for the “blessing” of being lightly flogged, often accompanied by 'much rowdiness and horseplay'”. Ironically it is more traditional for people to include whips in their festivities rather than flowers and chocolate. The Roman belief was that whips gave birth to fertility.

Dr. Block's historical tales of what valentine's day really consisted of is both interesting, and humorous. You should really take a look, and begin planning your authentic valentine's day celebrations...

Focus: Radical & left history "Defender of the moment"

2011-07-19T07:16:00.000-07:00

This profile of a radical lawyer, Albert Goldman, and is written by Joe Allen. The way in which Goldman got into radical politics is a unique story. It was his summer break from college where he was studying to become a rabbi, and while working in a Dakota wheat field. One of the more prominent steps that Goldman took next was to work, "[...] for several years as a journeyman tailor while going to school at night. The leadership of the Communist Party (CP) encouraged him to go to law school in an effort to build up the number of lawyers in its ranks. In 1923, he entered the Northwestern University Law School and graduated two years later with honors". After graduating he joined the International Labor Defense campaigns. It is said that many of the leading figures in this organization moved on to becoming the "the core leadership of American Trotskyis". To read more about the ideologies of the American Trotskyis as well as the ILD, and the people it stemmed from see the original article.

"THE ILD was the most successful political initiative of the early communist movement in the U.S. Its most famous campaign of the 1920s was the worldwide, but ultimately unsuccessful effort to save the lives of Sacco and Vanzetti, two Italian-American anarchists framed for robbery and murder by the state of Massachusetts".

While Goldman was part of the ILD (1926 - 1933) he became "one of the most prominent radical attorneys in the Midwest". Associated with the ILD is the position it could put you in if you were a member. Although Goldman was becoming more and more successful in the court room the ILD could expose you to "life threatening situations". Goldman was used by the ILD for his political & law related education to defend the people involved with this radical organization, and this eventually backfired. The article states that Goldman travelled to Danville, a manufacturing city where people were protesting, "the demonstrators were charged with unlawful assembly. Both Goldman and Lofton faced a hostile crowd in court and were forcibly restrained afterward by members of the American Legion, the right-wing veterans group". Afterwards they were kidnapped and beaten. The article documents another incident of a similar manner that Goldman was involved in, but he was not accused of being involved. He was the one defending the protesters. (To read more click here).

In the late 1920's Goldman went to the Soviet Union to see what the Bolshevik revolution was for himself. He came back to America "disillusioned" as a result of Stalin's words, and the changes that had been made to Russia. Expelled from the ILD in 1933 he then became a legal representative - the attorney - "for the Trotskyist led Teamster Local 574 during its historic strikes and battles in the summer of 1934 in Minneapolis".The IlD's original mission of "non-partisan legal defense" changed from good intentions to a more "warped & twisted" one. Goldman was influential and a main part of the creation of the Non-Partisan Labor Defense which used the ILD's old aims.

"GOLDMAN'S MOST FAMOUS CLIENT WAS LEON TROTSKY".

Goldman was his personal attorney at various hearings that this article further discusses. Even though Goldman was involved with Trotsky on a personal level his most important case was unrelated to the historical figure; but rather the most important case in his career was the sedition trial of the Minneapolis Trotskyists. What is so special about Goldman is that"someone [such as himself is] under the same indictment as his clients is their lead counsel". His story intrigued me immensely because I have taken historical courses throughout my educational career, and since it is unexpected. This article brings to light a man who is not often mentioned, and if he is it is not in such a detailed account like this biography by Joe Allen. I highly recommend this read, and for more social justice issues in relation to radical and left history you should go to the connexions "about" page.

Focus on Race & Ethnicity: "The 60 YEAR unemployment scandal"

2011-07-18T13:16:00.000-07:00

"The 11th Street Bridge arches over the slow-flowing Anacostia River, connecting the poverty-stricken, largely black Anacostia neighborhood with the rest of the District. By foot the distance is small; in opportunity and wealth, it couldn't be larger. At one end of the bridge the economy is booming even amid a halting recovery and jobs crisis. At the other end, hard times, always present, are worse than ever".

The focus is Washington, DC and the lack of jobs for African Americans. It is said "that Since the 1940s, the jobless rate for blacks in America has held remarkably, if grimly, steady at twice the rate for whites". Andy Kroll - the writer of this article - gives us facts in order to prove his point. Another ratio he shares with the public is, "Nationwide, the unemployment rate for black workers at 16.2% is almost double the 9.1% rate for the rest of the population. And it's twice the 8% white jobless rate". The goal of this article is to bring to the media's attention a subject that is suppressed, and so factual information is key to proving a point. This is said to be a "generational" issue, and not one that has just occurred to due the past years of a bad economy.

When taking into consideration the reasons for this difference in African American unemployment and white people unemployment one clause was this: "as corporations outsourced jobs to China and India, American manufacturing began its slow fade, shedding jobs often held by black workers. What jobs remained were moved to sprawling offices and factories in outlying suburbs reachable only by freeway". Although this may account for some of the separation in numbers it has been decided that it is not the full reason. A second reason is education. However, this article states, "steadily climbed over the past 60 years for African Americans". Kroll concludes that many researchers have tried to come up with a plausible explanation, but none of the prevail to this day. (See article for the full list)

Behind Bars, the Invisible Unemployed is a subtitle of this article, and it states that it is due to the high incarceration rate that African American men are unable to break the unemployment cycle. It is often ignored by politicians, the judicial system, and as a result the public that after Americans had done their time in jail, or courts it became harder to find work. However, it is the African Americam people who have criminal records who have even less chance at finding jobs than those of white people with the same records. This is proven through an experiment, and you can read more about it in the article.

At the end of the article Kroll gives us an example of when the unemployment gap between white American's and black American's was smaller, and that was in the 1970's. Today in Washington, Kroll tell us that the question remains on how we can close the gap between jobless whites and blacks. What we do know is what will not work which is, "relying on discrimination watchdogs to crack down more often. The way federal anti-discrimination law works, it's up to the person who was discriminated against to raise an alarm". These facts are key to changing the way in which the hiring process happens, and in order to change the state of black American unemployment rates. However, it does make sense when Kroll states that because people are uninformed it will be more difficult to change.

Focus on Race & Ethnicity: "Origins of Racism"

2011-07-18T12:09:00.000-07:00

This post from the Socialist worker online website (found on connexions.org) and it begins with a quotation from Yuri Prasad, who believes that people are mistaken when thinking that racism has always existed, and "it is really a modern phenomenon that developed with capitalism". There is a list of past cultures, societies, and communities to prove this theory is true. It consists of the ancient world, tomb paintings from ancient Egypt, and the Greeks and Romans - none of which depicted themselves any different than others or each other in their paintings, or scriptures.

The article is broken into three parts:

1. IGNORANCE
"All sorts of prejudices thrived in pre-capitalist societies, such as the ignorance and suspicion of strangers. But racism differs from these". With the use of historical accounts and the birth of slavery this article proves that Racism was a direct result of slavery.
"The development of such a structured prejudice did not exist prior to capitalism, and a key phase within it—the transatlantic slave trade".
The conclusion to this section is what the Black historian Eric Williams wrote, “Slavery was not born of racism—rather, racism was the consequence of slavery.” Something that shocked me from this article is that slave traders/owners looked to the Greek & Roman texts to "prove" that slavery was a just cause and resulted as a war prize when a land was conquered. This misinterpretation allowed for the earliest forms of slavery to exist, and it is shocking that people initially believed these lies...
Historically the slave trade boomed when Portugal/Holland/France began growing sugar and tobacco in the 17th cenutry (as summarized from the article). In this section of the article there is an explanation about these types of crops, and how extensive the maintence of them was.

2. TRANSPORTED
This article claims the above idea of slavery was the "definition" of it, and makes it even more interesting. This article goes on to explain that during the age of the enlightenment it was harder to maintain the idea that enslavement was justifiable because tied to the enlightenment was the idea of freedom. How could it be acceptable then that slaves were being sent to Africa, and worked until their deaths??
In 1771 a new theory arose: "black people were not human beings, but were a sub-species more akin to animals, such as monkeys—was developed to justify slavery". It was said that black people were "naturally inferior". An English Professor David hume was recorded as saying that, and he was the first person who associated a scientific languge with this racial difference. From these false accusations stemmed Frederick Douglass, the great anti-slavery campaigner, who noted, “The hostility between the whites and blacks of the [US] South is easily explained. It has its root and sap in the relation of slavery, and was incited on both sides by the poor whites and blacks by putting enmity between them. They divided both to conquer each.”

3. FUNDAMENTAL
In the end racism is still in existance today, and this article concludes by focusing on the racism that exists in Britain. There is a new series on TLC which relates to this, and is about gypsy weddings. There is a huge prejudice and dislike of gypsies in the UK becaue of their past. However, people should not based today's decisions on century old news. Everyone has the right be respected, and live without prejudices against them.

Focus on Peace: "War of the Killer Robots"

2011-07-18T09:29:00.001-07:00

The stance of Brian Terrell's article, "War of the Killer robots" is made clear on the connexions website through the use of this quote from the article, "Drones are "killer robots," they do make war easy and game-like, and therefore likelier, drone strikes do kill too many civilians and they do violate the International Law of Armed Conflict. I am puzzled and disturbed that some feel that the debate over the use of drones in warfare can be enhanced by denying these facts". This segment of Terrell's article summarizes the entire piece.

For those of you - like me - who are unaware what drones truly are here is a definition: Drones, or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in military parlance, are unpiloted aircraft controlled remotely. Equipped with sophisticated sensors, they are used for reconnaissance and attack. When armed, drones are referred to as Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs).

In a nutshell Terrell is making a comment on a past article "published on June 7, 2011, in Foreign Policy, Don't Fear the Reaper, four misconceptions about how we think about drones, Charli Carpenter and Lina Shaikhouni. In reality Terrell is disagreeing with Carpenter, and Shaikhouni's article because it is "misleading" the public. He breaks down the four ultimate misconceptions that result from their article.

"Misconception" No. 1: Drones Are "Killer Robots." It is often assumed that even though a weapon has the power of killing they do not kill constantly, and therefore cannot be labelled a killer. This point is made in Carpenter and Shaikhouni's as well as the fact that robots are not "autonomous" and so because someone has to control them they cannot be called "killer robots". Terrell counters this by stating the definition of what a robot is from two sources. Terrell states, "The concept that a drone would need to be autonomous in order to qualify as a robot appears to be the authors' own and it does not seem to be responsible to allow their novel construction to form the parameters of this debate. Nor is it comprehensible that calling these killer robots for what they are "is preventing public attention from being directed to a more ground-breaking development in military technology".

"Misconception" No. 2: Drones Make War Easy and Game-Like, and Therefore Likelier. It is assumed by Terrell that Carpenter and Shaikhouni suggest technological advancements in weaponry has not made war easy and likelier. However, this is disproved not only by Terrell, but by the community of activists that gathered at Creech Air Force Base in April, 2009: "Technological advances may reduce the danger of casualties among the military personnel in the short run, but with each advance the number of civilian deaths multiplies and every war of the past century has numbered more children than soldiers among its victims." Terrell concludes his point by opening the last paragraph with a comparison between politicians and soldiers. Of course drone warfare is hard on the soldiers, but it makes it easier for "politicians and generals who call the shots and so it does make war likelier".

"Misconception" No. 3: Drone Strikes Kill Too Many Civilians. The issue that Terrell has with this misconception is this, "Carpenter and Shaikhouni see the choice as between using troops and manned bombers or using drones; they do not consider any nonlethal possibility". Both writers do not take peace into consideration, or as a pliable option because it is unknown as to how many pedestrians have actually been killed as a result of drones at war. Terrell disagrees basically because "it is well documented and it is even, under pressure, admitted by the US government that many civilians are killed in drone strikes".

"Misconception" No. 4: Drones Violate the International Law of Armed Conflict. In the opinion of Carpenter and Shaikhouni drones DO NOT violate the international law of armed conflict. Terrell simply states that, "this claim that drones do not violate international law of armed conflict can only be made by taking them out of context, by divorcing the drones from their intended use". And he further proves his argument by comparing these two authors to that of the Bush administration; and makes a powerful point.

Connexions Resource Center Focuses on NATURE

2011-07-18T07:43:00.000-07:00

India’s Vanishing Vultures

By: Meera Subramanian

The above photo is taken from: Munir Virani and was found on google.com

This article is just one of the many literary pieces about nature that is available on connexions.org. Subramanian describes the physicality, characteristics, and humanity's relation to the bird in a negative light. It isn't as though a vulture is the type of animal one can snuggle up to, or look at with admiration and awe; but rather they are: "[...] voracious scavengers [...] viewed with disgust and associated with death—and we, instinctually, look away". Due to this relation between humans and vultures it is said that it came as a surprise when they began to become extinct. People hadn't noticed the birds absence in the sky.

In the proceeding paragraph, however, we get a glimpse of why vultures are so important in relation to Indian culture, "vultures were a natural and efficient disposal system". According to their religious beliefs, most Indians do not handle death regardless of it's human or animal, and so it was more than convenient that these vultures were cleaning up areas such as the countryside, and road kill.

This article is a documentation of this crisis, “I saw a lot of empty nests, and when I started looking, there were dead birds everywhere—under the bushes and hanging from the trees, dead in the nests,” Prakash told me later. “I was quite worried.” By 1999, not one pair remained. BNHS put out an alert, and biologists from all over the country confirmed that the three dominant species of South Asian vultures—slender-billed (Gyps tenuerostris), white-backed (Gyps bengalensis), and long-billed (Gyps indicus)—were dying across the region". Vultures contribution to the natural Eco-system of India was the cause of why this extinction erupted concerns.

The reason for such a high vulture death rate was that, "the three species of Gyps vultures were dying from ingesting livestock carcasses treated with diclofenac, a mild painkiller akin to aspirin or ibuprofen".This wasn't discovered until a later date, and is spoken about in great detail in this article. It took the Indian government at least two years after this announcement and proof to ban the diclofenac. It is currently still being sold under the table, and under a different name to this day in situations where there are a large number of live stock.

The most concerning fear now is that, "[...] with vultures gone, and the human handling of dead livestock increasing, that these diseases could spread among both animal and human populations". In order to prevent a complete extinction there is a newly developed vulture conservation breeding center north of Delhi, and so near Pinjore.

If you are interested, and want to read a more in depth account of this story from begin inning to end you should @ Sources online. It is a story that will tug on your heart strings if you love the environment and animal rights.

Imperialism & Colonialism... "A Cautionary tale"

2011-07-18T06:57:00.000-07:00

William Blum's article is a recent post on our connexions.org website, and is categorized as Imperialism and Colonialism. It's subject: Portugal's past as example for Egypt.

Blum gives us a description of his 1975 visit to Portugal during a time of political changes, and public revolutions, "the visual symbol of the Portuguese "revolution" had become the picture of a child sticking a rose into the muzzle of a rifle held by a friendly soldier, and I got caught up in demonstrations and parades featuring people, including myself, standing on tanks and throwing roses, with the crowds cheering the soldiers". The public "political consciousness" was growing. Blum delves into the political environment at that time, and speaks out against the U.S.A.'s relation to both events. He takes a more radical position in stating the mistakes of America in both situations, and states the root of the problem is, "[...] as always, [the U.S.A.] is petrified of anything genuinely progressive or socialist, or even too democratic, for that carries the danger of allowing god-knows what kind of non-America-believer taking office".

With headings such as: "We are so good even our enemies believe our lies," and "Atheist: "Blasphemy is a victimless crime" Blum analyses the US foreign policy and its flaws. He goes on to say that, "war can be seen as America's religion" and verifies these statements with factual information in relation to America's current wars.

This article is truthful, honest, and a good read for anyone who isn't aware of America's past with Portugal and their future endeavors around the world.
http://www.connexions.org/CxL-IMP.htm

"Defining an American State of War"

2011-07-14T12:48:00.000-07:00

This article, written by Tom Engelhardt, focuses on the nine war words that America and basically the world should know in today's world. Engelhardt constructs a pleasant tone - as pleasant a tone can be - when referring to the wars America has been tied up in lately...

"So here's the latest word in war words: what's in, what's out, what's inside out. What follows are nine common terms associated with our present wars that probably don't mean what you think they mean. Since you live in a twenty-first-century war state, you might consider making them your own".

His dry sense of humor - otherwise known as sarcasm - is captivating. The first word that Engelhardt introduces to his readers is "victory". Engelhardt is correct in saying that "victory" is a loaded word, and one of the past. Bush used it frequently, but it wasn't in his best interest ultimately to do so as we know now. "Enemy" follows as well as: covert war, "It used to mean secret war, a war 'in the shadows' and so beyond the public's gaze. Now, it means a conflict in the full glare of publicity that everybody knows about, but no one can do anything about. Think: in the news, but off the books," withdrawal "We're going, we're going... Just not quite yet and stop pushing"; drone war (see also Covert War): A permanent air campaign using missile-armed pilotless planes that banishes both withdrawal and victory to the slagheap of history; corruption; national sovereignty 1. Something Americans cherish and wouldn't let any other country violate; 2. Something foreigners irrationally cling to, a sign of unreliability or mental instability; and lastly war A totally malleable concept that is purely in the eye of the beholder.

His truthful depiction of America's wars is one you need to read for yourself! This article is full of truth and wit, and it will make you laugh, but feel like maybe - just maybe - you should cry at the state our world is currently in.
http://www.counterpunch.org/engelhardt06232011.html

"Imperialism 101"

2011-07-14T12:19:00.002-07:00

Michael Parenti's article focuses on the true definition of imperialism and not it's false counterpart. Parenti clearly states that imperialism is the, "carving up whole continents while oppressing indigenous peoples and obliterating entire civilizations". Often this definition is either ignored, or completely changed to suit the needs of those who are invading and 'carving' these lands.

This article is briefs its readers on imperialism across "the entire globe" in order to retrospectively place this concept that has been often misconstrued. Parenti moves forward by stating, "Imperialism is older than capitalism" and explains how this is so, and by comparing the two concepts. Capitalism can exist without Imperialism and he speaks more about this under the heading entitled, "not necessary, just compelling". Parenti goes on to discuss the ideas and definitions associated with the Western world, "underdeveloped" in relation to the third world countries. This term sets up prejudices and allows people to assume that places like Asia, Africa, and Latin America are unable to produce their own goods, or are lacking the natural resources to do so. However, this is not the case for the most part, and Parenti has no problem discussing the truth of the matter. This relates to the "development theory" that people in the past created, and is incorrect. Most people learn about this concept in grade 12 geography and current event courses, like I have, but it is a valid point that continuously needs to be made. Lastly, Parenti diverges into Neo-imperialism.

This article is a wonderful resource for anyone who wants to learn the basics on Imperialism and the falsehoods that are tied to this term. If you are looking for the true definition both back in history and today then check out this article!
http://www.connexions.org/CxL-IMP.htm

2011-07-14T12:19:00.001-07:00

"Home is where the Hatred is"

2011-07-14T11:27:00.000-07:00

This article may seem outdated - it was posted on the Connexions Resource Center page online February 2011 - however, it is still relevant to social justice information, and today. The gripping, and traumatic descriptions at the beginning of this article - about African American history - pulls you in from the start. You can't help but want to read Ms. Wilerson's novel...

This article showcases a conversation with Isabel Wilkerson, "a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and Boston University professor, who documents an unengaged history in her grand new text, The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration, a dexterous and detailed look into what became of a movement—told through the trails of three central characters—without which Motown might have never found meaning and Jazz might have never found new notes, relegating John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, and Louis Armstrong to obscure footnotes in the book of time".

If you are interested in these topics and want to read the interview click here! http://www.connexions.org/CxL-HIS.htm

First nations & social justice!

2011-07-14T10:54:00.000-07:00

On June 9th, 2011 the following article was posted on Connexions Resource Center under First Nations/Native Peoples category: "First Nations under surveillance - Harper Government prepares for First Nations 'unrest'. This article was written by Russell Diabo, and Shiri Pasternak.

The article states that in 2006 Stephen Harper Prime Minister of Canada ensured that "the Department of Indian and Northern affairs Canada (INAC) was given the lead role to spy on First Nations. The goal was to identify the First Nation leaders, participants and outside supporters of First Nation occupations and protests, and to closely monitor their actions". The “Hot Spot Reporting System”was developed as a result. This article goes on to define what host spots are, "these weekly reports highlight all those communities across the country who engage in direct action to protect their lands and communities" and what groups they were. These hot spots are considered so dangerous because they tend to be led by aboriginal extremists, and radicals.

As a result there needs to be unity on the ground with coordinated political actions between First Nations Peoples in order to protect, defend and advance First Nation pre-existing sovereignty, and First Nation Aboriginal and Treaty rights to lands and resources. Divide and conquer tactics can only be met with new strategies of alliance-building, and by bringing the leadership back down to the land.

Read the full article, and more descriptions of why this is a threat to the status quo of both the Canadian government, and the native communities click here: http://www.connexions.org/CxL-NAT.htm

Focus on food!

2011-07-14T09:14:00.000-07:00

Randel Hanso's article, "Local harvest for urban landscape" published in the Counter Punch online focuses on laying the foundations for a local food system.

"How do you create a locally harvested food system for a city of 100,000?" This article begins by looking back at 19th century America when the progression and quickly increasing country dwellers were migrating to the city, which put into question how the growth and distribution of food would keep up. The articles discusses the issues with a fast population growth, and so looks at Duluth around Lake Superior in the early 20th Century. The main concerns were the quality of food and the cost; and so it was time when it was low quality and very expensive. Duluth turned to Mr. A. B. Hostetter, a lifelong farmer and long term teacher of farmers in the agricultural institutes of Illinois.

The goal was to boost the agricultural infrastructure, and A.B. Hostetter with the help of others - such as the University of Minnesota purchasing some 240 acres and founded the Northeast Demonstration Farm and Experimental Station - took the steps in order to do so.

Read what the outcome was for the surrounding areas of Lake Superior at: http://www.connexions.org/CxL-FOO.htm

Agriculture & Farming

2011-07-14T08:32:00.000-07:00

This article by Stephanie Westbrook, "A Concerted Effort From Europe Against
Israeli Produce Exporter Agrexco" focuses on the boycotting of Agrexco in Europe.

Agrexco is "Israel's largest fresh produce exporter and European markets account for the vast majority of their sales under the brand Carmel. The Israeli government's 50% stake in the company as well as their marketing of 60-70% of the fruit and vegetables grown in illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank". The company is growing products by breaking social justice laws on more than one account. They use child-labor, and are steeling land & water.

This powerful article brings to the forefront the type of boycotting that is taking place within various European countries such as France.

Read this article in full, and learn what Europe is doing in order to stop the sales of Agrexco products at: http://www.connexions.org/CxL-AGR.htm

Enviornmental Issues!!

2011-07-14T07:38:00.000-07:00

This close-to-home article speaks about the discomforts, and unsafe living environments when next to coal mines. Presently there is Coal River Mountain Watch (CRMW) and activist group against mountain top removal. They are spreading awareness on what the coal companies are doing to the mountains and how that can negatively affect the communities that surround them. Their aim is to improve the quality of life in the areas where mountain tops are being destroyed.

"A 2010 Environmental Integrity Project/Sierra Club/EarthJustice study, however, found that ash produced by coal-fired power plants contaminated ground water and air with dangerous toxins, including arsenic, benzene, mercury and lead. They're linked to cancer, congestive heart failure, nervous system damage, respiratory diseases, asthma, other health related problems, and lower life expectancies".

The article also provides an informative explanation on how mountain top removal is done. Stephen Lendman concludes with ways for people to get involved and what the next step is to stopping these mountain top removal's. Through informing the reader that "the EarthJustice and other environmental groups are urging Congress to pass HR 1375: Clean Water Protection Act. Introduced on April 5, 2011, then referred to Committee, it's legislation to 'amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to clarify that fill material cannot be comprised of waste'".

To read the entire article, and more articles on environmental issues check out: http://www.connexions.org/CxL-ENV.htm

Related to economic issues, work and labour, and poverty issues in the Connexions Online Library.

2011-07-14T06:28:00.000-07:00

One of the more recent articles featured on the Connexions website under the Connexions resource centre: Focus on economy, poverty, and work is A World at Financial War by Michael Hudson. This article was posted on June 6, 2011.

This article's main focus is on whether or not Greece will let the EU Central Bankers destroy democracy, and it takes us back to Greece's transition towards using the Euro in 2000. The main issue of "whether Europe should succumb to centralized planning" is the main focus of this article.

The crisis for Greece – as for Iceland, Ireland and debt-plagued economies capped by the United States – is occurring as bank lobbyists demand that “taxpayers” pay for the bailouts of bad speculations and government debts stemming largely from tax cuts for the rich and for real estate, shifting the fiscal burden as well as the debt burden onto labor and industry. The financial sector’s growing power to achieve this tax favoritism is crippling economies, driving them further into reliance on yet more debt financing to remain solvent.

Other headings that this article includes, and discusses are: promoting the financial sector at the economy’s expense, the Greek budget crisis in perspective, the intellectual deception at work, paying higher interest for higher risk, while protecting banks from losses, and making governments pay creditors when banks run aground.

To read the full article go to: http://www.connexions.org/CxL-ECO.htm

Social Justice in 1970 - 1980's Photographs by Milton Rogovin

2011-07-12T12:49:00.000-07:00

"America's best political newspaper" out of bounds magazine did a write up on Milton Rogovin the Portraitist to the People . A man who came of age during the depression, and born in Brooklyn. The 101 year old man passed away this past January, 2011.

The article states that Milton told the New York times, “I like to photograph people with problems,” and he was aware of the "human desire to be recognized". Featured in this article are photos that Milton took, which show that he captured only what he wanted to in them. He was a portraitist of mainly the 1970's and 1980's.

Milton was a man who came of age during the depression, and was born in Brooklyn. This article analyzes what influenced Milton during his lifetime, and how that was projected onto his photographs. Milton's life is unfolded, and we are futher exposed to his biography. Eventually after his career in optimology callapsed he sought out "connections for artistic and political ends". Lastly, this article gives us an analysis of his photographs, and his main focuses such as the miner's series.

Overall this article is a display of Milton himself, his family, and life work. He was both artistic and politically involved through his photos. To read this article visit the Connexions.org website under the Connexions Resource Centre: Focus on Arts, Media, and Culture.

2009-04-28T11:26:00.001-07:00

Technorati Profile

Increase your media IQ!

2009-04-28T09:37:00.000-07:00

Looking to brush up on your media skills? Connexions.org features a comprehensive publicity and media relations guide, with a wide range of articles discussing lobbying tactics, media exposure, and news releases, amongst many other topics of interest.

You can access the media resource centre by clicking here.

Independent Fact-Finding Report Investigates Israeli War Crimes

2009-04-07T12:41:00.000-07:00

An independent fact-finding report commissioned by Physicians for Human Rights - Israel and the Palestinian Medical Relief Society has been released, documenting the testimony of 44 civilians who came under attack and medical personnel who were prevented from rescuing the wounded during the recent Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip.

5 independent experts specializing in forensic medicine, burns, medical response to crises, and public health responded to a request lobbied by Physicians Human Rights' for an external independent investigation into the events.

Traveling through the Gaza Strip and several Egyptian hospitals, where many of the victims are currently being treated, the experts collected an overwhelming wealth of evidence suggesting that instead of evacuating civilians from the combat zone, the Israeli Army actively terrorized them with its sophisticated weaponry.

To read the entire news release published by sources.com click here, or for more information on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, please visit the connexions.org Israeli-Palestinian Resource Page.

Israel - Palestine - Connexions' Resources for Peace, Justice, and Human Rights

2009-04-07T08:20:00.000-07:00

As an information clearinghouse dedicated to providing resources promoting peace, justice, and human rights, Connexions.org offers a wealth of information on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to those who believe that the only solution must be built on tenants of justice, equality, mutual recognition and an end to Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories.

Connexions.org's Israel-Palestine resource centre features a list of articles, web sites and organizations, and selected news and analysis sources that address the many issues stemming from the crisis.

You can access the Israel-Palestine resource centre by clicking here.

Visit the Connexions homepage at www.connexions.org for wealth of resources on other topics of justice, democracy, and social and environmental alternatives.

"Mission accomplished?"

2009-03-24T09:54:00.000-07:00

In response to Monday’s spike on Wall Street sparked by Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner’s $1 trillion public/private banking bailout scheme, thenation.com’s John Nichols questions whether Geithner is deserving of his supposed hero status so early in the game. “Yes, it is true,” says Nichols, “if you offer a trillion dollars to Wall Street, it will perk up.” However, Nichols explains that it remains to be seen whether Geithner will have more success than the U.K, in what experts have said is the same bailout scheme Britain adopted several months ago.

Nichols cites an article by Dan Roberts, the former US business editor for the Financial Times who now oversees the business sections of Britain’s Guardian and Observer papers. He argues that Britain has already tried this scheme and that it failed miserably. The same toxic asset plan Geithner has set in motion in the US has lead to British headlines today announcing the return of deflation and unemployment, and warning of “horrible things to come.”

For Roberts, the common denominator between the two schemes is the belief that shielding banks from their mistakes will allow them to function normally again and bring the rest of the economy with them. He posits further that both governments seem to believe that the crisis originates from a lack of confidence, and that the solution lies in “correcting the uncertainty of ‘toxic’ debt.” However, the crude reality is that many loaned assets are probably “gone for good,” and “that this is not a liquidity crisis, but a solvency crisis.”

Further compounding the problem is that Geithner’s plan aims to pick up more than just toxic credit securities, including ordinary US loans to institutions originally believed to be outside the scope of the bailout. A similar pattern was observed in the UK as assets meant only for defaulted loans were also put towards buy-to-let mortgages issued by HBOs. If one includes all periled loans in one’s scope, it becomes clear that this crisis may have only just begun.

The market’s newfound confidence in Geithner shows it is confusing the short term with the long term benefits of a colossal financial banking stimulus to the economy. Recklessly printing off money to throw at empty assets could have devastating consequences for years to come. Failing to recognize that could send the U.S down the same road as Britain, which has lead their economy to troubling times.

Check out the article in full by clicking here.

To read more articles on the subject among many other topics of debate, visit the live-updated news feed on www.connexions.org.

Newspaper industry calls for its pound of flesh.

2009-03-20T11:24:00.000-07:00

Both renowned journalists and initiators of a campaign to save the news, John Nichols and Robert W. McChesney dive in to the disintegrating world of journalism, and shine the spotlight on an industry in desperate need of relief. They illustrate the crisis as larger than simple economics, suggesting that the death of journalism as we know it could threaten the very foundations of our democracy, and that fiscal governmental intervention is critical to its survival.

I found this article on the connexions.org homepage news feed, and felt it to be a timely, balanced, and in depth account of an urgent issue we cannot afford to ignore.

Nichols and McChesney paint a bleak picture of a world without our current conception of journalism, one where major cities can ill afford to support a daily newspaper, and magazine and network news operations struggle to maintain a bare-bones staff of reporters. They explain that modern day media has become increasingly commercialized and profit centered, and warn of a small community of giant media corporations that could one day control the press. In such a world, the propagation of corporately influenced values and pursuits would be unopposed by competing viewpoints, leading to a dangerously one-sided report of critical news and information.

Nichols and McChesney fear we are headed in that direction, and highlight the neglect, if not the looming neglect, of local and public government, state institutions, and matters that concern us around the world. Without a healthily balanced press service, they point out that state and government officials can work without public scrutiny or accountability for their actions, hailing our press service as the “ essential nurturer of an informed citizenry.”

Tracing the origins of journalism’s decline to the 1970s, long before the Internet and the economic collapse that many believe to have caused it, Nichols and McChesney posit that we must address the core issues that precipitated our current crisis. Due to a spike in corporate ownership and newspaper consolidation, they write it became increasingly important to appease investors. This lead to a book balancing act where journalists were cut and news bureaus were shut down to maximize returns, driving a wedge between us and the “rich mix of international, national and local news coverage” that, while far from perfect, gave journalism its vibrancy in the 1960s. The watered-down state of today's journalism is thoroughly uninviting, and is at risk of losing our attention, especially that of young people, whose involvement in today's discourse is so critical to our future.

Moving forward, Nichols and McChesney advocate for a revision of public policy concerning its approach to the press service. They suggest it is time to set aside our fears of government intervention and learn to ignore our belief that the free-market solves all problems. Arguing that government subsidies not only run rampant in today’s media, but that they helped to establish the press service in the first place, Nichols and McChesney lobby for progressive changes to our public policy and subsidy mechanisms to rescue the ailing industry. For example, they propose an indirect subsidy where citizens would receive a tax credit for the first $200 they spent on daily newspapers. Readers would have both incentive to buy and the freedom to choose their newspaper, so that no one paper would receive the subsidy directly, giving all viewpoints an equal opportunity of receiving support.

All in all, Nichols and McChesney call for a thorough revision of today’s press structure, and advocate for a systemic change from the ways of the past. Their assessment of the situation is well-informed, accurate, and realistic, and sheds some much needed light on one of our society's staple industries that continues to unravel in front of our eyes. They champion us to address this crisis as we would the threat of terrorism, or financial or environmental collapse, and to lobby the policy makers who represent us. And rightfully so. The democracy we have worked so hard to build is facing a potentially devastating threat; we must do everything at our disposal as a people to protect it.

Check out the full article on the connexions.org news feed by clicking here.

"Canadian jobs are not a bargaining chip."

2009-03-13T11:19:00.000-07:00

Brampton Mayor Susan Fennell expresses her discontent with Chrysler president Tom LaSorda, after he announced that if the autoworker union did not agree to a 25% cut in labour costs, Chrysler would walk.

I read this article off of the connexions website newsfeed (on their homepage) and found it to be concise and interesting.

What is the bottom line for LaSorda? He is certainly not daunted by the loss of 3,400 Canadian jobs that would have disastrous economic consequences for Canada. For LaSorda, it seems the bottom line is the almighty dollar.

The article gives testimony from several workers at the Brampton plant, where it appears the general sentiment is disgust. Apparently, the millions LaSorda garners himself in bonuses per year are just not enough for him.

Check out the article for more details.

http://www.connexions.org

Internships and Volunteer Opportunities with Connexions.

2009-03-09T10:08:00.000-07:00

Connexions is a volunteer based organization. We currently have volunteer and unpaid internship opportunities available for writers, reviewers, editors, translators, photographers, people to maintain the Connexions directory of associations, people to help develop our online archive of social change materials, and people with marketing skills.

Our head office is located in downtown Toronto, near to Kensington Market, at College and Bathurst.

Unpaid internships typically last from 4-6 months, and vary widely in tasks and responsibilities.

For individuals interested in the project but with less time to commit, part time volunteer positions are also available.

For more information on the various opportunities we offer, and for instructions on how to apply, please click here.

News Feed.

2009-03-09T09:10:00.000-07:00

Connexions.org provides daily links to news articles from progressive media sources that discuss current and relevant issues surrounding social change, social conflict, activism, politics, the economy, and the environment, amongst many other topics of debate.

A list of regularly updated links can be accessed by visiting Connexions Online's homepage at www.connexions.org.

Connexions' Events Calendar.

2009-03-09T08:30:00.000-07:00

Connexions.org maintains an extensive calendar of events for social justice, democracy, activism, human rights and environmental causes, among many others.

Members of connexions.org may post events for free. For information about becoming a member or about how to submit events, call 416.964.7799 or 416.964.1511 or click here.

For websites or organizations interested in posting events from our calendar on their webpage, please contact Connexions at the numbers provided above or at connexions@connexions.org. Events can be filtered to you by date, by location, or by category.

To view our calendar, please click here.

Connexions is on Facebook!

2009-03-09T08:13:00.000-07:00

Connexions has opened an account on Facebook! Add Connexions Dot Org as a friend and stay current with all of Connexions' latest news and events!

What is Connexions?

2009-03-09T07:16:00.000-07:00

exists to support individuals and groups working for freedom and social justice. We work to maintain and make available a record of the theory and practice of people struggling against oppression and for social change. We believe that the more we know about the struggles, victories, and defeats of the past, and about those who took part in them, the better equipped we will be to bring a new world into being.

Connexions maintains a physical archive of books and documents, and is engaged in an ongoing project to build and expand an indexed digital archive of documents. We try to feature a wide variety of resources reflecting a diversity of viewpoints and approaches to social change within our overall mandate of support for democracy, civil liberties, freedom of expression, universal human rights, secularism, equality, economic justice, environmental responsibility, and the creation and preservation of community.

We are internationalist in our orientation, but as a Canadian-based project we feature an especially extensive collection of Canadian documents and profiles of Canadian activist organizations.

Visit www.connexions.org for more information on us and what our archive has to offer.