Author Archives: oaklandmom

The Oakland Chamber of Commerce’s war on democracy

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No one has fought Occupy Oakland as viciously as the Oakland Chamber of Commerce, and OakPAC, the Chamber’s Political Action Committee is the cash in every council member’s campaign. The Chamber is not a lobbyist; they are the lobbyist, in Oakland. They have been the political push behind the generally limp and befuddled elected officials. They have catalyzed the Oakland City Council, famous for its inability to agree on anything, into an orgy of consensus and an eagerness to act without regard for costs. Shockingly, the press applauded the council’s … Continued

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In Memoriam- Mic Check

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Sanjiv Handa loved democracy and he loved Oakland. He loved the process of governing and wanted the rest of us to see its beauty and respect the process. He caught procedural errors, provided history and background and generally set an example for all citizens, each voice counts. He reminded each of us that good government requires informed participants, arguments and discussion. History should never be ignored and politicians make better decision when they feel challenged and must think. He did not suffer fools gladly but he suffered them often. He … Continued

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Politicians and other Bullies

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My family occupied the Port on December 19, 2011, my son lagged slightly behind looking at people and costumes; a police car drove slowly down the opposite direction and the officer glared and pointed at my son. My son, who is 10, was confused and frightened, clearly it was his white mother who dragged him to this event and his brown sister who agreed; he had been emphatic about his preference to stay home and play video games and yet the officer singled him out to be intimidated and blamed. … Continued

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