Calendar
Over 43 US cities including San Francisco will participate in an unprecedented national mobilization to demand an end to the deadly “Plan Mexico,” a billion-dollar US program to aid Mexico’s corrupt and notoriously violent security forces, ostensibly in their fight against the so-called War on Drugs.
Links:
�Full list of participating cities: www.ustired2.com/cities/
�Website: http://www.USTired2.com
�Facebook (San Francisco protest): http://www.facebook.com/USTired22SanFranciscoCA
�Facebook (national event): http://www.facebook.com/pages/USTired2//767562843324746
�Video message inviting people in US to join Dec 3rd actions: http:://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnL0llkTVuI
�Twitter: https://twitter.com/USTired2
Participants are being asked to wear white and bring candles.
#SF #BayArea #Oakland All Out to #ShutItDown for #EricGarner #MikeBrown #Ferguson 5PM 14th and BROADWAY OGP OAKLAND
— Occupy Oakland (@OccupyOakland) December 3, 2014
Reminder for #Oakland #SanFrancisco: NLG legal # is 415-285-1011. That's 415-285-1011. Sharpie on you & then share it w/others #EricGarner
— Cindy Milstein (@CindyMilstein) December 3, 2014
.@blogdiva : OAKLAND: 5PM #OGP 14th and Broadway. Justice for #EricGarner #ICantBreathe #oakland2NY
— OccupythePort (@occupytheport) December 3, 2014
#OAKLAND: 5PM #OGP 14th & Broadway. Justice for #EricGarner #ICantBreathe #oakland2NY #ShutItDown #IndictTheSystem
— IO: (InterOccupy) (@InterOcc) December 3, 2014
The local CBS station just told 100k+ Facebook fans about the #EricGarner 5PM protest at OGP. Nice. http://t.co/d5PtUmBNdV
— Political Fail Blog (@PFailBlog) December 3, 2014
There will be three meetings of this class, on Wednesdays at 7 pm – Dec. 3, 10, and 17.
This class will investigate the structure of prison from three perspectives:
- Its ethics,
- Its inherent criminality as a system,
- Its role in the structures of racialization in the US.
Today, we live in a society in political and ethical crisis because it has instituted a revenge ethic and a desire to place people in internal exile in the place of justice and humanism. Having done so, it has created the largest prison system in the world.
Each of these perspectives cries out for the abolition of prisons. The structures of racialization in the US have always depended on a prison system. The topic of the “new Jim Crow” will not only encompass a discusstion of Michelle Alexander’s book by that title, but also the accumulating material evidence that Jim Crow has become our re-institutionalized reality.
Consider this:
The Broken Window theory, by which William Bratton turned New York City into a police state under the heel of “stop and frisk,” can stated as follows: “Even one broken window creates the condition for anti-social behavior.”
The ethics of prison abolition echoes in response to this: “The violence of even one person thrown in a cage by political authority creates the condition for violent behavior.”
The class will address questions such as the following:
1- what is the real structure of imprisonment, and what are the ethics of each of its components?
2- what is the political structure of the prison, and how does it relate to both its structural ethics, to the ideal of human rights, and to the society that we live in.
3- what structures does the political domain us to inhale people into its prison system, to remove them from their communities and habitats, and often to punish them for their attempts to survive physically and psychically?
4- what is the nature of punishment, and why is it even a social or cultural value?
5- what is the connection between social violence, victimless crime laws, and capitalism?
6- what dimensions of the present US prison system could be abolished right now, in the interest of justice, and what does it imply about this society that it refuses to do it?
7- what is the cyclic relation between slavery, prison labor, debt servitude, the prison industry, and Jim Crow?
8- with the prison industry actually materializing a foundation for a New Jim Crow (in Michelle Alexander’s sense), what evidence do we see of the government’s actual success in re-institutionalizing Jim Crow?
9- what is the structure of “racialization” in the US, what role did the former Jim Crow play in it, and what role does the prison today play in it?
If you are interested, contact me for links to some reading, or just show up on Dec. 3.
Steve Martinot
martinot4 [at] gmail.com
Last time we read Positive Money’s proposal for an alternative banking system, parts 1-4. This week we’ll finish discussing it, with parts 5-6.
Aloha.
The Politics of Debt Reading Group is a joint effort of the Bay Area Public School and Strike Debt Bay Area.
IMPORTANT ERIC GARNER DEMONSTRATION
1 PM
IN THE QUAD… IRONICALLY THE VERY SITE OF THE INFAMOUS UCD PEPPER SPRAYING INCIDENT
— OccupyUCDavis (@OccupyUCDavis) December 4, 2014
Join us at Fruitvale Bart plaza to bring attention to widespread inequality and our shared struggles for a living wage ($15/hour) and the right to unionize without retaliation.
Nov. 29th marks the 2nd anniversary of when the first 100+ fast food workers, fed up with low wages, poor treatment and disrespect walked off the job in New York.
Let’s make it known that a minimum wage hike isn’t all we’re fighting for in Oakland and beyond!
Hosted by East Bay Fast Food Workers.
Protest Events in Bay Area over next 4 days. pic.twitter.com/C1pO4VCgHf
— OccupythePort (@occupytheport) December 4, 2014
45 years to the day that Chairman Fred Hampton Sr. & Defense Captain Mark Clark of the Chicago Chapter of the Black Panther Party were assassinated by the state, The People worldwide recognize December 4th as “International Revolutionary Day” or I.R.D.
While the main event will be at the scene of the crime in Chiraq with POCC/BPPC (PrisonersOf ConscienceCommittee/BlackPantherPartyCubs) on Thurs.December 4th we will hold our 10th consecutive Zulu Nation Thursdays-OAKLAND in solidarity with #IRD45
Performances by:
Jahi (PE2.0)
Kev Choice
East Bay Politix (Sinista Z & Ras Ceylon)
G.P.
Age Scott the Black Bukowski & more
Resident DJ TD Camp
6-8pm Meeting of the Minds (Film Screening of “Assassination of Chairman Fred Hampton” Documentary) & community discussion re: Ferguson & Solidarity Statements
8-11pm Performances
11-midnite Open Mic Cypher
OAKLAND: Non-RCP led March will begin at 7PM. (H/T @hyphy_republic)
— OccupythePort (@occupytheport) December 5, 2014
We hear there's a callout to meet at the cable cars at Powell and Market in #SF today at 6pm for #EricGarner #MikeBrown #Ferguson #BayArea
— Occupy Oakland (@OccupyOakland) December 5, 2014
How police are targeting political enemies with attempts to restrict free speech. Everyone, from black and Latino youth, anti-war activists, labor militants and rap artists are in their cross-hairs. We can fight back against police attack on speech and school curricula!
Speakers: Keith Cook, Mumia’s brother.
Cephus ‘Uncle Bobby’ Johnson.
Speakers and Film: “Manufacturing Guilt”
7 pm Friday December 5th 2014
Theater at La Pena Cultural Center
(just below Ashby Avenue)
$5 – $10 sliding scale at the door (no one turned away)
Join the Labor Action Committee To Free Mumia Abu-Jamal, Prison Radio and Oakland Teachers For Mumia to hear how police are targeting political enemies with attempts to restrict free speech.• Keith Cook, brother of Mumia Abu-Jamal,
• Cephus “Uncle Bobby” Johnson, uncle of Oscar Grant,
• Eliot Grossman, former lawyer for Mumia, and
• Spokespersons for Prison Radio, Oakland Teachers for Mumia, and the Labor Action Committee To Free Mumia Abu-Jamal.
• Film: “Manufacturing Guilt” — This riveting documentary makes it clear how cops and prosecutors framed Mumia Abu-Jamal for a murder he didn’t commit.
Join us! We will discuss:
• The New “gag” law in Pennsylvania that seeks to silence prisoners. This law, cobbled together in days following Mumia’s recorded presentation to a commencement ceremony at Goddard College, was explicitly designed to “shut him up.” The targets of this blatantly unconstitutional law, however, include all prisoners convicted of violent crimes!
• A Law Suit has been filed to stop the “gag” law from being implemented! Support for this effort is critical. Donations will go toward the fight against the “gag” law.
• The suppression of the “Urban Dreams” web site by the Oakland School Board. This teacher-created site of voluntary curriculum ideas included one comparing the suppression of Mumia’s commentaries with censorship of Martin Luther King’s later writings. While the Superintendent of Schools has now promised to restore the site, we must remain vigilant!
• Both of these measures—the “gag” law in Pennsylvania, and the suppression of the Urban Dreams website—were taken at the behest of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP)! The FOP is a highly politicized organization which seeks to silence social critics such as Mumia Abu-Jamal, and dictate the curricula in schools! The FOP and Democrat/Republican politicians will continue their attempts at intimidation and suppression, unless we act!
• Ferguson shows that black and Latino youth particularly are threatened by militarized and politicized police who shoot first and ask questions later, and frame their targets for crimes they didn’t commit. Chief targets have included Native American Activists like Leonard Peltier, militant working-class activists, Mumia Abu-Jamal, Black Panthers and Martin Luther King. Mumia is currently a top target to silence. But anyone and everyone can be on their enemies list, and in their cross-hairs! Fight back now!
Donate Now to fight the “gag” law! go to:
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/protect-freedom-of-speech-keep-mumia-on-the-air
See you on December 5th!
The Labor Action Committee To Free Mumia Abu-Jamal
PO Box 16222 • Oakland CA • 510.763.2347
Sponsored by Labor Action Committee to Free Mumia Abu Jamal, Prison Radio and Teachers for Mumia.
March tomorrow fri 27th and Telegraph 7pm #EricGarner #MikeBrown #Ferguson #SF #oakland #bayarea #ShutItDown #ICantBreath #HandsUpDontShoot
— Occupy Oakland (@OccupyOakland) December 5, 2014
Drop the Charges, Free Them All, Shut It Down for Mike Brown!
Over the past week, brave protesters and street fighters have taken to the streets across the country igniting a brilliant revolt against the police, white supremacy and capitalism. The people of Ferguson are an inspiration to us all and their actions have sparked an unstoppable movement that has now spread nation wide. From the mass highway takeovers to the expropriation of looted goods to the disruptions of Black Friday consumerism to the street fights with police, we stand in full solidarity with all those who have put their lives and bodies on the line to help push the struggle forward and disrupt business as usual. We reject all attempts to divide those in the streets between “good protesters” and “bad protesters”. Anyone pushing this agenda is doing the work of the state and is an enemy of the movement.
Hundreds have been arrested in this rebellion including roughly 200 here in the Bay Area. All of those who are still in jail locally are facing felony charges allegedly related to the looting of various corporate stores. Not surprisingly, all of these comrades who the state has chosen to make examples of are Black.
Join us this Friday for a march and noise demo in support of the revolt and those facing state repression for their involvement in this movement.
MEET AT 27th & TELEGRAPH IN OAKLAND @ 7PM SHARP
MARCH TO THE JAIL IN DOWNTOWN
BRING FRIENDS & NOISEMAKERS
*RAIN OR SHINE*
JUSTICE FOR ANTHONY “SKEET” SKEATON
On July 11, 2013, after being neglected medical attention, 24 year old
Anthony “Skeet” Skeaton died under the custody of Placer County Jail. He
left behind two young daughters that have been stolen by the Child
Protective Service.
JOIN US AS WE RALLY FOR JUSTICE!!
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6TH
12:00PM 4:
00PM
PLACER COUNTY SUPERIOR COURTHOUSE
101 MAPLE STREET
AUBURN, CA 95603
For further information, contact Murlene Spinks at 530.368.0398
COME TO a brief rally at the Berkeley Main Post Office, 2000 Allston at Milvia, IT WILL BE followed by a video shoot with all who attend, singing “Our Post Office, It Shall Not Be Moved” (to the tune of We Shall Not Be Moved). Please feel free to wear costumes, your chorus attire if you are in one, or anything you’d like. This will take place rain or shine – if it’s raining we will sing under the sheltered area.
Anyone who wants to stay after the sing-a-long is done circa 12:45 PM, Berkeley Post Office Defenders and First They Came for the Homeless will answer questions as best we can about the lawsuit, the sale, the encampment, and anything else related for people who want to get up to date.
WE HOPE to get people across the country to do the same at their post offices and post their videos. If we get a few groups to participate, we can post the videos together. If we get enough, we can turn it into a video montage. We will encourage each group to add verses that reflect their struggle, and use one pertinent verse per group. With your HELP we can make this go viral!
Please be AT THE RALLY on December 6th by 12:20 at the latest, as we will have to organize into a visually effective group and do a couple of practice runs. We will sing in the key of D and ask other groups to do the same so we will be able to combine the videos successfully. The words will go as follows (of course if someone comes up with a terrific line we can add it or substitute):
Our Post Office, it shall not be moved
Our Post Office, it shall not be moved
Just like a tree that’s planted by the water
It shall not be moved
Built in 1914
The artwork is amazing
No to union busting
No privatization
Our post office
You do not have to be a strong singer – your enthusiasm is the most important thing. Please join us and feel free to pass this on to friends and other organizations whose members might want to join in.
This has already done this effectively on the 100th Anniversary of Woody Guthrie’s birthday in 2012, when 33 groups around the country (and in several other countries) participated on Earth Day. You can go to the following You Tube link where you can see the video montage and see what we have in mind:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hGGf7G9W_s
and here is the video of the San Francisco shoot:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-icfD6cgKko
In unity there is strength! In music there is collective power! Come and sing!!!
Recent events in Ferguson have exposed shared struggles around the world, particularly in Haiti: struggles against militarization and a system of injustice.
Join us as we make connections, and discuss the work we can do right here!
From Mike Brown’s death at the hands of a white police officer in Ferguson Missouri, to the abduction of 43 students in Mexico by the government, state violence must end!
On December 6th, 1914, the joint army of Villa and Zapata took control of Mexico City during the Mexican Revolution.
One entire century later, it is sixth anniversary of the police murder of Alexis in Athens, Greece, which launched a mass uprising across the country. That rage was seen a month afterwards on the very streets of Oakland after Oscar Grant was killed by the police.
Later that year, occupations took root at universities across California, like the ones we see today at Wheeler Hall in UC Berkeley. Students were at the forefront of anti-police struggles in Greece, as well as in Mexico. This led to the abduction of 43 students by police in Ayotzinapa just over two months ago. This was only days before the anniversary of the Tlatelolco massacre, where Mexican government murdered protesting students.
Bring friends, banners, masks, megaphones, sound systems, etc.
SHUT IT DOWN FOR MIKE BROWN
GO HARDER FOR ERIC GARNER
This protest is in solidarity with the people of Ferguson, Staten Island NY, and all across the country demanding justice for Mike Brown and Eric Garner and an end to police violence.
The City of Alameda is an island city running parallel to Oakland. Alameda Police is widely known for racial profiling. The city is also notorious for housing discrimination and racial inequality in education.
Join us for a nonviolent action to declare Black Lives Matter. This peaceful, disruption at the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will shut it down for Mike Brown and remember all the stolen lives lost to police terrorism.