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Cascadia is the northwest coastal region of North America, including the area surrounding the Cascade mountain range extending from Humboldt County, Calif., to the Alaskan panhandle, and covers much of Oregon, Washington and British Columbia.

A narrower definition of Cascadia refers to the area influenced by the Cascade mountain range and the 100 miles of coastal lands between it and the Pacific Ocean. Cascadia is a Pacific Rim nation-state concept and a possible basis for regional autonomy, as plans are made to secede from the respective countries that envelop the Cascadia bioregion. For many residents of the Pacific Northwest, Cascadia is a state of mind fostered by the lifestyle of this unique biosphere and has become a geographical identity spoken of with pride.



government | homelessness 05-Feb-2012 08:22

Breaking News: Right 2 Dream 2 - City Hall Protest

right to dream too From the open publishing newswire: This was the 2.1.12 PIMC Breaking News posts, for the protest at City Hall, for the Right 2 Dream 2 fines to be waived / stopped

>> News post 3.
Right 2 Dream 2 Protest: Cell phone video clips [12] from some of speeches are Here

>> News post 2.
Over 100 supporters show up on city hall steps. Speakers rally for one hour. A few cops outside watching. 50+ then go inside to the weekly city hall meeting.

>> News post 1.
Right 2 Dream 2 - Protest on steps of Portland City Hall 8:30- 9:30 AM Wave The Fines

Videos from protest at city hall

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police / legal 05-Feb-2012 07:57

Video: NDAA Protest in Portland Oregon 2.3.12 - Occupy Portland

From the open publishing newswire: A short drive by video of the Pioneer Square protest of the NDAA

NDAA Protest in Portland Oregon 2.3.12 [one minute video]

President Obama signed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) into law. It contains a sweeping worldwide indefinite detention provision. The dangerous new law can be used by this and future presidents to militarily detain people captured far from any battlefield.

He signed it. Now, we have to fight it wherever we can and for as long as it takes.

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gender & sexuality 02-Feb-2012 06:40

Almost There -- Marriage Equality In Wa State

From the open publishing newswire: Next: The House
It's almost too good to be true.

Tonight [Feb 1, 2012] the Washington Senate, on a bipartisan 28-21 vote, passed a marriage equality bill -- the first time in Washington history that an equality bill has passed in either chamber of the legislature.

Our efforts are working, creating real changes in Washington's marriage policy -- and it's all due to you, and thousands of other Washingtonians who care deeply about equality. We're hearing that all the calls and emails to the Capitol are changing minds. But, while this is a historic victory, it's far from the end of the road. The next step toward getting equality signed into law is a vote on the House floor, which may come as early as next week. And it's tempting to celebrate after such an important victory, but we just don't have the luxury. If marriage equality is going to be a reality in Washington, we're going to need to keep pushing, and keep speaking out.

We can't let up. Not yet.

Washington United for Marriage
 http://washingtonunitedformarriage.org

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alternative media | labor 31-Jan-2012 13:54

Video: Interview with Member of Occupy Portland EGT Working Group

From the open publishing newswire: The main issue of discussion is the Union struggle against the business practices of EGT at the port at Longview Washington. After acquiring port facilities at this location, this multinational corporation, a subsidary of Bungee, broke contracts with the union specifying that they would continue hiring local union labor.
Interview with Occupy Portland EGT Working Group
[Video 57 Minutes]

Besides this discussion, other topics include recent moves by the coal industry to bring coal to Oregon ports for export to Asia. Recently, Port of St. Helens Commissioners approved agreements with two companies wanting to export coal. Also discussed are predatory practices by many multinational corporations who convince or force underdeveloped countries to adopt single crop agriculture for export, forcing the importation of many food items previously supplied by local agriculture. This destitutes the people, while creating large profits for the corporations.

To learn more or to participate in this struggle.

Related PIMC Posts:
ALERT: " tentative settlement " with Longshore workers & EGT
Last minute settlement averts clash at Washington's Port of Longview
ILWU, EGT reach tentative deal in Longview labor dispute
Bullshit "Tentative Settlement" in Longview

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indigenous issues | prisons & prisoners 30-Jan-2012 09:31

International Day of Solidarity with Leonard Peltier

peltier From the open publishing newswire: "Background: Native American activist Leonard Peltier was wrongfully convicted in connection with the deaths of two agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The evidence shows that the FBI was the aggressor in the firefight that occurred on June 26, 1975. From 1973 to 1976, Indigenous People on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota were victims of beatings, drive-by shootings, and stabbings carried out by local vigilantes who collaborated with the FBI... Indeed, Mr. Peltier's co-defendants, tried separately, were acquitted on grounds of self-defense."

As a result of my experience as an fbi agent and my battle with the fbi assassins over the past few decades, I can confirm that the following report is based upon valid premises and that in all likelihood Leonard Peltier was wrongfully convicted as set forh below; further, he is in my opinion a hero who stood as man against the fbi psychopaths and serial killers who were sent to kill him. Also, I seved in the fbi during the time of the violence at the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota; Today, the fbi continues gross violations of constitutional rights against political dissidents. I believe that Leonard Peltier was such a dissident and he is a defender of liberty against the murderous fbi agents who ran amuk at the reservation .

Full Report

Saturday Feb 4 Leonard Peltier Clemency March in Tacoma - carpool info from Portland

whoisleonardpeltier

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prisons & prisoners 25-Jan-2012 07:43

Leonard Peltier Clemency March in Tacoma

free peltier From the open publishing newswire: The International Day in Solidarity with Leonard Peltier is Saturday, February 4. There will be a Northwest Regional March and Rally for Clemency for Leonard Peltier in Tacoma, Washington that day. For Portlanders interested in carpooling (either needing transportation or willing to share your vehicle to carpool) to Tacoma, there is an opportunity that day.

Noon: March for Justice from Portland Avenue Park (on Portland Avenue, between E. 35th and E. Fairbanks) in Tacoma, Washington. (Take Portland Avenue Exit off I-5 and head east.)
1:00 p.m.: Rally for Justice in front of the U.S. Federal Courthouse, 1717 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma, Washington.

*** For Portlanders interested in carpooling (either needing transportation or willing to share your vehicle to carpool) to Tacoma, please RSVP to (503) 750-0523 or  oregon_jericho@gmail.com . Transportation will meet up outside of KBOO Community Radio Station, 20 S.E. 8th Avenue, Portland before embarking to Tacoma between 9:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. ***

 http://www.whoisleonardpeltier.info

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government | homelessness 18-Jan-2012 08:00

Action Alert: Waive the Fines on Right 2 Dream Too!

From the open publishing newswire: The City says Right 2 Dream Too (R2DToo) must comply with Recreational Campground Ordinances or pay a $641.30 fine every month. R2DToo is NOT a recreational campground. It provides emergency shelter for dozens of people every night (at no cost to the City).

Three ways YOU can help:
1. Take ONE MINUTE to contact Commissioner Dan Saltzman.
Tell him you support Right 2 Dream Too. Waive the fines. Lift the camping ban.
E-mail: dan@portlandoregon.gov
Telephone: (503) 823-4151

2. Take ONE HOUR and join R2DToo on
Wednesday, February 1, 2012, 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
City Hall, S.W. Fourth and Madison Avenues, Portland

3. Keep this thought for the rest of your life:
HOUSING IS A HUMAN RIGHT!

[ Related: Street Roots coverage, Nov 2011 | Right2Survive coverage Oct 2011 ]

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human & civil rights 15-Jan-2012 07:55

Legalize Bared Feet - They Are Holy! Occupy Cottage Grove Library

From the open publishing newswire: Bare foot entry barred in the Cottage Grove public library. why is this, and so many other places? It seems nothing more than a prejudice, or fear of a liability. The bare foot is typically cleaner than a shoe; for a lot of people this is a serious health and comfort issue. We have been stonewalled and threatened with police action. To people who habitually walk barefoot though, the most compelling reason to change this policy is that wearing shoes temporarily seriously affects skin and causes cracking to the otherwise impervious toughened soul. For these reasons, we are walking peacefully to make conference with those in charge. This issue, trivial to some, represents freedom to us.

[Followup: The 'principle agitator' chose the route of civil disobedience, refused to put on his shoes. Cops were called, arrested him and charged him with trespassing! $5000 in potential fine and they say they are going to keep him until court (arraignment or trial, not sure)... Other barefoot people, having dealt with this? There is no health code to claim ground of course, but they are apparently allowed to make policy unilaterally. Question is, can they enforce this policy legally? ]

"barefooters.org" - letters written to/from health departments in the U.S. confirming that being barefoot does not violate health and safety codes in many U.S. states

Followup post from 1/20/12: SEPTUAGENARIAN IS JAILED FOR A WEEK FOR GOING BAREFOOT

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alternative media | corporate dominance 09-Jan-2012 07:59

Video: Rally Supporting Portland City Council Resolution to End Corporate Personhood

From the open publishing newswire: On Wednesday, January 4th,2012, the Portland Alliance for Democracy and Move to Amend Portland chapter and their allies rallied outside City Hall in Portland Oregon to support and strengthen the proposed city resolution supporting a federal constitutional amendment to End Corporate Personhood.
Rally to End Corporate Personhood

On January 12th at 2 PM, the city council has scheduled the official hearing on the resolution and will likely take a vote. So plan on being at this city council meeting, to offer support and/or to testify in favor of an improved resolution and to support allowing us all to vote by referring language to the ballot.

An excellent write up on this campaign

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labor 04-Jan-2012 14:37

Join the Solidarity Caravan to Longview, Washington

Demand a Massive Public Works Program From the open publishing newswire: ILWU rank and file, Occupies in Longview, Portland, Seattle, Oakland, LA and other West Coast Occupies are organizing to blockade a grain ship coming to Longview. This ship is intended to load scab cargo from the EGT terminal. The date won't be known until 3-4 days in advance, but is anticipated to be sometime in January.

[In Portland] Come hear Port shutdown organizers from Occupy Oakland speak alongside rank and file Longshore workers from Oakland and Longview about the significance of the Longview struggle, and what we can do when this grain shipment arrives!

Where: SEIU Local 503, 6401 SE Foster Road, Portland, Oregon
When: Thursday, January 5th, from 7-9pm
UPDATE 1/13/12 - New Next Meeting Info: Saturday, January 14th 5-7pm [PIMC post]

contact info@shutdowntheport.com for more information

Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Central Labor Council Call to Action Resolution Jan 2, 2012
Internationalist Group call to action to prevent loading of scab cargo | Call to Action from Longview Occupy

westcoastportshutdown.org

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prisons & prisoners 01-Jan-2012 05:51

Reportback from NYE jail solidarity noise demo

From the open publishing newswire: Tonight a group of about 20 folks, mostly in black, gathered outside the Donald E. Long juvenile detention center at 1401 NE 68th Avenue in Portland. Several anarchist slogans were spray-painted on the outer walls, including "Jail the guards, burn the prisons" and circle-A.

We played an anti-cop hip-hop and punk mix really loudly over our super awesome janky-ass bumping dance chariot (aka mobile sound system).
It should be noted that there was almost zero police interference.

Jail the guards! Burn the prisons!
xoxoxoxoxoxo PDX

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actions & protests 30-Dec-2011 06:40

Police show excessive force to evict Occupy Bellingham Camp: 4 arrested

occupy bellingham From the open publishing newswire: On December 28th, dressed in riot gear, the Bellingham Police Department forcibly evicted Occupy Bellingham's permanent encampment. The cops showed no remorse as dozens of protesters attempted to negotiate for more time to finish clearing out the camp and to re-vegetate disturbed areas. The officers in charge initially refused to communicate with the police liaison from the group and gave almost no notice before sweeping the encampment. Streets surrounding the encampment were barricaded as cops began flooding the parking lot adjacent to the camp. Throughout the process, the cops chose to enforce the agenda of the power elite, disrupting a peaceful protest, trampling first amendment rights and forcing the public out of a public park. The Bellingham police demonstrated their allegiance to the corrupt state by placing property over people's needs. We expect nothing else from the fascist men in blue.

After the protest was disrupted, the crowd came together to march to City Hall and then held a General Assembly inside the building to discuss our next steps as a movement. The encampment had been a home to over a dozen Occupiers since October 23rd, 2011, several of which have now been left with nowhere to go. Although Occupy Bellingham may no longer have a physical encampment, our ideals of solidarity, resistance and autonomy only grow stronger with each day that we face the realities of our corrupt nation and witness the abusive display of power from the police.

 http://occupy-bellingham.org

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actions & protests | imperialism & war 16-Dec-2011 17:19

OCCVPATRIOT 12/16/2011

Weaponized Bulldozers for the Person of the Year -- the Protestor From the open publishing newswire: PAINTING BANNERS SIGNS

Thrown away into dumpsters by riot police.

Like of remains of soldiers killed in Iraq, for the ideas of Amerika's ruling class. It all ends up in a landfill somewhere.

Bring the Troops home, throw the dead ones in the trash. Workers at the Port weaponize a bulldozer, smash the ground with its garbage plow. Threaten the people, disenfranchised. They treat the people like garbage. Whether anyone has a job or not, these actions are happening. These protests will continue. A riot cop pushes me down, I jump up and I push back. Even days later, I fell the sting of his stick, a reminder of the ones he's paid to protect.

I am a worker, reduced to a beggar. Whether anyone wants my help or not. So a Union Worker looses a day of pay. So those out of work lose a day of pay everyday. And the worker becomes one of those bums in the park, that the riot police have to deal with, blue rubber gloves. They throw your tents and blankets, your protests, your ideas into a dumpster. They hire a trucker, to weaponize their trucks and send your remains to a landfill somewhere.

Unity, Solidarity is dead, so society falls apart. General Assembly consensus says, "Sell your comrade out!, Let that soldier, stopping business get run down. Throw her under the wheels of capital." The General Consensus says, "Better her than you. Let her stand up and get run down." Block the tracks, get crushed up, it's all bad press, as society rips itself apart.

Another Union Leader's day of pay. I won't sympathize with any worker that can weaponize a bulldozer. To use a workers equipment, against desperate people, trying anything they can to save the world. I have no sympathy for the General Consensus, to let a person be run down by a workers truck. A worker's locomotive, a workers bulldozer. These actions are not a personal attack. These actions will continue, whether any one person, one Union Leader, or one spokes council likes it or not. Long will live people's struggle. For we are becoming workers reduced to beggars.

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