| resources | contact | about | volunteer | tv news | video | radio | questions |
| |||||||||||
|
|
|
||||||||||
      regionstopic pagesgenresactionsall action pages >> resourcesglobal imc
|
features archive
Photographs from the Portland Rising rally and march, Saturday, April 16, 2011. Well organized, well attended and well spoken, the event demands change and, most importantly, vows to continue the struggle.
The event began at Pioneer Courthouse Square, and after about 45 minutes of remarks, marched through downtown Portland, stopping at U.S. Bank and the Hilton Hotel, eventually gathering together at Tery Schrunk Plaza for a few more remarks. At U.S. bank, the Portland Rising march was joined by a smaller group coming from a separate but related event, the Climate Justice Rally. Speakers were passionate and articulate. Besides the excellent speech by Mahlon Mitchell, President of the Professional Fire Fighters of Wiscoinsin, a high point was a series of 1 minute or so speeches from about 10 workers of various occupations and nationalities. Each gave a poignant snap shot of life in their world and stressed the need for all people to work together against the growing right wing attacks on unions, the poor and the middle class. As usual the signs added a creative element to the event, and without uttering a word, said it all.
Joining the call for "Good Jobs for All" are public and private sector workers from nine local unions who are supporting each others drive for a decent contract.br> When: April 16, 2011 at 12:00 noon. Where: Pioneer Courthouse Square, at the corner of SW 6th and Morrison Special Guest Speaker: Mahlon Mitchell, President of the Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin On April 16, 2011, hundreds of community members from all walks of life will join together in downtown Portland to call for "Good Jobs for All" and for Congress to protect the safety net including Social Security and Medicare. Joining the call for "Good Jobs for All" are public and private sector workers from nine local unions who are supporting each other's drive for a decent contract. The march and rally will be in the spirit of Wisconsin - family friendly and strong in spirit with excellent visuals. Appearing direct from the front lines of the battle in Madison, will be Mahlon Mitchell, President of the Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin. When talking about why he led the firefighters into the capitol to protest Scott Walker's attacks on working people, Mitchell explained, "When firefighters see an emergency, we respond." With millions of Americans unemployed, underemployed and underpaid, the need for a national public works program to put people back to work is becoming increasingly apparent. There is a growing demand for federal programs that will serve to rebuild the crumbling infrastructure and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels by using energy efficiency programs and technologies and expansion of public transportation systems. At the same time communities are recognizing the need to protect vulnerable families from homelessness, hunger and other symptoms of poverty by strengthening rather than cutting programs such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). http://www.jwjpdx.org Reports Back Links Photos posted by: Bette Lee Photos and post by: Jim Lockhart Video posted by: Joe Anybody
Labor, unions, workers, civil rights advocates, and citizens of Portland filled the Directors Square park [in the rain] to hear speeches, music, and rally cries for economy justice, as well as to acknowledge Martin Luther Kings dedicated work. Dr King died on this day 43 years ago. I would say the rally had around 200 people estimated in attendance. [no corporate media visible / no surprise]
Apr 04, 2011 05:30 PM Director Park SW 9th Ave & SW Yamhill St, Portland April 4 marks the 43rd anniversary of the death of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who was assassinated while in Memphis to support a strike of city sanitation workers. Those public workers went on to win recognition of their union, along with economic justice and respect. But today, the rights for which they and Dr. King struggled are under attack. [4 videos were recorded from this event]
Despite the bitter cold (at least by Pacific NW standards), hundreds rallied and marched in downtown Portland on Friday.
Portland joined in with the labor uprising sweeping the country. At a rally organized in two days, about 850 people came together to stand in solidarity with public employees in Wisconsin and across the country. Yesterday, over 100,000 took to the streets in Wisconsin, while solidarity rallies happened in every state in he country. Photos here:  http://www.jwjpdx.org/photo-gallery/wisconsin-solidarity-rallies
Video here: http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1757722457433
weak KATU story here: http://www.katu.com/news/local/116960688.html
(even though counter-protestors weren't there, KATU sought out some right-wing tea partier for comment--ever see them do that when it's the other way around?) Want to find out about more actions like this? Get on the JwJ list: http://www.jwjpdx.org/join-us
There were Solidarity with Wisconsin rally's across the country today....
In spite of the very cold weather, it was a good turn out in Salem Oregon.
Janus protest continues into its second week, going strongWorkers stood in front of Janus Youth Programs, at 707 NE Couch, from 9am to 11am, again today, starting off a second week of picketing. About 12 workers held sign, passed out fliers, sang classic labor songs and chanted -- "1, 2, 3, 4, we won't take this any more, 5, 6, 7, 8, we don't want to arbitrate." Workers at Streetlight/Porchlight and Harry's Mother shelters are being told by Janus management that they will not have their IWW union labor contracts signed unless they give up their demand to keep their peer review panel in cases where workers are fired and contest that firing. These panels have been in place for a decade, and have never cost Janus any money. In their place, Janus is proposing binding arbitration, which could easily cost $1500 a day, money that neither the volunteer-run IWW union nor the workers have. Workers see this as a way for management to pressure them into accepting either a fair wage or a fair contract, and workers are demanding both. The small pay raise Janus is offering is contingent on the workers giving up their demand to keep their peer review panel. Workers chanted, "Every day til we get our way!" and plan to stand every morning of each workday in front of Janus until their demands are met. [Related Video on Protest]
The collector threatening your paycheck may not actually own the debt; and you can fight back
You can beat the Man, and keep your money. And you should, because destroying bottom-feeder capitalism benefits everyone. Here is information that will help you to decide whether to take on a bottom-feeder in court. I did, and the case was called: Equable Ascent Financial, LLC vs. Theresa Mitchell Multnomah County Court Case no. 100404905. The outcome of this case was plaintiff-requested dismissal, or in other words, they gave up! Like a lot of lapsed debtors, I feared I might not qualify under the new bankruptcy laws, and I knew I didn't have money up front for a bankruptcy lawyer. [...] In Oregon the amount under $10,000 automatically goes to arbitration unless either party objects in writing. So I objected, but my objection mysteriously was delayed by Clerk office. I really had to wonder. Use certified/notarized mail for all Clerk transactions in Multnomah County. There was a $500 fee for arbitration but I applied for waiver/deferral. As soon as I filed all fees and papers, I received notice of dismissal from the Arbitration atty ---within 2 hours; and I have to ask, how was that done so quickly, unless the Arbitration attorney is in constant contact, and perhaps cahoots with the collector? But this is the bottom line: I won, and you can win, and you should fight the bottom feeders, because--I cannot emphasize this enough--THEY HAVE NO RIGHT TO YOUR MONEY!! new bankruptcy laws: http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/article-30040.html The old credit compact worked out profitably for the big banks this way: You were offered unsecured loans with your credit cards, the bank backed the purchases via fractional reserve banking, which is to say they essentially created the money from nothing, and you paid the money back . Should you fail to pay, credit agencies were notified, and you suffered a loss of credit rating if you defaulted.
A 1/2 hour Public Access program featuring Steve Hughes, Working Families Party of Oregon, discussing the advantages of a State Bank. Right now the State of Oregon deposits billions of our tax dollars into the same "Too Big To Fail" banks that crashed our economy. A Proposal to Create a State Bank in Oregon Oregonians for a State Bank believes that we should bring that money home, and invest it into creating jobs here. The Oregon legislature will consider a bill this year to cut our dependency on Wall Street by creating the Oregon State Bank. On the program, "A Growing Concern," Steve also announced an upcoming event, and invited the community to attend and find out what they can do to get involved in this exciting campaign. A Public Forum About the Oregon State Bank. Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2011 5:30 - 6 pm Reception 6 - 8 pm Public Forum At the New Song Community Church (2511 NE MLK Blvd, Portland) Speaking will be: Barbara Dudley - Co-Chair of the Oregon Working Families Party; Jim Houser - Co-owner of the Hawthorne Auto Clinic, and co-chair of the Main Street Alliance of Oregon; Teresa Retzlaff - Farmer at 46 North Farm in Astoria, and member of Friends of Family Farmers; State Representative Jefferson Smith - (D-Portland, District 47).
Portland Event. Kim Kyung-Ran, is director of external relations for the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions
[Video] link to www.archive.org
The following text I copied from the event flier: In early December, U.S. and Korean trade negotiators struck a deal that is expected to bring the Korea Free Trade Agreement to the floor of Congress in early 2011. This is the biggest free trade agreement since NAFTA, and is strongly opposed by the largest labor federations in each country. Hear Kim Kyung-Ran, director of external relations for the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, as she: Inspires us to action with photos and stories from some of South Korea's largest and most dramatic mobilizations against the FTA to date. Kim busts the myth that job-killing trade deals that hurt ordinary Americans some how benefit working people in other countries. Kyung-Ran's stunning 35-minute slide presentation will be followed by short reports from local activists, updating you on the expected impact of the FTA in our region and how you can get involved in local efforts to stop it.
Workers at the Red & Black Cafe are teaming up with a newly forming low-income housing non-profit to own the cafe's current building at 400 SE 12th St in Portland. A fundraising drive was launched at the beginning of this month to raise the $50 thousand dollar down payment. Loans and donations to the project bring the current total raised to over $43,000! We have until the end of January to raise the money to make this project successful. The plan for the building is that the main floor will remain the Red & Black Cafe. The upstairs, which is currently offices, will become income restricted affordable housing.
With ownership comes the security of knowing that space costs can't be pushed out of reach by a future landlord. This is especially reassuring news for the Red & Black Cafe which faced this very issue when it was forced from its original location. This is also important due to the Red & Black's controversial reputation — owning the building ensures that there will be no future landlord who is tempted to not renew the lease.
In the political theater exhibited last December where 13 months of unemployment extensions were linked to continuing tax breaks for the rich, a significant issue was left out of the drama, though it directly impacts the lives of millions. That is the fate of those who have become known as the 99ers.
The 99ers are those who have not been able to find a job, though they have exhausted all their employment benefits. The number of people applying for unemployment benefits peaked from November 2008 to May 2009. Ninety-nine weeks later those still unemployed had exhausted their benefits and disappeared from the official unemployment statistics. They no longer have a social safety net to land in and crawl out of. Their numbers and continuing growth are staggering, and their desperate situation effects all working class Americans -- employed and unemployed. The fact that their fate was left unaddressed last December, while the economic top one percent were allowed hundreds of billions of dollars in tax breaks, says a lot about the political priorities of those who set policy in this country and whose voices they listen to. Long-term joblessness has been an especially pronounced problem in the Great Recession. Those out of work for longer than six months make up 45.9 percent of all those unemployed. Those out of work for over a year make up 23 percent. This situation is not improving. For every job there are still a minimum of five workers competing to get it. According to the Federal Reserve's extended forecast, the unemployment rate in 2011 will not go below nine percent, and in 2012 it will remain at eight percent or higher. This bleak outlook is all the more difficult for the 99ers since employers frequently use a long period of unemployment as a reason not to hire workers. It has been estimated that there are over two million 99ers. By the end of 2011, this number is expected to increase by four million, with the peak month for unemployment benefit cutoffs occurring in April. As in the 1930s, today we must organize in a way that creates unity between the employed and unemployed. To start, we can organize the largest possible union-led demonstrations to realize this unity in the streets. Educating and agitating on demands for economic relief for the 99ers and a jobs-creation program funded by raising Wall Street's taxes, would help to rally the numbers to make an impact. We must not be distracted by those who wish to dilute these demands by arguing that they are impossible, given the current political climate. It is that political climate that must be changed and this will not happen unless workers unite around their own needs and aspirations. The history of the 1930s demonstrates that when workers join into a movement representing their own interests, what is considered impossible can be made possible. http://www.workerscompass.org/vorp/mv2011/mv01202011.html
Organised by the Sunnyside Self-Help Employment Group, Oregonians held a press conference in Director Park to speak out against the looming cuts and the affect this will have on people in the Northwest. Portland, OR, USA, 29/11/2010.
The conference today focused on the issues surrounding the fact that just 4 days after Thanksgiving, Tuesday November 30th, Federal Unemployment Insurance Extension Benefits and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) will expire for millions of Americans. Countrywide over 20 million Americans are unemployed. If Congress does not act by the deadline over 2 million will be cut off from exiting employment benefits, with 7500 families affected in Oregon alone. homepage: http://www.alexmilantracy.com
This protest was filmed outside of Congressman David Wu's office in Portland on Thursday 12.2.10. A few speeches about "trickle up" and "tinkle down" economics
JWJ spokesperson commented and also a few citizen as well regarding the upcoming tax break continuing for the ultra wealthy. The protest was to say "NO" to giving a tax break to the rich at the office of our congressman. One person was a wealthy tax payer ...and she spoke of "not wanting any break and she wanted to pay her fair tax" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdbPF9DU_t0
Capitalism isn't working. Socialism is the alternative—a world organized for human need, not profit, where resources are controlled by and for the vast majority, instead of by a tiny rich minority. Real change depends on struggle and action by our side. The Oregon Socialist Conference is one of the dozens of socialist conferences being held nationwide that are dedicated to arming a new generation of rebels, activists and organizers with arguments and ideas for a revolutionary socialist alternative, learning our history of rebellion and resistance, and discussing strategies for building organization and winning struggles for real change.
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 21st AT PORTLAND STATE UNIVERSITY *All sessions will be in Smith Memorial Student Union 294** SATURDAY 20th Workers' Republic Documentary PSU 5th Ave. Cinema. 510 SW Hall St. Portland, OR 97201 7pm. Free! http://www.portlandsocialists.org/oregonsocialistconference/
This is small documentary about a project called "Crude Awakening" which was about shutting down an oil refinery.
The participants succeeded in shutting it down by using flash mobs. The activists there have also created some new ideas in claiming public space, namely in using bamboo tripods. I think this is fitting given that BP is located in Britain. Also National Geographic had an article about the oil spill in the gulf this month worth reading. It compares it to the Ixtoc oil spill in Mexico and states that they are still able to find oil tar in the region where Ixtoc happened in 1979. The information there gives no such a pretty picture about the future of the gulf region after Deep Water. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccmXD03XVNI&feature=player_embedded
Saturday, October 9 (Tomorrow)
Afghanistan: Nine Years Later -- "Money for Jobs and Education, Not for War and Occupation!" South Park Blocks (Market and Clay) 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. -- Rally (meet at South Park Blocks, between Market and Clay) 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. -- March 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. -- Teach-in (at Portland State University, Smith Hall) We demand: End the Occupations of Afghanistan and Iraq! Stop Funding Israeli Apartheid: Equal Rights for Palestinians! No War on Iran or Pakistan: Stop Drone Bombings! Stop Scapegoating Arabs, Muslims and Immigrants! Hands Off Latin America! For more information, please contact Peace & Justice Works ((503) 236-3065 or http://www.pjw.info
[VIDEO'S from event on this PIMC related link] http://portland.indymedia.org/en/2010/10/402982.shtml
HOLA (HANDS OFF LATIN AMERICA) which is part of PCASC (Portland Central Solidarity Committee) held a discussion on "Participatory Democracy". This event discussed alternatives to the current failing capitalist system.
DISCUSSION SERIES PRESENTS Professor of Economics Robin Hahnel A radical economist and political activist. Robin is Professor Emeritus at American University in Washington, D.C. where he taught in the Department of Economics from 1976 - 2008. Currently he is a visiting professor at Lewis & Clark College and Portland State University in Portland Oregon, while he has also served as a visiting professor or economist in Cuba, Peru and England. Politically he considers himself a proud product of the New Left and is sympathetic to libertarian socialism. This was a great discussion on Participatory Democracy
This is a brief account of the detainment and arrest of a houseless person on the streets of downtown Portland, near the intersection of NW Hoyt St. & NW 4th Ave. This happened Thursday, September 23 @ 3PM.
I was biking down the street at about 3PM, and noticed that there were four officers on horseback surrounding a houseless person. The black male-bodied houseless person was charged with trespassing while outside this abandoned building, where they were resting under an overhang to avoid the rainfall. For about 20 minutes four white officers questioned the houseless person and made small talk. Officers were on the radio numerous times, relaying information and calling for backup. At about 3.20PM a fifth officer arrived in a police cruiser. This officer pulled out an electronic fingerprinting device, and attempted to fingerprint and ID the houseless person. The houseless person did not have ID, and did not want to be fingerprinted. He put his hands underneath his legs, and was rocking back and forth, afraid of physical violence. He yelled "I'm the only black person here, help! Help! I haven't done anything wrong, I'm not a criminal." And he later yelled, several times "Rodney King! Rodney King!" To which one of the officers just chuckled and said "oh yeah, that's a good one." Two officers on horseback left the scene (and spoke with me briefly before departing), leaving the other three officers to finish up. The officer that pulled up in the vehicle was not able to fingerprint the houseless person, and in turn wrote up a quick report and handcuffed them. The houseless person was arrested and escorted into the police vehicle at about 3.30PM. [qoute] houseless person: "I want people to know I haven't done anything wrong!"
The Society for Haitian Arts and Culture (SHAC), a Portland-based, grassroots organization composed of Haitian immigrants and their allies, is seeking help in filling a relief container that is bound for Haiti.
HELP FILL A RELIEF CONTAINER FOR HAITI! Saturday, September 18 [today] -- 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, September 25 (next weekend) -- 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. CENTRAL BIBLE CHURCH (Parking Lot) 8815 N.E. Glisan Street Portland, Oregon 97220 The Society for Haitian Arts and Culture (SHAC) is particularly seeking hygiene supplies, first aid kits and food. Camping-type items and school supplies are also appreciated. Monetary donations are always gratefully accepted and appreciated. For further information, please contact Judith Gelin, Executive Director of SHAC, at  hasac5@aol.com
21 people commented at two nights of hearings re the proposed TriMet fare hike and bus cuts to up to 60 routes. TRU urges the TriMet board to defeat both proposals from staff, come up with alternate funding, and TRU calls for the TriMet board to be elected (not appointed by Oregon's govenor, which is currently the case).
At the Wednesday austerity cuts and fare hike hearing held by TriMet, Transit Riders Union came out opposing both the five cents a ride fare hike and proposed bus and MAX cuts. 17 people talked at this hearing held at the Portland Building in downtown Portland, all opposing the cuts and fare hike. A hearing the night before at Clackamas Community College drew 4 people who made comments. A third hearing is tonight at a location that TriMet was very unclear about -- the TriMet official told us that the location is close to the 15 bus and to MAX by Mall 205, at Academy School, but he wasn't exactly sure how to get there, etc.
Tenant Rights Project, together with community allies, on March 24 held a second picket and protest at downtown Portland nonprofit slumlord admin office, of Central City Concern, over retaliatory eviction notices, and violations of Oregon's landlord-tenant law. Activists also talked at Portland City Council before the picket.
The informational picket included housing activists, students from Reed and Willamette, and included a number of picket signs protesting recent retaliatory eviction notices against tenant activists, lack of livability and habitability in CCC housing units and buildings, and lack of transparency by the CCC board of directors. CCC is a $33,000,000 per year landlord, with about $50,000,000 in capital projects in addition. Tenant organizers have sent three demand letters to the CCC board of directors requesting better pest control, better repairs, safety improvements to the buildings, and requesting that tenants be allowed to attend and speak at CCC monthly board meetings, held on a Wednesday evening once a month at the CCC admin office where last Wednesday's picket was held, at the corner of NW 6th and Everett streets.
The 110 minute video as well as five out takes from the presentation on January 28 in Portland was organized and sponsored by www.PCASC.net These are 5 short YouTube out takes from his 2 hour speaking engagement on 1.28.10: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Jose Baqendale discusses (1)The coupe (2)The Resistance (3)The Police (4)Missing People & Womans March (5)The Front's policies Link to entire 100 min Archive .org Video
On Wednesday, Dec. 30th, at 9 a.m., transit activists, anti-oil war activists, clean air advocates, anti-global warming organizers, and others, are picketing (bring you own picket signs, but we will have some, as well!) Portland Business Alliance over PBA's ongoing push to cut and gut TriMet's Fareless Square.
So far, only Lynn Lehrbach, on the TriMet board, has voted with the 1,400 transit riders who turned in petitions against cutting Fareless Square, to the unelected TriMet board, to save Fareless Square and fight other transit service cuts (TriMet is cutting both bus and MAX service, even as they keep building more light rail and streetcar lines, prioritizing capital projects from Obama stimulus money over providing bus service to workers, unemployed, students, seniors and the poor). Just say no to TriMet and PBA's war on the poor -- Save Fareless Square! http://www.savefarelesssquare.org
In the wake of the failure of the governments of the world to come any substantial consensus on what to do about climate change, and in view of their failure to even discuss real solutions to climate change, members of Eugene's Black Tea Society staged a solidarity action in the form of a banner drop. The COP15 talks only served to reaffirm what many of us in the climate justice movement already knew: that the so-called "leaders" of the world have no intention of rising above petty national bickering to solve the most urgent crisis of our time. In the face of government collaboration and inaction it is the responsibility of every human to rise to the defence of mother earth. We are but the crest of a rising tide of popular discontent which will sweep away the old order, replacing it with one based in mutual aid, sustainable living, and cooperative economics. Our survival depends on it.
In the back of a truck on a rainy winter day we pull off I-5 into Seattle. High in the distance a banner hangs from a crane building condos. WTO this way, Democracy that. A guy holding incense flashes a victory sign greets cars as they go into downtown. We find our friends, the house we would be staying in for the week of the convention. This house near downtown became our trenches. We ate from cans of beans with pocket knives.
I was here to take pictures. I had been part of demonstrations in the months leading up to the WTO. I had captured images on film with an old Nikon-F that my father had given me. On our first night, we plastered a Starbucks with political posters. These protest posters were tokens of the revolution. This was before 9-11 so things felt hopeful. Environmental activists and Union activists coming together in unity, in solidarity.
The Olympic Resistance Network will be in Portland to teach about the devastating legacy and impacts of the Olympics as well as describe the state of movement that is building militant resistance to the Five Ring Circus. Come learn how we in Portland can stand in solidarity with our neighbors to the north! The 2010 Winter Olympics will take place on unceded indigenous land in the Coast Salish Territories. Far from being simply about 'sport', the history of the Olympics is one rooted in displacement, corporate greed, fascism, repression, and violence. Those with the most to gain from the Olympics are the political and corporate elite - from real estate developers to private security corporations. For more info: www.No2010.com, www.OlympicResistance.net, http://cascadiaconvergencenetwork.wordpress.com/ Related Article: Olympic Resistance Network Speaker Prevented From Speaking Out in Portland
The $33,000,000 per year, so-called nonprofit corporation, Central City Concern, at the direction of $100,000 per year CEO and slumlord Ed Blackburn, has hired a lawyer -- instead of making needed repairs, adding staff to improve building security, and fixing persistent pest control problems. Tenant activists organized an initial picket, and are planning a second winter picket for December.
pages: 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 |