local stuffs list: local stuffs

1. University of Colorado Set To Fire Ward Churchill
2. Natives Renew Call for UN Recognition
3. community forum flyer
4. Poem 56
5. Telling It Like It Is About Tourism On "Voices Of Truth - One-On-One
With Hawai`i's Future"
6. A Warrior With Aloha On "Voices Of Truth - One-On-One With Hawai`i's
Future"
7. Pele Synchronizes Lava Release with Harry Potter Celebrations
8. Lecture by Dr. Donald Béliveau, PhD
9. Oneness Deeksha Blessings abound next weekend!
10. The Hard Bullet for Progressives to Bite / should I screen the film
WHAT A WAY TO GO?
11. Fed up with war, some won't pay taxes
12. Environmental News Network: Surge of Dead Seabirds Alarms Scientists -
comment
13. Deployed troops get jump on Hawaii housing market
14. NY Times - Front Page - Japan's Remiliarization, Live fire bombing
runs in Guam
15. The Worldwide Network of US Military Bases
16. Democracy Unlimited Deep Democracy Retreat
17. Are you living in 2007??
18. Chertoff bases warning of terror risk on 'gut feeling,' E. A.
Torriero, 20070711
19. Sign-On Statement Opposing The Iraq Oil Law - Please Sign, Please
Share with Others
20. VENEZUELA: JOURNEY WITH THE REVOLUTION
21. Star Bulletin Poll: Do you think the Stryker brigade should be
stationed at Schofield Barracks?
22. Let's get away from usual party politics
23. I am seriously pissed off at OHA right now

1. University of Colorado Set To Fire Ward Churchill
From: <moderator@PORTSIDE.ORG>
Sent: Sunday, July 22, 2007 4:25 PM

> University of Colorado Set To Fire Ward Churchill
> by Ira Chernus
> Published on Friday, July 20, 2007
> by CommonDreams.org
> http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/07/20/2647/
>
> On Tuesday, July 24, the University of Colorado Board of Regents will
> decide whether to accept the recommendation of CU President (and former
> Republican senator) Hank Brown, and fire CU Professor Ward Churchill.
> It's not likely that Brown, one of the shrewdest (and most conservative)
> politicians Colorado has produced, would recommend the firing unless he
> was already sure the Regents would back him up. So it's a very good bet
> that the Regents will indeed give Churchill the axe. The only thing that
> might change their minds is an outpouring of public opinion supporting a
> professor's right to voice unpopular views.
>
> The Regents' decision is not merely a local affair. It has enormous
> impact on the whole country. That gives you the right -- and the
> responsibility -- to let them know what you think. The chair of the
> University of Colorado Board of Regents is Patricia Hayes. You can write
> to her at: Patricia.Hayes@cu.edu.
>
> Why should you bother? It's still a rare occasion when a tenured
> professor is fired because he is an outspoken leftist. But every time a
> witchhunt is successful, it encourages other right-wingers to go after
> their favorite target. It brings the next witchhunt closer and increases
> the odds that it will succeed.
>
> I'm an outspoken leftie professor at the University of Colorado too, so
> I've got a personal stake in this. Someone once asked me to wear a big
> button that said, "I am Ward Churchill." I said I'd prefer a button
> reading, "I am Next." But you never know who will be next. There is
> nothing very special about Colorado. It can happen anywhere. The
> witchhunters may be coming to a campus near you. That's one reason the
> fate of Ward Churchill matters to you.
>
> The visible fallout from the Churchill case -- the future attacks on
> leftist academics -- is only the tip of the iceberg. The bigger effect
> is one we'll never see or hear: the silence of all those, on and off
> campuses, who start censoring themselves, not speaking their minds
> completely and directly, avoiding controversial topics in their teaching
> and research, because they see which way the political wind blows.
>
> Right after the 9/11 attack, White House spokesman Ari Fleischer said
> that people had better "watch what they say." That's the same message
> the CU Regents will send across the country by firing Churchill. The
> impact of this chilling effect is invisible and incalculable, but it is
> very real. And it will directly affect your freedom to hear the
> diversity of opinions, including the most radical opinions, that our
> ailing democracy needs so badly. That's another reason the fate of Ward
> Churchill matters to you, no matter where you live.
>
> Of course the chilling wind would blow coldest across our college
> campuses. The quality of education in this country would take a blow.
> The efforts we profs make to engage students in critical thinking would
> be compromised as faculty avoid potentially damaging conflicts. The
> long-term trend toward turning colleges into vocational job training
> centers would get a boost. So would the powerful forces promoting what
> they call "politically neutral" indoctrination in Western culture and
> values.
>
> Do we want our universities to graduate incurious and obedient
> functionaries rather than creative and bold leaders?
>
> You may hesitate to weigh in on the case of the right wingers vs. Ward
> Churchill because you don't know the facts. After all, the faculty's
> Research Misconduct Committee produced a voluminous report detailing his
> supposed misconduct. It's the basis for firing Churchill.
>
> Was the committee fair and accurate in its assessment? To be honest, I
> don't know. How could I? I'm not an expert in Native American Studies. I
> don't have the knowledge or experience to make an informed judgment. But
> neither did the committee, nor anyone else in the University bureacracy
> who has brought Churchill to the academic gallows. There were two
> experts in Native American Studies on the committee for a while, but
> they quit (some say they were hounded off) because they were trying to
> give the matter a fair hearing, and it seemed to them that was not what
> the committee had in mind.
>
> So a professor is about to be axed for research misconduct even though
> no one with any expertise in his field has substantiated the charges. In
> fact a number of experts in Native American Studies who examined the
> committee's report found that it had numerous flaws and seemed to
> reflect the selective use of evidence to advance a predetermined
> objective. They found no evidence of gross errors, which is what
> "research misconduct" means, in Churchill's work.
>
> To be sure, Churchill has his critics in his academic field. So do I.
> That's what academia is all about. But as Eric Cheyfitz of Cornell
> University, who closely studied the committee's report, wrote, it "turns
> what is a debate about controversial issues of identity and genocide in
> Indian studies into an indictment of one position in that debate." If
> you start firing professors because some of their colleagues don't like
> their research, most all of us would have to go. And if you take apart
> the work of a productive scholar, looking for every little flaw you can
> find (a misplaced citation here, a small misquote there), most all of us
> would have to go. But that's not research misconduct.
>
> Churchill's scholarship as well as his politics has always been
> controversial. Critics charged for many years that he wasn't adhering
> strictly to all the academic rules. But CU officials ignored those
> charges for most of those years. (In fact they granted him tenure even
> though he did not have a Ph.D and his work was somewhat unconventional,
> because they wanted a star to show their commitment to diversity. Now
> they are using the same unconventionality to hound Churchill out -- and
> raise grave questions about their concern for diversity.)
>
> CU officials only became concerned about the quality of Churchill's work
> after right-wingers discovered his now-famous essay that called
> corporate functionaries working in the World Trade Center on 9/11
> "little Eichmanns." That triggered an avalanche of conservative pressure
> on CU to fire Churchill. Of course the University administrators could
> not come out and say they were investigating him for unpopular political
> opinions in the post-9/11 era. So they got the Research Misconduct
> Committee to go through his writings with a fine-tooth comb. Lo and
> behold, they found the "evidence" they were looking for.
>
> There's a lot more to the case. Charges of plagiarism rest on weak
> evidence and strained interpretations that don't withstand serious
> scrutiny. The University administrators broke their own system's rules
> in a number of ways. Most importantly, they let a massive campaign by
> outsiders -- conservatives from across the country -- influence what
> should be strictly an internal decision-making process.
>
> It looks like President Hank Brown is catering to those outsiders. He
> has rejected his own faculty advisory committee's recommendation to
> discipline and suspend Churchill, opting instead to go for out-and-out
> firing.
>
> The irony is that once the Regents do give Churchill the axe, he will go
> to court and argue that his contractual rights were violated. Both sides
> will trot out their experts. In the end, some judges who know nothing at
> all about Native American Studies will have to decide whether there is
> compelling evidence of research misconduct here. Since the whole case of
> the right wingers vs. Churchill rests on political animus, the outcome
> will probably depend on how conservative those judges are. If it ever
> reaches Supreme Court, we can unfortunately pretty well predict how it
> will go.
>
> The last chance to stop that slide down the slippery legal slope is to
> convince the Regents that it's not in their best interests to fire
> Churchill. They need to know that the whole world is watching. They need
> to hear from you. Again, the chair of the Board of Regents is Patricia
> Hayes. You can write to her at: Patricia.Hayes@cu.edu. If you want email
> addresses for the other Regents, go to
> https://www.cu.edu/regents/RgntsPUB0101.html.
>
> ----------- Ira Chernus is Professor of Religious Studies at the
> University of Colorado at Boulder and author of Monsters To Destroy: The
> Neoconservative War on Terror and Sin. Email: chernus@colorado.edu
> _____________________________________________

2. Natives Renew Call for UN Recognition
Date: Mon, 23 Jul 2007 01:28:51 -0400 (EDT)
From: kahiwal@cs.com

Posted by: "Jan" karaka@medscape.com jankaraka
Date: Sun Jul 22, 2007 6:45 pm ((PDT))
------ Forwarded Message From: Ana <uriohau@yahoo.com.au>
By Haider Rizvi

Les Malezer, chairperson of the Indigenous Peoples Caucus, speaks at UN
Headquarters in New York.

UNITED NATIONS, Jul 18 (IPS) - Leaders of the world's 370 million
indigenous peoples are reiterating their calls for the 192-member U.N.
General Assembly to recognise their sovereignty over ancestral lands and
resources.

"It is now time for the General Assembly to adopt the declaration by vote,
if necessary," Les Malezer, chairman of the U.N.-based Indigenous Peoples
Caucus, told reporters at a news conference Wednesday.

The proposed declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples was due to be
adopted by the General Assembly last year, but due to fierce objections
from certain countries it was set aside for further negotiations.

In addition to the United States, the countries that refused to endorse
the declaration included Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Columbia, Russia,
Surinam, Guyana and a few African nations led by Namibia.

Those unwilling to sign on to the declaration have expressed strong
reservations about parts of the text calling for recognition of the
indigenous peoples' right to self-determination and control over their
natural resources.

Those in opposition describe the draft declaration as "fundamentally
flawed," and thus have refused to accept the indigenous representatives'
assertion that their people have the right to self-determination.

Indigenous leaders, who have been struggling for the international
recognition of their peoples' rights for more than 20 years, have
repeatedly said that they would not accept any watered down version of the
text.

"We are distinct people by every definition of the term. We are the people
who were colonised after Columbus found his way to the Americas and the
European merchants and rulers conspired to dominate and exploit the rest
of the world," said Malezer.

Speaking on behalf of the world's first peoples, Malezer, who is an
Australian aboriginal, told reporters: "We have our own societies, laws
and languages, and a unique relationship with the natural world."

Many among the scientific community seem convinced that without the
cooperation of indigenous peoples, there is no way to reverse the loss of
biodiversity.

"Nature conservation is at the heart of the cultures and values of
traditional societies," according to Ahmed Djoghlaf, executive secretary
of the U.N. Convention on Biodiversity. "The link between biodiversity and
traditional knowledge is evident."

The biodiversity treaty, which has been endorsed by 190 countries, not
only recognises the significance of traditional knowledge, but also calls
for the need to "respect" and maintain indigenous innovations.

The treaty also calls for "fair and equitable share" for indigenous
peoples in the benefits that are derived from natural resources by
commercial enterprises.

Yet, threats to indigenous lands and resources, continue to go on in the
form of mining, logging, toxic contamination, privatization and
development projects, as well as the use of genetically modified seeds.

"There has been some progress in the area of legal recognition of our
right," said Victoria Tauli-Corpuz of the U.N. Permanent Forum on
Indigenous Issues. "In practical terms, this recognition has not
translated into reality."

In response to a question from IPS, Malezer said there were private
commercial interests involved in the political opposition to the
declaration of the indigenous peoples' rights.

"It has a lot to do with the existing economic order and multinational
interests," he told IPS.

In the recent past, there have been many cases in which the indigenous
people challenged the governments that allow private corporations engaged
in unlawful, but profitable exploitation of their lands and resources.

Both the United States and Canada have been castigated by various
U.N.-based human rights bodies for violating indigenous peoples' rights.

Indigenous leaders said apparently the U.S. has kept silent in the
diplomatic discourse on the declaration, but added they had no doubts
about that Washington played a key role in orchestrating a negative
campaign.

Some two weeks ago, the U.N. released a "non-paper" representing the views
of the governments that oppose the declaration. The so-called non-paper
calls for amendments in the original text of the declaration, particularly
the wording on self-determination and intellectual property rights.

The document does not mention the names of the countries seeking changes
in the text, but indigenous leaders told IPS that its the "wording and
positions of Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States are
recognisable amongst the jumble of false concerns."

At the news conference, Malezer accused Canada of severely "politicising
indigenous peoples", saying it has lost its "credibility" among countries
concerned about the principled protection of human rights.

Canada happened to be one of the countries that helped draft the
declaration, but altered its position as a result of political change in
Ottawa.

Indigenous leaders say both the U.S. and Canada, as well as others in
opposition to the declaration, must be held accountable for violations of
indigenous peoples' human rights.

"Canada is a leader in opposing the draft declaration," Arthur Manuel, a
leader of Canada's first nations, told IPS. "They are doing so because the
draft declaration is inconsistent with Canada's getting away with the
indigenous land claims."

Like many other indigenous leaders, both Malezer and Arthur hope that
despite opposition from a handful of countries, a vast majority of member
states in the U.N. General Assembly would vote for the adoption of the
declaration this year.

"We call upon those states without indigenous peoples to vote in support,"
Malezer said, even if the only criterion is to protect and integrity of
the Human Rights Council."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

3. community forum flyer
Date: Sun, 22 Jul 2007 20:39:06 -1000
From: MarshaRose <mrjoy@hawaii.rr.com>

WOMEN'S SAFETY & EQUITY: SEXUAL HARASSMENT IN THE WORKPLACE
A Community Forum
Sponsored by:
The Community Alliance Against Sexual Harassment

Wednesday, July 25, 2007
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Hawaii State Capitol Auditorium

Among the speakers will be Hale Koa workers, Prof. Kathy Ferguson of
UH-Manoa Women's Studies, William Hoshijo of the Hawaii Civil Rights
Commission, and Linda Fischer, author of Ultimate Power: Enemy Within the
Ranks, a book that courageously recounts retired army Major Fischer's
personal experience as a survivor of sexual assault and harassment.

The Community Alliance Against Sexual Harassment, an ad hoc community
alliance, officially announced its formation on June 28, 2007 to monitor
the current investigations surrounding the alleged cases of sexual
harassment at the Hale Koa Hotel. As reported in the June 2nd issue of
the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, five women - former and current workers at the
Army Hotel - have come forth with allegations of sexual harassment against
Hale Koa's former Equal Employment Opportunity Counselor.

Co-Sponsors:
Faith Action for Community Equity (F.A.C.E.)
Domestic Violence Clearinghouse and Legal Hotline - Pilipina Rural
Project
Hawaii Friends of Civil Rights
Women's Studies Department - University of Hawaii - Manoa
The Filipino Coalition for Solidarity
The Women's Center - University of Hawaii
National Federation of Filipino American Associations Region 12
UNITE HERE! Local 5

For more information, please contact Amy Agbayani at 783-7867 or Cade
Watanabe at 941-2141
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4. Poem 56
From: Mahealani Wendt
Sent: Sunday, July 22, 2007 8:41 PM

Looking for Wainiha

One mountain vanishes, and then another,
as rainclouds roll in from the ocean,
and down the range at Hanalei a third peak
loses its place in the new slant of squalls.
How can I tell you where to find Wainiha?

Even the falls darting down the cliffs
will disappear from their vertical tracks
to emerge singing among reeds and moss stone drums.
I can only say that water has its rituals, dark
and inexplicable as the chant of creation.

When you arrive at the twin bridges of Lumaha`i,
stop for awhile. The double stream will hold you
and tell you a legend of gods seeding the flood,
male for the narrow waters,
female for the broad waters.

Look past the gingers and plumerias by the swamp --
flowers are for some other time.
Today is the day for acknowledging rain.
See how it floats the mountains and softens stone,
how gently it takes you into the valley of Wainiha.

-- Reuben Tam
________________________________________________________________________________

5. Telling It Like It Is About Tourism On "Voices Of Truth - One-On-One
With Hawai`i's Future"
Date: Sun, 22 Jul 2007 11:30:02 -0700
From: Free Hawai`i <freehawaii@earthlink.net>

Aloha `aina,

It was November of last year a bomb was dropped in the Hawai`i tourism
industry.

Doug Kahikina Chang, the first native Hawaiian ever to be selected as
chairperson of the Hawai`i Tourism Authority, was giving his keynote
address to the annual gathering of the Hawai`i Visitors and Convention
Bureau.

He said "Tourism in Hawai`i is out of balance and needs to be put back in.
The host culture is vibrant and exciting but... continually under siege."

Then he stated, "The result was a distorted representation of Hawai`i and
Hawaiians that was, at best, embarrassing and, often, offensive to the
Hawaiian host culture."

Finally he remarked, "It is no wonder then, that there has been a rift
between the Native Hawaiian community and the visitor industry."

Doug speaks from experience.

He rose from a lei greeter at Honolulu Airport to the position now of
actually fixing what's wrong with tourism and changing the future of
Hawai`i.

And here's Doug Kahikina Chang's first steps for making Hawai`i's visitor
industry more authentic -

Do you have a Hawaiian dictionary at your desk?

Do you have Place Names of Hawai`i by Mary Kawena Pukui?

Do you use them?

Do you know who Mary Kawena Pukui is?

Put traditional Hawaiian music back into your hotels, restaurants and
shops. Support our Hawaiian language schools, hula halau and canoe clubs
in their fundraising efforts.

Volunteer to work on a natural or cultural restoration project. There are
many such projects on each island and they all need kokua.

Buy from local practitioners of art and culture even if it costs more.

Identify someone on your staff, or better a group, who has cultural
knowledge and use them outside their traditional roles to guide you. But
be careful. If you do this, listen to them even if it is not the most
popular choice.

Lastly, don't fabricate experiences, if it is not culturally correct,
don't do it. Just look at your lu`au for a starting point!

In a brand new Voices Of Truth show we sit down with Doug and hear about
his vision for the future - and how Hawai`i can and should become a model
for all the world to see - one that places Hawaiians and the Hawaiian
culture first and primary, and not as an afterthought.

Doug's one of those who knows Hawai`i and Hawaiians are part of the
solution to what ails the world, rather than the problem. So check out
this breath of fresh air this week right here on Voices Of Truth -
One-On-One With Hawai`i's Future.

MONDAY, July 23rd At 7:00 PM & FRIDAY, July 27th At 5:30 PM - Hawai`i
Island - Na Leo, Channel 53 "A Journey Of Occupation - A Visit With Andre
Perez"

What would it be like to be in the US military for eight years, then find
yourself living on the streets?

That's what happened to Andre Perez who went from one extreme to another.

And from the streets, he found his way into the Kaho`olawe occupation,
which, by his own accounts, was a life-changing experience.

It had to be because Andre's never at a loss for words when it comes to
defending his people that led him to the next chapter of his life.

Currently the spokesperson for Hui Pu, as well as a Halau Lokahi teacher,
Andre recently found himself in the middle of yet another occupation - the
dramatic taking of `Iolani Palace by Hui Pu to publicly oppose the Akaka
bill.

As we look to the future of Hawai`i, we're sure you'll agree with us that
Andre and others like him will play a prominent role in it.

Don't miss our visit with Andre who's part of the new generation of
warriors who are as fearless as they are articulate. You'll see why he's a
role model for the `opio of today as well as a leader for tomorrow.

TUESDAY, July 24th At 6:30 PM & WEDNESDAY, July 25th At 6:30 AM - Maui -
Akaku, Channel 53
THURSDAY, July 26th At 8:30 PM & FRIDAY, July 27th At 8:30 AM - Kaua`i -
Ho`ike, Channel 52
SATURDAY, July 28th At 8:00 PM - O`ahu - `Olelo, Channel 53
"Hands In The Water - A Visit With Doug Kahikina Chang"

In the world of hospitality, blunt speech is seldom heard.

But then along came Doug Kahikina Chang and everything changed.

A student of hula, language and the Hawaiian culture from an early age,
Doug is a true trailblazer in one of the places it counts the most -
Hawai`i's tour industry.

The first Native Hawaiian ever to be selected as chairperson of the
Hawai`i Tourism Authority, Doug tells it like it is - native culture has
been "used and abused for its entertainment value."

In his younger days, he tells us he was ashamed to talk about his hotel
job when he was back home.

Other Hawaiians would accuse him of selling out for the visitor at the
expense of Hawai`i's culture and land.

But no more.

Today Doug is at the helm of a huge paradigm shift at long last finally
making native Hawaiians and the real Hawai`i the only, real and primary
experience visitors have when they visit.

Be sure and catch our visit with this humble yet extraordinarily talented
and brave Hawaiian who literally rose through the ranks from a humble
beginning as a hotel dishwasher and airport lei greeter to become the
internationally recognized leader of Hawai`i tourism. At long last, when
Doug speaks, the powerful now listen.

Voices Of Truth interviews those creating a better future for Hawai`i to
discover what made them go from armchair observers to active participants
in the hopes of inspiring viewers to do the same.

If you missed a show, want you see your favorites again or you don't live
in Hawai`i, here's how to view our shows anytime - visit
http://VoicesOfTruthTV.com and simply click on the episodes you wish to
view.

Ho`oku`oko`a,

`Ehu Kekahu Cardwell
The Koani Foundation
Visit www.FreeHawaii.Info
Watch www.FreeHawaiiTV.com
"Voices Of Truth" now online - www.VoicesOfTruthTV.com
The Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network __._,_.___ [stime=1185177473]
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

6. A Warrior With Aloha On "Voices Of Truth - One-On-One With Hawai`i's
Future"
Date: Sun, 15 Jul 2007 12:31:48 -0700
From: Free Hawai`i <freehawaii@earthlink.net>

Aloha `aina,

In our final look this week at the Boston Ti Party of 2000, we've saved
the best for last.

The day after in Boston, the late John Butch Kekahu III, received an award
acknowledging the dedication of his life to the cause of a Free Hawai`i.

It was Butch's vision and leadership that brought supporters together for
not only the Boston Ti Party, but also both Aloha Marches in 1998 and 2000
in Washington, DC.

It was Butch who helped spearhead many acts of protest against the illegal
US occupation of Hawai`i both on his native of Kaua`i as well as
throughout the islands.

And it was also Butch's unwavering convictions that caused him to do jail
time over the years rather than capitulate to the occupiers.

So this week on Free Hawai`i TV we bring you never before seen footage of
Butch with his award as he movingly compares it to the high school diploma
he never received.

Ironically later that day Butch spoke at MIT, one of the most prestigious
colleges in the US.

Be sure and check out Butch this week on Free Hawai`i TV as he speaks
emotionally from his heart on what it means to be a true warrior - with
aloha.

If it's rich traditional indigenous knowledge you're seeking, we have it -
whether on Free Hawai`i TV, or in this weeks shows on Voices Of Truth -
One-On-One With Hawai`i's Future.

MONDAY, July 16th At 7:00 PM & FRIDAY, July 20th At 5:30 PM - Hawai`i
Island - Na Leo, Channel 53 TUESDAY, July 17th At 6:30 PM & WEDNESDAY,
July 18th At 6:30 AM - Maui - Akaku, Channel 53 SATURDAY, July 14th At
8:00 PM - O`ahu - `Olelo, Channel 53 "Artistic Voyage - A Visit With
Joanne Kahanamoku Sterling"

Joanne Kahanamoku has been an integral part of the Hawaiian Renaissance
from the start.

Born and raised during her childhood years in Tahiti, she traveled to join
her renowned Kanaka Maoli `ohana in Hawai`i as a young person.

Always independent and impetuous, Joanne has pushed the envelope in every
phase of her life distinguishing herself in challenging physical
activities, including surfing and swimming.

She joined the Hokule`a project during the design phase and later became
one of the first wahine to crew in the early voyages.

Currently she focuses her energy and talent in Lei Hulu, the traditional
feather arts, adapting them into contemporary expressions of her own
creativity.

Don't miss our visit with this remarkable wahine Kanaka Hawai`i Maoli.
Recently recognized by her peers and the Bishop Museum as a Living
Treasure, Joanne inspires us to see what we can all become if we just
follow our passion and vision.

THURSDAY, July 19th At 8:30 PM & FRIDAY, July 20th At 8:30 AM - Kaua`i -
Ho`ike, Channel 52 "Coming Full Circle - A Visit With Sam Ka`ai"

A Kanaka Maoli practitioner extraordinaire, Sam Ka`ai is a Pacific voyager
and cultural ambassador, who's devotion to keeping alive the ancient ways
of old Hawai`i is truly beyond compare.

From the perpetuation of lua, the ancient Hawaiian fighting art, to
ceremonial protocol, Sam is also a creator of world-class stone and wood
weaponry, as well as amazing adornments of shell and natural fibers.

Above all, Sam Ka`ai is a master orator, sharing timeless Polynesian
legends, myth and mana`o through vivid imagery and dramatic, spellbinding
story telling.

Sam is one of those rare individuals who, when in his presence, time seems
to stand still and the ancestors come forth and speak.

It's then you realize his knowledge is of the ages.

If you've not witnessed Sam in person, don't miss this one-of-a-kind
interview as he shares with us stories of his early childhood on Maui, the
changing social dynamics that molded him into the amazing person he is
today and most of all why the ways of old Hawai`i are the very keys for
the future for all of us today.

Voices Of Truth interviews those creating a better future for Hawai`i to
discover what made them go from armchair observers to active participants
in the hopes of inspiring viewers to do the same.

It's as easy as that!

New shows coming soon, so stay tuned...

Ho`oku`oko`a,

`Ehu Kekahu Cardwell
The Koani Foundation
Visit www.FreeHawaii.Info
Watch www.FreeHawaiiTV.com
"Voices Of Truth" now online - www.VoicesOfTruthTV.com
The Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network __._,_.___ [stime=1185177487]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Mon, 23 Jul 2007 04:11:21 -0400 (EDT)
From: kahiwal@cs.com
Opposing the "Quieting Executive Order"

>FIRST THING MONDAY MORNING <
A CALL TO ACTION: CALL CONGRESS NOW!
Executive Order Overturns US Fifth Amendment!

Dear friends and listeners,

we're asking everyone to call all of our "so called" elected
representatives in Washington D.C. and insist they challenge Bush's new
Executive Order of July 17th. The New Executive Order titled, Blocking
Property Of Certain Persons Who Threaten Stabilization Efforts In Iraq, IS
AN ASSAULT ON THE CONSTITUTION and the end of free speech as we know it in
America, and eventually the end of outlets of truth like the We The People
Radio Network.

When you call the Capitol Hill switchboards ask the operator for the first
senator on the list. Voice your opposition to the misuse of the Executive
Order of July 17th, 2007, to go around the Constitution and take away our
rights of free speech and a free press. Ask the receptionist to return you
to the operator and request the next Senator on the list. Be brief and
avoid getting into conversations with receptionists after Voicing your
opposition. The following are the toll free and local phone numbers for
the Capitol Hill switchboard. You can also contact the White House Here.

PLEASE, WHEN YOU PHONE ALWAYS BE POLITE AND RESPECTFUL.

List of the members of the 110th Congress

Here are the members of the 110th Congress. The House and Senate are now
under the control of pro-war lobbists and unless thousands of Americans
protest the outright misuse of these Executive Orders by the President,
the gutting of our Constitution will continue and our country as we know
it will be gone!

Protest Congress by Calling: 1-202-224-3121
or Toll-free: 1-877-851-6437 or 1-866-340-9281

Tell members of Congress: "Please Confront your Senators and
Representatives about the Tyranny of Bush's new Executive Order of July
17th. .

Once you have called the first member of Congress, don't hang up. Ask to
be transferred to the next member on the list below, and so on. You will
have sent a powerful message against freedom-stealing Executive Orders
with every member of Congress.

IT'S NOW OR NEVER!

SENATE:
**Names with asterisks represent newly elected members.
**Newly elected members.

REPUBLICAN SENATE MEMBERS

Alexander, Lamar- (R - TN) Hagel, Chuck- (R - NE)
Allard, Wayne- (R - CO) Hatch, Orrin- (R - UT)
Bennett, Robert- (R - UT) Hutchison, Kay- (R - TX)
Bond, Christopher- (R - MO) Inhofe, James- (R - OK)
Brownback, Sam- (R - KS) Isakson, Johnny- (R - GA)
Bunning, Jim- (R - KY) Kyl, Jon- (R - AZ)
Burr, Richard- (R - NC) Lott, Trent- (R - MS)
Chambliss, Saxby- (R - GA) Lugar, Richard- (R - IN)
Coburn, Tom- (R - OK) Martinez, Mel- (R - FL)
Cochran, Thad- (R - MS) McCain, John- (R - AZ)
Coleman, Norm- (R - MN) McConnell, Mitch- (R - KY)
Collins, Susan- (R - ME) Murkowski, Lisa- (R - AK)
Corker, Bob - (R - TN) ** Roberts, Pat- (R - KS)
Cornyn, John- (R - TX) Sessions, Jeff- (R - AL)
Craig, Larry- (R - ID) Shelby, Richard- (R - AL)
Crapo, Michael- (R - ID) Smith, Gordon- (R - OR)
DeMint, Jim- (R - SC) Snowe, Olympia- (R - ME)
Dole, Elizabeth- (R - NC) Specter, Arlen- (R - PA)
Domenici, Pete- (R - NM) Stevens, Ted- (R - AK)
Ensign, John- (R - NV) Sununu, John- (R - NH)
Enzi, Michael- (R - ! WY) Thomas, Craig- (R - WY)
Graham, Lindsey- (R - SC) Thune, John- (R - SD)
Grassley, Chuck- (R - IA) Vitter, David- (R - LA)
Gregg, Judd- (R - NH) Voinovich, George- (R - OH)
Warner, John- (R - VA)

DEMOCRATIC SENATE MEMBERS

Akaka, Daniel- (D - HI) Klobuchar, Amy- (D - MN) **
Baucus, Max- (D - MT) Kohl, Herb- (D - WI)
Bayh, Evan- (D - IN) Landrieu, Mary- (D - LA)
Biden, Joseph- (D - DE) Lautenberg, Frank- (D - NJ)
Bingaman, Jeff- (D - NM) Leahy, Patrick- (D - VT)
Brown, Sherrod- (D - OH) ** Levin, Carl- (D - MI)
Boxer, Barbara- (D - CA) Lieberman, Joseph- (D - CT)
Byrd, Robert- (D - WV) Lincoln, Blanche- (D - AR)
Cantwell, Maria- (D - WA) McCaskill, Claire- (D - MO) **
C! ardin, B en- (D - MD) ** Mikulski, Barbara- (D - MD)
Carper, Thomas- (D - DE) Murray, Patty- (D - WA)
Casey, Bob- (D - PA) ** Nelson, Bill- (D - FL)
Clinton, Hillary- (D - NY) Nelson, Ben- (D - NE)
Conrad, Kent- (D - ND) Obama, Barack- (D - IL)
Robert Menendez - (D - NJ) Pryor, Mark- (D - AR)
Dodd, Christopher- (D - CT) Reed, Jack- (D - RI)
Dorgan, Byron- (D - ND) Reid, Harry- (D - NV)
Durbin, Richard- (D - IL) Rockefeller, John- (D - WV)
Feingold, Russell- (D - WI) Salazar, Ken- (D - CO)
Feinstein, Dianne- (D - CA) ! Schumer, Charles- (D - NY)
Harkin, Tom- (D - IA) Stabenow, Debbie- (D - MI)
Inouye, Daniel- (D - HI) Tester, John- (D - MT) **
Johnson, Tim- (D - SD) Webb, Jim- (D - VA) **
Kennedy, Edward- (D - MA)

Whitehouse, Sheldon- (D - RI) **
Kerry, John- (D - MA) Wyden, Ron- (D - OR)

INDEPENDANT SENATE MEMBERS

Sanders, Bernard- (I - VT) **

House of Representatives &Staff Members

Go to State:

Above text is posted at: http://wtprn.com/Executive_Order.html. Special
thanks to Danny and Wes for compiling this information. This Executive
order is a direct violation of our 1st amendment, make the calls today and
take an active role in preserving our republic. Tell your Senator and
Congressman to overturn the executive order while they can (less than 25
days)... before Bush and company start to use it.

Speak now or forever loose your piece of freedom.

Yours in Freedom and Truth,

Gary Franchi
AFTF / RTR National Director
www.restoretherepublic.com
www.freedomtofascism.com
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

7. Pele Synchronizes Lava Release with Harry Potter Celebrations
Date: Mon, 23 Jul 2007 09:47:34 +0000
From: Earthseed group <noreply@googlegroups.com>

Earthseed Emissaries
http://groups.google.com/group/Earthseed?hl=en
Earthseed@googlegroups.com

Today's topics:
http://groups.google.com/group/Earthseed/browse_thread/thread/3a4d803bbe6861d1?hl=en

Date: Sun, Jul 22 2007 12:13 pm
From: "Bee Zee"
Pele Synchronizes Lava Release
with Harry Potter Celebrations
CosmoCorps 2023 Report
July 21 2007 Potter Day Established on this Day
By Decree HRH (Hermione) Mothership

Mauna Kea Mothership is pleased to report Madame Pele honoured the
worldwide celebration of J.K. Rowling's release of the final volume of the
first series of Hogwarts stories, "The Deathly Hallows." Shortly after
midnight, as millions of fans were embracing their new Harry Potter
hardbacks, brilliant ribbons of lava began pouring out of the ocean-facing
slope of Pu'u O'o crater, steaming in the steady rain of tropical storm
Cosme.

Representing the transformative power of the living Earth, aka "Gaia" by
both occultists and scientists, the goddess Pele is considered by many
Polynesian traditionalists as very much alive and a real person. In fact,
one of the most respected hula troupes, Halau 'o Kekuhi, are direct
descendants of Madame Pele. Like the wizards of Hogwarts learning to
channel Earthly forces, the powers of Pele and other elemental beings have
always been recognized as preeminent over human beings in Hawai'i.

New Age teachings have designated the volcanically active island of
Hawai'i as the "heart chakra" of the planet. Hawaiian legends consider the
Earth itself as a living being, and elemental forces as agents of
harmonizing. Sorcerors who accept the discipline of living in harmony with
elemental beings, like the goddess Pele, gain "mana" over time, which
manifests in exactly the same fashion as at Hogwarts School. One could
claim the island of Hawai'i to be the original sorcery school, yet similar
practices can be found amongst Taoists in China, the Hopi in the mesa
lands, the voudou traditionalists of Africa and the Caribbean.

In a bizarre twist of scheduling, President G.W. Bush celebrated "Potter
Day" by appointing Lord Voldemort's representative, Richard Cheney,
temporary Commander of the most deadly military force on the planet, while
he was sedated and probed by cameras up his "porthole." Unusual, but
appropriately symbolic.

Rowling poised to work her magic on classic tale of underworld hero JK
ROWLING'S next major project is set to feature a charismatic hero who uses
magic powers to overcome diabolical and grotesque adversaries.

Catch the Strangest News Earthling!
Goto

http://CosmoCorps.org
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

8. Lecture by Dr. Donald Béliveau, PhD
Date: Fri, 20 Jul 2007 10:35:29 -1000
From: Shidler College of Business <announce@HAWAII.EDU>

PRICING FOR INTERNATIONAL MARKETS: PITFALLS AND STRATEGIES

Lecture by Dr. Donald Béliveau, Ph.D., CA, CMA Professor of International
marketing School of Business Administration Laval University, Quebec,
Canada

Time: 4:30 p.m.
Date: July 24, 2007
Place: Shidler College of Business, D-104

Pricing for international markets is too often established by expediency
rather than analysis and design, leaving a product or service^Òs price
poorly adapted to foreign market realities and often non competitive.
Active marketing in several countries compounds the number of pricing
problems and variables relating to price policy. This lecture will present
several of the pitfalls involved in international pricing and potential
strategies to deal with them.

Professor Donald Béliveau obtained his Ph.D. (specialization in
international marketing) from the University of California, Los Angeles
(UCLA). He also holds a master^Òs degree in business (specialization in
accounting). He teaches analysis and planning of international marketing,
pricing strategy, as well as graduate and business seminars.

Doctor Béliveau is also a Chartered Accountant (CA) and Certified
Management Accountant (CMA) and worked as an auditor before joining the
Business faculty of Laval University in Quebec, Canada. He has worked as a
consultant for private firms and government in Canada and spent one year
in Japan while conducting a major research project.

Pacific Asian Management Institute
Shidler College of Business
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Phone: (808) 956-8041
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

9. Oneness Deeksha Blessings abound next weekend!
Date: Mon, 23 Jul 2007 08:03:10 -1000
From: Deeksha Oahu <ohm.oahu@gmail.com>

Aloha Friday Oneness Deeksha Blessing ^Ö July 27th ^Ö Flowering of the
Heart

AAUW house, upstairs at the end of the hall. 7 pm -9 pm Heart-felt
donation

Location: In Makiki,1802 Ke'eaumoku St., Honolulu, 96822 at the American
Association Of University Women house (A.A.U.W. Honolulu Branch).
Directions: Near Nehoa Ave., on Ewa side of Ke'eaumoku St. (Nehoa is
parallel to and Mauka/mountain direction of Wilder Ave., past the traffic
circle roundabout on Ke'eaumoku.) Parking: Available at the church closest
to Nehoa, next to A.A.U.W.

Full Moon Ceremony, Kailua Beach Park ^Ö Saturday, July 28th

Grace Sears will be joining the Order of the Dove for a very special Full
Moon Heart-felt donation Please see attached Flyer.

Rev Richard Levy at Unity Church Diamondhead ^Ö Sunday, July 29th

Oneness blessing giver and New Thought minister Rev. Levy will be speaking
at all three services( 7:30, 9 and 11) A workshop will follow from 12:30
pm. To 2 pm in the chapel. Local Oneness Deeksha Blessing givers will be
giving the blessing along with Rev. Levy during the workshop.
________________________________________________________________________________

10. The Hard Bullet for Progressives to Bite / should I screen the film
WHAT A WAY TO GO?
Date: Wed, 04 Jul 2007 10:26:08 -0700
From: Rebecca Cummings <beckyspi@mac.com>

James and Shirley especially, but everyone should be interested:

This movie is made by someone who knows his stuff. I didn't realize he
was so close to releasing it till I got this email today. This will
likely be an excellent movie -- up there with End of Suburbia and The
Power of Community. You should view it.

Becky
Obliviousness is not a belief system

Begin forwarded message:

From: Bob Banner <info@hopedance.org>
Date: July 3, 2007 11:13:58 PM PDT
http://whatawaytogomovie.com/2007/06/14/the-hard-bullet-for-progressives-to-bite/

What A Way to Go may not make much money because "Collapse doesn^Òt sell."

More than one supporter has told us this. We want to be paid something, of
course, for the monumental amount work we^Òve put in, and continue to put
in, to this movie. I don^Òt have fear about not making a pile of money at
this. I^Òve always had enough, and I^Òve never had a pile because I never
cared that much about it. No, my fear is that it will make people mad.
It^Òs scary to make people mad.

I^Òm coming to terms with that fear, however. Some people will be angry
with us. Some will reject us. What^Òs most likely, though, as we take What
A Way To Go on the road is that people will act out the familiar pattern
of well-mannered, civilized humans when confronted with something
uncomfortable. They will just quietly and politely ignore the message.

Regardless, we know that, besides the most clueless and insulated of the
very wealthy, everyone else knows that things are not right. We all feel
it. The weather^Òs not right. Our collective paychecks don^Òt go far. Our
collective debt is huge and getting huger. We try to keep up a hopeful
attitude. But we know things are not good. We see only the very rare
politician that we like and trust, and almost never see one of those make
it to Washington.

People want to be hopeful. We want to believe what we learned in school
about the miracles of science. We want to believe in the American values
of innovation and progress; that we are indeed pursuing progress; and that
progress will eventually make life better for everyone on the planet.
People want to believe these things because people are basically good.

What people actually experience, if they stop shopping long enough to
notice, is the opposite. Lives are stressed. Work is unsatisfying.
Children are unhappy. What most have to look forward to is going out to
eat. Think about it. It^Òs a place where someone will take care of you and
treat you with a modicum of respect. At least in a chain restaurant, the
average person has some power. You can leave a nice tip. Or not.

So while most mainstream folks are in deep denial, progressives are just
in moderate denial. Progressives know we^Òre in serious, very serious
trouble with the climate. They don^Òt doubt Mr. Gore^Òs statistics. They
know there^Òs no debate. And they are aware that fossil fuel energy is
both dangerous and limited.

Progressives are less immune than others to their experience of the
ramifications of all of this. They feel it more. And to keep a little
emotional distance from the really tough realities, they hold on to the
innocent hope that there is time. Surely humans are so smart and so good
that when it gets bad enough we will come up with some sweet innovations
to suck carbon and heat from the atmosphere and put it somewhere that it
will not do any more harm. Surely we will develop some kind of technology
to keep our high-energy, highly comfortable lifestyles possible.

I mean, if you cover the desert in the Southwest with solar panels, that
will take care of our energy problems and carbon problems in one fell
swoop, right? It^Òs just a matter of political will, right? We just need a
strong progressive in the oval office, and in many other offices, and all
these problems will go away, right? We just need a popular uprising to
take control of the means of production, at last, and we can keep up the
good life that we^Òve started here, the good life we^Òve gotten so very
used to.

We just need to do it right. Right?

What^Òs the truth about all of this? Is it possible that we can innovate
enough new technology to meet the current human energy demand with
non-polluting, renewable sources? None of the sources I^Òve seen with
reliable, holistic data say we can. William Catton, author of Overshoot,
says in What A Way To Go that the way we are living now, we overshot the
carrying capacity of the planet with the population size we had at the
time of the Civil War. Yikes. That^Òs like five and a half billion people
ago. Five and a half billion! That^Òs a lot of people. More than will fit
in your new Prius. More than the local co-op grocery can feed with organic
food. That would be a lot of organic ramen to come up with. This is
serious.

Even if we could find a magic energy elixir that would keep things going
as they are, there are other gigantic questions that follow. Could we pull
off a mass consciousness change that would ensure that we utilized that
energy elixir in fair, sustainable, life-supportive ways? I don^Òt think
so. Look around. Look at the world that has been created since the
discovery of the last magic energy elixir humans got their hands on. Do
you like this world where the rich get richer and richer and spiritually
sicker and sicker while the poor get poorer and poorer and the shrinking
middle class works longer and longer and longer? I don^Òt.

We don^Òt need more energy. Looking for a technofix is a distraction. We
need something else entirely. If more energy were going to create a saner,
more spiritual, more just world, that would have happened in the last two
hundred years. We^Òve had our high dose of magical energy. It hasn^Òt
helped. It^Òs made things worse. We^Òre teetering on human-caused
extinction of our own species, to say nothing of the human-caused wreckage
to the rest of the species already in progress. That hasn^Òt happened
before.

No. It^Òs not more energy we need. It is a consciousness change, a radical
reconnection to life itself, and to one another, that we ache for.

Some of us are kind of aware of this. We want a bunch of people to wake
up, quick. We hope for that. We carpool to our jobs and we shop locally
and we do the best we can. Some of us participate in protests and write
emails to our congresspeople. Some of us have changed every single light
bulb in our houses and recycle every scrap of paper and every aluminum can
and resist all unnecessary driving. We^Òre hoping there will be a mass
consciousness change.

We want that so much.

The sad possibility that Tim and I have chewed on these past three years
is that there may be no mass movement. As much as we want it, there may be
no gentle transition to an ecologically viable way to live harmoniously
with the rest of the non-human world. We^Òre on a crash course and there
doesn^Òt seem to be any widespread move to stop.

Of course it is possible mass consciousness will shift. Until there are no
longer masses of Americans alive (or Chinese, or Europeans or Africans),
there will be that possibility. I like thinking about that possibility.
But I don^Òt spend time hoping for it anymore.

Tim and I wrestled with this issue continually as we researched and wrote
What A Way To Go. I tend to have more gentle optimism about people, while
Tim tends, with huge doses of wry humor, to be more cynical. It^Òs a good
balance. Truth is, now we both cry, and not infrequently, about how deep
the denial is in America, and even in our local community. We cry because
the destruction continues to increase. It^Òs very sad.

You see, I wanted to believe that our documentary would be just one log on
a very huge fire that would burn bright to bring about a mass
consciousness shift. I^Òd still like to believe that. I still hold it as a
remote possibility. But as I watch gas prices rise right alongside carbon
emissions and new parking decks and more freeways and multiplex shopping
centers, it is hard to hold that as a wise vision to live by. It^Òs
starting to look downright dumb to make personal decisions about how to
act, where to live and whom to live near, based on the hope of mass
consciousness change. I don^Òt see it happening.

What I do see is a small but growing number of people waking up fully.
That is heartwarming. It^Òs great. But juxtaposed with those people
continue to be huge numbers of people who buy and consume and throw away
the planet, day after day, week after week, with no thought at all. All of
this, despite the fact that a very well-made and highly successful
documentary addressing one inconvenient truth, was given an Academy Award.
That^Òs as mainstream as a radical message goes. And as a result of Mr.
Gore^Òs documentary, climate change has become a household word and, for
progressives, the fact of climate change being human-caused is beyond
debate.

I^Òm sad to say however, that as a whole, progressives seem to be in
denial about the radical change in lifestyle it will require to reduce
carbon emissions to levels that will matter. We need a 70% reduction,
yesterday. Today we need 72%. With continued growth, tomorrow it becomes a
75% reduction. Turning off lights won^Òt cut it. Taking the bus to work in
the corporation that is making disposable plastic doo dads by the millions
won^Òt help either.

This is the hard bullet we^Òre going to have to bite to get the job done:
We^Òre going to have to fundamentally change how we live. To make that
change, we^Òll have to seriously challenge some very entrenched notions:
things like unlimited private property rights, the idea of progress, the
necessity of profit and, god forbid, the sanctity of capitalism. In What a
Way To Go we begin to take apart many of those notions, so much as that is
possible in two hours.

Do you think two yahoos with that kind of message and no political clout
whatsoever will make it across the radar of the Academy of Motion Picture
Arts and Sciences? Shit, we^Òre freaking out film festival judges. We know
this is an amazing movie. Way better than some of the stuff that danced
into Park City. But people aren^Òt jumping to hear or put on the big
screen, what Dan Armstrong called in his review, the whole truth. Not in
this culture. Not in Empire.

No, collapse doesn^Òt sell. Not to the masses. And not to our most active
progressives. I couldn^Òt believe it when I saw my MoveOn.org email asking
me to protest gasoline prices. Eli, what are you thinking? Isn^Òt it time
we talk about Peak Oil? I mean, like, at least a little bit?

I don^Òt mean to be flippant. I^Òm just scared. Tim and I are about to
take off on the road. Two introverts with big mouths. What will our
progressive brothers and sisters say to us? Will they smile and tell us to
keep up the good work? Most will. A few will walk away mad. But I^Òm
starting to sense that every once in a while, and maybe more and more,
people will give us a hug and thank us for helping them commit to do the
things they^Òve needed to do, but haven^Òt. Because What A Way To Go, if
you let it, will help you feel, really feel, what^Òs happening.

What^Òs happening is hard to look at. It^Òs a hard bullet to bite. It^Òs a
hard reality to feel. But feeling is what motivates us to act. And it^Òs
only when we act that our lives and our world will change.

George Vye
gmvye@pacbell.net
http://www.vhemt.org

"To most of us nothing is so invisible as an unpleasant truth. Though it
is held before our eyes, pushed under our noses, rammed down our throats -
we know it not." ~ Eric Hoffer (1902 - 1983)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

11. Fed up with war, some won't pay taxes
Date: Wed, 04 Jul 2007 17:29:39 -0700
From: Steve Scalmanini <sscalmanini@yahoo.com>

From Yahoo's main news page today:
Fed up with war, some won't pay taxes
By JOHN CHRISTOFFERSEN, Associated Press Writer
Wed Jul 4, 2007, 3:18 PM ET

NEW HAVEN, Conn. - When the United States invaded Iraq more than four
years ago, war opponent David Gross asked his bosses for a radical pay
cut, enough so he wouldn't have to pay taxes to support the war.

"I was having a hard time looking at myself in the mirror," Gross said. "I
knew the bombs falling were in part paid with my tax dollars. I had to
actually do something concrete to remove my complicity."

The San Francisco technical writer was making close to $100,000 a year. He
didn't know exactly how big of a pay cut he would need to fall below the
federal tax threshold, but later figured out he would have to make less
than minimum wage.

In any event, his employer turned him down and he quit. Gross, 38, now
works on a contract basis, and last year he refused to pay self-employment
taxes.

War tax resistance, popularized by Henry David Thoreau in the 19th century
and by singer Joan Baez and others during the Vietnam War, is gaining
renewed interest among peace activists upset over the Iraq war.

"Clearly this year we definitely had more people calling, sending e-mails
about how they decided to start resisting," said Ruth Benn, coordinator of
the National War Tax Resistance Coordinating Committee in New York.

Based on the committee's mailing list and reports from numerous groups it
works with around the country, Benn estimates 8,000 to 10,000 Americans
refuse to pay some or all of their federal taxes over war objections.
Internal Revenue Service officials say they don't have figures for that
specific category, but earlier this year reported an overall noncompliance
rate of 16.3 percent and estimated the annual tax gap at about $345
billion.

Peace activists are considering a mass tax resistance campaign next April
to step up pressure to end the war in Iraq, Benn said.

Many tax protesters say they redirect the money they withhold to
charities. Some, like Joanne Sheehan of Norwich, keep their income below
taxable levels.

"I don't see the point of working for peace and paying for war," Sheehan
said.

Gross said he now manages to live on about $15,000 per year by carefully
tracking his spending.

He acknowledged the tax resistance movement is too small to stop the war.

"But I think what we're doing is showing the way for people in the
anti-war movement," Gross said. "I can look myself in the mirror and say
at least I'm not supporting it, at least I'm not part of the machine."

The IRS said that while taxpayers have a right to express their opinions,
they still have an obligation to pay their taxes. Tax resisters place an
undue burden on taxpayers who pay their fair share of taxes, IRS
spokeswoman Dianne Besunder said.

John Ubaldi, spokesman for Move America Forward, which supports the
military and the war on terror, said the government would not be able to
function if everyone opposed to a program stopped paying taxes.

"They're showing the terrorists that America is not committed," Ubaldi
said.

The IRS considers it a frivolous argument when a taxpayer cites
disagreement with the government's use of tax money as the reason for not
paying taxes.

A new federal law increases the penalty for frivolous tax returns from
$500 to $5,000. The IRS says it investigates promoters of frivolous
arguments and refers cases to the Department of Justice for criminal
prosecution.

Unlike the days when Thoreau was sent to prison in a tax protest against
the Mexican-American War, modern war tax protesters rarely go to prison,
according to tax resisters. The IRS may take their money from wages and
bank accounts - with penalties and interest - after sending a series of
letters.

"They're very polite, which makes it a little boring," said Rosa Packard
of Greenwich, a longtime anti-war tax protester.

But Randy Kehler, who has refused to pay federal income taxes since 1976
to protest U.S. military policy, was evicted with his wife from their home
in Colrain, Mass., in 1989 for nonpayment of more than $45,000 in taxes,
interest and penalties. Kehler was also jailed for nearly three months for
contempt of court.

Their tax fight was the subject of a 1997 documentary called "An Act of
Conscience," narrated by actor Martin Sheen.

War protesters have been pushing for a law called the Religious Freedom
Peace Tax Fund that would allow designated conscientious objectors to have
their income, estate, or gift taxes used for nonmilitary purposes. After
years of efforts, they hope a Congressional hearing will be held on the
proposal next year.

"People fear the IRS more than they fear God," said Alan Gamble, executive
director of the National Campaign for a Peace Tax Fund. "They're paying
under a tremendous burden."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

12. Environmental News Network: Surge of Dead Seabirds Alarms Scientists -
comment
Date: Thu, 05 Jul 2007 00:46:31 -0700 (PDT)
From: Laweleka <laweleka@yahoo.com>

Add that and this and what do you get? A loose cannon that absolutely
knows whats going on...........

President Bush this month is giving an obscure White House office
new powers over regulations affecting health, worker safety and the
environment.

Hmm.... Why do I immediately think Bioweapons Lab "Accidents"?

=========
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/07/04/2296/
Published on Wednesday, July 4, 2007 by the Associated Press
House Balks at Bush Order for New Powers
by Jim Abrams

President Bush this month is giving an obscure White House office new
powers over regulations affecting health, worker safety and the
environment. Calling it a power grab, Democrats running Congress are
intent on stopping him.

The House voted last week to prohibit the Office of Information and
Regulatory Affairs from spending federal money on Executive Order 13422,
signed by Bush last January and due to take effect July 24. The order
requires federal officials to show that private companies, people or
institutions failed to address a problem before agencies can write
regulations to tackle it. It also gives political appointees greater
authority over how the regulations are written.

The House measure ^Óstops this president or any president from seizing the
power to rewrite almost every law that Congress passes, laws that protect
public health, the environment, safety, civil rights, privacy and on and
on,^Ô said Rep. Brad Miller, D-N.C., its sponsor. ^ÓOIRA has quietly grown
into the most powerful regulatory agency in Washington,^Ô the House
Science investigations subcommittee, chaired by Miller, said in a report
in April. The administration contends Bush^Òs order merely strengthens a
similar directive issued by President Clinton in 1993 giving the White
House budget office oversight of federal agency rulemaking. Andrea
Wuebker, a spokeswoman for the Office of Management and Budget, which
manages the White House regulatory affairs office, said the order, along
with an OMB good guidance bulletin, ^Ówill help increase the quality,
accountability and transparency of agency guidance documents.^Ô Bush^Òs
executive order: Requires agencies to identify ^Ómarket failures,^Ô where
the private sector fell short in dealing with a problem, as a factor in
proposing a rule. The White House regulatory affairs office is given
authority to assess those conclusions. States that no rulemaking can go
forward without the approval of an agency^Òs Regulatory Policy Office, to
be headed by a presidential appointee. Directs each agency to provide an
estimate of costs and benefits of regulations. Requires agencies to inform
the White House regulatory affairs office of proposed significant guidance
documents on complying with rules. Critics say this will create a new
bottleneck delaying the issuance of guidelines needed to comply with
federal regulations. ^ÓThis can only further delay implementing health,
safety and environmental protections,^Ô said Gary Bass, executive director
of OMB Watch, a private watchdog group that joined numerous labor and
good- government groups, including the AFL-CIO, Public Citizen and the
Union of Concerned Scientists, in opposing Bush^Òs order. Miller tried
unsuccessfully at a hearing in April to persuade the White House
regulatory affairs office^Òs former acting administrator, Steven Aitken,
to reveal what private groups might have been involved in rewriting the
Clinton-era order. Aitken stressed that the Clinton order also used market
failure as a criteria in advancing new rules and directing agencies to
appoint regulatory policy officers, many of whom were political
appointees. Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, R-Calif., backed Aitken up at the
hearing. ^ÓThe pattern is that we are challenging the president^Òs
authority, hoping to find a mistake and then making a lot of political hay
about it,^Ô Rohrabacher said. The nonpartisan Congressional Research
Service noted in an analysis last February that President Reagan made the
White House regulatory affairs office the central clearinghouse for
substantive rulemaking, reviewing 2,000 to 3,000 proposed regulations per
year. With Clinton^Òs 1993 order, White House reviews of proposed
regulations dropped to between 500 and 700 a year, the researchers said.
Bill Kovacs, vice president for regulatory affairs with the U.S. Chamber
of Commerce, said the White House^Òs regulatory affairs office now has
about 35 people to keep track of the 4,000 rules federal agencies issue
every year. ^ÓIt^Òs only reasonable that you have some way of monitoring
what your agencies are doing,^Ô Kovacs said, adding that the White House
needs to assert control over the process. ___ The House bill is HR 2829.
On the Net: Text of Jan. 18 Executive Order 13422:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/ orders ===== In accordance with Title
U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those
who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information
for research and educational purposes.
--------
Lcruz <palolo@hawaii.rr.com> wrote:

Surge of Dead Seabirds Alarms Scientists
http://www.enn.com/today.html?id=13077
July 04, 2007 ^× By Bruce Smith, Associated Press

CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Hundreds of dead seabirds that washed up along
the Southeast coast in recent weeks apparently starved to death,
but experts don't know why.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

13. Deployed troops get jump on Hawaii housing market
Date: Mon, 23 Jul 2007 15:17:04 -0400
From: Kyle Kajihiro <kkajihiro@afsc.org>

This is one way that the military drives out local people...

Article URL: http://starbulletin.com/2007/07/15/business/story01.html
© 1996-2007 The Honolulu Star-Bulletin | www.starbulletin.com
Vol. 12, Issue 196 - Sunday, July 15, 2007
DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM

David Kucic, who together with his wife Tonya, front, formed Tropic
Lighting Real Estate in Hawaii, displayed a list he shows prospective
buyers comparing rental payments with mortgage payments. The Kucics helped
Brett Salter, a U.S. Coast Guard second class gunner's mate stationed at
Sand Island, and his wife Jackie Merino, buy a home recently in Ewa Beach.
CLICK FOR LARGE

Deployed troops get jump on Hawaii housing market

Service members are getting a jump-start in the Oahu housing market by
buying while deployed

STORY SUMMARY »

Oahu's overall housing market has softened in terms of sales, but among
some military buyers there's a sense of urgency to get into the market
before home prices and interest rates rise.

While Oahu's overall home- buying market might have slowed in terms of
sales, transactions from military buyers are booming.

New government laws, an improved economy and continued low interest rates
have armed military buyers with more buying power than they've had in the
past two decades. And, their base housing allowances are generous enough
to give them some choices in Hawaii's residential real estate market.

COURTESY OF THE LAUGHLIN FAMILY

Jacob Laughlin, a staff sergeant stationed in Iraq, looked over Hawaii
houses recently from abroad. With the help of a Realtor, technology, and
his wife Stephanie, who was in California, the couple was able to close on
a house in Mililani. CLICK FOR LARGE The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have
created more interest in veterans' benefits and have made more of Hawaii's
active-duty military eligible to buy into the market. Since 2005, military
loans have more than doubled in Hawaii, said the Veterans Administration,
which administers housing benefits for Hawaii's military.

Realtors and home builders who cater to this market also have reported
significant increases, especially in the last six months or so, as
thousands of military soldiers who have been serving in Iraq and
Afghanistan prepare to return home.

STAR-BULLETIN
FULL STORY »
By Allison Schaefers / aschaefers@starbulletin.com

Shelley Patrick, a 33-year-old staff sergeant with the 3BCT/25th infantry
division, is deployed to Iraq. But that isn't stopping her from hunting
for Hawaii real estate.

Patrick, who will be home from deployment in about a month, began looking
at Hawaii real estate listings online as a way to pass the time in Iraq.
She began looking in earnest when friends referred her to Hawaii-based
Realtor David Kucic, who has conducted many dual-location real estate
transactions for Hawaii's deployed service members.

"Up until now I have lived in (government) housing, which is OK, but I
think for the money I am losing to stay there, sometimes in old, drabby
housing... I could be paying on something I own," Patrick said via e-mail
from Iraq.

DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM David Kucic and his wife Tonya, above,
who together formed Tropic Lighting Real Estate in Hawaii, searched for
properties from the computer at their Ewa Beach home while their
8-year-old daughter Caitlin looked on.

Although Patrick could have waited until her return to look for housing in
Hawaii, she's hoping to get a jump-start on the 4,000 or so deployed
Hawaii soldiers who will be returning home by October. While many will
choose to rent or live in government quarters, an increasing number are
electing to get into Hawaii's home market from afar. More generous base
allowances, higher loan caps and continued low interest rates have armed
military buyers with more buying power than they've had in the past two
decades.

The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have created more interest in veterans'
benefits and have made more of Hawaii's active-duty military eligible to
buy into the market, said Ivonne Perez, a loan guarantee officer for the
Loan Guarantee Division for the Department of Veteran Affairs, which
serves clients in the Hawaii and the Pacific.

"We have more activity because of the war," Perez said. "The number of
soldiers has heightened and there is more activity."

In addition, since 2005 Hawaii's military has had access to higher maximum
VA loan amounts, she said. The maximum loan amount rose from $240,000 to
$539,475 in 2005 and increased to $625,500 in 2006, she said.

DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM The Kucics, who mostly assist service
members, helped Brett Salter, a U.S. Coast Guard second class gunner's
mate stationed at Sand Island, and his wife Jackie Merino, buy a home
recently in Ewa Beach. Here, Merino and Salter stand in the backyard of
their new home.

"That put us in the game," she said, adding that the number of VA loans in
the Pacific virtually doubled from 2005 to 2006, when 758 VA loans closed.
This year, based on activity to date, Perez is expecting the number of
loans that her office handles to reach 1,000, she said. The increase in
military basic housing allowances also has made it possible for even the
military's entry-level enlisted, who would typically get in the
neighborhood of $1,698 a month in housing allowance, to qualify for a
mortgage to purchase starter homes and condos, especially in the Leeward
and Central Oahu areas, said John Riggins of John Riggins Real Estate.

The increase in loan caps also has made it possible for senior officers,
who would typically net about $3,000 a month in housing allowances, to buy
into more expensive markets in East and Windward Oahu, Riggins said.

"In Leeward Oahu, the military are really driving this market," said
Riggins, who said most of the deals that he's seen in his region have a
military connection.

Likewise, D.R. Horton's Schuler Division in Hawaii has seen an increase in
military buyers during the last six months to a year and has consciously
targeted them in marketing its Sea Country project in Maili, said Mike
Jones, Hawaii Division president.

"Typically, we've had a fair amount of military buyers, but over the last
six months to a year we've seen an increase in military buyers --
especially at Sea Country," Jones said.

Because Sea Country is located close to Schofield Army Base with base
access via Kolekole Pass, it has been embraced by military buyers, he
said. It's also Oahu's lowest-priced, new, single-family home community,
Jones said. Sea Country homes sell for between $378,000 and $450,000, he
said.

In May, the company catered to the military by offering a $4,000 closing
bonus to active duty and right now is offering $2,000 bonuses, Jones said.

"They deserve it," he said.

Oahu's overall housing market has softened in terms of sales, but among
some military buyers there's a sense of urgency to get into the market
before home prices and interest rates rise, said Kucic, who is currently
supplying real estate information to 68 soldiers based in Iraq.

"The market hasn't slowed down for us," said Kucic of the real estate
business Tropic Lighting Real Estate that he formed with his wife Tonya
after coming back in 2005 from his third deployment in Iraq and retiring
as a first sergeant.

While Kucic doesn't work exclusively with the military, the troops supply
the bulk of his client load. The current deployment schedule has created
an unusual marketing opportunity abroad. However, Kucic said that he also
has found Hawaii's military buying market to be strong at home, too.

There's a growing recognition among some military members like Brett
Salter, a U.S. Coast Guard second class gunner's mate stationed at Sand
Island, and his wife Jackie Merino, that it just makes more sense to use
their housing allowances to buy property on Oahu rather than use it to pay
rent.

"I really hadn't looked into buying a house, but after my neighbors bought
their house, I realized that I could buy a house for about the same as it
would cost to rent," said Salter, who just used a VA loan to close on a
two-bedroom, 1 1/2- bath property in Ewa.

Other real estate agents who cater to the military, like Kelly Barnes of
GotHomesHawaii.com, said they've also seen buying frenzy from military
members who are due to go overseas.

CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARBULLETIN.COM Raj and Mona Butani, sitting
with their son Rohan, chose Kelly Barnes, right, of GotHomesHawaii.com to
sell their Harbor Court condominium after Raj returned home to Hawaii from
a yearlong deployment in Iraq and separated from the U.S. Army. Barnes'
prior military service enhanced the couple's comfort level, Raj said.

"My last buyer knew he was going to get deployed so he wanted to get a
unit before he got deployed," Barnes said. "Many of the military buyers
that I deal with are worried that when they come back Hawaii's real estate
market will be too expensive or interest rates might be too high." But
regardless of deployment schedules, many Oahu Realtors have found that
military home buyers are a constant source of real estate activity.

Barnes and his wife Naoko have only been in Hawaii's residential real
estate market for a year, but said that they are off to a good start
thanks to the strength of the military market which tends to prefer using
Realtors that have an understanding or connection to the military.

Barnes, who has more than 24 years of military experience, retired as a
program reserve officer working for the U.S. Pacific Command in Honolulu.
He formerly served as a naval aviator aboard aircraft carriers such as the
USS Enterprise and USS Constellation.

"We're pretty new agents. We've only done residential for just over a
year, but it's getting really active," Barnes said. "We're one of the
premier agents for military moving stations on the islands."

Raj and Mona Butani chose Barnes to sell their Harbor Court condominium
after Raj returned home to Hawaii from a yearlong deployment in Iraq and
separated from the U.S. Army. Barnes' prior military service enhanced the
couple's comfort level, Raj Butani said.

"In our case, our buyer was a former military couple, we are a former
military couple and our agent was former military," Butani said. "Having
military experience in common does provide people with some level of
comfort, but it's not absolute. We know non-military agents that cater to
military families because there is a constant pool of buyers and sellers
because there are always people moving on and off the island."

Military moves and deployments aside, the desire to get settled after
dealing with so much displacement from the war-driven deployments of the
past several years also has fueled the military home-buying market on
Oahu.

For Jacob Laughlin, a staff sergeant stationed in Iraq and his wife
Stephanie, who had been living in California with family during her
husband's absence, getting set up with a home in Hawaii prior to his
return from deployment was due more to the desire to get on with their
lives than to beat the rush.

Like a growing number of military buyers in Oahu's marketplace, the couple
took advantage of technology to find and later close on a two-bedroom,
one-bath Mililani townhouse, sight unseen

"We had just had a baby, so it didn't seem feasible for me to physically
look for homes in Hawaii," Stephanie said. "And I really wanted to have
everything set up for Jacob when he came home. I didn't want him to have
to go through all that stress after coming back from Iraq."

Team Kucic sent pictures and video of Hawaii homes to Iraq and California.
Once the couple found a house that they liked, they had a friend who was
based in Hawaii visit the property for a second opinion. Stephanie used
power of attorney to close on the property from California and picked up
the keys a month later.

"It was the most amazing feeling," Stephanie said. "It's almost surreal."

And best of all, come October when many of Hawaii's returning military
begin searching for housing in earnest, the Laughlin family will be
hunkered down enjoying their little piece of paradise. This time, Jacob's
return will literally be a "home" coming.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

14. NY Times - Front Page - Japan's Remiliarization, Live fire bombing
runs in Guam
From: Joseph Gerson [mailto:JGerson@afsc.org]
Sent: Mon 7/23/2007 9:25 AM

July 23
Friends,

In a very significant article, the New York Times has published the
followin front page article about Japanese remilitarization, including
recent live fire bombing practice in Guam. (Will Guam ever be free of U.S.
and Japanese imperialism?)

Of course, the Times pulled a lot of punches. For example, there is no
indication that the United States has pressed the pace of Japanese
remilitariztioin, including the demand that it "show the flag" in the U.S.
Afganistan and Iraq wars, but the publication of the article marks a
breaking of silence and a new phase.

For those who want to know where the U.S.- Japan alliance/axis is heading,
I would suggest your finding the recent Armitage-Nye report (easy to
google, Im working from home and don't have easy access to the URL) which
is a bi-partisan blueprint, not only for the end of the Bush-Cheney era,
but for the next U.S. government. (I've written about it in the speech
I've written for the World Conference against A & H Bombs and will post it
in a week or so.

In solidarity in these demanding times,

Joseph

P.S. The Times web page also includes a video about the Japanese military,
but I was unable to run it on my laptop here at home.

Bomb by Bomb, Japan Sheds Military Restraints
By NORIMITSU ONISHI
New York Times
Published: July 23, 2007

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam - To take part in its annual exercises with
the United States Air Force here last month, Japan practiced dropping
500-pound live bombs on Farallon de Medinilla, a tiny island in the
western Pacific's turquoise waters more than 150 miles north of here.

The pilots described dropping a live bomb for the first time - shouting
"shack!" to signal a direct hit - and seeing the fireball from aloft. "The
level of tension was just different," said Capt. Tetsuya Nagata, 35,
stepping down from his cockpit onto the sunbaked tarmac.

The exercise would have been unremarkable for almost any other military,
but it was highly significant for Japan, a country still restrained by a
Constitution that renounces war and allows forces only for its defense.
Dropping live bombs on land had long been considered too offensive, so
much so that Japan does not have a single live-bombing range.

Flying directly from Japan and practicing live-bombing runs on distant
foreign soil would have been regarded as unacceptably provocative because
the implicit message was clear: these fighter jets could perhaps fly to
North Korea and take out some targets before returning home safely.

But from here in Micronesia to Iraq, Japan's military has been rapidly
crossing out items from its list of can't-dos. The incremental changes,
especially since the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, amount to the most
significant transformation in Japan's military since World War II, one
that has brought it ever closer operationally to America's military while
rattling nerves throughout northeast Asia.

In a little over half a decade, Japan's military has carried out changes
considered unthinkable a few years back. In the Indian Ocean, Japanese
destroyers and refueling ships are helping American and other militaries
fight in Afghanistan. In Iraq, Japanese planes are transporting cargo and
American troops to Baghdad from Kuwait.

Japan is acquiring weapons that blur the lines between defensive and
offensive. For the Guam bombing run, Japan deployed its newest fighter
jets, the F-2's, the first developed jointly by Japan and the United
States, on their maiden trip here. Unlike its older jets, the F-2's were
able to fly the 1,700 miles from northern Japan to Guam without refueling
- a "straight shot," as the Japanese said with unconcealed pride.

Japan recently indicated strongly its desire to buy the F-22 Raptor, a
stealth fighter known mainly for its offensive abilities such as
penetrating contested airspace and destroying enemy targets, whose export
is prohibited by United States law.

At home, the Defense Agency, whose profile had been intentionally kept
low, became a full ministry this year. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe used the
parliamentary majority he inherited from his wildly popular predecessor,
Junichiro Koizumi, to ram through a law that could lead to a revision of
the pacifist Constitution.

Japan's 241,000-member military, though smaller than those of its
neighbors, is considered Asia's most sophisticated. Though flat, its $40
billion military budget has ranked among the world's top five in recent
years. Japan has also tapped nonmilitary budgets to launch spy satellites
and strengthen its coast guard recently.

Japanese politicians like Mr. Abe have justified the military's
transformation by seizing on the threat from North Korea; the rise of
China, whose annual military budget has been growing by double digits; and
the Sept. 11 attacks - even fanning those threats, critics say. At the
same time, Mr. Abe has tried to rehabilitate the reputation of Japan's
imperial forces by whitewashing their crimes, including wartime sexual
slavery.

Japanese critics say the changes under way - whose details the government
has tried to hide from public view, especially the missions in Iraq - have
already violated the Constitution and other defense restrictions.

"The reality has already moved ahead, so they will now talk about the need
to catch up and revise the Constitution," said Yukio Hatoyama, the
secretary general of the main opposition Democratic Party.

Richard J. Samuels, a Japan expert at the Massachusetts Institute of
Technology, said that revisionist politicians like Mr. Abe and Mr.
Koizumi, once on the fringes of Japan's political world, succeeded in
grabbing the mainstream in a time of uncertainty. They shared the view
"that the statute of limitations on Japan's misbehavior during the Pacific
War had expired" and that Japan, like any normal country, should have a
military.

Their predecessors feared getting entangled in an American-led war. But
the new leaders feared that Japan would be abandoned by the United States
unless it contributed to its wars, said Mr. Samuels, whose book on Japan's
changing military, "Securing Japan," will be published in August.

"So what do you do?" he said. "You step up. And that is consistent with
what they've long wanted to do anyway. So there was a convergence of
preferences."

Today, Japan is America's biggest partner in developing and financing a
missile defense shield in Asia. Some Japanese ground and air force
commands are also moving inside American bases in Japan so that the two
forces will become, in military jargon, "interoperable."

"I think the Japan-U.S. security relationship should be as unified as
possible, and our different roles need to be made clear," said Shigeru
Ishiba, a defense chief under Mr. Koizumi and now a leader in a Liberal
Democratic Party committee looking at loosening defense restrictions.

In Iraq, in accordance with a special law to aid in reconstruction, a
symbolic ground force was first deployed to a relatively peaceful,
noncombat area in southern Iraq to engage in relief activities. After the
troops left last year, though, three Japanese planes began regularly
transporting American troops and cargo from Kuwait to Baghdad.

The Japanese authorities refuse to say whether the planes have transported
weapons besides those carried by soldiers. Concerned about public
opposition, defense officers have spied on antiwar activists and
journalists perceived as critical, the Defense Ministry acknowledged after
incriminating documents were recently obtained by the Communist Party in
Japan.

Mr. Hatoyama of the Democratic Party said that transporting armed American
troops contravened Japan's pacifist Constitution. "Instead of engaging in
humanitarian assistance, they are basically assisting American troops," he
said. "American troops and the Air Self-Defense Forces are working as one,
just as they are training as one in Guam."

In Parliament, Mr. Abe denied that the activities violated the
Constitution, saying Japanese troops were restricted to noncombat zones
and did not operate under a joint command with any other force.

Here in Guam, American and Japanese pilots simulated intercepts and
air-to-air combat for two weeks. In the final days, each side took turns
pummeling the tiny island with bombs.

Col. Tatsuya Arima, the commander of the Japanese squadron, said such
bombing could protect Japanese grounds troops or vessels from encroaching
enemies. "Bombing does not always mean offensive weapons," Colonel Arima
said. "They can also be used for defense, which, put another way, is what
we mostly train for." Lt. Col. Tod Fingal, the commander of the American
squadron, said the exercise helped build confidence among pilots by
exposing them to a new environment. "I would equate it to an away game in
sports," Colonel Fingal said.

Japan's military has become less shy in projecting its power away from
home. Japan lacks the nuclear submarines, long-range missiles or large
aircraft carriers that amount to real power projection.

But it is acquiring four Boeing 767 air tankers that will allow its planes
to refuel in midair and travel farther, as well as two aircraft carriers
that will transport helicopters and, with some adjustments, planes capable
of taking off vertically. The United States has welcomed the changes while
pressing for more.

"The restrictions that Japan has lived under, which I would say Japan has
maintained on its own or imposed on itself, are quite unique," said a
Pentagon official who requested anonymity so that he could speak candidly.
"The changes that you're seeing in Japan are very unique changes in the
context of those restrictions. In the context of everything else that is
going on around the world, or in the context of Japan's potential to
contribute to the region and the world in security areas, the changes are
fairly small."

Small or not, they are causing anxieties in a region where distrust of
Japan has deepened in direct proportion to Japanese tendencies to revise
the past. South Korea reacted sharply to Japan's desire to buy the F-22
Raptor. Also, in a recent ceremony unveiling South Korea's first destroyer
equipped with the advanced Aegis weapons system, President Roh Moo-hyun
said, "Northeast Asia is still in an arms race, and we cannot just sit
back and watch."

Mr. Ishiba, the former defense chief, said the region's distrust was
softened by Japan's alliance with the United States. But he acknowledged
that Japan's inability to come to terms with its wartime past restricted
its ability to project power positively.

"Unless everyone understands why we weren't able to avoid that war," Mr.
Ishiba said, referring to World War II, "and what Japan did to Asia, it
could be dangerous if we get power-projection capability."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

15. The Worldwide Network of US Military Bases
Date: Mon, 09 Jul 2007 19:21:56 -1000
From: viviane lerner <vivlerner@gmail.com>

http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=5564
July 10, 2007
Review Article: The Worldwide Network of US Military Bases
The Global Deployment of US Military Personnel
by Prof. Jules Dufour

The Worldwide control of humanity's economic, social and political
activities is under the helm of US corporate and military power.
Underlying this process are various schemes of direct and indirect
military intervention. These US sponsored strategies ultmately consist in
a process of global subordination.

Where is the Threat?

The 2000 Global Report published in 1980 had outlined "the State of the
World" by focussing on so-called "level of threats" which might
negatively influence or undermine US interests.

Twenty years later, US strategists, in an attempt to justify their
military interventions in different parts of the World, have
conceptualised the greatest fraud in US history, namely "the Global War on
Terrorism" (GWOT). The latter, using a fabricated pretext constitutes a
global war against all those who oppose US hegemony. A modern form of
slavery, instrumented through militarization and the "free market" has
unfolded.

Major elements of the conquest and world domination strategy by the US
refer to:

1) the control of the world economy and its financial markets,
2) the taking over of all natural resources (primary resources and
nonrenewable sources of energy). The latter constitute the cornerstone of
US power through the activities of its multinational corporations.

Geopolitical Outreach: Network of Military Bases

The US has established its control over 191 governments which are members
of the United Nations. The conquest, occupation and/or otherwise
supervision of these various regions of the World is supported by an
integrated network of military bases and installations which covers the
entire Planet (Continents, Oceans and Outer Space). All this pertains to
the workings of an extensive Empire, the exact dimensions of which are
not always easy to ascertain.

Known and documented from information in the public domaine including
Annual Reports of the US Congress, we have a fairly good understanding of
the strucuture of US military expenditure, the network of US military
bases and the shape of this US military-strategic configuration in
different regions of the World.

The objective of this article is to build a summary profile of the World
network of military bases, which are under the jurisdiction
and/or control of the US. The spatial distribution of these military
bases will be examined together with an analysis of the multibillion
dollar annual cost of their activities.

In a second section of this article, Worldwide popular resistance
movements directed against US military bases and their various projects
will be outlined. In a further article we plan to analyze the military
networks of other major nuclear superpowers including the United Kingdom,
France and Russia.

I. The Military Bases

Military bases are conceived for training purposes, preparation and
stockage of military equipment, used by national armies throughout the
World. They are not very well known in view of the fact that they are not
open to the public at large. Even though they take on different shapes,
according to the military function for which they were established; they
can broadly be classified under four main categories :

a) Air Force Bases (see photos 1 and 2);
b) Army or Land Bases;
c) Navy Bases and
d) Communication and Spy Bases.

Photo 1. Air Base of Diego Garcia located in the Indian Ocean

Reference :
http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Diego_Garcia_%28satellite%29.jpg

Photo 2. Diego Garcia. An Aerial View of two B-52 and six Kc-a135

Reference :
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/facility/images/diego-garcia-ims7.jpg

II. More than 1000 US Bases and/or Military Installations

The main sources of information on these military installations (e.g. C.
Johnson, the NATO Watch Committee, the International Network for the
Abolition of Foreign Military Bases) reveal that the US operates and/or
controls between 700 and 800 military bases Worldwide.

In this regard, Hugh d^ÒAndrade and Bob Wing's 2002 Map 1 entitled "U.S.
Military Troops and Bases around the World, The Cost of 'Permanent War'",
confirms the presence of US military personnel in 156 countries.

The US Military has bases in 63 countries. Brand new military bases have
been built since September 11, 2001 in seven countries.

In total, there are 255,065 US military personnel deployed Worldwide.

These facilities include a total of 845,441 different buildings and
equipments. The underlying land surface is of the order of 30
million acres. According to Gelman, who examined 2005 official Pentagon
data, the US is thought to own a total of 737 bases in foreign lands.
Adding to the bases inside U.S. territory, the total land area occupied by
US military bases domestically within the US and internationally is of the
order of 2,202,735 hectares, which makes the Pentagon one of the largest
landowners worldwide (Gelman, J., 2007).

Map 1. U.S. Military Troops and Bases around the World. The Cost of
«Permanent War» and Some Comparative Data

Source: http://www.unitedforpeace.org/article.php?id=884

Map 2. The American Military Bases Around the World (2001-2003)

Source : http://www.globalpolicy.org/empire/intervention/index.htm
Source : http://www.nobases.org

Map 3 US Military Bases Click here to see Map 3

The Map of the World Network "No Bases" (Map 3) reveals the following:

Based on a selective examination of military bases in North America, Latin
America, Western Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, Indonesia, the
Philippines and Japan, several of these military bases are being used for
intelligence purposes. New selected sites are Spy Bases
and Satellite-related Spy Bases.

The Surface of the Earth is Structured as a Wide Battlefield

These military bases and installations of various kinds are distributed
according to a Command structure divided up into five spatial units and
four unified Combatant Commands (Map 4). Each unit is under the Command of
a General.

The Earth surface is being conceived as a wide battlefield which can be
patrolled or steadfastly supervised from the Bases.

Map 4. The World and Territories Under the Responsibility of a Combatant
Command or Under a Command Structure

Source : http://www.defenselink.mil/specials/unifiedcommand/

Territories under a Command are: the Northern Command (NORTHCOM) (Peterson
Air Force Base, Colorado), the Pacific Command (Honolulu, Hawaii), the
Southern Command (Miami, Florida ^Ö Map 5), The Central Command (CENTCOM)
(MacDill Air Force Base, Florida), the European Command
(Stuttgart-Vaihingen, Germany), the Joint Forces Command (Norfolk,
Virginia), the Special Operations Command (MacDill Air Force Base,
Florida), the Transportation Command (Scott Air Force Base, Illinois) and
the Strategic Command (STRATCOM) (Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska).

Map 5. The Southern Command

Source :
http://www.visionesalternativas.com/militarizacion/mapas/mapabases.htm

NATO Military Bases

The Atlantic Alliance (NATO) has its own Network of military bases, thirty
in total. The latter are primarily located in Western Europe:

Whiteman, U.S.A., Fairford,
Lakenheath and Mildenhall in United Kingdom,
Eindhoven in Netherlands,
Brüggen, Geilenkirchen, Landsberg, Ramstein, Spangdahlem, Rhein-Main in
Germany,
Istres and Avord in France.
Morón de la Frontera and Rota in Spain,
Brescia, Vicenza, Piacenza, Aviano, Istrana, Trapani, Ancora, Pratica di
Mare, Amendola, Sigonella, Gioia dell Colle, Grazzanise and Brindisi in
Italy,
Tirana in Albania,
Incirlik in Turkey,
Eskan Village in Soudi Arabia and
Ali al Salem in Koweit
(http://www.terra.es/actualidad/articulo/html/act52501.htm )

III. The Global Deployment of US Military Personnel

There are 6000 military bases and/ or military warehouses located in the
U.S. (See Wikipedia, February 2007).

Total Military Personnel is of the order of 1,4 million of which
1,168,195 are in the U.S and US overseas territories.

Taking figures from the same source, there are 325,000 US military
personnel in foreign countries:

800 in Africa,
97,000 in Asia (excluding the Middle East and Central Asia),
40,258 in South Korea,
40,045 in Japan,
491 at the Diego Garcia Base in the Indian Ocean,
100 in the Philippines, 196 in Singapore,
113 in Thailand,
200 in Australia,
and 16,601 Afloat.

In Europe, there are 116,000 US military personnel including 75,603 who
are stationed in Germany.

In Central Asia about 1,000 are stationed at the Ganci (Manas) Air Base in
Kyrgyzstan and 38 are located at Kritsanisi, in Georgia, with a mission to
train Georgian soldiers.

In the Middle East (excludng the Iraq war theater) there are 6,000 US
military personnel, 3,432 of whom are in Qatar and 1,496 in Bahrain.

In the Western Hemisphere, excluding the U.S. and US territories, there
are 700 military personnel in Guantanamo, 413 in Honduras and 147 in
Canada.

Map 3 provides information regarding military personnel on duty, based on
a regional categorization (broad regions of the world). The total number
of military personnel at home in the U.S. and/or in US Territories is
1,139,034. There are 1,825 in Europe 114, 660, 682 in Subsaharian Africa,
4, 274 in the Middle East and Southern Asia, 143 in the Ex-USSR, and
89,846 in the Pacific.

IV. The Operational Cost of the Worldwide Military Network

US defense spending (excluding the costs of the Iraq war) have increased
from 404 in 2001 to 626 billion dollars in 2007 according to data from the
Washington based Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation. US defense
spending is expected to reach 640 billion dollars in 2008.

(Figure 1 and http://www.armscontrolcenter.org/archives/002244.php ).

These 2006 expenses correspond to 3.7% of the US GDP and $935.64 per
capita (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_of-the_United_States).

Figure 1. U.S. Military Expenditures since 1998

Source : http://www.globalissues.org/Geopolitics/ArmsTrade/Spending.asp

According to Fig 1, the 396 billion dollars military budget proposed in
2003 has in fact reached 417.4 billion dollars, a 73% increase compared
to 2000 (289 billion dollars). This outlay for 2003 was more than half of
the total of the US discretionary budget.

Since 2003, these military expenditures have to be added to those of the
Iraq war and occupation The latter reached in March 2007, according to the
National Priorities Project, a cumulative total of 413 billion dollars.

(http://www.janes.com/defence/news/jdi/jdi050504_1_n.shtml),
(http://nationalpriorities.org/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=182 ).

Estimates of the Defense Department budget needs, made public in 2006 in
the DoD Green Book for FY 2007 are of the order of 440 billion dollars.
(http://www.dod.mil/comptroller/defbudget/fy2007/index.html )

Military and other staff required numbered 1,332,300. But those figures
do not include the money required for the "Global World on Terrorism"
(GWOT). In other words, these figures largely pertain to the regular
Defense budget.

A Goldstein of the Washington Post, within the framework of an article on
the aspects of the National 2007 budget titled «2007 Budget Favors
Defense», wrote about this topic:

"Overall, the budget for the 2007 fiscal year would further reshape the
government in the way the administration has been striving to during the
past half-decade: building up military capacity and defenses against
terrorist threats on U.S. soil, while restraining expenditures for many
domestic areas, from education programs to train service"

(http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/02/04/AR2006020401179
.html ).

V. US Military Bases to Protect Strategic Energy Resources

In the wake of 9/11, Washington initiated its "Global War on Terrorism"
(GWOT), first in Afghanistan and then in Iraq. Other countries, which were
not faithfully obeying Washington's directives including Iran, North
Korea, Syria and Venezuela have been earmarked for possible US military
intervention.

Washington keeps a close eye on countries opposed to US corporate control
over their resources. Washington also targets countries where there are
popular resistance movements directed against US interests, particularly
in South America. In this context, President Bush made a quick tour to
Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia, Guatemala and Mexico «to promote democracy and
trade» but also with a view to ultimately curbing and restraining popular
dissent to the US interests in the region. .

(http://www.voanews.com/spanish/2007-03-08-voa1.cfm)

The same braod approach is being applied in Central Asia. According to
Iraklis Tsavdaridis, Secretary of the World Peace Council (WPC):

"The establishment of U.S. military bases should not of course be seen
simply in terms of direct military ends. They are always used to promote
the economic and political objectives of U.S. capitalism. For example,
U.S. corporations and the U.S. government have been eager for some time to
build a secure corridor for US.-controlled oil and natural gas pipelines
from the Caspian Sea in Central Asia through Afghanistan and Pakistan to
the Arabian Sea. This region -has more than 6 percent of the world's
proven oil reserves and almost 40 percent of its gas reserves. The war in
Afghanistan and the creation of U.S. military Bases in Central Asia are
viewed as a key opportunity to make such pipelines a reality."

(http://stopusa.be/campaigns/texte.php?section=FABN&langue=3&id=24157 ).

The US. are at War in Afghanistan and Iraq. They pursue these military
operations until they reach their objective which they call "VICTORY".
According to Wikipedia
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deployment_of-the_U.S.-Military), American
troops fighting in these countries number 190,000. The "Enduring Freedom"
Operation in Iraq alone has almost 200,000 military personnel, including
26,000 from other countries participating to the US sponsored "Mission".
About 20,000 more could join other contingents in the next few months. In
Afghanistan, a total of 25,000 soldiers participate to the operation (Map
6 and Map 7).

Map 6. Petroleum and International Theatre of War in the Middle East and
Central Asia

Source : Eric Waddell, The Battle for Oil, Global Research, 2003

Map 7. American Bases Located in Central Asia

Source : http://www.heartland.it/map_centro_asia_ring.html

Map 8. Oil Fields in Latin America

Source :
http://www.visionesalternativas.com/militarizacion/mapas/mapahegem.htm

VI. Military Bases Used for the Control of Strategic Renewable Resources

US Military Bases in foreign countries, are mainly located in Western
Europe: 26 of them are in Germany, 8, in Great Britain, and 8 in Italy.
There are nine military installations in Japan (Wikepedia).

In the last few years, in the context of the GWOT, the US haa built 14 new
bases in and around the Persian Gulf.

It is also involved in construction and/or or reinforcement of 20 bases
(106 structured units as a whole) in Iraq, with costs of the order of 1.1
billion dollars in that country alone (Varea, 2007) and the use of about
ten bases in Central Asia.

The US has also undertaken continued negotiations with several countries
to install, buy, enlarge or rent an addional number of military bases. The
latter pertain inter alia to installations in Morocco, Algeria, Mali,
Ghana, Brazil and Australia (See Nicholson, B., 2007), Poland, Czech
Republic (Traynor, I., 2007), Ouzbekistan, Tadjikistan, Kirghizstan, Italy
(Jucca, L., 2007) and France.

Washington has signed an agreement to build a military base in Djibouti
(Manfredi, E., 2007). All these initiatives are a part of an overall plan
to install a series of military bases geographically located in a
West-East corridor extending from Colombia in South America, to North
Africa, the Near East, Central Asia and as far as the Philippines
(Johnson, C., 2004). The US bases in South American are related to the
control and access to the extensive natural biological , mineral and water
resources resources of the Amazon Basin. (Delgado Jara, D., 2006 and Maps
9 and 10).

Map 9. The Biological Wealth of Latin America

Source :
http://www.visionesalternativas.com/militarizacion/mapas/mapahegem.htm

Map 10. Freshwater Resources in Latin America

Source :
http://www.visionesalternativas.com/militarizacion/mapas/mapahegem.htm

VII. Resistance Movements

The network of US military bases is strategic, located in prcximity of
traditional strategic resources including nonrenewable sources of
energy. This military presence has brought about political opposition and
resistance from progressive movements and antiwar activists.

Demonstrations directed against US military presence has developed
in Spain, Ecuador, Italy, Paraguay, Uzbekistan, Bulgaria and in many other
countries. Moreover, other long-termer resistance movements directed
against US military presence have continued in South Korea, Puerto Rico,
Guam, the Philippines, Cuba, Europe, Japan and other locations.

The Worldwide resistance to US foreign military bases has grown during the
last few years. We are dealing with an International Network for the
Abolition of US Military Bases.

Such networks' objective is to broadly pursue disarmament,
demilitarization processes Worldwide as well as dismantle US military
bases in foreign countries.

The NO BASES Network organizes educational campaigns to sensitize public
opinion. It also works to rehabilitate abandoned military sites, as in
the case of Western Europe.

These campaigns, until 2004, had a local and national impact. The
network is now in a position to reach people Worldwide. The network itself
underscores that "much can be gained from greater and deeper linkages
among local and national campaigns and movements across the globe. Local
groups around the world can learn and benefit from sharing information,
experiences, and strategies with each other"

(http://www.no-bases.org/index.php?mod=network&bloque=1&idioma=en )

"The realisation that one is not alone in the struggle against foreign
bases is profoundly empowering and motivating. Globally coordinated
actions and campaigns can highlight the reach and scale of the resistance
to foreign military presence around the world. With the trend of rising
miniaturization and resort to the use of force around the world, there is
now an urgent and compelling need to establish and strengthen an
international network of campaigners, organisations, and movements working
with a special and strategic focus on foreign military presence and
ultimately, working towards a lasting and just system of peace»

(http://www.no-bases.org/index.php?mod=network&bloque=1&idioma=en )

The Afghanistan and Iraq wars have, in this regard, created a favourable
momentum, which has contributed to the reinforcement of the movement to
close down US military bases in foreign countries:

"At the time of an International anti-war meeting held in Jakarta in May
2003, a few weeks after the start of the Iraq invasion, a global
anti-military Bases campaign has been proposed as an action to priorize
among global anti-war, justice and solidarity movements»
(http://www.no-bases.org/index.php?mod=network&bloque=1&idioma=en).

Since then, the campaign has acquired greater recognition. E-mail lists
have been compiled (nousbases@lists.riseup.net and
nousbases-info@lists.riseup.net ) that permit the diffusion of the
movement members experiences and information and discussion exchanges.
That list now groups 300 people and organizations from 48 countries. A Web
site permits also to adequately inform all Network members. Many rubrics
provide highly valuable information on ongoing activities around the
World.

http://www.no-bases.org/index.php?mod=network&bloque=1&idioma=en

In addition, the Network is more and more active and participates in
different activities. At the World Social Forums it organized various
conferences and colloquia. It was present at the European Social Forum
held in Paris in 2003 and in London in 2004 as well as at the the
America^Òs Social Forum in Ecuador in 2004, and at the Mediterranean
Social Forum in Spain in 2005.

One of the major gatherings, which was held in Mumbai, India, in 2004, was
within the framework of the World Social Forum. More than 125 participants
from 34 countries defined the foundations of a coordinated global
campaign.

Action priorities were identified, such as the determination of a global
day of action aiming at underscoring major issues stemming from the
existence of US military bases. The Network also held four discussion
sessions at the Porto Alegre Social Forum in 2005. One of those pertained
to the financing of the Network's activities.

It is important to recall that the Network belongs to the Global Peace
Movement. Justice and Peace organizations have become more sensitized on
what was at stake regarding US military bases. .

Map 11. Social and Resistence Movements in Latin America

Source :
http://www.visionesalternativas.com/militarizacion/mapas/mapahegem.htm

The Quito and Manta International Conference, Ecuador, March 2007

A Network World Conference for the Abolition of Foreign Military Bases was
held at Quito and at Manta, Ecuador, from March 5 to 9 2007

(http://72.14.205.104/search?q=cache:SmEvQwFUeiAJ:www.abolishbases.org/pdf/Callt
oEcuadorFlyer-Francais.pdf+R%C3%A9seau+mondial+des+bases+militaires&hl=fr&gl=ca&
ct=clnk&cd=3&lr=lang_fr ).

The objective of the Conference was to underscore the political, social,
environmental and economic impacts of US military bases, to make known the
principles of the various Anti-Bases movements and to formally build the
Network, its strategies, structure and Action Plans. The main objectives
of the Conference were the following:

- Analyze the role of Foreign Military Bases and other features
of military presence associated to the global dominance strategy and their
impacts upon population and environment;

- Share experiences and reinforce the built solidarity resulting
from the resistance battles against Foreign military Bases around the
World;

- Reach a consensus on objectives mechanisms, on action plans,
on coordination, on communication and on decision making of a Global
Network for the abolition of all Foreign military Bases and of all other
expressions of military presence; and

- Establish global action plans to fight and reinforce the
resistance of local people and ensure that these actions are being
coordinated at the international level.

Conclusion

This article has focussed on the Worldwide development of US military
power.

The US tends to view the Earth surface as a vast territory to conquer,
occupy and exploit. The fact that the US Military splits the World up into
geographic command units vividly illustrates this underlying geopolitical
reality.

Humanity is being controlled and enslaved by this Network of US military
bases. .

The ongoing re-deployment of US troops and military bases has to be
analyzed in a thorough manner if we wish to understand the nature of US
interventionism in different regions of the World.

This militarisation process is charactersied by armed aggression and
warfare, as well as interventions called "cooperation agreements". The
latter reaffirmed America's economic design design in the areas of trade
and investment practices. Economic development is ensured through the
miniaturization or the control of governments and organizations. Vast
resources are thereby expended and wasted in order to allow such control
to be effective, particuarly in regions which have a strategic potential
in terms of wealth and resources and which are being used to consolidate
the Empire's structures and functions.

The setting up of the International Network for the Abolition of Foreign
Military Bases turns out to be an extraordinary means to oppose the
miniaturization process of the Planet. Such Network is indispensable and
its growth depends on a commitment of all the People of the World. It will
be extremely difficult to mobilize them, but the ties built up by the
Network among its constituant resistence movements are a positive element,
which is ultmately conducive to more cohesive and coordinated battle at
the World level.

The Final Declaration of the Second International Conference against
Foreign Military Bases which was held in Havana in November 2005 and was
endorsed by delegates from 22 countries identifies most of the major
issues, which confront mankind. This Declaration constitutes a major peace
initative. It establishes international solidarity in the process of
disarmament. .

(http://www.csotan.org/textes/texte.php?type=divers&art_id=267 ).

References [see onsite- vl]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

16. Democracy Unlimited Deep Democracy Retreat
Date: Tue, 10 Jul 2007 07:31:07 -0700
From: lynda mcclure <lynda@pacific.net

> Dear friends and supporters,

> Below is an e-mail alert publicizing our 'Community Organizing for Deep
> Democracy' retreat coming up in August. We would greatly appreciate it
if you could send this e-mail to your contact lists and/or other you know
with contacts. We are hoping to draw activists and organizers from all
over the country to this weekend retreat and we would greatly appreciate
your help in getting the word out! I will be calling in the next week or
so to check in with you to be sure if you received this message and to see
if you have any questions. Otherwise, feel free to check out our website
or give us a call.

Our contact information is given below. Thanks so much for your interest
and support!

> Rob DiPerna
> DUHC Volunteer

Don't Miss the 1st Ever Deep Democracy Retreat in Humboldt County,
California!
AUGUST 10-12, 2007 - TIME TO REGISTER IS NOW!
The Retreat is limited to 20 participants!

> WHO: YOU are invited to join us for an empowering weekend retreat:
"Community Organizing for Deep Democracy."

> These events will be tailored to meet the needs of the participants
based on pre-event feedback. This event is open to participants from all
over the country.

WHAT: This full weekend workshop will help participants effectively
organize in their own communities to reclaim citizen sovereignty and will
offer tangible strategies for actions that we can collectively take to get
our democracy back from corporations. This three-day intensive workshop
will challenge the deep assumptions that we all hold about what it means
to live in a democracy and what the proper role of the corporation is. We
will draw on history as well as current events to illustrate the changing
role of the corporation over time and how seriously our past people's
struggles have taken the concept of democracy.

Deep Democracy Retreats are right for you if you are:

* an activist, leader, organizer, or trainer engaged in issues of
economic, environmental or social justice in your community;

* an educator, activist, organizer, or trainer seeking to improve your
understanding of the history of corporate power and more effective
strategies for resistance.

By the end of the weekend workshop participants will have a background on
how corporate leaders and current judicial interpretations of the law are
preventing us from defining our own communities. Emphasis of this weekend
will be on giving participants the history, analysis, networks, and legal
and educational strategies to more successfully organize for local
democracy in their communities.

WHERE: This three day retreat will be hosted at the Democracy Unlimited
Headquarters in Eureka, CA. Eureka is situated on the Redwood Coast of
Northern California. The city is very near the largest and tallest stands
of the world's tallest trees, the coastal redwoods; the longest stretch of
undeveloped coastline in the continental United States, the Lost Coast;
and six of California's most scenic rivers. This retreat offers optional
day trips on either end (Thursday and Monday) for participants to explore
the Pacific Ocean and redwood forest and the surrounding scenic beauty.

Participants will also have the opportunity to visit with the local
community and volunteers who are spearheading the cutting-edge democracy
organizing that has been taking place in Humboldt County for the past
decade.

Sleeping accommodations are provided in host housing in nearby homes in
Eureka, or participants can choose to pay for hotel accommodations.
Vegetarian meals are prepared using local organic foods, many of the
vegetables are grown at OAEC.

The drive to Eureka is approximately 5 hours from San Francisco or the
East Bay. The trip from Sacramento to Eureka is also about 5 hours.
Carpooling is encouraged and we can help facilitate driving with others
from the Bay Area. If you are not driving distance from nearby in
California, you can fly to the Oakland, San Francisco, Sacramento airports
and get a ride or public transportation to the Retreat. You can also fly
into Eureka directly (our airport code is ACV). The retreat location is
approximately 20 minutes from the local airport.

WHEN: August 10-12, 2007. On-site sign-in for the Retreats begins on
Friday, August 10 from 2:00-3:00 pm; the program begins at 4:00pm Friday
and concludes at 3:30pm on Sunday.

Sessions will be conducted in the mornings, afternoons, and evenings.
Breaks will be provided during the day to allow participants to take
advantage of recreational attractions available at the retreat site, and
to allow participants to network.

It is important that participants plan to attend the full weekend Retreat
in order to get the maximum benefit of the training.

Participants are invited to arrive Thursday evening to join us for a hike
Friday morning and/or to stay for a day-trip on Monday. This retreat will
also feature a dinner on Saturday evening for participants and core
Democracy Unlimited volunteers from the local community.

COST: Event cost is $250-$400 sliding scale, some scholarships may be
available. Includes all vegetarian organic meals and lodging (unless you
chose to stay in a hotel), does not include travel.

Sliding scale means you determine what you can pay based on your income
and current financial situation. Below is a suggested model to follow - if
you can donate more to help others who need scholarships please do so.

If your income is...under $15,000 -- you pay... $250 If your income
is...$15,001-$25,000 -- you pay... $275 If your income
is...$25,001-$35,000 -- you pay... $300 If your income
is...$35,001-$45,000 -- you pay... $325 If your income
is...$45,001-$55,000 -- you pay...$350
If your income is...over $55,000 -- you pay...$400 (and we welcome
additional donations to cover scholarships for others).

Are you being sent to the training by your employer? If so, don't use your
income to determine the fee -- use the annual budget of the organization.
For example, if the organization's annual budget is $38,000, your employer
would pay $325 to send you to the retreat.

REGISTRATION: To register, download and complete the application form:
http://duhc.org/deepDemocracy.html

Democracy Unlimited
PO Box 610, Eureka CA 95502-0610

*Include your registration fee - we cannot guarantee your spot at the
retreat until we receive your payment.

For more information contact Democracy Unlimited: info@DUHC.org or (707)
269-0984. The Retreat is limited to 20 participants - so register early!

Materials, including a detailed agenda for the Retreat and a background
reading packet, will be made available to all registrants prior to the
training to help participants prepare for the Retreat.

CANCELLATION POLICY: If we cancel for any reason, your registration fee
will be refunded. If you cancel up to four weeks before the Retreat, we
will also refund full tuition. From four to two weeks before the Retreat,
we will refund the tuition you have paid less a $50 processing fee. Two
weeks before the Retreat or later we will not be able to refund tuition
unless we have been able to fill your seat and the Retreat is fully
enrolled, in which case we will refund tuition less the processing fee, as
above.

Democracy Unlimited of Humboldt County educates citizens about the
illegitimate seizure of our authority to govern ourselves. We design and
implement grassroots strategies which exercise democratic power over
corporations and governments. We seek to create a truly democratic society
by provoking a non-violent popular uprising against corporate rule in
Humboldt County that can serve as a model for other communities across the
United States.

We invite you to join us as we educate, agitate, organize, and strategize
to build a grassroots movement for democracy and against corporate rule!

> Mail:
> Post Office Box 610
> Eureka, California 95502
> Tel: (707) 269-0984
> Fax: (707) 440-8029
> Web: http://DUHC.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

17. Are you living in 2007??
Date: Tue, 10 Jul 2007 02:16:41 -1000
From: Robin Rae <Art4Peace@hawaii.rr.com>

YOU KNOW YOU ARE LIVING IN 2007 when...

1. You accidentally enter your
password on the microwave.

2. You haven't played solitaire with
real cards in years.

3. You have a list of 15 phone
numbers to reach your family of 3.

4. You e-mail the person who works at
the desk next to you.

5. Your reason for not staying in
touch with friends and family is that
they
don't have e-mail addresses.

6. YOU PULL UP IN YOUR OWN DRIVEWAY
AND USE YOUR CELL PHONE TO SEE IF
ANYONE
IS HOME TO HELP YOU CARRY IN THE
GROCERIES!

7. Every commercial on television has
a web site at the bottom of the
screen.

8. Leaving the house without your
cell phone, which you didn't have the
first 20 or 30 (or 60) years of your
life, is now a cause for panic and
you
turn around to go and get it.

10. You get up in the morning and go
on line before getting your coffee.

11. You start tilting your head
sideways to smile. : )

12. You're reading this and nodding
and laughing.

13. Even worse, you know exactly to
whom you are going to forward this
message.

14. You are too busy to notice there
was no #9 on this list.

15. You actually scrolled back up to
check that there wasn't a #9 on this
list ...

... AND NOW YOU ARE
LAUGHING at yourself!!!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

18. Chertoff bases warning of terror risk on 'gut feeling,' E. A.
Torriero, 20070711
Date: Wed, 11 Jul 2007 12:06:47 -0700
From: Albert Krauss

With regard to the forwarded article from Dan Hamburg, below, you can post
comments or get a direct phone comment line
at http://www.dhs.gov/xutil/contactus.shtm I sent this comment through the
online form:

To: securitythreats@dhs.gov
Category: Security Threats
Message:

Mr. Chertoff's public pronouncements about his "gut feelings" serve
absolutely NO purpose other than to promote a climate of fear, which in
turn serves clearly political agendas. A truly responsible policy would
focus on implementation of whatever remedies and actions are necessary to
deal with potential threats. Incompetency knows no bounds to its own
unending capacity to malfunction.
__________________________________________
Date and Time of message: 7/11/2007 2:53:26 PM

From: "Dan Hamburg" <vote@pacific.net>
Date: July 11, 2007 9:23:04 AM PDT

July 11, 2007
Chertoff bases warning of terror risk on 'gut feeling'
Homeland chief says he's offering an assessment, not a prediction
By E.A. TORRIERO
McClatchy-Tribune

CHICAGO ^× Fearing complacency among the American people over possible
terror threats, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said in
Chicago on Tuesday that the nation faces a heightened chance of an attack
this summer.

"I believe we are entering a period this summer of increased risk,"
Chertoff told the Chicago Tribune's editorial board in an unusually blunt
and frank assessment of America's terror threat level.

"Summertime seems to be appealing to them," he said of al-Qaida. "We do
worry that they are rebuilding their activities."

Still, Chertoff said there are not enough indications of an imminent plot
to raise the current threat levels nationwide. And he indicated his
remarks were based on "a gut feeling" formed by past seasonal patterns of
terrorist attacks, recent al-Qaida statements, and intelligence he did not
disclose.

There is an assessment "not of a specific threat, but of increased
vulnerability," he added.

There have been reports already that suggest intelligence warnings at a
similar level to the summer before Sept. 11, 2001 and that al-Qaida may be
mobilizing.

In recent days, ABC news reported that a secret law enforcement report
prepared for homeland security warns that al-Qaida is preparing a
"spectacular" summer attack. On Tuesday, ABC News also reported that "new
intelligence suggests a small al-Qaida cell is on its way to the United
States, or may already be here."

"We could easily be attacked," Chertoff added. "The intent to attack us
remains as strong as it was on Sept. 10, 2001."

The dire warnings and Chertoff's comments come as the Bush administration
faces political and business opposition over its immigration and border
policies that have security implications.

With stiff blowback on those issues, the administration has been
unsuccessful in efforts to enact broader security measures ^× ones
opponents fear are too costly, unnecessary and infringe on people's
rights.

Chertoff said, too, that the recent failure of Congress to pass an
immigration bill has negative repercussions for homeland security and will
lead to continued federal crackdowns on illegal immigrants.

Resistance has built as well, he said, from business and travel interests
blocking his proposals to tighten border security, especially with Canada.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

19. Sign-On Statement Opposing The Iraq Oil Law - Please Sign, Please
Share with Others
Date: Wed, 11 Jul 2007 16:08:18 -0700
From: David Smith-Ferri <smithferri@pacific.net

Dear Friends,

As you know, six weeks ago I had the extreme honor of participating in the
first international conference of the Nobel Women^Òs Initiative in Galway,
Ireland. I gave a presentation at the conference with Yanar Mohammed of
the Organization of Women's Freedom in Iraq on the Iraq Oil Law.

As a result of our efforts, on June 19, 2007, five Nobel Peace Prize
recipients: Betty Williams, Mairead Corrigan Maguire, Jody Williams,
Shirin Ebadi, and Wangari Maathai, released a statement announcing their
opposition not only to the Oil Law, but also to U.S. government pressure
on the Iraqis to pass the law.
www.nobelwomensinitiative.org/news.php?WEBYEP_DI=113

The statement has already been translated into Arabic:
www.iraqpatrol.com/php/index.php?showtopic=19680 (as has my New York Times
Op Ed on the Oil Law www.iraqpatrol.com/php/index.php?showtopic=19681).

Congressman Jim McDermott of Washington State sent a copy of the statement
to every member of the United States Congress.

Jody Williams and I have conducted interviews on radio stations across the
United States, Democracy Now! highlighted the statement in a special
program on the law, and United Press International did a story on the
release of the Statement
www.upi.com/Energy/Briefing/2007/06/20/nobel_laureates_condemn_iraq_oil_law_us/6
357/.

In Iraq, Yanar Mohammed has organized a growing network of activists
working together to oppose the Oil Law.

The debate in the U.S. Congress has finally shifted from ^Ówhether^Ô to
^Óhow^Ô to end the U.S. invasion of Iraq. But the devil may yet be in the
details. We must be vigilant and demand not only that the occupation end,
but that as the details of withdrawal are worked out, that the requirement
that Iraqis change their oil system is taken off of the table.

To help advance that goal, I have a letter and a petition that I hope you
will sign and pass along to others to do the same.

The letter is the Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Statement that has been made
in to a Sign-on letter and invites your signatures. To sign, please send
you name, country of residence, and organizational affiliation (if any) to
Kelek Stevenson with Oil Change International at kkelekk@gmail.com. The
full text is below.

The petition was written by Yanar and includes the signatures of several
prominent Iraqi and American activists. You can sign the online online
petition here www.petitiononline.com/iraqoil/petition.html

I hope you will sign both.

For more information on The Iraq Oil Law and activists steps you can take,
please visit the Oil Law section of my website which is updated almost
daily at www.bushagenda.net/article.php?id=365, Oil Change
International^Òs website www.PriceOfOil.org, and www.handsoffiraqioil.org.

NOBEL PEACE PRIZE RECIPIENTS AND CONCERNED PEOPLE OF THE WORLD SIGN ON
STATEMENT IN OPPOSITION TO THE IRAQ OIL LAW

In support of the people of Iraq, we the undersigned Nobel Peace Prize
Laureates, state our opposition to the Iraq Oil Law.

We also oppose the decision of the United States government to require
that the Iraq government pass the Oil Law as a condition of continued
reconstruction aid in legislation passed on May 24, 2007.

A law with the potential to so radically transform the basic economic
security of the people of Iraq should not be forced on Iraq while it is
under occupation and in such a weak negotiating position vis-à-vis both
the U.S. government and foreign oil corporations.

The Iraq Oil Law could benefit foreign oil companies at the expense of the
Iraqi people, deny the Iraqi people economic security, create greater
instability, and move the country further away from peace.

The U.S. government should leave the matter of how Iraq will address the
future of its oil system to the Iraqi people to be dealt with at a time
when they are free from occupation and more able to engage in truly
democratic decision-making.

It is immoral and illegal to use war and invasion as mechanisms for
robbing a people of their vital natural resources.

Signed by

Betty Williams - Ireland
Nobel Peace Prize Recipient 1976

Mairead Corrigan Maguire - Ireland
Nobel Peace Prize Recipient 1976

Prof. Jody Williams - USA
Nobel Peace Prize Recipient 1997

Dr. Shirin Ebadi - Iran
Nobel Peace Prize Recipient 2003

Prof. Wangari Maathai - Kenya
Nobel Peace Prize Recipient 2004

Also signed by:

Yanar Mohammed ^Ö Iraq
Organization of Women's Freedom in Iraq

Antonia Juhasz - USA
Oil Change International

YOUR NAME HERE!
To sign, please send you name, country of residence, and organizational
affiliation (if any) to Kelek Stevenson with Oil Change International at
kkelekk@gmail.com.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

20. VENEZUELA: JOURNEY WITH THE REVOLUTION
Date: Mon, 23 Jul 2007 14:09:23 -0500
From: CA Conrad <caconrad13@GMAIL.COM>

A new documentary produced and directed by The Global Women's Strike has
just been released to PBS stations across the country. If you live in
Philadelphia you can check out today's post on The PhillySound for time
and dates:

http://PhillySound.blogspot.com

If you want to see it on your local PBS station contact your station, and
contact The Global Women's Strike to make it happen.

CAConrad
http://PhillySound.blogspot.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

21. Star Bulletin Poll: Do you think the Stryker brigade should be
stationed at Schofield Barracks?
Date: Mon, 23 Jul 2007 15:53:21 -0400
From: Kyle Kajihiro <kkajihiro@afsc.org>

ALOHA KAKOU I just learned of this poll this morning. As you can see, as
of 9:45 am, the Pro-Stryker votes got the jump on us and are ahead of the
No-Strykers in a Star Bulletin Poll. PLease VOTE "NO Strykers!" now! It
only takes a minute.

Go to the address:

http://starbulletin.com/poll/

Mahalo!

Protect the 'aina! Protect the people! Stop the Strykers!
Kyle

Do you think the Stryker brigade should be stationed at Schofield
Barracks?

Schofield Strykers?

Do you think the Stryker brigade should be stationed at Schofield Barracks?

A. Yes 125 67.93%
B. No 59 32.07%
Total votes: 184

Thanks for voting.

This vote reflects only the opinion of those who participated. One vote
per person, please. Multiple votes will be deleted. Note: Vote tallies may
change during the week, as attempts to manipulate the voting are
discovered and deleted.

[when i put this up, joel fischer had sent a message saying the "no" votes
are in the majority. g]
----
Star Bulletin Poll: Do you think the Stryker brigade should be stationed
at Schofield Barracks? - comment
Date: Mon, 23 Jul 2007 19:49:24 -0700 (PDT)
From: Ga! <ikekuuna@yahoo.com>

We can still say no, but the question itself if vague because it doesn't
mean that we are saying we don't want it anywhere else either.
~K
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

22. Let's get away from usual party politics
Date: Mon, 23 Jul 2007 16:50:24 -0700
From: Rebecca Cummings <beckyspi@mac.com>

The problem is never how to get new innovative thoughts into your mind,
but how to get the old ones out. Dee Hock

> Peace activist voices her independent streak
> Cindy Sheehan
> Sunday, July 22, 2007
>
> The feedback I have been receiving since I announced that I would
> challenge U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-San Francisco, for her House seat --
> unless she gives impeachment the go-ahead -- has been running about
> 3-to-1 positive.
>
> Some people have offered to quit their jobs to move to California's
> Eighth Congressional District to help my possible campaign. People are
> lining up to donate and help, and I am again very grateful and touched
> beyond belief by the generosity and energy of my fellow Americans.
>
> I truly understand the not-so-supportive people, though, because I have
> been in their shoes. Here in the United States, most of us put our faith
> in a two-party system that has failed peace and justice repeatedly. The
> Republicans do not have a monopoly on the culture of corruption
> (although BushCo has elevated it to policy status), and the way we do
> politics in this country needs a serious shakeup, when all we the people
> are getting is a shakedown.
>
> I was frightened out of ever voting for a third party, or an independent
> candidate, but voting out of fear is one of the things that bestowed us
> with the Bush crime mob and may give us the Republican, if not in party
> affiliation, Hillary Clinton.
>
> I was a lifelong Democrat only because the choices were limited. The
> Democrats are the party of slavery and were the party that started every
> war in the 20th century, except the other Bush debacle. The Federal
> Reserve, permanent federal income taxes, not one but two World Wars,
> Japanese concentration camps, and not one but two atom bombs dropped on
> the innocent citizens of Japan -- all brought to us via the Democrats.
>
> Don't tell me the Democrats are our "saviors" because I am not buying it
> -- especially after they bought more caskets and more devastating pain
> when they financed and co-facilitated more of President Bush's abysmal
> occupation. The Democrats also are allowing a meltdown of our republic
> by allowing the evils of the executive branch to continue unrestrained
> by their silent complicity.
>
> Good change has happened during Democratic regimes, but as in the civil
> rights and union movements, the positive changes occurred because of the
> people, not the politicians. I will run as an independent because I find
> the corruption in both parties unhealthy, and I believe we need to have
> more allegiance to humans than to a political party.
>
> I have nothing personally against Pelosi and have found our previous
> interactions very pleasant. However, being "against" the occupation of
> Iraq means ending it by ending the funding, preventing future illegal
> wars of aggression and holding BushCo accountable. Words have to be
> backed up by action, and if they aren't, they are as empty as Vice
> President Dick Cheney's conscience.
>
> If Pelosi does her constitutional and moral duty by Monday, then I
> believe some balance will be restored to the universe, and my
> organization, People for Humanity, can carry on with its humanitarian
> projects. If she doesn't, we will carry on anyway, with a political
> campaign to boot.
>
> I hope this challenges other people who desire healthy political change
> and not temporary Band-Aids to replace other Democrats and Republicans
> who do not conform to the beatitudes of peace, sustainability and the
> rule of law for everybody, not just poor or marginalized people.
>
> Being a born and raised Californian and being a Bay Area resident for
> the past 14 years have given me great insight into the people and
> concerns of San Francisco.
>
> I am concerned with many of the same things: same-sex partnership laws,
> the environment, health care, affordable post-secondary education,
> better schools, counter-military recruitment, poverty, AIDS research and
> cures, decriminalization of marijuana, and especially stopping war and
> ensuring real peace.
>
> I think I agree with Pelosi on many of these issues, but the difference
> is, I don't live in a mansion on the hill. Many of these issues have
> affected me and my family personally, and I am committed to fighting for
> the people, not the corporate interests.
>
> I wouldn't put myself through this if I weren't dead serious and
> committed to making America a better country than we have now, and
> holding people to a much higher standard than politics as usual. I am
> rested, restored to health and ready to rumble. I realize that if ever
> there was a time for politics as unusual, it is now.
>
> Cindy Sheehan is a peace activist whose son, Casey, was killed in Iraq.
> Contact us at insight@sfchronicle.com.
>
> http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/07/22/INGC6R23F41.DTL
> This article appeared on page E - 1 of the San Francisco Chronicle
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

23. I am seriously pissed off at OHA right now
Date: Mon, 23 Jul 2007 19:58:48 -1000
From: Scott Crawford <scott@aloha.net>

(Cross-posted at my blog...)

I am seriously pissed off at OHA right now, and I'm going to vent. And,
since I happen to have a platform here, expose what I see as the
ridiculousness of their grant process.

I have been critical of OHA when I have issues with them, for example in
the manner of their pursuit of the Akaka bill; but I have also not
hesitated to give them credit where I think it is due, for example through
their support for positive programs. In that past, I have expressed both
appreciation for the support of their grant program for our Kapahu Living
Farm project, while also offering constructive criticism on the timing of
their grant process (a grant submitted in April 2005, with a budget that
was supposed to start in January 2006, wasn't approved until December
2005, and then the first check wasn't issued until July 2006, halfway into
the program year already).

At the end of June, the Kipahulu Ohana submitted two grants to OHA, one
for the reconstruction of a 36' boat as a community vessel for marine
resource management, fishing, education and search and rescue; and the
other for invasive species control in the native forest of Kipahulu.

I just got both grant packages back, with letters saying "we were unable
to consider this request based on incompleteness." They listed four
reasons for this. I will take them one by one.

1) "We do not have anyone from your organization listed as having attended
an OHA Grants Workshop this past year." In fact, we did have someone
attend. Not sure why this isn't listed in their records, but we were not
given any opportunity to find out why, or explain that someone had
attended.

2) "Other funding and/or in-kind confirmation for all match listed was not
included." But their application instructions say: "Applicant is required
to provide confirmation of other funding (award letter, contract, etc.)
prior to presentation of the grant request to the OHA Administrator or
Board of Trustees." Not at the time of submitting the application. And
their instructions say: "Submit letters of confirmation from other funding
sources as received." OHA says it will take six months to consider a
request over $50K, so it would be totally ridiculous to expect a project
to raise 50% of the funds, then submit a grant request to OHA, then wait
six months for OHA to consider the request-and who knows how long to
finally cut a check. Their application instructions actually make
sense-submit the application, and then provide the confirmations of
matching funds as they come in. But now, contrary to their own
instructions, they have rejected the application because "confirmation for
all match listed was not included."

3) "No current tax clearance (with State of Hawaii & Federal department of
taxation stamps of approval) was submitted." I submitted an application
for tax clearance back on June 6. Over two weeks later, I got it back from
the state saying we had missed one GET filing. But they were in error (not
the first time), and after I tracked down the filing, I resubmitted the
application. Then a couple weeks later still, I got the application back
from the IRS saying there was no 990 filing for 2006. But we had filed our
990 on time in May. I called the IRS office in Honolulu and was told that
it takes them 4-6 months to process 990s to show up in their records, but
that I could submit a signed copy of our return and they would process it
as an original. After another call, they suddenly changed their mind and
decided to just go ahead and issue the tax clearance. So I sent them back
the form, and finally, almost six weeks after I originally submitted the
application, we received our tax clearance, which I promptly send to OHA
to add to our grant file. The reason it took so long was entirely due to
errors and delays in the state and federal tax offices. But nope, no tax
clearance submitted with the grant application, and OHA rejects it
outright. If a small grassroots organization like ours, with one part-time
administrative staff person, doesn't submit a tax clearance application
six weeks in advance of the grant deadline just in case the state and feds
screw up, too bad, fuck you, out of luck.

4) "The IRS non-profit tax-exempt status letter advance ruling period
ended on 12/31/99." Maybe it is my fault because I didn't submit the
letter from 2000 referring to the original letter saying "That letter is
still in effect." But this same letter has been submitted for every grant
we have received, from state, county and private foundation sources,
including OHA, for the last five years that I've been submitting grants.
This is the first time anyone has rejected a grant based on the IRS
letter.

OHA listed all four of these reasons for rejecting our applications, but I
assume they would have rejected it for any one of the four reasons. These
are all tiny technical issues. #1 seems to be a problem with OHA's own
records. #2 is just inconsistent with their own instructions. #3 is due to
the state and federal tax offices. #4 is inconsistent with every other
grant I've ever submitted.

Who the hell set the policy at OHA to reject grants outright for these
manini technical reasons? And how many other otherwise really good grant
requests are being rejected?

Honestly, I would like to know the answer to these questions.

I'm sure it is all some well-meaning bureaucratic decision, not some
malicious intent, but it is, in my humble opinion, stupid and
counterproductive. (Matthew Lorin, Director of Planning, Research,
Evaluation and Grants, signed the letter, but I have no idea whether he is
responsible for the policy.)

I'm pissed personally because I put a lot of time into these grants, and
this affects projects that I think are very important (and yes, my own
source of livelihood for the small portion of the budget I would get for
administering the grants). OHA not even considering the grant requests for
manini technical reasons means more of my time trying to stir up funds
from other sources for what I'm sure OHA considers otherwise very worthy
projects that are totally supportive of their mission. And maybe we'll get
funds elsewhere, though probably delayed. Meanwhile, invasive species will
continue to creep up the mountain unchecked in Kipahulu, one of the most
precious and endangered native forest areas in the islands. And East
Maui's ocean resources continue to be under pressure, sure to
substantially increase when the Superferry starts running.

But the big picture here is OHA's mission overall. They are supposed to be
helping Hawaiians, and through the grant program funding organizations
that are doing good work in the Hawaiian community, benefiting Hawaiians.
They have funded some great programs. Does it really serve their mission
to reject every grant application, no matter how otherwise worthy, that
has small technical issues that could easily be either cleared up or
corrected? It seems to me they would want to show the slightest
flexibility to allow grassroots Hawaiian organizations whose grants are
otherwise perfectly good to fill in small details that might be missing,
or in doubt, or out of their control. It seems like they would want to
actually support organizations in making sure their grant applications
meet their criteria, instead of being hard-asses and outright rejecting
any grant that has one little hair out of place. And it seems like their
criteria for completeness should be consistent with their own
instructions!

I don't know what else to say. I feel like reaching over into the OHA
office and shaking someone and saying "What the hell are you thinking??!!"
But I'll just rant here, and hope that some folks at OHA read this and
realize how stupid and inconsistent and counterproductive their policy is,
and that others will read it and put some pressure on OHA to realize how
stupid and inconsistent and counterproductive their policy is. And maybe,
when their next grant cycle rolls around next year, they will reconsider
how to really serve small grassroots Hawaiian organizations, and the
Hawaiian communities they serve, that are supposed to be the beneficiaries
of their grant program.

Mahalo for listening,
Scott
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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