March 19, 2005 Global Day of Action
No to War Occupation
Iraq, Palestine, Haiti,
Afghanistan, Cuba Everywhere!
Bring the Troops Home Now!
Money for People's Needs, Not War!
San Francisco: March Assembles: 11 a.m. Dolores Park
Rally: 1 p.m. Civic Center
---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

Resource:
MONEY FOR HUMAN NEEDS NOT WAR!
FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF SOCIAL SERVICES UNDER THE KNIFE RIGHT NOW GO TO:
http://www.bauaw.org/2005/02/programs-eliminated-or-cut-in-2006.html

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

1) NEXT BAUAW PLANNING MEETING TO GET THE MILITARY OUT OF
OUR SCHOOLS IS: SATURDAY, FEB. 26, 11 AM AT 474 VALENCIA STREET
The Board of Education, as a result of the Feb. 22 meeting,
is organizing a "meeting of the whole" based on the topic
of military recruitment in the Schools. Help plan strategy
for the meeting this Saturday, Feb. 26 at Centro del Pueblo,
474 Valencia street, first floor, to the left and all the way to
the rear of the building at the cheerful, Companeros del Barrio
childcare center.

Plus:

Report of the Tuesday, Feb.22 S.F. Board of Education Meeting:
(see full item 1 below)

2) WE ALL STAND WITH LYNNE STEWART!
NO JAIL TIME FOR LYNNE!
PLEASE WRITE LETTERS TODAY

3) The Central Committee for Conscientious Objectors
Presents: Conscientious Objectors Discuss War
Sunday, February 27 at the Humanist Hall, 390
27th St. @ Broadway, Oakland 3pm-6:30pm
Join CCCO and Conscientious Objector panelists;
Aimee Allison, Dale Bartlett, David Harris, Rev.
Dr. Dorsey Blake and Jeff Paterson, in a
discussion on war, draft and conscience,
moderated by Steve Morse, CCCO GI Rights Program
Coordinator.
Also, film maker Mark Manning, independent
reporter Dahr Jamail and military mom Nadia
McCaffrey offer reports about their recent trips
to Iraq and Jordan.
Refreshments.

4) March 19, 2005 Global Day of Action
No to War Occupation – Iraq, Palestine, Haiti,
Afghanistan, Cuba Everywhere!
Bring the Troops Home Now!
Money for People's Needs, Not War!
San Francisco: March Assembles: 11 a.m. Dolores Park
Rally: 1 p.m. Civic Center

5) COMING TO THE BAY AREA SOON ARE
TWO POWERFUL ANTIWAR MOVIES

"Mission Accomplished" is a a brutally vivid documentary
filmed entirely on the ground in Iraq. The reality of this
war for American troops is contrasted to the
overwhelming reality of the devastation felt and experienced
by the people of Iraq.
"Mission Accomplished" will open March 18th:
4 Star
2200 Clement St.
San Francisco, CA 94121
415.666.3488

"Voices In Wartime" is a compelling portrayal of human
experience with war through poetry, both from the point
of view of those who were in combat and those who are left
behind.
"Voices In Wartime" will play in S.F. on April 15th at:
Landmark Lumiere 3
1572 California Street
San Francisco, CA 94109

[This poem by fourth-grader Cameron Penny was read
by Marie Howe in this very beautiful film
directed by Rick King.

"If you are lucky in this life
A window will appear on a battlefield between two armies
And when the soldiers look into the window
They don't see their enemies
They see themselves as children
And they stop fighting
And go home and go to sleep
When they wake up, the land is well again."
By Cameron Penny]

To learn more about these film visit
Cinema Libre Studio
http://www.cinemalibrestudio.com/

6) PROTEST the Anniversary of the U.S.-led COUP in HAITI
Monday, Feb. 28, 4:30 p.m. Rally in UN Plaza,
San Francisco (under the Simon Bolivar statue at Hyde Street)
- proceeding at 5 p.m. March stops at sites representing
attempts to destroy democracy in Haiti, including SF Chronicle,
the Chilean, Brazilian and French consulates, and U.S.
Sen. Dianne Feinstein's office.

7) What: Anti-Recruitment Community Forum
When: Saturday, Feb. 26 2pm-4pm
Where: Audrey Lorde Room, Women's Building,
3543 18th St. between Valencia and Guerrero

8) The next meeting of the Lynne Stewart Defense Committee
is confirmed for Sunday, February 27 at Noon At the
Modern Times Bookstore at 888 Valencia Street,
between 19th and 20th Streets.
We will meet in the rear meeting room.

9) Latin America Fails to Deliver on Basic Needs (link only)
By JUAN FORERO
February 22, 2005
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/22/international/americas/22bolivia.html?hp&e
x=1109134800&en=a0fbb2c9c35c0f8f&ei=5094&partner=homepage

10) Bush Says Russia Must Make Good on Democracy (link only)
By ELISABETH BUMILLER
BRUSSELS
February 22, 2005
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/22/international/europe/22prexy.html

11) US Senator Says Afghan Bases Should Be Permanent (link only)
By David Brunnstrom
KABUL (Reuters)
Tue Feb 22, 2005 06:32 AM ET
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=7697958&src=eD
ialog/GetContent§ion=news

12) Some Inheritance (Social Security) (link only)
EDITORIAL
February 23, 2005
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/23/opinion/23wed1.html?hp

13) Failure to Form Cabinet Signals Crisis
for Palestinian Leaders
By ALAN COWELL
February 23, 2005
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/23/international/middleeast/23cnd-mideast.htm
l?hp&ex=1109221200&en=c2f9ba17fa86cb77&ei=5094&partner=homepage

14) Vonnegut at 80 (link only)
By David Hoppe, NUVO
Posted on January 10, 2003
http://www.alternet.org/story/14919/

15) Task Force Criticizes Bush's 'No Child' Law; (link only)
50-State Group Says It's Unconstitutional
by Sam Dillon
Published on Thursday, February 24, 2005 by the
San Francisco Chronicle
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines05/0224-09.htm

16) Two good liberals visit bad country (link only)
By Robert Mailer Anderson and Zack Anderson
Special To The Examiner
(Very interesting and favorable article about Cuba...bw)
http://www.sfexaminer.com/articles/2005/02/24/opinion/20050224_op05_anderson
.txt

17) Next Generation Peace Rally and March
FUND OUR COMMUNITIES, NOT WAR!
Friday, March 4, Rally 3 - 3:30 at the San Rafael Library
March through town 3:30 - 5pm

18) THE CONFLICT IN IRAQ (link only)
Army Gives Halliburton $9.4 Million in Bonuses
From Times Wire Services
February 25, 2005
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-halliburton25feb25,1,222
0539.story?coll=la-headlines-world&ctrack=2&cset=true

19) 10 Voters on Panel Backing Pain Pills (link only)
Had Industry Ties
By GARDINER HARRIS and ALEX BERENSON
February 25, 2005
"Ten of the 32 government drug advisers who last week
endorsed continued marketing of the huge-selling pain pills
Celebrex, Bextra and Vioxx have consulted in recent years for
the drugs' makers, according to disclosures in medical journals
and other public records.

If the 10 advisers had not cast their votes, the committee would
have voted 12 to 8 that Bextra should be withdrawn and 14 to 8
that Vioxx should not return to the market. The 10 advisers with
company ties voted 9 to 1 to keep Bextra on the market and 9 to 1
for Vioxx's return."
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/25/politics/25fda.html?hp&ex=1109394000&en=2d
0651f024ad5d31&ei=5094&partner=homepage

20) Kansas Prosecutor Demands Files
on Late-Term Abortion Patients
By JODI WILGOREN
February 25, 2005
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/25/national/25kansas.html?hp&ex=1109394000&en
=590ef6d0a42ee0af&ei=5094&partner=homepage

21) Thrown to the Wolves (link only)
By BOB HERBERT
OP-ED COLUMNIST
OTTAWA
February 25, 2005
[Prison and torture America style-send them to Saudi Arabia where
torture is legal...bw]
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/25/opinion/25herbert.html?hp

22) [Related to Lynne Stewart Case...bw] (link only)
Terror Suspect's Family Protests Jail Rules
By ERIC LICHTBLAU and JAMES DAO
February 25, 2005
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/25/national/25terror.html

23) Published on Thursday, February 24, 2005 by the
New York Amsterdam News
Calling All Soldiers: Military Recruiters Face Resistance
From Young Anti-War Activists
by Elizabeth Weill-Greenberg

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

1) NEXT BAUAW PLANNING MEETING TO GET THE MILITARY OUT OF
OUR SCHOOLS IS: SATURDAY, FEB. 26, 11 AM AT 474 VALENCIA STREET
The Board of Education, as a result of the Feb. 22 meeting,
is organizing a "meeting of the whole" based on the topic
of military recruitment in the Schools. Help plan strategy
for the meeting this Saturday, Feb. 26 at Centro del Pueblo,
474 Valencia street, first floor, to the left and all the way to
the rear of the building at the cheerful, Companeros del Barrio
childcare center.

Plus:

Report of the Tuesday, Feb.22 S.F. Board of Education Meeting:
(see full item 1 below)

The Tuesday, Feb. 22 meeting at the S.F. Board of Education turned
out to be a great success. Representatives from many groups and
individuals gave strong reasons why San Francisco schools should
not allow the military access to our children on school grounds.

The members of the board clearly showed concern and interest
about what we were saying. They expressed their antiwar sentiment
as well by voting to sponsor the American Friends Service
Committee's "Eyes Wide Open" exhibition of the Iraq War, which
will be at the Civic Center Friday, March 25, beginning at 11:00 a.m.,
with an all night vigil; Saturday, March 26th, 10:00 a.m., until 5:00 p.m.,
and at Union Square, Sunday, March 27th, (Easter Sunday)
from 10:00 a.m., until dusk.

They also announced the March 19th March and Rally against the
War on Iraq that begins at 11: 00 a.m., at Dolores Park and marches
to a Rally at 1:00 p.m., at the Civic Center. This demonstration is
part of a worldwide protest of the war. Millions of people across
the world will show their opposition in the streets March 19th and
20th-the anniversary of the start of Operation Iraqi Liberation (O.I.L.)

We are going to the School Board meeting again, on Tuesday,
March 8th to further discuss how we can prevent the military from
turning our schools into hunting ground for cannon fodder for
an illegal and immoral war. We are in the process of getting the
point on the agenda at the March 8th meeting (or the "meeting of
the whole"--date not set yet) so that the Board
members themselves can participate in this very rich discussion
we began on Feb. 22.

Some of the many, many groups were that were represented were,
ANSWER, United for Peace and Justice, Code Pink, BAUAW, AFSC, ISO,
Campus Antiwar Network, representatives from San Francisco's Queer
community, as well as many individuals, who all gave impassioned
reasons for opposing the war and military recruitment at our schools.
Everyone left the meeting feeling strong, unified and on the same
page. Many members of the board seemed very receptive to the
varied and well thought-out arguments.

This meeting was a great beginning to public community dialogue
about these issues that affect all of us.

There will be a planning meeting to discuss further strategy this
coming Saturday, Feb. 26, at 11:00 a.m., at Centro del Pueblo,
474 Valencia street, first floor, to the left and all the way to the
rear of the building at the Companeros del Barrio childcare center.

Everyone is welcome.

Peace and solidarity,

Bonnie Weinstein, Bay Area United Against War

The following is an article that was published in the Chronicle Feb.24.
It describes a 50-State Group that challenges, as Unconstitutional,
the "No Child Left Behind" law claiming it, "...had imposed an
impractical 'one-size-fits-all' education accountability system
across the country that was stifling local initiatives." Forcing schools
to open their doors to the military in order to get federal funds
is also part of the "No Child Left Behind" law.

Task Force Criticizes Bush's 'No Child' Law; 50-State Group Says
It's Unconstitutional

By Sam Dillon

Published on Thursday, February 24, 2005 by the
San Francisco Chronicle

http://www.commondreams.org/headlines05/0224-09.htm

A bipartisan group representing 50 state legislatures called
Wednesday for major changes in President Bush's landmark
education initiative, No Child Left Behind, which it lambasted as
unconstitutional and impractical.

Republican New York state Sen. Steve Saland, who co-chaired
a task force that took 10 months to review implementation of
No Child Left Behind, said the law had imposed an impractical
"one-size-fits-all" education accountability system across the
country that was stifling local initiatives.

The task force's report, based on hearings in six cities, praised
the law's goal of ending the gap in scholastic achievement
between white and minority students. But most of the 77-page
report, which the Education Department rebutted Wednesday,
was devoted to a detailed inventory and discussion of the
program's flaws.

Over the past two years, more than a dozen state legislatures
adopted resolutions criticizing the No Child Left Behind law
and demanding changes. But the bipartisan nature of
Wednesday's report marked a step-up in the war of words
surrounding the law.

The report said the law's accountability system, which
punishes schools whose students fail to improve steadily on
standardized tests, undermined school improvement efforts
already under way in many states and relied on the wrong
indicators.

The report said the law's rules for educating disabled students
conflict with another federal law. It also said the law presents
bureaucratic requirements that fail to recognize the tapestry
of educational challenges faced by teachers in the nation's
15,000 school districts.

"Under NCLB, the federal government's role has become
excessively intrusive in the day-to-day operations of public
education," the National Conference of State Legislatures
said in the report, which was written by 16 state legislators
and six legislative staff members.

Nine state legislatures are considering challenges to the law,
and the Utah Senate is about to vote on a bill, already approved
by the Utah House, that would require state education officials
to give higher priority to Utah's education laws than to the
federal law. An Illinois school district filed suit against the
Education Department this month in federal court, arguing
that No Child Left Behind contradicts provisions of the federal
Individuals With Disabilities Education Act.

The conference, which has criticized the federal law in the
past, represents the nation's 50 state legislatures, has
a membership that includes 3,657 Republicans, 3,656 Democrats,
as well as a few dozen who were elected from smaller parties,
as independents or without any party affiliation.

In compiling its report, the task force conducted public
hearings in Washington, Chicago, Salt Lake City, New York,
Santa Fe, N.M., and Portland, Ore.

An assistant secretary of education, Ray Simon, met with
members of the task force in Washington on Wednesday
to discuss the report.

"The department will continue to work with every state to
address their concerns and make this law work for their
children," Simon said in a statement. "But the report could
be interpreted as wanting to reverse the progress we've made."

He added: "No Child Left Behind is bringing new hope and
new opportunity to families throughout America, and we will
not reverse course."

The law will come up for reauthorization in Congress in 2007.
But task force members hoped to persuade Congress to make
changes in the law before then.

Several groups that strongly support the federal law disputed
the report.

"My big concern is they did a better job of pinpointing problems
than identifying solutions," said Susan Traiman, a director at
the Business Roundtable, a group that represents top corporate
executives. "Most of what they call for would be a reversal that
would turn back the clock on what NCLB is trying to accomplish,
all in the name of federalism."

One chapter of the report notes that the Constitution does not
delegate powers to educate America's citizens to the federal
government, thereby leaving education under state control. The
report contends that No Child Left Behind has greatly expanded
federal powers to a degree that is unconstitutional.

"This assertion of federal authority into an area historically
reserved to the states has had the effect of curtailing additional
state innovations and undermining many that had occurred
during the past three decades," the report says.

"The task force does not believe that NCLB is constitutional,"
the report said.

But Steve Kelley, a Democrat who serves in the Minnesota Senate
and is a co-chairman of the task force, said the conference had
no intention of going to court over the law's constitutionality.

The report also examines what the task force called conflicts
between the federal law and the Individuals With Disabilities
Education Act.

Under No Child Left Behind, a disabled eighth-grader whom
educators deem to be working at a sixth-grade level must take
examinations for eighth-graders. The report said the requirement
contradicted provisions in the disabilities act requiring school
authorities to design a unique instructional program suited to
the needs and abilities of each disabled child.

"NCLB requires students with disabilities be tested by grade
level, while IDEA mandates that students be taught according
to ability," the report said.

The Washington Post contributed to this report.

(c) 2005 San Francisco Chronicle

Draft Resolution for San Francisco Board of Education
Cut Ties with the Military:

WHEREAS, the United States military is actively recruiting high
school students into the military to fight in Iraq; and
WHEREAS, many young San Francisco high school alumni are
presently serving in military units fighting in Iraq; and
WHEREAS, it is San Francisco City policy by virtue of
Proposition N, to bring all U.S. troops home from Iraq now; and
WHEREAS, over 1,448 U.S. soldiers and approximately
100,000 Iraqis have been killed in this war and over
10,000 U.S. soldiers and unknown thousands of Iraqis
have been wounded; and
WHEREAS, the hundreds of billions of dollars spent on
the war have robbed our children of resources that should
be spent on education and other human needs; and
WHEREAS, military presence in our schools legitimizes the
message that violence is acceptable; THEREFORE BE IT
RESOLVED THAT:
It shall be the policy of the San Francisco Board of Education
to support cutting all ties with the United States military,
including, but not limited to: Ending military recruitment
on campuses; ending the Junior Reserved Officer Training
Corps (JROTC); and guaranteeing that all students and
parents are informed of their right to deny military recruiters
access to their names, addresses and telephone numbers.

Bay Area United Against War (BAUAW) € www.bauaw.org €
P.O. Box 318021, San Francisco, CA 94131-8021 € 414-824-8730

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

2) WE ALL STAND WITH LYNNE STEWART!
NO JAIL TIME FOR LYNNE!
PLEASE WRITE LETTERS TODAY:

SUGGESTION AS TO FORMAT OF LETTERS
TO BE WRITTEN ON BEHALF OF LYNNE STEWART

MARGIN: Please leave at least a one-inch left-hand margin to
allow us to bind the letter into the appendix to the sentencing
memorandum that is being filed on
Lynne's behalf.

INSIDE ADDRESS: Honorable John G. Koeltl
United States District Judge
Southern District of New York
United States Courthouse
500 Pearl Street
New York, New York 10007

GREETING: Honorable Sir or Dear Judge Koeltl:

BODY: Briefly introduce yourself and set forth your
relationship to Lynne.
Briefly discuss yourself - your position in work and in society.
State that you are aware that Lynne is to be sentenced following
a jury verdict of guilty on serious charges: The remainder of your
letter should discuss whatever you believe to weigh in favor of
no jail time. If possible, you should tell of an incident where she
helped you out or engaged in commendable community service.
Do not try to argue that she is not guilty or was unfairly conviction.
Focus on the unfairness of the government's actions in bringing
the charges; the way in which the government portrayed her, etc.

* Typewritten letters if possible are preferred.
*
WHEN LETTER IS COMPLETED: Please mail the final product to
the following address:
Jill R. Shellow-Lavine, Esq.
2537 Post Road
Southport, CT 06890

Do not send your letters to the judge. We ask that you forward
your letter me so that the lawyers can present it to Judge Koeltl
with the other letters being written for this purpose. This is the
manner in which letters will have the greatest impact. If they are
sent directly to the Judge's chambers, they may have less of an
impact and could cause the judge a substantial inconvenience
(and annoyance).

Thank you for your cooperation. If you have any questions,
please do not hesitate to contact the defense committee
at www.lynnestewart.org.

Sincerely,
Jill R. Shellow-Lavine
Attorney for Lynne Stewart
For more information go to:
www.LynneStewart.org

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

3) The Central Committee for Conscientious Objectors
Presents: Conscientious Objectors Discuss War
Sunday, February 27 at the Humanist Hall, 390
27th St. @ Broadway, Oakland 3pm-6:30pm
Join CCCO and Conscientious Objector panelists;
Aimee Allison, Dale Bartlett, David Harris, Rev.
Dr. Dorsey Blake and Jeff Paterson, in a
discussion on war, draft and conscience,
moderated by Steve Morse, CCCO GI Rights Program
Coordinator.
Also, film maker Mark Manning, independent
reporter Dahr Jamail and military mom Nadia
McCaffrey offer reports about their recent trips
to Iraq and Jordan.
Refreshments.

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

4) March 19, 2005 Global Day of Action
No to War Occupation – Iraq, Palestine, Haiti,
Afghanistan, Cuba Everywhere!
Bring the Troops Home Now!
Money for People’s Needs, Not War!
San Francisco: March Assembles: 11 a.m. Dolores Park
Rally: 1 p.m. Civic Center

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

5) COMING TO THE BAY AREA SOON ARE TWO POWERFUL ANTIWAR MOVIES

"Mission Accomplished" is a a brutally vivid documentary
filmed entirely on the ground in Iraq. The reality of this
war for American troops is contrasted to the
overwhelming reality of the devastation felt and experienced
by the people of Iraq.
"Mission Accomplished" will open March 18th:
4 Star
2200 Clement St.
San Francisco, CA 94121
415.666.3488

"Voices In Wartime" is a compelling portrayal of human
experience with war through poetry, both from the point
of view of those who were in combat and those who are left
behind.
"Voices In Wartime" will play in S.F. on April 15th at:
Landmark Lumiere 3
1572 California Street
San Francisco, CA 94109

[This poem by fourth-grader Cameron Penny was read
by Marie Howe in this very beautiful film
directed by Rick King.

"If you are lucky in this life
A window will appear on a battlefield between two armies
And when the soldiers look into the window
They don't see their enemies
They see themselves as children
And they stop fighting
And go home and go to sleep
When they wake up, the land is well again."
By Cameron Penny]

To learn more about these film visit
Cinema Libre Studio
http://www.cinemalibrestudio.com/

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

6) PROTEST the Anniversary of the U.S.-led COUP in HAITI
Monday, Feb. 28, 4:30 p.m. Rally in UN Plaza,
San Francisco (under the Simon Bolivar statue at Hyde Street)
- proceeding at 5 p.m. March stops at sites representing
attempts to destroy democracy in Haiti, including SF Chronicle,
the Chilean, Brazilian and French consulates, and U.S.
Sen. Dianne Feinstein's office.

One year after democratically-elected President Jean-Bertrand Aristide
was forced out of his country by the U.S., protesters are calling for the
restoration of constitutional government in Haiti. The protest is
sponsored by the Haiti Action Committee, East Bay Sanctuary
Covenant and the ANSWER Coalition.
Contact: 510-483-7481 or 415-821-6545

FACES OF HAITI 2005 . . . a slide presentation and discussion
scheduled for 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 23, 2005, at the
First United Methodist Church, 9 Ross Valley Drive
(at Fourth Street), San Rafael.

Two members of the Let Haiti Live Women;s Delegation . . .
January 13-22
[to] Port au Prince women's cooperatives and highly successful
village community-based health clinic also their experience at
the World Social Forum [where] MITF sponsored participation
of Haitian nationals

A $5-10 donation is requested. No one turned away for lack
of funds. For more information, please call 415/924-3227.
This venue is wheelchair accessible.

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

7) What: Anti-Recruitment Community Forum
When: Saturday, Feb. 26 2pm-4pm
Where: Audrey Lorde Room, Women's Building,
3543 18th St. between Valencia and Guerrero

Description: Join teachers, students, anti-war
activists, veterans, Ramon Leal from Iraq Veterans
Against the War, Aimee Allison, Gulf War Conscientious
Objector and candidate for Oakland City Council, Susan
King from the San Francisco Green Party, and members
of the Campus Anti-War Network as they discuss forming
a coalition opposed to military recruitment in our
schools.

WEDNESDAY, MAR 2:

What: Political Pub Quiz
When: 3/2 8-10pm
Where: Dylan's Pub, 19th and Harrison
Description: Join Supervisors Ross Mirkarimi & Chris
Daly, School Board Members Mark Sanchez, Eric Mar and
Sarah Lipson, activists Lisa Feldstein, Michael
Goldstein and Calvin Welch, playwright Terry Baum and
others. Categories include Famous San Franciscans, SF
Landmarks, LGBT and Political Scandals. Free and
winning team gets a better than cash value prize.

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

8) The next meeting of the Lynne Stewart Defense Committee
is confirmed for Sunday, February 27 at Noon At the
Modern Times Bookstore at 888 Valencia Street,
between 19th and 20th Streets.
We will meet in the rear meeting room.

Lynne's sentencing date has been changed from July 15 to September,
giving us more time to mount the campaigns that are needed to
maximize the chances that Lynne is not sentenced to jail time. She
faces up to 35 years in prison. At this time our campaign is geared
to mobilizing mass forces to convince the judge, whose record
indicates he tends toward light sentences, to grant Lynne probation
as opposed to jail. The fact that the judge has this discretion is
due to a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that rejected mandatory
sentences. Letter writing will be a major focus of the campaign but
we understand that there will be a mass mobilization near the
courthouse when the Judge is scheduled to decide. We will urge West
Coast attendance at this rally.

Lynne's appeal is in preparation. Her aim, our aim, of course, is to
reverse the conviction and win her freedom.

Her plan to visit the Bay Area for a major April 24 rally organized
by the Mobilization to Free Mumia Abu-Jamal at Mission H.S. is firm.
Lynne says that she is confident that Judge Koeltl will grant her
travel rights.

Our agenda on Sunday will include:

a) a legal update report
b) campaign for mass letter writing regarding the sentence beginning
immediately but focusing on April 24 and all other such meetings
where people gather in large numbers. This includes the upcoming
March 19 antiwar march/rally from Dolores Park to the Civic Center.
c) distribution of the new fact sheet
d) organization of major meeting with prominent speaker in the Bay
Area between now and April 24
e) collaboration with the National Lawyers Guild to reach out to the
legal community
f) broadening our defense committee
g) speaking at meetings to explain Lynne's case
h) building the April 24 meeting where Lynne will be joined by Amy
Goodman and a concert with Michael Franti
i) exploration of a SF Board of Supervisors resolution supporting
Lynne's democratic rights and civil liberties and welcoming her to
San Francisco
j)other items to be determined

We expect the April 24 mass rally to be a barn burner with Lynne the
major speaker.

In solidarity,

Jeff

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

9) Latin America Fails to Deliver on Basic Needs (link only)
By JUAN FORERO
February 22, 2005
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/22/international/americas/22bolivia.html?hp&e
x=1109134800&en=a0fbb2c9c35c0f8f&ei=5094&partner=homepage

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

10) Bush Says Russia Must Make Good on Democracy (link only)
By ELISABETH BUMILLER
BRUSSELS
February 22, 2005
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/22/international/europe/22prexy.html

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

11) US Senator Says Afghan Bases Should Be Permanent (link only)
By David Brunnstrom
KABUL (Reuters)
Tue Feb 22, 2005 06:32 AM ET
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=7697958&src=eD
ialog/GetContent§ion=news

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

12) Some Inheritance (Social Security) (link only)
EDITORIAL
February 23, 2005
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/23/opinion/23wed1.html?hp

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

13) Failure to Form Cabinet Signals Crisis
for Palestinian Leaders
By ALAN COWELL
February 23, 2005
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/23/international/middleeast/23cnd-mideast.htm
l?hp&ex=1109221200&en=c2f9ba17fa86cb77&ei=5094&partner=homepage

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

14) Vonnegut at 80 (link only)
By David Hoppe, NUVO
Posted on January 10, 2003
http://www.alternet.org/story/14919/

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

15) Task Force Criticizes Bush's 'No Child' Law; (link only)
50-State Group Says It's Unconstitutional
by Sam Dillon
Published on Thursday, February 24, 2005 by the
San Francisco Chronicle
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines05/0224-09.htm

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

16) Two good liberals visit bad country (link only)
By Robert Mailer Anderson and Zack Anderson
Special To The Examiner
(Very interesting and favorable article about Cuba...bw)
http://www.sfexaminer.com/articles/2005/02/24/opinion/20050224_op05_anderson
.txt

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

17) Next Generation Peace Rally and March
FUND OUR COMMUNITIES, NOT WAR!
Friday, March 4, Rally 3 - 3:30 at the San Rafael Library
March through town 3:30 - 5pm

Join Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey, San Rafael City Councilor Cyr Miller, and
local city workers, taxpayers, students and teachers for a creative rally
and march to demand funding for our communities, not for war!

Rally at the San Rafael Public Library (3 - 3:45) - 1100 E ST at Fifth ST

Then march to:
* Falkirk Cultural Center (4 - 4:10) - 1408 Mission Ave at E ST
* City Hall (4:15 - 4:25) - 1400 Fifth ST at D ST
* Police Station (4:25 - 4:35) - 1400 Fifth STat D ST
* Fire Station (4:40 - 4:50) - 1039 C ST bet 4th and 5th
* March down Fourth ST (4:50 - 5:00)
* Concluding rally at Bank of America / Court Plaza (5 - 5:15) - 4th ST at
Court

George Bush has released his proposed budget for 2006. If passed, it will
sharply cut social programs while increasing military spending at a time
when most towns across America - including San Rafael - are cutting back
basic services just to stay afloat.

Next Generation - with support from MPJC, Presente and community leaders -
is fighting back with a creative, grassroots response: a youth and
taxpayer-led rally and march through San Rafael that will highlight how much
the war on Iraq is costing our community, and what we'd like to see instead.

After a rally near city hall, our colorful, positive, enthusiastic
procession will stop at various agencies in San Rafael whose budgets are
being cut or are being threatened with cuts, including the library, city
hall, police station, fire department. At each stop along the way, students
and community will explain how each agency is struggling, and present a
giant novelty check representing their lost revenues to an "official" from
the Pentagon. We will also present a positive, alternative vision of what
we'd like to see instead.

We are excited about this effort because:
* It brings the cost of war home
* It is timely - Congress will soon begin to debate George Bush's proposed
budget, and next November, voters in San Rafael will decide whether or not
to raise the sales tax by half a cent to stop cuts in basic city services
* It presents a positive vision of healthy, supportive communities
* It builds alliances and expands the progressive movement
* It is fun and creative

This effort is open to all individuals and groups who believe our tax
dollars would be better spent creating healthy, nurturing communities than
fighting destructive wars. Please contact Next Generation if you would like
to get involved in any way, including:
* Working on march logistics
* Creating props, visuals, and other creative elements
* Promoting the march at the grassroots
* Generating media coverage of the effort
* Speaking at the march as a San Rafael taxpayer, volunteer or city employee
* Contributing funds or other resources to support this effort and others
like it

During the three weeks before the action, Next Generating is conducting
interactive workshops in local schools to educate young people about the
President's proposed budget and the cost of war. We will follow the action
with additional workshops, and plan to issue a national call for Cost of War
actions across the US on Tax Day, April 15.

Next Generation 1741 Lincoln Ave, #6 San Rafael, CA 94901 415.455.9498
nextgenerationofactivists@hotmail.com

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

18) THE CONFLICT IN IRAQ (link only)
Army Gives Halliburton $9.4 Million in Bonuses
From Times Wire Services
February 25, 2005
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-halliburton25feb25,1,222
0539.story?coll=la-headlines-world&ctrack=2&cset=true

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

19) 10 Voters on Panel Backing Pain Pills (link only)
Had Industry Ties
By GARDINER HARRIS and ALEX BERENSON
February 25, 2005
"Ten of the 32 government drug advisers who last week endorsed
continued marketing of the huge-selling pain pills Celebrex, Bextra
and Vioxx have consulted in recent years for the drugs' makers,
according to disclosures in medical journals and other public records.

If the 10 advisers had not cast their votes, the committee would
have voted 12 to 8 that Bextra should be withdrawn and 14 to 8
that Vioxx should not return to the market. The 10 advisers with
company ties voted 9 to 1 to keep Bextra on the market and 9 to 1
for Vioxx's return."
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/25/politics/25fda.html?hp&ex=1109394000&en=2d
0651f024ad5d31&ei=5094&partner=homepage

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

20) Kansas Prosecutor Demands Files
on Late-Term Abortion Patients
By JODI WILGOREN
February 25, 2005
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/25/national/25kansas.html?hp&ex=1109394000&en
=590ef6d0a42ee0af&ei=5094&partner=homepage

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

21) Thrown to the Wolves (link only)
By BOB HERBERT
OP-ED COLUMNIST
OTTAWA
February 25, 2005
[Prison and torture America style-send them to Saudi Arabia where
torture is legal...bw]
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/25/opinion/25herbert.html?hp

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

22) [Related to Lynne Stewart Case...bw] (link only)
Terror Suspect's Family Protests Jail Rules
By ERIC LICHTBLAU and JAMES DAO
February 25, 2005
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/25/national/25terror.html

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

23) Published on Thursday, February 24, 2005 by the
New York Amsterdam News
Calling All Soldiers: Military Recruiters Face Resistance
From Young Anti-War Activists
by Elizabeth Weill-Greenberg

The military spends about $3 billion each year to convince young
people that enlistment will give them college money, job training
and an alternative to working at McDonald's. In the wake of the
growing conflict in Iraq, which has resulted in over a thousand
U.S. casualties, the military has become more aggressive in
scouting out high school students willing and able to serve.

In many New York City public schools that are predominantly
Black and Latino, military recruiters are a heavy presence, promising
young people financial security and a fulfilling career. Recruiters
roam the halls, set up tables and even pull students out of class.
But in recent months, a group of teenagers and anti-war veterans
have been canvassing the neighborhoods where the recruiters
frequent, hoping to convince students to consider other options.

''We've heard everything up to and including having a desk in
the guidance counselor's office,'' said Amy Wagner of Youth
Activists-Youth Allies (YaYas), a group that focuses on
counter-recruitment. ''When the kid comes in to talk to the
counselor about college, before the kid can get there, they've
got somebody in their face saying, 'You want to go to college?
How are you going to pay for college?'''

New York City organizers are educating people about alternatives
to enlisting and the realities of military life. Vietnam veterans and
anti-war activists Jim Murphy and Dayl Wise visit high schools,
where they recount for the students stories about their time in
the service. In one class of juniors at West Side High School,
Murphy told them that before the service he spent time making
money playing seven-card stud.

Once he left community college, he was drafted. ''I wasn't smart
enough to have fear about it,'' Murphy told the class. ''I didn't
have a clue.'' Wise, who was in the infantry, didn't want to go
to war when he was drafted. His father offered to help send him
to Canada. ''I took the easy way out by reporting for duty,'' he
said. ''It takes a braver person. I let it happen to me? I didn't
have a plan. I gave up control.'' He warned the students: ''Please
have a plan. Don't let others make plans for you.'' The YaYas,
staffed almost entirely by high school students of color, work
to make sure young people avoid falling into military service
because it seems like the only option for advancement.

''It's either jail or the military,'' said Jeannel Bishop, a senior
at Brooklyn's South Shore High School and a YaYa staffer.
Many students at her school think enlistment is the best they
can accomplish. When Navy recruiters visited her school
recently, students were allowed to leave class to visit with
them. Bishop brought pamphlets and confronted the recruiters
about their assurances of tuition and training. She pointed out
to them and other students nearby that getting college money
was a much more complicated and uncertain process.

''I was taking over their whole show,'' Bishop said. ''[The recruiters]
were amazed.'' Three students who had been ''pumped up about
the military'' had second thoughts after Bishop spoke. It took just
a little information for them to have doubts, she said. Besides
speaking out in their own schools, the YaYas hold workshops for
teenagers and make presentations to PTAs. They encourage
students to post literature in the guidance office and set up
counter-recruitment tables next to military recruiters. Most
importantly, they want young people to make an informed
choice, Wagner said.

For instance, most students don't know that:

* Two-thirds of recruits don't get any college money,
according to the Central Committee for Conscientious Objectors.
* Most people in the military do not have time to attend
college while in the service.
* To qualify for college money recruits have to pay $100
per month for a year.
* The unemployment rate for veterans is three times higher
than the national average.
* People who sign up with the Delayed Entry Program are
told they can't change their minds, but getting out is as simple
as writing a letter.
* The enlistment contract is for eight years.
* There are other ways to finance college, like federal
financial aid, private scholarships, going to community college
or joining AmeriCorps.

But educating youth is not just about these facts and figures,
Wagner said. The war in Iraq makes their work much more
urgent, she said. ''They're still telling people you can go to
Germany, Japan, but the reality is the vast majority are going
to Iraq,'' Wagner said. ''You risk losing life and limb; you risk
being a murderer.'' Giving young people a complete picture of
enlisting rests on the courage and initiative of activists,
guidance counselors and principals.

Often, the recruiters' sales pitches, brochures and posters go
unchallenged. Many educators fear principals will retaliate
if they speak out, Wagner said. Some schools are reticent to
limit the military's presence because they think they will lose
federal funding, she said. No Child Left Behind, the educational
policy touted by the Bush administration, requires that
recruiters and college representatives have equal access
to students. This is often misinterpreted as unlimited access.
Policy on recruiter access in New York City public schools
is determined school by school and varies widely.

But some school districts have taken a more active role
and regulate recruiters' visits. In Madison, Wisconsin,
recruiters are only permitted to be in each high school
three days during the school year. Their policy states that
guidance counselors can distribute both military and
counter-recruitment information. There is also no uniform,
enforced policy in New York City governing opt-out forms,
which let students choose whether to release their personal
information to recruiters. Many principals, Wagner said, are
not even aware of the opt-out form. Some schools give out
the form, without any explanation and make no effort to
collect it from students, she said.

Wagner said some students think that signing the forms will
mean their information is not released to any institutions,
including colleges. Other students, often immigrants, fear
they will get in trouble for signing, she said. Currently, New
York City students are often only given the opt-out form in
the ninth grade, Wagner said. Because recruiters ask for
eleventh- and twelfth-grade lists, schools should send out
the forms each year, she said.

In Montclair, New Jersey, the high school sends a fact sheet
with the opt-out form. Tenth-graders who have not returned
the forms are called. If the form is still not turned in, it will
be passed out the following year. Activists have discussed
working on a New York City Council resolution to require
schools to collect the forms from every student. Members
of the YaYas and the New York Civil Liberties Union have
met with the Department of Education (DOE) to discuss
putting together an information packet for principals
about opt-out.

Wagner said the DOE was receptive. Calls to the DOE were
not returned. Local counter-recruiters also plan to make use
of the recent Third Circuit Court's ruling that Yale Law School,
which has a non-discrimination policy, can ban recruiters from
its campus without risk of losing federal funding, because the
military discriminates against gays.

However, without the help of the Department of Education or
the City Council, counter-recruiters' efforts can only go so far.
This frustration is evident in veteran Dayl Wise when he said
that giving presentations, classroom by classroom, is like
"throwing grains of sand on the beach.''

Elizabeth Weill-Greenberg may be reached at
elizabethwg@gmail.com.

(c) 2005 New York Amsterdam News

###
---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

March 19, 2005 Global Day of Action
No to War Occupation
Iraq, Palestine, Haiti,
Afghanistan, Cuba Everywhere!
Bring the Troops Home Now!
Money for People's Needs, Not War!
San Francisco: March Assembles: 11 a.m. Dolores Park
Rally: 1 p.m. Civic Center
---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

Resource:
MONEY FOR HUMAN NEEDS NOT WAR!
FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF SOCIAL SERVICES UNDER THE KNIFE RIGHT NOW GO TO:
http://www.bauaw.org/2005/02/programs-eliminated-or-cut-in-2006.html

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

1) NEXT BAUAW PLANNING MEETING TO GET THE MILITARY OUT OF
OUR SCHOOLS IS: SATURDAY, FEB. 26, 11 AM AT 474 VALENCIA STREET
The Board of Education, as a result of the Feb. 22 meeting,
is organizing a "meeting of the whole" based on the topic
of military recruitment in the Schools. Help plan strategy
for the meeting this Saturday, Feb. 26 at Centro del Pueblo,
474 Valencia street, first floor, to the left and all the way to
the rear of the building at the cheerful, Companeros del Barrio
childcare center.

Plus:

Report of the Tuesday, Feb.22 S.F. Board of Education Meeting:
(see full item 1 below)


2) WE ALL STAND WITH LYNNE STEWART!
NO JAIL TIME FOR LYNNE!
PLEASE WRITE LETTERS TODAY

3) The Central Committee for Conscientious Objectors
Presents: Conscientious Objectors Discuss War
Sunday, February 27 at the Humanist Hall, 390
27th St. @ Broadway, Oakland 3pm-6:30pm
Join CCCO and Conscientious Objector panelists;
Aimee Allison, Dale Bartlett, David Harris, Rev.
Dr. Dorsey Blake and Jeff Paterson, in a
discussion on war, draft and conscience,
moderated by Steve Morse, CCCO GI Rights Program
Coordinator.
Also, film maker Mark Manning, independent
reporter Dahr Jamail and military mom Nadia
McCaffrey offer reports about their recent trips
to Iraq and Jordan.
Refreshments.

4) March 19, 2005 Global Day of Action
No to War Occupation ˆ Iraq, Palestine, Haiti,
Afghanistan, Cuba Everywhere!
Bring the Troops Home Now!
Money for People's Needs, Not War!
San Francisco: March Assembles: 11 a.m. Dolores Park
Rally: 1 p.m. Civic Center

5) COMING TO THE BAY AREA SOON ARE
TWO POWERFUL ANTIWAR MOVIES

"Mission Accomplished" is a a brutally vivid documentary
filmed entirely on the ground in Iraq. The reality of this
war for American troops is contrasted to the
overwhelming reality of the devastation felt and experienced
by the people of Iraq.
"Mission Accomplished" will open March 18th:
4 Star
2200 Clement St.
San Francisco, CA 94121
415.666.3488

"Voices In Wartime" is a compelling portrayal of human
experience with war through poetry, both from the point
of view of those who were in combat and those who are left
behind.
"Voices In Wartime" will play in S.F. on April 15th at:
Landmark Lumiere 3
1572 California Street
San Francisco, CA 94109

[This poem by fourth-grader Cameron Penny was read
by Marie Howe in this very beautiful film
directed by Rick King.

"If you are lucky in this life
A window will appear on a battlefield between two armies
And when the soldiers look into the window
They don't see their enemies
They see themselves as children
And they stop fighting
And go home and go to sleep
When they wake up, the land is well again."
By Cameron Penny]

To learn more about these film visit
Cinema Libre Studio
http://www.cinemalibrestudio.com/

6) PROTEST the Anniversary of the U.S.-led COUP in HAITI
Monday, Feb. 28, 4:30 p.m. Rally in UN Plaza,
San Francisco (under the Simon Bolivar statue at Hyde Street)
- proceeding at 5 p.m. March stops at sites representing
attempts to destroy democracy in Haiti, including SF Chronicle,
the Chilean, Brazilian and French consulates, and U.S.
Sen. Dianne Feinstein's office.

7) What: Anti-Recruitment Community Forum
When: Saturday, Feb. 26 2pm-4pm
Where: Audrey Lorde Room, Women's Building,
3543 18th St. between Valencia and Guerrero

8) The next meeting of the Lynne Stewart Defense Committee
is confirmed for Sunday, February 27 at Noon At the
Modern Times Bookstore at 888 Valencia Street,
between 19th and 20th Streets.
We will meet in the rear meeting room.

9) Latin America Fails to Deliver on Basic Needs (link only)
By JUAN FORERO
February 22, 2005
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/22/international/americas/22bolivia.html?hp&ex=1109134800&en=a0fbb2c9c35c0f8f&ei=5094&partner=homepage

10) Bush Says Russia Must Make Good on Democracy (link only)
By ELISABETH BUMILLER
BRUSSELS
February 22, 2005
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/22/international/europe/22prexy.html

11) US Senator Says Afghan Bases Should Be Permanent (link only)
By David Brunnstrom
KABUL (Reuters)
Tue Feb 22, 2005 06:32 AM ET
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=7697958&src=eDialog/GetContent§ion=news

12) Some Inheritance (Social Security) (link only)
EDITORIAL
February 23, 2005
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/23/opinion/23wed1.html?hp

13) Failure to Form Cabinet Signals Crisis
for Palestinian Leaders
By ALAN COWELL
February 23, 2005
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/23/international/middleeast/23cnd-mideast.html?hp&ex=1109221200&en=c2f9ba17fa86cb77&ei=5094&partner=homepage

14) Vonnegut at 80 (link only)
By David Hoppe, NUVO
Posted on January 10, 2003
http://www.alternet.org/story/14919/

15) Task Force Criticizes Bush's 'No Child' Law; (link only)
50-State Group Says It's Unconstitutional
by Sam Dillon
Published on Thursday, February 24, 2005 by the
San Francisco Chronicle
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines05/0224-09.htm

16) Two good liberals visit bad country (link only)
By Robert Mailer Anderson and Zack Anderson
Special To The Examiner
(Very interesting and favorable article about Cuba...bw)
http://www.sfexaminer.com/articles/2005/02/24/opinion/20050224_op05_anderson.txt

17) Next Generation Peace Rally and March
FUND OUR COMMUNITIES, NOT WAR!
Friday, March 4, Rally 3 - 3:30 at the San Rafael Library
March through town 3:30 - 5pm

18) THE CONFLICT IN IRAQ (link only)
Army Gives Halliburton $9.4 Million in Bonuses
From Times Wire Services
February 25, 2005
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-halliburton25feb25,1,2220539.story?coll=la-headlines-world&ctrack=2&cset=true

19) 10 Voters on Panel Backing Pain Pills (link only)
Had Industry Ties
By GARDINER HARRIS and ALEX BERENSON
February 25, 2005
"Ten of the 32 government drug advisers who last week
endorsed continued marketing of the huge-selling pain pills
Celebrex, Bextra and Vioxx have consulted in recent years for
the drugs' makers, according to disclosures in medical journals
and other public records.

If the 10 advisers had not cast their votes, the committee would
have voted 12 to 8 that Bextra should be withdrawn and 14 to 8
that Vioxx should not return to the market. The 10 advisers with
company ties voted 9 to 1 to keep Bextra on the market and 9 to 1
for Vioxx's return."
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/25/politics/25fda.html?hp&ex=1109394000&en=2d0651f024ad5d31&ei=5094&partner=homepage

20) Kansas Prosecutor Demands Files
on Late-Term Abortion Patients
By JODI WILGOREN
February 25, 2005
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/25/national/25kansas.html?hp&ex=1109394000&en=590ef6d0a42ee0af&ei=5094&partner=homepage

21) Thrown to the Wolves (link only)
By BOB HERBERT
OP-ED COLUMNIST
OTTAWA
February 25, 2005
[Prison and torture America style-send them to Saudi Arabia where
torture is legal...bw]
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/25/opinion/25herbert.html?hp

22) [Related to Lynne Stewart Case...bw] (link only)
Terror Suspect's Family Protests Jail Rules
By ERIC LICHTBLAU and JAMES DAO
February 25, 2005
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/25/national/25terror.html

23) Published on Thursday, February 24, 2005 by the
New York Amsterdam News
Calling All Soldiers: Military Recruiters Face Resistance
From Young Anti-War Activists
by Elizabeth Weill-Greenberg



---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

1) NEXT BAUAW PLANNING MEETING TO GET THE MILITARY OUT OF
OUR SCHOOLS IS: SATURDAY, FEB. 26, 11 AM AT 474 VALENCIA STREET
The Board of Education, as a result of the Feb. 22 meeting,
is organizing a "meeting of the whole" based on the topic
of military recruitment in the Schools. Help plan strategy
for the meeting this Saturday, Feb. 26 at Centro del Pueblo,
474 Valencia street, first floor, to the left and all the way to
the rear of the building at the cheerful, Companeros del Barrio
childcare center.

Plus:

Report of the Tuesday, Feb.22 S.F. Board of Education Meeting:
(see full item 1 below)

The Tuesday, Feb. 22 meeting at the S.F. Board of Education turned
out to be a great success. Representatives from many groups and
individuals gave strong reasons why San Francisco schools should
not allow the military access to our children on school grounds.

The members of the board clearly showed concern and interest
about what we were saying. They expressed their antiwar sentiment
as well by voting to sponsor the American Friends Service
Committee's "Eyes Wide Open" exhibition of the Iraq War, which
will be at the Civic Center Friday, March 25, beginning at 11:00 a.m.,
with an all night vigil; Saturday, March 26th, 10:00 a.m., until 5:00 p.m.,
and at Union Square, Sunday, March 27th, (Easter Sunday)
from 10:00 a.m., until dusk.

They also announced the March 19th March and Rally against the
War on Iraq that begins at 11: 00 a.m., at Dolores Park and marches
to a Rally at 1:00 p.m., at the Civic Center. This demonstration is
part of a worldwide protest of the war. Millions of people across
the world will show their opposition in the streets March 19th and
20th-the anniversary of the start of Operation Iraqi Liberation (O.I.L.)

We are going to the School Board meeting again, on Tuesday,
March 8th to further discuss how we can prevent the military from
turning our schools into hunting ground for cannon fodder for
an illegal and immoral war. We are in the process of getting the
point on the agenda at the March 8th meeting (or the "meeting of
the whole"--date not set yet) so that the Board
members themselves can participate in this very rich discussion
we began on Feb. 22.

Some of the many, many groups were that were represented were,
ANSWER, United for Peace and Justice, Code Pink, BAUAW, AFSC, ISO,
Campus Antiwar Network, representatives from San Francisco's Queer
community, as well as many individuals, who all gave impassioned
reasons for opposing the war and military recruitment at our schools.
Everyone left the meeting feeling strong, unified and on the same
page. Many members of the board seemed very receptive to the
varied and well thought-out arguments.

This meeting was a great beginning to public community dialogue
about these issues that affect all of us.

There will be a planning meeting to discuss further strategy this
coming Saturday, Feb. 26, at 11:00 a.m., at Centro del Pueblo,
474 Valencia street, first floor, to the left and all the way to the
rear of the building at the Companeros del Barrio childcare center.

Everyone is welcome.

Peace and solidarity,

Bonnie Weinstein, Bay Area United Against War

The following is an article that was published in the Chronicle Feb.24.
It describes a 50-State Group that challenges, as Unconstitutional,
the "No Child Left Behind" law claiming it, "...had imposed an
impractical 'one-size-fits-all' education accountability system
across the country that was stifling local initiatives." Forcing schools
to open their doors to the military in order to get federal funds
is also part of the "No Child Left Behind" law.

Task Force Criticizes Bush's 'No Child' Law; 50-State Group Says
It's Unconstitutional

By Sam Dillon

Published on Thursday, February 24, 2005 by the
San Francisco Chronicle

http://www.commondreams.org/headlines05/0224-09.htm

A bipartisan group representing 50 state legislatures called
Wednesday for major changes in President Bush's landmark
education initiative, No Child Left Behind, which it lambasted as
unconstitutional and impractical.

Republican New York state Sen. Steve Saland, who co-chaired
a task force that took 10 months to review implementation of
No Child Left Behind, said the law had imposed an impractical
"one-size-fits-all" education accountability system across the
country that was stifling local initiatives.

The task force's report, based on hearings in six cities, praised
the law's goal of ending the gap in scholastic achievement
between white and minority students. But most of the 77-page
report, which the Education Department rebutted Wednesday,
was devoted to a detailed inventory and discussion of the
program's flaws.

Over the past two years, more than a dozen state legislatures
adopted resolutions criticizing the No Child Left Behind law
and demanding changes. But the bipartisan nature of
Wednesday's report marked a step-up in the war of words
surrounding the law.

The report said the law's accountability system, which
punishes schools whose students fail to improve steadily on
standardized tests, undermined school improvement efforts
already under way in many states and relied on the wrong
indicators.

The report said the law's rules for educating disabled students
conflict with another federal law. It also said the law presents
bureaucratic requirements that fail to recognize the tapestry
of educational challenges faced by teachers in the nation's
15,000 school districts.

"Under NCLB, the federal government's role has become
excessively intrusive in the day-to-day operations of public
education," the National Conference of State Legislatures
said in the report, which was written by 16 state legislators
and six legislative staff members.

Nine state legislatures are considering challenges to the law,
and the Utah Senate is about to vote on a bill, already approved
by the Utah House, that would require state education officials
to give higher priority to Utah's education laws than to the
federal law. An Illinois school district filed suit against the
Education Department this month in federal court, arguing
that No Child Left Behind contradicts provisions of the federal
Individuals With Disabilities Education Act.

The conference, which has criticized the federal law in the
past, represents the nation's 50 state legislatures, has
a membership that includes 3,657 Republicans, 3,656 Democrats,
as well as a few dozen who were elected from smaller parties,
as independents or without any party affiliation.

In compiling its report, the task force conducted public
hearings in Washington, Chicago, Salt Lake City, New York,
Santa Fe, N.M., and Portland, Ore.

An assistant secretary of education, Ray Simon, met with
members of the task force in Washington on Wednesday
to discuss the report.

"The department will continue to work with every state to
address their concerns and make this law work for their
children," Simon said in a statement. "But the report could
be interpreted as wanting to reverse the progress we've made."

He added: "No Child Left Behind is bringing new hope and
new opportunity to families throughout America, and we will
not reverse course."

The law will come up for reauthorization in Congress in 2007.
But task force members hoped to persuade Congress to make
changes in the law before then.

Several groups that strongly support the federal law disputed
the report.

"My big concern is they did a better job of pinpointing problems
than identifying solutions," said Susan Traiman, a director at
the Business Roundtable, a group that represents top corporate
executives. "Most of what they call for would be a reversal that
would turn back the clock on what NCLB is trying to accomplish,
all in the name of federalism."

One chapter of the report notes that the Constitution does not
delegate powers to educate America's citizens to the federal
government, thereby leaving education under state control. The
report contends that No Child Left Behind has greatly expanded
federal powers to a degree that is unconstitutional.

"This assertion of federal authority into an area historically
reserved to the states has had the effect of curtailing additional
state innovations and undermining many that had occurred
during the past three decades," the report says.

"The task force does not believe that NCLB is constitutional,"
the report said.

But Steve Kelley, a Democrat who serves in the Minnesota Senate
and is a co-chairman of the task force, said the conference had
no intention of going to court over the law's constitutionality.

The report also examines what the task force called conflicts
between the federal law and the Individuals With Disabilities
Education Act.

Under No Child Left Behind, a disabled eighth-grader whom
educators deem to be working at a sixth-grade level must take
examinations for eighth-graders. The report said the requirement
contradicted provisions in the disabilities act requiring school
authorities to design a unique instructional program suited to
the needs and abilities of each disabled child.

"NCLB requires students with disabilities be tested by grade
level, while IDEA mandates that students be taught according
to ability," the report said.

The Washington Post contributed to this report.

(c) 2005 San Francisco Chronicle

Draft Resolution for San Francisco Board of Education
Cut Ties with the Military:

WHEREAS, the United States military is actively recruiting high
school students into the military to fight in Iraq; and
WHEREAS, many young San Francisco high school alumni are
presently serving in military units fighting in Iraq; and
WHEREAS, it is San Francisco City policy by virtue of
Proposition N, to bring all U.S. troops home from Iraq now; and
WHEREAS, over 1,448 U.S. soldiers and approximately
100,000 Iraqis have been killed in this war and over
10,000 U.S. soldiers and unknown thousands of Iraqis
have been wounded; and
WHEREAS, the hundreds of billions of dollars spent on
the war have robbed our children of resources that should
be spent on education and other human needs; and
WHEREAS, military presence in our schools legitimizes the
message that violence is acceptable; THEREFORE BE IT
RESOLVED THAT:
It shall be the policy of the San Francisco Board of Education
to support cutting all ties with the United States military,
including, but not limited to: Ending military recruitment
on campuses; ending the Junior Reserved Officer Training
Corps (JROTC); and guaranteeing that all students and
parents are informed of their right to deny military recruiters
access to their names, addresses and telephone numbers.

Bay Area United Against War (BAUAW) • www.bauaw.org •
P.O. Box 318021, San Francisco, CA 94131-8021 • 414-824-8730

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

2) WE ALL STAND WITH LYNNE STEWART!
NO JAIL TIME FOR LYNNE!
PLEASE WRITE LETTERS TODAY:

SUGGESTION AS TO FORMAT OF LETTERS
TO BE WRITTEN ON BEHALF OF LYNNE STEWART

MARGIN: Please leave at least a one-inch left-hand margin to
allow us to bind the letter into the appendix to the sentencing
memorandum that is being filed on
Lynne's behalf.

INSIDE ADDRESS: Honorable John G. Koeltl
United States District Judge
Southern District of New York
United States Courthouse
500 Pearl Street
New York, New York 10007

GREETING: Honorable Sir or Dear Judge Koeltl:

BODY: Briefly introduce yourself and set forth your
relationship to Lynne.
Briefly discuss yourself - your position in work and in society.
State that you are aware that Lynne is to be sentenced following
a jury verdict of guilty on serious charges: The remainder of your
letter should discuss whatever you believe to weigh in favor of
no jail time. If possible, you should tell of an incident where she
helped you out or engaged in commendable community service.
Do not try to argue that she is not guilty or was unfairly conviction.
Focus on the unfairness of the government's actions in bringing
the charges; the way in which the government portrayed her, etc.

* Typewritten letters if possible are preferred.
*
WHEN LETTER IS COMPLETED: Please mail the final product to
the following address:
Jill R. Shellow-Lavine, Esq.
2537 Post Road
Southport, CT 06890

Do not send your letters to the judge. We ask that you forward
your letter me so that the lawyers can present it to Judge Koeltl
with the other letters being written for this purpose. This is the
manner in which letters will have the greatest impact. If they are
sent directly to the Judge's chambers, they may have less of an
impact and could cause the judge a substantial inconvenience
(and annoyance).

Thank you for your cooperation. If you have any questions,
please do not hesitate to contact the defense committee
at www.lynnestewart.org.

Sincerely,
Jill R. Shellow-Lavine
Attorney for Lynne Stewart
For more information go to:
www.LynneStewart.org

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

3) The Central Committee for Conscientious Objectors
Presents: Conscientious Objectors Discuss War
Sunday, February 27 at the Humanist Hall, 390
27th St. @ Broadway, Oakland 3pm-6:30pm
Join CCCO and Conscientious Objector panelists;
Aimee Allison, Dale Bartlett, David Harris, Rev.
Dr. Dorsey Blake and Jeff Paterson, in a
discussion on war, draft and conscience,
moderated by Steve Morse, CCCO GI Rights Program
Coordinator.
Also, film maker Mark Manning, independent
reporter Dahr Jamail and military mom Nadia
McCaffrey offer reports about their recent trips
to Iraq and Jordan.
Refreshments.

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

4) March 19, 2005 Global Day of Action
No to War Occupation ˆ Iraq, Palestine, Haiti,
Afghanistan, Cuba Everywhere!
Bring the Troops Home Now!
Money for People‚s Needs, Not War!
San Francisco: March Assembles: 11 a.m. Dolores Park
Rally: 1 p.m. Civic Center

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

5) COMING TO THE BAY AREA SOON ARE TWO POWERFUL ANTIWAR MOVIES

"Mission Accomplished" is a a brutally vivid documentary
filmed entirely on the ground in Iraq. The reality of this
war for American troops is contrasted to the
overwhelming reality of the devastation felt and experienced
by the people of Iraq.
"Mission Accomplished" will open March 18th:
4 Star
2200 Clement St.
San Francisco, CA 94121
415.666.3488

"Voices In Wartime" is a compelling portrayal of human
experience with war through poetry, both from the point
of view of those who were in combat and those who are left
behind.
"Voices In Wartime" will play in S.F. on April 15th at:
Landmark Lumiere 3
1572 California Street
San Francisco, CA 94109

[This poem by fourth-grader Cameron Penny was read
by Marie Howe in this very beautiful film
directed by Rick King.

"If you are lucky in this life
A window will appear on a battlefield between two armies
And when the soldiers look into the window
They don't see their enemies
They see themselves as children
And they stop fighting
And go home and go to sleep
When they wake up, the land is well again."
By Cameron Penny]

To learn more about these film visit
Cinema Libre Studio
http://www.cinemalibrestudio.com/

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6) PROTEST the Anniversary of the U.S.-led COUP in HAITI
Monday, Feb. 28, 4:30 p.m. Rally in UN Plaza,
San Francisco (under the Simon Bolivar statue at Hyde Street)
- proceeding at 5 p.m. March stops at sites representing
attempts to destroy democracy in Haiti, including SF Chronicle,
the Chilean, Brazilian and French consulates, and U.S.
Sen. Dianne Feinstein's office.

One year after democratically-elected President Jean-Bertrand Aristide
was forced out of his country by the U.S., protesters are calling for the
restoration of constitutional government in Haiti. The protest is
sponsored by the Haiti Action Committee, East Bay Sanctuary
Covenant and the ANSWER Coalition.
Contact: 510-483-7481 or 415-821-6545

FACES OF HAITI 2005 . . . a slide presentation and discussion
scheduled for 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 23, 2005, at the
First United Methodist Church, 9 Ross Valley Drive
(at Fourth Street), San Rafael.

Two members of the Let Haiti Live Women;s Delegation . . .
January 13-22
[to] Port au Prince women's cooperatives and highly successful
village community-based health clinic also their experience at
the World Social Forum [where] MITF sponsored participation
of Haitian nationals

A $5-10 donation is requested. No one turned away for lack
of funds. For more information, please call 415/924-3227.
This venue is wheelchair accessible.

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

7) What: Anti-Recruitment Community Forum
When: Saturday, Feb. 26 2pm-4pm
Where: Audrey Lorde Room, Women's Building,
3543 18th St. between Valencia and Guerrero

Description: Join teachers, students, anti-war
activists, veterans, Ramon Leal from Iraq Veterans
Against the War, Aimee Allison, Gulf War Conscientious
Objector and candidate for Oakland City Council, Susan
King from the San Francisco Green Party, and members
of the Campus Anti-War Network as they discuss forming
a coalition opposed to military recruitment in our
schools.

WEDNESDAY, MAR 2:

What: Political Pub Quiz
When: 3/2 8-10pm
Where: Dylan's Pub, 19th and Harrison
Description: Join Supervisors Ross Mirkarimi & Chris
Daly, School Board Members Mark Sanchez, Eric Mar and
Sarah Lipson, activists Lisa Feldstein, Michael
Goldstein and Calvin Welch, playwright Terry Baum and
others. Categories include Famous San Franciscans, SF
Landmarks, LGBT and Political Scandals. Free and
winning team gets a better than cash value prize.

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

8) The next meeting of the Lynne Stewart Defense Committee
is confirmed for Sunday, February 27 at Noon At the
Modern Times Bookstore at 888 Valencia Street,
between 19th and 20th Streets.
We will meet in the rear meeting room.

Lynne's sentencing date has been changed from July 15 to September,
giving us more time to mount the campaigns that are needed to
maximize the chances that Lynne is not sentenced to jail time. She
faces up to 35 years in prison. At this time our campaign is geared
to mobilizing mass forces to convince the judge, whose record
indicates he tends toward light sentences, to grant Lynne probation
as opposed to jail. The fact that the judge has this discretion is
due to a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that rejected mandatory
sentences. Letter writing will be a major focus of the campaign but
we understand that there will be a mass mobilization near the
courthouse when the Judge is scheduled to decide. We will urge West
Coast attendance at this rally.

Lynne's appeal is in preparation. Her aim, our aim, of course, is to
reverse the conviction and win her freedom.

Her plan to visit the Bay Area for a major April 24 rally organized
by the Mobilization to Free Mumia Abu-Jamal at Mission H.S. is firm.
Lynne says that she is confident that Judge Koeltl will grant her
travel rights.

Our agenda on Sunday will include:

a) a legal update report
b) campaign for mass letter writing regarding the sentence beginning
immediately but focusing on April 24 and all other such meetings
where people gather in large numbers. This includes the upcoming
March 19 antiwar march/rally from Dolores Park to the Civic Center.
c) distribution of the new fact sheet
d) organization of major meeting with prominent speaker in the Bay
Area between now and April 24
e) collaboration with the National Lawyers Guild to reach out to the
legal community
f) broadening our defense committee
g) speaking at meetings to explain Lynne's case
h) building the April 24 meeting where Lynne will be joined by Amy
Goodman and a concert with Michael Franti
i) exploration of a SF Board of Supervisors resolution supporting
Lynne's democratic rights and civil liberties and welcoming her to
San Francisco
j)other items to be determined

We expect the April 24 mass rally to be a barn burner with Lynne the
major speaker.

In solidarity,

Jeff

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

9) Latin America Fails to Deliver on Basic Needs (link only)
By JUAN FORERO
February 22, 2005
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/22/international/americas/22bolivia.html?hp&ex=1109134800&en=a0fbb2c9c35c0f8f&ei=5094&partner=homepage

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

10) Bush Says Russia Must Make Good on Democracy (link only)
By ELISABETH BUMILLER
BRUSSELS
February 22, 2005
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/22/international/europe/22prexy.html

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

11) US Senator Says Afghan Bases Should Be Permanent (link only)
By David Brunnstrom
KABUL (Reuters)
Tue Feb 22, 2005 06:32 AM ET
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=7697958&src=eDialog/GetContent§ion=news

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

12) Some Inheritance (Social Security) (link only)
EDITORIAL
February 23, 2005
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/23/opinion/23wed1.html?hp

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

13) Failure to Form Cabinet Signals Crisis
for Palestinian Leaders
By ALAN COWELL
February 23, 2005
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/23/international/middleeast/23cnd-mideast.html?hp&ex=1109221200&en=c2f9ba17fa86cb77&ei=5094&partner=homepage

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

14) Vonnegut at 80 (link only)
By David Hoppe, NUVO
Posted on January 10, 2003
http://www.alternet.org/story/14919/

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

15) Task Force Criticizes Bush's 'No Child' Law; (link only)
50-State Group Says It's Unconstitutional
by Sam Dillon
Published on Thursday, February 24, 2005 by the
San Francisco Chronicle
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines05/0224-09.htm

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

16) Two good liberals visit bad country (link only)
By Robert Mailer Anderson and Zack Anderson
Special To The Examiner
(Very interesting and favorable article about Cuba...bw)
http://www.sfexaminer.com/articles/2005/02/24/opinion/20050224_op05_anderson.txt

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

17) Next Generation Peace Rally and March
FUND OUR COMMUNITIES, NOT WAR!
Friday, March 4, Rally 3 - 3:30 at the San Rafael Library
March through town 3:30 - 5pm

Join Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey, San Rafael City Councilor Cyr Miller, and
local city workers, taxpayers, students and teachers for a creative rally
and march to demand funding for our communities, not for war!

Rally at the San Rafael Public Library (3 - 3:45) - 1100 E ST at Fifth ST

Then march to:
* Falkirk Cultural Center (4 - 4:10) - 1408 Mission Ave at E ST
* City Hall (4:15 - 4:25) - 1400 Fifth ST at D ST
* Police Station (4:25 - 4:35) - 1400 Fifth STat D ST
* Fire Station (4:40 - 4:50) - 1039 C ST bet 4th and 5th
* March down Fourth ST (4:50 - 5:00)
* Concluding rally at Bank of America / Court Plaza (5 - 5:15) - 4th ST at
Court

George Bush has released his proposed budget for 2006. If passed, it will
sharply cut social programs while increasing military spending at a time
when most towns across America - including San Rafael - are cutting back
basic services just to stay afloat.

Next Generation - with support from MPJC, Presente and community leaders -
is fighting back with a creative, grassroots response: a youth and
taxpayer-led rally and march through San Rafael that will highlight how much
the war on Iraq is costing our community, and what we'd like to see instead.

After a rally near city hall, our colorful, positive, enthusiastic
procession will stop at various agencies in San Rafael whose budgets are
being cut or are being threatened with cuts, including the library, city
hall, police station, fire department. At each stop along the way, students
and community will explain how each agency is struggling, and present a
giant novelty check representing their lost revenues to an "official" from
the Pentagon. We will also present a positive, alternative vision of what
we'd like to see instead.

We are excited about this effort because:
* It brings the cost of war home
* It is timely - Congress will soon begin to debate George Bush's proposed
budget, and next November, voters in San Rafael will decide whether or not
to raise the sales tax by half a cent to stop cuts in basic city services
* It presents a positive vision of healthy, supportive communities
* It builds alliances and expands the progressive movement
* It is fun and creative

This effort is open to all individuals and groups who believe our tax
dollars would be better spent creating healthy, nurturing communities than
fighting destructive wars. Please contact Next Generation if you would like
to get involved in any way, including:
* Working on march logistics
* Creating props, visuals, and other creative elements
* Promoting the march at the grassroots
* Generating media coverage of the effort
* Speaking at the march as a San Rafael taxpayer, volunteer or city employee
* Contributing funds or other resources to support this effort and others
like it

During the three weeks before the action, Next Generating is conducting
interactive workshops in local schools to educate young people about the
President's proposed budget and the cost of war. We will follow the action
with additional workshops, and plan to issue a national call for Cost of War
actions across the US on Tax Day, April 15.

Next Generation 1741 Lincoln Ave, #6 San Rafael, CA 94901 415.455.9498
nextgenerationofactivists@hotmail.com

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

18) THE CONFLICT IN IRAQ (link only)
Army Gives Halliburton $9.4 Million in Bonuses
From Times Wire Services
February 25, 2005
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-halliburton25feb25,1,2220539.story?coll=la-headlines-world&ctrack=2&cset=true

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

19) 10 Voters on Panel Backing Pain Pills (link only)
Had Industry Ties
By GARDINER HARRIS and ALEX BERENSON
February 25, 2005
"Ten of the 32 government drug advisers who last week endorsed
continued marketing of the huge-selling pain pills Celebrex, Bextra
and Vioxx have consulted in recent years for the drugs' makers,
according to disclosures in medical journals and other public records.

If the 10 advisers had not cast their votes, the committee would
have voted 12 to 8 that Bextra should be withdrawn and 14 to 8
that Vioxx should not return to the market. The 10 advisers with
company ties voted 9 to 1 to keep Bextra on the market and 9 to 1
for Vioxx's return."
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/25/politics/25fda.html?hp&ex=1109394000&en=2d0651f024ad5d31&ei=5094&partner=homepage

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

20) Kansas Prosecutor Demands Files
on Late-Term Abortion Patients
By JODI WILGOREN
February 25, 2005
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/25/national/25kansas.html?hp&ex=1109394000&en=590ef6d0a42ee0af&ei=5094&partner=homepage

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

21) Thrown to the Wolves (link only)
By BOB HERBERT
OP-ED COLUMNIST
OTTAWA
February 25, 2005
[Prison and torture America style-send them to Saudi Arabia where
torture is legal...bw]
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/25/opinion/25herbert.html?hp

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

22) [Related to Lynne Stewart Case...bw] (link only)
Terror Suspect's Family Protests Jail Rules
By ERIC LICHTBLAU and JAMES DAO
February 25, 2005
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/25/national/25terror.html

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

23) Published on Thursday, February 24, 2005 by the
New York Amsterdam News
Calling All Soldiers: Military Recruiters Face Resistance
From Young Anti-War Activists
by Elizabeth Weill-Greenberg

The military spends about $3 billion each year to convince young
people that enlistment will give them college money, job training
and an alternative to working at McDonald's. In the wake of the
growing conflict in Iraq, which has resulted in over a thousand
U.S. casualties, the military has become more aggressive in
scouting out high school students willing and able to serve.

In many New York City public schools that are predominantly
Black and Latino, military recruiters are a heavy presence, promising
young people financial security and a fulfilling career. Recruiters
roam the halls, set up tables and even pull students out of class.
But in recent months, a group of teenagers and anti-war veterans
have been canvassing the neighborhoods where the recruiters
frequent, hoping to convince students to consider other options.

''We've heard everything up to and including having a desk in
the guidance counselor's office,'' said Amy Wagner of Youth
Activists-Youth Allies (YaYas), a group that focuses on
counter-recruitment. ''When the kid comes in to talk to the
counselor about college, before the kid can get there, they've
got somebody in their face saying, 'You want to go to college?
How are you going to pay for college?'''

New York City organizers are educating people about alternatives
to enlisting and the realities of military life. Vietnam veterans and
anti-war activists Jim Murphy and Dayl Wise visit high schools,
where they recount for the students stories about their time in
the service. In one class of juniors at West Side High School,
Murphy told them that before the service he spent time making
money playing seven-card stud.

Once he left community college, he was drafted. ''I wasn't smart
enough to have fear about it,'' Murphy told the class. ''I didn't
have a clue.'' Wise, who was in the infantry, didn't want to go
to war when he was drafted. His father offered to help send him
to Canada. ''I took the easy way out by reporting for duty,'' he
said. ''It takes a braver person. I let it happen to me? I didn't
have a plan. I gave up control.'' He warned the students: ''Please
have a plan. Don't let others make plans for you.'' The YaYas,
staffed almost entirely by high school students of color, work
to make sure young people avoid falling into military service
because it seems like the only option for advancement.

''It's either jail or the military,'' said Jeannel Bishop, a senior
at Brooklyn's South Shore High School and a YaYa staffer.
Many students at her school think enlistment is the best they
can accomplish. When Navy recruiters visited her school
recently, students were allowed to leave class to visit with
them. Bishop brought pamphlets and confronted the recruiters
about their assurances of tuition and training. She pointed out
to them and other students nearby that getting college money
was a much more complicated and uncertain process.

''I was taking over their whole show,'' Bishop said. ''[The recruiters]
were amazed.'' Three students who had been ''pumped up about
the military'' had second thoughts after Bishop spoke. It took just
a little information for them to have doubts, she said. Besides
speaking out in their own schools, the YaYas hold workshops for
teenagers and make presentations to PTAs. They encourage
students to post literature in the guidance office and set up
counter-recruitment tables next to military recruiters. Most
importantly, they want young people to make an informed
choice, Wagner said.

For instance, most students don't know that:


* Two-thirds of recruits don't get any college money,
according to the Central Committee for Conscientious Objectors.
* Most people in the military do not have time to attend
college while in the service.
* To qualify for college money recruits have to pay $100
per month for a year.
* The unemployment rate for veterans is three times higher
than the national average.
* People who sign up with the Delayed Entry Program are
told they can't change their minds, but getting out is as simple
as writing a letter.
* The enlistment contract is for eight years.
* There are other ways to finance college, like federal
financial aid, private scholarships, going to community college
or joining AmeriCorps.

But educating youth is not just about these facts and figures,
Wagner said. The war in Iraq makes their work much more
urgent, she said. ''They're still telling people you can go to
Germany, Japan, but the reality is the vast majority are going
to Iraq,'' Wagner said. ''You risk losing life and limb; you risk
being a murderer.'' Giving young people a complete picture of
enlisting rests on the courage and initiative of activists,
guidance counselors and principals.

Often, the recruiters' sales pitches, brochures and posters go
unchallenged. Many educators fear principals will retaliate
if they speak out, Wagner said. Some schools are reticent to
limit the military's presence because they think they will lose
federal funding, she said. No Child Left Behind, the educational
policy touted by the Bush administration, requires that
recruiters and college representatives have equal access
to students. This is often misinterpreted as unlimited access.
Policy on recruiter access in New York City public schools
is determined school by school and varies widely.

But some school districts have taken a more active role
and regulate recruiters' visits. In Madison, Wisconsin,
recruiters are only permitted to be in each high school
three days during the school year. Their policy states that
guidance counselors can distribute both military and
counter-recruitment information. There is also no uniform,
enforced policy in New York City governing opt-out forms,
which let students choose whether to release their personal
information to recruiters. Many principals, Wagner said, are
not even aware of the opt-out form. Some schools give out
the form, without any explanation and make no effort to
collect it from students, she said.

Wagner said some students think that signing the forms will
mean their information is not released to any institutions,
including colleges. Other students, often immigrants, fear
they will get in trouble for signing, she said. Currently, New
York City students are often only given the opt-out form in
the ninth grade, Wagner said. Because recruiters ask for
eleventh- and twelfth-grade lists, schools should send out
the forms each year, she said.

In Montclair, New Jersey, the high school sends a fact sheet
with the opt-out form. Tenth-graders who have not returned
the forms are called. If the form is still not turned in, it will
be passed out the following year. Activists have discussed
working on a New York City Council resolution to require
schools to collect the forms from every student. Members
of the YaYas and the New York Civil Liberties Union have
met with the Department of Education (DOE) to discuss
putting together an information packet for principals
about opt-out.

Wagner said the DOE was receptive. Calls to the DOE were
not returned. Local counter-recruiters also plan to make use
of the recent Third Circuit Court's ruling that Yale Law School,
which has a non-discrimination policy, can ban recruiters from
its campus without risk of losing federal funding, because the
military discriminates against gays.

However, without the help of the Department of Education or
the City Council, counter-recruiters' efforts can only go so far.
This frustration is evident in veteran Dayl Wise when he said
that giving presentations, classroom by classroom, is like
"throwing grains of sand on the beach.''

Elizabeth Weill-Greenberg may be reached at
elizabethwg@gmail.com.

(c) 2005 New York Amsterdam News

###
---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

Resource:
MONEY FOR HUMAN NEEDS NOT WAR!
FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF SOCIAL SERVICES
UNDER THE KNIFE RIGHT NOW GO TO:
http://www.bauaw.org/2005/02/programs-eliminated-or-cut-in-2006.html

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

1) LAST CHANCE TO GET ON THE BD. OF ED. SPEAKERS LIST!
CALL 415-241-6427, 241-6493 or 241-6000
TUESDAY, FEB.22, BETWEEN 8:00 AM AND 3:00PM
HELP STOP MILITARY RECRUITMENT IN OUR SCHOOLS!
SPEAK OUT AT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING!
TUESDAY, FEB. 22, 7:00 p.m
555 Franklin St., 2nd floor (near Golden Gate).
(Each speaker will get only 60 seconds to address
the board-so keep it short and to the point.)
We are asking that this issue be put on the agenda of
the March 8th meeting and that this be the only point on
the agenda so that we have ample time to discuss this
very important issue!)

2) WE ALL STAND WITH LYNNE STEWART!
NO JAIL TIME FOR LYNNE!
PLEASE WRITE LETTERS TODAY

3) The Central Committee for Conscientious Objectors
Presents: Conscientious Objectors Discuss War
Sunday, February 27 at the Humanist Hall, 390
27th St. @ Broadway, Oakland 3pm-6:30pm

Join CCCO and Conscientious Objector panelists;
Aimee Allison, Dale Bartlett, David Harris, Rev.
Dr. Dorsey Blake and Jeff Paterson, in a
discussion on war, draft and conscience,
moderated by Steve Morse, CCCO GI Rights Program
Coordinator.

Also, film maker Mark Manning, independent
reporter Dahr Jamail and military mom Nadia
McCaffrey offer reports about their recent trips
to Iraq and Jordan.
Refreshments.

4) March 19, 2005 Global Day of Action
No to War Occupation ˆ Iraq, Palestine, Haiti,
Afghanistan, Cuba Everywhere!
Bring the Troops Home Now!
Money for People‚s Needs, Not War!
San Francisco: March Assembles: 11 a.m. Dolores Park
Rally: 1 p.m. Civic Center

5) COMING TO THE BAY AREA SOON!
TWO POWERFUL ANTIWAR MOVIES:

"Mission Accomplished" is a a brutally vivid documentary
filmed entirely on the ground in Iraq. The reality of this
war for American troops is contrasted to the
overwhelming reality of the devastation felt and experienced
by the people of Iraq.

"Mission Accomplished" will open March 18th:
4 Star
2200 Clement St.
San Francisco, CA 94121
415.666.3488

"Voices In Wartime" is a compelling portrayal of human
experience with war through poetry, both from the point
of view of those who were in combat and those who are left
behind.

"Voices In Wartime" will play in S.F. on April 15th at:
Landmark Lumiere 3
1572 California Street
San Francisco, CA 94109

[This poem by fourth-grader Cameron Penny was read
by Marie Howe in this very beautiful film
directed by Rick King.

"If you are lucky in this life
A window will appear on a battlefield between two armies
And when the soldiers look into the window
They don't see their enemies
They see themselves as children
And they stop fighting
And go home and go to sleep
When they wake up, the land is well again."
By Cameron Penny]

To learn more about these film visit
Cinema Libre Studio
http://www.cinemalibrestudio.com/

6) PROTEST the Anniversary of the U.S.-led COUP in HAITI
Monday, Feb. 28, 4:30 p.m. Rally in UN Plaza,
San Francisco (under the Simon Bolivar statue at Hyde Street)
- proceeding at 5 p.m. March stops at sites representing
attempts to destroy democracy in Haiti, including SF Chronicle,
the Chilean, Brazilian and French consulates, and U.S.
Sen. Dianne Feinstein's office.

7) Supervisor Chris Daly introduces Resolution Against Torture
From School of the Americas Watch West February 18 bulletin -
BREAKING NEWS:
Supervisor Chris Daly introduces Resolution Against Torture
to the SF Board of Supervisors "Resolution Urging the
US Government to Abide by International Treaties and
Geneva Conventions..."

8) Venezuela shuts down Maccas and Coca Cola (link only)
By Stuart Munckton
From Green Left Weekly, February 23, 2005
http://www.greenleft.org.au/back/2005/616/616p14c.htm

9) Following in the Footsteps of MLK: Education is a Civil Right
By Douglas MacDonald, Community-Labor Alliance
Dmacdonald94591@yahoo.com

10) Global Eye (link only)
Sword Play
By Chris Floyd
Published: February 18, 2005
http://context.themoscowtimes.com/stories/2005/02/18/120.html

11) "VIETNAM ALL OVER AGAIN"
Words and Music by
Barry David Butler

12) "U.S. is Preparing New Aggressions" (link only)
Venezuela's Chavez Accuses U.S. Government of
Considering his Assassination
Sunday, Feb 20, 2005
By: Cleto A. Sojo - Venezuelanalysis.com
http://www.venezuelanalysis.com/news.php?newsno=1514

13) Week of Campus and High School Resistance
Monday, March 14 to Friday, March 18
Students & Youth Mobilize Against War & Racism
Initiated by: The Global Resistance Network and
Youth & Student A.N.S.W.E.R.

14) US Declares that Iraqis must destroy (link only)
their own seeds
Forwarded from: sfsapo@msn.com
http://globalresearch.ca/articles/KHA501A.html

15) Why Go to College, When You Can be Cannon Fodder? (link only)
Do You Know What Your Kids Are Watching on
"Educational" TV at School?
By Dr. TERESA WHITEHURST
February 17, 2005
http://counterpunch.org/whitehurst02172005.html

16) UN Warns of New Chaos if
Afghan Grievances Not Met
By David Brunnstrom
KABUL (Reuters)
Mon Feb 21, 2005 07:41 AM ET
http://www.reuters.com/
newsArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=7688493&src=eDialog/
GetContent§ion=news

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

1) LAST CHANCE TO GET ON THE BD. OF ED. SPEAKERS LIST!
CALL 415-241-6427, 241-6493 or 241-6000
TUESDAY, FEB.22, BETWEEN 8:00 AM AND 3:00PM
HELP STOP MILITARY RECRUITMENT IN OUR SCHOOLS!
SPEAK OUT AT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING!
TUESDAY, FEB. 22, 7:00 p.m
555 Franklin St., 2nd floor (near Golden Gate).
(Each speaker will get only 60 seconds to address
the board-so keep it short and to the point.)
We are asking that this issue be put on the agenda of
the March 8th meeting and that this be the only point on
the agenda so that we have ample time to discuss this
very important issue!)

Draft Resolution for San Francisco Board of Education
Cut Ties with the Military:

WHEREAS, the United States military is actively recruiting high
school students into the military to fight in Iraq; and
WHEREAS, many young San Francisco high school alumni are
presently serving in military units fighting in Iraq; and
WHEREAS, it is San Francisco City policy by virtue of
Proposition N, to bring all U.S. troops home from Iraq now; and
WHEREAS, over 1,448 U.S. soldiers and approximately 100,000
Iraqis have been killed in this war and over 10,000 U.S. soldiers
and unknown thousands of Iraqis have been wounded; and
WHEREAS, the hundreds of billions of dollars spent on the war
have robbed our children of resources that should be spent on
education and other human needs; and
WHEREAS, military presence in our schools legitimizes the
message that violence is acceptable; THEREFORE BE IT
RESOLVED THAT:
It shall be the policy of the San Francisco Board of Education
to support cutting all ties with the United States military,
including, but not limited to: Ending military recruitment
on campuses; ending the Junior Reserved Officer Training
Corps (JROTC); and guaranteeing that all students and
parents are informed of their right to deny military recruiters
access to their names, addresses and telephone numbers.

Bay Area United Against War (BAUAW) • www.bauaw.org •
P.O. Box 318021, San Francisco, CA 94131-8021 • 414-824-8730

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

2) WE ALL STAND WITH LYNNE STEWART!
NO JAIL TIME FOR LYNNE!
PLEASE WRITE LETTERS TODAY:

SUGGESTION AS TO FORMAT OF LETTERS
TO BE WRITTEN ON BEHALF OF LYNNE STEWART

MARGIN: Please leave at least a one-inch left-hand margin to
allow us to bind the letter into the appendix to the sentencing
memorandum that is being filed on
Lynne's behalf.

INSIDE ADDRESS: Honorable John G. Koeltl
United States District Judge
Southern District of New York
United States Courthouse
500 Pearl Street
New York, New York 10007

GREETING: Honorable Sir or Dear Judge Koeltl:

BODY: Briefly introduce yourself and set forth your relationship
to Lynne.
Briefly discuss yourself - your position in work and in society.
State that you are aware that Lynne is to be sentenced following
a jury verdict of guilty on serious charges: The remainder of
your letter should discuss whatever you believe to weigh in
favor of no jail time. If possible, you should tell of an incident
where she helped you out or engaged in commendable
community service. Do not try to argue that she is not guilty
or was unfairly conviction. Focus on the unfairness of the
government's actions in bringing the charges; the way in
which the government portrayed her, etc.

* Typewritten letters if possible are preferred.
*
WHEN LETTER IS COMPLETED: Please mail the final product
to the following address:
Jill R. Shellow-Lavine, Esq.
2537 Post Road
Southport, CT 06890

Do not send your letters to the judge. We ask that you
forward your letter me so that the lawyers can present it to
Judge Koeltl with the other letters being written for this purpose.
This is the manner in which letters will have the greatest impact.
If they are sent directly to the Judge's chambers, they may have
less of an impact and could cause the judge a substantial
inconvenience (and annoyance).

Thank you for your cooperation. If you have any questions,
please do not hesitate to contact the defense committee at
www.lynnestewart.org.

Sincerely,
Jill R. Shellow-Lavine
Attorney for Lynne Stewart
For more information go to:
www.LynneStewart.org

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

3) The Central Committee for Conscientious Objectors
Presents: Conscientious Objectors Discuss War
Sunday, February 27 at the Humanist Hall, 390
27th St. @ Broadway, Oakland 3pm-6:30pm
Join CCCO and Conscientious Objector panelists;
Aimee Allison, Dale Bartlett, David Harris, Rev.
Dr. Dorsey Blake and Jeff Paterson, in a
discussion on war, draft and conscience,
moderated by Steve Morse, CCCO GI Rights Program
Coordinator.
Also, film maker Mark Manning, independent
reporter Dahr Jamail and military mom Nadia
McCaffrey offer reports about their recent trips
to Iraq and Jordan.
Refreshments.

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

4) March 19, 2005 Global Day of Action
No to War Occupation ˆ Iraq, Palestine, Haiti,
Afghanistan, Cuba Everywhere!
Bring the Troops Home Now!
Money for People‚s Needs, Not War!
San Francisco: March Assembles: 11 a.m. Dolores Park
Rally: 1 p.m. Civic Center

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

5) COMING TO THE BAY AREA SOON
ARE TWO POWERFUL ANTIWAR MOVIES

"Mission Accomplished" is a a brutally vivid documentary
filmed entirely on the ground in Iraq. The reality of this
war for American troops is contrasted to the
overwhelming reality of the devastation felt and experienced
by the people of Iraq.
"Mission Accomplished" will open March 18th:
4 Star
2200 Clement St.
San Francisco, CA 94121
415.666.3488

"Voices In Wartime" is a compelling portrayal of human
experience with war through poetry, both from the point
of view of those who were in combat and those who are left
behind.
"Voices In Wartime" will play in S.F. on April 15th at:
Landmark Lumiere 3
1572 California Street
San Francisco, CA 94109

[This poem by fourth-grader Cameron Penny was read
by Marie Howe in this very beautiful film
directed by Rick King.

"If you are lucky in this life
A window will appear on a battlefield between two armies
And when the soldiers look into the window
They don't see their enemies
They see themselves as children
And they stop fighting
And go home and go to sleep
When they wake up, the land is well again."
By Cameron Penny]

To learn more about these film visit
Cinema Libre Studio
http://www.cinemalibrestudio.com/

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

6) PROTEST the Anniversary of the U.S.-led COUP in HAITI
Monday, Feb. 28, 4:30 p.m. Rally in UN Plaza,
San Francisco (under the Simon Bolivar statue at Hyde Street)
- proceeding at 5 p.m. March stops at sites representing
attempts to destroy democracy in Haiti, including SF Chronicle,
the Chilean, Brazilian and French consulates, and U.S.
Sen. Dianne Feinstein's office.

One year after democratically-elected President Jean-Bertrand Aristide
was forced out of his country by the U.S., protesters are calling for the
restoration of constitutional government in Haiti. The protest is
sponsored by the Haiti Action Committee, East Bay Sanctuary
Covenant and the ANSWER Coalition.
Contact: 510-483-7481 or 415-821-6545

FACES OF HAITI 2005 . . . a slide presentation and discussion
scheduled for 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 23, 2005, at the
First United Methodist Church, 9 Ross Valley Drive (at Fourth Street),
San Rafael.

Two members of the Let Haiti Live Women;s Delegation . . .
January 13-22 [to] Port au Prince women's cooperatives and
highly successful village community-based health clinic also
their experience at the World Social Forum [where] MITF
sponsored participation of Haitian nationals

A $5-10 donation is requested. No one turned away for lack
of funds. For more information, please call 415/924-3227.
This venue is wheelchair accessible.

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

7) Supervisor Chris Daly introduces Resolution Against Torture
From School of the Americas Watch West February 18 bulletin -
BREAKING NEWS:
Supervisor Chris Daly introduces Resolution Against Torture
to the SF Board of Supervisors "Resolution Urging the
US Government to Abide by International Treaties and
Geneva Conventions..."

Authored by Ruth Goode. (Ruth's husband, Carlos Mauricio, is
a Salvadoran torture survivor, an activist with SOA Watch and
founder of Stop Impunity!) Ruth states: "Like many of you, I have
been horrified by the news from Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo,
incensed by the Bush administration justifications for torture, and
disgusted by the spectacle of them trying to weasel their way out
of the Geneva Convention. As a result, I drafted a resolution for
the San Francisco Board of Supervisors to urge the government to
renounce the use of torture and abide by both the constitution and
international law. The resolution was introduced by Chris Daly, and
co-sponsored by Ross Mirkarimi."

Please consider emailing or calling your SF supervisor in support
of the resolution, particularly if you live in a more conservative part
of town. Below is a list of contact information for the various
supervisors. And at the end of this email (*) is wording of the
SF Resolution, which will be voted on next Tuesday, 22nd February .
Please ask other San Franciscans to call their supervisors regarding
this resolution. Contrary to what some may think is "NOT the
business of our local Board of Supervisors" this Resolution is also
an educational effort to reach our children who are being approached
in public schools by military personnel hoping to enlist students
into the armed forces. It is important that our community take
a stand against torture and that the children of San Francisco
become aware of these principles of decency and international law.

Jake McGoldrick - District 1
Jake.McGoldrick@sfgov.org
(415) 554-7410 - voice

Michela Alioto-Pier - District 2
Michela.Alioto-Pier@sfgov.org
(415) 554-7752 - voice

Aaron Peskin - District 3
Aaron.Peskin@sfgov.org
(415) 554-7450 - voice

Fiona Ma - District 4
Fiona.Ma@sfgov.org
(415) 554-7460 - voice

Ross Mirkarimi - District 5
Ross.Mirkarimi@sfgov.org
(415) 554-7630 - voice

Chris Daly - District 6
Chris.Daly@sfgov.org
(415) 554-7970 - voice

Sean Elsbernd - District 7
Sean.Elsbernd@sfgov.org
(415) 554-6516 - voice

Bevan Dufty - District 8
Bevan.Dufty@sfgov.org
(415) 554-6968 - voice

Tom Ammiano - District 9
Tom.Ammiano@sfgov.org
(415) 554-5144 - voice

Sophie Maxwell - District 10
Sophie.Maxwell@sfgov.org
(415) 554-7670 - voice

Gerardo Sandoval - District 11
Gerardo.Sandoval@sfgov.org
(415) 554-6975 - voice

DRAFT OF THE SF BOARD OF SUPERVISORS' RESOLUTION
AGAINST TORTURE:

Whereas San Francisco is proud to have been the birthplace
of the United Nations; and

Whereas San Francisco remains dedicated to the principles
articulated in the United Nations founding charter, including
the pledge "to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in
the dignity and worth of the human person" and "to establish
conditions under which justice and respect for the obligations
arising from treaties and other sources of international law can
be maintained"; and

WHEREAS members of the United States armed forces and
their affiliates have used torture, as documented in two reports,
by an Army panel chaired by Major Gen. George Fay and by
a commission headed by former Defense Secretary James
Schlesinger; and

WHEREAS the torture has been conducted openly and on
a widespread scale, suggesting a serious failure of governmental
policy if not actual official acceptance;

WHEREAS official government statements have authorized or
permitted the use of interrogation techniques that clearly violate
the common sense meaning of the word "torture" as well as the
interpretations given the term by the courts of the United States
and by authoritative international tribunals; ; and

WHEREAS the use of torture is inhumane, illegal and destructive
of the democratic sensibilities of a free society, to which we,
as the Board of Supervisors of the City of San Francisco, are
committed; and

WHEREAS the threat or use of torture is universally condemned
under international law, and admits of no exceptions or
derogations [see, e.g., the Four Geneva Conventions of 1949
and the U.N. Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel,
Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment] ]; and

WHEREAS the use of torture places the United States Government
in violation of international treaties to which it is a party [e.g. the
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the U.N.
Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading
Treatment or Punishment, the Four Geneva Conventions of 1949], and

WHEREAS the use of torture violates the US Constitution in
(a) the Fourth Amendment's right to be free of unreasonable
search or seizure (which encompasses the right not to be abused
by the police), (b) the Fifth Amendment's right against
self-incrimination (which encompasses the right to remain
silent during interrogations), (c) the Fifth and the Fourteenth
Amendments' guarantees of due process (ensuring fundamental
fairness in criminal justice system) and (d) the Eighth Amendment's
right to be free of cruel or unusual punishment];

WHEREAS the use of torture violates our commitment to the rule
of law as a protector of the integrity and dignity of the human
person; and

WHEREAS the secrecy which attends the use of torture violates
our commitment to open government and the dissemination of
true and accurate information of our government's actions; and

WHEREAS the use of torture dehumanizes and debases not only
the victim but also the torturer, to the detriment of civil society; and

WHEREAS it is well documented that torture is a wholly ineffective
means of obtaining reliable information; and

WHEREAS the use of torture by the United States armed forces or
its affiliates undermines the moral authority of United States'
endeavors to improve international human rights; and

WHEREAS the use of torture increases the likelihood that members
of the United States armed forces will be subjected to torture in
the future.

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors hereby urges the
United States government to renounce forevermore the covert or
public use or threat of torture, for any purpose whatsoever.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors hereby condemns
the use or threat of torture by the United States government as
a barbarous violation of human rights, intellectual freedom and
the rule of law.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors urges the United
States government to (a) comply fully with the four Geneva Conventions
of August 12, 1949, including timely compliance with all provisions
that require access to protected persons by the International
Committee of the Red Cross; (b) observe the minimum protections
of their common Article 3 and related customary international
law; and (c) enforce such compliance through all applicable laws,
including the War Crimes Act and the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors urges the
United States government to take all measures necessary to ensure
that all foreign persons captured, detained, interned or otherwise
held within the custody or under the physical control of the United
States are treated in accordance with standards that the United
States would consider lawful if employed with respect to a captive
American;
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors urges the
United States government to take all measures necessary to
ensure that no person within the custody or under the physical
control of the United States is turned over to another government
when the United States has substantial grounds to believe that
such person will be in danger of being subjected to torture or
other cruel or inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment;
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors urges the
President and Congress to establish an independent, bipartisan
commission with subpoena power to prepare a full account of
detention and interrogation practices carried out by the United
States, to make public findings, and to provide recommendations
designed to ensure that such practices adhere faithfully to the
Constitution and laws of the United States and treaties to which
the United States is a signatory, including the Geneva Conventions,
the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the
Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading
Treatment or Punishment, and related customary international law,
including Article 75 of the 1977 Protocol 1 to the Geneva Conventions;
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors urges the
United States government to comply fully and in a timely manner
with its reporting obligations as a State Party to the Convention
Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment
or Punishment;
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors urges that, in
establishing and executing national policy regarding the treatment
of persons within the custody or under the physical control of the
United States government, Congress and the Executive Branch
should consider how United States practices may affect (a) the
treatment of United States persons who may be captured and
detained by other nations and (b) the credibility of objections by
the United States to the use of torture or other cruel, inhuman or
degrading treatment or punishment against United States persons.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be widely publicized,
including the press, the President of the United States, the
Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of State, and members of
the United States Congress.

SOAWW CONTACTS :
SOAWW - East Bay: Robert Nixon - 510-533-3120 -
robertnixon@mindspring.com
SOAWW - Contra Costa: Natalie Russell - 925-934-0759 -
russell1626@juno.com
SOAWW - Sacramento: Janice Freeman - 916-812-7680 -
janice@compudigital.com
SOAWW - Placer: Denise Sewart - 916-300-0482 -
sewart@quiknet.com
SOAWW - San Jose: William O'Connell - 408-286-9341 -
wocdoc@earthlink.net
SOAWW - San Francisco: Dolores Perez Priem - 415-387-2287 -
doloresmp@aol.com

Prepared by School of the Americas Watch West
National: www.soaw.org
Bay Area websites: www.PeaceHost.net/soaw-w/ and
http://www.uusf.org/Committees/SOAW/
San Jose: http://teachers.bcp.org/llauro or wocdoc@earthlink.net
Los Angeles: www.soaw-la.org

Other News From School of the Americas Watch West
February 18 bulletin:

John Negroponte's nomination to be our nation's first
"Intelligence Director"

Yesterday, John Negroponte was nominated by President
Bush to be Director of national intelligence (overseeing 15 spy
agencies). Negroponte served as Ambassador to Honduras during
the 1980s, and despite denying any knowledge of death squads
operating in Honduras, Nicaragua and El Salvador, declassified
documents from the National Security Archives clearly implicate
his knowledge of and support for massive human rights abuses,
disappearances and murder during the this time. Peter Kornluth,
senior analyst of the National Security Archives in Washington,
states that "Someone who is a career diplomat...on paper doesn't
seem to have the intelligence background needed" for this job...,
adding "The fact that he certainly departed from his diplomatic
role and was involved in paramilitary operations against Nicaragua...
means he has had a relationship with covert operations in the past."

Please read Sr. Laetitia Bordes account of her face-to-face meetings
in 1982 with Ambassador Negroponte, in Tegucigalpa, Honduras,
where she went to search for missing friends from El Salvador.
Sr. Bordes is an member of the Society of Helpers and active with
our SOA Watch movement.
http://www.hartford-hwp.com/archives/47/385.html

Senator Dianne Feinstein is on the Senate Intelligence Committee
which Mr. Negroponte will appear before for confirmation. She
can be reached locally at 415-393-0707, or in Washington, DC
at 202-224-3841. The hearings will be held sometime "..in
early March..."
NEW EVENTS:

"Fighting for Our Schools, Fighting Against Imperialism"
Thursday, March 3, 2005 - 6:30 pm
OAKLANDISH GALLERY
411 2nd Street (between Broadway & Franklin, down from
Everett & Jones' barbecue)
Oakland, CA
Contact: Aaron Shuman 510-917-1931 or www.oaklandish.org
$5-$25 sliding scale
To benefit SOA Watch and the Attica 2 Abu Ghraib conference

A panel discussion and cultural event to link the movements against
the military, the prison-industrial complex, and school closures.
The panel includes Carlos Mauricio, Salvadoran torture survivor and
recently returned from visiting in South America; Aaron Shuman,
journalist and SOA Watch activist and Prisoner of
Conscience; and Kali Akuno-Williams, founder of Oakland's School
for Social Justice and Community Development.

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

8) Venezuela shuts down Maccas and Coca Cola (link only)
By Stuart Munckton
From Green Left Weekly, February 23, 2005
http://www.greenleft.org.au/back/2005/616/616p14c.htm

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

9) Following in the Footsteps of MLK: Education is a Civil Right
By Douglas MacDonald, Community-Labor Alliance
Dmacdonald94591@yahoo.com

I am the son and a grandson of high school English teachers. My family
has over 35 years of public school teaching to their credit. My daughter
is a 2004 Benicia High School Graduate and I am the product of public
schools.

I, like many others moved to Benicia ,CA not just for its fine weather
and water views but for her schools. In fact, my wife and I invited her
sister and two children to come live with us while her husband, who
joined the army out of economic desperation, endures his tour of duty
in occupied Afghanistan .

You see, the schools in Hawaii , where they are based, are so bad, that
we urged her to come live with us, save some money and enjoy our
schools. Little did any of us realize the magnitude of not only Benicia 's
scholastic crisis, but of Vallejo 's, Oakland 's and scores of other
communities across California and this Nation. The Benicia School
Board just decided this past Friday to close the school my niece
attends.

Our schools funding crises is simply a reflection of the larger
economic crises that defunds our critical social infrastructure while
at the same time implementing massive corporate tax cuts and
bloating military budgets. In the face of these attacks, our local
officials offer us nothing but hand wringing at best and hatchet
wielding at worse.

To focus merely just on ones own district or city's educational
crises and pretend that the crises is not national in scope and
deserves a national solution is dangerous and self-defeating.
We will never be able to adequately address this crises without
brining in the larger regional, state and national perspective.
Yes, we must confront problems in our own backyard, but when
the neighborhood is burning down, it would be wiser to work
with ALL of your neighbors to put out the fire.

There are few short term solutions other than raising local taxes
via ballot initiatives. Yet, these ballot initiative beyond stealing
precious recourses and time, rarely pass and when they do, they
are regressive property taxes on the citizenry rather then
progressive taxation of corporate wealth. Local parcel taxes
are a false promise as they ameliorate only local conditions at
best leaving the larger and poorer population in the lurch.

Yes, I supported the last parcel tax in my home town as its
passing would have prevented the closure of my niece's school,
the funding of dozens of programs and the saving of teachers
pay and healthcare. Yet, I could never again support a parcel
tax because of their fundamentally regressive and provincial
nature. There is more than enough wealth not only in Benicia ,
but California and this Nation to fund free quality education and
healthcare for every single person.

Our hands are tied via prop 13 which requires any new taxes not
implemented by the legislature to be passed with a 66.7% super-
majority. So even when a majority of the population chooses to
tax either themselves or corporate wealth, they cannot. Moreover,
state government and ballot initiatives are largely manipulated
and controlled by corporate interests. We have seen several
populist initiatives both on the local and statewide level on issues
like healthcare and the environment, defeated by money pouring
in from Wall Street and local big business.

Yet, we still have the capacity to achieve stunning victories like:
integration, the 40 hour week, employer paid healthcare, the lunch
break, etc. None of these victories were gained simply through
parliamentary politics or disconnected local actions. These victories
were forged through struggle by the efforts of thousands of parents,
students and workers joining together to demand justice.

Our local school districts operate like little serfdoms with each
community tilling its own soil trying to grow an educated population.
But we know that some serfs had better soil and others have poorer
soil simply because of where they were born. As long as serfs fought
among themselves over their landlords crumbs they continued to
live in servitude, alienated from their natural ally, their neighbor.
The serfs only became free when they realized that when they
worked together, planting and harvesting the entire field, together,
they produced a better and larger bounty with less effort. Together
they achieved more than working separately. They achieved their
very freedom.

In summary, the defunding of education and healthcare should
be answered with defiance, not cuts. To insist on working solely
within the system of local school board meetings, lobbying and
initiatives is to accept defeat as the system is rigged to the favor
of the status quo - - the status quo which says schools should be
closed, oil refineries should earn billions in excess profits and wars
should be paid for on the backs of our children.

Martin Luther King Jr. would have never integrated the Montgomery,
Alabama bus system through ballot initiatives or meeting with area
politicians or founding private foundations. King and the thousands
of other parents, teachers and workers, who took part in the Civil
Rights struggle, knew that the racist and bigoted system that
controlled local, state and national governments would never be
opened via traditional parliamentary procedures. Hence, marches,
pickets, strikes and sit-ins were used and successfully pressured the
status-quo from the outside, to change. The institutional opposition
King faced to integration is similar in nature to the ax-wielding and
school closing efforts of local and national politicians and school
boards. Remember sometimes the best defense turns out to be
the best offense. We must organize to stop all closures and
demand more funding locally, state-wide and nationally.

We can no longer afford to turn a blind eye to the suffering of our
neighbors and their children. Our strength and the solution to this
crises rests upon us working together. Specifically, I ask you to
consider joining with members of the Vallejo Teachers Association,
Oakland Education Association, the California School Employees
Association (CSEA-Vallejo), Service Employees International Union
(SEIU 250), parents, students and the Community-Labor Alliance
in organizing a regional "Unity Rally to Stop Attacks on Education
and Healthcare."

Any support committee or foundation must focus resources on
supporting our teachers and students from attacks by Sacramento
and Washington . Funds provide should be used to support local
participation in a coordinated regional, state and national campaign
to fully fund education and healthcare and fight back. The idea of
creating foundations simply to solve local problems will only create
worse problems for us all by polarizing and fragmenting our
neighborhoods and society and sapping the collective strength
we must bring to bear to end these attacks once and for all.

There are solutions. The money to fund our educational system
exists, the will to claim that wealth, as of yet, does not. Parents,
teachers, students and workers must join together not only for
support and solidarity but to work together to fight back. We need
look no further than the mirror upon which we gaze each morning
to see our solution. We are the ones we have been waiting for!

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

10) Global Eye (link only)
Sword Play
By Chris Floyd
Published: February 18, 2005
http://context.themoscowtimes.com/stories/2005/02/18/120.html

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

11) "VIETNAM ALL OVER AGAIN"
Words and Music by
Barry David Butler

Woke up the other morning
Couldn't stand it any more
Eight more soldiers killed
In this God forsaken war

We sent our troops to battle
Without the proper tools
Killed and maimed beyond repair
They must take us all for fools


There was a time long ago
Mislead into a war
They lied about the facts back then
It happened once before

It was a mistake to fight that war
Killed over 50,000 men
The country's never gotten over it
Vietnam All Over Again


The chicken hawks in Washington
Never fought when they were called
Now they send their neighbors' kids
We should all be appalled

Fossilized, hyocrites
Politician fraud
They tell us crap...disgusting lies
While our troops get killed abroad

Chorus

They fudged and massaged the message
Can't seem to admit a mistake
They're leading us over a cliff
A delusion, a horrible fake

They live in a parallel universe
Left is right, and up is down
They go on smiling right to our face
While we lose our breath and drown

Chours


(c)2004 All Rights Reserved
Barry David Butler
954-455-9883
MUZIQUE@webtv.net

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

12) "U.S. is Preparing New Aggressions" (link only)
Venezuela's Chavez Accuses U.S. Government of
Considering his Assassination
Sunday, Feb 20, 2005
By: Cleto A. Sojo - Venezuelanalysis.com
http://www.venezuelanalysis.com/news.php?newsno=1514

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

13) Week of Campus and High School Resistance
Monday, March 14 to Friday, March 18
Students & Youth Mobilize Against War & Racism
Initiated by: The Global Resistance Network and
Youth & Student A.N.S.W.E.R.

On Saturday, March 19, people in the U.S. and all over the world will
march against the U.S.-led occupation of Iraq and colonial occupation
everywhere. During the week of the second anniversary of the "shock
and awe" invasion of Iraq, our generation will make its presence felt.

Help build the militant and vibrant youth and student movement that
has grown continuously over the past three years. We have opposed
the Bush administration's cynical manipulation of the events of
September 11 to carry out wars and occupations abroad, and attacks
on people's rights at home. Tens of thousands of young people have
mobilized for mass antiwar demonstrations, and have organized
walkouts, sit-ins and more at their schools and on their campuses.

The recent January 20th, CounterInaugural student walkouts were
a big step in the reconsolidation of the Student and Youth Movement.
Students walked out of class in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle,
Boston, Tucson, Boulder, Philadelphia and many other cities in
resistance to Bush's right-wing policies of war and repression.

Let's continue to take the youth and student struggle to a new
level. We, as students and youth, need a future with jobs, healthcare,
housing, and education, not war and occupation.

Organize a protest against military recruiters, a teach-in, a campus
demonstration, an educational forum, a walkout, a sit-in, a rally or
other antiwar activity at your school the week of March 14 to
March 18. Join students all over the U.S. for a week of campus
resistance to war, racism, greed and all forms of injustice. Then,
on March 19, mobilize for local and regional demonstrations
taking place across the country.

Let other students and everyone else around the globe know
about a scheduled antiwar event at your high school or college
campus the week of March 14 to March 18. To connect with
other students and youth fill out the action form by clicking here.
By filling out this form your local event will be posted so that
other youth and students, as well as other activists, in your
area can support the activity

Funds are Urgently Needed

A.N.S.W.E.R. organizers and affiliates are busy organizing local
actions on March 19 all over the country. Funds are urgently
needed to help the anti-war movement continue to get stronger.
We can't do it without your help. You can make a contribution
through a secure server by clicking here, where you can also
find information on how to contribute by check.

A.N.S.W.E.R. Coalition
Act Now to Stop War & End Racism
http://www.ANSWERcoalition.org
info@internationalanswer.org
National Office in Washington DC: 202-544-3389
New York City: 212-533-0417
Los Angeles: 323-464-1636
San Francisco: 415-821-6545
For media inquiries, call 202-544-3389.

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

14) US Declares that Iraqis must destroy (link only)
their own seeds
Forwarded from: sfsapo@msn.com
http://globalresearch.ca/articles/KHA501A.html

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

15) Why Go to College, When You Can be Cannon Fodder? (link only)
Do You Know What Your Kids Are Watching on
"Educational" TV at School?
By Dr. TERESA WHITEHURST
February 17, 2005
http://counterpunch.org/whitehurst02172005.html

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

16) UN Warns of New Chaos if
Afghan Grievances Not Met
By David Brunnstrom
KABUL (Reuters)
Mon Feb 21, 2005 07:41 AM ET
http://www.reuters.com/
newsArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=7688493&src=eDialog/
GetContent§ion=news

*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*





------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
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Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bauaw2003/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
bauaw2003-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

Resource:
MONEY FOR HUMAN NEEDS NOT WAR!
FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF SOCIAL SERVICES UNDER THE KNIFE RIGHT NOW GO TO:
http://www.bauaw.org/2005/02/programs-eliminated-or-cut-in-2006.html

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

1) LAST CHANCE TO GET ON THE BD. OF ED. SPEAKERS LIST!
CALL 415-241-6427, 241-6493 or 241-6000 TUESDAY, FEB.22
BETWEEN 8:00 AM AND 3:00PM
(Holiday on Monday)
STOP MILITARY RECRUITMENT IN OUR SCHOOLS!
SPEAK OUT AT THE TUESDAY, FEB. 22, 7:00 p.m.
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING!
555 Franklin St., 2nd floor (near Golden Gate).

2) WE ALL STAND WITH LYNNE STEWART!
NO JAIL TIME FOR LYNNE!
PLEASE WRITE LETTERS TODAY

3) The Central Committee for Conscientious Objectors
Presents: Conscientious Objectors Discuss War
Sunday, February 27 at the Humanist Hall, 390
27th St. @ Broadway, Oakland 3pm-6:30pm
Join CCCO and Conscientious Objector panelists;
Aimee Allison, Dale Bartlett, David Harris, Rev.
Dr. Dorsey Blake and Jeff Paterson, in a
discussion on war, draft and conscience,
moderated by Steve Morse, CCCO GI Rights Program
Coordinator.
Also, film maker Mark Manning, independent
reporter Dahr Jamail and military mom Nadia
McCaffrey offer reports about their recent trips
to Iraq and Jordan.
Refreshments.

4) March 19, 2005 Global Day of Action
No to War Occupation ˆ Iraq, Palestine, Haiti,
Afghanistan, Cuba Everywhere!
Bring the Troops Home Now!
Money for People‚s Needs, Not War!
San Francisco: March Assembles: 11 a.m. Dolores Park
Rally: 1 p.m. Civic Center

5) Veteran of Dirty Wars Wins (link only)
Lead US Spy Role
Written off by many after his role in Central America,
John Negroponte's revived career hits a new high
Duncan Campbell
Guardian
Friday February 18, 2005
http://www.guardian.co.uk/international/story/0,3604,1417055,00.html


6) PUBLIC LIVES [Lynne Stewart Case] (link only)
For Lawyer's Lawyer, Loss Is Just the Beginning
By JULIA PRESTON
NY TIMES, Published: February 18, 2005
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/18/nyregion/18profile.html?

7) Groups Preparing New Push (link only)
Against Iraq War
Invasion Anniversary Next Month
Is Date Of Campaign Kickoff
By Evelyn Nieves
Published on Friday, February 18, 2005 by the Washington Post
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines05/0218-09.htm

8) Bush Tort Reform: Executive (link only)
Clemency For Executive Killers
Friday, February 18, 2005 By Greg Palast
http://www.gregpalast.com/

9) Burnt Offerings (link only)
By Andrew Meier
Published: February 19 2005 02:00 |
Last updated: February 19 2005 02:00
http://news.ft.com/cms/s/20de5fec-821b-11d9-9e19-
00000e2511c8,ft_acl=,s01=1.html

10) John Pilger finds our children learning lies
In our schools, children learn that the US fought the
Vietnam war against a "communist threat" to "us".
Is it any wonder that so many don't understand the
truth about Iraq?
John Pilger
Feb. 17, 2005 "New Statesman"
http://207.44.245.159/article8112.htm

11) LYNNE STEWART SPEAKS! (link only)
Excerpts from Lynne Stewart's Speech!
February 17, 2005
The Freedom Archives
522 Valencia Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 863-9977
www.freedomarchives.org
Carlos Rovira - "Carlito"
From: Karen Lee Wald
http://bellaciao.org/en/article.php3?id_article=5335


12) Open Letter and Appeal To: President John Sweeney and (link only)
the General Executive Council of the AFL-CIO This message was
submitted today to the AFL-CIO for inclusion in the discussion
on the future of the Federation.
If you have not signed on yet, you may do so at http://
www.uslaboragainstwar.org/petition.php?pid=8
http://uslaboragainstwar.org/article.php?id=7343 http://uslaboragainstwar.org/
article.php?id=7343

13) Papers reveal Bagram abuse (link only)
·Prisoners subjected to 'mock executions'
·Photographs of detainees being sexually humiliated
Suzanne Goldenberg in Washington and James Meek
Friday February 18, 2005
Guardian
http://www.guardian.co.uk/afghanistan/story/0,1284,1417396,00.html

14) [And Nothing Has Changed! (link only)
A contribution in honor of Black History Month...bw]
Genocide And The Reawakening
Of The African Mind
By Dr. Conrad W. Worrill
http://www.afgen.com/worrill.html

15) Fighting Words (link 0nly)
By MONICA DAVEY
February 20, 2005
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/20/arts/music/20dave.html?th

16) In Secretly Taped Conversations, Glimpses of the
Future President
By DAVID D. KIRKPATRICK
February 20, 2005
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/20/politics/
20talk.html?hp&ex=1108962000&en=de99ea0739b1d129&ei=5094&partner=home
page

17) F.D.A. Is Advised to Let Pain Pills Stay on Market
By GARDINER HARRIS
February 19, 2005
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/19/politics/19fda.html

18) NEW FRONT IN THE WAR ON TERROR (link only)
With controversial diplomat John Negroponte installed
as the all-powerful Director of National Intelligence,
is the US about to switch from invasions to covert
operations and dirty tricks? The assassination of the
former Lebanese PM has aroused suspicions
By Trevor Royle, Diplomatic Editor
Sunday Herald - 20 February 2005
http://www.sundayherald.com/47857

19) The Carbon Brokers (link only)
by Pratap Chatterjee , Special to CorpWatch
February 18th, 2005
http://www.corpwatch.org/article.php?id=11883

20) CODEPINK Bay Area Bulletin
February 19, 2005
Next CODEPINK Bay Area Meeting:
Wednesday, February 23, 7-9 pm
In the East Bay!: at 1248 Solano, Albany

21) EPA MAKING ILLEGAL, SECRET AGREEMENTS WITH PESTICIDE (link only)
MAKERS, THREATENING PUBLIC HEALTH, LAWSUIT CHARGES
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press contact: Aaron Colangelo, 202-289-2376;
Erik Olson, 202-289-2360; or Elliott Negin, 202-289-2405
If you are not a member of the press, please write to us at
nrdcinfo@nrdc.org or see our contact page .
Private Meetings with Chemical Companies Violate Federal Laws
Requiring an Open Process
http://www.nrdc.org/media/pressreleases/050217.asp

22) Talking with the Enemy (link only)
Inside the secret dialogue between the U.S. and insurgents
in Iraq-and what the rebels say they want
By MICHAEL WARE
Sunday, Feb. 20, 2005
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1029805,00.html

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

1) LAST CHANCE TO GET ON THE BD. OF ED. SPEAKERS LIST!
CALL 415-241-6427, 241-6493 or 241-6000 TUESDAY, FEB.22
BETWEEN 8:00 AM AND 3:00PM
(Holiday on Monday)
STOP MILITARY RECRUITMENT IN OUR SCHOOLS!
SPEAK OUT AT THE TUESDAY, FEB. 22, 7:00 p.m.
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING!
555 Franklin St., 2nd floor (near Golden Gate).
Draft Resolution for San Francisco Board of Education
Cut Ties with the Military:

WHEREAS, the United States military is actively recruiting high school
students into the military to fight in Iraq; and
WHEREAS, many young San Francisco high school alumni are
presently serving in military units fighting in Iraq; and
WHEREAS, it is San Francisco City policy by virtue of Proposition N,
to bring all U.S. troops home from Iraq now; and
WHEREAS, over 1,448 U.S. soldiers and approximately 100,000 Iraqis
have been killed in this war and over 10,000 U.S. soldiers and
unknown thousands of Iraqis have been wounded; and
WHEREAS, the hundreds of billions of dollars spent on the war
have robbed our children of resources that should be spent on
education and other human needs; and
WHEREAS, military presence in our schools legitimizes the
message that violence is acceptable; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
It shall be the policy of the San Francisco Board of Education to
support cutting all ties with the United States military, including, but
not limited to: Ending military recruitment on campuses; ending the
Junior Reserved Officer Training Corps (JROTC); and guaranteeing
that all students and parents are informed of their right to deny
military recruiters access to their names, addresses and telephone
numbers.

Bay Area United Against War (BAUAW) • www.bauaw.org •
P.O. Box 318021, San Francisco, CA 94131-8021 • 414-824-8730
Next meeting: Saturday, Feb. 26, 11 a.m., 474 Valencia Street, SF

Bay Area United Against War (www.bauaw.org) (415) 824-8730
P.O. Box 318021, S. F., CA 94131-8021

Parar El reclutamiento military
En nuestras escuelas.

Vengan a la reunión de la meza directiva febrero 22, A las 7 p.m.
555 Franklin Street, Segundo Piso en San Francisco

Para hablar en la reunión de febrero 22 llame al (415) 241-6427 el
viernes febrero 18 entre las 8 a.m. y 4 p.m. el martes febrero 22 entre
8 a.m. y 3 p.m. Dígales que usted quiere hablar en la reunión y délas
su nombre. Al público se le permitirá hablar en la reunion: y llamaran
su nombre antes de las 8:30 p.m.

En Noviembre el 63 porciento de la población de San Francisco
votaron a favor de la proposición N, demandando que traigan
nuestras tropes a casa de Irak. A hora y sin embargo Los niños de
las escuelas de San Francisco están siendo reclutados.
Para prestar el servicio military en escuelas High Schools. Estos no
son las oportunidades de trabajo que queremos para nuestros hijos
ni nuestros hijos quieren ese tipo de oportunidades.

Nosotros queremos que nuestros hijos tengan oportunidades de
aprender y de hacer lo mejor con su potencial. No de matar ni de
ser asesinados. Que se termine todo el reclutamiento military en
las escuelas públicas en Instituciones de alto aprendizaje que se
use nuestros dólares de impuestos para escuelas, programas de
salud, vivienda, trabajo y para todas las necesidades humanas.
¡No queremos guerra!

¡No vamos a estudiar la Guerra nunca más!

Padres de Familia: Vengan a la junta de la meza directiva de
educación de S.F. y díganle a ellos que queremos, que nuestros
hijos vivan aprendan y se preparen para un futuro. No para morir
o ser heridos en Irak, matar o herir a la gente de Irak.

Estudiantes: Vengan a la junta de la meza directiva de educación
de S.F. y díganle que no queremos guerra ni que nuestros
escuelas sean centros de reclutamiento para el ejército militar
de USA y sus guerras. Que las escuelas sean lugares de aprendizaje
que los preparen a una vida de adulto, que nosotros no somos
carne de cañon.

Miembros de la Comunidad: Vengan a la junta de la meza directiva
de educación para recordarles que los votantes de San Francisco
están en contra de la guerra y no queremos usar nuestras
escuelas como centros de reclutamiento para pelear en Irak.

El matar y el perder la vida no es un trabajo digno

La próxima reunion de Bay Área United Against War: Sábado
febrero 26, a las 11 a.m. 474 Valencia St., S.F.

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

2) WE ALL STAND WITH LYNNE STEWART!
NO JAIL TIME FOR LYNNE!
PLEASE WRITE LETTERS TODAY:

SUGGESTION AS TO FORMAT OF LETTERS
TO BE WRITTEN ON BEHALF OF LYNNE STEWART

MARGIN: Please leave at least a one-inch left-hand margin to
allow us to bind the letter into the appendix to the sentencing
memorandum that is being filed on
Lynne's behalf.

INSIDE ADDRESS: Honorable John G. Koeltl
United States District Judge
Southern District of New York
United States Courthouse
500 Pearl Street
New York, New York 10007

GREETING: Honorable Sir or Dear Judge Koeltl:

BODY: Briefly introduce yourself and set forth your
relationship to Lynne.

Briefly discuss yourself - your position in work and
in society.

State that you are aware that Lynne is to be sentenced
following a jury verdict of guilty on serious charges:
The remainder of your letter should discuss whatever
you believe to weigh in favor of no jail time. If possible,
you should tell of an incident where she helped you out
or engaged in commendable community service. Do not
try to argue that she is not guilty or was unfairly
conviction. Focus on the unfairness of the government's
actions in bringing the charges; the way in which the
government portrayed her, etc.

* Typewritten letters if possible are preferred.
*
WHEN LETTER IS COMPLETED: Please mail the final product
to the following address:
Jill R. Shellow-Lavine, Esq.
2537 Post Road
Southport, CT 06890

Do not send your letters to the judge. We ask that you
forward your letter me so that the lawyers can present it
to Judge Koeltl with the other letters being written for this
purpose. This is the manner in which letters will have the
greatest impact. If they are sent directly to the Judge's
chambers, they may have less of an impact and could
cause the judge a substantial inconvenience (and annoyance).

Thank you for your cooperation. If you have any questions,
please do not hesitate to contact the defense committee
at www.lynnestewart.org.

Sincerely,
Jill R. Shellow-Lavine
Attorney for Lynne Stewart
For more information go to:
www.LynneStewart.org

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

3) The Central Committee for Conscientious Objectors
Presents: Conscientious Objectors Discuss War
Sunday, February 27 at the Humanist Hall, 390
27th St. @ Broadway, Oakland 3pm-6:30pm
Join CCCO and Conscientious Objector panelists;
Aimee Allison, Dale Bartlett, David Harris, Rev.
Dr. Dorsey Blake and Jeff Paterson, in a
discussion on war, draft and conscience,
moderated by Steve Morse, CCCO GI Rights Program
Coordinator.
Also, film maker Mark Manning, independent
reporter Dahr Jamail and military mom Nadia
McCaffrey offer reports about their recent trips
to Iraq and Jordan.
Refreshments.

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

4) March 19, 2005 Global Day of Action
No to War Occupation ? Iraq, Palestine, Haiti,
Afghanistan, Cuba Everywhere!
Bring the Troops Home Now!
Money for People?s Needs, Not War!
San Francisco: March Assembles: 11 a.m. Dolores Park
Rally: 1 p.m. Civic Center

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

5) Veteran of Dirty Wars Wins (link only)
Lead US Spy Role
Written off by many after his role in Central America,
John Negroponte's revived career hits a new high
Duncan Campbell
Guardian
Friday February 18, 2005
http://www.guardian.co.uk/international/story/0,3604,1417055,00.html

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

6) PUBLIC LIVES [Lynne Stewart Case] (link only)
For Lawyer's Lawyer, Loss Is Just the Beginning
By JULIA PRESTON
NY TIMES, Published: February 18, 2005
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/18/nyregion/18profile.html?


---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

7) Groups Preparing New Push (link only)
Against Iraq War
Invasion Anniversary Next Month
Is Date Of Campaign Kickoff
By Evelyn Nieves
Published on Friday, February 18, 2005 by the Washington Post
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines05/0218-09.htm

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

8) Bush Tort Reform: Executive (link only)
Clemency For Executive Killers
Friday, February 18, 2005 By Greg Palast
http://www.gregpalast.com/

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

9) Burnt Offerings (link only)
By Andrew Meier
Published: February 19 2005 02:00 |
Last updated: February 19 2005 02:00
http://news.ft.com/cms/s/20de5fec-821b-11d9-9e19-
00000e2511c8,ft_acl=,s01=1.html

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

10) John Pilger finds our children learning lies
In our schools, children learn that the US fought the
Vietnam war against a "communist threat" to "us".
Is it any wonder that so many don't understand the
truth about Iraq?
John Pilger
Feb. 17, 2005 "New Statesman"
http://207.44.245.159/article8112.htm

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

11) LYNNE STEWART SPEAKS! (link only)
Excerpts from Lynne Stewart's Speech!
February 17, 2005
From: Karen Lee Wald kwald@california.com
The Freedom Archives
522 Valencia Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 863-9977
www.freedomarchives.org
Carlos Rovira - "Carlito"
http://bellaciao.org/en/article.php3?id_article=5335

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

12) Open Letter and Appeal To: President John Sweeney and (link only)
the General Executive Council of the AFL-CIO This message was
submitted today to the AFL-CIO for inclusion in the discussion
on the future of the Federation.
If you have not signed on yet, you may do so at
http://www.uslaboragainstwar.org/petition.php?pid=8
http://uslaboragainstwar.org/article.php?id=7343 http://uslaboragainstwar.org/
article.php?id=7343

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

13) Papers reveal Bagram abuse (link only)
·Prisoners subjected to 'mock executions'
·Photographs of detainees being sexually humiliated
Suzanne Goldenberg in Washington and James Meek
Friday February 18, 2005
Guardian
http://www.guardian.co.uk/afghanistan/story/0,1284,1417396,00.html

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

14) [And Nothing Has Changed! (link only)
A contribution in honor of Black History Month...bw]
Genocide And The Reawakening
Of The African Mind
By Dr. Conrad W. Worrill
http://www.afgen.com/worrill.html

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

15) Fighting Words (link 0nly)
By MONICA DAVEY
February 20, 2005
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/20/arts/music/20dave.html?th

---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*---------*

16) In Secretly Taped Conversations, Glimpses of the
Future President
By DAVID D. KIRKPATRICK
February 20, 2005
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/20/politics/
20talk.html?hp&ex=1108962000&en=de99ea0739b1d129&ei=5094&partner=home
page

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17) F.D.A. Is Advised to Let Pain Pills Stay on Market
By GARDINER HARRIS
February 19, 2005
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/19/politics/19fda.html

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18) NEW FRONT IN THE WAR ON TERROR (link only)
With controversial diplomat John Negroponte installed
as the all-powerful Director of National Intelligence,
is the US about to switch from invasions to covert
operations and dirty tricks? The assassination of the
former Lebanese PM has aroused suspicions
By Trevor Royle, Diplomatic Editor
Sunday Herald - 20 February 2005
http://www.sundayherald.com/47857

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19) The Carbon Brokers (link only)
by Pratap Chatterjee , Special to CorpWatch
February 18th, 2005
http://www.corpwatch.org/article.php?id=11883

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20) CODEPINK Bay Area Bulletin
February 19, 2005
Next CODEPINK Bay Area Meeting:
Wednesday, February 23, 7-9 pm
In the East Bay!: at 1248 Solano, Albany

* To discuss via email local CODEPINK actions and campaigns, join
the CODEPINK Bay Area discussion by going to
http://lists.riseup.net/www/info/codepinkdiscussion and
self-subscribing.
* To contact us, send a request for a CodePink Bay Area endorsement,
or submit an action alert idea, email: tara@tschubert.net
* Visit our web page on national's site and while you're there,
check out what your CodePink sisters are doing across the nation, or
sign up for national alerts: www.codepinkalert.org.
* For public transportation information to events, go to:
http://www.transitinfo.org/cgi-bin/taketransit. And for a map, go to:
www.mapquest.com.

Thank you. Peace.

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21) EPA MAKING ILLEGAL, SECRET AGREEMENTS WITH PESTICIDE (link only)
MAKERS, THREATENING PUBLIC HEALTH, LAWSUIT CHARGES
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press contact: Aaron Colangelo, 202-289-2376;
Erik Olson, 202-289-2360; or Elliott Negin, 202-289-2405
If you are not a member of the press, please write to us at
nrdcinfo@nrdc.org or see our contact page .
Private Meetings with Chemical Companies Violate Federal Laws
Requiring an Open Process
http://www.nrdc.org/media/pressreleases/050217.asp

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22) Talking with the Enemy (link only)
Inside the secret dialogue between the U.S. and insurgents
in Iraq-and what the rebels say they want
By MICHAEL WARE
Sunday, Feb. 20, 2005
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1029805,00.html

posted 9:16 AM  1 comments