CANADIAN ANARCHIST MOVEMENT VICTORIA:

POLICE RAID CAMAS INFOSHOP IN VICTORIA:

On Friday November 5 police entered the Camas Books and Infoshop on Quadra Street in Victoria BC and removed computer equipment and other documents for which they had obtained a warrant. The statement of the bookstore follows as originally published in the Vancouver Media Co-op.

This raid followed hard on the heels of an incident in the early morning hours where the car and garage of the Mayor of Victoria Dean Fortin was vandalized. the group which did this sent an email explaining their actions as retaliation for the City of Victoria's continuing war on the homeless. You can read their communique here.

Now I can't say that I am much of a fan of petty vandalism as a "political" tactic. It accomplishes nothing, and feeds nothing but delusions of importance amongst both the perpetrators and their supporters. It was interesting, however, to note how quickly almost all of the "poverty industry" organizations in Victoria fell in line to not only distance themselves from the action (understandable) but more significantly to praise the Mayor for being a good friend of the homeless. I wonder if being recipients of government money has anything to do with such loyalty ? The one notable exception was 'Committee to End Homelessness' who actually voiced criticism of the City's policies.

Another significant thing to note is the speed and diligence of the police response in this case. Something about having their boss pissed off I guess, and having to appear to be diligently hunting down the vandals. I would have serious doubts that any incriminating evidence could be found on the computers at Camas Books. At best it is a data gathering operation for names, addresses, phone numbers, etc. of people unconnected to the vandalism. More busy work for Victoria's equivalent of a Red Squad. I wonder if the Mayor is going to fall for it ?

But before we go on to the communique from Camas consider one more thing. I don't know all that much about Victoria, but I do know that in the city where I live the police would be highly unlikely to even show up for a broken window and some graffiti. Let alone go through the motions of pretending to search for the vandals. Once more something about actually personally pissing off the boss. Some are indeed served and protected better than others.

In any case here is the communique from Camas.

CBCBCBCBCBCB
Police Raid Camas Educational Bookstore
by Camas Educational Bookstore


NOVEMBER 8, 2010 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Police Raid Camas Educational Bookstore
Victoria, BC on November 5, 2010: the Victoria Police Department entered Camas Books, 2590 Quadra Street with a warrant to search and seize computer equipment and documents. Four volunteers were detained while officers searched the premise, seizing 2 computers, a Camas Educational Society annual report, and Shaw and Telus account bills.

The Camas Educational Society is a not-for-profit registered society that functions collectively to operate the volunteer run Camas Books and Info. Camas Books first opened its doors in September 2007, with the intention of providing a voice for social justice perspectives, and helping to foster a spirit of solidarity with other such struggles taking place globally. The Camas Collective has a mandate to keep the store and space as accessible and inclusive as possible in order to provide free access to internet and print information that follows our mission statement, akin to a library.

The Camas collective has received no information from police about any incident that the search and seizure may be pertaining to, or what lead police to the book store.

For more information on Camas Books or the Camas Educational Society go to www.camas.ca

Media Contacts: Meaghan MacDonald Email: Meaghan.j.macdonald(at)gmail.com Phone: 250-896-7588

CANADIAN POLITICS BURNABY BC:

AT THE TAMIL DETENTION CENTRE ONCE MORE:

Every weekend the Vancouver No One Is Illegal is holding a 'noise demonstration' outside the detention centre in Burnaby BC where the women and children of the 'Tamil boat people' are being held. They demand their release and that they be granted refugee status. Here's the callout for this weekend.

BBCBBCBBCBBC
Release Detained Tamil Refugees:
Let Them Free, Let Them Stay!

<><><><><><><><><><><><>

Sunday Oct 3 at 1:30 pm
Saturday Oct 9 at 1:30 pm
Shuttles Leaving Edmonds station starting at 12:45 until 1:15

Burnaby Youth Custody Services Centre where mothers and children who arrived aboard MV Sun Sea are being detained.

LOCATION: 7900 Fraser Park Dr, Burnaby

<><><><><><><><><><><><>

For the past three weeks we have gathered in front of the Burnaby Youth Custody prison where approximately 90 Tamil refugee mothers and children are being incarcerated. Supporters banged on pots and pans and blew whistles and horns to the beats of Tamil music. A large Tamil banner reading "We welcome you, we support you" was held towards the two detention units where children could be seen waving and smiling, peering through prison bars.

Join No One is Illegal-Vancouver over the next two weeks at the Burnaby detention facility to continue to express our love, support, and solidarity with those still being held inside and to call for the immediate release of detained Tamil asylum seekers.

* Bring noise! We want to be visible and be heard from inside so please bring pots, pans, horns, drums, noisemakers (please be aware of noises which may be triggering or traumatizing)

* TRANSPORT:

Meet at Edmonds station for rides at 12:45. Last shuttle leaves at 1:15pm. If you have a vehicle and can offer carpool, please contact us at noii-van at http://www.facebook.com/l/ac1f571iyywrgPl5XzXu_Zh66eA;resist.ca or 778 885 0040.
_________________

Surviving a dangerous journey, 492 Tamil refugees, including women and children, arrived in BC after fleeing war and persecution in Sri Lanka. When the ship first neared Esquimault, territories of the Songhees First Nation, it was immediately boarded by the Armed Forces, Border Services, and RCMP. The refugees are now in jails, facing endless hearings that have revealed the clear incompetency, deliberate negligence, and racism of the system.

In the context of the never-ending "War on Terror" refugees, migrants, and racialized people are increasingly being racially targeted, dehumanized as security threats, and criminalized through unprecedented police and state powers. Despite its rhetoric of 'liberating' and 'protecting' women globally and locally, the Canadian state is detaining an increasing numbers of women and children that cross these borders. In light of increasing repression and exclusionary policies and ideologies, we demand "Justice, Freedom, and Status for All!"

CANADIAN LABOUR BRITISH COLUMBIA:

CHARGES FINALLY LAID TWO YEARS LATER AFTER MUSHROOM FARM DEATHS:

No one can accuse the "justice" system of being in undue haste over this one. Two years after 3 workers were killed and two others injured at an industrial accident on a Langley BC mushroom farm charges against the companies involved and their officers have finally been laid. Here's a statement form the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) on the charges.

BCLBCLBCLBCL
Charges laid in deaths of mushroom farm workers
Two companies and four corporate officials face a total of 29 charges for failure to protect the safety of employees.

Vancouver (1 Sept. 2010) - Charges have finally been laid after two years in the deaths of three mushroom farm workers at a Langley, B.C. mushroom farm. Two others were seriously hurt.

The Crown says the two companies, A-1 Mushroom Substratum Ltd. and H.V. Truong Ltd., are charged as employers, while the four individuals are charged as either directors or officers of the companies or workplaces. They face a total of 29 charges.

The offenses all fall under the province’s worker safety laws and can result in fines of up to $619,721 and six months in jail. The charges allege failure to protect workers from “reasonably foreseeable health or safety hazards.”

The workers were overcome by gas in an enclosed space at the mushroom farm and composting plant on Sept. 5, 2008.

Donna Freeman of WorkSafe BC said at the time that it was one of the most complex investigations the agency had conducted, with more than 25 investigators on the file.

BCLBCLBCLBCL

Here's a larger overview of the case from the Vancouver Sun.

BCLBCLBCLBCL
29 charges laid in 2008 mushroom farm deaths
Three men were killed, two suffered brain damage at Langley facility
By Doug Ward, Vancouver Sun August 31, 2010

Relatives of three men who died and two others who were severely disabled in a gas leak two years ago on a Langley mushroom farm are pleased that charges have been laid in the case -- but said even the maximum penalty of six months against the farm operators wouldn't be enough to end the pain caused by the tragedy.

Family members thanked government for proceeding with charges under the Workers' Compensation Act and Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, but during brief comments at a news conference broke down as they told of the outrage and loss they continue to endure.

Tracey Phan, a 14-year-old student at Winston Churchill Secondary, said it's heartbreaking for her and her sister to visit their father Michael Phan, who suffered irreversible brain damage and remains in hospital.

'It's hard on us. We don't know if he recognizes us or not. Or if he understands what we are trying to tell him. I would like to get justice back."

A-1 Mushroom Substratum Ltd. and H.V. Troung Ltd., along with four individual employers and supervisors, could face a range of penalties, up to a maximum fine of $619,271 for a first offence and six months in jail.

For Phan and other relatives who spoke, the maximum penalties aren't enough.

"I know that the law says that under that charge six months is the maximum. But I feel that six months is not enough because people that you love will never be given back to you. And six months sitting in that jail cell will never return any of the ones who you loved or cared about."

The charges laid Monday stem from a 20-month investigation by WorkSafeBC into what went wrong at the mushroom composting facility at 23751 16th Avenue in Langley.

"We are pleased that the charges are proceeding," said WorkSafeBC spokeswoman Donna Freeman. "This was a very serious incident in which three people lost their lives, two others were severely injured and the lives of all the family members were changed forever."

Freeman described the agency's probe as the "most complex investigation in WorkSafeBC's history."

Twenty-nine counts have been filed, including several alleging that the companies and their officials failed to ensure the health and safety of its workers and failed to remedy hazardous workplace conditions.

Freeman said the investigation report included tens of thousands of pages of documentation. She said the mushroom composting operation ceased after the accident but that the mushroom farm still operates at the same location.

The probe was delayed initially because of the presence of hazardous materials in the composting operation for seven months following the tragedy, she added.

Ut Tran, Jimmy Chan and Ham Pham died in the incident. Their colleagues, Phan and Thang Tchen, suffered irreversible brain damage after breathing in hydrogen sulphide and ammonia.

In addition to A-1 Mushroom Substratum Ltd. and H.V. Truong Ltd., Ha Qua Truong, Vy Tri Truong, Van Thi Truong and Thinh Huu Doan were charged in the information sworn in Provincial Court in Surrey.

B.C. Federation of Labour president Jim Sinclair said he hopes the charges will force other farm operations to fix unsafe conditions.

"Perhaps these charges will result in some other employers understanding that unsafe work conditions are not acceptable in B.C.," said Sinclair.

The B.C. Fed president said that inspections on farm sites need to be stiffened to stop fatal accidents before they happen.

"The problem is that people think they can get away with this," he added.

Labour Minister Murray Coell said he hopes the charges in the case will lead to an appropriate resolution, especially for the families of those who died.

"I understand how the families feel. I've met with them," Coell told reporters in Victoria.

"I think what we want to see is to make sure that due process and justice is done and that's best done through the courts," he added. "I think due process is now moving forward."

dward@vancouversun.com with files from Jonathan Fowlie
Read more: http://www.vancouversun.com/news/charges+laid+2008+mushroom+farm+deaths/3463095/story.html#ixzz0yKXBogSh

BCLBCLBCLBCL

And here is how the BC Federation of Labour views these charges.

BCLBCLBCLBCL
Long-awaited charges positive news in mushroom farm deaths but questions remain
September 1, 2010
The BC Federation of Labour is welcoming news that charges have finally been laid against two companies and four individuals in the deaths of three workers at a mushroom farm in Langley on September 5, 2008.

"The families of the men who were killed and injured have waited a long time for news that charges have been laid," says Jim Sinclair, President of the B.C. Federation of Labour. "This is a step in the right direction and sends a message to employers that they face potential jail time if they fail to provide safe workplaces."

The owners of the mushroom farm are facing sweeping charges that include failure to provide adequate training, supervision, safety programs, identification of hazards and confined space precautions.

"We hope that justice will be done, but given the fact that three men were killed and two grievously injured, and the sweeping nature of the 29 charges laid by the Crown, we must question why criminal charges were not laid in this case," Sinclair says.

The Federation also questions the length of time it took for the WCB to complete its investigation and the laying of charges.

"It has taken two full years for charges to be laid and it is entirely possible that this case will not go to court for many more months. This is far too long in a situation where lives have been lost and other farmworkers lives could be at risk. These investigations and prosecutions need to be completed faster in order to make workplaces safer."

The Federation is also calling for the release of the WCB investigation report into the mushroom farm incident. The WCB is withholding the report until the prosecution is complete.

"The families of the men killed and injured at this mushroom farm are entitled to see the WCB report. They should not have to wait months or years to find out what happened that day," Sinclair says.

"These charges attest to the fact that too many farmworkers face unsafe working conditions every day in our province," Sinclair added. "We need a full public inquiry into working conditions in the agricultural sector to ensure that farmworkers aren't treated like second class citizens."

For more information: Evan Stewart Director of Communications (604) 430-1421.

CANADIAN LABOUR VANCOUVER:

HYATT BLOCKADE IN VANCOUVER:

Last Thursday hotel workers in Vancouver BC protested in front of the Hyatt Regency Hotel as part of a 15 city continental protest against the chain's anti-worker policies. In a real direct action as opposed to a theatrical riot the workers blocked access to the hotel during the protest. These workers are represented by Unite Here. Here's a report from the BC newspaper 'The Province'.

CLCLCLCLCL
Hundreds block downtown Vancouver corridor to protest Hyatt's treatment of workers
More than 600 hotel workers protested outside the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Vancouver during the evening rush hour Thursday as part of demonstrations in 15 North American cities against the way the global hotel giant treats its workers.

“We want to focus on the Hyatt because we feel like it serves as the starkest example of a global hotel company that managed to do well during the recession while they were cutting hours for workers, reducing shifts, leading to increased work loads for workers who are on staff,” said Michelle Travis of Unite Here Local 40, which represents about 8,000 hotel workers in B.C.

Protesting their treatment by the corporate hotel giant, workers blocked Burrard Street between West Georgia and Dunsmuir at the height of the demonstration as police redirected traffic.

Similar protests by thousands of hotel workers were held in Toronto and major U.S. cities such as New York, Chicago and San Francisco.

Unite Here, formerly known as the Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees Union, is in contract negotiations for a new contract for about 1,600 hotel workers in Vancouver at the Hyatt, Four Seasons, Westin Bayshore and Renaissance hotels.

Understaffing and workloads have emerged as the main issues in bargaining for a new contract that expired on June 30.

jkeating@theprovince.com


Read more: http://www.theprovince.com/entertainment/Hundreds+block+downtown+Vancouver+corridor+protest+Hyatt+treatment+workers/3311375/story.html#ixzz0uial2Mye

CANADIAN LABOUR- BRITISH COLUMBIA:

BC NURSES MARK WORKERS' MEMORIAL DAY:

Workers' Memorial Day (April 28) is an international day of remembrance set aside each year for workers killed and injured on the job. Each year Molly has blogged extensively about this day and its implications, and 2010 will be no different. WMD is actually a Canadian contribution to world culture as it was first observed by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) and only later became an international phenomenum. Each year over 2 million people are killed in workplace accidents or by work related disease. This holocaust is far greater than any of the wars of nation versus nation, though I guess that the war of the bosses versus the people could be termed the greatest war of all. Here, from the BC Nurses Union is how nurses in BC intend to mark this upcoming day.

☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼
BCNU marks April 28th Day of Mourning for nurses and other workers killed or injured on the job
Wear a sticker and attend an event in your community

Every year on April 28th, we honour the memory of Canadian workers who have lost their lives or careers due to work-related injuries or occupational diseases. The Day of Mourning is an opportunity to remember fallen workers and to recommit to creating safer workplaces.

Facts on 2009 work-related injuries and deaths

•121 BC workers lost their lives due to workplace injury and disease, an average of almost three workers each week
•More than 3,000 work-related injuries are reported each week
•19 workers are permanently disabled every work day
Nursing workplace injuries and deaths

•Approximately 1,225 nurses are injured every year
•55 percent are caused by overexertion or repetitive movement
•13 percent are caused by violent or aggressive behavior
•12 percent are caused by slips and trips
•2 percent of the time a motor vehicle is the cause of the injury
•Recently an emergency RN contracted Hepatitis C after being stuck by an improperly discarded dirty needle
•In 2007 two RN's died from work related illnesses
Workplace injuries are often serious and life altering. Many nurses develop cancer or other hormonal irregularities related to years of shift work. Some don't realize their conditions are work related and die prematurely without claiming WorkSafe BC benefits.

What you can do

•Wear a sticker marking the Day of Mourning. Stickers and posters have been mailed to your stewards. Ask for some. Visit http://dayofmourning.bc.ca/ and make a dedication to a fallen worker.
•Attend a Day of Mourning event in your community
•Recognize unsafe working conditions and report them to your manager.

CANADIAN POLITICS- BRITISH COLUMBIA:

ANTI-HST CAMPAIGN IN BC:

Who would ever have thought that the Moll and the Zalm could agree on anything ? It's true. Ex-Premier Bill Vander Zalm of BC has launched a campaign to repeal that province's Harmonized Sales Tax (HST), and I have to say that I'm in full agreement, though undoubtedly for different reasons than Bill may have. Here's the story from the Straight Goods website. See the end of this article for my own opinions as to why I support such a campaign.

BCBCBCBCBCBCBCBC
"Fight HST" campaign launches

Group has 90 days to collect signatures for repeal.

by Bill Tieleman

Former BC Premier Bill Vander Zalm will launch the Fight HST citizens Initiative petition campaign to stop the Harmonized Sales Tax in BC Premier Gordon Campbell's own riding of Vancouver-Point Grey on Tuesday April 6.

The public rally April 6 marks the beginning of the 90 days that "Fight HST" has to collect the signatures of 10 percent of registered BC voters in each of the province's 85 constituencies for the Initiative petition to be accepted by Elections BC, says Fight HST Lead Organizer Chris Delaney.

"The HST takes money out of people's pockets but doesn't put a dime into healthcare, education or important services," said Vander Zalm



Vander Zalm says it was important to launch the campaign right in Premier Gordon Campbell's own riding, to send a clear message to the BC Liberal government.

"British Columbians don't want Premier Campbell's HST — not even in his own riding," said Vander Zalm. "If Premier Campbell and the BC Liberal MLAs don't listen to the people and drop the HST, he and his party are finished."

Vander Zalm says he is confident British Columbians will make the Initiative a smashing success after drawing huge crowds as he toured across the province over the past two weeks.

"British Columbians are fed up with the HST and fed up with the undemocratic way Premier Campbell and Finance Minister Colin Hansen are imposing a tax after promising they wouldn't do it," said Vander Zalm. "This citizens Initiative petition is the people's chance to tell Premier Gordon Campbell they want him to drop the HST — and demand that he drop it."

"The HST is the most hated tax ever because it is a cruel tax that takes money out of people's pockets but doesn't put a dime into healthcare, education or important services," said Vander Zalm.

In addition to Vander Zalm, speakers at the rally will include Delaney and "Fight HST" Strategist Bill Tieleman, founder of the NO BC HST Facebook protest group, which has more than 131,000 members.


Bill Tieleman, president of West Star Communications, is one of BC's best known political commentators and communicators. Read political commentary from Bill every Tuesday in 24 hours, Vancouver's free weekday newspaper (also online). Listen to Bill on Mondays at 10am on CKNW AM 980's Bill Good Show, in Vancouver, BC. Bill's email address is below.

Email: weststar@telus.net . Website: http://billtieleman.blogspot.com/ .

BCBCBCBCBCBCBCBC

Here's a report from the CBC on what happened at last night's rally.

BCBCBCBCBCBCBCBC
Vander Zalm's anti-HST rally draws hundreds in Vancouver
Several hundred concerned taxpayers turned out to hear former B.C. premier Bill Vander Zalm launch his anti-HST petition Tuesday night in Vancouver.

Vander Zalm's supporters filled the auditorium of Kitsilano Secondary School to hear him criticize Premier Gordon Campbell's surprise introduction of the harmonized sales tax just weeks after the provincial election last May.

The 12 per cent tax goes into effect July 1, replacing the seven per cent PST and five per cent GST.

"If you want to make something bad look good, you have to lie, and you have to lie over and over, and that's what's been happening," Vander Zalm told the crowd.

But not everyone who turned out Tuesday night agreed the tax would be bad for taxpayers. One man said his mother's benefits would actually increase under the HST.

But Vander Zalm challenged him, saying vulnerable people will still be hurt by the new tax.

The former premier also criticized the timing of the introduction of a harmonized tax that will apply to many good and services that were previously exempt from the PST, such as restaurant food, hair cuts and sports club memberships.

"We're in a recession folks," he said. "We were hoping to come out of it. We were hoping to come out of it soon, but these people in Victoria are only digging us deeper down.

"We're going to suffer. Industry and our businesses and all of us will suffer with it. It's a bad tax at a bad time for the wrong reasons."

Recent university graduate Katherine Chan agreed with that sentiment.

"I'm planning to get married, you know, buy a house, build a family, and, seriously, I can't even feed myself now. How am I going to, like, you know, support my own kids?" she said.

Thousands of volunteers collecting signatures
Vander Zalm is aiming to get rid of the tax by forcing the province to hold an initiative vote on the issue, but first, he needs to collect thousands of signatures on a petition supporting his draft bill.

So far, the veteran campaigner has signed up nearly 2,000 volunteers from ridings across B.C. to help him collect the estimated 300,000 voter signatures required to trigger an initiative vote, which is similar to a referendum.

Speaking before the rally, he said told CBC News he has seen a lot of hectic days in his 25-plus years in politics, "but I've never ever experienced anything like this."

"I have faxes coming in and going out till my fax machine is heating up. My telephone has never stopped ringing. And the e-mails? I hate to look at the computer," he said.

About 300 people signed the petition at the rally on Tuesday night, but volunteers have already begun collecting signatures across B.C.

Those organizing the petition have 90 days to collect signatures from 10 per cent of registered voters in every riding. Then Elections BC has to verify the signatures.

Once that is done, a legislative committee would then decide whether it will send a draft bill directly to the legislature for a vote or put the issue to a province-wide vote first.

But the provincial government has already said the HST is a federal tax, and an initiative vote wouldn't affect it.


Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/british-columbia/story/2010/04/07/bc-anti-hst-rally-vander-zalm-vancouver.html?ref=rss#ixzz0kTxDjz2e

BCBCBCBCBCBCBCBC

WHY MOLLY LIKES THIS IDEA:

Here are a few reasons why I think the anti-HST campaign is a good idea. Some of these reasons, I'm sure, are shared by the traditional leftists over at Straight Goods. Others are unique to a libertarian socialist perspective.

1) Value added taxes (sales taxes) are regressive. They impact people at the lower end of income distribution more than they affect those with higher incomes. If we have to have taxes they should be progressive, affecting those with higher income more or at least equally distributed. Not only is a greater percentage of upper class income devoted to savings and investment, and therefore exempt from a consumption tax, but a higher percentage of their consumption is also exempt from same. Think tax shelters, consumption in foreign countries, "benefits" as opposed to salary/wages etc..

2) Value added taxes are invariably favoured by corporations and opposed by small business. This is especially the case with the Harmonized Sales Tax where it has been introduced in various Canadian provinces. This is because such taxes favours the large, just as it does with individuals, and reduces the income of small business. Think of the hairdresser who now has to charge 12% on their labour. Small business has no legal way of escaping this sudden increase in their prices and extra accounting costs- and resulting lower sales- while corporations, especially those producing for export have a multitude of such escape hatches, let alone the ability to simply pass on extra accounting costs to the customer.

3) In connection with this the introduction of the HST in various provinces has actually been a sly way of introducing extra categories of taxable items, most particularly making labour provincially taxable. This increases the general tax burden for the consumer, especially those in lower income brackets. Put truthfully this legislation that taxes things previously exempt from at least provincial tax (the major effect of harmonization) reduces personal consumption and adversely affects the major generator of new employment in most developed societies - small business. Such taxes thus have a depressing effect on the economy that is greater than that of another initiative such as simply increasing income tax.

4) While I don't think that the introduction of a referendum process in Canadian politics is a major democratic reform it is at least a minor step to making our society more democratic. Real democracy would involve a much more radical decentralization (and "de-statization"). BC actually has a referendum process in legislation, but any attempt to put it into practice has been stillborn in every case. This protest has the potential to actually make the process a reality rather than empty rhetoric. That would be nice to see. From the final sentence of the last article above the government of BC is already thinking of ways to weasel out of this law. What they say is, of course, an outrageous lie. The decision to sign up for the HST is very much a provincial matter.

5) Far too much of our politics has been "spectacularized" into image versus substance. This particular campaign is all about substance. It is also heartening that it seems to be gathering support from both the right and the left. One of the worst aspects of "politics as spectacle" is the creation of both a right and a left that rarely articulate policy but do spend their time in petty sniping and in creating fantastical images of each other. Campaigns such as this move beyond this artificial divide.

6) As a libertarian socialist, as opposed to the statist form of socialism that is the image of socialism in most people's minds, I know that socialism cannot be created through government but only by gradually reducing the role of government and increasing the role of cooperative and local institutions. Sooner or later this has to involve the shrinking of the fiscal resources available to government. The big question is in what order you pare away the functions of the state, not whether you prune them or not. There will be no miraculous revolution that suddenly turns government organizations into cooperative ones controlled by the people affected. It will be a long and slow slog. It might as well start with resistance to increases in the fiscal power of government. that's what this campaign is.

CANADIAN POLITICS:

WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM OUR FRIENDS:

Here are the latest updates from the Olympic Resistance Network, beginning with an appeal for the things they are going to need soon at the upcoming Anti-2010 Convergence. Help them out if you can, especially if you live on the west coast.

@@@@@@@@@@@@

ORN Wish List !!! and Upcoming Meetings, Actions, Events:‏
* ORN General Meeting (open to all!) will now be every Sunday, beginning in January 2010, 6pm @ Spartacus Books, 684 E. Hastings

* 2010 Welcoming Committee: Thursdays at 7:00 pm at 1707 Charles Street (off Commercial Drive). Meeting to plan a broad-based mobilization on Feb12, 2010, the day of the Olympic Opening Ceremonies.

COMMUNIQUE:

1) ORN WISH LIST: Callout for Support and Supplies.

EVENTS AND ACTIONS:

2) Updated: Anti Olympic Speaking Tour in BC and US West Coast!

3) Jan 22: Solidarity in the Face of Police Repression

4) Updated: Feb 2010: Anti Olympic Convergence

5) Rethinking the Olympics: UBC SJC Conference

(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)

NEW - PLEASE FORWARD -

Olympic Resistance Network Call-out for supplies and support

The Olympics Resistance Network (http://olympicresistance.net/) is seeking support and supplies! In addition to building ongoing educational and resistance efforts, the Olympics Resistance Network is hosting and coordinating logistics for an anti-2010 convergence, between Feb 10th-15th 2010. You can help by providing:

1. HOUSING:If you have a couch or extra floor space, please help us out by providing sleep space for out of town activists. Fill out the housing form at: http://olympicresistance.net/content/2010-convergence-billeting-form

2. VOLUNTEER to make the Convergence happen! We need everyone who is able to please take on shifts to staff the Welcoming Centre, help prepare food, provide childcare, and more. Please contact 604-723-1206 with your name, when you are available, what you are willing to do, and your contact information.

3. SUPPLIES DROP OFF/STORAGE:If your local business, community centre, work place, home, or union hall is willing to either accept or store any of the supplies listed below, please let us know. We are in desperate need for drop-off and storage space especially for our medic supplies.

4. SAFE SPACES: There will be many people from out of town arriving in Vancouver for the anti-Olympic convergence and we are looking for allies who are willing to be listed in our Welcoming Package as safe spaces. These will not be places for anti-Olympic organizing, just a place to stop by and hang out. If your business, community centre, or other physical space is willing to explore the idea of being listed as a space sympathetic to the Anti-Olympic Convergence please let us know and we are happy to work with you in a way that most suits you.

5. FOOD AND COOKING SUPPLIES:coffee cream fresh veggies and fruit tea bread cups sugar non-perishable food (beans, rice, etc.) cutlery pots and pans water bottles dish soap towels/clothes yoghurt containers crock pots garbage bags cooking utensils

6. COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENTS:walkie-talkies working cell phones megaphones generators speakers/sound system

7. OTHER SUPPLIES:tarps awnings/tents pens/paper childcare supplies duct tape banner-making materials blankets rain jackets/sweaters bungee cords ropes bikes flip charts/markers/tapechairs cots desks

8. MEDIC SUPPLIES:

*Wound Care*:

Non-Sterile 4x4s, Non-Sterile 2x2s, Sterile 4x4s, Sterile 2x2s Sterile Roller Gauze, Non-Sterile Roller Gauze, Non-latex Bandages (all sizes and kinds), Non-adherent dressings, Coban, Kerlix, Non-latex bandage tape, Medical tape (all kinds), Chemical Ice Packs, Hand Warmer Packs,Sterile Irrigation Water, Irrigation Syringes, Alcohol Swabs, Iodine Swabs, SAM Splints, Finger Splints, Traction Splints, Backboard, C-Collar, ABD Pads, Ace Bandages, Steri Strips, Tincture of Benzoin, Multi Trauma Dressing Topical Anesthetic (non-antibiotic if possible), Scrub Sponges, Povidone iodine, Isopropyl alcohol, Chlorhexidine

*Tools*:

Stethoscope, BP cuff, Pen lights, Trauma shears, Bandage shears Duct Tape, Flashlights, Glucometer, Digital Thermometers (with sheaths)

*Other Clinic Supplies*:

BVMs, Laceration Trays, Multi-use Vials - 2% lidocaine, Assorted sutures and needles, Inhalers, Nebulizers, 02 Tank, Cannulas & Non-Rebreathers, Glucometer, Electrolyte solution

*PPE*:

Non-Latex Gloves in S, M, L, XL, Masks, Safety glasses Hearing protection (LRAD is deployed in Vancouver now)

*Herbal Supplies:

homeopathic remedies, essential oils, Bach flower remedies, herbs, herbal tinctures, salves, and infused oils. Tincture bottles, salve jars, kettle, and tea pots.

*Clinic Furniture/Materials:

Folding cots, massage table, blankets, lots of spare clothes, chairs, folding tables, shelving, rubbermaid containers,racks of various kinds and sizes.

9. TRANSPORTATION: Contact us if you have a car or bike trailer and are willing to transport supplies during the anti-olympics convergence. We also need Bicycle donations - used, working and those needing minor repairs.

10. PLEASE DONATE: Hosting this convergence requires significant funds, including legal defence funds. You can donate securely through PayPal on our website: http://olympicresistance.net/content/send-us-money

or cheques can be made out to Olympic Resistance Network and mailed to ORN, 6 - 1857 Kitchener St, Vancouver, BC, V5L 2W5. Email ornfundraise@riseup.net to arrange direct deposits or other queries.

--------------------

DROP OFF POINTS: If you would like to drop off donations, you can do so at:

1. Baaad Anna's: - 2667 East Hastings St., Vancouver. Monday - Sunday (11 am to 6 pm). 604-255-2577

2. Rhizome Café: 317 East Broadway, Vancouver. Tuesday - Sunday (11 am to 9 pm).

3. Spartacus Books: 684 E. Hastings St., Vancouver. (12 - 7 pm).

4. For pick-up in the Downtown Eastside, East Vancouver or Burnaby, call: 604-773-9057. Or contact us at: 604-723-1206

(2)(2)(2)(2)(2)(2)(2)(2)(2)(2)(2)(2)(2)

-- please forward to contacts in BC and US West Coast

- Why Oppose the 2010 Olympic Games

As part of a provincial and west coast speaking tour, join us in a series of events to learn more about the Olympic industry and its impacts, why opposition to the Games is growing, and how you can participate in and support the resistance. We will also hear about plans for a global Feb 10-15 anti-colonial and anti-capitalist convergence against the Games.

No Olympics on Stolen Native Land!

Watch: Eight Reasons to Oppose the 2010 Winter Olympics:

http://vimeo.com/4872922 DATES!

Check back on Facebook for updates:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=242501299025

Or subscribe to our low traffic list to receive updates:

https://lists.riseup.net/www/info/orn-announce

* Fri Jan 22: ORANGE COUNTY at 6 pm. Women's Civic Club, 9501 Chapman Ave.Garden Grove. Contact: jhaghor@yahoo.com or 714-478-3155

* Fri Jan 22nd – NANAIMO at 7pm. VIU, bldg 355, room 203.

* Sat Jan 23rd – COMOX VALLEY at 7 pm. BCGEU meeting room, 2nd Floor, 910 Fitzgerald Ave, Courtenay. Contact Ernie at 250 338 3504 or ernieyacub@gmail.com .

(4)(4)(4)(4)(4)(4)(4)(4)(4)(4)(4)(4)(4)

Solidarity in the Face of Police Repression

Mass Demonstration

Friday, January 22nd, 2010

6 pm

Anyone posing even a potential threat to Olympic Security is being subjected to police “friendly visits” and blatant harassment, from active organizers and their families to people who attend events or write critical letters. These visits have escalated and are likely to continue escalating as we near the February games.

Some have faced the sharper swords of prosecution, imprisonment, deportation, and even death in the case of Harriet Nahanee. We see the clear connection between Olympic repression and ongoing police intimidation & brutality, the mounting deaths in police custody, the gross negligence in missing women cases, the social cleansing in the Downtown Eastside, and all the other symptoms of this unjust system.

We call for a mass public outcry and for increased resistance amidst this climate of increasing social control. To show we do not fear their tactics when we rise together. Tell your friends and family, co-workers and classmates. Let's show that our solidarity can be stronger than their repression.

Intentions:

We are planning on this march being a family friendly demonstration of our solidarity against police repression. We intend to create a festive atmosphere that is safe and inviting for a wide range of people. Our goal is to spread information and to strengthen our will to band together and support each other in the face of ongoing police repression.

We ask that people not attempt to provoke the cops. This said, we are not responsible nor can we control attempts by authorities to suppress our solidarity, and therefore, we stress the importance of supporting those who choose to defend themselves and others against police abuse. We invite everyone to bring their friends and family, as well as banners, chants, noise makers, flags, torches and, most importantly, lots of energy!

Let’s bring the celebration of our resistance into the streets!

If you have any questions, please leave us a comment and we will respond ASAP. If you do not wish to make your comment public, please let us know and we will act accordingly. http://january22nd.wordpress.com/

(5)(5)(5)(5)(5)(5)(5)(5)(5)(5)(5)(5)(5)

CONVERGENCE FEB 2010

- please forward widely -

ALL OUT AGAINST THE 2010 WINTER OLYMPIC GAMES!

* New promo video!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoLQ6ThezTk

The 2010 Winter Olympics will take place in Vancouver & Whistler, on unceded Indigenous land, from February 12-28 2010. We call on all anti-capitalist, Indigenous, housing rights, labour, migrant justice, environmental, anti-war, community-loving, anti-poverty, civil libertarian, and anti colonial activists to come together to confront this two-week circus and the oppression it represents. We are organizing towards a global anti-capitalist and anti-colonial convergence against the2010 Olympic Games.

* BASIC SCHEDULE:

The Convergence is called for Feb 10-15:

- Wed Feb 10- Thurs Feb 11: Conference and People's Summit

- Fri Feb 12: Take Back Our City! “Welcome” the 2010 Olympic Torch with Free Games, Free Speech, and Free Food! Beginning with a festival at the Vancouver Art Gallery at 3 pm, followed by a parade and protest to BC Place Stadium. Details, including childcare, at:

http://2010welcoming.wordpress.com/

- Sat Feb 13 and Mon Feb 15: Autonomous days of action including anti-corporate actions, rallies to oppose militarization, and more.

- On Sun Feb 14th, we will be standing with the 19th Annual Women's Memorial March to honour all the missing and murdered and women in the DTES (this is not an anti-Olympic protest).

Details at:

http://womensmemorialmarch.wordpress.com/

ADDITIONAL EVENTS: We will also be updating this description and our website with additional anti-Olympic events occurring during the entire month of February:

http://olympicresistance.net/ or http://no2010.com/

- Wednesday Feb 3 from 7-9 pm. The Olympics are Coming, Let's Yack! WISE Hall, 1882 Adanac Street. Planning, sharing Olympic resistance activities.

Organized by Community Olympics Watch.

- Friday Feb 5 till Monday Feb 8: Indigenous Peoples Assembly in Secwepemc Territories. For Indigenous people only. For information email nymcommunications@gmail.com . Full callout posted at:http://mostlywater.org/indigenous_peoples_assembly_2010

- Sunday Feb 7. 3rd Annual Poverty Olympics in the DTES. Relay starts at 12:30 at VANDU (380 East Hastings St.), 1-3 pm at Japanese Hall (487 Alexander St) Free, family event. http://povertyolympics.ca/

- Saturday, Feb 20. Rally for a National Housing Program from noon-2 pm, north Side of Vancouver Art Gallery. The UN now calls Canada's housing crisis, 'a national emergency.' Come join this rally to pressure the federal government to once again re-establish a national housing program in Canada. Organized by Impact on Communities Coalition.

* LOGISTICAL INFORMATION:

We are working to coordinate the logistics to host this convergence. For information on billeting (whether you are in need of billeting or can provide billeting), travel and border information, legal updates, food and childcare arrangements, community spaces, welcome package, and more, please check http://olympicresistance.net/ frequently for updates.

* SUPPORT THE CONVERGENCE AND GET INVOLVED!

1) Sign-up for our low-traffic list (1-2 emails per week) to stay updated on upcoming events, meetings, and actions. Please email olympicresistance@riseup.net and ask to be added to our announcement list or subscribe directly at https://lists.riseup.net/www/info/orn-announce.

2) If you are part of another group (artist, activist, community, union, campus etc) and are planning any kind of activity or event to oppose the Games during Feb 2010, please do let us know and stay in touch.

3) Host an anti-Olympic educational on your campus or at your next conference. Or invite a speaker to your next meeting to discuss what your group can do. We are able to provide educational materials including films, tshirts, comics, buttons, stickers and more!

4) Get involved in the Olympic Resistance Network or other anti-Olympic groups in your neighbourhood or campus. The ORN has regular General Meetings on Sundays as well as many committees.

5) Spread the word about the convergence! Forward this notice to your contacts, download posters and flyers about the convergence from our website and pass them on!

6) Please donate! Hosting this convergence requires significant funds, including legal defence funds. You can donate securely through PayPal on our website: http://olympicresistance.net/content/send-us-money

or cheques can be made out to Olympic Resistance Network and mailed to ORN, 6 - 1857 Kitchener St, Vancouver, BC, V5L 2W5. Email ornfundraise@riseup.net to arrange direct deposits or other queries.

* WHY OPPOSE THE GAMES:

The 2010 Winter Olympics will take place on unceded Indigenous land. Far from being simply about sport, the history of the Olympics is one rooted in displacement, corporate greed, and repression. As Olympic promoters and sponsors seek to present their sanitized corporate brand image to the world, the real impacts of the Games are apparent to everyone:

* Expansion of sport tourism on Indigenous lands

* Increasing homelessness across the province and especially in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside

* Misdirected public spending and debt totaling $6 billion while funding for the arts, education, and health care are suffering cutbacks

* Corporate bailouts and profits for companies with some of the worst social and environmental records.

* Threats to basic civil liberties and free speech

* Union-busting and vulnerable working conditions for migrant labour

*Unprecedented destruction of the environment

* Unparalleled $1 billion police and security spending that is turning our city into a militarized zone.

Watch: Eight Reasons to Oppose the 2010 Winter Olympics:http://vimeo.com/4872922

* ABOUT US:

The ORN supports the international resolution passed by over 1500 Indigenous delegates at the Intercontinental Indigenous Peoples Gathering in Sonora, Mexico to “ boycott the 2010 Olympic Games” based on Resolution #2 of the Gathering which states “We reject the 2010 Winter Olympics on sacred and stolen territory of Turtle Island–Vancouver, Canada”.

Based on this call, our organizing as natives and non-natives alike is largely being done under the slogan of "No Olympics on Stolen Native Land".

----------------

WEBSITE: olympicresistance.net

EMAIL: olympicresistance@riseup.net

FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=22399134613&ref=ts

(6)(6)(6)(6)(6)(6)(6)(6)(6)(6)(6)(6)(6)

Rethinking the Olympics: A Conference

As the city declares "free speech zones" we declare our right to speak freely wherever we may find ourselves. As the city fills with spectators,we insist on participation.

Join us for speakers, panels, films and workshops Jan.26th-28th! (All at UBC Student Union Building, organised by the Social Justice Centre.)

Jan. 26 Rethink the Olympics: A panel discussion featuring Chris Shaw, Gord Hill, Alissa Westergard-Thorpe and others.

Jan.26th 2-3:30 (SUB 214/216) Art and Activism: A Hands-On Workshop.

Jan.26th 3:30-5:00 (SUB 214/216)

Jan. 27 Imagining Activism: A panel discussion on the future of the activist, featuring Bruce Baum, Lorraine Weir, Geraldine Pratt, Christina Paris and Stefanie Ratjen.

Jan.27th 12:00-1:00 (SUB 214/216) Know Your Rights: A Workshop led by the BCCLA.

Jan.27th 1:00-2:00 (SUB 211) Impact on Housing: A panel discussion featuring local housing activists.

Jan.27th 2:00-3:00 (SUB 214/216) Food not Bombs!: A Food Security workshop.

Jan.27th 3:00-5:00 (SUB 245)

Jan. 28 The Coca-Cola Case: A film spotlighting the labour policies of the olympic sponsor.

Jan.28th 12:30-2:00 (Norm Theatre) Celebrating Resistance Party!: Music! Drinks! Good Times!

Jan.28th 6:00-10:00pm (Koerner Penthouse, GSC) and check out www.resistubc.ca for updated info and events. contact: ubcsjc@yahoo.ca

FB event info: http://www.facebook.com/inbox/?ref=mb#/event.php?eid=428253465117&ref=mf

CANADIAN POLITICS:

MORE OPPOSITION AS THE OLYMPICS DRAWS CLOSER:

Only about a month to go until the 2010 Vancouver/Whistler Winter Olympics, and people continue to protest as the Olympic flame sputters its way across Canada. Here's the latest on anti-Olympic events from the Olympic Resistance Network.

►►►►►►►►►►►

Speaking Tour and Upcoming Actions and Events:‏
1) Anti Olympic Speaking Tour in BC and US West Coast!

2) Jan 9 and 16: Flyering and Skate-in Against Corporate Sponsors

3) Jan 20 - 21: Dave Zirin in Vancouver

4) Jan 22: Solidarity in the Face of Police Repression

5) Feb 2010: Anti Olympic Convergence

(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)

- please forward to contacts in BC and US West Coast -

Why Oppose the 2010 Olympic Games

As part of a provincial and west coast speaking tour, join us in a series of events to learn more about the Olympic industry and its impacts, why opposition to the Games is growing, and how you can participate in and support the resistance. We will also hear about plans for a global Feb 10-15 anti-colonial and anti-capitalist convergence against the Games. No Olympics on Stolen Native Land!

Watch:

Eight Reasons to Oppose the 2010 Winter Olympics:

http://vimeo.com/4872922

DATES!

Check back frequently for updates on Facebook at:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?invites&eid=242501299025

Or subscribe to our low traffic list to receive updates:

https://lists.riseup.net/www/info/orn-announce

1) US:

* Sat Jan 9th - Seattle. 3 PM-5 PM, @ the Cascade Peoples Center ( 309 Pontius Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109-5421.

* Mon Jan 11th – Olympia.

* Tues Jan 19 – Oakland @ 7 pm, Eastside Arts Alliance, 2277 International Blvd, Oakland. Suggested donation: $5-10 sliding scale (no one will be turned away for lack of funds)

Co hosted by: Chiapas Support Committee, East Side Arts Alliance, and others.

* Wed Jan 20: San Francisco at 7:00 p.m. Station 40, 3030B 16th Street (at Mission Street BART), San Francisco Hosted by the Institute for Anarchist Studies Suggested donation: $5-10 sliding scale, to support tour (no one will be turned away for lack of funds)

* Thurs Jan 21: Davis

* Fri Jan 22: Orange County at 6 pm. Women's Civic Club, 9501 Chapman Ave. Garden Grove, CA 92841. Contact: jhaghor@yahoo.com or 714-478-3155

2) BC:

* Fri Jan 15th – Penticton.

* Sat Jan 16th – Nelson @ 2 pm. Senior's Branch 51, 717 Vernon Street, Nelson (across from Extra Foods) . Contact Sandra at 250-352-5274 or sgnelken@shaw.ca . Organized by Council of Canadians-Nelson Chapter.

* Sun Jan 17th – Castlegar. Castlegar Public Library 1005 3rd street from 3-5 pm. Contact info: ieatskiers@hotmail.com

* Mon Jan 18th – Golden at 7pm. Jita's Cafe. B-1007 11th Ave S.

* Tues Jan 19th- Kelowna at 7 pm

* Fri Jan 22nd – Nanaimo

* Sat Jan 23rd – Comox Valley @ 7pm. BCGEU meeting room, 2nd Floor, 910 Fitzgerald Ave, Courtenay. Contact Ernie at 250 338 3504 or ernieyacub@gmail.com .

* Sun Jan 24th – Powell River

(2)(2)(2)(2)(2)(2)(2)(2)(2)(2)(2)(2)(2)

2 upcoming actions against 2010 Olympic sponsors:

General Electric and the Hudson’s Bay Company

1) Flyering outside the Hudson's Bay Company Olympic Store

* *Saturday, January 9

*1:00 pm-4:00 pm

Meet outside the Bay on Georgia Street The 2010 corporate campaign will be flyering for 3 hours outside the Hudson's Bay Company to inform people about HBC, the Olympics and their links to colonialism.

*Blood on your hands: Are you wearing HBC's history of colonialism?

* The Hudson's Bay Company is the oldest commercial corporation in North America. HBC forcefully controlled the fur trade throughout much of British-controlled North America for several centuries. The corporation took control over several areas of Canada, forcing their rules of trade, immigration, settlement and governance onto indigenous people.

*2) Skate-in and flyering at GE Plaza at Robson Square

* *Saturday, January 16

*1:00 pm- 4:00 pm

GE Plaza at Robson Square

Meet on Robson side of the Vancouver Art Gallery

Join us for an ice-skate while we hand out information on General Electric, another Olympic sponsor with a shameful track record. Non-skaters are welcome as well to distribute information to people outside of the rink. Please bring skates if you have them, otherwise skate rentals are $3.00 each.

*General Electric: Imagining War Profiteering and Privatizing Rivers

* General Electric is a worldwide partner of the Games but is also one of the world's top 3 producers of jet engines, supplying Boeing, Lockheed Martin and other military aircraft makers for the powering of airplanes and helicopters. The "war on terrorism" has seen GE's military contracts rise substantially. GE is also involved in the privatization of BC rivers. "Run of river" private power projects are destructive to river ecologies, cause roads and power lines to intrude on wilderness areas, and undermine public control over power supply. General Electric is involved with Plutonic Power in the 1,027 megawatt project in Bute Inlet. For more info: 2010corporatecampaign@gmail.com

<http://2010campaign.wordpress.com/>

http://2010campaign.wordpress.com/

(3)(3)(3)(3)(3)(3)(3)(3)(3)(3)(3)(3)(3)

"POLITICS IN THE RING: DAVE ZIRIN IN VANCOUVER!"

Award-winning sports writer Dave Zirin will be speaking in Vancouver on the politics of sport and mega sporting events on January 20 and January 21, 2010. You will not want to miss him!

--------------------

Wed Jan 20 @ 2:30-4:30

MBC 2290, SFU Burnaby campus

Organized by Teaching Support Staff Union (TSSU), email organizer@tssu.ca

Wed Jan 20 @ 6:30 pm.

Maritime Labour Centre, 1880 Triumph Street (corner Victoria Drive).

Suggested donation $10, no one turned away.

* Dave will be available for a book signing, People’s Co-op Books will have his books for purchase.Organized by Olympic Resistance Network, olympicresistance@riseup.net

Endorsed by: Vancouver Action, Submedia, No One Is Illegal, Anti Poverty Committee, Council of Canadians, Warrior Publications, Stopwar.ca, Impact on Communities Coalition, Streams of Justice, Student Christian Movement -UBC, 2010 Watch, 2010 Corporate Campaign.

Thursday, Jan. 21, 4pm

UBC - Student Union Building, room 205

Organized by UBC Social Justice Centre.

---------------------------

Named one of the UTNE Reader's "50 Visionaries Who Are Changing Our World", Dave Zirin writes about the politics of sports and resistance in sports. His writings appear in the Nation Magazine, SLAM Magazine, the Progressive, Washington Post, San Francisco Chronicle, New York Daily News, and Los Angeles Times. Zirin is also the host of XM satellite's popular weekly show, Edge of Sports Radio. He has brought his blend of sports and politics to other television and radio programs including ESPN,CNN, MSNBC, Al-Jazeera, C-SPAN, Democracy Now, National Public Radio, Air America, and Pacifica. Author of several books, his new book is "A People's History of Sports in the United States," part of Howard Zinn's People's History series for the New Press.

* Some recent articles:

Amy Goodman and Canada's Olympic Paranoia

www.huffingtonpost.com/dave-zirin/amy-goodman-and-canadas-o_b_372273.html

Message to Obama: You Can't Have Muhammad Ali

http://www.zmag.org/znet/viewArticle/23295

Tiger Woods Falls from Grace

http://www.thenation.com/doc/20091221/zirin

Obama's Olympic error:

http://www.democracynow.org/2009/10/2/sportswriter_dave_zirin_on_obamas_olympic Caster Semenya: The Idiocy of Sex Testing

http://www.thenation.com/doc/20090831/zirin_wolf

Gaza anger overwhelms hoops contest

http://www.dominionpaper.ca/articles/2428

* More about Dave and his writings:

http://www.edgeofsports.com/

(4)(4)(4)(4)(4)(4)(4)(4)(4)(4)(4)(4)(4)

Solidarity in the Face of Police Repression

Mass Demonstration

Friday, January 22nd,

1:00 pm

Anyone posing even a potential threat to Olympic Security is being subjected to police "friendly visits" and blatant harassment,from active organizers and their families to people who attend events or write critical letters. These visits have escalated and are likely to continue escalating as we near the February games. Some have faced the sharper swords of prosecution, imprisonment, deportation, and even death in the case of Harriet Nahanee. We see the clear connection between Olympic repression and ongoing police intimidation & brutality, the mounting deaths in police custody, the gross negligence in missing women cases, the social cleansing in the Downtown Eastside, and all the other symptoms of this unjust system.

We call for a mass public outcry and for increased resistance amidst this climate of increasing social control. To show we do not fear their tactics when we rise together. Tell your friends and family, co-workers and classmates. Let's show that our solidarity can be stronger than their repression.

Intentions:

We are planning on this march being a family friendly demonstration of our solidarity against police repression. We intend to create a festive atmosphere that is safe and inviting for a wide range of people. Our goal is to spread information and to strengthen our will to band together and support each other in the face of ongoing police repression. We ask that people not attempt to provoke the cops. This said, we are not responsible nor can we control attempts by authorities to suppress our solidarity, and therefore, we stress the importance of supporting those who choose to defend themselves and others against police abuse.

We invite everyone to bring their friends and family, as well as banners, chants, noise makers, flags, torches and, most importantly, lots of energy! Let's bring the celebration of our resistance into the streets! If you have any questions, please leave us a comment and we will respond ASAP. If you do not wish to make your comment public, please let us know and we will act accordingly.

http://january22nd.wordpress.com/

(5)(5)(5)(5)(5)(5)(5)(5)(5)(5)(5)(5)(5)

CONVERGENCE FEB 2010

ALL OUT AGAINST THE 2010 WINTER OLYMPIC GAMES!

The 2010 Winter Olympics will take place in Vancouver & Whistler, on unceded Indigenous land, from February 12-28 2010. We call on all anti-capitalist, Indigenous, housing rights, labour, migrant justice, environmental, anti-war, community-loving, anti-poverty, civil libertarian, and anti colonial activists to come together to confront this two-week circus and the oppression it represents. We are organizing towards a global anti-capitalist and anti-colonial convergence against the 2010 Olympic Games.

* BASIC SCHEDULE:

The basic plan thus far is:

- Conference and People's Summit on Wed Feb 10- Thurs Feb 11 - Fri Feb 12: Take Back Our City! "Welcome" the 2010 Olympic Torch with Free Games, Free Speech, and Free Food! Beginning with a festival at the Vancouver Art Gallery at 3 pm, followed by a parade and protest to BC Place Stadium. Details, including childcare arrangements, at:

http://2010welcoming.wordpress.com/

- Autonomous days of action on Sat Feb 13 and Mon Feb 15 including anti-corporate actions, rallies to oppose militarization, and more.

- On Sun Feb 14th, we will be standing with the 19th Annual Women's Memorial March to honour all the missing and murdered and women in the DTES (this is not an anti-Olympic protest). Details at:

http://womensmemorialmarch.wordpress.com/

We will also be updating our website with additional anti-Olympic events occurring during the month of February:

http://olympicresistance.net or http://no2010.com

* LOGISTICAL INFORMATION:

We are working to coordinate the logistics to host this convergence. For information on billeting (whether you are in need of billeting or can provide billeting), travel and border information, legal updates, food and childcare arrangements, community spaces, welcome package, and more, please check http://olympicresistance.net frequently for updates.

* SUPPORT THE CONVERGENCE AND GET INVOLVED!

1) Sign-up for our low-traffic list (1-2 emails per week) to stay updated on upcoming events, meetings, and actions. Please email olympicresistance@riseup.net and ask to be added to our announcement list.

2) If you are part of another group (artist, activist, community, union, campus etc) and are planning any kind of activity or event to oppose the Games during Jan-Feb 2010, please do let us know so we can stay in touch.

3) Host an anti-Olympic educational on your campus or at your next conference. Or invite a speaker to your next meeting to discuss what your group can do. We are able to provide educational materials including films, tshirts, comics, buttons, stickers and more!

4) Get involved in the Olympic Resistance Network or other anti-Olympic groups in your neighbourhood or campus. The ORN has regular General Meetings on Sundays as well as many committees.

5) Spread the word about the convergence! Forward this notice to your contacts, join our facebook group (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=22399134613&ref=ts), download posters and flyers about the convergence from our website and pass them on!

6) Please donate! Hosting this convergence requires significant funds, including legal defence funds. You can donate securely through PayPal on our website: http://olympicresistance.net/content/send-us-money or cheques can be made out to Olympic Resistance Network and mailed to

ORN,

6 - 1857 Kitchener St,

Vancouver, BC,

V5L 2W5.

Email ornfundraise@riseup.net to arrange direct deposits or other queries.

* WHY OPPOSE THE GAMES:

The 2010 Winter Olympics will take place on unceded Indigenous land. Far from being simply about sport, the history of the Olympics is one rooted in displacement, corporate greed, and repression. As Olympic promoters and sponsors seek to present their sanitized corporate brand image to the world, the real impacts of the Games are apparent to everyone:

* Expansion of sport tourism on Indigenous lands

* Increasing homelessness across the province and especially in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside

* Misdirected public spending and debt totaling $6 billion while funding for the arts, educations, and health care are suffering cutbacks

* Corporate bailouts and corporate profits for companies with some of the worst social and environmental records.

* Threats to basic civil liberties and free speech

* Union-busting and vulnerable working conditions for migrant labour

* Unprecedented destruction of the environment

* Unparalleled $1 billion police and security spending that is turning our city into a militarized zone.

Watch:

Eight Reasons to Oppose the 2010 Winter Olympics:

http://vimeo.com/4872922

* ABOUT US:

The Olympics Resistance Network is primarily based in Vancouver, Coast Salish Territories and exists as a space to coordinate anti-2010 Olympics efforts. The ORN supports the international resolution passed by over 1500 Indigenous delegates at the Intercontinental Indigenous Peoples Gathering in Sonora, Mexico to "boycott the 2010 Olympic Games" based on Resolution #2 of the Gathering which states "We reject the 2010 Winter Olympics on sacred and stolen territory of Turtle Island "Vancouver, Canada"". Based on this call, our organizing as natives and non-natives alike is largely being done under the slogan of "No Olympics on Stolen Native Land". In doing so, we act in solidarity with other communities across 'BC' - particularly indigenous communities who have been defending their land against the onslaught of the Olympics since the bid itself. We look forward to working together across our experiences and movements,while sharing a common understanding including an anti-colonial and anti-capitalist analysis; respect for diversity of tactics and strategies; an anti-oppression understanding and solidarity with those most directly affected; and organizational philosophy based on decentralization within a coordinated and accountable structure.

----------------

WEBSITE:

http://olympicresistance.net

EMAIL:

olympicresistance@riseup.net