Loud and Clear!

April 3, 2018

https://www.spreaker.com/user/radiosputnik/education-for-liberation-with-bill-ayers_1

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Posted by billayers

US Out!!!

April 1, 2018
In the brilliant film “I Am Not Your Negro” James Baldwin says, “The American Negro has the great advantage of having never believed the collection of myths to which white Americans cling: that their ancestors were all freedom-loving heroes, that they were born in the greatest country the world has ever seen, or that Americans are invincible in battle and wise in peace… Negroes know far more about white Americans than that…[They] dismiss white people as the slightly mad victims of their own brainwashing.”
This came to mind as I read (NYT March 29) that “Thousands of Ghanians rallied in the streets of their capital…to protest a deal that would give the United States military an expanded role in Ghana.” The US will invest $20 million in equipment and training, the article said, but the demonstrators were demanding jobs, not a US military base.
We Americans are all bathed in the blood of “American Exceptionalism” and so if the story failed to register, perhaps you’ve subconsciously bought some piece of that collection of myths.
It’s not too late to open your eyes and shake yourself awake.
Ghanians want jobs, schools, health care, unions, pensions—what everyone around the world wants. Our wealthy, unaccountable, arrogant government offers only the possibility of bloodshed, the certainty of war.
They know us better than we know ourselves. And don’t wonder any longer why people throughout the world want the US out.

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Posted by billayers

David Gilbert

March 29, 2018

Bernardine and I spent yesterday with our dear friend and brother—and the co-padre of our youngest son, Chesa—David Gilbert. David was a founder and early leader of the SDS chapter at Columbia University, and we talked, naturally, about the 50th anniversary of the historic rebellion there. We shared a zillion stories and memories, celebrated the sweetness and brilliance of our kids, and looked forward to more.

That’s always bittersweet, and often quite difficult, because David is in his 37th year behind bars, serving a 75 years (minimum time inside) to natural life in New York state prison. Thirty seven years in a cage; 37 years with inadequate and spotty health care; 37 years without proper food or exercise or intimate human connections.

David is now 73 years old (2 months older than I am!) and incarcerated—I repeat—for 37 years.

Think about that: 73/37…37/73.

David is healthy and well, as astute an observer of the current scene (white supremacy, Black Lives Matter, Trump and impending fascism, the threat of expanding war, Undocumented and Unafraid, #MeToo, the youth uprising) as anyone we know, and, as always, upbeat, encouraging, and inspirational.

You cannot send books or food or packages, but if you have a moment you might write to David, or even plan a visit—he is 15-20 minutes from the Buffalo airport:

David Gilbert

83A6158

Wende Correctional Facility

3040 Wende Rd

P.O. Box 618

Alden, NY 14004-1187.

You have to use the full address, and the envelope must have a full return address.

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Posted by billayers

SUNDAY: Did IT! Jerry Rubin

March 26, 2018

https://www.semcoop.com/event/fresh-ayers-pat-thomas-did-it-jerry-rubin

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Posted by billayers

Facts and Myths

March 22, 2018

http://neatoday.org/2018/03/16/myths-about-teachers-ayers/?utm_source=nea_today_express&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=180321neatodayexpress&utm_c

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FREE HERMAN BELL

March 21, 2018
Stand by the Parole Board’s lawful & just decision to release Herman Bell. At 70 years old and after 45 years inside, it is time for Herman Bell to come home.
Supporters of Herman Bell and Parole Justice New York

Parole Justice New York
Stand by the Parole Board’s lawful & just decision to release Herman Bell. At 70 years old and after 45 years inside, it is time for Herman Bell to come home.

,

 

Last week the New York State Board of Parole granted Herman Bell release. Since the Board’s decision, there has been significant backlash from the Police Benevolent Association, other unions, Mayor De Blasio and Governor Cuomo. They are demanding that Herman be held indefinitely, the Parole Commissioners who voted for his release be fired, and that people convicted of killing police be left to die in prison.

We want the Governor, policymakers, and public to know that we strongly support the Parole Board’s lawful, just and merciful decision. We also want to show support for the recent changes to the Board, including the appointment of new Commissioners and the direction of the new parole regulations, which base release decisions more on who a person is today and their accomplishments while in prison than on the nature of their crime.

Herman has a community of friends, family and loved ones eagerly awaiting his return. At 70 years old and after 45 years inside, it is time for Herman to come home.

Here are four things you can do RIGHT NOW to support Herman Bell:

1- CALL New York State Governor Cuomo’s Office NOW
518-474-8390

2-EMAIL New York State Governor Cuomo’s Office
https://www.governor.ny.gov/content/governor-contact-form

3- TWEET at Governor Cuomo: use the following sample tweet:

“@NYGovCuomo: stand by the Parole Board’s lawful & just decision to release Herman Bell. At 70 years old and after more than 40 years of incarceration, his release is overdue. #BringHermanHome.”

4- Participate in a CBS poll and vote YES on the Parole Board’s decision
http://newyork.cbslocal.com/…/herman-bell-parole-police-ou…/
The poll ends on March 21st. Please do this ASAP!

Script for phone calls and emails:
“Governor Cuomo, my name is __________and I am a resident of [New York State/other state/other country]. I support the Parole Board’s decision to release Herman Bell and urge you and the Board to stand by the decision. I also support the recent appointment of new Parole Board Commissioners, and the direction of the new parole regulations, which base release decisions more on who a person is today than on the nature of their crime committed years ago. Returning Herman to his friends and family will help the heal the many harms caused by crime and decades of incarceration. The Board’s decision was just, merciful and lawful, and it will benefit our communities and New York State as a whole.”

Thank you for your support and contributions.

With gratitude,
Supporters of Herman Bell and Parole Justice New York

 

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Posted by billayers

Read TRUTHOUT!

March 21, 2018

http://www.truth-out.org/opinion/item/43906-a-call-to-the-media-let-s-go-beyond-preserving-democracy

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Podcast w Crystal

March 20, 2018

I spoke with Crystal Laura at Seminary Co-op Bookstores about our book, “You Can’t Fire the Bad Ones!”, and it’s featured on their podcast: https://goo.gl/BecD3M You can also find the episode by searching “Open Stacks” anywhere you listen to podcasts.

 

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Posted by billayers

Loud and Clear

March 20, 2018

https://www.spreaker.com/user/radiosputnik/education-for-liberation

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Posted by billayers

My Lai, Viet Nam—50 years ago today

March 16, 2018

Remember My Lai—50 years ago today.
And remember, too, that it was not accidental or unusual: war crimes were committed every day by US military as a matter of policy (free fire zones; pacification, body counts, tiger cages) not choice. Invasion and occupation are always murderous. Resist! Build a powerful antiwar movement NOW!

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