The original Dada Fest in 2001 became a national sensation, with the involvement of dozens of contributors. Dada's daddy, the beloved Richard Francis, is one of my favorite radio producers because of his penchant for airing audio landscape recordings (Best Of: half an hour of simple ambient noise from a French village square on a summer afternoon, with birds, children and church bells). Here our friends are looking at any cool thing you are willing to commit to radio -- one to three minutes or so. If you're interested, email: onehundredonehours@yahoo.com .
Hi All,
I am passing this along at the request of one of our program hosts--
it's an open call to get involved in some radio surrealism. Please read on.
cheers,
ani
Hello KBOO Volunteer,
In the spring on 2001 I was on the phone with Daniel Flessas in the air room
at KBOO just as Jennifer Robin walked in the door and just as I said to
Daniel "Let's do a Dada/Surrealism festival.
In August of 2001, approximately 200 volunteer and previously non-radio
community people engaged in a KBOO radio celebration of Dada &
Surrealism which lasted over 80 hours spread over one week, won us national
recognition and eventually engaged more radio "producers" than simply Jennifer,
Daniel and myself.
We attempted to do all that we could to make it an historically-based,
content-pure event with a strong emphasis on many of the original written
texts transposed for radio mixed with locally produced, often live
contemporary material created by local and regional artists in the tradition
of Dada or Surrealism.
We are presently planning on organizing another celebration, this one
theoretically running 101 hours continuous from Thursday evening at 7p
until Monday night midnight, titled: "One hundred one hours of innumerable
small events which may or may not be related to one another." Our
Program Director, Chris has us "penciled in" for Labor Day weekend.
Richard Francis (me) and Jennifer Robin are again taking on the job of
primary producer/organizers for the event, at least at the outset. But we
hope to keep this event as open and egalitarian as the 2001 celebration
and are wide open for ideas, potential producers/engineers, artists and
proposals.
You may produce only a 1 minute reading of a poem, you might produce a
scattering of small mini-events, or you might take charge of several
hours to produce your own major mini-event within the festival.
Right now we are just looking to see who might be interested in joining in
the fun and how many of you there are who want to begin the groundwork.
This coming Thursday night, April 10 from 9-midnight Jennifer and I
will be presenting a "best of" special pledge-drive show to kick off awareness
of our upcoming festival and hopefully raise some cash. If you can't
imagine how to do Dada and Surrealism, you might want to have a listen.
If you find yourself to be among the interested, please contact this
email
address:
onehundredonehours@yahoo.com
This will enable us to contact you about any upcoming meetings and
festival
news plus it will open a channel for us to keep in touch. Or if you
are
still not internetted, contact either Richard or Jennifer through their
real
world mail boxes at the station.
I have been collecting many new translations of the historical material
which I will make available for those interested in recreating some of
the
past. And you are free to do your own research or branch out into the
latest developments in the tradition (or anti-tradition).
Please spread the word and please let us know.
Once we have collected email addresses of the interested, we will be
contacting you soon about our first meeting where we will have a large
collection of the original material for you to explore and we will be
discussing potential events and the first major steps required to
really get
things rolling.
Thanks for your time and your interest.
Richard Francis
host of
A Different Nature
primary producer for the 2001:
Several Days of Innumerable Small Events Which May or May Not Be
Related To
One Another
Friday, April 11, 2008
IPA Story Assignment of the Week: Airlines and Whistleblowers
Institute for Public Accuracy
915 National Press Building, Washington, D.C. 20045
http://www.accuracy.org * ipa@accuracy.org
___________________________________________________
PM Thursday, April 10, 2008
Airlines and Whistleblowers
Interviews Available
PAUL HUDSON, acapaviation@yahoo.com
Hudson is executive director of the Aviation Consumer Action
Project and a longtime member of the FAA's Aviation Rulemaking Advisory
Committee for air safety who represents airline passengers. He said
today: "What has in effect happened over the last several years is that
airplane safety inspections have been largely privatized.
"The government is allowing airlines to do self-policing -- that
is, airline employees are charged with doing and monitoring safety
inspections. To the extent that government workers do much of anything,
it's mostly just checking over the paperwork.
"We've been critical of this approach. At minimum, the airline
employees doing this need to have whistleblower protection and should
take an oath of office as deputized FAA inspectors. As it is, they are
conflicted and may even be offered bonuses that encourage going along
with questionable procedures."
MARSHA COLEMAN-ADEBAYO, NoFearCoalition@aol.com,
http://web.mac.com/kbstreetlevel/iWeb/nofearinstitute/Home.html
President of the No Fear Institute, which is organizing
Whistleblower Week in Washington in May, Coleman-Adebayo said today:
"The crisis within the aviation industry is just the tip of the
iceberg. ... The Environmental Protection Agency has voluntary initiatives where
industry is policing itself and public health is calculated using a
cost/benefit analysis. If the cost is too high, the public suffers.
Other agencies, such as the Food and Drug Administration, fail to
protect our food supply.
"The brave whistleblowers we've seen this week on the airlines will
likely be retaliated against once the cameras have shut down. Congress
does not protect people who testify before that body, it only allows
them minimal recourse after they've been retaliated against.
"Being a whistleblower almost certainly means the end of your
career in our system. And it frequently means the end of your life -- many
whistleblowers I've met have died from the stress and from the
reprisals.
"A 'perfect storm' composed of corruption, silencing of
whistleblowers, retaliation and discrimination has been gathering for
decades; the outcome of this storm will be devastating.
"I'm currently on leave from the EPA -- I testified twice before
Congress and been retaliated against. The EPA orchestrated a vicious
campaign to force me to take leave without pay. Even with major
congressional leaders, such as John Conyers, Sheila Jackson Lee, Tom
Davis, Henry Waxman and Chris Van Hollen [writing on my behalf], the
EPA has simply ignored them. In fact, Congress generally ignores members
who attempt to fight on behalf of whistleblowers. My situation is not an
isolated case but represents a pattern of vicious retaliation."
915 National Press Building, Washington, D.C. 20045
http://www.accuracy.org * ipa@accuracy.org
___________________________________________________
PM Thursday, April 10, 2008
Airlines and Whistleblowers
Interviews Available
PAUL HUDSON, acapaviation@yahoo.com
Hudson is executive director of the Aviation Consumer Action
Project and a longtime member of the FAA's Aviation Rulemaking Advisory
Committee for air safety who represents airline passengers. He said
today: "What has in effect happened over the last several years is that
airplane safety inspections have been largely privatized.
"The government is allowing airlines to do self-policing -- that
is, airline employees are charged with doing and monitoring safety
inspections. To the extent that government workers do much of anything,
it's mostly just checking over the paperwork.
"We've been critical of this approach. At minimum, the airline
employees doing this need to have whistleblower protection and should
take an oath of office as deputized FAA inspectors. As it is, they are
conflicted and may even be offered bonuses that encourage going along
with questionable procedures."
MARSHA COLEMAN-ADEBAYO, NoFearCoalition@aol.com,
http://web.mac.com/kbstreetlevel/iWeb/nofearinstitute/Home.html
President of the No Fear Institute, which is organizing
Whistleblower Week in Washington in May, Coleman-Adebayo said today:
"The crisis within the aviation industry is just the tip of the
iceberg. ... The Environmental Protection Agency has voluntary initiatives where
industry is policing itself and public health is calculated using a
cost/benefit analysis. If the cost is too high, the public suffers.
Other agencies, such as the Food and Drug Administration, fail to
protect our food supply.
"The brave whistleblowers we've seen this week on the airlines will
likely be retaliated against once the cameras have shut down. Congress
does not protect people who testify before that body, it only allows
them minimal recourse after they've been retaliated against.
"Being a whistleblower almost certainly means the end of your
career in our system. And it frequently means the end of your life -- many
whistleblowers I've met have died from the stress and from the
reprisals.
"A 'perfect storm' composed of corruption, silencing of
whistleblowers, retaliation and discrimination has been gathering for
decades; the outcome of this storm will be devastating.
"I'm currently on leave from the EPA -- I testified twice before
Congress and been retaliated against. The EPA orchestrated a vicious
campaign to force me to take leave without pay. Even with major
congressional leaders, such as John Conyers, Sheila Jackson Lee, Tom
Davis, Henry Waxman and Chris Van Hollen [writing on my behalf], the
EPA has simply ignored them. In fact, Congress generally ignores members
who attempt to fight on behalf of whistleblowers. My situation is not an
isolated case but represents a pattern of vicious retaliation."
Wanna Interview an Author? Here's News from Haymarket Books
Haymarket is one of the juiciest radical English-language publishers worldwide. I tellya what: you look through their recent releases, send them an email describing your podcast/blog/publication/radio/public access TV show, ask for a review book and set up a date to interview the author. For a TV show, you look to see when the author is in your town, set up an interview with that person when they're there. Then you do it. It's my favorite thing, matter of fact.
Enjoy!
Visit www.haymarketbooks.org
For review copies, email info@haymarketbooks.org
P.O. Box 180165, Chicago IL 60618
NOW AVAILABLE FROM HAYMARKET
We are very pleased to announce the publication of the new paperback edition of Camilo Mejía's acclaimed Iraq war memoir, Road from ar Ramadi: The Private Rebellion of Staff Sergeant Camilo Mejia. After reading this book, you'll want everyone you know to read it.
Staff Sergeant Camilo Mejía became the new face of the antiwar movement in early 2004 when he applied for a discharge from the Army as a conscientious objector. After serving in the Army for nearly nine years, he was the first known Iraq veteran to refuse to fight, citing moral concerns about the war and occupation. Despite widespread public support and an all-star legal team, Mejía was eventually convicted of desertion by a military court and sentenced to a year in prison, prompting Amnesty International to declare him a prisoner of conscience.
Far from being an accidental activist, Mejía was raised by prominent Sandinista revolutionaries and draws inspiration from Jesuit teachings. In this stirring book, he argues passionately for human rights and the end to an unjust war.
As New York Times columnist Bob Herbert writes, "The issues [Mejía] has raised deserve a close reading by the nation as a whole. . . . He has made a contribution to the truth about Iraq."
Road from ar Ramadi
The Private Rebellion of Staff Sergeant Camilo Mejía: An Iraq War Memoir
Foreword by Chris Hedges
ISBN: 978-1-931859-53-0
Trade Paperback, $16
320 pages
HAYMARKET NEWS
Haymarket Books is proud to have been part of Winter Soldier: Iraq and Afghanistan, a historic gathering of antiwar veterans and allies that took place March 13-16 in Washington, DC. The event featured powerful testimony that exposed the realities of military occupation. You can watch Haymarket authors Anthony Arnove, author of Iraq: The Logic of Withdrawal and Dahr Jamail discuss their impressions of the hearings.
Also check out Dahr's front-cover story on Winter Soldier in the April print edition of The Progressive. We will be publishing Dahr's book, Beyond the Green Zone: Dispatches from an Unembedded Journalist In Occupied Iraq in paperback this Fall.
This month's issue of The Progressive also features "Olympic Ruin," an eye-opening take on the upcoming Olympics by Haymarket author Dave Zirin, now a regular columnist at the magazine. Be sure to check out Dave's books, What's My Name, Fool? and Welcome to the Terrordome.
Also forthcoming from Haymarket in September is Winter Soldier: Iraq and Afghanistan: Eyewitness Accounts of the Occupation, a comprehensive documentation of the Winter Soldier gathering authored by Iraq Veterans Against the War and journalist Aaron Glantz that will preserve the courageous contributions of its participants.
In the awards department, a big congratulations to Dahr for winning the James Aronson Award for Social Justice Journalism! The award letter states that Jamail's work "has shown the depth of suffering and 'collateral damage' not readily captured in corporate media" and praises his "remarkable contribution to social justice journalism." The award ceremony will take place at 5:30 p.m., Monday, April 14 at Hunter College in New York City.
We were thrilled to hear that our friend Jeremy Scahill won the prestigious Polk Award for his book Blackwater. Thoroughly well deserved!
Finally, check out Anthony Arnove's recent appearance on C-SPAN2's program BookTV. Anthony discusses Haymarket Books and the future of independent publishing with host Andre Schriffrin and Jacob Stevens of Verso Books.
Recently released from Haymarket
The Essential Rosa Luxemburg: Reform or Revolution and The Mass Strike
Edited by Helen Scott
ISBN: 1-931859-36-3
Paperback, $12, 280 Pages
One of the most important thinkers and leaders of the twentieth century, Rosa Luxemburg is finding renewed interest among a new generation of activists and critics of global capitalism. This new, authoritative introduction to Rosa Luxemburg's two most important works presents the full text of Reform or Revolution and The Mass Strike, with explanatory notes, appendices, and introductions.
"Rosa Luxemburg's explorations of themeaning of capitalism and the need for socialist democracy still have relevance for a new century, and helen Scott's thoughtful and informative introduction will be useful for students and activists alike."
--Paul Le Blanc
Authors on the Road
Dave Zirin will be speaking in Washington, DC on Saturday, April 14th and Saturday, April 28th; he'll also be in Chestertown, MD on Thursday, April 19th. And if you can, check out Dave and Chuck D at the Schomburg Center in New York City on Tuesday, May 15. Dave's website Edge of Sports has further tour details.
Dahr Jamail continues to tour his book, Beyond the Green Zone: Dispatches from an Unembedded Journalist in Occupied Iraq. He will be touring Scotland and England this month. Here's information for the tour:
April 8th--Glasgow, Scotland
University of Strathclyde, 5.30 p.m, 5.14 Graham Hills Building
Contact: m.idrees@gmail.com
April 9th--Dublin, Ireland
Dublin Institute of Technology, Aungier St., 6:30 pm—In a debate with RTE, moderated by Pepe Escobar
Contact: dmanning@gmail.com
April 10th--London, England
The Old Lecture Theatre, 7:00 pm, University of Westminster, 309 Regent Street
Contact: david.crouch10@btinternet.com
April 11th--Totnes, England
Methodist Church, Fore Street, 7:30 pm
Contact: bill@scswebdesign.co.uk
April 12th--Taunton, England
Friend's Meeting House, 3 Bath Place, Taunton, TA1 4EP
Contact: alisonchown@aol.com
You can find further tour information at dahrjamailiraq.com.
Catch Haymarket at the following events:
V to the Tenth
April 11 and 12, New Orleans
Labor Notes 2008 Conference
April 11-13, Detroit, Michigan
London Book Fair
International Rights Center (via Roam Agency)
April 15-16
Historical Materialism
April 24-26, Ontario, Canada
Los Angeles Times Festival of Books
April 26-27, Los Angeles
Book launch for Howard Zinn's A People's History of American Empire
May 3, New York, Cooper Union Great Hall, 1pm
Chicago Green Festival
http://www.greenfestivals.org/content/view/230/200/
May 17-18, Chicago
Book Expo America
June 1-3, New York, NY
Save the Date!
Socialism 2008
A Weekend of Politics, Discussion & Debate
Featuring:
Jeremy Scahill
Amira Hass
Laura Flanders
John Carlos
Sharon Smith
Jeffrey St. Clair
June 19-22, Chicago, IL
Check for updates at www.socialismconference.org
Forthcoming from Haymarket Books
Vietnam: The (Last) War the U.S. Lost
Joe Allen
As the United States now faces a major defeat in its occupation of Iraq, the history of the Vietnam War, as a historic blunder for US military forces abroad, and the true story of how it was stopped, take on a fresh importance. Unlike most books on the topic, constructed as specialized academic studies, The (Last) War the United States Lost examines the lessons of the Vietnam era with Joe Allen’s eye of both a dedicated historian and an engaged participant in today’s antiwar movement.
9781931859493 | $14 | 240 pages | May 2008
Lenin Rediscovered: What Is To Be Done? in Context
Lars T. Lih
In this impressive work, Lih presents an innovative challenge to the prevailing perspectives on one of Russian revolutionary V. I. Lenin's most important essays. While conventional wisdom has been contented to caricature What is to Be Done? as the definitive example of Lenin's authoritarian and elitist method, Lih traces this document's roots in the social and political debates of Russia's emerging socialist movement, and reinvigorates the debate unfolding today by introducing a comprehensive new translation of Lenin's original text.
9781931859585 | $50.00 | Paper | 880 pages | May 2008
The Revolution and the Civil War in Spain
Pierre Broué and Emile Témime
In the 1930s, Spanish workers and peasants captured the world's attention, bursting out in rebellion against poverty, oppression, and a monarchy frequently dependent on military repression for its survival. But the Spanish revolution quickly encountered critical challenges-from its leadership's confusion over their final goal to the rising of a fascist army led by Francisco Franco. In their unparalleled study, Broué and Témime detail the internal dynamics and the external obstacles that led one of the world's most promising movements for human liberation to fascist defeat.
9781931859516 | $50.00 | Paper | 700 pages | May 2008
Visit www.haymarketbooks.org
For review copies, email info@haymarketbooks.org
P.O. Box 180165, Chicago IL 60618
Enjoy!
Visit www.haymarketbooks.org
For review copies, email info@haymarketbooks.org
P.O. Box 180165, Chicago IL 60618
NOW AVAILABLE FROM HAYMARKET
We are very pleased to announce the publication of the new paperback edition of Camilo Mejía's acclaimed Iraq war memoir, Road from ar Ramadi: The Private Rebellion of Staff Sergeant Camilo Mejia. After reading this book, you'll want everyone you know to read it.
Staff Sergeant Camilo Mejía became the new face of the antiwar movement in early 2004 when he applied for a discharge from the Army as a conscientious objector. After serving in the Army for nearly nine years, he was the first known Iraq veteran to refuse to fight, citing moral concerns about the war and occupation. Despite widespread public support and an all-star legal team, Mejía was eventually convicted of desertion by a military court and sentenced to a year in prison, prompting Amnesty International to declare him a prisoner of conscience.
Far from being an accidental activist, Mejía was raised by prominent Sandinista revolutionaries and draws inspiration from Jesuit teachings. In this stirring book, he argues passionately for human rights and the end to an unjust war.
As New York Times columnist Bob Herbert writes, "The issues [Mejía] has raised deserve a close reading by the nation as a whole. . . . He has made a contribution to the truth about Iraq."
Road from ar Ramadi
The Private Rebellion of Staff Sergeant Camilo Mejía: An Iraq War Memoir
Foreword by Chris Hedges
ISBN: 978-1-931859-53-0
Trade Paperback, $16
320 pages
HAYMARKET NEWS
Haymarket Books is proud to have been part of Winter Soldier: Iraq and Afghanistan, a historic gathering of antiwar veterans and allies that took place March 13-16 in Washington, DC. The event featured powerful testimony that exposed the realities of military occupation. You can watch Haymarket authors Anthony Arnove, author of Iraq: The Logic of Withdrawal and Dahr Jamail discuss their impressions of the hearings.
Also check out Dahr's front-cover story on Winter Soldier in the April print edition of The Progressive. We will be publishing Dahr's book, Beyond the Green Zone: Dispatches from an Unembedded Journalist In Occupied Iraq in paperback this Fall.
This month's issue of The Progressive also features "Olympic Ruin," an eye-opening take on the upcoming Olympics by Haymarket author Dave Zirin, now a regular columnist at the magazine. Be sure to check out Dave's books, What's My Name, Fool? and Welcome to the Terrordome.
Also forthcoming from Haymarket in September is Winter Soldier: Iraq and Afghanistan: Eyewitness Accounts of the Occupation, a comprehensive documentation of the Winter Soldier gathering authored by Iraq Veterans Against the War and journalist Aaron Glantz that will preserve the courageous contributions of its participants.
In the awards department, a big congratulations to Dahr for winning the James Aronson Award for Social Justice Journalism! The award letter states that Jamail's work "has shown the depth of suffering and 'collateral damage' not readily captured in corporate media" and praises his "remarkable contribution to social justice journalism." The award ceremony will take place at 5:30 p.m., Monday, April 14 at Hunter College in New York City.
We were thrilled to hear that our friend Jeremy Scahill won the prestigious Polk Award for his book Blackwater. Thoroughly well deserved!
Finally, check out Anthony Arnove's recent appearance on C-SPAN2's program BookTV. Anthony discusses Haymarket Books and the future of independent publishing with host Andre Schriffrin and Jacob Stevens of Verso Books.
Recently released from Haymarket
The Essential Rosa Luxemburg: Reform or Revolution and The Mass Strike
Edited by Helen Scott
ISBN: 1-931859-36-3
Paperback, $12, 280 Pages
One of the most important thinkers and leaders of the twentieth century, Rosa Luxemburg is finding renewed interest among a new generation of activists and critics of global capitalism. This new, authoritative introduction to Rosa Luxemburg's two most important works presents the full text of Reform or Revolution and The Mass Strike, with explanatory notes, appendices, and introductions.
"Rosa Luxemburg's explorations of themeaning of capitalism and the need for socialist democracy still have relevance for a new century, and helen Scott's thoughtful and informative introduction will be useful for students and activists alike."
--Paul Le Blanc
Authors on the Road
Dave Zirin will be speaking in Washington, DC on Saturday, April 14th and Saturday, April 28th; he'll also be in Chestertown, MD on Thursday, April 19th. And if you can, check out Dave and Chuck D at the Schomburg Center in New York City on Tuesday, May 15. Dave's website Edge of Sports has further tour details.
Dahr Jamail continues to tour his book, Beyond the Green Zone: Dispatches from an Unembedded Journalist in Occupied Iraq. He will be touring Scotland and England this month. Here's information for the tour:
April 8th--Glasgow, Scotland
University of Strathclyde, 5.30 p.m, 5.14 Graham Hills Building
Contact: m.idrees@gmail.com
April 9th--Dublin, Ireland
Dublin Institute of Technology, Aungier St., 6:30 pm—In a debate with RTE, moderated by Pepe Escobar
Contact: dmanning@gmail.com
April 10th--London, England
The Old Lecture Theatre, 7:00 pm, University of Westminster, 309 Regent Street
Contact: david.crouch10@btinternet.com
April 11th--Totnes, England
Methodist Church, Fore Street, 7:30 pm
Contact: bill@scswebdesign.co.uk
April 12th--Taunton, England
Friend's Meeting House, 3 Bath Place, Taunton, TA1 4EP
Contact: alisonchown@aol.com
You can find further tour information at dahrjamailiraq.com.
Catch Haymarket at the following events:
V to the Tenth
April 11 and 12, New Orleans
Labor Notes 2008 Conference
April 11-13, Detroit, Michigan
London Book Fair
International Rights Center (via Roam Agency)
April 15-16
Historical Materialism
April 24-26, Ontario, Canada
Los Angeles Times Festival of Books
April 26-27, Los Angeles
Book launch for Howard Zinn's A People's History of American Empire
May 3, New York, Cooper Union Great Hall, 1pm
Chicago Green Festival
http://www.greenfestivals.org/content/view/230/200/
May 17-18, Chicago
Book Expo America
June 1-3, New York, NY
Save the Date!
Socialism 2008
A Weekend of Politics, Discussion & Debate
Featuring:
Jeremy Scahill
Amira Hass
Laura Flanders
John Carlos
Sharon Smith
Jeffrey St. Clair
June 19-22, Chicago, IL
Check for updates at www.socialismconference.org
Forthcoming from Haymarket Books
Vietnam: The (Last) War the U.S. Lost
Joe Allen
As the United States now faces a major defeat in its occupation of Iraq, the history of the Vietnam War, as a historic blunder for US military forces abroad, and the true story of how it was stopped, take on a fresh importance. Unlike most books on the topic, constructed as specialized academic studies, The (Last) War the United States Lost examines the lessons of the Vietnam era with Joe Allen’s eye of both a dedicated historian and an engaged participant in today’s antiwar movement.
9781931859493 | $14 | 240 pages | May 2008
Lenin Rediscovered: What Is To Be Done? in Context
Lars T. Lih
In this impressive work, Lih presents an innovative challenge to the prevailing perspectives on one of Russian revolutionary V. I. Lenin's most important essays. While conventional wisdom has been contented to caricature What is to Be Done? as the definitive example of Lenin's authoritarian and elitist method, Lih traces this document's roots in the social and political debates of Russia's emerging socialist movement, and reinvigorates the debate unfolding today by introducing a comprehensive new translation of Lenin's original text.
9781931859585 | $50.00 | Paper | 880 pages | May 2008
The Revolution and the Civil War in Spain
Pierre Broué and Emile Témime
In the 1930s, Spanish workers and peasants captured the world's attention, bursting out in rebellion against poverty, oppression, and a monarchy frequently dependent on military repression for its survival. But the Spanish revolution quickly encountered critical challenges-from its leadership's confusion over their final goal to the rising of a fascist army led by Francisco Franco. In their unparalleled study, Broué and Témime detail the internal dynamics and the external obstacles that led one of the world's most promising movements for human liberation to fascist defeat.
9781931859516 | $50.00 | Paper | 700 pages | May 2008
Visit www.haymarketbooks.org
For review copies, email info@haymarketbooks.org
P.O. Box 180165, Chicago IL 60618
Media Interview Assignment: Mother Jones on Black Ops on Green Groups
Date: 11 April 2008
Contacts:
Dan Schulman, dschulman@MotherJones.com
Steve Katz, skatz@motherjones.com
EXCLUSIVE:
Cops and Former Secret Service Agents Ran Black Ops on Green Groups
Meet the private security firm that spied on Greenpeace and other environmental outfits for its corporate clients. A tale of intrigue, infiltration, and dumpster-diving.
A Mother Jones exclusive (http://www.motherjones.com/news/feature/2008/04/firm-spied-on-environmental-groups.html) has exposed that a security firm run by ex Secret Service agents spied on Greenpeace, Fenton Communications, the Center for Food Safety, and others.
James Ridgeway, the Mother Jones senior correspondent who obtained the never-before-published internal company documents now available on the Mother Jones website, revealed in today's story that a private security company organized and managed by former Secret Service officers spied on Greenpeace and other environmental organizations from the late 1990s through at least 2000, pilfering documents from trash bins, attempting to plant undercover operatives within groups, casing offices, collecting phone records of activists, and penetrating confidential meetings. The smoking gun documents show that Beckett Brown International (BBI), collected confidential records�donor lists, detailed financial statements, the Social Security numbers of staff members, strategy memos�from these groups and produced intelligence reports for public relations firms and major corporations
involved in environmental controversies.
BBI also conducted background checks for the Carlyle Group, the Washington-based investment firm; provided "protective services" for the National Rifle Association; handled "crisis management" for the Gallo wine company; engaged in "information collection" for Wal-Mart. It conducted background checks for Patricia Duff, a Democratic Party fundraiser then involved in an acrimonious child custody battle with billionaire Ronald Perelman. And for Mary Kay, BBI mounted "surveillance" and vetted Gayle Gaston, a top executive at the cosmetics company (and mother of actress Robin Wright Penn), retaining an expert to conduct a psychological assessment of her. Also listed as clients in BBI records: Halliburton and Blackwater.
Senior Correspondent James Ridgeway and Washington Bureau Chief David Corn are available for interviews on this or other Mother Jones stories by emailing dschulman@motherjones.com or Steve Katz, at skatz@motherjones.com.
Contacts:
Dan Schulman, dschulman@MotherJones.com
Steve Katz, skatz@motherjones.com
EXCLUSIVE:
Cops and Former Secret Service Agents Ran Black Ops on Green Groups
Meet the private security firm that spied on Greenpeace and other environmental outfits for its corporate clients. A tale of intrigue, infiltration, and dumpster-diving.
A Mother Jones exclusive (http://www.motherjones.com/news/feature/2008/04/firm-spied-on-environmental-groups.html) has exposed that a security firm run by ex Secret Service agents spied on Greenpeace, Fenton Communications, the Center for Food Safety, and others.
James Ridgeway, the Mother Jones senior correspondent who obtained the never-before-published internal company documents now available on the Mother Jones website, revealed in today's story that a private security company organized and managed by former Secret Service officers spied on Greenpeace and other environmental organizations from the late 1990s through at least 2000, pilfering documents from trash bins, attempting to plant undercover operatives within groups, casing offices, collecting phone records of activists, and penetrating confidential meetings. The smoking gun documents show that Beckett Brown International (BBI), collected confidential records�donor lists, detailed financial statements, the Social Security numbers of staff members, strategy memos�from these groups and produced intelligence reports for public relations firms and major corporations
involved in environmental controversies.
BBI also conducted background checks for the Carlyle Group, the Washington-based investment firm; provided "protective services" for the National Rifle Association; handled "crisis management" for the Gallo wine company; engaged in "information collection" for Wal-Mart. It conducted background checks for Patricia Duff, a Democratic Party fundraiser then involved in an acrimonious child custody battle with billionaire Ronald Perelman. And for Mary Kay, BBI mounted "surveillance" and vetted Gayle Gaston, a top executive at the cosmetics company (and mother of actress Robin Wright Penn), retaining an expert to conduct a psychological assessment of her. Also listed as clients in BBI records: Halliburton and Blackwater.
Senior Correspondent James Ridgeway and Washington Bureau Chief David Corn are available for interviews on this or other Mother Jones stories by emailing dschulman@motherjones.com or Steve Katz, at skatz@motherjones.com.
From Airwaves and Liberty: Job Opportunity
Job Opening: Associate Director at the National Radio Project
Posted: 09 Apr 2008 04:49 PM CDT
National Radio Project / Making Contact seeks a person with a passion for organizational development and fundraising, networking, growing their leadership talents, and creating a world where peace and social justice are paramount.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Together with the Executive Director, lead development activities:
* Manage grassroots fundraising efforts to build upon our solid base of individual donors including: mail campaigns, major donor stewardship, house parties, engagement of volunteers, board members and staff in fundraising
* Manage electronic outreach and fundraising and tap into the potential of online resource development
* Develop written materials for publicity and fundraising
* Build upon our relationships with institutional funders
2. Together with the ED, manage some of the day-to-day administration of the organization:
* Co-create the organizational budget and development plan
* Supervise and engage volunteers and contractors involved in outreach, marketing and station relations
* Financial administration including: Maintain records of payroll, workers comp and insurance, and the filing state and federal forms
3. Inspire staff and community members. Be an effective leader, advocate and ambassador for the organization and the overall independent media sector
Skills and experience: Tell us what you’ve got. The candidates for this position may come from a variety of settings and experiences.
Compensation: Salary DOE plus generous healthcare and vacation package.
FT: This is a full-time position at our office in downtown Oakland, CA. We offer a flexible schedule and some off-site hours.
National Radio Project is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, sexual preference, disability, national origin, religion, or economic status.
HOW TO APPLY:
Please email your resume, a cover letter detailing the reasons why you are an excellent fit for this position, list three references that can speak to your abilities, and include a writing sample (e.g. proposal, report, article).
email to: lrudman[at]radioproject.org
APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED NOW. POSITION OPEN UNTIL FILLED.
Posted: 09 Apr 2008 04:49 PM CDT
National Radio Project / Making Contact seeks a person with a passion for organizational development and fundraising, networking, growing their leadership talents, and creating a world where peace and social justice are paramount.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Together with the Executive Director, lead development activities:
* Manage grassroots fundraising efforts to build upon our solid base of individual donors including: mail campaigns, major donor stewardship, house parties, engagement of volunteers, board members and staff in fundraising
* Manage electronic outreach and fundraising and tap into the potential of online resource development
* Develop written materials for publicity and fundraising
* Build upon our relationships with institutional funders
2. Together with the ED, manage some of the day-to-day administration of the organization:
* Co-create the organizational budget and development plan
* Supervise and engage volunteers and contractors involved in outreach, marketing and station relations
* Financial administration including: Maintain records of payroll, workers comp and insurance, and the filing state and federal forms
3. Inspire staff and community members. Be an effective leader, advocate and ambassador for the organization and the overall independent media sector
Skills and experience: Tell us what you’ve got. The candidates for this position may come from a variety of settings and experiences.
Compensation: Salary DOE plus generous healthcare and vacation package.
FT: This is a full-time position at our office in downtown Oakland, CA. We offer a flexible schedule and some off-site hours.
National Radio Project is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, sexual preference, disability, national origin, religion, or economic status.
HOW TO APPLY:
Please email your resume, a cover letter detailing the reasons why you are an excellent fit for this position, list three references that can speak to your abilities, and include a writing sample (e.g. proposal, report, article).
email to: lrudman[at]radioproject.org
APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED NOW. POSITION OPEN UNTIL FILLED.
From Airwaves and Liberty: Oaxacan Journalists Murdered
Community Radio Activists Murdered in Oaxaca
Posted: 10 Apr 2008 11:07 AM CDT
April 7th, 2008. Oaxaca, Mexico.
Two indigenous triqui women who worked at the community radio station La Voz que Rompe el Silencio (The Voice that Breaks the Silence), in the autonomous municipality of San Juan Copala (Mixteca region), were shot and murdered while on their way to Oaxaca city to participate in the State Forum for the Defense of the Rights of the Peoples of Oaxaca. Three other people were injured.
According to the State Attorney General, the victims are Teresa Bautista Merino (24 years old) and Felicitas Martinez Sanchez (20 years old).
Francisco Vasquez Martinez (30 years old), his wife Cristina Martinez Flores (22 years old), and their son Jaciel Vasquez Martinez (three years old) were also injured in the attack.
According to prelimary reports, the women had left the station, which is part of the Network of Indigenous Community Radio Stations of the Southeast (Red de Radios Comunitarias Indigenas del Sureste), around 1:00 PM. They were travelling in a truck on their way to Oaxaca city, but were ambushed on the outskirts of the community Llano Juarez.
The two community radio activists were supposed to coordinate the working group for Community and Alternative Communication: Community Radio, Video, Press, and Internet, at the State Forum for the Defense of the Rights of the People of Oaxaca, which was to begin the today (Wednesday) in the auditorium of Seccion 22 of the teachers union in Oaxaca.
The Center for Community Support Working Together (CACTUS as the spanish acronym) released a communique denouncing the murders and demanding that the state authorities investigate and punish those responsible for the crime.
The state attorney general said that 20 bullet shells, caliber 7.62, were found at the site of the murders, along with other arms including an AK-47.
People are encouraged to contact their local embassies and consulates (or to organize demonstrations at their local embassies and consulates) to express their condemnation of this paramilitary repression of indigenous women and community media projects.
Posted: 10 Apr 2008 11:07 AM CDT
April 7th, 2008. Oaxaca, Mexico.
Two indigenous triqui women who worked at the community radio station La Voz que Rompe el Silencio (The Voice that Breaks the Silence), in the autonomous municipality of San Juan Copala (Mixteca region), were shot and murdered while on their way to Oaxaca city to participate in the State Forum for the Defense of the Rights of the Peoples of Oaxaca. Three other people were injured.
According to the State Attorney General, the victims are Teresa Bautista Merino (24 years old) and Felicitas Martinez Sanchez (20 years old).
Francisco Vasquez Martinez (30 years old), his wife Cristina Martinez Flores (22 years old), and their son Jaciel Vasquez Martinez (three years old) were also injured in the attack.
According to prelimary reports, the women had left the station, which is part of the Network of Indigenous Community Radio Stations of the Southeast (Red de Radios Comunitarias Indigenas del Sureste), around 1:00 PM. They were travelling in a truck on their way to Oaxaca city, but were ambushed on the outskirts of the community Llano Juarez.
The two community radio activists were supposed to coordinate the working group for Community and Alternative Communication: Community Radio, Video, Press, and Internet, at the State Forum for the Defense of the Rights of the People of Oaxaca, which was to begin the today (Wednesday) in the auditorium of Seccion 22 of the teachers union in Oaxaca.
The Center for Community Support Working Together (CACTUS as the spanish acronym) released a communique denouncing the murders and demanding that the state authorities investigate and punish those responsible for the crime.
The state attorney general said that 20 bullet shells, caliber 7.62, were found at the site of the murders, along with other arms including an AK-47.
People are encouraged to contact their local embassies and consulates (or to organize demonstrations at their local embassies and consulates) to express their condemnation of this paramilitary repression of indigenous women and community media projects.
From Airwaves and Liberty: NLGJA’s Excellence in Journalism Awards
Call for Applications for Journalism Awards & Hall of Fame
More information and applications: www.nlgja.org
Posted: 08 Apr 2008 05:01 PM CDT
Nominations are now being accepted for NLGJA’s Excellence in Journalism Awards and for the LGBT Journalists Hall of Fame. Don’t miss your opportunity to shine a national spotlight on journalists and the work of journalists - past and present - that exemplify fair and accurate coverage of the LGBT community.
Excellence in Journalism Awards
Consider submitting your work for NLGJA’s Excellence in Journalism Awards in the following categories:
* Journalist of the Year Award
* Sarah Pettit Memorial Award for Excellence in LGBT Media
* Excellence in News Writing Award, Sponsored by Hearst Newspapers
* Excellence in Feature Writing Award, Sponsored by Hearst Newspapers
* Excellence in Writing Award Opinion/Editorial, Sponsored by Hearst Newspapers
* NLGJA/Seigenthaler Excellence in Network Television Award
* NLGJA/Seigenthaler Excellence in Local Television Award
* NLGJA/Seigenthaler Excellence in Radio Award
* NLGJA/RTNDA Excellence in Online Journalism Award
* Excellence in Photojournalism Award
* Excellence in HIV/AIDS Coverage Award
* Excellence in Student Journalism Award
Initial broadcast/publication must have occurred between May 31, 2007 and April 30, 2008 for consideration.
There is a $500 cash award for first place in all categories except the Sarah Pettit Memorial Award for Excellence in LGBT Media and the Excellence in Student Journalism Award. First place winners in these categories receive $1,000.
Winners will be notified in early July 2008. Winners will be recognized during NLGJA Goes to Washington, our 2008 National Convention & 5th Annual LGBT Media Summit, to be held August 21-24 in Washington, DC.
Click here for more information and to download an application. Entries must arrive at NLGJA’s National Office no later than Friday, May 2, 2008.
LGBT Journalists Hall of Fame
The LGBT Journalists Hall of Fame was established in 2005 as part of NLGJA’s 15th Anniversary celebration. At that time, seven journalists were honored for their commitment, courage and dedication.
NLGJA is now seeking nominations for the 2008 class of the LGBT Journalists Hall of Fame. Nominations should include the candidate’s name and a brief statement of your reasons for considering this individual worthy of inclusion. We would also welcome the submission of any Web sites that provide background on the nominee.
To submit a nomination, e-mail NLGJA Deputy Executive Director Tom Avila at tavila@nlgja.org . Please use the subject line: Hall of Fame Nomination. Please include your name, phone and e-mail contact information in case members of the task force want to reach you for additional information.
The 2008 Hall of Fame inductees will be announced at NLGJA Goes to Washington, our 2008 National Convention & 5th Annual LGBT Media Summit, to be held August 21-24 in Washington, DC.
Nominations must be received no later than 5:00 PM PT, Monday, April 21, 2008.
Tom Avila
National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association
More information and applications: www.nlgja.org
Posted: 08 Apr 2008 05:01 PM CDT
Nominations are now being accepted for NLGJA’s Excellence in Journalism Awards and for the LGBT Journalists Hall of Fame. Don’t miss your opportunity to shine a national spotlight on journalists and the work of journalists - past and present - that exemplify fair and accurate coverage of the LGBT community.
Excellence in Journalism Awards
Consider submitting your work for NLGJA’s Excellence in Journalism Awards in the following categories:
* Journalist of the Year Award
* Sarah Pettit Memorial Award for Excellence in LGBT Media
* Excellence in News Writing Award, Sponsored by Hearst Newspapers
* Excellence in Feature Writing Award, Sponsored by Hearst Newspapers
* Excellence in Writing Award Opinion/Editorial, Sponsored by Hearst Newspapers
* NLGJA/Seigenthaler Excellence in Network Television Award
* NLGJA/Seigenthaler Excellence in Local Television Award
* NLGJA/Seigenthaler Excellence in Radio Award
* NLGJA/RTNDA Excellence in Online Journalism Award
* Excellence in Photojournalism Award
* Excellence in HIV/AIDS Coverage Award
* Excellence in Student Journalism Award
Initial broadcast/publication must have occurred between May 31, 2007 and April 30, 2008 for consideration.
There is a $500 cash award for first place in all categories except the Sarah Pettit Memorial Award for Excellence in LGBT Media and the Excellence in Student Journalism Award. First place winners in these categories receive $1,000.
Winners will be notified in early July 2008. Winners will be recognized during NLGJA Goes to Washington, our 2008 National Convention & 5th Annual LGBT Media Summit, to be held August 21-24 in Washington, DC.
Click here for more information and to download an application. Entries must arrive at NLGJA’s National Office no later than Friday, May 2, 2008.
LGBT Journalists Hall of Fame
The LGBT Journalists Hall of Fame was established in 2005 as part of NLGJA’s 15th Anniversary celebration. At that time, seven journalists were honored for their commitment, courage and dedication.
NLGJA is now seeking nominations for the 2008 class of the LGBT Journalists Hall of Fame. Nominations should include the candidate’s name and a brief statement of your reasons for considering this individual worthy of inclusion. We would also welcome the submission of any Web sites that provide background on the nominee.
To submit a nomination, e-mail NLGJA Deputy Executive Director Tom Avila at tavila@nlgja.org . Please use the subject line: Hall of Fame Nomination. Please include your name, phone and e-mail contact information in case members of the task force want to reach you for additional information.
The 2008 Hall of Fame inductees will be announced at NLGJA Goes to Washington, our 2008 National Convention & 5th Annual LGBT Media Summit, to be held August 21-24 in Washington, DC.
Nominations must be received no later than 5:00 PM PT, Monday, April 21, 2008.
Tom Avila
National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Ivestigative Reporters and Editors Fellowships for Freelancers
Reminder: Deadline approaches for IRE's new fellowship awards for
freelance investigative journalists
Application postmark deadline: April 30, 2008
Freelance journalists looking to launch investigative projects have a
new source of financial support. IRE's Freelance Journalism
Fellowships will provide at least two freelance investigative
journalists at least $1,000 apiece to conduct their projects. (The
number and amount of fellowships is dependent upon how much income the
fellowship fund generates.) Fellowship winners will be announced in
June.
The 2008 applications will be scrutinized by three experienced
freelance journalists; they are ineligible for the fellowships while
serving on the committee. Proposals will be judged in part on the
breadth, significance and potential impact of the investigative
project. For more information on the fellowships, and to download an
application form, please see:
www.ire.org/training/fellowships
Questions? Please contact IRE staff member John Green via telephone
(573-882-2772) or email (jgreen@ire.org).
Regards,
John
freelance investigative journalists
Application postmark deadline: April 30, 2008
Freelance journalists looking to launch investigative projects have a
new source of financial support. IRE's Freelance Journalism
Fellowships will provide at least two freelance investigative
journalists at least $1,000 apiece to conduct their projects. (The
number and amount of fellowships is dependent upon how much income the
fellowship fund generates.) Fellowship winners will be announced in
June.
The 2008 applications will be scrutinized by three experienced
freelance journalists; they are ineligible for the fellowships while
serving on the committee. Proposals will be judged in part on the
breadth, significance and potential impact of the investigative
project. For more information on the fellowships, and to download an
application form, please see:
www.ire.org/training/fellowships
Questions? Please contact IRE staff member John Green via telephone
(573-882-2772) or email (jgreen@ire.org
Regards,
John
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Story Assignment: Endangered Wales Sacrificed to Big Oil?
From the CommonDreams.org Newswire
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 8, 2008
12:58 PM
CONTACT: Center for Biological Diversity
Brendan Cummings, (760) 366-2232, x 304
Oil Drilling to Hit Heart of Right Whale Habitat in Bering Sea:
World’s Most Endangered Whale Will Be Sacrificed to Oil Companies
ANCHORAGE, ALASKA - April 8 - The Bush administration today took the first step toward opening up 5.6 million acres in the Bering Sea off Alaska to oil and gas leasing. The proposal, published in today’s Federal Register by the Department of the Interior’s Minerals Management Service, would allow oil development in an area north of the Aleutian Islands near Bristol Bay that has been designated critical habitat for the North Pacific right whale.
The North Pacific right whale, once ranging from California to Alaska and across the North Pacific to Russia and Japan, was decimated by commercial whaling and is now the most endangered large whale in the world. Perhaps fewer than 50 individuals remain in a population that visits the Bering Sea each summer to feed.
“Drilling in Bristol Bay would be drilling through the heart of the most important habitat of the most endangered whale on the planet,” said Brendan Cummings, oceans program director at the Center for Biological Diversity. “If the North Pacific right whale is to have any chance of survival, we must protect its critical habitat, not auction it off to oil companies.”
In July 2006, approximately 36,000 square miles of the Bering Sea were designated as critical habitat for the right whale under the Endangered Species Act. The designation came as a result of a lawsuit brought by the Center for Biological Diversity. More than half of the area proposed today for leasing is within right whale critical habitat.
Ironically, the leasing proposal was made the very same day that a different federal agency, the National Marine Fisheries Service, published a final rule in the Federal Register that reaffirms the designation of portions of the lease area as critical habitat for the North Pacific right whale. Last month the Fisheries Service formally recognized the North Pacific right whale as a distinct species under the Endangered Species Act; previously the whale had been considered the same species as right whales in the North Atlantic. Today’s critical habitat designation protects the same areas in the Bering Sea as the 2006 designation of critical habitat, but transfers this habitat protection to the newly recognized North Pacific right whale.
“Unfortunately, for the right whale it’s one step forward, two steps back,” said Cummings. “One branch of the federal government is acting to protect the critical habitat of the North Pacific right whale, while another branch is simultaneously proposing to destroy it.”
Today’s contradictory government pronouncements in the Federal Register are reminiscent of the Minerals Management Service’s recent decision to lease important polar bear habitat in the Chukchi Sea at the same time another federal agency, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, was considering protecting the polar bear under the Endangered Species Act. Both the Minerals Management Service and the Fish and Wildlife Service are in the Department of the Interior under Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne. Secretary Kempthorne chose to delay protection for the polar bear until after the Chukchi lease sale was held. The polar bear listing has yet to be finalized and is in litigation.
Listing and critical habitat decisions for the right whale are under the jurisdiction of the National Marine Fisheries Service, which is in the Department of Commerce rather than the Department of the Interior. The new listing and critical habitat designations for the North Pacific right whale were only issued following petitions and litigation by the Center for Biological Diversity, and would, if the administration complies with the Endangered Species Act, likely prevent the proposed lease sale from going forward.
“By finally affording the North Pacific right whale the full protections of the Endangered Species Act to which it is legally entitled and so desperately needs, this critically imperiled whale has a real chance of recovery,” added Cummings. “But we must not throw away the right whale’s chances of recovery in furtherance of our addiction to oil.”
Under today’s leasing proposal, the North Aleutian Basin lease sale would be held in 2011. In addition to containing critical habitat for the North Pacific right whale, the North Aleutian Basin is important habitat for Pacific walrus, ribbon seals, humpback and beluga whales, and numerous species of seabirds. It also supports some of the largest commercial salmon fisheries in the world. The North Aleutian Basin sale is one of eight lease sales in the federal waters off Alaska scheduled under the 2007-2012 Leasing Program approved by Secretary Kempthorne in June 2007. The Center for Biological Diversity filed a legal challenge to the leasing program in July 2007. That litigation is ongoing.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 8, 2008
12:58 PM
CONTACT: Center for Biological Diversity
Brendan Cummings, (760) 366-2232, x 304
Oil Drilling to Hit Heart of Right Whale Habitat in Bering Sea:
World’s Most Endangered Whale Will Be Sacrificed to Oil Companies
ANCHORAGE, ALASKA - April 8 - The Bush administration today took the first step toward opening up 5.6 million acres in the Bering Sea off Alaska to oil and gas leasing. The proposal, published in today’s Federal Register by the Department of the Interior’s Minerals Management Service, would allow oil development in an area north of the Aleutian Islands near Bristol Bay that has been designated critical habitat for the North Pacific right whale.
The North Pacific right whale, once ranging from California to Alaska and across the North Pacific to Russia and Japan, was decimated by commercial whaling and is now the most endangered large whale in the world. Perhaps fewer than 50 individuals remain in a population that visits the Bering Sea each summer to feed.
“Drilling in Bristol Bay would be drilling through the heart of the most important habitat of the most endangered whale on the planet,” said Brendan Cummings, oceans program director at the Center for Biological Diversity. “If the North Pacific right whale is to have any chance of survival, we must protect its critical habitat, not auction it off to oil companies.”
In July 2006, approximately 36,000 square miles of the Bering Sea were designated as critical habitat for the right whale under the Endangered Species Act. The designation came as a result of a lawsuit brought by the Center for Biological Diversity. More than half of the area proposed today for leasing is within right whale critical habitat.
Ironically, the leasing proposal was made the very same day that a different federal agency, the National Marine Fisheries Service, published a final rule in the Federal Register that reaffirms the designation of portions of the lease area as critical habitat for the North Pacific right whale. Last month the Fisheries Service formally recognized the North Pacific right whale as a distinct species under the Endangered Species Act; previously the whale had been considered the same species as right whales in the North Atlantic. Today’s critical habitat designation protects the same areas in the Bering Sea as the 2006 designation of critical habitat, but transfers this habitat protection to the newly recognized North Pacific right whale.
“Unfortunately, for the right whale it’s one step forward, two steps back,” said Cummings. “One branch of the federal government is acting to protect the critical habitat of the North Pacific right whale, while another branch is simultaneously proposing to destroy it.”
Today’s contradictory government pronouncements in the Federal Register are reminiscent of the Minerals Management Service’s recent decision to lease important polar bear habitat in the Chukchi Sea at the same time another federal agency, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, was considering protecting the polar bear under the Endangered Species Act. Both the Minerals Management Service and the Fish and Wildlife Service are in the Department of the Interior under Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne. Secretary Kempthorne chose to delay protection for the polar bear until after the Chukchi lease sale was held. The polar bear listing has yet to be finalized and is in litigation.
Listing and critical habitat decisions for the right whale are under the jurisdiction of the National Marine Fisheries Service, which is in the Department of Commerce rather than the Department of the Interior. The new listing and critical habitat designations for the North Pacific right whale were only issued following petitions and litigation by the Center for Biological Diversity, and would, if the administration complies with the Endangered Species Act, likely prevent the proposed lease sale from going forward.
“By finally affording the North Pacific right whale the full protections of the Endangered Species Act to which it is legally entitled and so desperately needs, this critically imperiled whale has a real chance of recovery,” added Cummings. “But we must not throw away the right whale’s chances of recovery in furtherance of our addiction to oil.”
Under today’s leasing proposal, the North Aleutian Basin lease sale would be held in 2011. In addition to containing critical habitat for the North Pacific right whale, the North Aleutian Basin is important habitat for Pacific walrus, ribbon seals, humpback and beluga whales, and numerous species of seabirds. It also supports some of the largest commercial salmon fisheries in the world. The North Aleutian Basin sale is one of eight lease sales in the federal waters off Alaska scheduled under the 2007-2012 Leasing Program approved by Secretary Kempthorne in June 2007. The Center for Biological Diversity filed a legal challenge to the leasing program in July 2007. That litigation is ongoing.
Story Assignment: ACLU Tries to Take John Ashcroft to Court
From the CommonDreams.org Newswire:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 8, 2008
12:25 PM
CONTACT: ACLU
Maria Archuleta, ACLU, (212) 519-7808 or 549-2666;
media@aclu.org
ACLU Argues That Ashcroft Can Be Held Accountable for Wrongful Detention
Government Cannot Use Material Witness Statute to Detain People As Suspects, Says ACLU
SEATTLE - April 8 - The American Civil Liberties Union is arguing today in the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit that former Attorney General John Ashcroft can be held personally responsible for the wrongful detention of an innocent American, Abdullah al-Kidd. The ACLU is also arguing that the federal material witness law cannot be used to preventively detain or investigate suspects without sufficient evidence that they have actually committed crimes.
“Former Attorney General Ashcroft championed the use of the federal material witness law to circumvent the American traditions of fairness and due process,” said ACLU Immigrants’ Rights Project senior staff attorney Lee Gelernt. “He shouldn’t escape liability after personally creating and overseeing the policy of deliberately misusing the statute.”
Prior to 9/11, the federal material witness law was used sparingly - especially with U.S. citizens - to ensure that witnesses would be available to testify in criminal cases. Arrests, under the statute, took place in rare cases to secure testimony where there was hard evidence that an individual had material information but would not testify voluntarily. After 9/11, Ashcroft distorted the law into a preventative detention statute, allowing the government to arrest and detain individuals for whom the government lacked probable cause to charge with criminal violations.
The appellate court hearing in al-Kidd v. Ashcroft comes after a U.S. district court in 2006 found that the material witness law may only be used when an individual is genuinely sought as a witness and where there is a real risk of flight. The court also ruled that the law does not allow an end-run around the constitutional requirements for arresting someone suspected of a crime.
Former Attorney General John Ashcroft appealed the ruling and has asked for immunity from liability.
Al-Kidd is a U.S.-born American citizen who was unlawfully arrested and detained on March 16, 2003. Al-Kidd was on his way to Saudi Arabia to study when he was arrested in Washington’s Dulles Airport as a material witness in the trial of Sami Omar Al-Hussayen. For 16 days, al-Kidd was held in heightened-security units of various jails and shackled whenever moved. Eventually al-Kidd was released under onerous conditions that included confining his travel to four states, surrendering his passport and reporting to probation officers. He was held for more than 13 months under these conditions without ever being asked to testify or being charged with any crime.
At the time of his arrest, al-Kidd had already shown that he was not a flight risk and would cooperate as a witness. He had voluntarily met with the FBI repeatedly, never missing a scheduled appointment. For six months prior to his arrest, al- Kidd had not been contacted by the FBI, and he had never been told that he was prohibited from traveling abroad to pursue his studies.
The ACLU lawsuit names former Attorney General John Ashcroft, the United States, several federal agents and local officials in Virginia, Oklahoma and Idaho.
Organizations and individuals who have submitted friend-of-the-court briefs in the case include former federal prosecutors, former presidents of the American Bar Association, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and Human Rights Watch.
Attorneys on the case are Gelernt, Robin Goldfaden and Lucas Guttentag from the ACLU Immigrants’ Rights Project; Jack Van Valkenburgh from the ACLU of Idaho; Cynthia Woolley from the Law Offices of Cynthia J. Woolley, PLLC; R. Keith Roark from the Roark Law Firm, LLP; Kathleen Elliot from Hampton & Elliott; and Michael J. Wishnie from Yale Law School who is cooperating counsel for the ACLU.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 8, 2008
12:25 PM
CONTACT: ACLU
Maria Archuleta, ACLU, (212) 519-7808 or 549-2666;
media@aclu.org
ACLU Argues That Ashcroft Can Be Held Accountable for Wrongful Detention
Government Cannot Use Material Witness Statute to Detain People As Suspects, Says ACLU
SEATTLE - April 8 - The American Civil Liberties Union is arguing today in the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit that former Attorney General John Ashcroft can be held personally responsible for the wrongful detention of an innocent American, Abdullah al-Kidd. The ACLU is also arguing that the federal material witness law cannot be used to preventively detain or investigate suspects without sufficient evidence that they have actually committed crimes.
“Former Attorney General Ashcroft championed the use of the federal material witness law to circumvent the American traditions of fairness and due process,” said ACLU Immigrants’ Rights Project senior staff attorney Lee Gelernt. “He shouldn’t escape liability after personally creating and overseeing the policy of deliberately misusing the statute.”
Prior to 9/11, the federal material witness law was used sparingly - especially with U.S. citizens - to ensure that witnesses would be available to testify in criminal cases. Arrests, under the statute, took place in rare cases to secure testimony where there was hard evidence that an individual had material information but would not testify voluntarily. After 9/11, Ashcroft distorted the law into a preventative detention statute, allowing the government to arrest and detain individuals for whom the government lacked probable cause to charge with criminal violations.
The appellate court hearing in al-Kidd v. Ashcroft comes after a U.S. district court in 2006 found that the material witness law may only be used when an individual is genuinely sought as a witness and where there is a real risk of flight. The court also ruled that the law does not allow an end-run around the constitutional requirements for arresting someone suspected of a crime.
Former Attorney General John Ashcroft appealed the ruling and has asked for immunity from liability.
Al-Kidd is a U.S.-born American citizen who was unlawfully arrested and detained on March 16, 2003. Al-Kidd was on his way to Saudi Arabia to study when he was arrested in Washington’s Dulles Airport as a material witness in the trial of Sami Omar Al-Hussayen. For 16 days, al-Kidd was held in heightened-security units of various jails and shackled whenever moved. Eventually al-Kidd was released under onerous conditions that included confining his travel to four states, surrendering his passport and reporting to probation officers. He was held for more than 13 months under these conditions without ever being asked to testify or being charged with any crime.
At the time of his arrest, al-Kidd had already shown that he was not a flight risk and would cooperate as a witness. He had voluntarily met with the FBI repeatedly, never missing a scheduled appointment. For six months prior to his arrest, al- Kidd had not been contacted by the FBI, and he had never been told that he was prohibited from traveling abroad to pursue his studies.
The ACLU lawsuit names former Attorney General John Ashcroft, the United States, several federal agents and local officials in Virginia, Oklahoma and Idaho.
Organizations and individuals who have submitted friend-of-the-court briefs in the case include former federal prosecutors, former presidents of the American Bar Association, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and Human Rights Watch.
Attorneys on the case are Gelernt, Robin Goldfaden and Lucas Guttentag from the ACLU Immigrants’ Rights Project; Jack Van Valkenburgh from the ACLU of Idaho; Cynthia Woolley from the Law Offices of Cynthia J. Woolley, PLLC; R. Keith Roark from the Roark Law Firm, LLP; Kathleen Elliot from Hampton & Elliott; and Michael J. Wishnie from Yale Law School who is cooperating counsel for the ACLU.
Clinton Campaign Offers VIP Interviews
***MEDIA ADVISORY***
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 8, 2008
Contact: Cassie Trotter 202-797-9001
cassiet@qrsnews.com
Secretary Madeleine Albright and Mike McCurry
Available for Radio Interviews
Hillary Clinton Campaign Senior Advisors Madeleine Albright and Mike McCurry are available Wednesday for Radio Interviews. Both individuals will discuss their support for Hillary Clinton, the war in Iraq and the importance of making every vote count.
Availability
Madeleine Albright, Wednesday, April 9th: 7-8:15am EDT
Mike McCurry, Wednesday, April 9th: 8:00-9:00am EDT
Contact Cassie Trotter for available times and to schedule an interview:
(202) 797-9001
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 8, 2008
Contact: Cassie Trotter 202-797-9001
cassiet@qrsnews.com
Secretary Madeleine Albright and Mike McCurry
Available for Radio Interviews
Hillary Clinton Campaign Senior Advisors Madeleine Albright and Mike McCurry are available Wednesday for Radio Interviews. Both individuals will discuss their support for Hillary Clinton, the war in Iraq and the importance of making every vote count.
Availability
Madeleine Albright, Wednesday, April 9th: 7-8:15am EDT
Mike McCurry, Wednesday, April 9th: 8:00-9:00am EDT
Contact Cassie Trotter for available times and to schedule an interview:
(202) 797-9001
Junot Diaz Wins Pulitzer
One of the most wonderful novelists I've ever interviewed was named wiinner of the Pulitzer Prize for Literature yesterday. Juno Diaz is a native of the Dominican Republic while also being a native of New Jersey.
His book, The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, tells the story of a geeky immigrant kid who loves to write and dreams of being the Dominican JRR Tolkien. I spoke with Junot last fall at the KBOO studios, one of those interviews with someone you had never heard of but after conducting a Google Five Point Search, you suddenly discover he's very, very famous among those who have heard of him.
Plus, wonderful, intelligent, sexy and political; my favorite part of the interview was his analysis on why more and more people should be encouraged to write fiction -- because, he said, where there are more writers, there are more readers. And in the US of A, fewer and fewer people read books.
His book, The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, tells the story of a geeky immigrant kid who loves to write and dreams of being the Dominican JRR Tolkien. I spoke with Junot last fall at the KBOO studios, one of those interviews with someone you had never heard of but after conducting a Google Five Point Search, you suddenly discover he's very, very famous among those who have heard of him.
Plus, wonderful, intelligent, sexy and political; my favorite part of the interview was his analysis on why more and more people should be encouraged to write fiction -- because, he said, where there are more writers, there are more readers. And in the US of A, fewer and fewer people read books.
Here's the interview.
IPA: Interviews Available on Muqtada al-Sadr
PM Tuesday, April 8, 2008
PATRICK COCKBURN, via Katie Monaghan, katherine.monaghan@simonandschuster.com
Currently in London, Cockburn is available for a limited number of
interviews. He is author of the just-published "Muqtada: Muqtada al-Sadr,
the Shia Revival, and the Struggle for Iraq." An excerpt from the book is
available at:.
Seymour Hersh has called Cockburn, who writes for the British paper
The Independent, "quite simply, the best Western journalist at work in Iraq
today." His previous books include "The Occupation: War, resistance and
daily life in Iraq."
Institute for Public Accuracy
PATRICK COCKBURN, via Katie Monaghan, katherine.monaghan@simonandschuster.com
Currently in London, Cockburn is available for a limited number of
interviews. He is author of the just-published "Muqtada: Muqtada al-Sadr,
the Shia Revival, and the Struggle for Iraq." An excerpt from the book is
available at:
Seymour Hersh has called Cockburn, who writes for the British paper
The Independent, "quite simply, the best Western journalist at work in Iraq
today." His previous books include "The Occupation: War, resistance and
daily life in Iraq."
Institute for Public Accuracy
Monday, April 7, 2008
Storytelling Grant: This Just in from Our Friends at Airwaves and Liberty
National Storytelling Network Invites Applications for Applied Storytelling Award
Posted: 07 Apr 2008 10:47 AM CDT
Deadline: May 2, 2008 (Preliminary proposals)
The National Storytelling Network ( http://www.storynet.org/ ) invites applications for the fifth annual Brimstone Award for Applied Storytelling.
The award focuses on the transformational properties of story-telling and aims to increase understanding of the ways story-telling can promote change in individuals and communities.
The award provides a grant of $5,000 for a project that will be completed in calendar year 2009. The grant will support a model storytelling project that is service-oriented, based in a community or organization, and to some extent replicable in other places and situations. Many different sorts of projects can be considered for the award, including community, organizational or institutional programs, curricular activities, short residencies, and projects combining complementary art forms.
Applicants who are not members of the National Storytelling Network must pay the current membership fee to become an NSN member.
Program information and an application form are available at the NSN Web site.
Posted: 07 Apr 2008 10:47 AM CDT
Deadline: May 2, 2008 (Preliminary proposals)
The National Storytelling Network ( http://www.storynet.org/ ) invites applications for the fifth annual Brimstone Award for Applied Storytelling.
The award focuses on the transformational properties of story-telling and aims to increase understanding of the ways story-telling can promote change in individuals and communities.
The award provides a grant of $5,000 for a project that will be completed in calendar year 2009. The grant will support a model storytelling project that is service-oriented, based in a community or organization, and to some extent replicable in other places and situations. Many different sorts of projects can be considered for the award, including community, organizational or institutional programs, curricular activities, short residencies, and projects combining complementary art forms.
Applicants who are not members of the National Storytelling Network must pay the current membership fee to become an NSN member.
Program information and an application form are available at the NSN Web site.
Oregon Public Broadcasting Hiring a Reporter
Reporter/Producer II Radio Department
Position: Full-Time, Non-exempt, Regular Status
Compensation: Salary, plus benefits package
Position Summary: Produce high quality, feature and spot news stories for OPB Radio, for a specific beat, within the newsroom. Consistently meet daily deadlines, as well as ethical, technical, legal and aesthetic standards.
Working Conditions: Work between the Portland office/studio and field as needed for newsgathering. In-state travel is common, but trips are often short; some out-of-state travel is required. Travel may include remote locations, working evening or weekends, and possibly working in inclement weather. Lifting and carrying equipment up to 25 lbs may be required, including some extended periods of standing and walking.
Required Qualifications:
* Bachelor's degree in Journalism or related field
* One year full-time professional experience as a news reporter or producer
* Demonstrated experience in use of digital audio recording and editing equipment and computer workstations
Preferred Qualifications:
* Radio news experience, preferably in a public broadcasting environment.
* Advanced skills in digital audio recording and editing
* Knowledge of Northwest region
* Outstanding writing, interviewing and on-air skills
* Ability to deliver reports and engage in conversation during live broadcasts
* Ability to work well with colleagues in collaborative newsroom environment
* Ability to follow multiple stories at once
* Ability to develop sources and follow beat area(s)
* Ability to contribute to shaping coverage of that beat within OPB's editorial structure
* Demonstrated ability and commitment to apply high ethical standards to reporting
To Apply: Please submit cover letter, resume, 2-3 audio samples of recently produced stories and salary history to: OPB HR, MS-WWW, 7140 SW Macadam Ave., Portland, OR 97219 or hr@opb.org
Application screening closes June 6, 2008, 5:00pm
Position: Full-Time, Non-exempt, Regular Status
Compensation: Salary, plus benefits package
Position Summary: Produce high quality, feature and spot news stories for OPB Radio, for a specific beat, within the newsroom. Consistently meet daily deadlines, as well as ethical, technical, legal and aesthetic standards.
Working Conditions: Work between the Portland office/studio and field as needed for newsgathering. In-state travel is common, but trips are often short; some out-of-state travel is required. Travel may include remote locations, working evening or weekends, and possibly working in inclement weather. Lifting and carrying equipment up to 25 lbs may be required, including some extended periods of standing and walking.
Required Qualifications:
* Bachelor's degree in Journalism or related field
* One year full-time professional experience as a news reporter or producer
* Demonstrated experience in use of digital audio recording and editing equipment and computer workstations
Preferred Qualifications:
* Radio news experience, preferably in a public broadcasting environment.
* Advanced skills in digital audio recording and editing
* Knowledge of Northwest region
* Outstanding writing, interviewing and on-air skills
* Ability to deliver reports and engage in conversation during live broadcasts
* Ability to work well with colleagues in collaborative newsroom environment
* Ability to follow multiple stories at once
* Ability to develop sources and follow beat area(s)
* Ability to contribute to shaping coverage of that beat within OPB's editorial structure
* Demonstrated ability and commitment to apply high ethical standards to reporting
To Apply: Please submit cover letter, resume, 2-3 audio samples of recently produced stories and salary history to: OPB HR, MS-WWW, 7140 SW Macadam Ave., Portland, OR 97219 or hr@opb.org
Application screening closes June 6, 2008, 5:00pm
Story Idea: Clinton and Obama Supporting Scaled-Down Occupation in Iraq
Institute for Public Accuracy
915 National Press Building, Washington, D.C. 20045
(202) 347-0020 * http://www.accuracy.org * ipa@accuracy.org
___________________________________________________
Monday, April 7, 2008
Interviews Available
JOSHUA HOLLAND, joshua.holland@alternet.org, http://www.alternet.org/waroniraq/81251
Holland just wrote the piece "Obama and Hillary Spin a 'Big Lie' About Iraq," which states: "On the campaign trail, the two candidates often speak of bringing the troops home and ending the war, and Democratic primary voters, 80 percent of whom want U.S. troops out of Iraq within 12 months, reward them with boisterous applause. ... Both Clinton and Obama have been very clear -- in the fine print -- about the fact that they will leave a significant number of 'residual forces' in Iraq, albeit with a more limited mission than the Bush administration has pursued."
Holland told the Institute for Public Accuracy today: "For example, Obama has played this trick of calling for the removal of all 'combat troops' in 16 months; what the campaign doesn't highlight is that it plans to leave 'non-combat troops,' but the idea of 'non-combat' troops in Iraq makes no sense. Also, the campaign is backing off of the 16 months pledge: 'Obama Advisor: 60,000 Troops Should Stay In Iraq Through 2010'."
JEREMY SCAHILL, jeremy.scahill@gmail.com
Author of "Blackwater: The Rise of the World's Most Powerful Mercenary Army," Scahill said today: "All three of the major U.S. candidates for president have Iraq plans that would continue the occupation for the foreseeable future. McCain clearly would continue the Bush policy, but both Obama and Clinton have plans that would maintain some of the largest encampments of the occupation -- the Green Zone, the monstrous U.S. embassy, U.S. control of the Baghdad airport. Additionally, the Democratic candidates speak of maintaining a U.S. 'strike force' in Iraq and surrounding countries. In all, this could mean as many as 60,000-80,000 troops in Iraq for many years to come. On top of this, both Democrats have plans that would maintain a massive force of so-called 'private contractors' to support their Iraq policy. They are misleading their supporters when they passionately denounce the war and profess to support bringing it to an end. At best, what Obama or Clinton are offering is a scaled-down occupation -- but still a sizable one -- re-branded as a different mission.
"For the first time in 14 years, weapons manufacturers are donating more to Democrats than to Republicans. The Dems have received 52 percent of the military industry's political donations in this election cycle -- up from a low of 32 percent in 1996. There is a reason for this: it is good business policy." See: "Blackwater Seeps Into the Campaign" at.
"Meanwhile, the Bush administration has extended Blackwater's Iraq contract for yet another year. This is hardly a surprise and shows just how morally bankrupt the outsourcing of Washington's war -- and the de facto immunity offered to the shadow army -- has been from day one.
"Instead of holding this force accountable for its alleged crimes, the White House continues to reward Blackwater with lucrative contracts. The White House says Blackwater is necessary to protect U.S. officials. When will we hear any concern for the protection of Iraqi civilians who have consistently been wounded or killed by these forces over the past five years?" See: "Contract Justice: An Iraqi Translator Gets Prosecuted While Blackwater Gets Another Year in Iraq" at.
915 National Press Building, Washington, D.C. 20045
(202) 347-0020 * http://www.accuracy.org * ipa@accuracy.org
___________________________________________________
Monday, April 7, 2008
Interviews Available
JOSHUA HOLLAND, joshua.holland@alternet.org, http://www.alternet.org/waroniraq/81251
Holland just wrote the piece "Obama and Hillary Spin a 'Big Lie' About Iraq," which states: "On the campaign trail, the two candidates often speak of bringing the troops home and ending the war, and Democratic primary voters, 80 percent of whom want U.S. troops out of Iraq within 12 months, reward them with boisterous applause. ... Both Clinton and Obama have been very clear -- in the fine print -- about the fact that they will leave a significant number of 'residual forces' in Iraq, albeit with a more limited mission than the Bush administration has pursued."
Holland told the Institute for Public Accuracy today: "For example, Obama has played this trick of calling for the removal of all 'combat troops' in 16 months; what the campaign doesn't highlight is that it plans to leave 'non-combat troops,' but the idea of 'non-combat' troops in Iraq makes no sense. Also, the campaign is backing off of the 16 months pledge: 'Obama Advisor: 60,000 Troops Should Stay In Iraq Through 2010'
JEREMY SCAHILL, jeremy.scahill@gmail.com
Author of "Blackwater: The Rise of the World's Most Powerful Mercenary Army," Scahill said today: "All three of the major U.S. candidates for president have Iraq plans that would continue the occupation for the foreseeable future. McCain clearly would continue the Bush policy, but both Obama and Clinton have plans that would maintain some of the largest encampments of the occupation -- the Green Zone, the monstrous U.S. embassy, U.S. control of the Baghdad airport. Additionally, the Democratic candidates speak of maintaining a U.S. 'strike force' in Iraq and surrounding countries. In all, this could mean as many as 60,000-80,000 troops in Iraq for many years to come. On top of this, both Democrats have plans that would maintain a massive force of so-called 'private contractors' to support their Iraq policy. They are misleading their supporters when they passionately denounce the war and profess to support bringing it to an end. At best, what Obama or Clinton are offering is a scaled-down occupation -- but still a sizable one -- re-branded as a different mission.
"For the first time in 14 years, weapons manufacturers are donating more to Democrats than to Republicans. The Dems have received 52 percent of the military industry's political donations in this election cycle -- up from a low of 32 percent in 1996. There is a reason for this: it is good business policy." See: "Blackwater Seeps Into the Campaign" at
"Meanwhile, the Bush administration has extended Blackwater's Iraq contract for yet another year. This is hardly a surprise and shows just how morally bankrupt the outsourcing of Washington's war -- and the de facto immunity offered to the shadow army -- has been from day one.
"Instead of holding this force accountable for its alleged crimes, the White House continues to reward Blackwater with lucrative contracts. The White House says Blackwater is necessary to protect U.S. officials. When will we hear any concern for the protection of Iraqi civilians who have consistently been wounded or killed by these forces over the past five years?" See: "Contract Justice: An Iraqi Translator Gets Prosecuted While Blackwater Gets Another Year in Iraq" at
Story idea: BPA Makes Financial Settlement on Salmon/Dam Issue
For Immediate Release:
Monday, April 7, 2008
Contact:
Bill Shake, retired U.S. Fish &
Wildlife Service, bill.shake.1@verizon.net, 503-886-9721
Todd True, ttrue@earthjustice.org,
206-343-7340, ext 30
Sara Patton, sara@nwenergy.org,
206- 621-0094
BPA deal won’t recover salmon or protect ratepayers
SCIENTISTS, RATEPAYER GROUPS, AND SALMON ADVOCATES RESPOND TO FEDERAL-TRIBAL DEAL ON COLUMBIA-SNAKE RIVER DAMS
Portland, Ore — Individuals and groups that have long worked to restore abundant Columbia and Snake river salmon say today’s financial settlement between the federal Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) and three Indian tribes lacks scientific credibility and certainty for Northwest electricity ratepayers.
“This deal defies the decades of salmon science that say salmon recovery in the Columbia and Snake River Basin is not possible with habitat and hatchery programs alone,” said Bill Shake, former Assistant Regional Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Instead, any scientifically sound plan must include increased spill and flow for juvenile salmon survival and removal of four outdated dams on the lower Snake River. The Tribes and many others have said this in comments filed in January with the federal government opposing the plan that is the basis for today’s deal. While increased spill and flow and Snake River dam removal are not silver bullets, they are a necessary part of a larger plan. This deal suggests that salmon can recover without that action, which goes against everything the science tells us.”
The four dams create still water and impair the natural river flows young salmon need to migrate to sea. The dams also hinder the migration of adult salmon trying to return to spawn in the crystal clear, cold waters of high elevation tributaries and greatly exacerbate to the threat salmon face from global warming.
Under the agreement, BPA will pay the Tribes about $1 billion for tribal hatchery and habitat programs over 10years in exchange for the Tribes’ support of the latest federal plan to manage the dams and river flows on the Columbia and Snake rivers. “Support” means the Tribes must disavow their prior biological recommendations, which are steeply at odds with the federal approach. The Tribes also must refrain from advocating for measures they have long said were scientifically necessary for salmon survival such as removing the four dams on the lower Snake River.
Over the past 15 years, a series of court rulings, backed by the Tribes, has disqualified three of the last four federal dam operation plans because they failed to protect and recover Columbia and Snake river salmon listed under the Endangered Species Act.
In addition, court orders won by tribal, conservation and fishing groups have required dam operators to release additional water at certain times of the year to assist the migration of juvenile salmon from the rivers to the sea. Thanks to this additional river flow, federal fishery managers forecast a slight up-tick in returning spring run salmon this year.
“This new deal would rollback recent victories improving dam operations for salmon,” said Earthjustice attorney Todd True. “The opportunity to restore these fish is rapidly slipping away. BPA and the other federal agencies under this administration have consistently been more interested in protecting the status quo than in restoring wild salmon. Today’s deal is a good example of that failed approach.”
The money BPA will pay the Tribes is aimed at restoring salmon habitat primarily below the four problem Snake River dams and funding tribal hatcheries programs. But scientific studies, including those done by tribal biologists, conclude that recovering abundant salmon populations requires unimpeded access to the thousands of stream miles of clean cold water found in Idaho.
“The billion-dollar price tag for this agreement would be enough money to remove these dams and open access to these life-saving waters,” said NW Energy Coalition executive director, Sara Patton. “By ignoring science while suggesting that it is indeed meeting ESA requirements, BPA is continuing the uncertainty that has plagued this region and is putting Northwest ratepayers further at risk.”
Added Shake, the former Fish and Wildlife Service official: “We’ve been able to toss the salmon a life ring through court-ordered water releases for the last few years but we can’t get them off life support and out of the intensive care unit until we open up the good spawning water still available up in Idaho. This deal moves us no closer to that goal,”
To read the four Tribe’s January 2008 comments on the draft Biological Opinion’s scientific and
legal deficiencies, please see http://www.nwr.noaa.gov/Salmon-Hydropower/Columbia-Snake-
Basin/upload/CRITFC_A.pdf
Monday, April 7, 2008
Contact:
Bill Shake, retired U.S. Fish &
Wildlife Service, bill.shake.1@verizon.net, 503-886-9721
Todd True, ttrue@earthjustice.org,
206-343-7340, ext 30
Sara Patton, sara@nwenergy.org,
206- 621-0094
BPA deal won’t recover salmon or protect ratepayers
SCIENTISTS, RATEPAYER GROUPS, AND SALMON ADVOCATES RESPOND TO FEDERAL-TRIBAL DEAL ON COLUMBIA-SNAKE RIVER DAMS
Portland, Ore — Individuals and groups that have long worked to restore abundant Columbia and Snake river salmon say today’s financial settlement between the federal Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) and three Indian tribes lacks scientific credibility and certainty for Northwest electricity ratepayers.
“This deal defies the decades of salmon science that say salmon recovery in the Columbia and Snake River Basin is not possible with habitat and hatchery programs alone,” said Bill Shake, former Assistant Regional Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Instead, any scientifically sound plan must include increased spill and flow for juvenile salmon survival and removal of four outdated dams on the lower Snake River. The Tribes and many others have said this in comments filed in January with the federal government opposing the plan that is the basis for today’s deal. While increased spill and flow and Snake River dam removal are not silver bullets, they are a necessary part of a larger plan. This deal suggests that salmon can recover without that action, which goes against everything the science tells us.”
The four dams create still water and impair the natural river flows young salmon need to migrate to sea. The dams also hinder the migration of adult salmon trying to return to spawn in the crystal clear, cold waters of high elevation tributaries and greatly exacerbate to the threat salmon face from global warming.
Under the agreement, BPA will pay the Tribes about $1 billion for tribal hatchery and habitat programs over 10years in exchange for the Tribes’ support of the latest federal plan to manage the dams and river flows on the Columbia and Snake rivers. “Support” means the Tribes must disavow their prior biological recommendations, which are steeply at odds with the federal approach. The Tribes also must refrain from advocating for measures they have long said were scientifically necessary for salmon survival such as removing the four dams on the lower Snake River.
Over the past 15 years, a series of court rulings, backed by the Tribes, has disqualified three of the last four federal dam operation plans because they failed to protect and recover Columbia and Snake river salmon listed under the Endangered Species Act.
In addition, court orders won by tribal, conservation and fishing groups have required dam operators to release additional water at certain times of the year to assist the migration of juvenile salmon from the rivers to the sea. Thanks to this additional river flow, federal fishery managers forecast a slight up-tick in returning spring run salmon this year.
“This new deal would rollback recent victories improving dam operations for salmon,” said Earthjustice attorney Todd True. “The opportunity to restore these fish is rapidly slipping away. BPA and the other federal agencies under this administration have consistently been more interested in protecting the status quo than in restoring wild salmon. Today’s deal is a good example of that failed approach.”
The money BPA will pay the Tribes is aimed at restoring salmon habitat primarily below the four problem Snake River dams and funding tribal hatcheries programs. But scientific studies, including those done by tribal biologists, conclude that recovering abundant salmon populations requires unimpeded access to the thousands of stream miles of clean cold water found in Idaho.
“The billion-dollar price tag for this agreement would be enough money to remove these dams and open access to these life-saving waters,” said NW Energy Coalition executive director, Sara Patton. “By ignoring science while suggesting that it is indeed meeting ESA requirements, BPA is continuing the uncertainty that has plagued this region and is putting Northwest ratepayers further at risk.”
Added Shake, the former Fish and Wildlife Service official: “We’ve been able to toss the salmon a life ring through court-ordered water releases for the last few years but we can’t get them off life support and out of the intensive care unit until we open up the good spawning water still available up in Idaho. This deal moves us no closer to that goal,”
To read the four Tribe’s January 2008 comments on the draft Biological Opinion’s scientific and
legal deficiencies, please see http://www.nwr.noaa.gov/Salmon-Hydropower/Columbia-Snake-
Basin/upload/CRITFC_A.pdf
Story idea: Iran Attack?
Institute for Public Accuracy
915 National Press Building, Washington, D.C. 20045
(202) 347-0020 * http://www.accuracy.org * ipa@accuracy.org
___________________________________________________
PM Monday, April 7, 2008
Petraeus to Target Iran?
Interviews Available
GARETH PORTER, porter.gareth50@gmail.com, http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=41886
Porter, author of "Perils of Dominance: Imbalance of Power and the Road to War in Vietnam," just wrote the piece "Petraeus Testimony to Defend False 'Proxy War' Line," which states: "Based on preliminary indications of his spin on the surprisingly effective armed resistance to the joint U.S.-Iraqi 'Operation Knights Assault' in Basra, Petraeus will testify that it was caused by Iran through a group of rogue militiamen who had split off from Moqtada al-Sadr's Mahdi Army and came under Iranian control. ...
"Iran has no reason to look for a small splinter group to advance its interests when it already enjoys a relationship of strategic cooperation with the [Iraqi] government itself. ...
"The interest of [the] Bush administration in keeping the 'proxy war' line alive has nothing to do with Iraqi realities. ... As a strategic weapon for justifying the administration's policies toward both Iraq and Iran, the theme of Iranian interference through 'Special Groups' is bound to be a central thread in the testimony [by Petreaus]."
915 National Press Building, Washington, D.C. 20045
(202) 347-0020 * http://www.accuracy.org * ipa@accuracy.org
___________________________________________________
PM Monday, April 7, 2008
Petraeus to Target Iran?
Interviews Available
GARETH PORTER, porter.gareth50@gmail.com, http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=41886
Porter, author of "Perils of Dominance: Imbalance of Power and the Road to War in Vietnam," just wrote the piece "Petraeus Testimony to Defend False 'Proxy War' Line," which states: "Based on preliminary indications of his spin on the surprisingly effective armed resistance to the joint U.S.-Iraqi 'Operation Knights Assault' in Basra, Petraeus will testify that it was caused by Iran through a group of rogue militiamen who had split off from Moqtada al-Sadr's Mahdi Army and came under Iranian control. ...
"Iran has no reason to look for a small splinter group to advance its interests when it already enjoys a relationship of strategic cooperation with the [Iraqi] government itself. ...
"The interest of [the] Bush administration in keeping the 'proxy war' line alive has nothing to do with Iraqi realities. ... As a strategic weapon for justifying the administration's policies toward both Iraq and Iran, the theme of Iranian interference through 'Special Groups' is bound to be a central thread in the testimony [by Petreaus]."
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