hupcollective

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: APRIL 7 IN SAN FRANCISCO

Join Us For an Evening in Solidarity with the Katrina Survivors!

Fundraiser to Build Support for the International Tribunal on Katrina and the Second Survivors Assembly (end of August 2007)

Fundraiser Date: Saturday, April 7, 2007

Time: 7-9 p.m.

Place: Centro del Pueblo, 474 Valencia St. (@16th St in the Mission District, one block from Mission-16th St. BART station) in San Francisco

Keynote Speaker:

Kali Akuno, Executive Director, People's Hurricane Relief Fund-Oversight Committee (PHRF-OC)

Also Solidarity Statements from:

Clarence Thomas, Co-Chair, Million Worker March Movement

Daniel Gluckstein, Coordinator, International Liaison Committee of Workers and People (ILC), France

Javad Jahi, Malcolm X Grassroots Movement

Chloe Underdue, Revolution Youth, Mission High School, SF

Also:

"Down But Not Out" -- A Film on the Katrina Survivors by David Zlutnick

and Music by Leith Kahl and Spoken Word by Bay Area artists

Sponsored by:

PHRF-OC, Bay Area Katrina Solidarity Committee, Million Worker March Movement, International Liaison Committee of Workers and Peoples (ILC), Malcolm X Grassroots Movement, Revolution Youth, and The
Organizer newspaper

(If you cannot attend, please send a financial contribution to build support for the Katrina Tribunal and the Second Survivors Assembly -- both of which will be held at the end of August 2007. Make check
payable to PHRF and send to PHRF-OC, 1418 N. Clairborne #2, New Orleans, LA 70116. Please mark April 7 SF Fundraiser on Memo line of your check.)

Calendar for March 28, 2007

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Modern Times is an awesome, worker owned bookstore in the Mission. If you've never been there, stop by and browse anytime, or go to one of the great events under the cut!

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Action Alert from the NCA
The National Council of Arab Americans (NCA) demands the immediate release of political prisoner, Dr. Sami Al-Arian. Dr. Al-Arian is currently under his 60th day of a water-only hunger strike in protest of his maltreatment by the US Department of Justice (DOJ). After an earlier plea agreement that absolved Dr. Al- Arian from any further questioning, he was sentenced up to 18 months in jail for refusing to testify before a grand jury in Virginia.

Dr. Al-Arian is currently being held at a medical facility in North Carolina. He is in critical condition, having lost 53 pounds, over 25% of his body weight. According to family members who recently visited him he is no longer able to walk or stand on his own.

More information on Dr. Al-Arian's ordeal can be found in the transcript of a recent interview with his wife, Nahla Al-Arian on Democracy Now.

ACTION:

We ask all people of conscience to demand the immediate release and end to Dr. Al- Arian's suffering.

Call, Email and Write:

Attorney General Alberto Gonzales
Department of Justice
U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20530- 0001
Fax Number: (202) 307-6777
Email: AskDOJ@usdoj.gov

The Honorable John Conyers, Jr
2426 Rayburn Building
Washington, DC 20515
(202) 225-5126
(202) 225-0072 Fax
John.Conyers@mail.house.gov

Senator Patrick Leahy
433 Russell Senate Office Building
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510
(202)224- 4242
senator_leahy@leahy.senate.gov

Honorable Judge Gerald Lee
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia
401 Courthouse Square, Alexandria, VA 22314


For background and more infomration please read
"The Persecution of Sami Al-Arian" by Alex Cockburn

The Heads Up Collective presents

Televising the Revolution
a Radical Film Series at
El Rio, 3158 Mission St. @ Cesar Chavez, San Francisco

A benefit for The Malcolm X Grassroots Movement
Www.mxgm.org

Tuesday, March 27th, 8pm

Showing the Film: Black Skin, White Mask

A unique mixture of documentary and visually lush reenactments, Frantz
Fanon: Black Skin, White Mask is filmmaker Isaac Julien's unique "reading"
of the pre-eminent theorist of the anti-colonial movements of this
century. Fanon's two major works, Black Skin, White Masks and The Wretched
of the Earth, were pioneering studies of the psychological impact of
racism on both colonized and colonizer. This innovative film biography
restores Fanon to his rightful place at the center of contemporary
discussions around post-colonial identity.

Part of an ongoing monthly series showcasing radical films and supporting
local organizing. Films are shown on the patio at El Rio every month.

Event is free, but donations accepted. Space is wheelchair accessible, but
bathrooms are not. 21 and over. For more information, please contact
radfilms@lycos.com

This is amazing and inspiring. Members of Iraq Veterans Against the War did an action in DC where they engaged in some of the activities they did in Iraq. Check out htese photos....and please, share the link, spread it around. People need to see the powerful leadership that is being provided to the anti-war movment by veterans of this very war.

http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/03/19/18379446.php?show_comments=1#18380264

ease share with your friends…

* Liberation Ink*

*Big SalE To Bring in Spring** *

*Your purchases support low-income and immigrant communities of color
fighting for **justice, dignity, and human rights.*


*www.liberationink.com <http://www.liberationink.com/?source=0307women>*





In preparation for the launch of our new spring line we need to clear out
inventory, so

*Buy 2 Shirts Get 1 Free through March! *

We will be phasing out many of our current designs, so get your favorites
while you can.



Coupon Code: 3A33837C8B5B
Enter this coupon code online to get: *1 Free Shirt*
<http://www.liberationink.com/?source=0307women>(Up to An $20.00
Value) with the purchase of $40.
Instructions: Add items totally $60 or more to your cart ($20.00 will be
deducted at checkout). Enter the coupon code before you checkout and your
discount will apply. *
*Exclusions and Conditions: Valid only for in stock items. Not valid on
previous orders or cancelled orders. Coupon Expires March 31, 2007.



*www.liberationink.com <http://www.liberationink.com/?source=0307women>*


*Liberation Ink* *is a worker-owned apparel printing and design ***

*collective created to fund social justice organizing.* **

** graphic design with a message you'll want to share **
* alternative revenue-generating strategy for movement building *
** worker-owned and operated collective*
** sweatshop-free products*




*Spread the Word! *

*If you want to help us get the word out about Liberation Ink you can: *

- forward this email and tell your friends about us

- let us know about events and conferences where we should sell or
distribute postcards

- distribute postcards in your city (email info@liberationink.com with your
address and we'll send you a packet)
- to volunteer with us in other capacities email info@liberationink.com



*This year we're excited to support: *
** Deporten a la Migra: Immigrants Fighting for their Rights*

** May 1st Alliance for Land, Work, and Power*

*You can read about them and make direct donations to these groups on our
website *



*We are once again printing custom orders *

so if your school, business, or organization needs a t-shirt printed, please
contact le@liberationink.com



www.liberationink.com <http://www.liberationink.com/?source=0307women>

Strong showing at rally for SF 8; hearing postponed

SF Bayview

by Cynthia Nelson

?Free the SF 8! Kidnapped by the state!? As the
sun peeked over the city skyline Tuesday morning,
a lively and vocal crowd of supporters of the
political prisoners known as the San Francisco 8
rallied in front of the county jail at 850
Bryant, where six of the men are now being held.

The 50-100 demonstrators included elders, young
folks and everyone in between, including a small
contingent of bike messengers. They join protests
that have been taking place in Los Angeles, New
York, Boston, Orlando and elsewhere around the country.

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BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Federal immigration agents raided a New Bedford leather manufacturer Tuesday March 7th using militaristic tactics, including helicopters. At least 340 workers were detained from the Michael Bianco Inc. factory. The factory employs mostly women and mostly immigrants from Guatemala and El Salvador (but also immigrants from Cape Verde, Brazil and Portugal). The raid has torn apart hundreds of families and left dozens upon dozens of babies and young children without a home. Over 100 children were directly affected. Some of the detainees have been flown to Texas and many families still do not know where their loved ones are. Somewhat
coincidentally, the raid led to the arrest of a handful of managers - none of whom were charged for any of their violations of labor law related to factory working conditions. Factory workers detained by the Department of Homeland Security's ICE where making leather products for the US military operations in Iraq. The US contract with the employer was not canceled. Federal officials are calling Tuesday's attack the largest INS raid in recent history.

See: http://www.miracoalition.org

Photos of the Raid: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxnHGeENkmE


1) SIGN-ON LETTER FOR NEW BEDFORD (TIME SENSATIVE)

The sign on letter for New Bedford has recently been expanded to organizations nation wide.

The letter is located:

http://www.miracoalition.org/uploads/tH/cc/tHcczRH9_RsGgUESqkU0jg/
MBI-raid-sign-on-letter.pdf
If this link does not work please go to the MIRA website:
www.miracoalition.org

To sign onto the letter, please email Marcony Almedia at:
malmeida@miracoalition.org
with the name and contact information for your organization (your
title). Please bcc: camiloviveiros@yahoo.com

2) SUPPORT NEW BEDFORD - A CITY OF IMMIGRANTS RALLY SATURDAY MARCH 17th 2PM
Please spread the word and mobilize people come to out and support New Bedford workers and families.
We will be gathering at the Federal building in downtown New Bedford at 2pm.
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE TURN OUT IN LARGE NUMBERS TO SUPPORT NEW BEDFORD!
If you can not make it to New Bedford please plan local solidarity events connected to immigrant rights
issues in your community before May Day.

3) CALL YOUR CONGRESSPERSON:
Ask them to speak directly with Secretary Chertoff to request that he "Release the Moms."
Demand a moratorium on deportations "until reform has passed" (This a strategic demand put out by
MIRA to get more time. Of course we need to work toward ending all deportations!)
Please look up and contact your local Congressmen:
http://www.house.gov/house/MemberWWW_by_State.shtml

http://senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm?
OrderBy=state&Sort=ASC

4) MONETARY DONATIONS:
MIRA is collecting money in a separate account to be distributed to community organizations responding in the affected areas. All donations through this account will be distributed to the affected
New Bedford families.

To Donate On-Line: [ https://www.community room.net/donate.asp?
id=331] Choose "MIRA" as the recipient, then specify that the
funds are for "New Bedford Immigrant Families/Ninos Fund." Or send
a check to the MIRA Coalition, 105 Chauncy St , Boston , MA 02111
Please specify in the memo line that the funds are for "New Bedford
Immigrant Families/Ninos Fund." Donations are tax-deductible and
all donations marked "New Bedford Immigrant Families / Ninos Fund"
will be distributed to the affected families through the
appropriate local community and service organizations.

Friends,

On March 19 the fifth year of the illegal, immoral, disastrous war in Iraq will
begin. Activists across the country are mobilizing to mark the occasion with
demonstrations, vigils and direct actions from Friday March 16 through Tuesday March
20. Add your voice to the rising call for peace: to find an activity in your area
go to http://www.unitedforpeace.org/calendar.php?sortby=&caltype=51

In many cities individuals and groups have already begun to act. Below are two
inspiring stories. The first, by Veterans for Peace Executive Director Michael
McPhearson, tells the story of his first arrest in a civil disobedience protest.
Following Michael's article is a press release from the reborn SDS (Students for a
Democratic Society) announcing the occupation of a Manhattan Recruiting Station by
New York City area SDS members.

And if you need materials presenting the case for an immediate U.S. withdrawal from
Iraq, check out the new flyer "Time To End the Occupation of Iraq" available from
War Times/Tiempo de Guerras. The flyer is downloadable in English and Spanish as a
.pdf file from http://www.war-times.org Or e-mail us at info@war-times.org and we
will mail you up to 25 copies free of charge.

Peace,

The War Times/Tiempo de Guerras All-Volunteer Staff

My Small Act of Civil Disobedience

Michael T. McPhearson

Yesterday, Feb 27th, I participated in my first open act of civil disobedience as
part of the Occupation Project. I along with St. Louis local chapter President Chuc
Smith, three other veterans; Jim Allen, Harry Wyman and VFP office manager Cherie
Eichholz and Military Families Speak Out Member D. Ridgley Brown visited
Representative Russ Carnahan's office to continue our conversation to persuade him
to vote down any bills that continue to provide funding for the war in Iraq.
Jim Allen and I decided to sit-in to protest Carnahan's refusal to pledge not to
continue funding for the war. As a result, Jim and I were arrested.
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--

SDS Occupies Recruiting Station in Manhattan

Contact:
Matt De Vlieger: 954.536.7461
Uruj Sheikh: 201.407.8670

At noon, Monday, March 12, 2007, nearly 100 students from area
universities marched to the armed forces recruiting station on 157
Chambers Street. Twenty-three members of Students for a Democratic
Society entered and occupied the recruiting station shutting down
recruitment activity for nearly two hours. Outside dozens more
protesters supported those being arrested with chants including,
"Troops out now," "No justice, no peace. U.S. out of the Middle East,"
and "Stop the war. Yes we can. SDS is back again." Member of Pace
University SDS, Uruj Sheikh said, "The fourth anniversary of the
occupation of Iraq is in one week. Billions of dollars are being
spent and hundreds of thousands have been murdered. Military
recruitment has been systematically deceptive and we as students, as
targets of recruitment, say something must be done to stop the war
aboard and at home." Protester Rakshan Kateeb, sophomore at Pace
University said, "The action was successful in that we are building up
to the big mobilizing actions at the end of this week and the
continued actions that will end this war." Visiting on Spring break
from the University in Central Florida, SDS member, Matt De Vlieger
said, "This demonstration was empowering and necessary. We need to
step up our resistance to the war against Iraq and U.S. imperialism.
As the war escalates, so does our resistance." Jessica Rapchik,
member from Antioch College SDS in Ohio said, "It was really
encouraging to be there locking arms with our brothers and sisters who
used civil disobedience for something they believe in." Jail
solidarity is being held across from New York State court on 100
Centre Street.

War Times/Tiempo de Guerras is a fiscally sponsored project of the Center for Third
World Organizing. Donations to War Times are tax-deductible; you can donate on-line
at http://www.war-times.org or send a check to War Times/Tiempo de Guerras, c/o P.O.
Box 99096, Emeryville, CA 94662.