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Progressive Action Roundtable: A forum for progressive groups in the Greater New Haven Area where actions and ideas may be publicized so that others are aware of peace, health, justice, energy, environmental and other issues for the common good.

Archive for November, 2009

Bioregional/Transition Times News

Nov 27

Posted by Progressive Action Roundtable in Energy, Human Rights, Workers | No Comments

– by Maria Tupper, New Haven Bioregional Group

The Transition Road Show is coming to SCSU, Monday, Nov. 30, 7:30 p.m. at the SCSU Adanti Student Center, Room 306, corner of Crescent and Fitch Streets. There will be entertainment, reflection, inspiration and dynamic participation all in one show! We’ll cover the problems (peak oil, climate change, economic meltdown) and look to the solutions (using our collective genius to create a sustainable community on a human scale). The Transition Movement is about connecting the dots and getting us from here to there (http://transitionus.org/).

The Bioregional Holiday Craft Fair will be held Saturday, Dec. 12, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the First UU Society, 608 Whitney Avenue. Come to our annual Holiday Craft Fair. We have a variety of artisans who will be selling their local crafts. Support our local crafts people and socialize while you browse.

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Keep The Ball Rolling

Nov 27

Posted by Progressive Action Roundtable in Healthcare, Human Rights, Workers | No Comments

– by Joelle Fishman, People’s Weekly World

As this edition of the PAR Newsletter is issued, the time for “Keep the Ball Rolling… to win jobs with union rights, health care, peace and equality!” will be just around the corner. It is an event that promises to inspire.

This annual reception on the occasion of the 90th anniversary of the Communist Party USA kicks off a year-long celebration leading up to a concert in December, 2010. A sampling of music forms will be presented on Sunday, December 6 to share a multi-cultural presentation.

Performers will include Irish and union songwriter Bill Collins, world-class bass performer Jeff Fuller, percussionist and drummer Richard Hill, and poets
Ras Mo Moses and Baub Bidon. A selection will also be offered by a young women’s singing group.

The music is part of a program at which three Amistad awards will be presented for grass roots leadership and organizing. The awards are being presented to: Art Perry, political director for SEIU 32 BJ, Justice for Janitors; Anna Montalvo, president of AFSCME Local 1522 in Bridgeport which has collaborated with the community on a neighborhood front; and Gwen Mills, political director of Unite – HERE in Connecticut and Rhode Island .

The program will open with a video prepared on the occasion of the 90th anniversary, which will highlight today’s activism. A homemade buffet is also part of the afternoon. A holiday gift table will also be on hand. Suggested donation is $10 or what you can afford. This will be on Sunday, December 5, 4:00 p.m. at the New Haven Peoples Center, 37 Howe Street . For more information, call 203-624-8664.

Circulate Nuclear Abolition Petition; Participate In Disarmament Conference Next Spring

Nov 27

Posted by Progressive Action Roundtable in Peace | No Comments

– by Nancy Eberg, Greater New Haven Peace Council

Help get rid of nuclear weapons and press for conventional disarmament! Your efforts can result in a concrete advance of this important initiative.

President Obama’s stated goal of abolishing nuclear weapons propels placing nuclear abolition higher on the global agenda.

The U.S. has achieved conventional military supremacy over any potential state adversary and all economic competitors. The Russians and Chinese are also well aware of the U.S. and NATO’s overwhelming conventional military superiority. Thus their security and any hopes for nuclear abolition require reductions in conventional weaponry.

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Regular Events

Nov 27

Posted by Progressive Action Roundtable in Events, General | No Comments

Every Sunday, Noon-1 p.m.
Resist This Endless War. Oppose U.S. wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Colombia, Somalia … Weekly vigil for peace and justice (ongoing since 1999). Broadway, Park and Elm Sts. CT Peace Coalition/NH, 203-776-4098, 203-887-0248 ctpcnh@gmail.com

3rd Sunday, 2 p.m.
Connecticut United for Peace, coalition of CT anti-war groups, meets at the Church of the Holy Trinity, 381 Main St.(side door) Middletown. Info: Chris Gauvreau,
860-478-5300 or www.ctup.8k.com.

3rd Sunday, 2-4 p.m.,
NH County Branch of WILPF monthly meeting. Whitney Center, 200 Leeder Hill Dr., Hamden. Info: Maria, . 203-230-3057

2nd & 4th Mondays, 6-7:30 p.m.
People Against Injustice planning meetings. NH Public Library, Temple & Elm Sts., lower level, NE corner of reading room. Peopleagainstinjust@earthlink.net

2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 6 p.m.
Greater New Haven Peace Council meeting – pizza. NH People’s Center, 37 Howe St. RSVP to confirm: 203-387-0370 or email: grnhpeacecouncil@sbcglobal.net

1st Wednesday, 7 p.m.
Progressive CT democrats discussion group. NH Democracy for America. 90 Wall St. Info: Justin Paglino justin.paglino@yale.edu or www.dfalink.com/newhaven

3rd Wednesday, 6-8 p.m.
Green Drinks – gathering of environmentally concerned people. Sign up at: newhavengreendrinks@gmail.com

CitySeed Farmers’ Markets – CT-grown, organic produce, local musicians and information sharing.
www.cityseed.org , 203-773-3736. Saturdays until Dec. 19, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Wooster Square, Russo Park, Chapel St. and DePalma Ct.

Solidarity With The Gaza Freedom March

Nov 27

Posted by Progressive Action Roundtable in General | No Comments

– by Stan Heller, Middle East Crisis Committee

The Palestinians of the Gaza Strip have been under a crippling total siege for years. Last winter, 1400 were killed by the Israeli army. Israel forbids the surviving Gazan Palestinians the materials to rebuild.

There have been a series of attempts to break the siege, popular marches from Egypt and attempts by boat. George Galloway brought 200 Americans and many truck loads of supplies in July, but the Egyptians only let the internationals stay for 24 hours.

December 27 will see the biggest attempt yet, with 500 or more led by Code Pink going from Egypt to Gaza and then a big march to the wall separating the Strip from Israel proper.

To get it maximum press attention we’re having a big meeting and short march on Sunday afternoon, December 27, probably in New Haven. Mark your calendar for this important event.

For more details see www.TheStruggle.org or call 203-934-2761.

CT Activists Rally Against Maine’s Anti-LGBT Question 1

Nov 27

Posted by Progressive Action Roundtable in Human Rights | No Comments

– by Chris Garaffa

Three dozen people rallied at the federal court house in New Haven on Saturday, November 7th to demand full and equal civil rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) people in all 50 states. The rally came in response to the passing of Question 1 on the ballot in Maine on November 3rd. Question 1, proposed and supported by the Catholic Church as well as right-wing groups like the National Organization for Marriage, overturned a law passed earlier this year which provided marriage equality for same-sex couples in the state.

In addition to mobilizing into the streets on November 7th, people from Connecticut also went to Maine the weekend before to support opposition to Question 1.

People from across the state attended the rally, including students from local universities. The crowd chanted “What do we want? Civil Rights! When do we want them? Now!” and “When marriage rights are under attack, what do we do? Stand up, fight back!”

The November 7th rally came a year after protests across the country against the passage of Proposition 8 in California, and less than a month after the historical Oct. 11th National Equality March for which 250,000 LGBT people and straight allies converged on Washington, D.C. from across the country to demand full marriage rights as well as an end to the military’s policy of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and the federal Defense of Marriage Act. The National Equality March marks a significant step in the LGBT rights movement by bringing the fight to a federal level.

National Equality CT formed in September to mobilize for the National Equality March and continues to organize. To
get involved, contact National Equality CT at NEMctORG@gmail.com.

CT Call To Action

Nov 27

Posted by Progressive Action Roundtable in Healthcare | No Comments

– by Naomi Shaiken

The family of Alfred Shaiken thanks the PAR Board for its wonderful November edition’s obit on him. We also thank all those who made donations to CTCTA in his honor.

This month is the first time I shall be writing my column without my editor as my proof reader.

Connecticut is the richest state in the Union; yet, with over three million inhabitants, we have more than 10% who are either underinsured or have no health insurance. All of our 30 non-profit hospitals are under stress, caring for people in their emergency rooms.

Many are children, whose parents may be working in jobs that do not provide health insurance or who have to share the cost of what is offered to them by their employers and cannot afford to do so since their wages are inadequate.

The CT Department of Social Services has dramatically cut back on what it used to provide to children, adults, the disabled, and needy senior citizens. If the state would raise its income tax level, we would not be in this situation.

A growing number of our residents are becoming “Snow Birds” and winter in Florida, which has no state income tax. By staying in Florida six months PLUS ONE DAY, they no longer have to pay Connecticut income tax. Many maintain a Connecticut residence, but are no longer on our income tax or voting ledgers.

How do we get a State Universal Health Care for All? “It’s the insurance companies and their lobbyists, stupid!!” For more information, e-mail alneshaiken@snet.net.

Event: City Of New Haven Housing Fair: Opportunities And Assistance Dec. 1, New Haven City Hall

Nov 27

Posted by Progressive Action Roundtable in Events, Housing | No Comments

This event is organized by the folks at theroofproject.org

This event is organized by the folks at theroofproject.org

Foreclosure Prevention

Buying A Home

Renter Rights In A Foreclosure

Saving On Energy Costs

Tuesday, Dec.  1,  5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.  New Haven City Hall, 165 Church Street, 1st floor atrium. Info Fair 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Meet local banks, businesses, agencies and community organizations. Free Seminars include “Buying a House”"  5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Protecting Your Rights:  What to do if your landlord is facing foreclosure;”  5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. “Preventing Foreclosure”  6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. “Saving on Energy Expenses for Renters and Homeowners”   6:30 pm – 7:30 p.m.  And more. To register for seminars, contact Caty Patton, New Haven Mayor’s Office, 203-946-7686 or mointern@newhavenct.net.

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Event: Vigil at protest at launching of USS Missouri – 7th Virginia Class Attack Sub Dec. 5

Nov 27

Posted by Progressive Action Roundtable in Events, Peace | No Comments

The USS John Warner, a Virginia Class Attack Submarine

The USS John Warner, a Virginia Class Attack Submarine

There will be a vigil in protest at the launching of the USS Missouri – 7th Virginia Class attack submarine from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009, at Electric Boat Shipyard, Groton, CT.

Protest the endless war and this machine built to wage war.

Meet at Fort Griswold State Park, 9:30 a.m.,
March to Main Gate of Electric Boat, 10 a.m.

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An Execution Cover Up

Nov 20

Posted by Progressive Action Roundtable in Death Penalty | No Comments

– Ben Jones, CNADP

Last month I reported that Texas executed an innocent individual in 2004. Prosecutors succeeded in convicting Cameron Todd Willingham of murdering his three children in an arson fire. Up until his death by lethal injection, Willingham steadfastly claimed that he was innocent. His protests fell on deaf ears, including Texas Governor Rick Perry.

In Texas, the State Forensic Science Commission has been reviewing evidence in the Willingham case to see if critical mistakes were made. Arson specialists now say that there is no evidence of arson in the Willingham case. His conviction, it turns out, was based on junk science.

Unfortunately, Governor Perry does not care. In fact, he is trying to cover up the fact that Texas executed an innocent individual. Just before the commission was set to consider key evidence in the Willingham case, Governor Perry replaced the head of the commission and two other members with close allies of his.

These sorts of abuses of power will continue as long as we have the death penalty in this country. As we have seen during the past three decades, the death penalty is a failed government program that has made mistake after mistake after mistake. Given how prone it is to error, our government should not have the power to carry out executions.

That is why here in Connecticut we are working for repeal. In October, individuals from across Connecticut came to the Capitol to call for an end to the death penalty at the Abolition Day Campaign kickoff rally. This event was the first of many to educate both the public and our officials on the realities of capital punishment. This grassroots campaign will continue until it finally achieves its goal of ending Connecticut’s death penalty.

Be sure to sign up for updates at www.cnadp.org or call 860-231-1489 to receive information on upcoming events in your area and volunteer opportunities.

Event: Beautiful, Sustainable and Just

Nov 20

Posted by Progressive Action Roundtable in Events | No Comments

– Patty Nuelson, NH/Leon Sister City Project

Many of us are looking for ways to have our holiday gift giving reflect our values. We hope that our purchases will make possible fair wages for workers, help heal the environment, as well as support local, small and family businesses here and abroad. Buying fair trade crafts, from co-ops when possible, and products crafted or produced here in the New Haven area and the state does that. We at the New Haven/ Leon Sister City Project subscribe to these values.

The Project annually holds a gift bazaar. Through the products we order, we support producers and vendors who share these same values. The items we sell–Nicaraguan chocolate, woven goods and pottery, Palestinian olive oil, wooden hand crafts produced by Salvadoran co-ops, Syracuse Cultural Workers calendars, locally produced honey and beeswax candles, CT produced soaps and body lotions—are produced in fair and humane conditions.

In addition, all profits benefit the work of the New Haven/Leon Sister City Project. For 25 years we have worked at creating a relationship between New Haven and Leon, Nicaragua, that is non-violent, just, and
respectful. For some years now our work has been with the rural community of La Goyena, as they work to improve their lives. We do this through support of education programs, teacher and leadership trainings, sports, and more.

We are currently engaged in the struggle with the sugar cane workers in Leon and Chinandega.

In the US we provide students and adults the opportunity to learn about life in a developing country through group travel (delegations) and individual internships.

Please join us for our annual Holiday Bazaar will be held on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 704 Whitney Ave. (corner of Huntington). Refreshments and live music from noon. Wheelchair accessible. Please join us. Info: Patty (203-562-1607) or email: pnuelsen@newhavenleon.org.

Save $ On Your Home Heating Oil, Electricity, Propane, and Bioheat

Nov 20

Posted by Progressive Action Roundtable in Energy | No Comments

– Rosie Stanko, Citizen’s Oil Co-op, Inc.

Save on your home heating oil!  By combining the purchasing power of thousands of heating oil customers, Citizen’s Oil Co-op has negotiated competitively lower prices for full-service oil. The oil companies participating with the Citizen’s Oil Co-op charge active members based on long term contracts. Since 1981, Co-op members have enjoyed a savings of 25 cents or more per gallon compared to the OPM state average for full-service heating oil. That could add up to as much as $300 per heating season!  Every oil company working with the Co-op offers reliable, 24 hour emergency service.

We have made signing up easy to do! Simply call or visit our website www.oilco-op.com!  There is a $10 application fee to become a member of the Co-op. Membership dues are $25 annually, $15 for seniors (over 55).  These dues are paid at the time a member joins and are applied to the current calendar year. Renewals and promotions are mailed out in June for the next heating season.

Electricity Savings

In Connecticut, electric generation service is now open to competition and we’ve done the research to find a company that will provide you with a low price. We have partnered with Public Power and Utility so that you can save 5% to 20% each month on you electric bill. Regardless of the generation supplier you choose, CL&P or UI will deliver your electricity, bill you for service and respond to power outages.

Concerned About Green Energy?  Public Power & Utility, Inc. has a green option for your electricity. It takes at least 2 billing cycles to get switched over, so sign up today!

Bioheat

Citizen’s Oil Co-op has signed on with Hale Hill Farm Biofuels to provide you with bioheat as a way of reducing your carbon footprint. It is a 20%-80% mix of vegetable oil from USA grown soybeans, produced right here in Connecticut. Contact us to see if it’s available in your area.

Citizen’s Oil Co-op, P.O. Box 271718, West Hartford, CT 06127    (860) 561-6011    www.oilco-op.com

Keep The Ball Rolling — 90th Anniversary of the Communist Party USA

Nov 20

Posted by Progressive Action Roundtable in Events, Workers | No Comments

– Joelle Fishman, People’s Weekly World

“Keep the Ball Rolling…to win jobs with union rights, health care, peace and equality!” is the theme for this year’s anniversary reception, ad book and presentation of Amistad Awards by the People’s Weekly World on the occasion of the 90th anniversary of the Communist Party USA.  The reception will take place at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, 2009, at the Peoples Center, 37 Howe St., New Haven.

The event will celebrate the contributions of three grass roots leaders mobilizing for social change.  Honorees are:  Art Perry, political director of SEIU 32 BJ, Justice for Janitors, who inspires workers to stick together, organize and stand up for their rights on a daily basis.  Anna Montalvo, president of AFSCME Local 1522, who is in the forefront of the battle to save jobs and services and raise living standards through member mobilization, community involvement and political activism.  Gwen Mills, political field director of Unite-Here in Connecticut and Rhode Island, is devoted to building community labor alliances at the local level to win a grass roots community agenda.

Organizations and individuals are invited to participate in a greeting book recognizing the honorees or those who have gone before, and highlighting ongoing work.  Deadline is November 20.  Rates are one page – $125; half page – $65; quarter page – $35; name – $10.  Send to:  People’s Weekly World, 37 Howe Street, New Haven, CT 06511

The event will highlight the need for broad grass roots education, organization and mobilization to follow up on the historic 2008 elections and pressure Congress to meet the needs of the people in this economic crisis, and bring the troops home.

Music will be provided by Bill Collins, Ras Mo Moses, Jeff Fuller and Richard Hill.  There will also be an international holiday gift table and a home made buffet.

Tickets are $10 (or what you can afford).  For more information call (203) 624-8664.