par-newhaven.org

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 April, 2010

Reminder Of Peace Train To NYC May 2 For Rally To Abolish Nuclear Weapons

Apr 25

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

by Nancy Eberg, GNHPC

On Sunday, May 2, a march to abolish nuclear weapons will be held across Manhattan to a rally and festival at the United Nations. Locally, the Greater New Haven Peace Council has arranged transportation to NYC ($25 for adults, $13 for those 18 or under). The Bruce Martin Memorial Peace Train will leave Union Station in New Haven at 10:55 a.m. and return at 6:07 p.m. For reservations, register at www.stepfour.com/peacetrain. Any questions, call Henry Lowendorf at (203) 389-9547, or e-mail grnhpeacecouncil@sbcglobal.net.

Saturday, May 1, noon-7 p.m., New Haven Green May Day/International Workers’ Day

Apr 25

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

by Paula Panzarella, May Day Celebration Committee

On Saturday, May 1, the New Haven Green once again will come alive with speakers, artistic and musical events, and food. May Day is a multi-cultural festival that encourages community participation and is free and open to the public.

For the past 23 years, the May Day Celebration Committee has honored International Workers’ Day by organizing an annual event on the New Haven Green. 2010 is the 24th year of May Day on the Green. Immigration Reform Now, part of a unified, nationwide march, starts at Front Street and Grand Avenue near the Quinnipiac Bridge in the Fair Haven section of New Haven; meeting at 10:30 and departing at 11am.

In most countries, International Workers’ Day is celebrated as the official Labor Day. In New Haven, in these days of economic devastation, U.S. wars in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan, covert wars, and assaults upon hard won political rights, we raise the old banner and say “Working people of all countries, unite!”

Volunteers are needed.

Rain space is United Church at The Parish House at 323 Temple Street.
For information, contact Jeff Spalter (203) 843-3069 or Shadow at (203) 606-2456
www.maydaynewhaven.org

The 2010 May Day celebration is made possible with the support of the City of New Haven Mayor’s Community Grants Program.

May Day Schedule of events on the Green

12:00 May Day Statement
12:05 Latin Music and Speeches
1:00 History of May Day by Greater New Haven
Labor History Association
(dramatic reading) www.laborhistory.org
1:30 Age Of Reason (Acoustic Rock)
www.AgeOfReasonMusic.com
1:50 Jane LaTour, Author, Sisters in the Brotherhood
2:00 Moonshine Kellie (Folk Rock)
2:20 Speak Out Time
2:30 Slam Poetry Master, Ngoma
www.NgomazWorld.com
2:50 Bread is Rising Poetry Collective
www.TheBreadIsRising.org
3:00 Capoeira demonstration by Master Efraim
www.ConnecticutCapoeira.com and
UrsaMajor.HartNet.org/iccd/artists/silva
3:20 Brandon McMahon (Contemporary Poet)
3:30 Joseph FireCrow (Native American music)
www.JosephFireCrow.com
4:00 Maypole Dance: Led by Out On A Whim
featuring Bill Fischer and Mickey Koth
4:30 Katie Wilson and the Low Tide Boys (Bluegrass
Music) www.KatieWilsonMusic.com
4:50 Speak Out Time
5:00 Eula (Alternative Rock) www.EulaMusic.com
5:20 Speak Out Time
5:30 Mista Mayday and The Hired Gun featuring West
Road (Conscious Rap Music)
MySpace.com/MistaMayDay
6:00 East Village Pharmacy (Latin Reggae from NYC)
www.EastVillagePharmacy.com

Justice And Humanity

Apr 25

Posted by Progressive Action Roundtable in Human Rights | No Comments

by Anne Higgens, People Against Injustice

People Against Injustice (PAI) is a grassroots organization with its focus on demanding justice and humanity from the police, courts, and prison systems. To this end, we are committed to ending the failed drug war, which is responsible for the United States being the world leader in the number of incarcerations.

WELCOME HOME, GEORGE GOULD!!!

After almost 17 years waiting for justice, George Gould and Ronald Taylor came through the door in Rockford. His family, including Martha and two from PAI were there to welcome him. A longtime PAI member, Sally Joughin (now living on the West Coast), stayed in close contact with George and his family throughout the years. She valued highly the hard work of the investigator appointed by the public defender. We had been there at habeas hearings, endlessly waiting for the honorable judge to set them free. Martha, George’s mother, a founding member of PAI, is overjoyed. So also must be his prison art teacher. Months ago, the John Slade Ely gallery in New Haven held a show of prisoners’ art and George’s powerful paintings made a strong impression.

PAI was also present at the April ACLU session on legalization of marijuana. Our organizer, Barbara Fair, who is steeped in knowledge of drug policy (and prison) issues, moderated the discussion. Two outstanding panelists were: Yale Law Prof. of criminal justice, Steven Duke, and former Superintendent of Prisons in Cheshire, New Hampshire, Rick Van Wickler. Duke offered longtime knowledge of this subject (see his full treatment in his 1993 book “America’s Longest War”). Van Wickler, a member of national LEAP (Law Enforcement Against Prohibition), offered his own “on the ground” experience.

LATE BULLETIN (4/15/10): Police ticket ($93) boys riding on sidewalk! One is a son of a PAI member. City families are struggling financially and such charges are unfair. Streets are not safe places for kids on bikes. PAI states that if New Haven children must ride in the streets, then bike lanes must be established. Until then, ticket money should be returned. Please join us May 8 at Q House, 197 Dixwell Ave., 5 p.m., for a protest in support of safe bike lanes!

PAI Annual Meeting: Wednesday, June 23, Stetson Library, 200 Dixwell Ave.: speaker/discussion, refreshments, raffle, elections. Become a member (minimal dues), but all are welcome.

Fight The Hike Update

Apr 25

Posted by Progressive Action Roundtable in Energy | No Comments

by Paula Panzarella

The current legislative session ends on May 5, and two of the bills that Fight the Hike has been promoting are making their way through the process of debate in various committees. If the bills are presented to the House and the Senate and both houses vote in favor of them, CT residents will not only have a greater chance of lower electric bills, but also more accountability, transparency, new energy generation under state auspices and a greater promotion of renewable energy.

The bills are:

H.B. No. 5505, An Act Concerning Electric Rate Relief and H.B. No. 5507, An Act Concerning Consumer Protections In The Retail Electricity Market. We hope PAR readers will contact their State Representatives and Senator to vote in favor of these bills.

The next Fight the Hike meeting is after the legislative session ends. We hope our meeting on Thursday, May 20, 6 p.m., will also be a celebration for successful passage of these bills. All are welcome. Our meeting will be held at New Haven City Hall, 165 Church St., 2nd floor, Meeting Room 3. Call (203) 562-2798 or e-mail paulapanzarella@yahoo.com for more information.