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    Occupy Wall Street: What Just Happened? eBook

    Reflections on Occupy Wall Street, with photos, fun, and good wishes for the future. eBook, Occupy Wall Street: What Just Happened? (Only $.99 !) In the eBook, the Occupy movement is explored through original reporting, photographs, cartoons, poetry, essays, and reviews.The collection of essays and blog posts records the unfolding of Occupy into the culture from September 2011 to the present.  Authors Kimberly Wilder and Ian Wilder were early supporters of Occupy, using their internet platforms to communicate the changes being created by the American Autumn.

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For peace and more democracy: An alternative to the royal, Diamond Jubilee

Posted on June 3, 2012 by kwilder

It is Sunday at 8:22am EST and 1:22pm in London. The BBC is reporting live from the Thames on the upcoming jubilee flotilla. The reporter waved his hand to a direction off screen and said there were a few hundred Republican protesters over there, but, most people were here to see the flotilla and wish the royals well.

Over at Peace Couple, our alternate egos — The Duke and Duchess of Peace — have written a post about alternatives to the royal Diamond Jubilee events.

You can find links there to Occupy London, and to info on alternative Republican Diamond Jubilee events (“Republicans” in England are people who wish to end the monarchy and create a Republic.)

We also wrote about the monarchy and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee from our perspective as Americans, and as peace and justice activists.

…we think Americans should not be sucked into the publicity stunt that the English government and aristocracy foist upon the English people with royal events. If you as a foreigner don’t want to critique the antiquated, undemocratic institution of the monarchy, at least don’t promote it or buy the memorabilia plates…

Full article and links at Peace Couple: here.

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Filed under: activism, Anti-War, international politics, News, Peace, progressive politics, US Politics, war | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Poet Walt Whitman’s Birthday is May 31st: Celebrate in Silence

Posted on May 30, 2012 by kwilder

Walt Whitman is one of my favorite poets. I like to remember his birthday, which is on May 31st, and falls on a  [Thursday for 2012 and Friday for 2013] this year. There are some events and celebrations around this time at the Walt Whitman Birthplace in Long Island. And, my idea for a holiday to this beloved, transcendentalist, nature poet is to set aside 15 minutes on his birthday to celebrate silence.

More about a silent celebration of Walt Whitman’s birthday:

Read more »

Filed under: Environment, Favorite Muses, green, local, long island, nature, News, personal, poetry, rants, sustainability | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments »

Green Party Presidential FAQ 2012

Posted on May 30, 2012 by iwilder
Dr. Jill Stein in Madison, WI 12-16-2011 170.jpg

Dr. Jill Stein in Madison, WI 12-16-2011

The Green Party has compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions from journalists about the Green presidential candidates, 2012 Green National Convention, and the party itself. 

• Who are the candidates competing for the Green Party’s presidential nomination?

Roseanne Barr  www.roseanneforpresident2012.org
Kent Mesplay mesplay.org
Jill Stein www.jillstein.org

Jill Stein is the frontrunner, having won 138 of the 184 delegates assigned so far. Roseanne Barr, in second place, has been endorsed by the Green Party Black Caucus and the Green Party of Philadelphia.  Greens have welcomed Kent Mesplay, now recognized by the Green Party as a presidential candidate, to the race.

• How will the Green Party nominee be chosen?

State Green Parties have been participating in primary elections and hold statewide conventions and caucuses to apportion delegates for the nomination, which will take place on Saturday, July 14 at the Green Party’s 2012 National Convention in Baltimore, Md. (http://www.gpconvention2012.com). The convention runs from July 12 to July 15 will be held on the campus of the University of Baltimore.

During the one or more rounds of voting by delegates, the first presidential candidate to gain more than half of the votes will win the nomination.

The 50 states, District of Columbia, and US territories have widely varying rules for party status and ballot access, so the various state Green Parties have their own rules for choosing delegates. The Green Party is tracking the results of the state primaries, conventions, and caucuses (http://www.gp.org/committees/pcsc/2012/documents/Delegate-Tracking-2012.pdf).  Read more »

Filed under: 3rd party, Election 2012, grassroots democracy, Green Party, independent politics, News, Occupy Wall Street, presidential race, third party | Tagged: , , , , , , , | 3 Comments »

Supreme Court of England rules that Julian Assange can be extradited (still some hope)

Posted on May 30, 2012 by kwilder

KW writes: It seems fairly clear that Julian Assange is being politically targeted because he had the daring to be a whistleblower against war for empire. No matter what he did or did not do, it is frightening to think what will happen if the people and governments who support war get him in their grip.

(Excerpt from) The Independent UK
Julian Assange set to fight extradition

Lawyers for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange look set to fight on to stop his extradition to Sweden where he faces sex crime allegations.

Today the Supreme Court decided by a 5-2 majority that extradition was lawful and could go ahead.

But Dinah Rose QC immediately told the country’s highest court that Assange was considering an application for his case to be reopened on the basis that there had been a flawed hearing.

Assange, 40, was given 14 days to consider today’s judgment before making a final decision on his next move…

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Filed under: international politics, News, Peace, politics, progressive politics, war | Tagged: , , | Leave a Comment »

Friday 6-1-2012 PeaceSmiths Coffeehouse

Posted on May 30, 2012 by kwilder
PeaceSmiths: Gathering around

Memories: A Coffeehouse Scene


PeaceSmiths Coffeehouse
Friday, June 1st at 8pm

First Fridays, Oct to June
Next Coffeehouse Oct. 5, 2012 Save-The-Date

6/1/2012 featured:

John Myles, Original singer and song writer. His song ‘Invisible Man’ is a favorite. John will do a few political songs too.
Eli Maniscalco, Good guitarist, original songs
Becca Hasselbrook, You will like Becca’s song stylings, all originals.
and
Special Guest, Andy Greenhouse

PLUS Open Mic

Directions and Info…
Read more »

Filed under: activism, Anti-War, Environment, events, local, long island, Long Island Music, Long Island news, Long Island Politics, music, News, Nonprofit Orgs, nonviolence, Occupy Wall Street, open mic, original music, Peace, politics, progressive politics, social & economic justice, suffolk county, US Politics, war | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Yet (Dewdrop) by Wilder & Frazzitta

Posted on May 28, 2012 by iwilder

The poem Yet by Ian Wilder appears on the last track of Jim Frazzitta’s first solo album, Twenty Years Below. The poem is read over an acoustic composition, Dewdrop. Recorded live at Frazzitta’s Folk Groovin’ Cafe on May 26, 2012. Vox: Wilder, Acoustic Guitar: Jim Frazzitta, Handmade 12-string Hollow Body Electric Guitar: Paul Fiemanhttp://www.myspace.com/jimfrazzitta  Read more »

Filed under: Art, local, long island, Long Island Music, music, poetry, suffolk county, video | Tagged: , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Memorial Day Weekend: Think PEACE events on Long Island

Posted on May 26, 2012 by kwilder

Memorial Day weekend offers many chances for people who cherish peace to reach out to their neighbors, and discuss the importance of ending war. This morning, Long Island activists demonstrated for peace at an annual air show, which glorifies military might. That story below. Afterwards, two Long Island peace events you can still attend this holiday weekend.

An excerpt from Newsday:
(Newsday is subscription-only)

…About 35 demonstrators stood at the entrance to the show [The Air Show at Jones Beach] near pink ribbons they’d tied to a railing. They stood in a line holding photos of members of the U.S. military who have died in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Judy Gardner, 65, of Huntington said, “I want people to remember Memorial Day isn’t a day to glorify war but to remember people who’ve lost their lives. The air show, she said, “leads young people [to] think war is a game. It’s not a game.”…

[Note on crowd estimate: The demonstration lasted several hours. An activist report says there were 60 peace demonstrators there. Newsday says 35. Discrepancy could be in time counted.]

Sunday, May 27th, demonstrate for peace in Patchogue
Monday, May 28th, demonstrate for peace in Bellport

See details at readmore… Read more »

Filed under: Action Alert!, activism, local, long island, Long Island news, Long Island Politics, News, Peace, progressive politics, US Politics, war | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Is there a coming Reverse Mortgage Crisis?

Posted on May 24, 2012 by iwilder
Sign of the times - Foreclosure

I spent a dozen years in private practice as an attorney.  During that time, I was engaged in residential real estate.  It is a pleasant practice, helping people buy the home they want.  I especially enjoyed working with first-time  home-buyers.  It was gratifying to guide people through the financial and legal paths to their goal.  I don’t claim to have any exceptional financial savvy.  I merely had the benefit of seeing the same transaction of home purchasing in innumerable different circumstances.

Helplessly Hoping

I would say around 2007, I became concerned about patterns I saw developing in the housing market.  I tried to warn my clients, but it is human nature to expect good times to last forever and bad ones to pass quickly. Unfortunately, neither is axiomatic.   In fairness,  I do not know if I came across as having any more of an authority than the pollyanna media of the time.  I had, and still have, no impressive financial credentials to burnish my observations.

I watched as home prices rose meteorically.  Builders’ profits increased 10-fold. Read more »

Filed under: activism, economy, News, politics, US Politics | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments »

Budget decisions in Nassau County: On 5/21/2012 Battle to keep important, human services

Posted on May 20, 2012 by kwilder

[As many of our readers know, The Wilders have little faith in Democratic politicians or Republican politicians to decide things fairly and for the 99%. Though, people in Nassau County should definitely pay attention to this struggle and express their interest in well-funded health and welfare services for those in need. Please consider lobbying Nassau County legislators and/or activating your neighbors to demand fair funding.] [Consider going to the Nassau County Legislature on Monday, May 21st.*]

On Monday, May 21st, the Nassau County Executive is asking the legislature to vote to totally end funding for essential human health and welfare services for its citizens. This will include:

The Office of Youth Services;
The Office of Senior Affairs;
The Office of Mental Health, Chemical Dependency and Developmental Disabilities Services;
Elimination of the Red Light Camera Dedicated Fund (currently dedicated to the above)
[Editor’s Note: Currently, the proposal would not eliminate red light cameras, it would simply change where the money from them goes.] Read more »

Filed under: activism, local, long island, Long Island Politics, News, progressive politics | Tagged: , , , | Leave a Comment »

No NATO protests in Chicago: Police move in, updates, etc.

Posted on May 20, 2012 by kwilder

NATO protest Live Streaming from Chicago:

At Tim Pool’s Timcast: here

At OccupiedAir: here

FrontLine Tweeting by Occupied Air:
@occupied_air

It is 6:19pm local time in Chicago/7:10pm EST. Some updates: Read more »

Filed under: Action Alert!, activism, News, Occupy Wall Street, progressive politics | Tagged: , , , | 1 Comment »

This is Not Cool: Murderers, Tyrants, and Madmen

Posted on May 20, 2012 by iwilder

Recently, the Heartland Institute, a hotbed of Climate Contrarianism, posted a billboard near a Chicago freeway. The Billboard suggested that those who accept mainstream science in regard to climate change, are like Ted Kaczinsky, the Unabomber.
Heartland promised to follow up with similar billboards featuring Fidel Castro, Osama Bin Laden, and Charles Manson.
When a scathing barrage of internet protests and parodies went viral, Heartland was forced to withdraw the billboard, and post a defense on its website. Even then, they continued to maintain that “the most prominent advocates of global warming are not scientists, they are murderers, tyrants, and madmen.”

IW:  Unfortunately Thatcher did not recognize that her militarism was the greatest contributor to global climate change.

Filed under: Action Alert!, activism, Ecology, economy, energy, Environment, Global Warming, grassroots democracy, News, politics, video | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

No NATO and G8 Protests: Updates, info, and reflections

Posted on May 20, 2012 by kwilder

Live Streaming from Chicago. (Active as of 6:26 EST):
www.ustream.tv/occupiedair

Live Streaming from Timcast (Tim Pool) in Chicago: http://www.ustream.tv/timcast
Just started streaming at 12:30 local, Chicago time/1:30 EST
Tim Stream live as of 6:27pm, though in and out with wireless zones

_____________________________

The powers that be had originally scheduled The NATO Summit and THE G8 to happen around the same time, in the same city, Chicago. When it appeared that the American people would respond with massive demonstrations and righteous anger about war and exploitation, the powers that be changed the G8 meeting to Camp David, which is a secure, military installation. Many activists, and especially the Occupy movement, decided logistically to focus on Chicago and NATO. Though, you can see a great flier that shows how NATO and The G8 are similar problems: here.

With the tactical decision to focus on Chicago, the protests in Camp David, Maryland have been much smaller. Here is an article covering both events at The Guardian UK.

Photos from G8 at Camp David: here. (Includes image of lots of politicians, and one protester.)

_____________________________

For information about events in Chicago, where NATO is meeting, you can got to Occupy Chicago: here.

Two important events:

The big march of the No NATO events seems to be today, Sunday May 20th, starting from Grant Park/Chicago. We have heard a start time of 2pm or 3pm.

Shut Down Boeing demonstration will happen on Monday, May 21st.

As of 6:15pm EST in Chicago: Reports are that the march has been mostly peaceful. But, there have been some clashes with police and some arrests. Currently, the police are moving at the end of the march, as it were. Reports that the Chicago Police has warned they will use noise weapons. Read more »

Filed under: Action Alert!, activism, afghanistan, Anti-War, News, nonviolence, Occupy Wall Street, politics, progressive politics, US Politics, war | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

No Impact Man running for Congress on Green Party line

Posted on May 19, 2012 by iwilder

INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED ENVIRONMENTALIST
LAUNCHES RUN FOR U.S. CONGRESS
CITING NEED FOR MASSIVE REORGANIZATION
OF GOVERNMENT AND BUSINESS TO DEAL WITH WORLD CRISES

No Impact ManA New York City author whose book and documentary film No Impact Man helped bring climate change into popular consciousness today announces his candidacy for the United States House of Representatives. Colin Beavan PhD will run on the Green Party ticket in New York’s 8th Congressional District, following the vacancy left by the retirement of Representative Edolphus Towns.

Beavan rose to prominence as a spokesman for the international environmental movement after worldwide press and media interest followed the release of his film and book. His campaign, citing “growing world crises” in climate, environment, economics, and energy production, calls for a complete change in economic priorities including an end to consumption-based economics, massive decentralization of government and business, and huge investment in local communities.

“The economic system is supposed to make people safer and happier, but it can no longer do that because it wasn’t designed to deal with our new planetary crises,” says Beavan. “The tired old Democratic/Republican debate over taxation isn’t going to fix it. We need to create a new, more stable system based on investment in people and local communities instead of shareholders and corporations. We have to face up to climate change, the end of oil, and the failure of consumption to make people happy. Robust local economies help solve all these problems.”  Read more »

Filed under: 3rd party, Action Alert!, activism, Election 2012, grassroots democracy, Green Party, new york, New York State Politics, News, politics, third party | Tagged: , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

NYCLU: Kelly’s Stop-and-Frisk Letter is PR, Not Reform

Posted on May 18, 2012 by iwilder
Report: NYPD Stop-and-Frisk Activity in 2011

Report: NYPD Stop-and-Frisk Activity in 2011

 Until the mayor and police commissioner recognize that the NYPD’s stop-and-frisk program is fundamentally broken, the steps outlined today by NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly to “increase public confidence” in the Department will do nothing to reform a practice that regularly violates the constitutional rights of hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers from communities of color, said the leadership of the New York Civil Liberties Union.

NYCLU Executive Director Donna Lieberman said:

It’s clear the police commissioner is feeling political pressure around the NYPD’s abusive stop-and-frisk program, but this response is nothing more than a desperate public relations attempt. The mayor and commissioner need to give up the spin and recognize that the NYPD’s stop-and-frisk program is fundamentally broken. The NYPD is out of control, and the culture and practices of the Department need a full-scale overhaul so that the fundamental rights of all New Yorkers are respected and all communities can trust and respect the police.

In response to discriminatory policing practices like the abuse of stop-and-frisk, the NYCLU and our allies in Communities United for Police Reform are working to pass the Community Safety Act, a series of City Council bills that would strengthen the definition of discrimination, ensure that New Yorkers understand their right to not consent to searches where no probable cause or warrant exists, and require that NYPD officers identify themselves when conducting stop-and-frisks or engaging in other police activities. In the coming weeks a bill will be introduced creating an NYPD Inspector General’s office.

The NYCLU is also helping to organize a Father’s Day march with 1199 SEIU, the NAACP, the National Action Network and dozens of other labor, civil rights and community organizations to demand an end to the NYPD’s abuse of stop-and-frisk.

Related articles  Read more »

Filed under: Action Alert!, activism, grassroots democracy, new york, New York State Politics, News | Tagged: , , , , | 2 Comments »

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