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Showing posts with label government. Show all posts
Showing posts with label government. Show all posts
06 November 2011
Dear Governor Gregoire, Join us in solidarity!
Dear Governor Gregoire,
I am discouraged. I am looking at the prospect of the emergency special session. According to your office, the special session will focus on cutting programs in order to balance the budget.
I want to ask you to think about whether this is the correct approach. I want to ask why are we pushing for cuts, before seeking new revenue.
Maybe there is a better way.
Maybe, just maybe, instead of a "first cuts" approach, your office could call for a special emergency session to RAISE REVENUE.
For example, the Boeing and Microsoft corporations have tons of money. Tax exemptions that these corporations enjoy could be allowed to expire, instead of making cuts that will result in death and further suffering for so many. Look at this. The Boeing and Microsoft corporations have outsourced jobs to exploit cheap labor overseas. The government, by granting them indefinite tax exemptions, enables, encourages, promotes and rewards these, and other, harmful behaviors.
There is an appearance of betrayal. After all, we cannot abide policies that enable cash profits at the expense of the well-being of so many people (and planet.) We cannot abide cash for killing!
Please consider this: Instead of a special "cuts first" legislative session, how about an emergency session to raise revenue. To save lives.
You could even say to the people and the legislature something like this:
"If at the end of this special session to raise revenue the legislature has failed, then I as Governor of the State of Washington, will leave the luxurious abode of the Governor's Mansion, and move into Solidarity Village, in solidarity with those whom are most afflicted as a result of the systemic injustice and corruption that plagues this society."
Please join us. Please protect us. We call on you.
I hope that you will seriously and sincerely consider this message.
Thank you,
Robert Whitlock
beautiful morning!
I am discouraged. I am looking at the prospect of the emergency special session. According to your office, the special session will focus on cutting programs in order to balance the budget.
I want to ask you to think about whether this is the correct approach. I want to ask why are we pushing for cuts, before seeking new revenue.
Maybe there is a better way.
Maybe, just maybe, instead of a "first cuts" approach, your office could call for a special emergency session to RAISE REVENUE.
For example, the Boeing and Microsoft corporations have tons of money. Tax exemptions that these corporations enjoy could be allowed to expire, instead of making cuts that will result in death and further suffering for so many. Look at this. The Boeing and Microsoft corporations have outsourced jobs to exploit cheap labor overseas. The government, by granting them indefinite tax exemptions, enables, encourages, promotes and rewards these, and other, harmful behaviors.
There is an appearance of betrayal. After all, we cannot abide policies that enable cash profits at the expense of the well-being of so many people (and planet.) We cannot abide cash for killing!
Please consider this: Instead of a special "cuts first" legislative session, how about an emergency session to raise revenue. To save lives.
You could even say to the people and the legislature something like this:
"If at the end of this special session to raise revenue the legislature has failed, then I as Governor of the State of Washington, will leave the luxurious abode of the Governor's Mansion, and move into Solidarity Village, in solidarity with those whom are most afflicted as a result of the systemic injustice and corruption that plagues this society."
Please join us. Please protect us. We call on you.
I hope that you will seriously and sincerely consider this message.
Thank you,
Robert Whitlock
beautiful morning!
18 June 2011
Big Person, or Small Shopping Cart? Or Both?
Getting too big! haha—Gosh, capitalism sure can get ugly!
Big Humanity? Or Small Planet? Or Both?
What happens when the planet can no longer sustain human societies?
Do people suffer? If so, is it necessary?
08 May 2011
Military Submarines are Offensive!
Just a thought I had yesterday while participating with the Ground Zero Center for Nonviolent Action Mother's Day vigil and traditional civil disobedience at the Naval Base Kitsap Bangor. NBK Bangor is homebase for about 8 Trident capable submarines. Trident is an ICBM system. Each submarine is capable of carrying 24 missiles. Each missile can be equipped with 8 nuclear warheads, with an effective range of about 4,000 miles. The explosive potential of the warheads is either 100 kilotons (W76), or 475 kilotons (W88), depending on which of two varieties the particular vehicle is equipped. By contrast, the bombs that exploded over Hiroshima and Nagasaki were about 15 and 21 kilotons.
According to scientists, these weapons are capable of striking virtually anywhere on the planet within about 15 or 30 minutes.
Submarines [military submarines] are an attack weapon. They are designed to lurk undetected near targets. They are designed to intimidate and instill fear. Putting nuclear weapons aboard submarines is just about offensive as it gets.
At the May 2011 protest, in opposition to the weapons, seven people entered the roadway in front of the main gate to the military base. They were cited with a traffic violation before being released on their own recognizance.
Let our hearts and our voices cry out: Trident must be abolished! Military spending must be redirected toward productive and peaceful purposes! End imperialism!
Below, I have posted some photos from yesterday's protest.
Berd
According to scientists, these weapons are capable of striking virtually anywhere on the planet within about 15 or 30 minutes.
Submarines [military submarines] are an attack weapon. They are designed to lurk undetected near targets. They are designed to intimidate and instill fear. Putting nuclear weapons aboard submarines is just about offensive as it gets.
At the May 2011 protest, in opposition to the weapons, seven people entered the roadway in front of the main gate to the military base. They were cited with a traffic violation before being released on their own recognizance.
Let our hearts and our voices cry out: Trident must be abolished! Military spending must be redirected toward productive and peaceful purposes! End imperialism!
Below, I have posted some photos from yesterday's protest.
Berd
02 May 2011
Truth and Justice
When the government cannot tell the truth, how can it serve justice?
www.nytimes.com/2011/04/27/world/guantanamo-files-detainees-lawyers-restricted-leaked-documents.html
Government (sort of) pretends that classified files have not been released by Wikileaks: according to one expert, the situation "looks ridiculous."
original size: farm6.static.flickr.com/5306/5662611301_4e65faa672_o.jpg
[a couple more recent NYT articles about this: http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/29/nine-years-779-people-guantanamo-bay-and-the-implications-of-the-files/
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/28/us/28gitmo.html]
www.nytimes.com/2011/04/27/world/guantanamo-files-detainees-lawyers-restricted-leaked-documents.html
Government (sort of) pretends that classified files have not been released by Wikileaks: according to one expert, the situation "looks ridiculous."
original size: farm6.static.flickr.com/5306/5662611301_4e65faa672_o.jpg
[a couple more recent NYT articles about this: http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/29/nine-years-779-people-guantanamo-bay-and-the-implications-of-the-files/
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/28/us/28gitmo.html]
07 April 2011
Washington State Budget Protest Update!
More updates on my flickr site, http://www.flickr.com/photos/rwhitlock/ and OlyBlog, http://olyblog.net/blog/berd.
The following is from a couple emails I sent, one to the Fair Budget Coalition and Olympia Movement for Justice and Peace listserves, and another to my Washington State legislators:
Hey everyone, congratulations on the week so far. Tuesday was awesome, and then Wednesday was even more awesome!
The Backbone Campaign [http://backbonecampaign.org] is encouraging people to contact their legislators. I think it makes sense to communicate with them about the reasons we are demonstrating too. more information at http://backbonecampaign.org
Here's a note I sent to Gov. Gregoire:
Dear Governor Gregoire, I support the people who are occupying the Capitol Building, and I want to join in saying, "no excuses." There is no excuse for anti-social budget cuts at a time when there has never been more wealth in society. Wealth must be taxed. Wealth must give back to society from which it was garnered!
No Excuses!: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rwhitlock/5596842492/
I also posted photos from Wednesday here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rwhitlock/sets/72157626445019320/
and a hastily edited video (which might disappear if I re-do it) here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZnX66zEV20
berd
Dear Senator Fraser and Representatives Hunt and Reykdal,
I am writing to express my support for protests against the budget this week. I am sure that
you're all similarly inclined toward more progressive taxation. So the purpose of my letter may
be less to persuade, than to make sure you know that there are many people amongst your
constituency whom are interested in basic changes to the state revenue system. I have heard of
polls that indicate nearly 70% support taxing wealth in order to fund social services.
The demonstrations this week illustrate the urgency of this problem. For example, people are
losing their homes at a time when the economic elite control a massive proportion of society's
wealth, and at a time when there are not enough jobs, much less dignified jobs with living
wages.
You have my support in vigorous and assertive approach to this problem. Wealth that is
garnered from society, must be taxed and returned to society, in order to maintain the
commonwealth. People need fairness and equity.
There is class warfare, and I want government to protect the poor against avarice and predation
in the marketplace.
Thank you!
Berd Whitlock
[address
Olympia, WA]
Poverty is not caused by personal defect, it is not an individual problem. Poverty is a social problem.
The following is from a couple emails I sent, one to the Fair Budget Coalition and Olympia Movement for Justice and Peace listserves, and another to my Washington State legislators:
Hey everyone, congratulations on the week so far. Tuesday was awesome, and then Wednesday was even more awesome!
The Backbone Campaign [http://backbonecampaign.org] is encouraging people to contact their legislators. I think it makes sense to communicate with them about the reasons we are demonstrating too. more information at http://backbonecampaign.org
Here's a note I sent to Gov. Gregoire:
Dear Governor Gregoire, I support the people who are occupying the Capitol Building, and I want to join in saying, "no excuses." There is no excuse for anti-social budget cuts at a time when there has never been more wealth in society. Wealth must be taxed. Wealth must give back to society from which it was garnered!
No Excuses!: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rwhitlock/5596842492/
I also posted photos from Wednesday here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rwhitlock/sets/72157626445019320/
and a hastily edited video (which might disappear if I re-do it) here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZnX66zEV20
berd
Dear Senator Fraser and Representatives Hunt and Reykdal,
I am writing to express my support for protests against the budget this week. I am sure that
you're all similarly inclined toward more progressive taxation. So the purpose of my letter may
be less to persuade, than to make sure you know that there are many people amongst your
constituency whom are interested in basic changes to the state revenue system. I have heard of
polls that indicate nearly 70% support taxing wealth in order to fund social services.
The demonstrations this week illustrate the urgency of this problem. For example, people are
losing their homes at a time when the economic elite control a massive proportion of society's
wealth, and at a time when there are not enough jobs, much less dignified jobs with living
wages.
You have my support in vigorous and assertive approach to this problem. Wealth that is
garnered from society, must be taxed and returned to society, in order to maintain the
commonwealth. People need fairness and equity.
There is class warfare, and I want government to protect the poor against avarice and predation
in the marketplace.
Thank you!
Berd Whitlock
[address
Olympia, WA]
Poverty is not caused by personal defect, it is not an individual problem. Poverty is a social problem.
02 April 2011
Peace Vigil Video with Frog Song
Peace Vigil at Percival Landing with frog song audio overlap
Friday the 1st of April, 2011
Peace Vigil at Percival Landing
Olympia!
Another version of the video posted below (audio track removed, frogs only.)
18 March 2011
Moon Over Capitol
People and public interest over profit. Schools not war. Government needs to STOP working for the advantage of some over others! General Strike! No school, no work, until government works for mutual benefit—for the public interest.
End corporate control!
[Thursday 17 March 2011
Olympia, Washington
The Legislative Building dome reflects on Capitol Lake. The Moon illuminates clouds in the sky.
Make sure to check out this blog entry about the 17 March 2011 Rally to Protect Our Future: olyblog.net/photos-todays-rally
Stop the cutting!]
27 February 2011
Worker Solidarity Rally at the Washington State Capitol Campus February 2011
On Saturday 26 February 2011, thousands of people gathered to rally in support of worker rights.
Here's a photo, and there is more of the story here on OlyBlog.
Labor Rally Inside the Washington State Legislative Building
This photo shows the scene as the inside rally was winding down. At one point, the building was packed with people, as some of the links to video in the comments section of the above linked post to OlyBlog will show.
Here's a photo, and there is more of the story here on OlyBlog.
This photo shows the scene as the inside rally was winding down. At one point, the building was packed with people, as some of the links to video in the comments section of the above linked post to OlyBlog will show.
07 February 2011
Capitol Campus in February
Monday 7 February 2011, Olympia—This is a leaf on the ground at the Law Enforcement Memorial.
It was a beautiful, although blustery, afternoon at the Washington State Capitol Campus.
I have more photos posted on Flickr of Capitol Lake seen from the LEM, the WWII Memorial, as well as scenes from around the Cap Campus Sundial, which is just to the South of the Legislative Building, in between the Cherberg and O-Brien buildings.
I was there with a rally to protest against budget cuts that will disproportionately affect poor people.
Some more information about that on OlyBlog, here: http://olyblog.net/washington-state-capitol
06 February 2011
Tear Down This Wall!
Part One:
I saw a film today, END:CIV by Franklin Lopez. It talks about some of Derrick Jensen's ideas.
One part of the film mentioned the definition of fascism as the merger of state and corporate power.
What a relevant message in today's U.S.A., where state and corporate power have merged to a remarkably extreme degree.
Here's what I think: I think the wall of fascism, the merger of state and corporate power, ought to be torn down. That would be good for people and planet.
People and planet deserve to be liberated from policies and practices of dominance and conquest. Conquest of human populations and planetary minerals for profit does not serve life.
We need policies that reflect the best nature of humanity, the nature of lovingkindness, tolerance, and respect for life.
No war! No corporatism!
Yes to stability. Yes to sustainable life-serving society.
Part Two:
Practice democracy: abolish the C.I.A..
This is from the weekly Friday evening peace vigil at Percival Landing in Olympia, Washington.
I saw a film today, END:CIV by Franklin Lopez. It talks about some of Derrick Jensen's ideas.
One part of the film mentioned the definition of fascism as the merger of state and corporate power.
What a relevant message in today's U.S.A., where state and corporate power have merged to a remarkably extreme degree.
Here's what I think: I think the wall of fascism, the merger of state and corporate power, ought to be torn down. That would be good for people and planet.
People and planet deserve to be liberated from policies and practices of dominance and conquest. Conquest of human populations and planetary minerals for profit does not serve life.
We need policies that reflect the best nature of humanity, the nature of lovingkindness, tolerance, and respect for life.
No war! No corporatism!
Yes to stability. Yes to sustainable life-serving society.
Part Two:
Practice democracy: abolish the C.I.A..
This is from the weekly Friday evening peace vigil at Percival Landing in Olympia, Washington.
13 August 2010
From Tacoma
This photo is from Tacoma Washington, near the County City Building. I was there to attend a trial for a friend of mine who was charged with disorderly conduct after blocking a military vehicle.
Parking lot near County City Building
view larger
view larger
In this photo, Mr. Ellsberg is seen in the witness stand, in the court of Pierce County Judge Maggie Ross, where he gave testimony in a trial where the state was prosecuting a war protestor in a case of nonviolent direct action civil resistance.
Ellsberg delivered a brilliant testimonial about his life and experience, ranging from education at Harvard, to service in the Marine Corps, to consulting with the White House and State Department, to releasing the Pentagon Papers, which detailed incriminating documents, that related to the invasion and occupation of Vietnam, by the US government.
The jury delivered a disappointing verdict, finding the defendant guilty, a strike against the claim of necessity.
But it seems to me that the defendant, Patty Imani, who is a care-giver by trade, is a winner anyway, because of her principled and courageous act of conscience in resistance to aggression.
Parking lot near County City Building
view larger
view larger
In this photo, Mr. Ellsberg is seen in the witness stand, in the court of Pierce County Judge Maggie Ross, where he gave testimony in a trial where the state was prosecuting a war protestor in a case of nonviolent direct action civil resistance.
Ellsberg delivered a brilliant testimonial about his life and experience, ranging from education at Harvard, to service in the Marine Corps, to consulting with the White House and State Department, to releasing the Pentagon Papers, which detailed incriminating documents, that related to the invasion and occupation of Vietnam, by the US government.
The jury delivered a disappointing verdict, finding the defendant guilty, a strike against the claim of necessity.
But it seems to me that the defendant, Patty Imani, who is a care-giver by trade, is a winner anyway, because of her principled and courageous act of conscience in resistance to aggression.
30 July 2010
I wanna be your friend.
Military Personnel (I want to be your friend. I want the USA to stop abusing you.)
Saturday 16 January 2010
Naval Base Kitsap Bangor
Ground Zero Center for Nonviolent Action
Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Action
www.gzcenter.org/
view larger
16 July 2010
Thought Bandit!
I just posted three new blogs on OlyBlog. One about the socially destructive nature of advertisements, another about my letter of interest to serve on the Editorial Board of The Olympian, and the following Thought Bandit, which is also cross posted here:
28 May 2010
Following BP (it's a disaster - a volcano - not a "spill" nor a "leak" - a major man-made volcano!)
What a mess. At least now there is more information coming out about the lead up to the disaster, and how BP has a record of operating out of compliance with safety regulations.
So we can see how a corporation puts profit before the precautionary principle, and before the interests of life and health.
I am going to drop a few links here to articles that I think are important in terms of developing a more full understanding of the background and full scope of this disaster.
From Truthout.org: Ex-EPA officials ask why isn't BP under criminal investigation
Greg Palast: BP's other oil mess this week
NYT: Photo gallery
Video: what BP does not want you to see
Democracy Now! Oil disaster responders being hospitalized due to toxic exposure
Could the problem have been avoided?
NYT: Panel finds BP had evidence of problem with oil well long before disaster
NYT: Documents show earlier worries about safety of rig
What if BP let the disaster happen intentionally...
Does it make sense for people to profit from environmentally destructive activities?
So we can see how a corporation puts profit before the precautionary principle, and before the interests of life and health.
I am going to drop a few links here to articles that I think are important in terms of developing a more full understanding of the background and full scope of this disaster.
From Truthout.org: Ex-EPA officials ask why isn't BP under criminal investigation
Greg Palast: BP's other oil mess this week
NYT: Photo gallery
Video: what BP does not want you to see
Democracy Now! Oil disaster responders being hospitalized due to toxic exposure
Could the problem have been avoided?
NYT: Panel finds BP had evidence of problem with oil well long before disaster
NYT: Documents show earlier worries about safety of rig
What if BP let the disaster happen intentionally...
Does it make sense for people to profit from environmentally destructive activities?
20 May 2010
War is Over Now!
War is Over, If You Want It... This song has been in my head the past few days. It's a good song, and I also included some words by Yoko Ono. Peace! Berd
16 April 2010
Distributing War Resisters League Truth about Income Tax Flyers at the P.O.
07 April 2010
War Taxes and War Profits
In the USA, almost half of collected income taxes are used to support the military industrial complex. I think that such militarism is wrong, i.e. morally incorrect.And as if such an expenditure on the military is not bad enough, to add insult to injury: some people are actually profiting off of the sales of military and war related products and functions.
And as if that's not bad enough, the wars our government are engaged in are not even defensive!
The body politic is paying for (is subsidizing) profits reaped from what are essentially imperial ventures, wars of profit. I think that is just plain wrong (as well as basically disgusting, in the sense of offensive.) War is the worst violence. And aggression is the worst crime, because in aggression therein cumulatively lie all manner of harm and violence.
I believe that no one deserves to profit from war. And indeed, that no one should profit from war (nor any other harmful economic activity.) What do you think?
Please inform your lawmaking representatives, at all levels of gov't, of your beliefs on this matter.
Also, on tax day in Olympia, Washington there will be War Tax Resistance Leafletting. There might be similar efforts in your neck of the woods.
Peace,
Berd
p.s. I have a letter published in today's (Thursday, April 8) edition of The Olympian newspaper: April 8, 2010 Letters to the Editor | The Olympian
15 March 2010
20 February 2010
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