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Featured Action

A Day To Stand In Solidarity – April 4 Nationwide Actions

On April 4, 1968, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in Memphis. He had gone there to stand with AFSCME sanitation workers demanding their dream: The right to bargain collectively for a voice at work and a better life. Join us to make April 4, 2011 a day to stand in solidarity with working people in Wisconsin, Ohio, Indiana and dozens of other states where right-wing corporate politicians are trying to take away the rights Dr. King gave his life for. It’s a day to say, “We are one.” Check out our We Are One video and go to http://www.we-r-1.org for more details.

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Standing Up For Public Service

Public service workers from coast to coast are facing attacks against their jobs, their salaries, their pensions and their basic rights as workers. View our Standing Up For Public Service website to find out how AFSCME members are fighting back.

Wisconsin: photos, videos, and recent news

Ohio: photos, videos, and recent news

Indiana: photos and news

Michigan, Florida, New York and across the nation: photos, videos, events, our blog, and news clips

Greenline, the AFSCME Blog

Iowa House Leadership Afraid to Talk to Citizens

In a show of solidarity with Iowa working families, former Speaker Pat Murphy (D-Dubuque) blasted Iowa’s Republican House Leadership Friday after they shut down the Capitol switchboard.

In Ohio, State of the Worker Address

Workers across Ohio delivered the State of the Worker Address, a rebuttal to Gov. John Kasich’s first State of the State Address.

Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire’s 100-Year Anniversary Reminds Us Why Unions Are Necessary

AFSCME reflects on another historic moment in labor history, the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire in New York City.

Thousands Turn Out For “We Are Indiana” Rally Supporting Unions

Legislation that could roll back private-sector union rights and limit collective bargaining rights for teachers sparked a massive rally at the state Capitol in Indianapolis.

Origins of the So-Called Pension Crisis

Noted economist Dean Baker has written what could be best described as the definitive explanation of the state of public-sector pension plans.

AFSCME Across the Nation

AFSCME Activists Nationwide Support Wisconsin Public Service Workers

OH: Workers Protest Plan to End Collective Bargaining

NY: In this New Video, AFSCME Members Speak Out for a “Better New York for All”

WI: AFSCME Members Lobby Lawmakers to Preserve Rights

AFSCME News

McEntee: Governor Walker Is “Tearing Wisconsin Apart”

Statement of AFSCME President McEntee in response to Gov. Walker’s anti-union rights bill that was rammed through the state senate.

AFSCME Calls on Speaker Boehner to Stop Using Violent Metaphors and Demonizing Public Employees

Citing a recent interview given by House Speaker John Boehner, AFSCME Pres. McEntee called on the Speaker to stop using violent metaphors and demonizing public employees.

~ Recent Post

A few words on the crisis in Japan …Philip Radford, Greenpeace


The nuclear situation in Japan continues to deteriorate. Our thoughts are with the people of Japan as they grapple with this crisis.

Like everyone else, I couldn’t stop following the news after I first learned of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. While these things are nothing new to the region, it was obvious that this was something bigger. The Japanese response has been nothing short of amazing, and it’s awe-inspiring to see the human spirit in action to help worldwide.

But sadly, the worst was far from over.

Within hours, reports started surfacing that the nuclear facilities at Fukushima had been seriously damaged. Soon our fears were confirmed.

Greenpeace is no stranger to the issue of nuclear power. In fact, monitoring nuclear testing off the coast of Alaska was our first mission. For nearly 40 years, we’ve been educating on the dangers of nuclear power as an unacceptable risk to humanity and the environment. Obviously, we’re concerned for the people of Japan as the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disasters unfold.

Many of our members have come to us with questions and concerns about this crisis. Could we face a similar disaster in the U.S.? What’s our country’s policy on nuclear power? These are important questions, and, we’ll be working to bring you the most up-to-date information. And we’ll continue to be the voice we have been for nearly 40 years — one committed to protecting and conserving the environment and to promoting peace.

To read more about our history and our work on nuclear energy visit our website at:

http://us.greenpeace.org/site/R?i=B1mwKbkpEeaPu8AGAKofeg..

In peace and solidarity,

Philip Radford

Greenpeace USA Executive Director

P.S. Please forward this message on to any of your friends and family who are following the situation in Japan

~ my 2cents ..., ~ Recent Post

TGIF …&some News


It has been a tough week. I spent a lot of time wondering why people are blaming my President for everything in sight telling us this President hasn’t done enough and the bottom line is the last guy did way too much and FYI here we are people, get a grip. The President can only do so much and in some cases whatever he does needs to be timed, done with NATO or the UN or both and on the local level folks have forgotten that Congress not only makes the laws they tweak them manipulate them and pass them, not our President. We all know the crap that got passed in the Republican led House of Representatives probably will be torn to shreds in the Senate and if not the VETO Pin will be unleashed. I definitely am convinced after watching the “Muslim hearings”; Americans need to fight back against the nonsense that Rep. Peter King laid before the vast viewers in America. I believe he used this platform to promote fear to continue the fear mongering his Political Party started in 2008 and yes it is possible he abused his position and power as chairman at homeland security. There were no real experts from the Department of Homeland Security and though a police officer was there no one from an actual government agency was which gave this viewer pause. I want to know how this was tolerated to begin with, happy that Representatives such as Sheila Lee and others spoke up and out against the hearings and its intent. I urge anyone reading this to lodge a complaint because the days of McCarthyism should have been a warning, a deterrent yet this man who had ties to the IRA has a mission, an agenda and it did not make me feel safer, proud or more American. I was upset, offended, and embarrassed that a narrow view such as his was able to get on a national level. I know that the various fathers and family felt they needed to speak out about their experiences. I think it was a part of the process but as the police officer stated the problem was small and with that comment the public should get it. The obvious is this first meeting accomplished absolutely nothing but scare people, Representative Peter King intends to keep holding more of these hearings stating his next one might be about the radicalization of Muslims in our prisons . These hearings should worry all Americans as the regression back to the days when discrimination was accepted as the norm is being forced on all our lives on some level by those who vote right of center.

 We all know life goes on or gets in the way. Today, around 4am I woke in a start did the usual then thought better turn on the radio and TV? First, I hear that our President definitely will be holding a press conference then word of Japan’s earthquake of 8.9 and the Hawaii Tsunami warnings only to realize better go local and yep California and the West Coast had been warned. I do not live on the Coastal Water Ways but family and friends do so let the worrying commence. I hope everyone who does live near the San Juan islands, Grays Harbor, Santa Barbara have moved to higher ground.

I live near water but it is a manmade lake … did not think I’d ever be happy about that but I am.

The change we hoped for and believed in was just one lobbyist , one huge insurance company like AIG or bank between Americans wanting great health care, green energy and educational reform rather than settle for the mediocre or privatization like the Republicans are trying to force upon us right now. The downfall of our economy did not just happen contrary to what folks continue to push on us. I still wonder at what point did someone anyone see the problem for what it was and flag it. I still wonder about the time it took to expose the corruption our system had and did the house of bush know or was he just too busy playing with a surplus, waging 2wars and when you think about it what could he have done for Americans that could have prevented the economic crisis and didn’t.

We all need to remind folks who slowed down the stimulus, who said let’s stop, do tax cuts but who had no type of plans for an economic recovery. Now, almost 3yrs later we find out after the Republican Tea Party engaged in blocking, stalling, making the democratic party scale back bills and or attaching foul language to great amendments that no one could vote for in good faith that those jobs, jobs, jobs they talked about were actually public service jobs, union jobs. Those American jobs our American jobs-Union jobs are the Republican Tea Party target they want to destroy not created with the intent to privatize them if they can. The warnings came from our own President and no one listened cared or decided to listen but to the wrong people, now our lives as we all use to know it could be in trouble because elections have consequences.

This Country is in more trouble now since the midterm elections and even though both political parties should try to solve the crisis Americans are now facing the truth is out, Americans now know who our real enemy is, and it is the Republican Tea Party. Republicans are acting as if the USA is a playground and they symbolize some jerk child who has drawn a line in the sand instead of agreeing to help solve the problem putting your their self-interests aside for once which could get this Country back on its feet.

We are in a fight for our lives and like I stated before –We now know who our enemy is and it is the Republican Tea Party.

Other News …

**Japan suffers 8.9 earthquake Hawaii and the whole West Coast is subject to Tsunami

**Libyan forces are taking more land and oil

**S.C. Senate oks bill to criminalize immigration -fake docs

**Saudi protests scheduled on Friday

**S.Palin calls the union thugs .. she is such a moron

**IPad 2 goes on Sale Friday

**Markets fall in response to Japan’s equake

**Wis Republicans officially cut collective bargaining

**Unions believe collective bargaining is a right not a privilege

**Indonesia volcano erupts

**Airfares are going up

**Retail sales rise for 8th straight month

CSPAN

White House to Brief on Rising Energy Prices

U.S. oil reserves to remain untouched

http://c-span.com/Events/White-House-to-Brief-on-Rising-Energy-Prices/10737420167/

House Inspects Food and Drug Safety Budget

http://c-span.com/Events/House-Inspects-Food-and-Drug-Safety-Budget/10737420161/

U.S. to Meet with Libyan Rebel Leaders

http://c-span.com/Events/US-to-Meet-with-Libyan-Rebel-Leaders/10737420159/

Congress’ Accountant Clarifies GAO Report to Lawmakers

http://c-span.com/Events/Congress-Accountant-Clarifies-GAO-Report-to-Lawmakers/10737420160/

White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said the White House is close to speaking more publicly about its strategy for dealing with domestic terrorist threats. This came in response to a House Homeland Security Committee hearing on the subject of Muslim Americans. At this briefing we also hear more about NATO’s latest moves to pressure the Gadhafi regime in Libya.

http://c-span.com/Events/White-House-Briefing-with-Press-Secretary-Jay-Carney/10737420139/

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi held a news conference marking the first anniversary of health care law, which was signed by President Obama on March 23, 2010. She was joined by Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO) and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL).

http://c-span.com/Events/House-Democrats-Press-Conference-on-Health-Care-Law/10737420153/

President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama along with the Department of Education, and the Department of Health and Human Services welcomed students, parents, teachers and others to The White House for a Conference on Bullying Prevention. The conference brought together communities from across the nation who have been affected by bullying as well as those who are taking action to address it. http://c-span.com/Events/President-Obama-Remarks-at-Conference-on-Bullying/10737420138/

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture, ~ Recent Post

Threats against Muslim Americans …change.org


Tell Congressmen Royce and Miller to denounce calls for the murder of Muslim Americans

This isn’t covered in the rules on Congressional ethics, so sadly it falls to us to remind two members of Congress that it’s not OK to have your friends call for members of the armed services to murder Americans.

Last month, while protesting a group of Muslim Americans who were gathered for a charity fundraiser, Villa Park City Councilwoman Deborah Pauly said, “I know quite a few Marines who would be happy to help these terrorists to a, uh, early meeting in paradise.” Later, some of the protesters shouted slurs at families as they entered the event: “Muhammed was a child molestor,” “why don’t you go beat up your wife like you do every night,” and “you beat your women and you rape your children.”

Sharing the stage at that protest were two Los Angeles area Congressmen: Ed Royce and Gary Miller.

Spurred by Change.org activists, Congressman Royce has issued a vague statement trying to disassociate himself from the rally say such hate speech was “regrettable” and “wrong.” But he didn’t say anything about Councilwoman Pauly’s comments, and as of yet we haven’t heard anything from Congressman Miller.

Can you help send both Congressmen the message that they need to denounce Councilwoman Pauly’s comments and the hateful rhetoric used at the rally?

http://www.change.org/petitions/congressmen-miller-and-royce-denounce-calls-for-violence-against-fellow-americans?alert_id=EmZGPFrPuw_CSDrteeVuN&me=aa

The event the Congressmen were protesting was a fundraiser to combat homelessness hosted by the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) in Yorba Linda, Orange County. Two speakers at the event, Siraj Wahhaj and Abdel Malik Ali, have made controversial statements in the past, and the protest was ostensibly organized in response to their presence.

However, as seen in a video of the rally put together by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the protesters insulted and threatened violence against Muslim Americans from the community who came to the event. You can see the video on the petition page.

Thank you for taking this on,

Weldon and the Change.org team

~ Recent Post

Trees are life … from Earth Day Network


Let’s forget about carbon for one day and focus on a simple fact: trees are life. Over a billion people living in extreme poverty rely on forests to survive. They need trees to provide food, shelter, fuel, and to preserve the very fabric of their culture.

Think of Haiti. Its people rely heavily on local forests. But harsh economic realities have forced forest management to take a backseat to survival. The result: rampant deforestation, leading to devastating landslides, erosion, and floods.

Scenarios like Haitian deforestation are calls to action – it’s our duty to answer them. And we have. Using sustainable agroforestry, we planted 500,000 new trees last year to combat centuries of environmental degradation and bring life-sustaining fruit to Haitian communities.

Much work is left to be done. Frankly, we cannot do it alone. Thus, we created the Canopy Project – a people-powered campaign designed to plant a new tree for every dollar our supporters give. Let’s get to work! Will you help us plant 10,000 new trees by March 31st?

www.democracyinaction.org

Please join the Canopy Project and defend forests where they are threatened most. We will plant a new tree for every dollar you give.

Our tree programs have brought over a million new trees to life in forests and communities around the world. We’ve enhanced thousands of lives. With your help, we can do so much more.

Maybe you can’t travel to Haiti or Mexico to plant trees, but you can still stop the decline in forests worldwide. For just one dollar, plant a tree! Contribute $50 or more to receive a t-shirt as a token of our appreciation.

Help us reach our goal of 10,000 new trees by March 31. Give to the Canopy Project and fight the global threat of deforestation.

www.democracyinaction.org

Thank you for your amazing support! Who says you need to get your hands dirty to make a real difference?

The Team,

Earth Day Network