ST. JOE VALLEY GREENS

The city of South Bend issued 159 CSO alerts in 2007, 148 in 2006 and 144 alerts in 2005. There were 87 CSO alerts in the last 180 days of 2004. Further, there are dry weather CSOs which are not reported as alerts. So the odds are good the city dumps some amount of raw sewage into the St. Joseph River 50% of the time. More

SJVGreens March Meeting

The SJVGreens now meet the 2nd Monday of each month. The next meeting is Monday, March 10, in room 2170 or 2187, Weikamp Hall at IUSB. The meeting starts at 7:00 pm and ends at 9:00 pm. Please join us.

Upcoming GreenTV Shows

The last GreenTV show on Comcast cable was Thursday, December 13, 2007. Comcast closed the public access studios in Indiana on December 15. Unless other arrangements are made, GreenTV will probably move to the Internet. Please stay tuned...

Eric Reese on Coal Mining

On Tuesday, March 18 - Indiana University South Bend is hosting a public lecture by Erik Reece, author of Lost Mountain: Radical Strip Mining and the Devastation of Appalachia.

Erik Reece, Author of Lost Mountain (2006)
Public Lecture: March 18, 2008, 6:00-7:15 pm, DW 1001

Erik Reece is the author of Lost Mountain, a literary nonfiction work about the coal industry and radical strip mining. He teaches at the University of Kentucky. This book is extraordinary in connecting issues of nature, health, history, poverty, and economic forces.

Hormuz, Impeach Cheney Updates

Hormuz: Administration rescripted and reframed routine Bay of Hormuz interaction.
Cheney: 188,000 signatures delivered to House calling for impeachment hearings. More...

Strait of Hormuz Incident; Unexplained Transportation of Nuclear Missiles; False Flag Operations; Impeachment

Iranian gunships, missing nuclear weapons, black bag ops, and an administration run amuck. The title says it all. Here are 21 reports from investigative journalists on four issues which seem inextricably intertwined. More

Michiana Call to Action

The Michiana Social Forum invites area residents to participate in a Michiana Call to Action during the week of January 19-26, 2008. The week's activities are planned to coincide with the World Social Forum's call for a global week of action. Throughout the week, Michiana groups speaking out for labor rights, peace and justice, and sustainability will lead us in actions supporting specific initiatives. Working together we aim to build new relationships across different organizations and constituencies. The week's activities will culminate on Saturday during an event at the St. Joseph County Public Library where people can learn more about the World and U.S. Social Forums, reflect on the week's activities, become familiar with local groups and initiatives, and join in discussions about launching a local social forum process in Michiana. More...

A Little Taste of Peace

Bring a dessert, or other finger food to share, and participate in a discussion about how we can work together for justice and peace in our community.

Where: St. Adalbert Catholic Church, 2505 W. Grace St., South Bend (500 block of S. Olive)
When: Saturday, January 19, 6:30 - 9 PM
Who: People of all races, cultures and religons are invited to attend. Childcare will be provided when requested in advance
RSVP: South Bend Human Rights Commission. Please call Vicky at 574-235-9355 to make your reservation.

2008 Sponsors include: South Bend Human Rights Commission, United Religious Communities (URC), the CommUnity Religious Effort (CURE), Center for Women's Intercultural Leadership of Saint Mary's College (CWIL), National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)

Earth Friendly Eating -- Living Green Seminar

January 19, 2008
Saturday 11:00 am
Main Library, Dickinson Room

Would you like to make your nutrition greener, your diet healthier? You can do it! Please join us as Judith Rubleske, RN, Nutritionist, leads our exploration of the many ways that we can make our eating more eco-friendly including buying locally grown food, using whole and organic food, and growing our own.

Community Forum for Economic Development January Meeting

Where: Minority Health Coalition Office, 915 N. Bendix Drive (in LaSalle Square)
When: Tuesday, January 15, 7-9 pm
What: An interactive activity has been planned, focusing on the need for strong and enforceable tax abatement ordinances in South Bend, Mishawaka, and St. Joe. Co. By the end of this meeting, you'll be an expert on why!

Green Party Co-Chair receives award for leadership in drug law reform

The Green Party congratulates Connecticut Green and newly elected Green Party of the United States Steering Committee Co-Chair Clifford Thornton on an award he received from the Drug Policy Alliance for his leadership in the movement to reform drug laws. More...

117,000 Signatures in 6 Days to Impeach Cheney -- Add Yours

The groundswell is unbelievable! In six days more than 117,000 individuals have signed a petition sponsored by three members of the House Judiciary Committee -- Reps. Robert Wexler (D-FL), Luis Gutierrez (D-IL) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) -- requesting that the Committee begin immediate hearings on Rep. Dennis Kucinich's bill (H Res 799, formerly 333) to impeach Vice President Dick Cheney. Representative Wexler is leading the petition and is now shooting for 250,000 signatures by the end of December! To date, the petition has received virtually no coverage in the corporate media! More...

CAFOs, Honeybees, Cage-Free Eggs

Sobering news about antibiotic resistant infections in humans and colony collpse in honeybees. More evidence that CAFOs are a health danger to humans and the environment. Positive news about cage-free eggs. More...

Toxics in IN; 2 Opportunities to Act (US Steel, Duke Energy)

Thomas Healy has an excellent article entitled "The Toxic State of Indiana" in the Dec. 12 edition of NUVO in Indianapolis. The article documents various ways in which environmental management, monitoring, enforcement, and review are being shorted in Indiana, and the priority that Daniels and the directors of several state agencies are placing on narrowly defined economic development at the expense of long term environmental protection and sustainability.

Two ways in which you can oppose the toxification of Indiana are to: (1) join with Save the Dunes and many other organizations and individuals in petitioning the EPA to reduce the levels of toxics that a recent IDEM permit allows US Steel to discharge into the Grand Calumet River and Lake Michigan, and (2) join with the Citizens Action Coalition of Indiana and many other organizations and individuals to stop Duke Energy from building a $2.1 billion 630 MW coal gasification power plant in Edwardsport, Indiana. Information on each action is pasted below. Comments on the two actions must be submitted by December 28 and December 31, respectively. More...

BP Refinery Toxics Waiver - BP Tar Sands Oil Production

There's a part of each of us that was blindly hoping that the "Beyond Petroleum" campaign of British Petroleum (BP) meant exactly what it suggested -- a commitment to move toward, develop, and invest in cleaner forms of energy. The other parts knew better. More...

National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) on Iran Undermines Bush-Cheney's Claims and Intentions

This summary contains links to 11 reports which assess the impact of the NIE on the Bush-Cheney ramp-up to war on Iran. Stay current on the issue with top investigative reporters. More...

Greenwash at BP Whiting Refinery

According to British Petroleum (BP), their Whiting, Indiana, refinery is a 2007 Helios award winning runner up -- their award by the way -- which meets environmental regulatory standards while lowering cost and increasing profit.

"Smart environmental investment at Whiting, R&M, USA. At Whiting Refinery, BP created one investment solution to meet two environmental constraints: diesel sulphur regulations and 'Project Sunshine' (government-prescribed reductions in catalytic cracker sulphur dioxide emissions). This allowed Whiting to not only satisfy the regulations and create long-term sustainability, but also unlocked $60m a year in extra value and saved $100m of capital cost."

Now, for the rest of the story. More...

Proposed USDA Rule Undermines Small Farms; Victory on rBGH Labeling

Here find an alert from the Organic Consumers Association (OCA), as well as information about an important VICTORY. The alert invites you to sign-on to a letter to the USDA by December 3 opposing a "proposed rule that would force small farms growing green leafy vegetables, such as spinach and lettuce, to put into place industrial- style sterilization measures that reduce biodiversity and soil fertility." Directly below the alert is news about an important GRASSROOTS CITIZEN VICTORY in pressuring Pennsylvania to back off of its proposed ban on "rBGH-free" dairy product labels. More...

Oppose Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act

As if the erosions of our constitutionally guaranteed rights by the USA Patriot Act and Patriot II weren't enough; as if the various forms of unconstitional and illegal surveillance of phone and email data and conversations ordered by the Bush administration weren't enough; now we have the Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007 (H.R. 1955). H.R. 1955 passed in the House of Representatives on Oct. 23 by a vote of 404-6, and will soon to be considered in the Senate. The Act is yet another attempt to diminish our First and Fourth Amendment rights, and to govern by intimidation, suppression and fear. More...

Ramp-Up to Attacking Iran

Despite their spin about pursuing diplomatic solutions, Bush, Cheney and their allies continue in their relentless push to create a "justification" for an attack upon Iran -- an attack that would be irrational, immoral, criminal. Below find several powerful articles describing this escalating drumbeat to war. More...

EPA Sets Hearing Date for Disputed U.S. Steel Pollution Permit

In response to the requests of more than a dozen groups and many individuals and officials, the U.S. EPA has scheduled a public hearing on Dec. 11 in Gary, IN, to hear objections to a draft water pollution discharge permit issued by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management to U.S. Steel Corp.'s Gary Works plant. More...

CAC Annual Members Meeting

CAC Annual Members Meeting: The Ethical Imperative of Building Greend

DATE: Saturday, December 1
TIME: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m
LOCATION: Indiana Community Action Association
ADDRESS: 1845 West 18th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202
COST: Suggested $20 Contribution

RSVP by Nov 27th: Contact Heather Meloy (hmeloy@citact.org), (317) 205-3535 More...

It Happened! ENDA Passes House

Joes Solomonese writes, "Today, I witnessed something that just a year ago seemed nearly impossible. The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). We are one step closer to our ultimate goal of ensuring that all GLBT Americans no longer live in fear of losing their jobs. More...

Landfill Expansion(s) Enabled By Zoning Change

Waste Management, Inc. got a dream deal last night. The company agreed to donate 5 acres of land and to pay 1.5 million dollars to build a sewage treatment plant that will treat the leachate from Prairie View Landfill as well as the sewage from the residents of nearby town of Wyatt. Wyatt has a major sewage disposal problem and need for an affordable treatment option. Here's the story. More...

Indiana Ballot Access History: "Worse, Worse, Worse, Worse"

Regarding ballot access petition deadlines in Indiana:

"...Even more dramatic, the deadline was on September 1 until 1986. Also the number of signatures before 1983 was only one-fourth what it is today. The number of votes for a party to remain on was also only one-fourth of what it is today, until 1983. It was one-half of 1% for Secretary of State, to both get on and stay on, back then. Indiana only required 500 signatures before 1933. And the original deadline back in 1889 was 20 days before the general election.

"The trend has been worse, worse, worse, worse in your state."

-- Richard Winger, Ballot Access News

Conversation on Race XI with Ray Suarez

The IUSB Office of Campus Diversity and Judicial Affairs sponsors "Sustainable Communities: Immigration" featuring Ray Suarez on Thursday, November 15, 2007; 6 p.m.; Northside Hall 158; lecture, 6:00-6:45, Q & A,6:45-7:00, followed by small group discussions lead by university and community members. A book signing will follow the breakout sessions. More...

More Green Wins, High Percentages on Election Day 2007

16 Green candidates, out of 94 who ran on November 6, won their races for local office (pending confirmation of David Lussier's county legislature victory in New York). A total of 142 Greens ran for public office in the 2007 off-year elections. More...

Music and Film at the Greenhouse

Film projected amongst the eaves of an antique botanical conservatory, jazz beside an indoor waterfall, opti-pop played under a date palm, folk in a desert dome-- what more could you want? Please pass this email on to anyone that you think would be interested, which should cover anyone with a pulse considering the stellar lineup and the lush setting. If you want events like this to continue, we need your support. Our advertising budget is basically zilch, so WORD OF MOUTH IS CRUCIAL! More...

Defeating Mukasey

Here are three articles on defeating Mukasey and impeaching Cheney and one alert from The People's Email Network. More...

Kucinich Will Force House Vote on Cheney Impeachment

Here are three things you should know right now about Dennis Kucinich and what's really going on:

1. This will be worth watching and participating in, because it represents Congress "putting a finger to the wind."
2. Kucinich is calling for Town Hall meetings in each community across the country.
3. This clip on You Tube also provides a feel for the momentum finally building for Kucinich, and will give you a sense of skills and persona of his wife Elizabeth, as well.

More...

CFED Upcoming Community Events List

The Community Forum for Economic Development wants you to know about these important upcoming community events. More...

How the Military Can Stop an Iran Attack

An unprovoked U.S. attack on Iran would violate both U.S. and international law, and would lead to a series of events that would cascade into World War III. There is no justification for such an attack, it would be immoral and unjust, and it would lead to unending and escalating violence and destruction that would spread to more and more countries. Bush and Cheney should be impeached for the numerous impeachable crimes they have already committed before they do any additional damage to our country and the world. More...

Threats (CAFOs, Cloned Foods); Successes (Organics, Diversified Agriculture)

Included in this article by Joe Miller are links to six articles on issues that have major impacts on farmers, agriculture, the environment, health, communities, and consumers. More...

Victory: Energy Giant Moves to Protect Public Health

In a huge victory for public health, American Electric Power (AEP) agreed to markedly reduce hazardous air pollution from dozens of its coal-fired power plants- dramatically improving air quality and reducing health risks to neighboring communities. After years of refusing to clean up its dirtiest plants, AEP will now spend over $4.5 billion to install extensive pollution controls at dozens of the most polluting units in its eastern system. The landmark settlement with Sierra Club, other environmental groups, states and EPA, also requires that all pollution reductions come from actual on-the-ground improvements, not purchased pollution credits or allowances.

Comcast Caught Interfering with Customer Internet Traffic

Comcast insider leaks information about the company outsourcing interference with file sharing technologies to Sandvine Inc. Comcast watches what you do and where you go. If Comcast doesn't like how you use your Internet connection, they "throttle" (limit) the bandwidth you pay for. According to the Associated Press, two senators call for an investigation. More...

Request Public Hearing on IDEM's Permit to US Steel

Save the Dunes Council and 11 other organizations are objecting to IDEM's draft permit to U.S. Steel and requesting that EPA Region 5 hold a public hearing on the objections. To request such a hearing and a reversal of IDEM's draft decision, see the action suggestions in this article. More...

Comcast Extends Some Public Access Shows to December

GreenTV received a revised schedule for November. Comcast has decided to continue broadcasting public access shows until December 15. However, the number of shows has diminishing dramatically. Comcast will only broadcast on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 2:30 to 11:30 p.m.

GreenTV will air on Thursdays at 2:30 p.m. beginning November 8.

South Bend Mayoral Debate on YouTube

Green candidate for Mayor of South Bend, Tom Brown, appears in a series of clips which record the mayoral debate at Indiana University South Bend. GreenTV, a project of the St. Joe Valley Greens, produced the clips. No commercial visual media outlet in South Bend covered the event in its entirety, instead offering only a few seconds of sound bites of the event. Media democracy requires unbiased complete coverage of major events such as this debate. GreenTV provides an important service to the citizens of South Bend.

South Bend Mayoral Debate at IU South Bend

Forbes Lists Indiana 49th Greenest State

"A bit about our methodology--we ranked each state in six equally weighted categories: carbon footprint, air quality, water quality, hazardous waste management, policy initiatives and energy consumption."

"So who's at the bottom? Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Indiana and, at No. 50, West Virginia. All suffer from a mix of toxic waste, lots of pollution and consumption and no clear plans to do anything about it. Expect them to remain that way." More...

IDEM Seeks to Ease Rules for Lake Polluter

As if Daniels' and IDEM's positions on CAFOs, coal-fired power plants, BP, mercury emissions, etc. weren't enough, now they are attempting to mount yet another assault on our health and environment. Today's edition of the Chicago Tribune features the following front page investigative story by Michael Hawthorne (1) -- "Indiana seeks to ease rules for lake polluter - State offers U.S. Steel a pass on some regulations."

1. Tribune exclusive: Indiana giving lake polluter a break
   http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-sub_steel_12oct12,0,7381538.story?coll=chi_tab01_layout

Lest we drown in bad news, let's all celebrate the fact that Al Gore and the IPCC were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize (2). We can also celebrate the fact that certified organic farmland in U.S. is increasing, and is now present in every state (3).

2. For whom the Nobel tolls -- Gristmill: The environmental news blog
   http://gristmill.grist.org/story/2007/10/12/2925/1106
3. Food and Environment Electronic Digest (FEED) - October 2007
   http://www.ucsusa.org/food_and_environment/feed/feed-october-2007.html

Update: Action Needed on Mercury, Victory on a Different Front

On September 24 Joe Miller sent to his newsletter subscribers an "Action Needed on Mercury" alert and sign-on letter from the organizations Improving Kids' Environment (1) and Save the Dunes (2). The alert encouraged readers to urge the Indiana Air Pollution Control Board (APCB) at its October 3 meeting to adopt regulations that would put 10,000 fewer lbs. of mercury from coal-fired power plants into the environment during the period 2010-2025. IDEM's position was that Indiana should adopt the much weaker minimum federal Clean Air Mercury Rule (CAMR) for coal-fired power plants. So what did the APCB decide? More...

Three Videos on Kucinich

Here are three uplifting videos presenting some of Dennis Kucinich's positions. A transcript is available for the first video. The second and third videos present some of the positions of Elizabeth Kucinich. More...

Oppose New US Blackwater Training Base

The same private security firm -- Blackwater USA -- that is currently the focus of several Congressional hearings for numerous alleged acts of unwarranted violence and death in Iraq, wants to build a large training base -- Blackwater West -- in the desert east of San Diego close to the US border with Mexico. More...

CFED: Upcoming Events of Interest

The Community Forum for Economic Development has listed a number of community events which may be of general interest. More...

Green Candidate Petitjean Challenges Dieter -- Criticizes Incumbent Over Responsiveness to Citizen Input

Green Party candidate for South Bend's 1st District Common Council Kathleen Petitjean today issued a statement calling on the district's incumbent, Derek Dieter, to directly address citizens' concerns over the city's tax abatement structure. Dieter serves as chairperson of the Common Council's committee on Community and Economic Development (CED). More...

Update: Tasering Free Speech

This follow up article includes more about the taser incident and, hold your breath, some good news about protecting our civil liberties. More...

Tasering Free Speech, No Fly Lists, McCarthyism Watch

Joe Miller sends us a list of incredible assaults on our civil liberties, not the least is the tasering of a student at a speech by John Kerry. The video is shocking. Also shocking is the behavior of other students and John Kerry's lame statement: "I regret enormously that a good healthy discussion was interrupted." The campus police are guilty only of a breach of manners? More...

More Action Needed to Stop Power Plant!

Citizens Action Coalition and its coalition partners working against approval of the proposed Duke coal gasification plant planned for Edwardsport, Indiana, issued a letter to the Governor and a press release urging the Governor to withdraw his support for the construction of the plant and, instead, to support a sustainable energy policy. More...

The Next Attack Is Coming: Six Years After 9/11

Constant international traveler, song-writer and essayist in pursuit of global peace and justice, David Rovic remembers 911 and his reactions. More...

Comcast Closes Public Access Studios in Northern Indiana

Amy Hansen, Production Manager for Comcast Cable Communications Inc., announced on August 28 the giant cable company is closing all the public access studios in northern Indiana. Media democracy takes another hit. More...

Huge Global Warming Win

A federal judge in Vermont today ruled against the U.S. auto industry's attempt to block California and 14 other states from setting tough new limits on global warming pollution from automobiles. More...

Portage Avenue Salon

Come one, come all to the Portage Ave. Salon THIS SUNDAY from 7pm onwards. The address: 611 Portage Ave.

Come for: good conversation (about all kinds of issues ranging from food to politics to art, etc.), good company, and good times.

Bring your own: beverage, a veggie-friendly dish to share (optional), and a friend, if you have one.

Gareth Porter on the Ramp-up to War With Iran

Historian and national security policy analyst Gareth Porter writes two powerful articles on ways in which Cheney, Bush, Lieberman and their supporters and enablers are dramatically increasing the liklihood of war with Iran. Several more articles amplify Porter's findings. More...

Renewed Bush-Cheney Push For War on Iran

Cheney, Bush, Lieberman and their supporters, and their think tank, media, and military-industrial complex enablers are doing their best to create an illusion and provoke a reaction that can be used to justify attacking Iran. The following six articles provide a brief overview of some of the components of this new level of lunacy, immorality, violence, and self-perpetuating war. More...

BP Backs Down - IDEM Unrepentant

According to Save The Dunes Council, the Associated Press is reporting the British Petroleum has announced plans to not increase pollution into Lake Michigan.

"This is great news for Lake Michigan, Save the Dunes and all the citizens that have responded with a huge outcry against additional pollution into Lake Michigan", said Tom Anderson, executive director of the Michigan City-based Save the Dunes Council. "We have maintained that this project can go forward and we can protect Lake Michigan", Anderson added.

However, IDEM will not change the permit unless BP requests it. So the pledge not to increase pollution is not legally binding -- business as usual at Gov. Daniels' office. More...

Read update to Chicago Tribune story

Fox Beating War Drums Again

Robert Greenwald has a new 3-minute video called "Fox Attacks: Iran." Contained in the video is a clip from an interview with Christiane Amanpour "explaining why the major television networks failed to accurately inform the public in the lead-up to the Iraq war, choosing instead to follow FOX's lead." According to Amanpour, "My station was intimidated by the administration and its foot soldiers at FOX News." See the video. More...

Do You Subscribe to Rachels? Maybe You Should.

Rachel's Democracy & Health News is simply one of the best newsletters available. A founder of the St. Joe Valley Greens called it "essential" reading. Here is the table of contents of the current issue.

• Carbon-free and Nuclear-free: A Detailed Energy Plan for the U.S.
• Teflon Chemicals Are Affecting Babies in the Womb
• Study Links Autism To Pesticide Exposures
• Arctic Ice at All-Time Low
• Marine Bird Populations Declining
• Decline of Bluefin Tuna Stirs Concern
• A Challenge To Gene Theory, a Tougher Look at Biotech

Read a sample copy of issue #921 and consider subscribing. More...

New Daniels' "Partnership" Designed to Promote CAFOs, Thwart Citizen Opposition

Gov. Daniels, in his quest to double pork production in Indiana, has designed a new "partnership" to thwart citizen opposition to CAFOs. The goals and member selection criteria for this newest "partnership," and the types of regulatory "improvements" it is likely to recommend, seem self-evident. More...

[Editor: The link to Gov. Daniels' "model" ordinances was broken at the state government web site. They have repaired the link.]

City of Seattle Owes 175 WTO Protesters' $1,000,000

"In a sobering decision for law enforcement officials, a Seattle civil court jury found Tuesday [sic] that the City acted unconstitutionally in arresting scores of peaceful demontrators during the 1999 World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference in Seattle, but did not violate protesters' free speech rights."

As a consequence Seattle owes $1,000,000, split between 175 protesters arrested in a hastily drawn "no protest zone." The 175 protesters must file their claims by August 28 -- this month! More...

New Attempt to Exempt CAFO Toxics

The animal factory farm industry is again trying to exempt all wastes and air emissions from CAFOs from Superfund and Community- Right-To-Know Laws. This attempt could occur as early as the week of September 3 when the Senate reconvenes. The following article from Jolinda Buchanon describes this new threat, and outlines actions you can take to defeat it.

If you'd like to oppose this new legislative assault as an organization, contact Jolinda within the next week or so for a suggested organizational sign-on-letter as a WORD doc. More...

EPA suggests wishy-washy compromise in Indiana BP permit mess

From Grist.org -- Officials from the U.S. EPA have stepped in to quell the furor over a controversial permit the state of Indiana granted to a BP refinery. The permit will allow BP to discharge more ammonia and sludge into Lake Michigan -- at legal limits, but increased over previous amounts. Residents and politicians in Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and nationwide are up in arms over the decision: several city councils have passed resolutions opposing it, as has the U.S. House of Representatives; at least one Chicago alderman is calling for a BP boycott; and Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels (R) has called for a review of the state's permitting process. So what's EPA's solution to the whole mess? The agency, meeting with company officials today, will nicely ask BP to invest in nearby pollution-reduction projects like sewer upgrades and shoreline restoration. "If BP can't or won't do more at its own facility," says EPA regional administrator Mary Gade, "perhaps they can do more to protect the lake in other ways."

• Alliance For The Great Lakes, 15 Aug 2007
• Chicago Tribune, Michael Hawthorne, 15 Aug 2007
• The Times, Christine Kraly, 15 Aug 2007
• Chicago Sun-Times, Fran Spielman, 14 Aug 2007
• The Indianapolis Star, Mary Beth Schneider, 14 Aug 2007

Who Is Robert Murray, Owner of Crandell Canyon Mine?

Robert Murray is the man who insists he can prove an earthquake caused the collapse of the Crandall Canyon mine in Huntington, Utah, an earthquake which scientists at two universities say is the result of the mine collapse, not its cause. He is the man who claims global warming is junk science. He is the man who negotiates in bad faith with the United Mine Workers and resists efforts to improve safety at his mines and across the industry. More...

Another Executive Order: The Emerging Picture

On August 1 Bush issued yet another in his recent string of ominous Executive Orders, National and Homeland Security Directives, and Martial Law facilitating legislation. Many have reacted with outrage. Powerful critiques of the earlier order and directives by conservative constitutional scholar Bruce Fein are available in recent interviews with Bill Moyers and Diane Rehm.

Bush's Executive Orders, Security Directives, and stealth martial law facilitating legislation seem even more ominous when viewed from the context provided by the $385 million contract awarded to Halliburton subsidiary Kellogg Brown & Root in January of 2006 "to construct detention centers somewhere in the United States, to deal with 'an emergency influx of immigrants into the U.S., or to support the rapid development of new programs.' KBR said."

Read this article for some compelling but scary speculations on why these 5000 person centers are being constructed, who they might be intended for, and what the phrase "rapid development of new programs" might mean. More...

Indiana Infrastructure Report Card

The American Society of Civil Engineers rate the condition of infrastructure in each state in the union every two years. Here is the brief on Indiana as of 2005.

• 22% of Indiana's bridges are structurally deficient or functionally obsolete.
• Indiana's drinking water infrastructure needs $1.7 billion over the next 20 years.
• Indiana has $7.22 billion in wastewater infrastructure needs.
• Indiana generates 1.55 tons of solid waste per capita.
• Indiana recycles 35% of the state's solid waste.
• 56% of Indiana's schools have at least one inadequate building feature.
• 67% of Indiana's schools have at least one unsatisfactory environmental feature.
• 32% of Indiana's major roads are in poor or mediocre condition
• Vehicle travel on Indiana's highways increased 35% from 1990 to 2003. Indiana's population grew 12% between 1990 and 2003.
• Driving on roads in need of repair costs Indiana motorists $1.2 billion a year in extra vehicle repairs and operating costs $258 per motorist.
• Indiana has 238 high hazard dams. A high hazard dam is defined as a dam whose failure would cause a loss of life and significant property damage.
• The rehabilitation cost for Indiana's most critical dams is estimated at $199.2 million.

ASCE report card for America's infrastructure

Bush's Newest Executive Order

On July 17 President Bush issued an Executive Order which some believe could be interpreted as providing the authority to confiscate the assets of any citizen or organization opposing US led actions and initiatives in Iraq. More...

Dump Environmental Commissioner, Not Toxins

Thomas Healy has a very important, informative and wide-ranging article in the online edition of the Bloomington Alternative this week. The article, "Dump Environmental Commissioner, Not Toxins" (1), describes the outrage regionally and nationally over the Indiana Department of Environmental Management's (IDEM) decision -- in violation of both federal Clean Water Act and Indiana law -- to give the BP oil refinery in Whiting, Indiana permission to discharge 54 percent more ammonia and 35 percent more sludge into the lake each day. More...

A Factory Farm Near You

Factory farms are spreading so rapidly that its been hard to get an accurate, up to date picture of where they all are. A research and advocacy group called Food and Water Watch has released an interactive map that allows users to track the proliferation of factory farms by state and county, number of farms, type of operation and even number of animals. More...

Community Forum for Economic Development Adopts New Structure

The Community Forum for Economic Development announces a new structure and begins a membership recruiting drive. The CFED has recently been involved in the CAFO public health ordinance and hearings on the Eddy Street Commons. CFED sponsors an annual conference on economic development in St. Joseph County (see GreenTV schedule). More ...

Conyers: Three More Reps. and I'll Impeach

House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers has said that if three more Congress Members get behind impeachment he will start the impeachment proceedings. More...

Four Really Bad Environmental-Health Regulatory Decisions; One Additional Major Reason to Farm Organically

The environmental and health related decisions of our regulatory agencies just keep getting worse and worse. There is, however, one very positive and uplifting finding to report: organic farming combats global warming...big time! More...

Bill Moyers Supports Impeachment

Bill Moyers has released a series of exemplary shows on impeachment. He discusses impeachment with both liberal and conservative scholars and journalists. The arguments are clear and compelling. You'll need a browser plugin to view the online videos. If you don't have the correct plugins, edited transcripts are available to read online. More...

Impeachment Momentum Grows

A telephone survey of 1,100 Americans on July 3-5 by the American Research Group found that 54 percent favor beginning impeachment proceedings against Vice President Cheney, and 45 percent favor initiating impeachment proceedings against President Bush. The survey has a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points, 95 percent of the time. More...

Impeach Cheney Co-Sponsors Reach 8

Number of co-sponsors for Rep. Dennis Kucinich's (D-OH) bill of impeachment (H.R. 333) against Vice President Cheney has increased to eight. More...

G8 Warm-Up Tour: Whose World Is This?

The riots in Rostock, Germany began around 3 pm last Saturday. In European riots outside of G8 meetings and such, generally all sides refrain from using lethal weapons. (If anybody breaks with this tradition - such as Genoa in 2000 or Gothenberg in 2001 - it is always the police.) The riots on Saturday were part of a long series of such confrontations around Germany, around Europe, around the world. More...

Is Martial Law Coming?

In case of a terrorist attack or a national disaster of sufficient size or alarm, President Bush can declare himself the protector of the Constitution, the sole authority in the U.S. and bypass Congress and the courts. If this isn't scary, what is?. More...

Provoking War with Iran - Impeach Cheney

Is Dick Cheney trying to start WW III? An article appeared in the British Guardian newspaper today indicating that "the US offered to take military action on behalf of the 15 British sailors and marines held by Iran, including buzzing Iranian Revolutionary Guard positions with warplanes." Can there be any doubt that Bush, Cheney, and their neocon advisers are doing their best to provoke a response to justify attacking Iran? Fortunately, Britain wisely declined the offer, and pursued a less confrontational, more diplomatic strategy. More...

St. Joseph County Election Board Satirized on YouTube

See the video

The video deals with the documented failure of St. Joseph County to count more than 500 votes cast in the November 2006 general election. Citizens have been in contact with the St. Joseph County Election Board since January without a satisfactory explanation or resolution to the issue.

It's important to understand that registered candidates from several parties, both major and minor, were denied the legitimate votes cast for them. More...

OBITUARY: Jerry Fallwell, Founder "Moral Majority"

Jerry Fallwell is dead. He was the founder of many institutions which masquerade as "religious" institutions but are rather nests of conservative economic and political power. It was the specific goal of Mr. Fallwell to mold America into a stratified society with clear benefits for those whose avowed belief is in the specific "god" that he professed to represent. More...

Schakowsky joins Kucinich effort to impeach Cheney

Rep. Jan Schakowsky of Illinois has joined as a co-sponsor of a measure that calls for the impeachment of Vice President Dick Cheney. More...

CAFO Bill SB431 Dies in Committee

Senate Bill 431 regulating CAFOs died in conference committee on Sunday. While the original bill had a number of positive features (e.g., setbacks, rules and certification for manure handlers, increased inspections and fees to support such inspections, corporate good character provisions, provisions for local control in issues related to moratoriums, operational requirements, setback increases, health protection), these features were either removed or severely diluted as the bill moved through successive conference committee meetings. More...

ALERT - Little to Support in CAFO Bill (SB431)

Governor Daniels, legislators and business interests have turned the CAFO bill, SB431, into an industry bill which centralizes more power in the State. All the protections for local citizens and local control of CAFOs are now gone.

There is precious little left to support in the bill so please ask legislators to oppose the bill and for vote for a moratorium on CAFOs instead. More...

Dennis Kucinich Calls forImpeachment

U.S. Representative Dennis Kucinich will introduce articles of impeachment against Vice President Cheney on Tuesday, April 23! Momentum is building! More...

Target Global Warming, Target Exxon

With over 1400 local events, the April 14 National Day of Climate Action, www.StepItUp07.org, offered a national wakeup call, with citizens in every state raising their voice. But even as we build on this powerful day to move forward, we need to talk about why it's been so hard for Americans to recognize the climate issue's urgency.

As recently as July 2006, the acknowledgement of the crisis by ordinary Americans lagged behind not only our counterparts in Great Britain, Germany and Japan, but also behind those polled in China, India, Argentina, Nigeria and Indonesia. U.S. citizen awareness has increased significantly in the wake of this past winter's massive storms (even before the latest East Coast disaster) and coverage of the international scientific reports. But though between 77% and 83% of Americans now acknowledge that global warming poses a serious problem, only 55% in a January Pew poll say the issue requires immediate government action, and only 47% in the same Pew poll say that they believe it's human caused. This means there's still serious denial. And to dismantle its architecture means taking on the key role of ExxonMobil. More...

Love Conquers Hate

Every year, hundreds of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans are victims of violence because of who they are. This year, the Human Rights Campaign is working every day to change that. With a new fair-minded leadership in Congress, our best opportunity in a generation to pass federal hate crimes legislation is now. More...

Celebrate 20 Years of Women's Radio, April 11

Concert: 20th anniversary of The Globe's "A Women's Circle". Holly Near with pianist Scot Woolley
Date and time: Wednesday, April 11, 2007 at 7:30 p.m.
Location: Umble Center, Goshen College
Cost: $20 in advance, $25 at the door; reserved seating.
Event sponsor: WGCS 91.1FM, The Globe

For more information and for tickets: Call the Goshen College Welcome Center at (574) 535-7566. Web sites: www.hollynear.com and www.globeradio.org.

Justice for Immigrants March, May 1

We invite all supporters of comprehensive immigration reform and earned legalization to join us for our peaceful march where families can feel safe and attend. We expect no trouble; we trust in the protection the police will provide. To further help, we will appoint and train our own peacekeepers to assist the police. Wear white and bring the American Flag.

What: Justice for Immigrants March
Where: Indianapolis
When: May 1, 2007
From: From St. Mary Church, 317 N. New Jersey
Time: The March will begin at exactly 6:00 P.M.

The local contact is Fr. Christopher W. Cox, C.S.C., St. Adalbert Parish - St. Casimar Parish, South Bend, IN. Fr. Cox is arranging for a bus to drive supporters to the march. More...

Impeachment/Stop War Resources #6

The tensions surrounding the capture by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard of 15 British sailors and marines for allegedly trespassing into Iranian waters might escalate and be exploited by Bush, Cheney and their media enablers as a "justification" for launching an attack upon Iran. Joe Miller sends us resources to counter the war machine. More...

Save the St. Joseph County CAFO Health Ordinance

Linda Wolfson contacted both Marc Nelson (Director of the St. Joseph County Health Department) and Jolinda Buchanan of CAC, and both are of the opinion that Section 8 of SB 431 would preempt our recently passed county Health Department CAFO Ordinance. This is URGENT. Please read this article and contact the legislators listed. If passed, this law would take effect on July 1, 2007. More...

CAFO Bill To Support

Rae Schnapp of the Hoosier Environmental Council says HB 1197 is worth supporting. The bill legislates setbacks for CAFOs even in unzoned areas. More...

Green Party Candidate Says County Failed to Count Votes

Bill Stant, Indiana Green Party candidate for Secretary of State, wants to know why St. Joseph County did not report any votes for him. Stant, members of the SJVGreens and others citizens who voted for Stant, confronted the St. Joseph County Election Board at their March meeting. South Bend Tribune's political writer, James Wensits, covered the meeting and published an article in the Tribune on March 22. More...

Ignorance of the Law Should Be No Excuse for County Clerk

As many people are aware, Bill Stant was the Green Party candidate for Indiana secretary of state in the November 2006 general election. Unfortunately, nearly four months after the election, Greens still are looking for an explanation as to why many votes for Stant were not counted. The context for Stant's decision to run for secretary of state reflects the stifling and unhealthy nature of Indiana politics where substantive public debates and real choices for voters are in very short supply. More...

Indiana Greens Seek Formal Apology Over Voter Disenfranchisement

Bill Stant, Green Party candidate for Indiana Secretary of State, members of the St. Joe Valley Greens, and other local citizens will request a public apology from both the St. Joseph County Clerk, Rita Glenn (Dem.), and the county Election Board at their monthly meeting this Wednesday March 21 at 10am. More...

Action Alert! Tell Congress: Support Child Citizen Protection Act

Deportation destroys families and leaves U.S. citizen children without parents. Over 1 in 10 families are mixed status: at least 1 parent is a non-citizen, and 1 child a citizen.

Despite the talk of immigration reform in Congress, so far only one bill specifically seeks to defend the right of children to have their best interests heard before deporting their parent: HR 1176 The Child Citizen Protection act (CCPA). Introduced by Congressman Jose Serrano (D-NY), along with Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Gary Ackerman (D-NY), and Ed Towns (D-NY), the bill is simple: it allows an immigration judge to consider the best interest of U.S. citizen children before deporting a parent. More...

Karl Hardy Attends 2nd South Bend Government Academy

Karl shares his notes from his second class. This time the subject was Parks and Recreation, funding and the Circuit Breaker law. More...

Vermont Puts Impeachment on the Table

Great News -- 36 Vermont towns voted to initiate an impeachment investigation of Bush and Cheney. Here are two background articles. The second article contains the impeachment resolution and a "soldier home now" resolution.

http://www.commondreams.org/views07/0303-22.htm
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines07/0307-01.htm

Joe Miller has also compiled additional impeachment and anti-war resources for you. More...

Impeach Bush & Cheney / Stop War Against Iran - Update 2/25/07

We desperately need to impeach Bush and Cheney for the massive lies they've told and destruction they've caused, both abroad and within our country. Because impeachment won't happen rapidly, however, and because Bush and Cheney seem more intent than ever on attacking/provoking war with Iran, we need binding legislation that would require Bush to receive Congressional authorization before launching yet another war. More...

The 5 Degrees of Government

Did you know the five degrees of government, progressively, are:

1. Unrestricted freedom
2. Direct democracy
• consensus
• majority rule
3. Delegate democracy
4. Representative democracy
5. Overt minority dictatorship

Can you pick which stage society is in right now? Can you guess what Greens are working toward?

St. Joseph County CAFO Ordinance Passes

Joe Miller writes: "Following a public hearing on the St. Joseph County Health Department's CAFO Ordinance last night (2/20/07), the County Council unanimously voted to approve the ordinance! A public hearing on the ordinance was held this morning by the County Commissioners, and the ordinance again passed, but this time by a two (Steve Ross and Cynthia Bodle) to one (Mark Dobson) margin. The ordinance now needs to be advertised, and is expected to become law within 7-10 days.

The Health Department's CAFO Ordinance is a model for the state and country in terms of achieving its stated objectives, and the setback, design, and operational requirements it specifies will make a major contribution to protecting our health and environment. Revisions of our current agricultural ordinance to treat CAFOs as a "special use" are also necessary in the future to address other threats posed by factory farms, but this is a goal for another day.

The five existing CAFOs within the county, and the recently approved Walnut Grove Dairy CAFO (not yet under construction and under appeal with the state's Office of Environmental Adjudication, are exempt from the setback and design standards in the new ordinance. Future expansions of existing CAFOs, however, must meet the setback and design standards in the ordinance. As noted in a document prepared by the St. Joe Quality of Life citizen group, "existing CAFOs are not exempt from the operational requirements of [the new] ordinance, but may request additional time to bring their operations into compliance."

Thanks to everyone involved in the creation and promotion of our excellent new CAFO ordinance. If you have a little extra energy from our victory, you might fire off a letter or email to the state by February 26, and tell them you want much better "model" land-use/CAFO ordinances as "tools" for communities to use than they are about to approve (see "ISDA and ILRC Don't Get Democracy" below).

ISDA and ILRC Don't Get Democracy

What don't the Indiana State Department of Agriculture and Indiana Land Resource Council get about democracy? The two fronts for the Governor's economic development plan repeat their dismal process of sham citizen review and input. More...

Iran - Challenges, Rebuttals, Resources

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued a clear challenge to President Bush on Thursday (2/15), stating that in the absence of specific Congressional authorization, Bush lacks the authority to attack Iran. More...

CAFO Ordinance Hearing and Vote Rescheduled -- ALERT

The public hearing and vote for our St. Joseph County Health Department CAFO Ordinance (canceled last Tuesday because of the weather) has been rescheduled for 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 20, in the Council chambers on the fourth floor of the County-City Building. It's VITAL that we all turn out for and support the passage of this excellent ordinance.

Rebuttals to Bush's Iran Claims

Joe Miller writes: "Citizens and professionals from many different sectors of society are rapidly mobilizing to deconstruct and counter the undocumented and deceptive claims that Bush is pushing, and parts of the mainstream media are echoing, to mislead the public and justify an attack on Iran. The first three articles below describe some of the powerful rebuttals that have emerged."

"The fourth article describes a controversy that has surfaced and resurfaced several times during the last few weeks about the Bush administration's failure to respond to what some view as "a serious proposal" by Iran's senior leaders for Iran-U.S. rapprochement in May, 2003. Despite evidence to the contrary, Secretary Rice recently denied ever seeing the proposal."

• Breakdown at the Iraq Lie Factory
  Robert Dreyfuss, TomPaine, 2/15
  
• Fool Us Twice? From Iraq to Iran
  Marjorie Cohn, AlterNet, 2/14
  
• US Briefing on Iran Discredits the Official Line
  Gareth Porter, Inter Press Service, 2/14
  
• Ex-aide Says Rice Misled Congress on Iran
  Carol Giacomo, Reuters, 2/15
  

Stormwater Pollution Prevention Public Meeting

St. Joseph County, the City of South Bend, Roseland, Osceola, and Ivy Tech Community College are partnering with the St. Joseph County Soil and Water Conservation District and the MACOG/St. Joseph River Basin Commission to host a public education meeting to discuss stormwater pollution prevention. The meeting will be held on March 15, 2007 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Colfax Auditorium of the St. Joseph County Public Library--Main Branch, in South Bend. The discussion will center on what the stormwater pollution prevention regulations mean to the general public, and how they can help local government meet the requirements of the rules to prevent stormwater pollution. Please call the St. Joseph County Soil and Water Conservation District Office at (574) 291-7444, ext. #3 to reserve a spot.

CAFO Update - 2/10/07

This alert contains a reminder about the upcoming public hearing for our CAFO ordinance, good news from Manitoba, good news about public hearings across the country on industrial factory farming, and a warning about preemptive legislation that is being proposed in Missouri re CAFOs.

REMINDER: Our excellent St. Joseph County Health Department CAFO Ordinance is scheduled for a public hearing and vote by the County Council in the Council chambers on the fourth floor of the County-City Building on Tuesday, February 13, at 7:00 p.m. It's VITAL that we all turn out for and support the passage of the Health Department's excellent CAFO Ordinance on the 13th. More...

Stop War Against Iran - Update 2/10/07

Recognizing the similarity between the deceptive tactics used by Bush, Cheney and the neocons in the run-up and promotion of war in Iraq, and the similar tactics that are currently being used (see below) in the run-up and promotion of war against Iran, many are urging Congress to pass legally binding restrictions on Bush's ability to attack Iran without Congressional authorization.

There is no doubt that Congress has such authority. More specifically, five constitutional experts unanimously affirmed at a recent Senate hearing that Congress can prohibit the president from going to war against Iran without prior Congressional approval. More...

Stop War Against Iran - Update 2/4/07

Joe Miller posts an update which begins with: "First, a few positive, hopeful developments in countering the Bush/Cheney/Neocon ramp-up to attacking Iran." More...

Stop War Against Iran

"Since President Bush's State of the Union address last Tuesday, the White House has manufactured a crisis that pits the United States against Iran. In what looks like the military and diplomatic equivalent of a full court press, Washington has unleashed a barrage of threats, maneuvers and limited military actions that seem calculated to set the United States on a collision course with Iran in Iraq and the Persian Gulf. All in all, it is an exceedingly risky and dangerous gambit." More...

Karl Hardy Attends Local Government Academy

Karl Hardy attended the first meeting of the South Bend Local Government Academy this past Thursday evening. Karl is sharing his notes with us. Participants were encouraged to ask questions, including via email, so please let Karl know if his notes spark questions or comments. He will pursue more answers/information. More...

Karl is hoping someone can take his place at this Thursday's class on Community and Economic Development. Karl's email address is in the article linked above.

Rate Payers Under Attack -- Call your Legislators

Ratepayers are under attack this legislative session from a number of directions as Indiana’s regulated electric and gas utilities push several pieces of legislation to weaken regulation and allow for automatic rate increases without the benefit of the normal rate making process.

These efforts also known as trackers allow the utilities to increase rates to pay for everything from new power plants to new transmission effectively giving them a blank check to make investments that may not be needed or may not benefit Indiana ratepayers.

Taken together, the following bills could result in major utility rate increases when alternatives such as energy efficiency, demand side management, and renewables such as wind can avoid the huge costs of new power plant construction, new transmission and the additional pollution which has a hidden cost to public health, the environment and global warming. More...

US/Israeli Plans to Attack Iran

In addition to the Bush/Cheney/Neocon plans to escalate/surge troops into Iraq, plans which fly in the face of virtually every recommendation they've received, this same group seems to be preparing for an attack on Iran -- despite reports by the CIA and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that there is no conclusive evidence that Iran is building a nuclear bomb. US plans to attack Iran were compellingly described by Seymour Hirsch and Scott Ritter in late 2006, and more recently by Wayne White in a January 19th Reuters article. More...

Minutes of SJVGreens 2007 Winter Congress

The SJVGreens concluded their winter Congress last weekend, elected officers and set goals for 2007. The minutes of the Congress are now available. Stay abreast of directions and developments in the local Green chapter. More...

What's going on? Urgent CAFO Issues/Actions.

On January 9 the Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) posted three "model" agricultural zoning ordinances created by the Indiana Land Resources Council (ILRC) on the ISDA website.

On January 17, 18, and 22 the ISDA & ILRC held hold three public "listening sessions" in Noblesville, Goshen, and Scottsburg to get public input on the three ordinances. Public input is expressed via 2-5 minute comments at the sessions, plus emails and letters up to midnight Jan. 22.

So much for democracy and responsible review! Announce the process on the 9th, initiate "listening sessions" on the 17th, close off public input on the 22nd, and make a final decision on the 31st!

What's going on, in my opinion, is an attempt by ISDA and ILRC to provide the legislative "tools" to supporters (local officials, industry representatives, etc.) of concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) to make as many Indiana counties CAFO friendly as possible. What's going on is an attempt to meet Mitch Daniels' goal of doubling pork production in Indiana. More...

State Dept of Agriculture Holds Model CAFO Ordinances "Listening" Session in Elkhart, Jan. 18

The Indiana Land Resources Council has put together 3 model ordinances that they are recommending for counties to use in drafting local CAFO rules. The State Dept of Agriculture is hosting a total of three "listening sessions" across the entire state of Indiana to give citizens the chance to provide comments on these 3 model ordinances.

The "listening session" for the northern third of the state is at the Elkhart Co. Fairgrounds Thursday, 1/18, from 7 to 9:30pm. St. Joe County Quality of Life is hoping that a number of residents from St, Joe Co. who are energized on this issue will take this opportunity to be "listened to."

The model ordinances can be read at www.in.gov/isda/modelordinances.

Progressive Discussion Group Resumes Meetings

The holiday break is over and the Progressive Discussion Group is meeting again. The next meeting is 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 30, at Fiddler's Hearth downtown South Bend.

Community Forum on Economic Development Meeting

The next CFED meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 16, from 7-9 PM at the Minority Health Coalition Office (915 N. Bendix -- in LaSalle Square). The meeting will begin with a special program on Vacant and Abandoned Properties in South Bend. Mayor Steve Luecke and Jeff Gibney, the new Interim Executive Director of SB's Dept. of Community & Economic Development will address the issue. A business meeting will follow this program and will include reports on the progress of the Tax Abatement Ordinance revision and the proposal to incorporate the LaSalle Square area into the Airport (Blackthorn) TIF. You'll also receive an update on plans for a second all-day forum, scheduled for Saturday, April 21, 2007 at IU South Bend.

Focus on Predatory Lending

The Community Forum on Economic Development (CFED) is holding a public meeting re what we can do about predatory lending. The meeting will be held at the LaSalle Branch Library on Saturday, January 13, from 10 AM to Noon. This meeting provides an opportunity for community activists who are opposing predatory lending practices (by mortgage lenders, payday lending operations, national credit cards, tax preparation companies, etc.) to meet together and share the experiences and priorities of their groups, and provides a structure for future cooperation. The library is at 3232 W Ardmore Trail, across the parking lot from LaSalle Square.

CAFO Ordinance First Reading January 9

CAFO update: The St. Joseph County Health Ordinance for CAFOs (concentrated animal feeding operations) has its "first reading" next Tuesday, January 9, at 7 PM. They will just read the title of the ordinance and, we assume, then vote to send it to committee. The committee will consider the ordinance on Jan. 23, a 5:30 meeting. Assuming they vote it out of committee, the public hearing and council vote will occur on Feb. 13, at 7.

City of South Bend Seeks Railway Greenway

Would you like to help turn the Southern Norfolk Railine in South Bend into a publicly owned recreational and alternative transportation greenway? Please read Judith Robert's letter, which briefly explains the issue and how to write a support letter or fill in an online comment form. The deadline is January 5, 2007, so act quickly. More...

FCC Sells Out Local Communities and Public Access Media

Congress needs to know that the FCC is taking Congressional power as they rewrite cable law. It is important for Congress to know that their constituents are active in community media and that you are ready to fight.

• Support for Public, Education and Government Access Channel: GONE!
• Channel capacity for Public, Education and Government Access Channels from new providers: GONE!
• Your city's right to reasonable payment by the telephone and cable companies who make billions of dollars using public land: GONE!
• Your city's public safety and educational communication systems: GONE!

The rules of this process are written against your interests. You are not allowed to call or write the FCC right now, but your Congressmembers can. Only your Congressmembers can stop the FCC now. Tell them to support your community. Tell them to forward your concerns to the FCC NOW!

CAMPAIGN LINK CLICK HERE!

What Can the FCC Be Thinking? -- Whatever AT&T Tells Them!

The Republican controlled FCC has usurped Congress and defacto rewritten federal law governing cable franchising and local control. The FCC is acting in the interests of telecommunications giants AT&T and Verizon and against the interests of U.S. communities.

Framed in the rhetoric of increased competition, lower cable rates, deregulation, reducing barriers to market entry and leveling the playing field, the FCC is attempting to control the media commons for the big corporations -- as they always have. On December 20, 2006, the FCC voted 3-2 to give AT&T, Verizon and other carriers the power to set contract terms in negotiations with local communities. More...

IGP Experiments with Statewide Teleconference

The Indiana Green Party (IGP) will hold a Coordinating Committee teleconference on Sat., 12/16/06, at 1:00 EST. The IGP wants to reduce the amount of driving required for state meetings and to increase accessiblity and transparency. If you are a member of IGP or would like to become a Green and want to participate in the virtual meeting, contact GreenTV@sjvgreens.org for information about the local meeting site for St. Jo. County. The IGP reserved slots for 10 locations around the state.

Are CAFO's Sustainable?

Joe Miller writes: "Individuals differ on whether they think Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) can be responsibly and sustainably operated. My personal view is that while some CAFOs are better sited, designed and managed than others, all CAFOs are inherently unsustainable. I say this because while some CAFOs may appear to be successful and well managed in the short run, this success is illusory, and a function of focusing only on short term profits for owners/investors and savings for consumers, while ignoring the larger and longer term costs exacted by such operations. Costs, for example, such as impaired animal, worker, and public health; contaminated water, air, and soil; increased food contamination and decreased quality; diminished property values and quality of life; and lost opportunities to create sustainable food systems and the vibrant farm-community relationships such systems support." More...

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 St. Joe Valley Greens, South Bend, IN