Pat Birnie/WILPF List

Fw: CORRECTION: Time is 3 pm for IAM rally to preserve retiree healthcare

Hi All,

The Machinist Union (I.A.M.) is fighting to preserve the healthcare coverage of their retirees. Raytheon wants to take it away!

The Machinist Union has called for a rally:

Date: Thurs., August 28th

Location: in front of Raytheon plant on Hermans Road (south on Nogales Hwy. from Valencia Rd)

Time: 3 pm (CORRECTED from the original start time of 4 pm)

Let me know if you can make it. This is our fight as well. Healthcare must be maintained. The retirees deserve health coverage.

For contact: call Steve at 241-2730

Fw: Tune in to: Will Your Vote Count? Thurs. Aug 28, 6 - 7pm

On Thursday, August 28, 2008, the World Harmony: Can It Happen? TV program will present from 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM the topic -

WILL YOUR VOTE COUNT?

Our featured guests will be Ted Downing, Chair of the Arizona State Democratic Party Committee for Election Integrity; Sandra Spangler, Cofounder of Audit AZ; Bill Risner, Attorney; and Paul Hilts, Democratic Precinct Committeeperson.

This program can be seen on Cox Cable Channel 97 and Cox Digital Channel 120; Comcast Channel 72; and on the worldwide web - Search www.accesstucson.org and click on: Access Tucson, next look for "NOW PLAYING" and click "Watch Online", and finally click "Watch Channels 72/Digital 120".

If you miss this showing, you can still see it rebroadcast again on Saturdays, August 30th and September 6th Noon - 1:00 PM on Cox Cable Channel 99, Comcast Channel 74, and online by following the directions above and finally clicking "Watch Channels 74/99".

INVITATION TO ATTEND ALL OF THE LIVE
"WORLD HARMONY" SHOWS IN PERSON

Come to Access Tucson (Studio A), 124 East Broadway (just east of 6th Avenue) and be in our studio audience. Meet and talk with our guests following the show.

Please arrive by 5:45 PM to guarantee seating.

Parking is free in the Access Tucson Parking Lot but if it is full, parking is free on the street after 5:00 PM.

For more information, contact Stuart Thomas, Talk-Show Host and Independent Producer, at Humanharmony2005@aol.com or (520) 722-2837.

Fw: Come to court Wednesday to support three men of the Panda Express 11

Continue to Support the Panda Express 11
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
4:30pm
Superior Court, 5th Floor, Judge Dawley

Please come show your support for three of the Panda Express 11-- Rudy Garzal, Jose Pichardo & Juan Fontes--who will be sentenced tomorrow via telephone. We would like to have a continued presence in the courtroom of local support of these hardworking men who have suffered the separation from their families for working to provide for them.

For more information,
please contact Derechos Humanos at: 520.770.1373.

Coalici�n de Derechos Humanos

Contact:
P.O. Box 1286
Tucson, AZ 85702
Office: 520.770.1373
or 1.800.682.4280
Fax: 520.770.7455
www.derechoshumanosaz.net

Coalici�n de Derechos Humanos is a grassroots organization which promotes respect for human/civil rights and fights the militarization of the Southern Border region, discrimination, and human rights abuses by federal, state, and local law enforcement officials affecting U.S. and non-U.S. citizens alike.

Fw: Rally with the Machinist Union to preserve retiree health care

Hi All,

The Machinist Union (I.A.M.) is fighting to preserve the healthcare coverage of their retirees. Raytheon wants to take it away!

The Machinist Union has called for a rally:

Date: Thurs., August 28th

Location: in front of Raytheon plant on Hermans Road (south on Nogales Hwy. from Valencia Rd)

Time: 4 pm

Let me know if you can make it. This is our fight as well. Healthcare must be maintained. The retirees deserve health coverage.

For contact: call Steve at 241-2730

Fw: JPN: 2 reports on Free Gaza boats arrival in Gaza

This non-violent, imaginative project is very much in the hole,
financially speaking.
If you'd like to make a financial contribution, please go to
www.freegaza.org
Thanks,
Racheli.

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1014462.html
Last update - 21:56 23/08/2008
Haniyeh: Arrival of blockade-busting boats spells end of Gaza siege
By Barak Ravid, Haaretz Correspondent and The Associated Press

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on Saturday welcomed two boats that sailed
from Cyprus to the Gaza Strip in efforts to break the Israeli-imposed
blockade on the Palestinian territory, saying that the arrival of the
boats signaled the end of the siege.
The 70-foot (21-meter) Free Gaza and 60-foot (18-meter) Liberty left
the southern port of Larnaca about 10 a.m. Friday for the estimated
30-hour trip. The activists planned to deliver 200 hearing aids to a
Palestinian charity for children and hand out 5,000 balloons.
The 46 activists from 14 countries belonging to the U.S.-based group
Free Gaza include an 81-year-old Catholic nun and the sister-in-law of
Mideast envoy and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
The arrival of the boats is another "nail in the coffin of the
blockade," Haniyeh said in an interview with the Qatari-based
television network Al Jazeera.
He urged the head of the Arab League Amr Moussa to come to Gaza and
called on Egypt to open the Rafah border crossing, which the Egyptians
closed in 2007 when Hamas violently seized control over the Gaza Strip.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas also lauded the activists, who
docked at Gaza City's tiny port Saturday evening, receiving a warm
welcome from thousands of jubilant Palestinians after a two-day journey
marred by communications troubles and rough seas.
"We were all dizzy, nauseous. We were all tired. But in the last hour
it was like we were recharged," said Ayash Daraj, a journalist with
al-Jazeera who sailed with the activists.
Since setting sail from Cyprus early Friday, the Free Gaza mission had
been in question. Israel initially hinted it would prevent the vessels
from reaching Gaza, and on Saturday, the group accused Israel of
jamming its communications equipment.
But late Saturday, Israel said it would permit the boats to dock in
Gaza after determining the activists did not pose a security threat.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Arye Mekel said Israel wanted to avoid the
media provocation that the activists were seeking. He said he had no
knowledge of attempts to harm the boats' communications.
He went on to say that the authorities in Greece and Cyprus inspected
the vessels and their passengers before they set sail from the port of
Larnaca in Cyprus Friday morning, and assured Israel that they carried
no weapons.
Israel decided to permit the Free Gaza boats to sail into the Strip as
a one-time measure and announced that similar missions in the future
would be examined individually. It was further announced that the boats
would be inspected upon their return to ensure they were not carrying
wanted militants or weapons.
Israel has led an international boycott of the Gaza Strip since the
militant Muslim group Hamas seized power of the territory in June 2007.
Israel closed its trade crossings with the coastal territory, while
neighboring Egypt sealed its passenger crossing, confining Gaza's 1.4
million residents.
Israel has allowed little more than basic humanitarian supplies into
Gaza, causing widespread shortages of fuel, electricity and basic
goods. Only some people are allowed to leave Gaza for medical care,
jobs abroad and the annual Muslim pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
Under a June truce deal which halted a deadly cycle of bruising
Palestinian rocket attacks and deadly Israel airstrikes, Israel has
pledged to ease the blockade, but Palestinians say the flow of goods
into Gaza remains insufficient and there has been little improvement in
the quality of life. Israel has periodically closed the cargo crossings
in response to sporadic Palestinian rocket fire that violated the
truce.
Earlier Saturday, the Free Gaza activist group accused Israel of
sabotaging the mission, saying that Israel had jammed the boats'
electronic communication systems.
"I can't think of any other reason or any other party with an
interest," said Angela Godfrey-Goldstein, the group's spokeswoman in
Israel. She accused Israel of jeopardizing the activists' safety, and
appealed for international assistance.
Israel has denied interfering in the boats' communications.
In a statement, the activists said their communications systems had
been jammed and scrambled and said they were victims of electronic
piracy.
"We are not experienced sailors. As a results, there is concern about
the health and safety of the people on board," the statement said.
"We are following the development and if they are looking for a
provocation, we will know how to avoid it," Foreign Ministry spokesman
Arye Merkel said Saturday.
Another spokesman for the ministry, Aviv Shiron, said Friday that all
options were being considered when asked whether Israel intended to use
force to turn the boats away.
In Gaza City, meanwhile, a small boat zoomed off the coast waving a
Palestinian flag as a crowd of activists and journalists gathered in
the tiny fishing port hoping to glimpse the vessels.
"I brought the kids so if they [the activists] arrive, I can tell them
welcome - and thank you for not forgetting us," said Jamila Hassan, a
42-year-old Gaza resident who brought along her 14-year-old son and
9-year-old daughter to the port.
Hamas policemen controlled traffic in and out of the Gaza City port in
anticipation of the boats' arrival. Youths leaped off high rocks into
deep water nearby. Two large tents were set up for people to watch the
scene.
"Nobody thinks that these boats will break the siege in a practical
way, but this is a moral message - what is happening [in Gaza] is
illegal and inhumane, and must be halted," said Raji Sourani, a
prominent human rights activist.
On Friday, organizer Paul Larudee said the group expected Israeli
authorities to intercept the boats and arrest those on board. He said
it was highly unlikely the Israeli navy would fire on them.
The boats departed after last-minute engine repairs to the Liberty,
passenger safety drills and a final inspection of the vessels' hulls by
Cyprus Marine Police divers. Group members sang a peace song in Arabic
and formed the peace sign with their fingers before boarding the
boats.

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?
cid=1219218618084&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
Israel: Gaza blockade in place despite ships
By YAAKOV KATZ AND HERB KEINON

Israel's decision to allow two boats carrying international activists
into Gaza's port on Saturday was a "one-time" event and did not
constitute a decision by the government to allow sea access to the
blockaded Palestinian territory.
Activists planning to attempt...
Activists planning to attempt to break the Gaza blockade set sail from
the Cypriot port of Larnaca.
Photo: AP
Slideshow: Pictures of the week
Carrying foreign activists from the US-based Free Gaza Movement, the
two boats set sail from Cyprus on Friday and arrived in Gaza on
Saturday. They received a warm welcome from thousands of jubilant
Palestinians after a voyage marred by communications troubles and rough
seas.
The 46 activists from 14 countries include an 81-year-old Catholic nun
and Lauren Booth, the sister-in-law of Quartet Middle East envoy Tony
Blair. The organizations participating in the Free Gaza movement
include the International Solidarity Movement.
"In this media war, it was impossible for them [Israel] to win because
they have no case for what they are doing to your port and to your
borders," Booth said.
RELATED

* Navy to repel Free Gaza Movement boats
As the boats docked in Gaza City's tiny port, children swarmed around
the vessels and leaped into the water in joy, while thousands of
cheering people looked on from the shore. Palestinian flags on one of
the boats snapped in the wind, activists waved to the crowd, and the
slogan "End Occupation" was written in large letters on its side.
"We were all dizzy, nauseous. We were all tired. But in the last hour
it was like we were recharged," said Ayash Daraj, a journalist with
Al-Jazeera who sailed with the activists.
An activist places flags of...
An activist places flags of countries of origin of around 40 activists
aboard the vessels that set sail from Cyprus to Gaza on Friday.
Photo: AP
Israeli defense officials said a consultation was held late last week
between Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Defense Minister Ehud Barak
during which it was decided to allow the boats into Gaza and not to use
the navy to prevent their arrival.
"It was clear from the beginning that this whole operation was a
provocation aimed at making Israel look bad," a senior defense official
said on Saturday. "We decided to let them through in order not to play
into their hands." The official stressed that despite the opening of
the Gaza port for international boats on Saturday, Israel did not plan
to lift its sea blockade of Gaza and would not allow additional ships
into the Strip out of fear that they will try to transport weaponry and
explosives to Hamas."
The official added that Gaza was not experiencing a humanitarian crisis
and was receiving sufficient food and supplies from Israel via the land
crossings.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Aryeh Mekel said that the decision to let
the boats in, which was made at the highest governmental levels, was
made for two reasons.
"The first was to prevent a media provocation on the high seas," Mekel
said, "and the second is because we knew who was on the boat, and that
the equipment they were bringing in was humanitarian equipment for deaf
people."
Mekel said the decision was made on a one-time basis, and should not be
seen as a precedent.
Now that the group is in Gaza, the expectation in Jerusalem is that
they will at some point ask Israel to let them into the country so they
can fly back home, since it is unlikely they will want to sail back the
way they came. No decision, however, has yet been made on whether they
will be allowed into Israel.
Jerusalem had initially hinted it would prevent the vessels from
reaching Gaza, and on Saturday the group accused Israel of jamming its
communications equipment.
But later on Saturday, Israel said it would permit the boats to dock in
Gaza after determining the activists did not pose a security threat.
The activists brought with them a symbolic delivery of hearing aids and
balloons for children. Organizers said they would stay in Gaza for 24
hours, though it remained unclear how they planned to leave.
Gaza's Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh welcomed the activists. "We
call for more activities to break the unfair siege imposed on our
people," Haniyeh said.
"They are very brave, they are very strong, I am proud of them," said
Samira Ayash, a 65-year-old retired school teacher who came to watch.
................................................................
--------
Jewish Peace News editors:
Joel Beinin
Racheli Gai
Rela Mazali
Sarah Anne Minkin
Judith Norman
Lincoln Shlensky
Rebecca Vilkomerson
Alistair Welchman

Fw: Under the Same Moon screening Friday, August 29

Coalicion de Derechos Humanos invites you to a screening of
"UNDER THE SAME MOON" "BAJO LA MISMA LUNA"
A love between a mother and son knows no boundaries
FRIDAY AUGUST 29,2008
6:30 P.M.
Armory Park Center
220 S. 5th Av.

Join us for this beautiful story about a mother who risks
\everything to provide for her family and her son who crosses
borders to be with her.

$5.00 suggested donation
For more information contact:
Derechos Humanos at 770-1373

Fw: Charles Muller Memorial

Long-time Tucson peace and justice activist Charles W. Muller, 80, died
yesterday. He was preceded in death by his wife Bernie and is survived
by his eight children.
Charles' volunteer work over the years included the Sanctuary Movement,
Pastors for Peace, Pima County Council on Aging, Veterans for Peace and
BorderLinks.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to Casa Maria.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, August 22, 2008, at 4:00 p.m.
at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 601 E. Ft. Lowell in Tucson.

Fw: Oppose McCain on Labor issues Friday 4:30-6 pm

Hi All,

Please come out to the picket line and show your opposition to Sen. McCain on labor issues.

Date: Friday, August 22

Time: 4:30 to 6 PM

Location: on the corner of Granada and Congress, downtown

Enjoy chilled water, cold watermelon and granola bars as we say 'no' to McCain on his positions
on trade bills, minimum wage, Employee Free Choice Act, job creation, right-to-work-for less, etc.

Bring your own sign, banners. Bring your neighbor, your co-worker, family members, union members.

We have one sign that reads, 'HONK TO OPPOSE McCAIN', the wonderful noise is uplifting!

Jobs with Justice does monthly pickets at McCain's office and highlights different issues every time,

this month is Labor issues. We look forward to highlighting other issues as well, including healthcare

and the war.

for more info: call Steve at 241-2730

Fw: More on "Nuclear Power: Safe or Sorry"

Hi - Check out the web site of this Ukranian woman motorcyclist below. It is really fascinating and overwhelming. For all your bikers, is this bikers heaven or hell?
Barbara

If you ever had any inkling that nuclear power would be a sensible approach to the energy need, the information presented (on a public access show that Rick Graap, Russell Lowes and Jack Cohen-Joppa did) should cure you of that once and for all!. Russell Lowes is an expert on the ridiculous financial boondoggle that would result in the 100 nuclear plants that McCain wants, let alone the 1000 what would be needed to mitigate global warming, let alone the insoluble waste problem, the other dangers, etc.
A Ukrainian female motorcyclist that likes to ride in "The Zone", the 40 mile diameter radioactive area that is excluded from public access (unless your relative is like her father, a government nuclear physicist) because it is wonderfully free of traffic...and she takes loads of photos of the area which are really good and chilling. Her site is: www.kiddofspeed.com.

Fw: Support the Panda Express 11 in court Monday 1:30 pm

Come out to support the workers and their families who have been criminalized for working to support their families.
Support the Panda Express 11
Monday, August 18, 2008
1:30pm
Superior Court, 5th Floor, Judge Dawley

Please come show your support of the Panda Express 11, the workers who were arrested on March 18, 2008 for obtaining work with social security numbers that the state alleges are fictitious.
These workers have suffered being separated from their families and loved ones, and we are hopeful for a just outcome in this case.
Thanks to the generous donations of more than $5,000 from Tucson Samaritans and other local allies, most of the workers were released on bond. We are especially grateful to Mo Goldman, who has acted as the pro-bono immigration attorney to all 11 of the workers.
We will be meeting at Public Defender's office (33 N. Stone , 6th floor) at 12:30pm, then walking over to the courthouse together, for those who wish to accompany us.
Please come to show solidarity for the Panda Express 11 and their families and stand with us against the criminalization of hardworking women and men.

Coalici�n de Derechos Humanos

Contact:
P.O. Box 1286
Tucson, AZ 85702
Office: 520.770.1373
or 1.800.682.4280
Fax: 520.770.7455
www.derechoshumanosaz.net
Coalici�n de Derechos Humanos is a grassroots organization which promotes respect for human/civil rights and fights the militarization of the Southern Border region, discrimination, and human rights abuses by federal, state, and local law enforcement officials affecting U.S. and non-U.S. citizens alike.

Fw: Take Citizen poll about proposed Rosemont Mine

Please check out the poll in the Tucson Citizen today accompanying this
article on Rosemont:
http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/daily/local/93674.php
The poll is found by scrolling down the right side, under the photos and
background/timeline of the mine.
-Lainie
Save the Scenic Santa Ritas