The People of Orlando's Journal (original) (raw)
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Below are the 20 most recent journal entries recorded inThe People of Orlando's LiveJournal:
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| Monday, November 8th, 2010 | |
|---|---|
| _5:55 pm_[civilrightsfast] | Civil Rights Fast http://www.civilrightsfast.com( A letter from the Civil Rights FastCollapse ) (Comment on this) |
| Saturday, February 28th, 2009 | |
| _1:31 pm_[psychicbooty] |
Ryan Skipper's Killer Found Guilty From EqFL.org:"Today, Joseph Bearden, one of the two accused killers of Ryan Skipper, was found guilty of second-degree murder and robbery.On March 15, 2007, Ryan Skipper was stabbed 19 times and left to die on a dirt road in Polk County, Florida. His death is a bloody reminder of the anti-gay hatred faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in our state.Just days ago, a prosecution witness revealed that shortly after the killing, Joseph Bearden, the defendant, said, 'He felt he was doing the world a favor by getting rid of one more faggot.'"Click here for the rest of the story from Equality Florida's website. (Comment on this) |
| Thursday, February 12th, 2009 | |
| _4:35 pm_[diynosaurattack] |
Yabai Bicycle Club solidarity statement with Everglades Earth First! Released 2.12.09YABAI BICYCLE CLUBSTATEMENT OF SOLIDARITY WITH EVERGLADES EARTH FIRST! AND THOSE SENTENCED FOR THE "CRIME" OF NON-VIOLENT DIRECT ACTION IN DEFENSE OF THE EVERGLADESWE, as a bicycle club seeking to resist - through our actions and ideas - car/oil culture and the further destruction of the earth by oil barons, coal profiteers and all others who aim to and (in many cases) succeed in lining their pockets in the name of "progress," and at the cost of the health of native ecosystems, the continued existence of species, and the well-being of indigenous and marginalized peoples - across the globe and in our own backyards; and to promote our alternative, bicycles and creative resistance; wish to express our collective solidarity with Everglades Earth First!, Lynne Purvis and Panagioti Tsolkas and the others arrested in both the February, 2008, and January, 2009 actions against the construction of Florida Power and Light's West County Energy Center, and to reopen Barley Barber Swamp for immediate scientific monitoring and public use.We strongly condemn the continued construction Florida Power and Light's West County Energy Center, a 3,800 megawatt coal-fire power plant under construction in the Everglades, that, when complete, will be the nations largest coal-burning power plant, and result in the emission of 12,000,000 tons of toxic carbon per year and dispense 13,500,000 gallons of contaminated water into Florida's aquifer per year, while drawing 6,500,000,000 gallons of water a year from the surface and the aquifer. We call for the immediate cancellation of the project, by direct action, if necessary.We also request that Florida Power and Light remove all "green," "clean," and other incorrect environmental information and "greenwashing" off all promotional materials for this project, as it insults the intelligence of not only environmental activists, but also to the public at large. There is no "Clean Coal," and arguing that this is environmentally responsible ignores the heightened levels of mercury present in the long list of pollutants.We support the actions of Everglades Earth First! to resist the further construction of the West County Energy Center, and acknowledge that direct action has become the ONLY way to effectively combat the further degradation of the Everglades, and more broadly, the earth. To quote John F. Kennedy: "Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable." While this issue doesn't deal with violence, it does speak to the fact that every effective means to environmental justice is becoming illegal or ineffective to the benefit of those who make their living destroying the earth, thus the necessity for other creative and more direct outlets.Earlier this month, Lynne Purvis and Panagioti Tsolkas were sentenced to 30 and 60 days, respectively for misdemeanor trespassing and blocking traffic as an act of civil disobedience in an action to slow the construction of the West County Energy Center in February of 2008. They were engaged non-violent direct action during a protest against the plant. We wish to express solidarity with Purvis and Tsolkas, as well as the others arrested in this action, as they are doing the work that is necessary to have a shot at saving the Everglades and it's right to exist as one of the last "wild" spaces left in the civilized world, and as a biotope unique to our part of the world. It could have been any of us, and it was them.We strongly condemn this unnecessary show of judicial might and the unusually long sentences handed down to these activists. It is our belief that the sentences are politically motivated, and although we no longer expect any measure of judicial fairness, as "saving the world" seems to have been reduced to a petty crime by the powers that be, we are saddened that it would be our comrades who take the brunt of this arbitration, known as justice, and call for their immediate release and their records wiped clean of these "crimes."As such, we strongly urge activists and others alike to look between the lines of newsprint, beneath the words in the news to the real truth. News is paid for by advertising and industry, and as such, there is a relationship of control on part of industry over the media - to ensure continued support of advertising - that distorts the truth to pacify the masses into inaction and ignorance of issues that affect their lives. We urge people to organize within their communities to fight the destruction of the earth, and the exploitation of it's resources; to a degree according to their comfort level, become involved. WE are those who they must win over. They cannot exist without OUR permission. The future of the Everglades is in OUR hands, not theirs.no compromiseYabai Bicycle Club"es mejor morir de bicicleta que vivir arrodillado" (Comment on this) |
| Wednesday, February 4th, 2009 | |
| _3:25 am_[pikake] |
press release: FORWARD WIDELY <3 Opponents of Florida Power and Light- GO TO JAIL!South Florida environmentalist sentenced to 60 days and 30 days in thePalm Beach County Jail for protesting FPLWho: Opponents of Florida Power and Light’s West County Energy CenterWhat: Discuss the excessive sentencing of Lynne Purvis and Panagioti TsolkasWhere: At the Main Entrance to the Palm Beach County Jail on Gun Club RoadWhen: 8:30 AMPalm Beach County, FL- After being found guilty of misdemeanor trespassing, blocking traffic in an act of civil disobedience during the February 2008 protest against Florida Power Light’s West County Energy Center, Lynne Purvis and Panagioti Tsolkas are sentenced to 30 and 60 days in jail.During their court case, Purvis and Tsolkas argued that the environmental damages caused by FPL’s power plant necessitated non- violent civil disobedience. ScientistDr. John van Leer and Dr. Sydney Bachus testified in defense of Purvis and Tsolkas, arguing that the completion of the FPL West County Energy Center could lead to higher levels of Mercury in the Loxahatchee Preserve area and aquifer contamination; in addition to the acceleration of global warming. The State Attorney’s Office contested the environmentalists’ claims, arguing that proposed power plant impact on global warming was not an imminent threat.Once open, the Florida Power and Light West County Energy Center will be the largest fossil fuel burning power plan in the United States, emitting twelve million tons of potentially toxic carbon emissions and dispensing 13.5 million gallons of contaminated water into Florida’s aquifer every year.In addition to jail, Judge Johnson sentence restrains Purvis and Tsolkas from coming within 500 feet of FPL property. Both remain committed to protecting Palm Beach County’s natural resources.Co-defendant Russell McSpadden responded to the Judge’s sentence stating, “The FPL West County Energy Center poses an imminent and severe threat to our quality of life in Palm Beach County. We are dissapointed with the Judge’s decision to jail environmental activists who took action to stop FPL from contaminating the air and water of Palm Beach County. We believe during this time of global climate change that average citizens must step up and take action to address the impacts large corporations are having on our environment. ”For More Information:Russell McSpaddenPalm Beach County Environmental Coalition561-584-2644 (Comment on this) |
| Saturday, December 20th, 2008 | |
| _2:31 am_[angstypenguin] |
Know any queer rural zines? x-post (if this doesn't belong/breaks rules, sorry; tell me&I'll delete) Sorry if this doesn't belong here, but my friend Jenna (a.k.a.  trashcan_chica) needs some help:**"does anyone know of any queer zines about living in rural areas or going to rural areas?any help/pointing in the right direction would be amazing. i went through the whole Queer Zine Archive and couldn't really find anything.thanks! jenna bp.s. i just got a wordpress site, sassyfrasscircus.com!"**Her (AIM) away message also says: "is looking for zines about/by members of radical queer ANTI-URBAN communities, so if you know of any..."So please comment if you can help at all; thanks. :]-Beth Current Mood:  hopeful (1 Comment |Comment on this) |
| Friday, November 14th, 2008 | |
| _5:46 pm_[psychicbooty] |
Enough National Day of Protest_Florida's Amendment 2California's Proposition 8and Arizona's Proposition 10_Tomorrow: Saturday, November 15 at 1:30 PMOutside City Hall in Downtown Orlando (at the corner of Orange Avenue and South Street)More information at:http://www.hrc-orlando.org/jointheimpact/***Wake up early, turn off your computer, and take to the streets.This in itself isn't going to change it, but it's the first step.It's infinitely better than us just sitting quietly and not letting the world see how much this hurts all of us.Not that we are prone to do that... at all.See you there. (Comment on this) |
| Thursday, June 19th, 2008 | |
| _2:12 pm_[gojobs] | Hello, this is a very focused community you have here, congratulations! My name is Bill and I work for an online job board called GoJobs.com. We’re currently redesigning our site to draw more traffic and are also focusing more on niche communities of job seekers. Activists in Orlando is about as niche as you can get! I was discussing it with my co-workers, and none of us could really decide what kind of job an activist would be most interested in having. Would a page like this: http://gojobs.com/social-work-jobs.html be useful in a job search, for an Orlando activist? Please, check it out, and I would welcome some feedback. Thanks so much for reading, and keep fighting the good fight! (Comment on this) |
| Sunday, March 30th, 2008 | |
| _9:54 pm_[jaclynemily] | radical conference All Power to the Imagination! Conference on Radical Theory and PracticeNew College of FloridaSarasota, FloridaApril 4-6thAll Power to the Imagination! is a 3-day conference that will bring activists, academics, undergraduate/graduate students, and grassroots organizers together for a weekend of listening, networking, sharing, and organizing. We will discuss ideas, tactics, experiences, and skills as well as theories, scholarship, and research to develop our radical vision for the present and future. There will be a keynote speech by black radical activist and former Black Panther member Ashanti Alston as well as a performance of Howard Zinn's play Marx in Soho. Workshop/presentation topics at the conference include: feminism, queer/trans issues, environmentalism, student movements, social movements, anti-racism, community organizing, labor, political art, radical pedagogy, community radio, political philosophy, and more!For more info and a comprehensive list of presentations, visit:http://theoryandpracticeconference.wordpress.com/For a tentative copy of the schedule, visit:http://students.ncf.edu/jacqueline.wang/apischedule.pdf (Comment on this) |
| Monday, February 4th, 2008 | |
| _4:11 am_[3libras] |
Help us protest the lies and crimes of Scientology! There are going to be protests ALL AROUND THE WORLD on the 10th. Please, join us, or at least spread the word! **This dangerous cult is destroying lives and it needs to stop.**Why are we protesting Scientology? Well, allow me to explain. This has NOTHING to do with their beliefs, and everything to do with the corporation, the cult, the lies and the crimes and the **PEOPLE WHO HAVE DIED.**Do you know who Lisa McPherson is? Google her and learn how she died.Project Snow White has nothing to do with the Disney movie. Look it up.Scientologists have to pay upwards of $300,000 for their enlightenment. You could buy a HOUSE with that money! Why should you have to pay, especially that kind of money, to properly practice your religion?http://www.xenu.nethttp://www.whyaretheydead.netPeople, this is no laughing matter. I, for one, do not want to just sit back and let this corporate cult ruin people's lives.Going to be out of town? Odds are, there will be a protest nearby for you to attend. Locations and more information here: http://encyclopediadramatica.com/PROJECT_CHANOLOGY/IRL_PROTEST_PAGECan't make it to a protest but still want to help? Print out fliers and pass them out! Tell your friends, your family, anyone who will listen. Tell them about Lisa McPherson, Operation Snow White, Xenu.net, Whyaretheydead.net. Let them know the truth about Scientology, and let them know how they can help, if they so desire.Thank you.[Note: If you have a dissenting opinion, you're more than welcome to voice it (politely, please). I do, however, ask that you peruse the above links before choosing to do so.] (Comment on this) |
| Friday, October 26th, 2007 | |
| _9:46 pm_[alifelongsong] |
CopyNight Orlando: let's talk about copyright I'm looking to start an Orlando meet-up of CopyNight, a monthly social discussion of copyright law and related topics.I used to host the group in Gainesville and it was always fun: drinking beer, talking about the latest controversies, who's suing whom, and what it means for creativity & consumers. (Basically, the news from Boing Boing and Slashdot.)I'm trying to contact people who might be interested in a CopyNight meet-up. Sound good? Please fill out this brief survey, to help with scheduling & logistics.Please forward to anyone who might be interested.apologies for x-posting (Comment on this) |
| Monday, October 22nd, 2007 | |
| _6:55 pm_[danasaur] |
Florida state bill to repeal prohibition of breed specific legislation Bill title: H.B. 101Filed September 4, 2007Info on bill hereDon't give the government the right to tell you what kind of dog you can watch over. Don't let them kill dogs based not on temperment, but on looks alone. Let your representative know how you feel!For more information on pit bulls and other "dangerous" breeds, go here, and even here (they've got some pretty good information on their profile and a nice list of links)No one (and that includes dogs.) should have to die simply for being born. (5 Comments |Comment on this) |
| Sunday, October 21st, 2007 | |
| _12:20 pm_[lema_oda] |
DEFEND THE ORLANDO WEEKLY RALLY: OCT. 23 "DEFEND THE ORLANDO WEEKLY RALLY" FOR FREE SPEECH AND A FREE PRESS --TUES., OCT. 23, 5:30 p.m.Oct. 21, 2007For immediate release Contact:George Crossleyhost, People Power Hour 407.619.1520 host@peoplepowerhour.compeoplepowerhour.comBen Markeson Orlando Direct Action 407.252.1379 orlando_direct_action@yahoo.comThe People Power Hour, a local progressive radio show hosted by George Crossley (Saturdays, 2-3 p.m., WAMT-AM [1190]), and Orlando Direct Action will host a "DEFEND THE ORLANDO WEEKLY RALLY" outside the newspaper's offices, 100 W. Livingston St., on Tues., Oct. 23, 5:30 p.m.The purpose is to defend First Amendment rights and civil liberties from the threat posed by the Metropolitan Bureau of Intimidation (MBI), which on Oct. 19 arrested three Weekly employees on unjustified charges of allegedly aiding and abetting prostitution.These arrests, along with a civil racketeering claim and 17 charges against the newspaper itself, represent a clear and present danger to the time-honored American traditions of free speech and a free press enshrined in both the Florida and U.S. Constitutions.It is evident that the MBI's shameful and astounding investigation into alleged prostitution ads in the Weekly is motivated by the agency's desire for revenge against the newspaper for its hard-hitting investigative reporting. Since 2002 the Weekly has run at least 11 articles that have highlighted problems with the agency's actions and law enforcement priorities, causing the MBI much embarassment. Chief among these have been a series of articles that have detailed misconduct by undercover MBI agents investigating Cleo's, a local adult-entertainment establishment. We do not believe that citizens and the media should be intimidated by the MBI's actions into giving up our cherished rights of free speech and a free press–the best protection that citizens have against government malfeasance.We demand that the Orange-Osceola State Attorney's Office drop all charges against the Weekly and its employees. We demand that the MBI adopt a hands-off policy towards the Weekly and other local media. We will not stand-by silently while the MBI attempts to turn Central Florida into a police State. We demand that the MBI provide the media and the public with a full accounting of the money spent, the amount of hours expended and the number of officers used during its two-year investigation of the Weekly. We demand that the Orange-Osceola State Attorney's Office make public a full, complete and unredacted transcript of the grand jury proceedings that led to the charges against the Weekly employees. We demand that the U.S. Justice Department and the FBI launch an investigation into the charges against the Weekly and its employees and the MBI's investigation to determine whether there have been politically motivated civil rights violations by the MBI. This is Orlando, not Afghanistan under the Taliban or Iran under the rule of the mullahs and ayatollahs, and we demand that local law enforcement quit acting as our community's self-apppointed morality police. We demand that they quit wasting tax-payer money in a futile and ill-conceived effort to wipe out prostitution and sexually-oriented enterprises in our community. In the name of our society's liberty, public health and sexual sanity, we call for the legalization of prostitution and demand that the State mind its own business when it comes to consensual arrangements between adults. We are not advocating prostitution, but simply the idea that adults must be free to make their own moral decisions without interference by the State. We demand that the MBI be abolished since there appears to be little real organized crime in Central Florida. Clearly the agency has no justification for its existence if it must resort to blatantly misguided and unnecessary investigations such as that of the Weekly in an attempt to justify the milions of dollars in public money that it squanders every year. At the very least, it is time that the MBI quit hiding behind an unjustified cloak of secrecy such as refusing to reveal the location of its headquarters. The MBI acts as though it were the Secret Service or the National Security Agency. In reality it is just a glorified vice squad that picks easy targets such as escort services, prostitutes, message parlors and newspapers and then blows its own horn about its dubious achievements in an effort to convince the community that it is overrun with vice from which only the MBI can "protect" it.The Weekly is the best media friend that Central Florida's progressive and radical activist communities have. It is the only media outlet that regularly, accurately and fairly covers our issues and activities, and we call upon everyone in those communities to show support for First Amendment rights and for the Weekly by participating in this rally. We extend this invitation to all people of good will, of any political persuasion, who support First Amendment rights.Please bring signs, banners and drums, and tell your friends about this important event.Please note: This rally is not being organized by the Orlando Weekly, its corporate parent or any employees of either enterprise. (1 Comment |Comment on this) |
| Tuesday, September 25th, 2007 | |
| _6:52 pm_[ahtnamas] |
I apologize ahead of time if rules are broken, or feelings are offended.My name is Sam. I'm a Central Florida-based photographer. "Hello, all. My name is Sam. I'm 18, and am trying to find my defining moment. I'm an education and photo major. I'm pr'simple; I like music, movies, photography, video games, books, friends, etc. I enjoy saving money, and movies that make me squirm. I enjoy playing cards and finishing puzzles. I love watching 'Friends' reruns, and reading Chuck Palahniuk books. I also love Guitar Hero, and Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends. I was born and raised in Germany, but currently reside in good ol' Florida. By the time I was in the fourth grade, I had been in 6 different schools. I currently have ideas, but truly no clue what I aspire to be in life, and I seem alright with that. I'm a very big conversationalist. I love listening, debating, and conversing. I guess if there's anything else you'd like to know before you add me and start talking; you can comment, and I'd be so inclined to answer. If you would, in fact like to add me, and it's not too much trouble, please comment this entry, so that I could keep track of things. I would really like to meet/talk to more people. :)"I am here to meet/talk to new people; as well as get my photo project in motion.For my photo class, I need some actual jobs. I work for free, but I need people. I'm really great with stills and live action shots of bands. And, I've almost perfected shots of people, single or in group. If you, or anybody you know, would love, or wouldn't mind, their picture taken, please oh please let me know. I don't charge, and I have a relatively open schedule, and my own means of transportation. I have somewhat of a portfolio, if you'd like one - but really, it's a lot, because I'm always with my camera, for professional/skilled pictures, or just for fun/memory.I'd love new friends on myspace. I've my own materials and such. I don't mind going out in the 'field', getting dirty, paying to be at a show, or anything like that. I certainly have no room to complain, and the more involved I am, the more fun I have, and the more words my pictures show. Hell, I'll even pay you to find somebody that wants their picture taken and such. I'll do anything at this point. This is the biggest project of my career. Depending on how I do on this, depends on how much of a scholarship I get.I've created a SITE to show some of my work, and for people to keep updated with things like that. I have still-life, action sports, and live music shots; but they didn't make it on the site. Today, I was told that I am in the top three of my class - my prof wouldn't tell me which number I really was. Depending on how I do on this project determines the THOUSANDS of dollars I get for my scholarship. Please, oh please. Do you have events or projects or days coming up that you wouldn't mind a photographer there? I don't need money, I have transportation, and money to pay my way through to the event/project/day. I need all the pictures I can get. I need at least 1,000 photos for each SUB-category. So, anything, and everything, will help. You can keep what I take, I'll send 'em to you; I just need to be able to turn them in, in my portfolio. On the site, you have my contact information, as well as that past entry. I will even pay you, to get me a photo-taking gig. (Comment on this) |
| Wednesday, September 19th, 2007 | |
| _10:05 pm_[whitneyrhiannon] |
Global Peace Film Festival |
| Sunday, September 16th, 2007 | |
| _1:36 pm_[lema_oda] |
Orlando, FL: Lake Eola Ladle Fest, Oct. 8-10 International Call for Solidarity with Orlando Food Not Bombs: Lake Eola Ladle Fest! Oct. 8-10On April 4th, Eric Montanez became the first Food Not Bombs member in Orlando arrested under the City's anti-homeless food sharing ordinance. That measure, aimed at Orlando FNB and other groups that help hungry and homeless people, bans unpermitted food sharings of more than 25 people in more than three dozen downtown parks. Groups only are allowed two one-time permits per per park in a 12-month period. Eric's trial starts Mon., Oct. 8. In addition, five other FNB comrades arrested under a City noise ordinance while drumming outside a fund-raising event for Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer have a pre-trial hearing on Oct. 10.Eric is, of course, one of hundreds of Food Not Bombs members arrested over our movement's more than 25-year history for the "crime" of sharing food with the hungry and homeless and directly challenging the poverty and inequality that make FNB necessary. His trial will set a precedent that will affect FNB and other anti-poverty groups throughout the country; so what happens to Eric and Orlando Food Not Bombs should be of concern to all of us. Cities and developers around the country are keeping a watchful eye on Orlando to see what they may be able to get away with. The City and business interests need to know that we will not let them take away our rights and tighten thescrews on the poor and homeless through gentrification and criminalizing homelessness. To put pressure on the City, we will hold Lake Eola Ladle Fest--a three-day event in Lake Eola Park in the very spot where Eric was arrested by more than a dozen uniformed and undercover Orlando police for ladling out stew to the homeless.From Oct. 8-10, we would like FNB members from around the country to stand in solidarity with Eric, OFNB, and the local poor and homeless by helping us share breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and also holding various events and workshops throughout the day. We hope to attract as many of our community's homeless and low-income residents, and supporters from around the country, as possible. We also as a group will walk to the courthouse each morning and we encourage people to show support for Eric by attending his trial. The third day we will hold "The March of Mimes" in support of the Cruddy Dyer-rhea Drum Corps 5--Ryan Hutchinson, Bryan Jones, Brett Mason, Eric, and Will Vertlieb--and also free speech rights.We here in Orlando we can provide some sleeping space. People are encouraged to bring items such as canned goods, fresh veggies and prepackaged snacks to donate. Also there will be a really really free market that will be available for the homeless and low income residents, so brings things to donate to that, too.The Lake Eola Ladle Fest begins on the morning of October 8 in the park's picnic area which is located at the corner of Central and Osceola in downtown Orlando. If you are coming the night before or have any questions, e-mail us at orlandofnb@orlandofoodnotbombs.org and we'll try to find you a place to stay at our collective house(s).Please forward this message far and wide. We need as many people as possible to participate.Orlando Food Not Bombshttp://orlandofoodnotbombs.org (1 Comment |Comment on this) |
| Monday, July 30th, 2007 | |
| _7:22 am_[diynosaurattack] |
Max Rameau speaks / Vegan Potluck MONDAY, JULY 30TH, 2007 . 6:00 PM @ 1944 PAGE AVE . ORLANDO, FLORIDA 32806 (PAGE HOUSE) |
| Sunday, July 29th, 2007 | |
| _4:30 pm_[lema_oda] |
Orlando Food Not Bombs protest 7/30/07 Orlando Food Not Bombs will hold a protest/rally in front of the Orange County Courthouse tomorrow, Mon., July 30, noon-1 p.m. Monday's event has a three-fold purpose: a) to show support for five members of Orlando Food Not Bombs who will be arraigned at 1 p.m.; b) to show support for free speech rights; and c) to protest Mayor Buddy Dyer's policies on homelessness. The five--Ryan Hutchinson, Bryan Jones, Brett Mason, Eric Montanez and William Vertlieb--were arrested on June 27 for allegedly violating a City of Orlando noise ordinance through drumming as a means of expressing their opposition to the Mayor's policies. They were participating in a protest during a campaign fund-raising event for Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer held at a downtown restaurant. Tha charge against a sixth OFNB member, Jonathan Giralt, also arrested that day under the noise ordinance, was dropped by the State Attorney's Office at his July 25 court appearance.The June 27 protest was held to bring attention to the Mayor's policies on homelessness, which OFNB considers to be punitive, discriminatory, inhumane and inadequate to address the problems of homelessness in our community, and his support for the "large group feedings" ordinance that attempts to ban groups such as Orlando Food Not Bombs from sharing food with hungry and homeless people in downtown parks. OFNB maintains that our actions on June 27--holding signs and banners, chanting and drumming-- were fully in keeping with the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which allows citizens to peacefully assemble and to use their free speech rights in a multitude of ways to express opposition to government policies and public officials. We are concerned that the arrests--if not challenged--could have a chilling effect on the willingness of citizens to exercise their constitutional rights to express their views on government and politics. We also feel that members of OFNB were targeted for arrest based on their outspoken opposition to the City's policies on homelessness. That includes an earlier protest (May 16) at a Dyer campaign fundraiser, and their continued defiance of the City's "large group feedings" ordinance, which they feel criminalizes homelessness and institutes discrimination against a group of citizens, the homeless, based upon their socio-economic status and attempts to deny them equal access to public amenities. In addition, OFNB as a group and four individual members of the group, including Hutchinson and Montanez, are plaintiffs in a federal lawsuit against the City that challenges the constitutionality of the anti-homeless food sharing ordinance. That lawsuit is expected to come to trial in June of 2008. Montanez, in April, became the first person arrested under the ordinance. His trial on that charge is expected to start Sept. 10.OFNB has been sharing vegan and vegertarian food with hungry and homeless people at various downtown locations, mostly Lake Eola Park, for more than 2 1/2 years. We share food because people need it and to call attention to our society's failure to provide food and housing to each of its members. We do this in public spaces, such as parks, because we believe that space should be reclaimed for the use of everyone, not just the privileged. We oppose the poverty, inequality, violence, war and militarism, prejudice and oppression, and environmental destruction that makes groups such as ours necessary. Monday's event has been endorsed by the Movement for a Democratic Society--Central Florida Chapter, Orlando Direct Action, the Orlando Progressive Alliance, S.T.O.P.--Stop the Ordinance Partnership, Students for a Democratic Society at the University of Central Florida and the Young Communist League (Orlando chapter).Participants will meet at Heritage Square Park (on Central Blvd.) at 11 a.m., Monday, to drink coffee, munch bagels and make signs, and then proceed on foot to the Courthouse. Everyone is welcome to join us there or to meet us at the Courthouse at noon. Please bring signs and banners.http://orlandofoodnotbombs.org (Comment on this) |
| _10:29 am_[lema_oda] |
Fort Lauderdale Food Not Bombs Under Attack! From: brian sprinkle distancedself@hotmail.comTo: benny orlando direct action bennyrizzo@revolution.gq.nu, ... marc silverstein nabat@hotmail.com,...Subject: Fort Lauderdale Food Not Bombs Under Attack!Date: Sun, 29 Jul 2007 04:44:57 -0400**(954)FOOD NOT BOMBS UNDER ATTACK!** (954)Food Not Bombs is a local grassroots collective that shares hot meals with anyone who wishes to join, every Friday at 3 p.m. in downtown Fort Lauderdale. The purpose of Food Not Bombs is to create an environment of community for members of society that are displaced, as well set an example based on human needs and solidarity. Every gathering is a potluck picnic that is cooked from food that would have otherwise been thrown away, stressing the need for a culture of sharing and equality. The society we live in promotes a culture of waste and privilege based on class division. Through our weekly gathering we strive to break down these relationships. To live in this world together, we need to learn to help our brothers and sisters when they need it.Unfortunately, after more than a year of existence, the city of Fort Lauderdale and the so-called "big wigs" have decided that Food Not Bombs should not gather in Stranahan Park located in front of the Main Library downtown. In recent weeks, the police and park rangers have confronted us with a city ordinance stating the following:2.2 Social Services. Parks shall be used for recreation and relaxation, ornament, light and air for the general public. Parks shall not be used for business or social service purposes unless authorized pursuant to a written agreement with City.As used herein, social services shall include, but not be limited to, the provision of food, clothing, shelter or medical care to persons in order to meet their physical needs. http://ci.ftlaud.fl.us/life/rules.htmhttp://ci.ftlaud.fl.us/life/rules.htmThe city of Fort Lauderdale views us as a problem because they wish to drive the homeless population away from this area so that only the privileged can enjoy the public facilities. Food Not Bombs holds firm to the belief that this space should be free for all to enjoy and have picnics in regardless of social standing. Given our principles, Food Not Bombs will not leave this park and is seeking the support of the community to stand with us against this unjust ordinance. This past Friday we were told to leave or be arrested. We will be there this Friday regardless of the orders from the city. It is our right to share food with whoever we wish in a public area and we will not be stopped!If you feel that Food Not Bombs is a valid part of the community and should be allowed to continue sharing food, come out this Friday at 3 p.m. in front of the Main Library located just east of Andrews Ave. on Broward Blvd.If you would like to express your grievance to the city over this issue contact: Mr. George Gretsas, City Manager, City of Fort Lauderdale100 N. Andrews AvenueFort Lauderdale, FL 33301 (954) 828-5013 (office) (954) 828-5021 (fax) (Comment on this) |
| Thursday, July 5th, 2007 | |
| _2:59 pm_[lema_oda] |
A Statement from Orlando Food Not Bombs A STATEMENT FROM ORLANDO FOOD NOT BOMBS ON THE ARRESTS OF OUR SIX COMRADES ON. JUNE 27, 2007Issued July 5, 2007Orlando Food Not Bombs denounces the arrests of our friends and comrades--Jonathan Giralt, Ryan Hutchinson, Bryan Jones, Brett Mason, Eric Montanez, and Will Vertlieb--during a protest against Mayor Buddy Dyer on Wed., June 27. Our protest criticized the Mayor's policies toward the homeless, which are punitive, discriminatory, inhumane and inadequate to address the problems of homelessness in our community, and his support for the "large group feedings" ordinance that attempts to ban groups such as Orlando Food Not Bombs from sharing food in downtown parks. Despite attempts to portray us as unruly and uncouth, our actions--holding signs and banners, chanting and drumming-- were fully in keeping with the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which allows citizens to peacefully assemble and use their free speech rights in a multitude of ways to express opposition to government policies and public officials. Protests such as ours have a long historical pedigree in America and have been used to advocate such issues as civil rights for African Americans, equal rights for gays and lesbians, ending apartheid in South Africa, voting rights and equality for women, and ending senseless wars. Despite the arrests, we feel our protest was a success. We succeeded in conveying our message in the ways that we wanted to convey it and we put Mayor Dyer and his supporters on notice that we will hold them accountable for oppressive and unjust public policies.Mayor Dyer held his event in a restaurant, Graze, located at the bottom of one of the condominium towers that have sprouted in Thornton Park in recent years, as part of the trend of gentrification and redevelopment in that neighborhood. By hosting his fundraiser, the restaurant allowed itself to be transformed into a political forum for Dyer. Neither its owner, nor the Mayor, the restaurant's patrons and the condominium residents should have been surprised or disturbed that those who oppose the Dyer administration's policies would use their right to engage in political speech, using written and oral language and playing musical instruments, to passionately express our point of view. Our protest was what debate, dissent and democracy are supposed to look like. Free speech does not have to be meek, mild and submissive; indeed it often needs to be bold and assertive, even provocative and offensive, especially when it is hammering away at authoritarian measures formulated by the powerful for the benefit of the affluent.It is interesting to note that the Orlando police did not measure the decibel level of our drummers. They arbitrarily decided that they were too loud and disturbing and arrested them. Nor, despite police claims to the contrary, did any of the drummers receive any warning directly from the police to cease drumming before their arrests. In fact, all the drummers had quit drumming of their own accord at least 10 minutes before being arrested, and, of the six individuals arrested, only one actually was holding a drum at the time of his arrest. We also categorically deny that any of our chants contained profanity, another false claim by the Orlando police. For the record. here are the chants that we were using on June 27: "No Justice - No Peace - When People Cannot Eat - FOR FREE!"; "Serve Rice - Not the Rich"; "Whose Buddy? - NOT OURS!"; "Food Is a Right - Not a Privilege"; and "Muddy Dyer-rhea - What's the Idea?"These arrests for allegedly violating a City noise ordinance were politically motivated revenge--selective law enforcement instigated by Mayor Dyer to advance his agenda, which includes trying to shut down Orlando Food Not Bombs in every way possible. We know that Mayor Dyer takes our continued resistance to his heartless policies on homelessness and his support for the anti-homeless food sharing ordinance as a personal affront and that he was angered by the successful protest that we held at his May 16 Thornton Park fundraiser. That action, which received considerable media coverage, helped to bring the issues of homelessness and constitutional rights to the forefront of social and political awareness in Central Florida. It also made the Mayor a greater enemy to us than he had been previously, since our actions interfered with his desire to sail through the re-election process with little or no criticism, fuss, embarassment or negative publicity.If Mayor Dyer, Commissioner Patty Sheehan (one of the strongest proponents of the food-sharing ordinance) and other public officials think that these arrests will cause Orlando Food Not Bombs to quit resisting their policies and will deter us from exercising our First Amendment rights, they are dead wrong. Between now and Election Day (Jan. 29, 2008), we will be a non-violent but boisterous presence at any campaign event organized by Dyer, Sheehan and any other Orlando official or candidate who supports the "large group feedings" ordinance and other measures that criminalize homelessness. We, along with our allies from the community, will continue to share food every Wednesday inside the Lake Eola Park picnic area, as we have done for the last two years. We will not abdicate our civil liberties, our autonomy and our need to act according to the dictates of our consciences in order to advance the agendas of venal politicians such as Dyer and the special interests, such as developers and businesses, that they represent. Nor will we acquiesce to policies that deny human rights and dignity to low-income and homeless people and that institute discrimination against them based upon their socio-economic status. We will dare to struggle and we will dare to win.Orlando Food Not Bombs:http://orlandofoodnotbombs.orgContact us: orlandofnb@orlandofoodnotbombs.org (Comment on this) |
| Tuesday, July 3rd, 2007 | |
| _1:39 pm_[lema_oda] |
Free Speech Fest 2007 FREE SPEECH FEST 2007@ Lake Eola Park during"Fireworks at the Fountain" (July Fourth)July 3, 2007For immediate release:Contacts:Ben Markeson407.252.1379bennyrizzo@orlandodirectaction.usGeorge Crossley 407.619.1520 gcrossley@orlandodirectaction.usIn keeping with the spirit of the Fourth of July, a holiday that is supposed to be a celebration of our freedom, local activists and citizens will join together during the City of Orlando's annual Fireworks at the Fountain event at Lake Eola Park to celebrate freedom by exercising it as part of Free Speech Fest 2007.Those who wish to participate in Free Speech Fest 2007 should meet at the Lake Eola Park Picnic area at 6:30 p.m., on Wed., July Fourth. The picnic area is located at the corner of Osceola and Central in downtown Orlando. From there, local free speech activists will fan out among the event crowd, which it is estimated will number in the tens of thousands, and hand out any literature of their choosing, in keeping with the right to free speech guaranteed by the U.S. and Florida constitutions.Anyone who wishes to distribute literature, whether as an individual or as part of a group, is welcome tobe part of Free Speech Fest 2007. In keeping with Thomas Jefferson's sage admonition that "Error of opinion may be tolerated where reason is left free to combat it," we welcome and encourage the participation of people and organizations of any political, social, religious, or other belief. All they have to do to become an active part of Free Speech Fest 2007 is come to the park and give out literature. This event is not only an opportunity to peacefully exercise First Amendment rights, but to test the commitment of Orlando's public officials and police department to free speech and to upholding the U.S. Constitution, which they all have sworn an oath to do.We believe that of all the freedoms granted to us by the U.S. Constitution, the most important and the most fundamental to defending and maintaining our other Constitutional rights and our liberty is that of free speech. As George Washington so wisely pointed out, "If the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter." We consider freedom of speech to be our ability as free people to express our minds and consciences freely, without government impediments, to our fellow citizens, whether through written, printed, oral or electronic means. A public park, built and maintained with our public tax dollars, for the use of the public, seems to us to be a very appropriate forum for affirming and asserting our precious free speech rights. At the same time, we respect the freedom of our fellow citizens not to accept literature if they so choose; that is also part of freedom of speech and conscience.The idea for Free Speech Fest 2007 grew out of a controversy that flared last month when the City of Orlando and media mega-conglomerate Cox Broadcasting threatened to have local activists for a presidential candidate arrested if they tried to hand out campaign literature during the "Fireworks at the Fountain" event. However, the City beat a hasty retreat from its threat after adverse publicity, after a threat by the local ACLU chapter to have a couple dozen groups show up to distribute their materials and after its lawyers' sudden rediscovery of citizens' free speech rights. According to a June 22 Orlando Sentinel article, the City has decided that "political activists will be allowed to hand out literature [at Fireworks at the Fountain], as long as they don't impede people or threaten public safety." We hope that Free Speech Fest will become an annual event. (Comment on this) |
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