Happy Birthday, Curt Flood! (One Day Late)

Yesterday was Curt Flood's birthday. I never met him, and became a baseball fan three years too late to see him play against my Mets or even to watch him on TV.

I don't know if he ever visited New England. It is entirely possible that his path crossed with Rhode Island's Davey Lopes. One of his paintings might be part of the RISD collection. Curt Flood was an artist and entrepreneur and was loved by many.

Baseball statistics for Mr. Flood can be found on this page from Baseball-Reference.com

The sponsor of that page, Eric Erickson, makes a strong, clear statement:

Real class act. About 6:23 p.m. in his career, he put his livelihood in jeopardy to challenge the "Feudal Baron" system of MLB. Of course, they ran him around; then 'out of town'. Seeing the case through the courts, he prevailed.! Integrity !

People have likened Curt Flood to Jackie Robinson. I once watched a clip of him talking in a documentary, and it brought me to tears. He sacrificed his athletic career and spoke about topics that were taboo.

There is a movement to Put Curt Flood in the Hall of Fame.

There is an online petition To The Hall of Fame Veterans' Committee. It was started yesterday and has now 187 signatures. Perhaps by the time you read this, it will have 500...If you want to read more about Curt Flood, please let me know. I am truly fortunate now to be connected on facebook with his daughter, Shelly.

Did Pat Robertson Really Say This About Haiti?

Please tell me this is not true.

PZ Myers also posts about this.

Climbing Out of Nazism, There and Here...

This little article moves me greatly. When I reflect on the power of different speakers/teachers/nurturers in my life, I just dissolve into a tearful puddle. In the midst of all the anger and destruction, I can't hear too many of these stories.

Here's the post with link to the Ohio story and a book review...

Last night, at Rites and Reason, we shared our rehearsal with an audience including several academics, a rabbi or two, members of the Muslim community, and more. The conversation afterwards surprised me.

Three cheers for Noam Dorr and Everyone associated with this production.

" Israel Isn't David . . . It's Goliath" --- Irena Klepfisz

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1295/is_7_65/ai_76157765?tag=artBody;col1

This article by Matthew Rothschild, originally published in the July 2001 issue of "The Progressive", is relevant and powerful.

I ask her about the common canard, "self-hating Jew," that many of us get hit with when we criticize Israeli policy.

"Well, people have a hard time calling me a self-hating Jew," she says. "I'm a child survivor. I lead a very Jewish life. I'm committed to Jewish survival. I don't want the Jews in Israel to die. I want them to be safe. I think they're on the wrong road to safety."

She says that such labels are a blackmail against criticism. If Jews can't criticize Israel for fear of being called "self-hating," and if non-Jews can't criticize Israel for fear of being called "anti-Semitic," then Israel gets off scot-free.

??? Providence "Peace Service" = "Unity with Israel" ???

http://www.projo.com/ri/providence/content/middle_east_peace_vigil_01-03-09_CFCR3RA_v9.3ac8569.html

Below is the text of the article.

PROVIDENCE — Temple Emanu-El will host a special community service tomorrow at 7 p.m. to show support for peace in the Middle East, with prayers for an end to the terrorism that has been directed at the people of Israel but which has caused innocent Palestinians to suffer as well.

“Our purpose is to show unity with Israel,” said Marty Cooper, community relations director of the Jewish Federation of Rhode Island. “With all the bombing going on, we wish for peace and pray for peace. Nobody wants what is going on right now. The only people who do are the terrorists whose only mission is the destruction of Israel.”

Nadav Tamir, Israel’s consul general for New England, will be one of the speakers at the event, along with Providence Mayor David N. Cicilline; Rabbi Peter Stein, of Temple Sinai in Cranston, president of the Rhode Island Board of Rabbis; the Rev. Donald A. Anderson, executive minister of the Rhode Island State Council of Churches; and Temple Emanu-El’s Rabbi Wayne Franklin.

The service is open to the public.

— Richard C. Dujardin

My prayers are for everyone in the Middle East.
Was no one from the Palestinian community invited to speak? No one from any other faith community?

Not all Israelis are pleased with their government's attacks.

Rhode Islanders' Rally on Dec. 31: End The Occupation

Thanks to the facebook group,US Campaign To End The Israeli Occupation,
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2758106908&ref;=ts

I learned of the following planned event.

Wednesday, December 31, 6-7PM
Burnside Park (opposite Kennedy Plaza)

Contact: Martha Yager, AFSC-SENE,
401-521-3584 or MYager@afsc.org

As a Recovering Zionist ( and I increasingly think all nationalisms are chronic illnesses), I find the current "defensive" attacks by Israel to be heartbreaking. There was a time when I would have justified them. That time was when I was in elementary and high school. I missed the 25 year reunion a couple of years ago...

Grace Paley's solidarity with Palestinians and advocacy for human rights for all is one of the roots of this blog.

A New Breed of Colorblindness

A New Breed of Colorblindness

Posted using ShareThis

Rabbis For Obama

My prolific emailing friend, David McReynolds, sent me an article from HAARETZ about rabbis supporting Obama. Here's an excerpt:

A group of liberal American rabbis have denounced Republican presidential candidate John McCain's campaign as leaning toward "hate speech" in its treatment of Democratic rival Barack Obama.

"The manner in which Senator McCain, Governor [Sarah] Palin and their supporters refer to Senator Obama is creeping toward hate speech," Rabbis for Obama said in a statement on Thursday.

"As leaders of the Jewish community we are well aware of the dangers of using inflammatory political language to marginalize individuals and groups. Increasingly those speaking on behalf of the McCain campaignhave been demonizing Senator Obama as not being like us."


Here's the article:
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1029326.html

the Grace Paley Organizing Fellowship

I'm a little late in noting this, but the Jews for Racial and Economic Justice have launched a fellowship in Grace's name.

http://www.jfrej.org/index.html

There is a facebook group, "Grace Paley Organizing Fellowship" which is open to all, and seems freshly created.

ACLU Sues Rhode Island Over Carcieri’s Executive Order |

"The ACLU filed its law suit on behalf of the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence and two Rhode Island College professors -- Anne Marie Mumm and Daniel Weisman -- who have contracts with the state and who object to participation in the [E-Verify]program.

read more | digg story

August 29 -- Commemorating Katrina in RI

I received two flyers from Shannah Kurland and have tried unsuccessfully to copy them. Here is the infor. in English and Spanish.


Friday, August 29 is the THIRD Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina -
and here in Providence, we're getting a preview of the same
DISPLACEMENT
UNEMPLOYEMENT
GENTRIFICATION
CRIMINALIZATION OF YOUTH AND IMMIGRANTS
that were the root of the unnatural disaster called Katrina!

Join DARE, ONA and City Life/Vida Urbana (from Boston),
Safe Streets (from New Orleans)
and the Right to the City Alliance on a
COMMEMORATION MARCH

Friday, August 29
3:30:: gather at DARE
(corner of Broad and Lockwood, behind Burger King)
March through downtown, end at 6:30

*music and performers*
*van for people who can't walk the whole way*
*exciting community speakers*

call (401)351-6960 or (401)228-8996 for info

* * * * * * * *

Viernes, 29 de agosto es el TERCER aniversario del Huracán Katrina –

y acá en Providence se ve el mismo
DESALOJAMIENTO de nuestra gente

DESEMPLEO

EMBURGUESIMIENTO de los barrios pobres

TRATAR COMO CRIMINALES A LOS JÓVENES Y INMIGRANTES
¡Las mismas cosas que causaron el desastre que se llama Katrina!

Únete con DARE, ONA y City Life/Vida Urbana (de Boston),
Safe Streets/Calles Seguros (de New Orleans)
y la Alianza Derecho a la Ciudad para una
GRAN MARCHA para CONMEMORAR KATRINA

Viernes, 29 de agosto
a las 3:30:: nos reunimos en DARE
(esquina de la Broad con la Lockwood, atrás de Burger King)
Marchamos alrededor de downtown (el centro) hasta las 6:30

*música y breve teatro*
*guagua para las personas que no pueden caminar la ruta entera*
*discursos emocionantes por personas de nuestras comunidades*

llama al 351-6960 o al 228-8996 para mas información

Gratitude for RI's Catholic Bishop

http://a
p.google.com/article/ALeqM5gEs6RUeap5i0N9b8MOWoBo6EQS7AD92MT5KG0

This is good news.

Amber Alert -- We are being arrested -- Not Joking

Dozens Arrested in raids at courthouses 08:25 AM EDT on Wednesday, July 16, 2008 BY KAREN LEE ZINER and FELICE J. FREYER Journal Staff Writers Leonardo Tornes waits outside the ICE headquarters building in Providence last night. > The Providence Journal / Ruben W. Perez PROVIDENCE — Federal immigration agents and state police raided six Rhode Island courthouses yesterday, arresting dozens of people employed by two contractors hired by the state. The detainees are all believed to be maintenance workers. The raid led to a noisy demonstration by at least 100 people outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement office at 200 Dyer St. last night. Police officers arrived as the crowd grew; at one point the police pushed a line of demonstrators across the parking lot. Some in the crowd were relatives of the arrestees. Others included clergy and at least one state representative, Grace Diaz, and members of immigrant advocacy groups. Leonardo Tornes said his sister, Francesca Tornes, an undocumented worker from Mexico, was arrested at the Kent County Courthouse. "She has two children — one and five years old," he said through an interpreter. "A friend who worked with her called, and said they have taken everyone," he said. Craig N. Berke, spokesman for the Rhode Island judiciary, said the raids occurred simultaneously at 5 p.m. at all six Rhode Island courthouses. He said a "substantial" percentage of employees of two contractors hired by the state were taken into custody. Berke declined to name the contractors, however relatives of some of the detainees identified one company as the Tri-State Enterprises employment agency on North Main Street. Berke said those who were arrested "are not state employees. They are not employees of the judiciary." He said "dozens" of people were arrested but he did not have an exact count. "The investigation was initiated by the judiciary," Berke said. "In early June, we forwarded evidence to the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Rhode Island State Police. The judiciary has been cooperating with that investigation on a daily basis since then." Berke declined to say what the evidence was. "I also know that there was at least one courthouse –– I'm not sure if there was more than one –– in which no employees of the vendor were taken into custody," Berke said. "They were screened but not taken into custody." In the two Providence courthouses, the workers were just starting their shift at 5 p.m. and would have normally stayed till 9 or 10 p.m. In the other courthouses, the workers come in earlier and are normally done by 6 p.m. Asked who will clean the courthouses today, Berke said, "They'll be cleaned. Not every employee of the vendor was taken into custody today. And we also have daytime maintenance staff who will have to do double duty" today. Berke said that as of last night the two contractors were still employed by the judiciary. The courthouses that were raided are: the Garrahy Judicial Complex and the Licht Judicial Complex, both in Providence; the McGrath Judicial Complex in Wakefield; the Murray Judicial Complex in Newport; Kent County Courthouse in Warwick, and the Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal in Cranston. Paula Grenier, an ICE spokeswoman in Boston, said an enforcement action had been carried out "as a result of a joint investigation by federal and state authorities." Grenier said the action "is part of an ongoing criminal investigation." She would not confirm that the courthouses were raided, or say how many people were detained. The raids occurred during the first meeting of a governor's advisory panel, charged with monitoring any "unintended consequences" of Governor Carcieri's executive order cracking down on illegal immigration. The order issued in March requires that state police be deputized with certain immigration enforcement powers. News of yesterday's raids spread rapidly as courthouse workers phoned relatives, friends and community leaders. Demonstrators assembled outside the ICE building in Providence at about 8 p.m. As police arrived, the group divided and people rushed to doors at the front and rear of the building. Juan Garcia, organizer for Immigrants in Action at St. Teresa Church in Olneyville, said his cell phone began buzzing at 4:45 p.m. as he was driving toward Newport from Providence to discuss fallout from an immigration raid there several weeks ago that led to 42 arrests at stores, restaurants and apartments. He said he learned the arrests had occurred at the Kent County courthouse "and right here in Providence," he said pointing to the Garrahy Judicial Complex across the street from ICE headquarters. Some of the women who were arrested "have little kids, bigger kids," he said. Garcia said, "This is the consequence of the governor's executive order. All companies receiving money from the state will review the legal status of people." (The order requires using a federal E-Verify system for all new hires, but not current employees). Monica and Jacqueline Lorenti said their stepfather was arrested at Superior Court. "His boss called. He said he couldn't do anything, nothing — everybody had the handcuffs on." Forward

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Why Fire Anyone In The Middle Of The Night?

When the Mets first hired Willie Randolph as manager, I was a trifle unsettled, as he had been a Yankee during my formative baseball years ( 1974--1978 ). Of course, I knew that he had been passed over for Manager positions with many clubs, when many less qualified people were hired. Oddly, virtually all those other guys were white. I was also aware of the significant Met/Yankee crossovers. e.g. David Cone, Darryl Strawberry, Doc Gooden, Joe Torre (this list is in random order and far from complete). Soon I became appreciative of what this man knows and offers to players and fans. Willie Randolph knows the game.

All managers get fired. I understand and have witnessed that since the summer of 1974.

I, myself, have been "terminated" on one or two occasions in my professional life. That's not suggesting my work life resembles that of anyone in the baseball world. ( I have dreams of playing baseball, not yet of managing).

If there is a physical safety issue or any kind of child abuse issue: it is appropriate to fire someone in the middle of the night or whenever the offense has come to awareness. If the work shift begins at 3 a.m. then that is an appropriate time to "dismiss".

Barring those kinds of circumstance, no one needs to be fired at 3 a.m. No one.

I was not one of those thinking the Mets' problems were primarily due to Willie Randolph's management.

Best wishes to Willie Randolph, a man of great wisdom and skills, a man who will be in position to fire people, and who will not fire anyone at 2 or 3 or 4 in the morning. I hope he comes to Rhode Island someday, so I have a chance to hear him speak or to meet him.

Thank You,Luke & Everyone at Social Justice Night

I received this wonderful email from Luke. There were links of all the participating groups, but I fear botching this post, so I will add them to my list below. For the same reason, I am including the paragraph of my own words which he thoughtfully included.

It is so glorious to be at a gathering of activists and NOT know everyone present. i.e. finding new energy, building stronger coalitions...

Anyone remember the Dorrwar Bookstore?


Report back from Social Justice Night

About a week ago, Wednesday May 28th, was the third and largest event in
a recent effort to have a monthly gathering for Providence activists,
organizers, and interested people. The evening had a great positive
energy, and a lot of information was exchanged and connections made.

We're still finalizing a date and location for the June gathering. Sign
up to the announcement list to be sure to hear about it:
http://lists.danky.com/listinfo.cgi/ppp-danky.com

A couple pictures from the night:
http://socialjusticenight.blogspot.com/

-

A little news:

PIPS
June 11th, Wednesday night special that will involve a bonfire on the
shoreline somewhere.
email joan.m.wyand@gmail.com for more info.

Armory Park Farmer's Market, on Parade Street.
Red Planet joins forces with Cityfarm and Big Train to form the Little
City Growers Coop.
Every Thursday afternoon 3-7pm, June 12 - November.

Check out the RI Green Party web calendar:
http://www.greens.org/ri/events.html

AS220
Saturday, June 7
1:30pm - 3pm, Ralph Nader Book Signing.
Suggested $10/$5 student/low-income, no one turned away.

Apeiron Sustainable Living Festival
This weekend, 7 & 8th
http://www.apeiron.org/slf_fest_2008/slf_web_08_home.html


And many comments:

Thanks for putting together a great event. So many cool people in one
room; I'm surprised (a) there wasn't an explosion and (b) there wasn't a
National Security raid. :-)
'Til next time, and I'll definitely be there next time,"
-Eric Siegel, Co-Chair, Green Party of Rhode Island

There are a few groups that weren't there that I'd like to see there
that weren't, especially PrYSM. I'd also like to see a bit more time
for dialog, coming up with shared events and projects, etc. Maybe in the
future 1/3 of groups could present each time or something. I think
having everyone present was good this time though.
-Michael C

I've been meaning to write and say what a great event Social Justice
night was. Super organized - particularly for such a large unwieldy
crowd with so many things to say, and excellent all-around vibe. Good
food too!
I'm the kind of lady who wells up with tears during any sort of
demonstration or rally or march - not out of sadness for the given
topic, but for the overwhelming sense of empowerment displayed through a
group of people coming together to seek justice. Thankfully I've never
noticed other rally weepers as that would really fuck up the movement.
But I was nervous that the assembling of so many radical wonders on
Social Justice night would elicit my usual moment of verklemptness. It
didn't. Instead, the evening was a solid planning meeting for the
future. Like you said, no complaining or ranting, just action and
getting shit done. Thanks for letting me be a part.
-Deb D

Well... let's see. My own thoughts are that in general the event this
past Thursday re-confirmed for me how much I love AS220. I've been out
of the loop for a long time, but I can see that the idea of intellectual
freedom still shines.
On the topic of Social Justice Night I was struck by the general good
nature of the audience. Also the fact of having all those groups
presenting information at one time was nice, condensing and intensifying
while simplifying the process of information gathering.
-Paul P

One thing that stood out was how relatable and compelling the
presentations were by people directly affected by what they spoke on.
Really inspiring. I guess the perspective epiphany that it encouraged
in me was realizing if you strive for equality then everyones issues and
concerns affect everyone else and should be taken seriously and weighed
the same. I guess the movement towards solidarity and awareness of
community issues were what struck me the deepest, the respect was so
palpable, I cannot recall attending any such event elsewhere before.
-Muffy B

What did i get out of this recent gathering? apart from getting those
"inspiration chills" every third speaker or so, i learned a tremendous
amount. i found the library reform lecture particularly useful. seeing
my friends (Jenine, Chris, Luke, Muffy, others) in this environment was
strengthening. i can't think of a better word. i feel more aware and
hopefully more plugged in.
-Justin K

It really did feel positive and collaborative in a way that I haven't
experienced in a long time. I was really glad to be there.
One suggestion of folks to include next time - The Wiley Center. They
are based in Pawtucket but do work for poor people all over RI. Right
now they are working on actions re: utilities shut offs. Fighting the
good fight every day, and their good work should definitely be a part of
this coalitions of folks.
Thanks again. I'll be at the next one for sure.
-Sara A

I was really excited about the night- everything was really nice. the
atmosphere of excitment and mutual support was really encouraging.
I was personally really struck by Jean and Juan (my NUA family) sides
of them that I hadn't really seen before came out (jean shy and juan
preacher man) so to see a transformation happening just by this event
alone was really wonderful.
I was also excited by the food and to see people eating together food
that was collected and made by everyone there. Though I have to admit
I was a little bummed that people were not recycling things so much
and there wasn't a compost... maybe i can help with that sort of thing
next time.
-Jeff H

It's Jose` just wanted to reply and say it was pretty awesome I met new
people, Learned new things I didn't know about the Community, and Got
Involved with some people to help ^.^
-Jose` M

It was great to see and reconnect so many folks that have been
organizing in Providence for a long time, and great to see new faces. I
also was excited to learn about what people I have seen around are
doing. I am definitely pysched to see this grow into a strong network in
providence..
thanks for organizing!
-mary blue, Farmacy Herbs

I asked to present early because I usually am in bed by 10. But come
10:15, I was still glued to my seat! I loved the diversity of causes and
personalities, from punks to librarians. Two people approached me at
break and asked if they could volunteer for our organization. Thank you
for organizing Social Justice Night. I was very impressed by your
thorough and thoughtful planning. I hope I can participate next month.
Some kind of more structured discussion sounds interesting.
-Rachel, RI HUD Tenant Project

a major thing i got out of the event was meeting Alicia from english for
action. Alicia agreed to connect me with a spanish speaking member of
the providence community trying to learn english, so that both of us can
work on our second languages.
I also liked that there was a lot of informational literature
circulating the event- the presentations were a lot to take in, and it
was good to be able to go back and read about these organizations later.
I think that anything that can be done to bridge the gap between the
spanish speaking and english speaking communities of providence would
make future events that much more successful. Perhaps having some
translators on board for publicity, informational literature, and
translation of the actual event is the best way to do this.
-Mary B

We were very happy to participate and would like to be part of future
gatherings.
Thank you for the hard work! Be in touch with us...
Laughter,
-Alicia EFA

The social justice night at AS220 was amazing. I had to leave when it
was barely half over, but was able to sign a few petitions, see many
unfamiliar faces, see dear Alex Svoboda, and several Library Reformers,
long-haired men, short-haired women, people with only facial hair or
with none! Hearing about different groups working in parallel ways for
justice and health care and civil rights...was inspiring. Some folks
don't use the internet. Imagine!
Thank you, friends, for that evening and all the labor that went into
it...La Lucha Continua.
-Nomi H
http://neverdied.blogspot.com/

I just wanted to say thanks for a great event. It was really good to
hear what all these organizations are doing and meet the respective
people involved.
-Mike Eng, RAB

RI's First Lady Said WHAT?!

This matter has been addressed first in Charlie [M. Charles] Bakst's January 27, 2008 column in the Providence Journal, and then in www.Kmareka.com/?p=1689 and www.RIFuture.org, et alia. I wish to add my horror at the ongoing insensitivity, and, yes: racism, shown by RI's governor and his wife. It is troubling enough for Gov. Carcieri to eliminate interpreters for Southeast Asian Rhode Islanders, but Sue Carcieri said the following about two young adults who criticized the governor's actions.


"First of all they have mentors who are much older than them who are training them up. You know -- how those terrorists have kids blow up, you know, Benazhir Bhutto and so forth? You think the kids thought of it? I don't think so."


Well, anyone can say something stupid, but she has been given ample opportunity to apologize and, in stead, has made statements defending her words repeatedly. If she owns up to the possibility that her affection for her husband had impeded her perspective, she might receive some sympathy.

Sixteen and seventeen year olds are capable of leadership.
Here is the website for the organization of these young people,
http://prysm.us/drupal/ourvision