Issue 395 - May 2009

Opposing Murder by the State

  • Abolishing the Death Penalty in NM - & NH?
  • Blocking NATO
  • Stopping Military Recruitment of Minors


In This Issue

Despite the Violence, Peace Broke Out: Reflections on the Nonviolent Blockades of NATO in Strasbourg
The nonviolent blockade of the north access road, organized by NATO-ZU/Shudown NATO, Strasbourg France, April 4, 2009, PHOTO: POR CMI-SANTIAGO / MEDIACTIVISTA VIA FLICKR

Creative nonviolent activists succeeded in blocking roads to the official summit.

Don't Let those who Kill Turn Us into Killers: NH Legislator's Rejection of Vengeance Sways House
Ken Wiwa

They took enough from me. I won't let them take away my values.

Obama Contends President is Beyond Review: Asserts Powers More Sweeping than those Claimed by Bush
Witness Against Torture stands vigil outside the U.S. Supreme Court on December 5, 2007, as the Court hears the oral arguments for Al Odah and Boumediene. Photo: www.witnesstorture.org

If a president is allowed to hide executive actions without review, the president becomes a dictator.
From the Editor's Desk
Egyptian Activist Twitters to Freedom: Wael Abbas Used Cell Phone from Custody to Mobilize Support

I received solidarity messages from China to Argentina.

Uprooting the System: Reflections on the Strategic Use of People Power

We need to articulate people-power-based strategies or folks will de-mobilize every election cycle.

Countering Military Recruitment in New Ways: In California, Judicial and State Legislative Challenges Loom

The US ratified a treaty barring the recruitment of child soldiers. Let's live up to it.

Social Media Fueling Moldovan Protests

Countering perceived election fraud, despite zero coverage by national media.

Ingredients for Failure: NATO, Violence, and the Demonstrations in Strasbourg

The violent factions: NATO and the members of the black block, stole the show.

US Sergeant Apologizes to Afghan Parliamentarian: "How Sorry I am for the Violence that My Army Has Done"

We can enforce a peace by refusing to hate, refusing to kill.
Abolishing the Death Penalty in New Mexico: Lessons Learned in a Long Campaign

Long term organizing, a focus on anti-death penalty families, and the exonerees made the difference.

Closer to a Death-Penalty-Free World: But in 2008: 2390 Known Executions

Capital punishment is a legalized process of physical and psychological terror.

Open Letter to Obama Regarding Darfur: End CIA Involvement, Increase Diplomatic Efforts

First, cut CIA ties to Sudan's Intelligence agency.
Targeted Divestment: an Approach to Stopping Genocide in Sudan/Darfur

Oil money fuels the genocide. Cut off the flow of money.
Bits & Peaces

Events, Gatherings, Opportunities, Campaigns, Resources