Saturday, December 06, 2008
Monday, December 01, 2008
AP Story on Take Back the Land
Greetings:
Below is a link to an Associated Press (AP) story on Take Back the Land and the Take Back the Housing campaign, as it appears on the NPR website.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=97660799
As a result of the crises of gentrification, housing and now foreclosures, Take Back the Land has been liberating public and foreclosed land and homes since 2006.
Each community has the right to control the land upon which people live, work, play, learn and worship. Take Back the Land is, therefore, asserting the right of the Black community to control the land in our community and use it for the benefit of our community, including, but not limited to, providing housing for our members in need. We urge every community to exercise the same right.
Take Back the Land further asserts it is immoral to maintain vacant homes for the purpose of profits in the future, while human beings are forced to live on the street today. The madness of such a policy is only compounded when one considers the owners of these vacant homes are not other people, but banks, the same banks receiving billions of dollars in bailouts without having to trade in the foreclosed homes for use by some of the people financing the bailouts. Additional government resources, including police and other government agencies, should not be used to evict low income people from homes in order to maintain vacant structures for bailed out banks to profit from some time in the future.
We call on communities to follow the lead of organizations like City Life/Vida Urbana in Boston and others, and defend families against foreclosures and evictions. For more information and to support the work work of Take Back the Land, please visit our website at www.takebacktheland.org.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=97660799
forward,
Max Rameau
takebacktheland@gmail.com
takebacktheland.org
takebacktheland.blogspot.com
Below is a link to an Associated Press (AP) story on Take Back the Land and the Take Back the Housing campaign, as it appears on the NPR website.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=97660799
As a result of the crises of gentrification, housing and now foreclosures, Take Back the Land has been liberating public and foreclosed land and homes since 2006.
Each community has the right to control the land upon which people live, work, play, learn and worship. Take Back the Land is, therefore, asserting the right of the Black community to control the land in our community and use it for the benefit of our community, including, but not limited to, providing housing for our members in need. We urge every community to exercise the same right.
Take Back the Land further asserts it is immoral to maintain vacant homes for the purpose of profits in the future, while human beings are forced to live on the street today. The madness of such a policy is only compounded when one considers the owners of these vacant homes are not other people, but banks, the same banks receiving billions of dollars in bailouts without having to trade in the foreclosed homes for use by some of the people financing the bailouts. Additional government resources, including police and other government agencies, should not be used to evict low income people from homes in order to maintain vacant structures for bailed out banks to profit from some time in the future.
We call on communities to follow the lead of organizations like City Life/Vida Urbana in Boston and others, and defend families against foreclosures and evictions. For more information and to support the work work of Take Back the Land, please visit our website at www.takebacktheland.org.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=97660799
forward,
Max Rameau
takebacktheland@gmail.com
takebacktheland.org
takebacktheland.blogspot.com
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
The Peoples' Bailout- Take Back the Housing
Greetings:
As the government continues to bailout the mega corporations responsible for this economic crisis- by taking our tax money, without our permission, and giving it to the wealthy- some organizations and individuals are moving their own bailout.
Since October 2007, Take Back the Land has been identifying vacant government owned and foreclosed homes and liberating them by moving homeless people into people-less homes- without permission from the government or the banks. This is the real bailout.
So, as this country celebrates the Pilgrims- who took over land without permission from the owner- we must think about using land to benefit people, not just corporations. We assert that our right to housing supercedes the corporate right to profit.
Below are three stories about the Take Back the Housing campaign by Take Back the Land, including a news video from Tuesday, November 25. You can get more information at www.takebacktheland.org.
http://www.local10.com/video/18149053/index.html
http://www.miaminewtimes.com/2008-11-20/news/squatters/
http://www.motherjones.com/news/outfront/2008/05/foreclosure-nation-squatters-or-pioneers.html
forward,
Max Rameau
As the government continues to bailout the mega corporations responsible for this economic crisis- by taking our tax money, without our permission, and giving it to the wealthy- some organizations and individuals are moving their own bailout.
Since October 2007, Take Back the Land has been identifying vacant government owned and foreclosed homes and liberating them by moving homeless people into people-less homes- without permission from the government or the banks. This is the real bailout.
So, as this country celebrates the Pilgrims- who took over land without permission from the owner- we must think about using land to benefit people, not just corporations. We assert that our right to housing supercedes the corporate right to profit.
Below are three stories about the Take Back the Housing campaign by Take Back the Land, including a news video from Tuesday, November 25. You can get more information at www.takebacktheland.org.
http://www.local10.com/video/18149053/index.html
http://www.miaminewtimes.com/2008-11-20/news/squatters/
http://www.motherjones.com/news/outfront/2008/05/foreclosure-nation-squatters-or-pioneers.html
forward,
Max Rameau
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
One Year Since Blackwood and Knight Killed by Miami-Dade- Vigil on Wednesday
Greetings:
On November 12, 2007, Miami-Dade police shot and killed two unarmed Black men, surrounded by police while in an SUV facing a dead end. As Frisco Blackwood attempted to put the vehicle in park- following police orders- the car lurched slightly and police opened fire, killing him and Michael Knight and injuring a female passenger in the back seat.
The killings capped a 19 day span during which Miami-Dade police killed four (4) unarmed Black men, including BG Beaugris, a 19 year old shot and killed just yards from his front door while walking home with friends from doing his father's laundry, and Roger Brown, kicked and beaten on NW 79th St. after suffering a mental health crisis.
Join your community in honoring the lives lost to police violence on the one year anniversary of Frisco and Mike's death.
The vigil will be held on Wednesday, November 12, 2008, at 6:00pm, at the location of their death, on the corner of 65th St. and North Miami Ave. in the Little Haiti section of Miami.
Justice for Frisco and Mike! Justice for victims of police violence!
forward,
Max Rameau
On November 12, 2007, Miami-Dade police shot and killed two unarmed Black men, surrounded by police while in an SUV facing a dead end. As Frisco Blackwood attempted to put the vehicle in park- following police orders- the car lurched slightly and police opened fire, killing him and Michael Knight and injuring a female passenger in the back seat.
The killings capped a 19 day span during which Miami-Dade police killed four (4) unarmed Black men, including BG Beaugris, a 19 year old shot and killed just yards from his front door while walking home with friends from doing his father's laundry, and Roger Brown, kicked and beaten on NW 79th St. after suffering a mental health crisis.
Join your community in honoring the lives lost to police violence on the one year anniversary of Frisco and Mike's death.
The vigil will be held on Wednesday, November 12, 2008, at 6:00pm, at the location of their death, on the corner of 65th St. and North Miami Ave. in the Little Haiti section of Miami.
Justice for Frisco and Mike! Justice for victims of police violence!
forward,
Max Rameau
Sunday, October 05, 2008
BUY THIS BOOK NOW: The Green Collar Economy by Van Jones
Greetings:
I am writing to URGE you to order a new and important book by activist Van Jones: The Green Collar Economy: How one solution can fix America's two biggest problems (Published by HarperOne; ISBN 978-0-06-165075-8)
To order go to: http://www.vanjones.net/page.php?pageid=2
Providing the ultimate in win-win solutions, Jones, the leading voice for a "green economy" with a focus on "green collar jobs" centered in inner city communities, eloquently argues that creating green collar jobs will revive the stagnant US job market, as most of this work cannot be outsourced. As an added bonus, these clean, environmentally friendly jobs will be replacing those which previously contributed to the pollution and destruction of the planet.
You should order this book for two reasons: first, the information and analysis in the book is critical to our understanding of this global environmental crisis, and one of the potential solutions to the problem. As if that were not enough, the "green economy" takes on an even greater significance in the context of the potential collapse of the US financial system. And second, because when an important book is written by a person of conscience, we must support the effort or risk the system blocking future attempts at mass publishing.
In short, if you are one of those who complains about the state of mass media, TV and books and do not buy this book, you have no business complaining, because you are part of the reason they will not publish and promote good books. On the plus side, you will surely enjoy the latest books detailing the inside story of OJ Simpson in jail and Paris Hilton at the club.
To date, no Black author has ever written an environmental bestseller. Here, this long time activist has penned a thoughtful and thought provoking book which will likely provide a roadmap for a growing sector of the US economy in coming years. A Black author writing about the environment, with the Black community at the center of the solution. Help make this a best seller by ordering your book by Tuesday, October 7, shooting this book to the top of the sales charts. It is important on so many levels.
For the record, I know and respect Van, but receive no compensation or consideration for this email or your purchase of the book. I am asking you because I think the book is important and the subsequent opportunities for good political books are immeasurable. Put your money where your politics are and buy this book.
To order go to: http://www.vanjones.net/page.php?pageid=2
forward,
Max Rameau
I am writing to URGE you to order a new and important book by activist Van Jones: The Green Collar Economy: How one solution can fix America's two biggest problems (Published by HarperOne; ISBN 978-0-06-165075-8)
To order go to: http://www.vanjones.net/page.php?pageid=2
Providing the ultimate in win-win solutions, Jones, the leading voice for a "green economy" with a focus on "green collar jobs" centered in inner city communities, eloquently argues that creating green collar jobs will revive the stagnant US job market, as most of this work cannot be outsourced. As an added bonus, these clean, environmentally friendly jobs will be replacing those which previously contributed to the pollution and destruction of the planet.
You should order this book for two reasons: first, the information and analysis in the book is critical to our understanding of this global environmental crisis, and one of the potential solutions to the problem. As if that were not enough, the "green economy" takes on an even greater significance in the context of the potential collapse of the US financial system. And second, because when an important book is written by a person of conscience, we must support the effort or risk the system blocking future attempts at mass publishing.
In short, if you are one of those who complains about the state of mass media, TV and books and do not buy this book, you have no business complaining, because you are part of the reason they will not publish and promote good books. On the plus side, you will surely enjoy the latest books detailing the inside story of OJ Simpson in jail and Paris Hilton at the club.
To date, no Black author has ever written an environmental bestseller. Here, this long time activist has penned a thoughtful and thought provoking book which will likely provide a roadmap for a growing sector of the US economy in coming years. A Black author writing about the environment, with the Black community at the center of the solution. Help make this a best seller by ordering your book by Tuesday, October 7, shooting this book to the top of the sales charts. It is important on so many levels.
For the record, I know and respect Van, but receive no compensation or consideration for this email or your purchase of the book. I am asking you because I think the book is important and the subsequent opportunities for good political books are immeasurable. Put your money where your politics are and buy this book.
To order go to: http://www.vanjones.net/page.php?pageid=2
forward,
Max Rameau
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Krystal Birdsong Remembrance- Thursday October 2 5:30pm
The first service is a mass at the Barry University Chapel, located at 11300 NE 2nd Ave. in Miami Shores, beginning at 11:00am.
The second event is a community celebration of Krystal's life and contributions to be held at the Take Back the Land office, 6819 NW 15th Ave., in Liberty City. The program begins at 5:30pm, however, we will be welcoming friends as early as 2:30pm. Food will be provided.
Ancestor Krystal Birdsong was a Barry University grad student and beloved community activist with both Power U Center for Social Change and Take Back the Land. She worked tirelessly for social justice by organizing meetings, protests, service events and building community power.
Krystal's passing is a devastating loss for the community, organizations and individuals she touched. She will be fondly remembered. Come celebrate her life and continue her legacy.
Take Back the Land
Power U Center for Social Change
Monday, July 14, 2008
Gentrification is Dead: a proposition
Greetings:
As you are aware, the current global economic crisis, and the accompanying housing crash, have led to significant changes in the market for housing and the development of land. As such, the economic outlook, particularly for the housing market, is drastically different today than it was just a few short years ago.
The economic cycle of gentrification, against which many organizations and individuals have struggled for years, is primarily defined by the ability of developers and speculators to buy land for cheap in low-income communities, displace the residents, and then flip the property for big profits. The recent collapse of the housing market severely compromises the ability of developers and speculators to continue this path (at least for now).
The movement must constantly assess the economic and social conditions on the ground and adjust our strategies and tactics accordingly.
Consequently, Take Back the Land, a project of the Center for Pan-African Development, propositions that the recent economic cycle of gentrification is effectively over. In the attached position paper, Gentrification is Dead, we define gentrification, identifying the elements and characteristics therein, and then lay out an argument as to why those elements and characteristics are no longer actively in existence. In addition, we attempt to identify what economic cycles might follow gentrification and how our strategies and tactics must change in order to meet the challenges of the new economic cycle.
This proposition is not intended to answer all questions or issue orders from the top. Instead, it is an attempt to begin an honest assessment of material conditions on the ground and shape appropriate responses to those conditions. As such, please forward this widely and discuss rigorously.
The piece can also be found, in its entirety, at:
http://www.thepanafrican.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=newsstory&newsletterID=18
forward,
Max Rameau
Take Back the Land
a project of the Center for Pan-African Development
As you are aware, the current global economic crisis, and the accompanying housing crash, have led to significant changes in the market for housing and the development of land. As such, the economic outlook, particularly for the housing market, is drastically different today than it was just a few short years ago.
The economic cycle of gentrification, against which many organizations and individuals have struggled for years, is primarily defined by the ability of developers and speculators to buy land for cheap in low-income communities, displace the residents, and then flip the property for big profits. The recent collapse of the housing market severely compromises the ability of developers and speculators to continue this path (at least for now).
The movement must constantly assess the economic and social conditions on the ground and adjust our strategies and tactics accordingly.
Consequently, Take Back the Land, a project of the Center for Pan-African Development, propositions that the recent economic cycle of gentrification is effectively over. In the attached position paper, Gentrification is Dead, we define gentrification, identifying the elements and characteristics therein, and then lay out an argument as to why those elements and characteristics are no longer actively in existence. In addition, we attempt to identify what economic cycles might follow gentrification and how our strategies and tactics must change in order to meet the challenges of the new economic cycle.
This proposition is not intended to answer all questions or issue orders from the top. Instead, it is an attempt to begin an honest assessment of material conditions on the ground and shape appropriate responses to those conditions. As such, please forward this widely and discuss rigorously.
The piece can also be found, in its entirety, at:
http://www.thepanafrican.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=newsstory&newsletterID=18
forward,
Max Rameau
Take Back the Land
a project of the Center for Pan-African Development
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Live from Main Street- Town Hall Meeting, Saturday, July 12, 3pm, Lyric Theatre, Overtown
Greetings:
Join us for a nationally televised townhall meeting in Miami on Saturday, July 12, 2008, beginning at 3:00pm, at the historic Lyric Theatre, 819 NW 2nd Ave. in Overtown, beginning at 3:00pm.
The event is called Live From Main Street, "Magic City, Hard Times: How is Miami Facing the Economic Crisis and Working Toward a Sustainable Future?" and is hosted by GritTV's Laura Flanders and 99Jamz Cheryl Mizell. The event will be taped for television and internet broadcast. The panel will focus on the housing and other crisis' facing our communities. Panelists include:
Gihan Perera, Co-founder and Executive Director of the Miami Workers Center
Max Rameau, Founder/ Author Take Back The Land
Darin Woods, Countrywide Mortgage Sales Manager
Denise Perry, Director of the Power U Center for Social Change
Barbara Jordan, Miami – Dade County Commissioner
Carolina Delgado, Jobs with Justice Campaign Membership Director
Sonia Succar, Chairperson of Emerging Green Builders of South Florida
The event is free, the audience will have the opportunity to participate and refreshements are served afterwards. COME AND MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD.
Live from Mainstreet Promo: http://www.youtube.com/user/LiveFromMainStreet
Previous Live from Mainstreet, Minneapolis, MN:
forward,
Max Rameau
Take Back the Land
a project of the Center for Pan-African Development
Join us for a nationally televised townhall meeting in Miami on Saturday, July 12, 2008, beginning at 3:00pm, at the historic Lyric Theatre, 819 NW 2nd Ave. in Overtown, beginning at 3:00pm.
The event is called Live From Main Street, "Magic City, Hard Times: How is Miami Facing the Economic Crisis and Working Toward a Sustainable Future?" and is hosted by GritTV's Laura Flanders and 99Jamz Cheryl Mizell. The event will be taped for television and internet broadcast. The panel will focus on the housing and other crisis' facing our communities. Panelists include:
Gihan Perera, Co-founder and Executive Director of the Miami Workers Center
Max Rameau, Founder/ Author Take Back The Land
Darin Woods, Countrywide Mortgage Sales Manager
Denise Perry, Director of the Power U Center for Social Change
Barbara Jordan, Miami – Dade County Commissioner
Carolina Delgado, Jobs with Justice Campaign Membership Director
Sonia Succar, Chairperson of Emerging Green Builders of South Florida
The event is free, the audience will have the opportunity to participate and refreshements are served afterwards. COME AND MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD.
Live from Mainstreet Promo: http://www.youtube.com/user/LiveFromMainStreet
Previous Live from Mainstreet, Minneapolis, MN:
forward,
Max Rameau
Take Back the Land
a project of the Center for Pan-African Development
Thursday, June 19, 2008
FWD: After Protest Party at Amendment XXI Miami
In Miami for the Mayor's conference?
Come to the after party at AMENDMENT XXI, the local hangout for progressives at 190 NE 46th St., in Miami (on the corner of NE 2nd Ave. and 46th St.) Enjoy the great atmosphere, drinks and friends. Meet other progressives and great people.
We are celebrating everyone coming out to present the people's agenda to the Mayors. Come to protest the Mayors, stay for the drinks and music!
THURSDAY, JUNE 19
Happy Hour 5pm to 10pm
Music and drinks all night long
FRIDAY, JUNE 20
Happy Hour 5pm to 10pm
Music and drinks all night long
SATURDAY, JUNE 21
Drink special: Sweet Justice- $5
Music and drinks all night long
Amendment XXI
190 NE 46th St., Miami
On the corner of 46th St. and NE 2nd Ave.
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Take Back the Land in Mother Jones Magazine
Greetings:
The May edition of Mother Jones Magazine features an article on Take Back the Land and our Take Back the Housing campaign.
You can find the article at:
http://www.motherjones.com/news/outfront/2008/05/foreclosure-nation-squatters-or-pioneers.html
The piece describes our campaign of identifying vacant government owned or foreclosed homes and moving families into those locations, providing housing for otherwise homeless families. Here are the opening paragraphs:
"Mamyrah Prosper steps gingerly over ankle-high grass strewn with plastic bags and empty soda bottles in the yard of a vacant redbrick house in Miami's Liberty City. She peers through a gap in a boarded-up window. "It looks in good shape," she says. "I mean, the walls aren't falling down. This is definitely one of our stronger options."
Remember, you can get a copy of the book about Umoja Village entitled "Take Back the Land: Land, Gentrification and the Umoja Village Shantytown" at niapress.niainteractive.com, at Amazon.com or at Books and Books bookstore in Coral Gables.
http://www.motherjones.com/news/outfront/2008/05/foreclosure-nation-squatters-or-pioneers.html
forward,
Max Rameau
Take Back the Land
a project of the Center for Pan-African Development
The May edition of Mother Jones Magazine features an article on Take Back the Land and our Take Back the Housing campaign.
You can find the article at:
http://www.motherjones.com/news/outfront/2008/05/foreclosure-nation-squatters-or-pioneers.html
The piece describes our campaign of identifying vacant government owned or foreclosed homes and moving families into those locations, providing housing for otherwise homeless families. Here are the opening paragraphs:
"Mamyrah Prosper steps gingerly over ankle-high grass strewn with plastic bags and empty soda bottles in the yard of a vacant redbrick house in Miami's Liberty City. She peers through a gap in a boarded-up window. "It looks in good shape," she says. "I mean, the walls aren't falling down. This is definitely one of our stronger options."
Prosper means that if the place checks out, she and her colleagues from Take Back the Land, a local group that advocates for affordable housing, will break in, change the locks, paint and clean, innovate a way to connect water and electricity, and then move a homeless family into the house. The criminal laws they'll violate in the process range from trespassing to breaking and entering (even burglary, if the police get ambitious), which requires the organization to keep a pro bono lawyer on standby.
"We call it 'liberating the housing,'" says Take Back the Land's cofounder Max Rameau..."Remember, you can get a copy of the book about Umoja Village entitled "Take Back the Land: Land, Gentrification and the Umoja Village Shantytown" at niapress.niainteractive.com, at Amazon.com or at Books and Books bookstore in Coral Gables.
http://www.motherjones.com/news/outfront/2008/05/foreclosure-nation-squatters-or-pioneers.html
forward,
Max Rameau
Take Back the Land
a project of the Center for Pan-African Development
Thursday, March 27, 2008
New Book on Umoja Village and Take Back the Land by Max Rameau
Greetings:
On October 23, 2006, in response to one of the most severe epidemics of gentrification and low income housing in the United States, a small group of activists, members of Take Back The Land, seized control over public land, created the self-governed shantytown of Umoja Village, and started a movement.
On October 23, 2006, in response to one of the most severe epidemics of gentrification and low income housing in the United States, a small group of activists, members of Take Back The Land, seized control over public land, created the self-governed shantytown of Umoja Village, and started a movement.
Take Back the Land: Land Gentrification and the Umoja Village, the new book by Umoja Village organizer Max Rameau, is part political theory and part narrative, documenting the planning, development, struggles and triumphs endured by Take Back The Land activists and Umoja Village residents, and tackles the larger fundamental issues of land and power distribution in black communities.
In the wake of public housing vacancies, corrupt government officials and flawed federal programs, a community found the courage to fight back, offering a model for fighting against gentrification and for land. Detailing the thoughts, arrests, conflicts and the devastating fire which would reduce the village to ashes, the book describes how one community built Umoja. This book is a great tool for activist, organizers and historians.
The book is 134 pages and can be purchased directly from Nia Press or from Amazon.com. Buy the book NOW at:
http://niapress.niainteractive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=productdetail&productid=349
http://www.amazon.com/Take-Back-Land-Gentrification-Shantytown/dp/1434845567/
forward,
Max Rameau
Monday, March 24, 2008
LC7- Closing Arguements Wednesday, March 26
Greetings:
After several weeks of testimony, the Liberty City 7 retrial is coming to a close. The government put on only a skeletal version of the show they performed during the last unsuccessful trial. So, here is the updated schedule.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008. There is no trial on Tuesday, therefore, we will not be protesting Tuesday morning. Tuesday's regular protest is cancelled.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008. Protest against the Liberty City 7 trial at 9:00am, in front of the federal courthouse, 301 N. Miami Ave. in downtown Miami. Then, as many people as possible will attend the first day of closing arguements.
Thursday, March 27, 2008. Final day of closing arguements. We need people to attend the final closing arguements.
If you are going into the courtroom, do not bring your cell phone, as they will not let you into the courtroom with a cell phone.
Please come and show your opposition to this witch-hunt and waste of our tax dollars.
forward,
Max Rameau
After several weeks of testimony, the Liberty City 7 retrial is coming to a close. The government put on only a skeletal version of the show they performed during the last unsuccessful trial. So, here is the updated schedule.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008. There is no trial on Tuesday, therefore, we will not be protesting Tuesday morning. Tuesday's regular protest is cancelled.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008. Protest against the Liberty City 7 trial at 9:00am, in front of the federal courthouse, 301 N. Miami Ave. in downtown Miami. Then, as many people as possible will attend the first day of closing arguements.
Thursday, March 27, 2008. Final day of closing arguements. We need people to attend the final closing arguements.
If you are going into the courtroom, do not bring your cell phone, as they will not let you into the courtroom with a cell phone.
Please come and show your opposition to this witch-hunt and waste of our tax dollars.
forward,
Max Rameau
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Take Back the Land on NPR- The Story
Greetings:
Tonight, Wednesday, March 19, 2008, a tenant of Take Back the Land will be featured on The Story, an NPR program. In Miami, The Story is heard of WLRN 91.3FM at 8:00pm. Check your local listings at www.thestory.org.
As you are aware, since the fire which destroyed the Umoja Village, Take Back the land has continued our mission by moving families into vacant government owned and foreclosed homes. The Story will tell the story of one of those families tonight. Please take a listen.
forward,
Max Rameau
Tonight, Wednesday, March 19, 2008, a tenant of Take Back the Land will be featured on The Story, an NPR program. In Miami, The Story is heard of WLRN 91.3FM at 8:00pm. Check your local listings at www.thestory.org.
As you are aware, since the fire which destroyed the Umoja Village, Take Back the land has continued our mission by moving families into vacant government owned and foreclosed homes. The Story will tell the story of one of those families tonight. Please take a listen.
forward,
Max Rameau
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Rally for Community Control Over Housing- March 14 at 6PM
Greetings:
On Friday, March 14, 2007, Take Back the Land is hosting a rally for community control over housing. The rally will be held at 6:00pm in front of the vacant public housing units on 46th St. and NW 25th Avenue and will feature food, music and a message of community empowerment.
Miami-Dade County has one of the highest rates of public housing vacancies in the United States, a rate which has not diminished since the federal government took over the housing agency. A symbol of this failure to provide housing during a housing crisis lies in the vacant and boarded up units of public housing on 46th St. and NW 25th Ave. The fact that there are tens of thousands of families on the housing assistance wait list while over a thousand units of public housing sit vacant is nothing short of criminal. These units should- and must- be filled immediately.
However, because local governments do not want to provide housing for low income people, the only solution to the problem of vacant public housing units is not federal or county control, but community control over the public housing stock.
We invite the entire community to come out and support the call for direct community control over housing.
Land
Self-Determination
Housing as a Human Right
Community Control Over Housing
forward,
Max Rameau
Take Back the Land
a project of the Center for Pan-African Development
On Friday, March 14, 2007, Take Back the Land is hosting a rally for community control over housing. The rally will be held at 6:00pm in front of the vacant public housing units on 46th St. and NW 25th Avenue and will feature food, music and a message of community empowerment.
Miami-Dade County has one of the highest rates of public housing vacancies in the United States, a rate which has not diminished since the federal government took over the housing agency. A symbol of this failure to provide housing during a housing crisis lies in the vacant and boarded up units of public housing on 46th St. and NW 25th Ave. The fact that there are tens of thousands of families on the housing assistance wait list while over a thousand units of public housing sit vacant is nothing short of criminal. These units should- and must- be filled immediately.
However, because local governments do not want to provide housing for low income people, the only solution to the problem of vacant public housing units is not federal or county control, but community control over the public housing stock.
We invite the entire community to come out and support the call for direct community control over housing.
Land
Self-Determination
Housing as a Human Right
Community Control Over Housing
forward,
Max Rameau
Take Back the Land
a project of the Center for Pan-African Development
Monday, March 10, 2008
Liberty City 7 Trial- Call to Action for Tuesday, March 11
Protest the LC7 trial on Tuesday March 11th and 18th at 9:00am in front of the courthouse, 301 N. Miami Ave.!
Pack the courthouse to show opposition to politically motivated trials! Court is Tuesday to Fridays, 9:30am to 5:00pm!
Greetings:
As you are aware, the Liberty City 7 retrial has been ongoing for over a month. Last week, the prosecution rested after presenting the same lame case which earned one acquittal and a hung jury in the first trial. The judge continues to rule overwhelmingly against the defense and the government is making a federal case out of seven impoverished young men with access to no weapons or training, while allowing right wing Cuban paramilitary groups to train to attack hotels and tourist destinations, unmolested.
This will likely be remembered as one of the more significant trials of our time, determining the boundaries for politically motivated prosecution of organizations and individuals across the country. That is to say, if noone cares when the government entraps a group with no intention and no capacity to commit terrorist acts, and then throws tremendous federal resources behind a flawed and weak case, you and your organization might be next.
This week, the accused present their defense with one or more of the Liberty City 7 testifying in court. We must be there to find out, first hand what happened, and show opposition to this type of politically motivated prosecution.
As such, as this case winds down, CopWatch is calling on people of good conscience to do two things:
- Protest against the Liberty City 7 case. We protest every Tuesday morning at 9:00am in front of the federal courthouse, 301 N. Miami Ave. in downtown. Please make plans to protest this Tuesday, March 11 and next Tuesday, March 18.
- Pack the courtroom. Attend the trial. Listen for yourself. Show the world and the federal government that people are watching and care about the outcome of this case. Trial is held Tuesday through Friday from 9:30am to 5:00pm. Come with your organization or friends. We must pack the courtroom to show our opposition to this case. The trial is held at the federal courthouse, 301 N. Miami Ave. in downtown Miami. No cellphones are allowed in the courthouse, so please leave yours in your car.
Please make plans to protest and attend this trial during the next two weeks.
forward,
Max Rameau
CopWatch
a project of the Center for Pan-African Development
Pack the courthouse to show opposition to politically motivated trials! Court is Tuesday to Fridays, 9:30am to 5:00pm!
Greetings:
As you are aware, the Liberty City 7 retrial has been ongoing for over a month. Last week, the prosecution rested after presenting the same lame case which earned one acquittal and a hung jury in the first trial. The judge continues to rule overwhelmingly against the defense and the government is making a federal case out of seven impoverished young men with access to no weapons or training, while allowing right wing Cuban paramilitary groups to train to attack hotels and tourist destinations, unmolested.
This will likely be remembered as one of the more significant trials of our time, determining the boundaries for politically motivated prosecution of organizations and individuals across the country. That is to say, if noone cares when the government entraps a group with no intention and no capacity to commit terrorist acts, and then throws tremendous federal resources behind a flawed and weak case, you and your organization might be next.
This week, the accused present their defense with one or more of the Liberty City 7 testifying in court. We must be there to find out, first hand what happened, and show opposition to this type of politically motivated prosecution.
As such, as this case winds down, CopWatch is calling on people of good conscience to do two things:
- Protest against the Liberty City 7 case. We protest every Tuesday morning at 9:00am in front of the federal courthouse, 301 N. Miami Ave. in downtown. Please make plans to protest this Tuesday, March 11 and next Tuesday, March 18.
- Pack the courtroom. Attend the trial. Listen for yourself. Show the world and the federal government that people are watching and care about the outcome of this case. Trial is held Tuesday through Friday from 9:30am to 5:00pm. Come with your organization or friends. We must pack the courtroom to show our opposition to this case. The trial is held at the federal courthouse, 301 N. Miami Ave. in downtown Miami. No cellphones are allowed in the courthouse, so please leave yours in your car.
Please make plans to protest and attend this trial during the next two weeks.
forward,
Max Rameau
CopWatch
a project of the Center for Pan-African Development
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Edison Students to Protest Monday March 3
After successfully propelling themselves onto the stage of a public meeting regarding police attacks on protesters, Miami Edison Senior High School students are preparing to boycott what they call an "unsafe" environment at the school. The boycott starts on Monday, March 3, 2007 at 7:30am at Athalie Range Park, across the street from the school on 62nd Street and NW 5th Avenue.
In response to the incidents of Friday, February 29, when school, city of Miami and Miami-Dade County police brutally beat, tased and sicked K9 dogs on students protesting police brutality on campus, the school principal called an open meeting on Sunday, March 2 at the school. She began the meeting by announcing that students will be heard on Monday, at a school assembly, but not at the public meeting. In addition, the public was not allowed into the school assembly, a clear attempt to prevent the student's from publicly relaying the events of the 29th.
Students, however, maintained their protest spirit, chanting until the Principal agreed to allow students to speak. While she promised the police would be available to answer questions, neither Chief Darling of Miami-Dade Public Schools or any other police officer answered questions from students, parents or the public.
Student leader Chris Green spoke eloquently about what he witnessed and the biased media reporting on the story. Green also laid out the student demands, including the arrest of assistant principal Perez for assault on a student; dropping all charges on those arrested Friday; No retaliation against students; and the institution of Restorative Justice as a problem solving model, instead of arresting more young people in the future.
In addition, Green and other students announced the boycott. Students are asked to arrive on time and in full uniform for school, but instead of reporting to school, gathering at the Range Park across the street. Many students and parents expressed concern that they were to return to the same school and police force responsible for the violence on Friday. Organizations supporting the student movement are organizing workshops and classes at the park. Students say the boycott will continue until all demands are met and they feel safe at the school.
Defying charges of apathy and lack of civic involvement, the youth of Edison saw a wrong and organized to stand up for their rights. Instead of talking to the students and working towards a solution, the administration ordered the police to beat and arrest the mostly Black students. These young people are on the front line of a new wave of student activist and need our support and understanding, not beatings and jail time.
CopWatch is calling on activists to show up at the Athalie Range Park, with video and still cameras, to support the students and protect them from other potential attacks by the school administration and police. Students are gathering at 7:30am Monday and will remain throughout the school day.
forward,
Max Rameau
CopWatch
a project of the Center for Pan-African Development
afrimax@gmail.com
In response to the incidents of Friday, February 29, when school, city of Miami and Miami-Dade County police brutally beat, tased and sicked K9 dogs on students protesting police brutality on campus, the school principal called an open meeting on Sunday, March 2 at the school. She began the meeting by announcing that students will be heard on Monday, at a school assembly, but not at the public meeting. In addition, the public was not allowed into the school assembly, a clear attempt to prevent the student's from publicly relaying the events of the 29th.
Students, however, maintained their protest spirit, chanting until the Principal agreed to allow students to speak. While she promised the police would be available to answer questions, neither Chief Darling of Miami-Dade Public Schools or any other police officer answered questions from students, parents or the public.
Student leader Chris Green spoke eloquently about what he witnessed and the biased media reporting on the story. Green also laid out the student demands, including the arrest of assistant principal Perez for assault on a student; dropping all charges on those arrested Friday; No retaliation against students; and the institution of Restorative Justice as a problem solving model, instead of arresting more young people in the future.
In addition, Green and other students announced the boycott. Students are asked to arrive on time and in full uniform for school, but instead of reporting to school, gathering at the Range Park across the street. Many students and parents expressed concern that they were to return to the same school and police force responsible for the violence on Friday. Organizations supporting the student movement are organizing workshops and classes at the park. Students say the boycott will continue until all demands are met and they feel safe at the school.
Defying charges of apathy and lack of civic involvement, the youth of Edison saw a wrong and organized to stand up for their rights. Instead of talking to the students and working towards a solution, the administration ordered the police to beat and arrest the mostly Black students. These young people are on the front line of a new wave of student activist and need our support and understanding, not beatings and jail time.
CopWatch is calling on activists to show up at the Athalie Range Park, with video and still cameras, to support the students and protect them from other potential attacks by the school administration and police. Students are gathering at 7:30am Monday and will remain throughout the school day.
forward,
Max Rameau
CopWatch
a project of the Center for Pan-African Development
afrimax@gmail.com
Friday, February 29, 2008
Students Protest and Police Riot- Edison Sr. High School
Greetings:
Miami and Miami-Dade School police are rioting against students of Edison Senior High School on the morning of Friday, February 29th. The story is all over local and national news, but is being skewed against the students. Here is the real deal:
On Thursday, February 28th, a teacher apparently put a student in a choke-hold during school, according to eye witnesses and CBS 4 News (http://cbs4.com/local/disturbance.miami.edison.2.665835.html "One student told reporters that the fight started after students staged a protest Friday morning against a teacher at the high school who allegedly placed a student in a choke-hold Thursday.") Then, police enter the classroom and brutalize the student before arresting him in front of classmates and a teacher, according to eye witnesses and the Miami Herald (http://www.miamiherald.com/news/breaking_news/story/438888.html "The student, she [an unnamed teacher] said, was handcuffed in front of his classmates and teacher."''They felt as though the way the young man was handled wasn't proper; they felt it was too brutal,'' said the teacher, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because she did not have permission to talk with the press.")
The mostly black and largely Haitian-American Miami Edison students organized a protest this morning at the school courtyard. According to all accounts, the protest was peaceful, possibly including civil disobedience (Miami Herald: "The incident apparently began as a peaceful protest, according to a teacher inside the school, but got out of hand." CBS4: "The student said police were called to the school to respond to the protest, and when students objected a scuffle broke out, escalating quickly into an all out fight between students and officers.").
Police were called in to break up the protest and when the students refused- exercising their right to protest- school and city of Miami police attacked them and the students defended themselves against attacks by police.
While the media is trying very hard to connect this police riot to instances of violence at Miami-Dade schools over the past two days, it is clear that in this case the schools themselves started the fights and inflicted the majority of the violence. CNN.com is calling this a "school fight."
There are currently over 70 police cars at Miami Edison and police are arresting large numbers of students. No police or administrators have been arrested for assaulting students.
CopWatch and the Power U Center for Social Change are calling on people to support students' right to protest and condemn school police for mistreating students.
Please call the Miami-Dade County school board to complain about this police abuse: 305-995-1000.
Also, please go to the school tonight, Friday, February 29 at 6:00pm to protest police abuse and support student rights to free speech.
forward,
Max Rameau
CopWatch
a project of the Center for Pan-African Development
Miami and Miami-Dade School police are rioting against students of Edison Senior High School on the morning of Friday, February 29th. The story is all over local and national news, but is being skewed against the students. Here is the real deal:
On Thursday, February 28th, a teacher apparently put a student in a choke-hold during school, according to eye witnesses and CBS 4 News (http://cbs4.com/local/disturbance.miami.edison.2.665835.html "One student told reporters that the fight started after students staged a protest Friday morning against a teacher at the high school who allegedly placed a student in a choke-hold Thursday.") Then, police enter the classroom and brutalize the student before arresting him in front of classmates and a teacher, according to eye witnesses and the Miami Herald (http://www.miamiherald.com/news/breaking_news/story/438888.html "The student, she [an unnamed teacher] said, was handcuffed in front of his classmates and teacher."''They felt as though the way the young man was handled wasn't proper; they felt it was too brutal,'' said the teacher, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because she did not have permission to talk with the press.")
The mostly black and largely Haitian-American Miami Edison students organized a protest this morning at the school courtyard. According to all accounts, the protest was peaceful, possibly including civil disobedience (Miami Herald: "The incident apparently began as a peaceful protest, according to a teacher inside the school, but got out of hand." CBS4: "The student said police were called to the school to respond to the protest, and when students objected a scuffle broke out, escalating quickly into an all out fight between students and officers.").
Police were called in to break up the protest and when the students refused- exercising their right to protest- school and city of Miami police attacked them and the students defended themselves against attacks by police.
While the media is trying very hard to connect this police riot to instances of violence at Miami-Dade schools over the past two days, it is clear that in this case the schools themselves started the fights and inflicted the majority of the violence. CNN.com is calling this a "school fight."
There are currently over 70 police cars at Miami Edison and police are arresting large numbers of students. No police or administrators have been arrested for assaulting students.
CopWatch and the Power U Center for Social Change are calling on people to support students' right to protest and condemn school police for mistreating students.
Please call the Miami-Dade County school board to complain about this police abuse: 305-995-1000.
Also, please go to the school tonight, Friday, February 29 at 6:00pm to protest police abuse and support student rights to free speech.
forward,
Max Rameau
CopWatch
a project of the Center for Pan-African Development
Friday, February 01, 2008
Picket to Support the Liberty City 7- Tuesday 9am Federal Courthouse Miami, FL
Greetings:
CopWatch and other community organizations are organizing a picket to demand the acquittal and immediate release of the Liberty City 7 (LC7). The re-trial of the six remaining defendants begins today (Friday, February 1, 2008). The picket will take place on Tuesday, February 5, 2008 at the federal courthouse, 301 N. Miami, Ave. in downtown Miami, beginning at 9:00am.
The LC7 were arrested amidst great fanfare during the summer of 2006, with then attorney general Alberto Gonzalez calling them Muslim terrorists. It was quickly discovered that the men were neither Muslim nor terrorists. While the Bush administration trumpeted the arrests as a significant advancement in the "war on terror," the case clearly lacked substance: the men were never in contact with Al Qaeda; they lacked the capacity to carry out the acts they were charged with planning; it was clear the government agent, not the LC7, was leading the planning; there were no weapons or bomb making materials found in their possession; and the group dismantled itself more than a month prior to the arrests.
While the case was lacking, the motivation for bringing the case was obvious. On Friday June 23, 2006, The New York Times planned to release a story about the Bush Administration spying on the financial transactions of millions of American citizens, without a warrant. On Thursday, June 22nd, FBI Director Rober Mueller announced the raid of the LC7 warehouse (none of the them were in the building at the time) on live television during an interview. The next day, instead of focusing on the Bush Administration spying scandal, the media and general public only talked about the seven "terrorists" in Miami. As George W. Bush might say, "mission accomplished."
The first trial ended in one acquittal and a mistrial for the other six. The judge immediately called for and set a date for a new trial. In addition, the judget put in place a number of "security measures," such as refering to jurors by number instead of name and ordering the jury escorted by armed marshalls, which do not protect the jury- there was no tampering during the last trial- but, instead, is designed to intimidate the jury into thinking the men pose a security risk. It was extremely telling that in this politically charged climate, the government was unable to secure even on conviction of a Black man charged with terrorism.
The LC7 case is important because it directly targets Black organizations and movements under the guise of fighting the war on terror. If this travesty is allowed to proceed unchallenged, every organization pushing a progressive agenda will be targeted and charged with conspiracy. Make no mistake about it: this is the new McCarthy Red Scare in this day and age.
Future generations will demand to know what YOU did during the time the government targeted innocent people and charged them with terror related conspiracies. How will you respond?
forward,
Max Rameau
CopWatch
a project of the Center for Pan-African Development
CopWatch and other community organizations are organizing a picket to demand the acquittal and immediate release of the Liberty City 7 (LC7). The re-trial of the six remaining defendants begins today (Friday, February 1, 2008). The picket will take place on Tuesday, February 5, 2008 at the federal courthouse, 301 N. Miami, Ave. in downtown Miami, beginning at 9:00am.
The LC7 were arrested amidst great fanfare during the summer of 2006, with then attorney general Alberto Gonzalez calling them Muslim terrorists. It was quickly discovered that the men were neither Muslim nor terrorists. While the Bush administration trumpeted the arrests as a significant advancement in the "war on terror," the case clearly lacked substance: the men were never in contact with Al Qaeda; they lacked the capacity to carry out the acts they were charged with planning; it was clear the government agent, not the LC7, was leading the planning; there were no weapons or bomb making materials found in their possession; and the group dismantled itself more than a month prior to the arrests.
While the case was lacking, the motivation for bringing the case was obvious. On Friday June 23, 2006, The New York Times planned to release a story about the Bush Administration spying on the financial transactions of millions of American citizens, without a warrant. On Thursday, June 22nd, FBI Director Rober Mueller announced the raid of the LC7 warehouse (none of the them were in the building at the time) on live television during an interview. The next day, instead of focusing on the Bush Administration spying scandal, the media and general public only talked about the seven "terrorists" in Miami. As George W. Bush might say, "mission accomplished."
The first trial ended in one acquittal and a mistrial for the other six. The judge immediately called for and set a date for a new trial. In addition, the judget put in place a number of "security measures," such as refering to jurors by number instead of name and ordering the jury escorted by armed marshalls, which do not protect the jury- there was no tampering during the last trial- but, instead, is designed to intimidate the jury into thinking the men pose a security risk. It was extremely telling that in this politically charged climate, the government was unable to secure even on conviction of a Black man charged with terrorism.
The LC7 case is important because it directly targets Black organizations and movements under the guise of fighting the war on terror. If this travesty is allowed to proceed unchallenged, every organization pushing a progressive agenda will be targeted and charged with conspiracy. Make no mistake about it: this is the new McCarthy Red Scare in this day and age.
Future generations will demand to know what YOU did during the time the government targeted innocent people and charged them with terror related conspiracies. How will you respond?
forward,
Max Rameau
CopWatch
a project of the Center for Pan-African Development
Friday, January 04, 2008
Rally to Release the Liberty City 7- Monday, January 7 at 9AM
Greetings:
On Monday, December 7, 2008, CopWatch and other community organizations will protest the first day of the re-trial of the Liberty City 7 (LC7). The picket line will take place at the federal courthouse, 301 N. Miami, Ave., in downtown Miami beginning at 9:00am.
We are calling for the immediate release of all of the men and that the government drop the trumped up, politically motivated charges, thereby ending the re-trial.
During the first trial, which ended in December 2007, the jury saw through the sham charges and acquitted one of the men, Lyglenson Lemorin, outright and deadlocked on charges against the other six. Not surprisingly, the judge continued to push the official government line by calling for a new trial in less than 30 days. Lemorin remains in federal custody, held by immigration who will try him again on the same charges. Lemorin is a legal US resident.
During the summer of 2006, seven men, mostly of Haitian decent, were arrested and charged with planning to blow up the Sears Tower in Chicago as well as federal buildings in Miami. The arrests were timed to coincide with FBI Director Robert Mueller's appearance on the Larry King television show, and the government falsely reported the men were part of a "radical Muslim group" in order to foster suspicion and anti-Muslim sentiment in the general public.
Of course, none of the men were Muslim and no weapons or bomb making materials were found in their possession and the "plot" was primarily crafted by an FBI informant, not the men. Most importantly, the group disbanded shortly after the infamous "Al Qaeda oath," which was orchestrated by the FBI informant and during which several of the men expressed confusion about the wording of the oath and at least one slept through the ceremony, exhausted from working all day.
The arrests were a politically motivated ploy to divert attention from the story, released the following day by the New York Times, detailing the Bush administration's spying on ATM and credit card transactions of millions of American citizens. The diversion worked as media outlets turned their attention to the story of "homegrown terrorists.
Even in this current political climate, the US government was unable to secure even one conviction against seven Black men. You know that if you cannot convict seven Black men of conspiring to do something, your case has some problems.
Taking no chances for the second trial, the judge called for a new trial to begin less than 30 days after the first one ended. In addition, she plans to sequester to jury and provide armed escorts for the jury to and from the courthouse. Neither one of these measures were in place during the first trial and no incidents occurred. Clearly, the judge is looking to intimidate the jury, using the beefed up security to create an atmosphere of fear in an attempt to make jurors think that if all this security is required, there must be a threat associated with the men. The worse part is that none of this is making anyone safer.
This is no idle exercise to show support for seven confused young men. The so-called "war on terror" has served primarily to increase the power of government to do what they were unable to do pre-September 11: spy on us without fear of public outrage. The potential for utilizing the Justice Department to quell political dissent and activism- all in the name of fighting terror- is real and will fundamentally undermine the ability of political activists to receive a fair trial, either in court or in the court of public opinion.
This case is clearly a trial balloon to determine what people will tolerate from the US government. The target- seven impoverished black men- was obviously selected in order to minimize public sentiment and support. When arrests on flimsy, politically motivated charges of terrorism become common place, you will be unable to argue that you did not see this coming.
We demand the immediate release of all the men and the dropping of these politically motivated charges. Please make plans to attend the rally in support of the LC7 and against this gross violation of justice.
forward,
Max Rameau
CopWatch
a project of the Center for Pan-African Development
afrimax@gmail.com
On Monday, December 7, 2008, CopWatch and other community organizations will protest the first day of the re-trial of the Liberty City 7 (LC7). The picket line will take place at the federal courthouse, 301 N. Miami, Ave., in downtown Miami beginning at 9:00am.
We are calling for the immediate release of all of the men and that the government drop the trumped up, politically motivated charges, thereby ending the re-trial.
During the first trial, which ended in December 2007, the jury saw through the sham charges and acquitted one of the men, Lyglenson Lemorin, outright and deadlocked on charges against the other six. Not surprisingly, the judge continued to push the official government line by calling for a new trial in less than 30 days. Lemorin remains in federal custody, held by immigration who will try him again on the same charges. Lemorin is a legal US resident.
During the summer of 2006, seven men, mostly of Haitian decent, were arrested and charged with planning to blow up the Sears Tower in Chicago as well as federal buildings in Miami. The arrests were timed to coincide with FBI Director Robert Mueller's appearance on the Larry King television show, and the government falsely reported the men were part of a "radical Muslim group" in order to foster suspicion and anti-Muslim sentiment in the general public.
Of course, none of the men were Muslim and no weapons or bomb making materials were found in their possession and the "plot" was primarily crafted by an FBI informant, not the men. Most importantly, the group disbanded shortly after the infamous "Al Qaeda oath," which was orchestrated by the FBI informant and during which several of the men expressed confusion about the wording of the oath and at least one slept through the ceremony, exhausted from working all day.
The arrests were a politically motivated ploy to divert attention from the story, released the following day by the New York Times, detailing the Bush administration's spying on ATM and credit card transactions of millions of American citizens. The diversion worked as media outlets turned their attention to the story of "homegrown terrorists.
Even in this current political climate, the US government was unable to secure even one conviction against seven Black men. You know that if you cannot convict seven Black men of conspiring to do something, your case has some problems.
Taking no chances for the second trial, the judge called for a new trial to begin less than 30 days after the first one ended. In addition, she plans to sequester to jury and provide armed escorts for the jury to and from the courthouse. Neither one of these measures were in place during the first trial and no incidents occurred. Clearly, the judge is looking to intimidate the jury, using the beefed up security to create an atmosphere of fear in an attempt to make jurors think that if all this security is required, there must be a threat associated with the men. The worse part is that none of this is making anyone safer.
This is no idle exercise to show support for seven confused young men. The so-called "war on terror" has served primarily to increase the power of government to do what they were unable to do pre-September 11: spy on us without fear of public outrage. The potential for utilizing the Justice Department to quell political dissent and activism- all in the name of fighting terror- is real and will fundamentally undermine the ability of political activists to receive a fair trial, either in court or in the court of public opinion.
This case is clearly a trial balloon to determine what people will tolerate from the US government. The target- seven impoverished black men- was obviously selected in order to minimize public sentiment and support. When arrests on flimsy, politically motivated charges of terrorism become common place, you will be unable to argue that you did not see this coming.
We demand the immediate release of all the men and the dropping of these politically motivated charges. Please make plans to attend the rally in support of the LC7 and against this gross violation of justice.
forward,
Max Rameau
CopWatch
a project of the Center for Pan-African Development
afrimax@gmail.com
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