Story

Many years ago, I was tempted once to pick up a gun and fight for what I believed in. It was 1936, and I was on my way to Oxford University on a fellowship to get my doctorate. During the sea voyage – there were no trans-Atlantic fights then – the ship’s radio announced that Francisco Franco had launched a military attack on the Popular Front, which had come to power the previous February.

Before enrolling in Oxford, I went to Spain, and discovered that the Front had established, here and there, non-hierarchical communal settlements. In Madrid, I stayed at the People’s University and was much impressed by the people I met. But soon, Franco’s soldiers advanced toward the city. I considered joining the resistance. If my friends were going to die, I was ready, too. Who knew what the outcome would be. Maybe, with the help of the Communists, who had mostly come from other countries to support this people’s republic, we would win! read more

It is a hot and sticky day when we arrive at the World Social Forum in Porto Alegre, Brazil. This is the first annual counter-conference to the World Economic Forum taking place in Davos, Switzerland. In Davos, the elite of the world gather to plot a war against the poor. In Porto Alegre, social justice activists from around the world are meeting to plot a war against poverty. The slogan of the World Social Forum is ‘another world is possible.’ While we in Brazil share ideas freely, peaceful protestors in Switzerland are not allowed anywhere near the armed camp of Davos.  Which of these two visions represents the world you want? read more

Despite all the talk about Clinton’s highly questionable pardons, one man who deserved executive clemency was denied a fair chance. The following is excerpted from a statement by Native American political prisoner Leonard Peltier:

Jan. 20, 2001, was a sad day for all of us. I know that this denial of clemency has affected many of you as much as it has affected both my family and myself. It is a terrible feeling and disappointment knowing that this nightmare has not ended and will continue for many months to come. read more

During the 1980s and early 90s, many cities saw their social and economic woes grow worse as the federal government stepped back from economic planning, human services, and affordable housing. Increasingly, suburban sprawl and the globalization of our economy threatened the sustainability of communities everywhere. Forced to take up the slack, to do more with less, and to confront challenges from far beyond their borders, many local governments found that they could do little to arrest community decline or promote economic development. read more

Most of us would be horrified to support a business that exploits children. But chances are you may have done just that on your last shopping trip.

Perhaps you splurged on a hand-crafted carpet, without knowing it was made by a seven-year old from India, where children are chained to looms for 12 hours a day. Maybe you just bought a soccer ball for your son or daughter, without realizing five-year-old hands inside a dark and silent factory in Pakistan produced your gift. Even your more mundane purchases – a leather bag, a shirt, a pair of jeans, or produce from the local grocery store – could be the product of child labor. read more

We have some very exciting news!  President Clinton has publicly confirmed that Leonard Peltier’s clemency petition has reached his office, and that it will be decided one way or the other in the very near future.