Page 694 – Toward Freedom

Chinua Achebe: The Oracle of Africa

G. Pascal Zachary March 2, 2010 G. Pascal Zachary

Nigeria is no longer the butt of jokes, known only for spam mail importuning readers to assist in the recovery of an ill-gotten fortune. Home to one in every six black Africans, Africa’s most populous country is now a trendsetter worthy of serious attention, political analysis-and great puzzlement.

Anglicans in Nigeria now give orders to their American counterparts, who have aligned with them in opposing rights for gay Christians. Unrest in Nigeria’s oil-rich Delta region-where rebels abduct employees of Chevron, the California-based oil multinational-translates into higher gasoline prices for Americans, who consume more than 800,000 barrels of Nigerian crude a day (nearly as much as that provided by Saudi Arabia). read more

Challenging History: Why the Oppressed Must Tell Their Own Story

Ramzy Baroud March 2, 2010 Ramzy Baroud

When American historian Howard Zinn passed away recently, he left behind a legacy that redefined our relationship to history altogether. Professor Zinn dared to challenge the way history was told and written. In fact he went as far as to defy the conventional construction of historical discourses through the pen of victor or of elites who earned the right of narration though their might, power and affluence.

Consumers Are Sleeping With the Enemy

Sandy LeonVest March 1, 2010 Sandy LeonVest

Anyone whose mission it is to 'control the masses' knows it all begins with good marketing. Public relations aficionado Edward Bernays understood that. One of the country's original PR flacks, Bernays is perhaps best known for forging the decades-long marketing alliance between the AMA and the tobacco industry. The 'Father of Spin,' as he is known, also played a major role in the marketing and selling of the First World War to the American public with his now infamous slogan, "Making the World Safe for Democracy."

The Robber Barons of Social Change

Mark Engler and Arthur Phillips February 25, 2010 Mark Engler and Arthur Phillips

Ben & Jerry's Homemade, Inc., the maker of "Vermont's Finest" super-premium ice cream, was one of the feel-good business success stories of the 1990s. In addition to introducing frozen dessert lovers to now-famous flavors such as Cherry Garcia and Chunky Monkey, the company trumpeted its ability to make money and do good in the world at the same time. It publicized its decisions to buy ingredients from local farms, its refusal to use milk produced with bovine growth hormone, and its commitment to contributing 7.5 percent of all pre-tax profits to an employee-led charitable foundation. As the founders wrote, "We wanted to create a company we could be proud of."

No Tutu is Big Enough to Cover Up Israeli War Crimes

Brian Pickett, Video by Sam Mayfield February 23, 2010 Brian Pickett, Video by Sam Mayfield

Human rights activists from Vermont, New York and Israel interrupted a performance of the Israel Ballet at the Flynn Theater in Burlington, VT on Friday, February 19th, calling attention to the dance company's complicity in Israeli war crimes. Using two banners that read "No Tutu is Big Enough to Cover Up War Crimes" and "Sponsored by Apartheid Israel", the activists, who had purchased tickets to the show, positioned themselves in front of the stage during the opening scenes of the performance.

Vermont Event: Report Back From Human Rights Delegation to Honduras

Toward Freedom February 23, 2010 Toward Freedom

Fear and Defiance in Post-Coup Honduras

Monday, March 1st, 7pm, FreeBurlington College 95 North Avenue, Burlington, VTCommunity Room

Call 802-881-3293 for more info.

"Nos tienen miedo porque no tenemos miedo." (They are afraid of us because we are not afraid.) – Slogan chanted by activists in the grassroots movement for democracy in Honduras The Honduran oligarchy and their military, backed by Washington, have long ruled their country by spreading fear and violence. But when they overthrew the democratically elected president, Manuel Zelaya on June 28, 2009, they awakened a new spirit of resistance.

Burlington resident Peter Lackowski recently returned from a two week Rights Action delegation in Honduras. On this trip he met with many of the people who are creating a brave new movement which aims to break free of the US empire, the Honduran elite and establish a real democracy in their country. At this event Lackowski will cover the events leading up to the coup and the various maneuvers of Zelaya and his supporters. He will share stories and analysis from interviews with the people he met, both activists and others, on the strategy of the resistance and what people in the US can do in solidarity. read more