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Prairie Dogs Under Attack (6/99)

The sun rises over a vast expanse of prairie. The wind blows and the wild grass sways, as if to music. With its seeming endless repetition and aching beauty, the great prairie has captured the American imagination for generations. The image is peaceful, a scene of tranquillity and rhythm, a place to dream.

But the western plains aren’t as tranquil as they appear. A war is being waged against the short and mixed grass prairie, and the most brutal battle centers on the prairie dog, arguably the ecosystem’s cornerstone. read more

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Nicaragua: Land Grab on the Atlantic Coast: Part 1 (6/98)

On the road to Puerto Cabezas, the cowboy country of Nicaragua’s central mountains slopes into the lush lowlands of the Miskito Rainforest – what’s left of it. For centuries, this region was an impenetrable jungle which protected the Miskito and Mayangna Indians from conquest. Just a few years ago, there was no road to the Caribbean coastal town. Now, Central America’s largest rainforest is shrinking faster than ever, and the Indians find themselves the guardians of what once was their protector. read more

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Nonviolent Peaceforce Tries Unarmed Intervention (12/03

Peace activist Donna Howard had plenty of time to reflect during the 14 months she spent behind bars after a 1996 Ploughshares action at a nuclear weapons site. Confined in five different jail and prison cells, what she thought about was space – political space.

"We have to build a system," she concluded, "a new tool that will help us keep from reverting to that tired old system of war." After her release, she returned home to Duluth, Minnesota, where she had founded a Catholic Worker community. Looking for others who shared her vision of a third party intervention force, she found a group of activists in the Twin Cities who had recently presented a proposal at The Hague Appeal for Peace in the Netherlands. read more

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Accent on Diversity: 2003 Report (12/03)

Evolution generates books, projects, and a radio play   

Our 51st year of continuous publication has certainly been active. More than 60 features were published and distributed, and two previous articles won Project Censored recognition. Last year, TF moved to a quarterly schedule for its flagship periodical, while continuing to branch out into books and other media.

The year began with the release of Uneasy Empire, a manifesto on globalization and freedom by TF editor Greg Guma. It is currently being distributed by AK Press and Catholic Worker Books. As we go to press, our next book, Reign of Error, is at the printer. It’s a powerful collection of 110 illustrations by TF staff artist Dan Florentino, with accompanying text by 47 writers. Covering topics from media, globalization, crime, and big brother to oil, fundamentalism, the environment, and war, it’s a graphic guide for anyone who cares about the state and fate of the Earth. TF members will receive their advance copies before the end of the year; retail sales will begin in January 2004. read more

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Prison Justice Alliance Takes Shape (09/03)

The Alliance for Prison Justice (APJ), a human rights project initiated by TF, is making significant strides in its effort to advocate for prisoners and their families. Launched with a February 2002 conference attended by over 200 people, the group now has a Coordinating Committee, growing membership, part-time staff, and several projects.      

Last year, APJ worked with Vermont’s Prisoners Health Coalition to collect information about health issues. Forums were held around the state, and prisoner views were solicited. A report will be available soon. This June, a part-time office assistant, Jennifer Berger, was hired, but additional funding is needed to maintain the position in 2004. read more

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IRAQ, Is Take a Stand, by Tod Ensign (03/03)

William Faulkner once wrote, “The past is never dead. It’s not even past.” This certainly applies to current US policy toward Iraq. As the war drums in Dubya’s White House beat ever more loudly, GIs’ families are beginning to mobilize against another invasion. 

During the first Gulf War, family members played an important role in sparking opposition within the military’s rank and file. Two families with children who have recently been sent to the Gulf War zone are leading efforts to establish a new anti-war organization, Military Families Speak Out (MFSO).  read more