MOVE TO AMEND/END CORPORATE PERSONHOOD . . . Move to Amend is gathering signatures on a petition to End Corporate Personhood by a Resolution to be presented to the Lincoln City Council, Monday, August 13, 2012. 2004 Green Party presidential candidate David Cobb is spearheading a Midwest Barnstorming Tour starting with Nebraska appearances in Lincoln and Omaha. Saturday, August 11th, 7:00pm, David will speak in Omaha at the 1st Unitarian Church, 3114 Harney. Sunday he will speak in Lincoln, 7:00pm, at the Unitarian Church, 6300 A Street. David will will be joined by representatives from local groups at Monday’s regularly scheduled Lincoln City Council meeting, County-City Building, 555 South 10th Street, Room 111. Move to Amend supporters will speak at open mic, following the 3:00pm meeting. Watch a 2:10 minute video of David Barnstorming MTA at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rr-Eax3f1rg&feature=youtu.be. To get involved with the local campaign, e-mail Carol Smith, smithcarol [dot] 49 [at] gmail [dot] com
GREEN PARTY PRESIDENTIAL UPDATE . . . For the latest information on ballot access, see http://www.jillstein.org/ballot. In Nebraska, although we have not collected sufficient signatures for a Green Party ballot line, we will still campaign for Jill’s ballot access with a non-partisan line on the November Nebraska ballot. The deadline for that petition is September 1, 2012. To help with the effort to make a vote for Jill possible in Nebraska, please e-mail mjberry [at] inebraska [dot] com. Another U.S. is Possible — Another Party is Necessary.
FARMERS MARKETS . . . There are more than 90 local Farmers Markets in Nebraska this year. For a partial schedule of current Buy Fresh Buy Local Markets, click here.
Lincoln area: Congressional District 1
OCCUPY EDUCATION . . . Free school Sundays are from 7:00pm – 8:00pm, at Meadowlark Coffee & Espresso, 1624 South Street, in Lincoln. Each Sunday a different member of the Lincoln community will host a short class on the topic of their choosing. August 5, 2012, Trina Derickson will present “Know Your City Government, Part III.”
VIGIL AGAINST THE DEATH PENALTY . . . Every Monday, noon to 1:00pm, Nebraskans for abolition of the death penalty meet in front of the governor’s mansion when weather is good, 1425 H Street, Lincoln. When weather is bad, the vigil is inside the capitol, near the Information Desk. The lunch-hour presence reminds the governor of a constituency that does not want state killings. Weekly vigils have taken place year-round since July, 1991. All abolitionists are welcome to participate for a few minutes, or the hour. For more information about NADP, click here. “It’s barbaric. It’s outlawed in all but a few extremely repressive countries like Iran, China, and not many others. It’s shameful that it continues to be performed. It’s well established that mistakes are made–yet half of our states practice pre-meditated state-sponsored murder. It’s also known that it’s not effective. So why is it done? Revenge & retribution? That’s not what our justice system is supposed to be about. It’s not an effective deterrent.” –Jill Stein, GP Presidential Nominee.
OCCUPY THE FOOD SUPPLY . . . Monday, August 6, 2012, 7:00 to 8:00pm, the final class in this Occupy Education series will be at Indigo Bridge Books, 701 P Street, Lincoln. This series has been devoted to resisting the industrialization of agriculture and food production, reinstituting the use of plants as medicine, as well as reclaiming the means to produce healthy, chemical-free food, with special focus on sustainability and truly organic practices.
TUESDAY FARMERS MARKET . . . Tuesdays, 4:30-7:30pm, there is a Farmers Market at St. Paul United Church of Christ, 13th & F Streets, in Lincoln.
TOWN HALL WITH FORTENBERRY . . . Tuesday, August 7, 2012, CD 1 Congressman Jeff Fortenberry will meet with constituents in a town hall forum, 5:15pm, at Southwest High School, 7001 South 14th Street, Lincoln. Ask questions about your important issues of concern. Phone Fortenberry’s office at 402.438.1598 for more information.
COMMUNITY COFFEE WITH JOHANNS . . . Tuesday, August 7, 2012, Nebraska Senator Mike Johanns will hold a Community Coffee in Lincoln at the Isles Reception Hall, 6232 Havelock Avenue, 6:30 to 7:30pm.
GREEN TEAM ROUNDTABLE . . . Wednesday, August 8, 2012, the WasteCap Nebraska Green Team Roundtable will be hosted by Recycling Enterprises from 11:30am to 1:00pm, at 1200 West Upland Avenue, in Lincoln. The meeting will feature a presentation on “Getting to Zero Waste,” and a tour of Recycling Enterprise’s new facility. Bread and Cup will cater a zero-waste lunch. Registration and payment may be made at www.wastecapne.org/greenteams/. For more information on hosting opportunities and upcoming Roundtables phone Julie Diegel, 402.434.7376.
WEDNESDAY FARMERS MARKETS . . . The Downtown Garden Market, M Street between 16th & Centennial, continues every Wednesday, 12:00 noon to 4:00pm. The University Place Community Market, 48th Street & Madison Avenue, is every Wednesday from 3:00 to 7:00pm.
LINCOLN PEACE VIGILS . . . Lincoln peace vigils continue at the Federal Building, 15th and O streets, every Wednesday from 5:00 to 6:00pm. Contact Mark at 402.499.6672 or e-mail mark [at] weddleton [dot] com for more information.
THRUSDAY FARMERS MARKET . . . Fallbrook Town Square Park, 570 Fallbrook Blvd., holds a Farmers Market every Thursday, 3:30 to 7:00pm.
FRIDAY FARMERS MARKET . . . The Gateway Garden Market at Westfield Gateway, on the south side of the shopping center, is every Friday, 4:00 to 8:00pm.
PERSEIDS METEOR SHOWER . . . Saturday, August 11, 2012, from 4:00 to 7:00pm, Lincoln Bioneers will meet for a potluck supper at the Hintz house, 1611 Van Dorn Street, Lincoln. Then, starting at 9:00pm, watch the Perseids meteor shower with Bioneers at The Growing Place, near Lincoln. For more information, e-mail Anne Hintz, redmoonbakery [at] yahoo [dot] com.
SATURDAY FARMERS MARKET . . . The Haymarket Farmers Market, on 8th Street in Lincoln’s Historic Haymarket District, is now open every Saturday, 8:00am to noon, through October 13, 2012. More than 100 vendors bring farm-fresh produce, flowers, baked goods and handmade items to the local gathering place that also features a “Performance Showcase” for Nebraska folk, jazz, blues, classical, and dance talent, plus educational demonstrations and informational booths. Buy Fresh. Shop Local.
DAVID COBB/MOVE TO AMEND IN LINCOLN . . . Sunday, August 12, 2012, 7:00pm, David Cobb will speak at the Lincoln Unitarian Church, 6300 A Street. Monday, August 13th, David will be joined by representatives from local groups at the Lincoln City Council meeting, City County Building, 555 South 10th Street, Room 111. Move to Amend supporters will speak at the open mic, following the 3:00pm meeting. Watch a 2:10 minute video of David Barnstorming MTA at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rr-Eax3f1rg&feature=youtu.be
SUNDAY FARMERS MARKET . . . The Old Cheney Road Farmers Market offers local produce, baked goods and natural meats every Sunday, 10:00am to 2:00pm, at 55th Street and Old Cheney Road.
OCCUPY EDUCATION . . . Free school Sunday on August 5, 2012, from 7:00pm to 8:00pm, at Meadowlark Coffee & Espresso, 1624 South Street, Trina Derickson will present “Know Your City Government, Part III.”
OCCUPY LINCOLN . . . There is a calendar of Occupy Lincoln events here. The Facebook page is here. The Twitter feed is @OccupyLincoln. For more information, e-mail occupylincoln [at] gmail [dot] com or phone 402.585.5865. Corporate Greed is Revolution’s Seed!
Omaha area: Congressional District 2
OMAHA PEACE VIGILS . . . Omaha peacemakers vigil every Wednesday, 4:30-5:30pm, at StratCom/UN-O, 6801 Pine Street, east of the Scott Technology Center on the UN-O campus. Free parking is available at the NE Corner of 67th Street and Pine in a student lot. For more information, phone Jerry Ebner, 402.502.5887. Every Saturday, 1:00-2:00pm, there is a Peace Vigil at 72nd and Dodge Streets. Park next to 72nd Street, in the pet store parking lot. Contact Steve Horn at 402.426.9068 for more information about Saturday vigils.
COMMUNITY COFFEE WITH JOHANNS . . . Wednesday, August 8, 2012, there will be a Community Coffee with Senator Mike Johanns in Omaha, 1:30 to 2:30pm, at the Omaha Public Library, Millard Branch, 13214 Westwood Lane.
OMAHA PEOPLE’S FILM FESTIVAL . . . There is a People’s Film Festival every Wednesday evening, 7:00pm, at McFoster’s Natural Kind Cafe, 38th and Harney in Omaha. Wednesday, August 8, 2012, the film will be “Life in a Day,” a documentary shot by filmmakers all over the world that serves as a time capsule to show future generations what it was like to be alive on the 24th of July, 2010. Starting with 80,000 submissions, 4500 hours of footage, from 192 countries, Kevin Macdonald has taken this raw material and created a 90-minute testament to what it means to be human in the world. Watch a 1:47 minute trailer at http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1687247/. For more information, go to http://www.progressiveomaha.com/films.htm. The People’s Film Festival – Expanding Political Consciousness Since 2004.
2012 BLACK AUGUST AT MALCOLM X CENTER . . . Saturday, August 11, 2012, The Malcolm X Memorial Foundation will host its 6th Annual Black August celebration in partnership with the National Jericho Movement from 12:00 noon to 5:00pm at the Malcolm X Center, 3448 Evans Street, in Omaha. Black August is celebrated nationwide to recognize the political imprisonment of persons who were unjustly put behind bars during America’s human rights movements of the 1960’s and 1970’s. A small historical exhibit will feature photos and biographies of 49 persons currently incarcerated since the 1960’s. Three films will be previewed detailing the history of injustices suffered by these political prisoners, followed by discussions led by Tarik Al-Amin, Nebraskans for Justice, and Tekla Ajbala, official representatives of the Nebraska Chapter of the Jericho Movement. For more information about the Black August event contact Lizabeth Arellano, lizabetarellano [at] malcolmxfoundation [dot] org or call 402.590.7526.
DAVID COBB/MOVE TO AMEND IN OMAHA . . . Saturday, August 11, 2012, 7:00pm, David Cobb will speak in Omaha at the 1st Unitarian Church, 3114 Harney. Join the Move to Amend Team for inspiring conversation with the Green Party’s 2004 candidate for President of the United States.
OMAHA FARMERS MARKETS . . . Click here for an Omaha Market schedule.
ENGAGE OMAHA . . . One of the nation’s first city-wide, virtual town hall websites, EngageOmaha, is now online. Omaha residents may weigh in on issues for the city to consider. Pick a topic, and join the mix at http://www.engageomaha.com/
Greater Nebraska: Congressional District 3
KEYSTONE XL PIPELINE UPDATE . . . “Environment groups ask for more climate, safety analysis,” by Ayesha Rascoe for Reuters, was published July 30, 2012. It begins “Environmental groups demanded the U.S. State Department conduct a new, thorough analysis of the risks of transporting oil sands crude through TransCanada Corp’s proposed Keystone XL pipeline as a Wisconsin oil spill renewed concerns about pipeline safety. …Green groups submitted more than 400,000 comments to the State Department in support of a more robust review, said Anthony Swift, an attorney with the Natural Resources Defense Council. BOLD “It is time the State Department look into growing evidence that tar sands pipelines are more likely to leak and tar sands spills are far more devastating than conventional oil spills,” UNBOLD Swift said.” Read the article at http://uk.reuters.com/article/2012/07/30/usa-keystone-review-idUKL2E8IUCE720120730
“Newly obtained government documents suggest lawsuit to protect endangered species could delay Keystone XL pipeline construction,” a July 31st press release from Friends of the Earth, begins “In a victory for the climate, public health and endangered species, the Fish and Wildlife Service has taken action that could interfere with Canadian oil corporation TransCanada’s plan for fast-tracked approval of its Keystone XL tar sands oil pipeline. According to documents obtained by the Center for Biological Diversity, the agency decided July 10 to disallow a University of Nebraska researcher from using his research permit to help TransCanada clear the way for Keystone XL by physically relocating the American burying beetle from its habitat.”
To learn more about the American burying beetle, an endangered species, go to http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/energy/2012/01/pictures/120119-animals-blocked-keystone-xl/#/10-keystone-xl-pipeline_47015_600x450.jpg. Bottom line: a US Fish and Wildlife policy has been changed so researchers now and in the future cannot trap and remove beetles until a project has all of their federal and state permits issued to construct. For TransCanada, this means if a permit to build was granted in early 2013, they could then trap and remove the beetles in May-Sept 2013 (beetle season) and then start construction, versus trapping them now and starting to build immediately after a permit was granted. In the bigger picture, this means TransCanada cannot start preparing land until they have ALL their permits.
“American Burying Beetle brings new problem for pipeline,” by Katie Gauthier, covered the story on KHAS-TV, August 1st.
“Pipeline opponents celebrate a reroute in Nebraska” is a new Washington Post video by Whitney Shefte, posted August 3rd.
“South Dakota anti-pipeline movement now in 13 countries” by Emma Dejong, The Dickinson Press, August 2nd, begins “On Wednesday, several hundred people from 13 nations began a “Fast for the Earth.” The fast is largely in response to TransCanada’s Keystone Pipeline, which transports crude oil from the tar sands in Canada to the United States. Those fasting are opposed to any further extension of the pipeline, including the proposed XL extension.”
Reporting for InsideClimate News, July 30th, Stacy Feldman and Kathryn Doyle begin “First Nations Hold the Cards in Northern Gateway Battle with Enbridge,” “When the National Transportation Safety Board released a scathing report this month faulting Enbridge for its Michigan oil spill, speculation began instantly about whether it would harm the company’s chances for its Northern Gateway pipeline to the Pacific Coast of British Columbia. Even without the report, however, the project’s prospects have long been slim at best. That’s because most First Nations in B.C.—where more than half the pipeline would pass—never signed treaties ceding their lands to the Canadian government. Despite offers from Enbridge that would give them a 10 percent equity stake worth millions of dollars and other cash benefits, many still refuse to give the needed right of way, setting up a legal clash that could end up at the Supreme Court. A single holdout could delay the pipeline for many years, if not indefinitely—even if the project wins approval from Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s Conservative government.” Page 1 of 4 continues at http://insideclimatenews.org/news/20120727/first-nations-british-columbia-northern-gateway-pipeline-oil-sands-dilbit-enbridge-canada-supreme-court-china
“Is Dilbit Oil? Congress and the IRS Say No,” by Lisa Song, also for InsideClimate News, sourced to Truthout August 4th, begins “The oil industry has often said that dilbit, a heavy crude oil from Canada’s tar sands, isn’t much different from conventional crude oil. But when it comes to paying into a federal fund used to clean up oil spills, it’s different enough to deserve a sizeable tax break.” Anthony Swift is again quoted: “The key issue is, is tar sands crude oil?…When it comes to taxes, [the industry] get[s] to make the argument that tar sands isn’t crude oil,” said Anthony Swift, an attorney at the Natural Resources Defense Council who has spent years advocating for better pipeline safety. “But when it comes to the safety of moving tar sands in pipelines, they say it’s just like crude oil.” Read at http://truth-out.org/news/item/10693-is-dilbit-oil-congress-and-the-irs-say-no
A new 8-month old start-up organization, SomOfUs.org, is spreading the word about the case of Julia Trigg Crawford, a Texas farmer who joined non-violent protests in front of the White House led by Bill McKibben and the Tar Sands Coalition to stop government approval of the Keystone XL pipeline. Along with 1,252 other people, Julia was arrested. …In 2008, TransCanada told the Crawford family it was going to build the Keystone XL pipeline through their land. Now they are taking TransCanada to court. This legal battle could postpone or even halt the entire Keystone XL project, but there is only one more week to raise the money she needs to defend herself in pre-trial. Julia’s legal team is people-powered by regular citizens from around the world who are willing to help a stranger. The lawyers believe she has a strong case. She and her family are committed to fighting TransCanada to the end. Success in the Texas courts could substantially delay the beginning of construction, creating time for new carbon fuels standards, removal of tax incentives, and/or new laws emanating from the PHMSA tar sands pipeline study to impact the project. Stand with Julia in her fight against Big Oil by donating to her legal fund at https://sumofus.org/campaigns/stand-with-Julia/?akid=683.2507.9N7c3x&rd=1&sub=fwd&t=3. Julia’s hearing is Friday, August 10, 2012. Learn more about the case at the Crawford Family Defense Fund website.
From “Peaceful protest takes a violent turn in Burlington, by John Briggs for Free Press, July 29th: “Burlington police in riot gear shot protesters with what they described as “pepper balls” and “stingball pellets” as a large, peaceful demonstration turned violent and ugly Sunday afternoon. …At 3:30 Sunday afternoon they were in front of Burlington’s Hilton Hotel on Battery Street to make their voices heard, “No tar sand pipeline.” They flattened themselves on the pavement to create a symbolic human oil spill. …The violence erupted shortly before 5:00pm …During the earlier, peaceful portion of the demonstration, environmental writer and activist Bill McKibben, the founder of 350.org, told the crowd this is “a hinge moment in human history.”” The report Continues, with 7:43 minute video, on page 1 of 4 at http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20120729/NEWS02/120729008/Peaceful-protest-takes-violent-turn-Burlington?nclick_check=1
“Protesters Force Chinese Officials to Cancel Pipeline,” by Shiv Malik, Guardian UK, sourced to Reader Supported News, July 30th, begins “Officials in eastern China have cancelled a planned industrial waste pipeline project after up to 1,000 environmental demonstrators occupied a government office, overturned cars, destroyed computers and beat police officers.” Read the account at http://readersupportednews.org/news-section2/312-16/12694-chinese-protesters-force-officials-to-cancel-industrial-waste-pipeline-project
The entire Lincoln Journal Star letter to the editor by Scott Janike, August 2nd, “TransCanada’s oil games,” is as follows: “In the month of July, TransCanada Corp.’s vice president and spokesperson (“Keystone XL pipeline will be safe,” Guest View, July 25, and “Defining ‘Sandhills’,” letter, July 8) have both taken up space on the editorial page trying to convince readers that the proposed Keystone XL pipeline will be both safe and avoid the Sandhills.
Meanwhile, a second leak on a relatively new pipeline in Wisconsin broke Friday, spilling an estimated 1,200 gallons and forcing one family to be relocated for their safety. This comes two years after a pipeline break on the Kalamazoo River wreaked havoc on the waterway.
Let’s not forget that the tar sands oil that would be pumping through the Keystone XL pipeline is expected to be far more hazardous and toxic than crude oil, but then again, we don’t even know exactly what chemicals would be used in TransCanada’s pipeline that would make tar sands fluid enough to pump en route to foreign markets.
The Olympic Games began recently, but the oil games citizens have been subjected to have been an ongoing PR campaign. Nebraskans, however, have real “skin” in these oil games: water, land and public health.”
Tell the Obama Administration: Reject Keystone XL. Again. The following message accompanies a new petition from Credo Action: In the same week that record June heat blanketed the southeast, Minnesota tried to recover from record flooding, and the biggest fire in Colorado’s history continued to burn out of control — President Obama doubled down in his support for the energy that is causing this deepening climate change spiral approving the first portion of the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline, giving away 720 million tons of publicly owned coal to a coal company for virtually nothing, and promising to lease more arctic offshore areas for oil drilling. Now, the Canada to Oklahoma portion of the Keystone XL pipeline – which would turn up the spigot on deadly, “game over for the climate” tar sands production – is back before the State Department after being rejected by President Obama earlier this year when Republicans tried to force his decision.
Without the pressures of the election, President Obama could conceivably cave when a decision is made in 2013 – if he is re-elected. This public comment period is our opportunity to go on the record, before the election, with our fierce opposition. Please urge President Obama to reject the Keystone XL Pipeline. (Note: Credo Action petitions do generate e-mail from other petitions.)
Sign a Natural Resources Defense Council Action Alert telling Congress to reject all attempts to force approval of the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline by attaching it to any unrelated legislation. The Keystone XL will deliver billions in profits to Big Oil while the people get stuck with poisoned water, contaminated land and an overheated planet.
“The Keystone pipeline will spew a massive amount of carbon pollution into our fragile atmosphere. It should be stopped. ” –Jill Stein, 2012 Green Party Presidential Nominee.
COMMUNITY COFFEE WITH JOHANNS . . . Thursday, August 9, 2012, Senator Mike Johanns will hold a Community Coffee in Pierce, Nebraska, 3:45 to 4:45pm, at the Pierce Public Library, 207 West Court Street.
STOP FRACKING NOW . . . At the First-Ever National Mobilization Against Fracking on July 28th, celebrities, community groups, and more than 100 organizations will join forces for “Stop the Frack Attack” in Washington, DC, where they will make three demands of Congress: 1. Stop dangerous fracking; 2. Close 7 legal loopholes that exempt the oil and gas industry from parts of the Safe Drinking Water, Clean Air, and Clean Water Acts; and 3. Implement a pathway towards 100% clean renewable energy. Learn more about the event here. Petition Congress: “We, the undersigned, call on Congress to pass the Fracturing Responsibility and Awareness of Chemicals Act this year. It’s time to hold the oil and gas production industry to the same standards as any other industry to ensure the safe protection of America’s drinking water.“
PETITION THE EPA . . . Tell the Environmental Protection Agency to immediately prohibit the use of clothianidin and conduct a full scientific review to determine its impact on honey bee populations. Learn more about clothianidin and sign the petition here.
BUY FRESH. BUY LOCAL . . . . Farmers, gardeners, and craftspeople meet through The Nebraska Food Cooperative, an on-line, year-round farmers’ market and local food distribution service offering the best in local freshness. For ordering and pickup schedules, refer to the calendar here. Click here for products and prices from North Star Neighbors, a Cooperative member that doesn’t therapeutically medicate or unduly confine animals. Click here for Tomato Tomäto, Omaha’s year-round indoor Farmer’s Market at 156th & West Center. Shop for fresh foods grown in or very near your own community at Open Harvest, Lincoln’s member-owned natural foods retail cooperative at 1618 South Street. Buying local grows family farming, grows the local economy, and is thousands of miles fresher.
HELP NEBRASKA GREENS WITH GOODSEARCH . . . Each time you search the Internet (or shop online at a participating store), a donation can be made to Nebraska Green Party at no cost to you! To help NGP in this way, enter Nebraska Green Party where it asks you to name your cause here. Bookmark the GoodSearch Homepage, or make it your own Home Page. Enter the url you want in the GoodSearch search box. Each time you do, one penny will be donated to Nebraska Greens. THANK YOU for your support!
Remember, every man-made by-product of the petroleum industry could be replaced by hemp. “Help Save the Earth, Time to Substitute Hemp for oil.“