PITTSBURGH’S PEACE & JUSTICE NEWSPAPER
VOL. 44 No. 7, July/August 2014
Legal Marriage, Legal Discrimination by R/B Mertz Although the freedom to marry is now a reality for LGBT people in Pennsylvania, true civil rights for LGBT citizens only extends as far as the Allegheny County line. Past that line, LGBT people can be discriminated against on the basis of our sexual orientation or gender expression. The PA Senate's 1955 Human Relations Act prevents discrimination “on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, a nonjob related handicap or disability or the use of a guide or support animal.” Currently there are bills sponsored in the PA Senate (SB 300) and the PA House of Representatives (HB 300) which would add “sexual orientation” and “gender identity or expression” to this list. Statistically, most people in the U.S. believe that it is already against the law to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation or gender expression. In fact, this discrimination is only illegal in
IN THIS ISSUE:
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California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin. This means that everywhere else, including Pennsylvania, LGBT people can be denied housing, fired, or prevented from obtaining services or insurance without any legal ramifications. Although many people associate “discrimination” with attitudes rather than actions, there is an increasing awareness of how discrimination against LGBT people, especially transgender people, affects the material existence of many individuals across the country. Transgender people are twice as likely to be unemployed compared to the population as a whole.
The State of Pittsburgh Public Schools —Page 5 The Nuclear Waste Site Across the Street —Page 8 Guantanamo Detainees on Hunger Strike —Page 12 60 Years Ago Began the End of Capital Punishment in England —Page 14
(continued on page 7)
Peduto & Law Enforcement: "Complete Overhaul" or "Same as the Old Boss?" op-ed by Mark Ozark In a press conference introducing Stephen Bucar as his pick for Public Safety Director, Pittsburgh Mayor William Peduto claimed he was making a "complete overhaul of law and justice within city government." As evidence, he cited his appointments of Lourdes Sanchez-Ridge (City Solicitor) and Deborah Walker (Director of the Office of Municipal Investigations (OMI)), as well as his nomination of Mr. Bucar. Also,
the Mayor has announced public forums that he and Mr. Bucar plan to attend. At these events, the public will be asked "what they want in a police chief." Citizens concerned with police accountability will have an opportunity to be heard at the meetings, tentatively scheduled for 6:00 p.m., one in each city police zone, in conjunction with the zone Public Safety Councils. Remaining dates and locations are: July 8, Kingsley Association, 6435 Frankstown Ave.; July 16,
Imagine the Headline . . . “150,000 PEOPLE MARCHING IN NYC FOR CLIMATE ACTION” PEOPLE’S CLIMATE MARCH — NYC — SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 BE THERE. This is an invitation to change everything. In September, world leaders are coming to New York City for a historic UN summit on climate change. With our future on the line and the whole world watching, we’ll take a stand to bend the course of history.
To change everything, we need everyone on board. Reserve a $68 seat on buses sponsored by Sierra Club Allegheny Chapter and the Thomas Merton Center. More information available at our website: www.thomasmertoncenter.org
South Hills Senior Residence, 125 Ruth St.; July 22, Jewish Community Center, 5738 Forbes Ave.; and July 24, Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, 907 Middle St. Input from the peace and justice community might have some effect. Citizens also may comment at www.pittsburghpa.mindmixer.com (continued on page 5)
Statement on Opposition to War on Iraq —passed by the Thomas Merton Center Board of Directors on June 16, 2014 The U.S. government has been threatening to once again launch military assaults on Iraq. The U.S.S. George H. W. Bush aircraft carrier has recently arrived in the Persian Gulf. According to Democracy Now, it is accompanied by the U.S.S. Truxton guided-missile destroyer, which both carry Tomahawk missiles that can reach Iraq. The Thomas Merton Center opposes any military action by the U.S. government against Iraq. It is urgent that peace and anti-war activists mobilize to tell the Obama administration that the people of this country completely oppose any military action in Iraq. In the midst of a religious civil war and on the verge of collapse, Iraq needs a diplomatic solution. The current chaotic situation and sectarian fighting in Iraq is the result of the devastating U.S. military invasion in 2003, that was based on false pretenses, which destabilized the region and put into power the corrupt and brutal al-Maliki government. The people of Iraq need peace , reconciliation, development and a truly representative government free of U.S. and other foreign interests. A new round of U.S. military involvement, according to Iraq Farah Muhsin of CODE PINK, "will only cause more damage to the current situation by enabling a weak and incompetent government that will continue to abuse its power to abuse its people." A problem created on large part by the tragic U.S. military assault cannot be solved by more of the same. We say, No more Weapons Shipments! No Airstrikes! No Drones! and No U.S. Troops or Contractors! This statement was drafted by Pete Shell of the Thomas Merton Center Anti-War and Anti-Drone Committee. The Thomas Merton Center works to build a consciousness of values and to raise the moral questions involved in the issues of war, poverty, racism, classism, economic justice, oppression and environmental justice. TMC engages people of diverse philosophies and faiths who find common ground in the nonviolent struggle to bring about a more peaceful and just world.
July/August 2014
NEWPEOPLE - 1
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Fight for Lifers West fightforliferswest@yahoo.com
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2014 TMC Board of Directors Thom Baggerman, Ed Brett, Theresa Chalich, Rob Conroy, Kitoko Chargois, Kathy Cunningham, Michael Drohan, Patrick Fenton, Mary Jo Guercio (President), Wanda Guthrie, Ken Joseph, Anne Kuhn, Chris Mason, Jonah McAllister-Erickson, Joyce Rothermel, Molly Rush, Tyrone Scales, M. Shernell Smith
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The East End Community Thrift (Thrifty) is an all volunteer-run thrift shop which provides quality, low-cost, used clothing and household goods to the surrounding community. Thrifty needs volunteers and shoppers! See page 17 for more information, and please don’t hesitate to contact us at (412) 361-6010 and ask for Shirley or Shawna, or stop in at 5123 Penn Avenue.
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Table of Contents Page 1
Page 9
Legal Marriage, Legal Discrimination Peduto & Law Enforcement People’s Climate March Statement on Opposition to War on Iraq
Page 3 PPT Seeks to Restore Baldwin Bus Service Union Officials for Fracking and XL Pipeline
Page 4
Moral Mondays, a New Social Movement Pittsburgh People of Faith stand with the 99%
Page 11 Thomas Merton: Childhood—Adolescence Regional Retreat Inspired by the Spirit, Motivated by Justice
Children’s Museum Gives Love Lessons Grace Period Helps with Money Management
Page 5 The State of Pittsburgh Public Schools Black & White Reunion BBQ
Page 6 Book Review: Capital in the Twenty-First Century Pumphouse Events You Won’t Want to Miss
Page 7
Page 12 Guantanamo Still Open, Despite Hunger Strike Pastors for Peace Send 25th Caravan to Cuba Congratulations to U.S. Citizen Fito Gourdet!
Page 13
Fight For Lifers West Goes To LEFT Forum Break the Silence
Page 14
Sixty Years Ago Began the End of Capital
Bread for the World’s 40 Years of Advocacy
Page 8
The Nuclear Waste Site Across the Street The Damage Done to Palestinian Farmland 2 - NEWPEOPLE
U.S. Continues a Policy of Nuclear Insanity
Page 10
July/August 2014
Punishment in England The Civil Rights Act of 1965: Fifty Years Later
Page 15
In Memory of Frances Sutter
Looking Back on a Link to Peace
Page 16 USIP and Non-Violent Conflict Management U.S. Involvement in Syria Escalates
Page 17 B-1 Bomber raid evokes memories Anti-Drone Warfare Coalition Continues Campaign for Transparency
“Best of the Burgh” East End Community Thrift Needs Our Help: Mean Weather and Big Road Job Slow Business The Molly Rush Legacy Fund: Contribute to Peace and Justice After Death
Page 18 Welcome Gabe McMorland, New Economy Community Organizer! Welcome TMC Leadership and Advocacy Summer Interns!
Page 19 July Activist Calendar
Page 20
August Activist Calendar
Regional News PPT Seeks to Restore Baldwin Bus Service by David Bigbee As most readers of The New People know, our region has been faced with devastating cuts to transit service over the years. Pittsburghers for Public Transit (PPT), a grassroots organization of riders, drivers, and concerned citizens, and a project of the Thomas Merton Center, has been active throughout this crisis. The organization has adopted a “Transit Bill of Rights” as its guiding principles, insisting that each community in our county deserves adequate transit service. In the past five years, PPT helped raise consciousness about the importance of public transit, including the need for equitable service, lower fares, and union rights for transit workers. The group engaged in civil disobedience in June 2012 to highlight the need for a funding bill, and they mobilized thousands to sign petitions and come to demonstrations in Pittsburgh and Harrisburg—which helped pressure the state government to pass a transportation funding bill in 2013. Act 89 provides nearly $500 million over the next five years for public transportation. Fortunately, the bill has prevented further cuts and has solidified funding in the short term. However, the Port Authority maintains that Act 89 funding is insufficient to restore previously eliminated service. This is not acceptable. Now, PPT, with help from a grant secured by the Pittsburgh Foundation, is intensifying its efforts to mobilize residents in communities most affected by bus cuts to demand their service be restored. To this end, the organization has initiated a campaign in the borough of Baldwin, a community south of the city, whose bus service was completely eliminated in 2011. The people of Baldwin have been reeling from the effects ever since. The profound need for service restoration becomes glaring in discussions with residents. The more environmentally damaging and expensive option of driving a car is infeasible for many residents, who must now go to extremes to access transit to commute to
work or visit a doctor. People walk for more than two miles along roads with no sidewalks to get to the closest stop, part of the 51 bus line on Brownsville Road. For senior citizens needing medical care and working men and women, this is not only physically onerous, but also unsafe. One resident who works at a local salon has resorted to picking up customers, scrambling between her Molly Nichols (standing at left) of Pittsburghers for Public Transit facilitates a appointments. Apartment community meeting in the Baldwin Borough Building. buildings in the neighborhood have seen a significant decline in interest since losing the Port Authority. Over seventy people of all ages bus service – previously a great selling point. The attended, filling the auditorium, and enthusiastically situation is so bad that some residents have even quit committed to take action for their community. Just jobs because they can no longer get to them. Many from the results of these initial steps, it is very clear: people expressed concern about the community’s Baldwin residents will not accept the status quo any economic prospects for the future if they continue to be longer. cut off from the public transit system. The campaign in Baldwin is important in its own To PPT organizers, these stories are evidence that the right, but it is also part of a larger battle. PPT is helping elimination of bus service amounts to a deprivation of to fight for the future of public transit in Pittsburgh. Baldwin residents’ rights that should never have What has happened to buses in Baldwin has happened happened and must not be allowed to continue. in neighborhoods all over the city. PPT ultimately Understanding this, they have begun to organize the seeks to expand equitable transit service throughout the people of Baldwin to demand their voices be heard and county, strengthen democratic influences and controls service be fully restored. over public transit by Pittsburgh communities and PPT conducted canvassing in Baldwin on May 10th workers, and press for a progressive approach to and June 14th, collecting more than 400 surveys that financing public transit (with major businesses – not showed overwhelming support for bringing back the the working-class majority – assuming greater buses and enthusiasm from residents hoping to help the economic responsibility). If you would like to get campaign. A community meeting was held June 18th in involved in PPT’s campaigns, contact Molly at 412the Baldwin Borough Building auditorium to discuss 216-9659, info@pittsburghforpublic transit.org. the community’s needs and to plan how residents can take action—writing and calling lawmakers and Port David Bigbee is an intern for Pittsburghers for Public Authority officials, speaking at Port Authority board Transit. meetings, and participating in a delegation to meet with
From Steel Valley to Deal Valley:
Union Officials Promote Fracking and XL Pipeline
op-ed by Martin Zehr The issue of steel jobs in the Monongahela Valley has been an issue for decades. For the last 3-4 decades workers have seen mills shut down and threats of other closings held over the heads of those still working. Workers have seen the mill close in Homestead; USS mills in Duquesne and Clairton closed in 1984. In an eight-year span, from 1979 to 1987, the Pittsburgh region lost 133,000 manufacturing jobs. Today, there is a new cry from the steel bossesXL pipeline and fracking is a “USS right.” Workers in orange flame resistant suits stand out at the rally in Munhall on May 19, where steel bosses, USW reps and local politicians share the stage and 1944 — U.S. Steel National Tube Works, McKeesport, PA. Photo credit Andreas Feininger Archive. the message. And now, National Tube in McKeesport is closing down operations. USW sings the praises of USS with the all too Somewhere in the crowd is the Industrial Workers of familiar guarantee that “..we’ve had our differences the World (IWW). A worker passes by on the way to [with USS] in the past” but we’re all in this together. the rally and says: “Good to see the Wobblies here.” And the question becomes who is “we”? Do they mean Not much time for discussion. But workers remember our neighbors, friends and co-workers throughout Homestead 1397 Rank-and-File. They still know the Allegheny, Beaver and Butler Counties whose spring name of 1397’s President Ron Wiesen, who fought the waters are being turned to black? Do they mean the steel bosses and the closing of the Homestead mill. people that our kids have gone to school with and their Even the speakers at the rally point to the site where parents who are getting sick? Always with the USW steel workers fought the company’s Pinkertons for it’s “Better them than us,” and the them grows, while union recognition in 1892. No promises from the the us decreases. They keep us in line for USS and they bosses back then, just the exercise of brutal force. serve no free lunch. Everything is packaged today: the bottled water But what about the new words, the new promises brought to the rally, the bags of chips handed out to being made at Munhall? Can we predict a new rally participants, the speeches from local politicians realization of peace and prosperity for steel workers in telling us all how hard they are working to save steel the decades ahead? Are the future generations jobs and the promises from USW reps and the AFLeconomically secure with the promises of fracking and CIO of better days ahead. Speeches speak of US Steel an XL pipeline? While the state AFL-CIO officials and as the source for dynamism in coming years. Make US the USW local reassure workers at the rally that such is Steel tubes for Keystone XL. Use US Steel to frack in the case, even national AFL-CIO, USW and UMWA neighboring communities. safety and health officials warned of the danger of
fracking in May 2012 in a jointly signed letter to OSHA, NIOSH and MSHA. “In addition to health threats, there are serious safety hazards in the oil and gas extraction industries that put workers at risk.” Does USS really care about what happens in our communities when they promote schemes like fracking and the XL pipeline? Not when they get contracts for 50 miles of tubes to be run in Pennsylvania by Texas frackers. USS doesn’t have to live with the consequences of fracking and the pipeline where they live. They are here today and gone tomorrow. No worry about the water table or subsidence. No worry about aquifer depletions or fault lines. USS won’t get sick from the crap pulled up from the shale beds. They are not around to even deal with a clean-up if a waste disposal truck tips over into a stream. The IWW is back, the giant has awakened. Not to echo the speakers, but to say the forbidden word: “Strike.” “Strike fellow workers for your jobs.” We are Industrial Workers of the World, and steel is the ground from which our union grew. From the Western Federation of Miners to the workers of the Pressed Steel Car Company in McKees Rocks, the IWW was in the frontlines. Maybe we should stand side-by-side with our neighbors and not fall for yet another con job that promises to give us more jobs and cleaner water, while giving us neither. Maybe we should recognize that we have more in common with our neighbors and co-workers than we ever did with the employer class. That’s what the IWW believes. That’s why we organize, not just for more bread-and –butter, but for bread and roses. Roses from our gardens can grow with good clean spring water that is Western Pennsylvania. For a better life for working men and women that is not at the expense of others. Martin Zehr is a member of the Pittsburgh General Membership Branch of the IWW.
July/August 2014
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North Side News Children’s Museum Gives Love Lessons by Teresa Narey “Boy, 15, charged with shooting pregnant teen, killing her child.” “Shaler man charged with sexually abusing child.” “Twenty-two injured in knife attack at Franklin Regional High School.” Each of the above was featured in the Pittsburgh Post -Gazette in recent months, and, together, provide examples of trauma impacting our children and our community. They also reveal our need for positive and meaningful family programs like XOXO: An Exhibit About Love and Forgiveness, which opened in February at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. Acts like the ones mentioned in these headlines have become so commonplace across the United States that it’s easy to forget that we don’t have to be afraid, that we can speak up, and that there are positive ways we can express our emotions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in seven U.S. children experience some form of maltreatment; each year, more than 5,000 young people ages one to 24 are murdered, making homicide the second leading cause of death for this age group. More than 750,000 children and youth are treated in hospital emergency departments as a result of assault each year (about 85 every hour). In a world where people rarely interact with their neighbors, neighborhoods are segregated by class and race, and
bullying is ever present in our schools. We could all use a little XOXO. The exhibit features activities that encourage children to express love and anger in healthy ways. A visitor can write or draw an angry thought and run it through a shredder as a way of releasing that emotion, and at another station they can write down a loving thought and have it pressed into a token to keep or give to someone. The American Psychological Association tells us that positive imagery can help us calm ourselves when we’re angry. Imagine how relieved you might feel after watching that angry thought being ripped to bits. Imagine how you might feel as you watch your sweetest thought being pressed into a heart. The longterm benefits would be countless if we adopted such coping mechanisms into our daily lives. Other activities include hugging sculptures that respond soothingly when you get your squeeze just right, working together to balance a seesaw, and using “face blocks” to gauge various emotions. Such activities are helpful to young children and teenagers who are always on the quest to understand others’ feelings and perspectives. Social-emotional development is an ongoing process: It is very common for young children to throw, hit, or bite to express their
emotions, and parents need to be on the lookout for ways to model appropriate responses; teenagers are learning the value of acknowledging others’ points of view. So, it seems the greatest gift we can give to young people is a space for them to safely recognize their emotions and act on them in healthy ways, experiment with different perceptions, and most importantly, learn how to do these things together. A visit to XOXO isn’t a cure all, but it can relieve some of our despair. One visit could give a family some of the tools needed to mend after the loss of a child, ease the anxiety of an assault victim, or simply make it a little easier for each of us to manage a bad day. Last year, Psychology Today printed the article, “Ten Science-Based Facts About Love.” The “fact” that caught my attention was: Love is contagious. When we show others that we care about them, that we understand when they’re hurt, that we have the power to forgive, we can inspire those feelings in our peers, families, friends, and even complete strangers. Wouldn’t it be nice to live in a world where love is the only thing catching? Teresa Narey is a freelance writer and poet living in Wilkinsburg.
Grace Period Helps with Money Management by Bette McDevitt Grace Period, the building that anchors the corner of East Ohio and East Street, is unique in purpose and name. Two members of Allegheny Center Alliance Church, Tony Wiles and Dan Krebs, wanted to offer a little grace to their neighbors- an option, as Dan explained it, to the payday loans taken out by those in a financial bind. Tony is a retired city police officer, and Dan comes from a family of auto dealerships. Neither came from the banking world, but from the church. With the support of the church, they opened Grace Period, in 2007, offering a free loan, up to $500, to be paid back on the borrower’s next pay day, or 13 days, whichever comes first. The borrower must have a source of income, and if they do not have an existing bank account, they must open one at the Pittsburgh Central Federal Credit Union. As part of the plan, many church members opened accounts at the credit union, building the reserves that would be available for the ongoing collaboration with Grace Period. Tony explained the connection with the Credit Union. “We set up the loans, and guide the borrowers through the process, and the loan, which we guarantee, is taken out through the Credit Union.” “However, most people have to live on their paycheck, and only a small percentage can pay the full amount back during that time period,” said Tony. “A large number of our borrowers are single mothers, and even if they make good money, it’s hard to replace that $500.” With that comes the opportunity to help the borrower learn to save. “Grace Period is designed to help people build an emergency fund. The water heater is going to go, or the tires are going to blow out. We all need an emergency fund. Most of our borrowers are learning to save for the first time.” said Tony. The repayment of the loan is on a structured payment plan, based on what the borrower can pay. “The borrower can choose the length of time to pay the amount back, but it is to their advantage to pay it back quickly, because then you receive rewards,” said Tony. Here’s how it works. Suppose someone borrowed the $500, and were able to pay back $250 within the 13 days. For the remaining $250 still owed, funds are deducted on a regular basis from their bank or credit union account. Included in the amount due is a portion of the interest on the amount due, (a simple, not compounded, annual percentage rate of 18%) and $15 per week membership dues. “That’s the money we use to keep the lights on and pay staff,” Tony said. 4 - NEWPEOPLE
July/August 2014
Then comes the good part; when that amount is paid back, Grace Period gives the borrower $5 every week that the money remains in the credit union, until the amount the borrower paid for the loan is recouped. The borrower then will have had a free loan, and be able to take out another loan without charge, and they have created their own emergency fund, the real goal of the program. Grace Period and the Credit Union have just made an agreement with PNC to offer a prepaid debit card that can be used as a credit card, up to the amount of money in the member’s account. “They just have to call us or e-mail us to load their funds onto the credit card. Having a credit card gives people a feeling of power,” said Tony. He showed me his own card, and there is the name “Grace Period” right alongside “PNC.” Payday loans are now illegal in Pennsylvania, so the existing storefronts are limited to cashing checks, selling money orders and processing bill payments for its customers. They are lying in wait, though, hoping that our legislators will reinstate the loan portion, as early as this summer. “The competition now is online. Photos by Bette McDevitt. That’s the alternative people are using if they don’t come to us,” said Dan. If you need a reminder of how the payday loans operate where they are permitted, Tony offers a quick —by Bette McDevitt primer. “Payday loans charge $20 per hundred dollars. So, you would My Giant Eagle is the portal to the North Side. pay $100 for $500. You can roll that Jitney drivers clog the entrance loan over 6 times and pay only the “Need a car?” they ask each time. interest, so at the end of six periods, Neighbors high five one another you have paid $600 and you still And shout across the aisles. owe them the original $500.” It is unlike the stores in the suburbs Grace Period is growing. “During Where people are quiet and look only at their lists. last year, we had 1750 new members, and this year is looking to It was here, in line for a refund, be even better” said Tony. “If That I confronted myself. people have a tiny smudge on their The brown skinned man in front of me credit report, they can’t get a loan Spoke to the woman at the window through a regular bank. We look to “You dirty rat!” help people, not to search for the bad things in their past. We’re not I felt the muscles in my jaw tighten getting rich by any means, but we And my eyes sought the exit can employ some people and help When he turned to me and grinned others understand about money.” “Jimmy Cagney, from the gangster movie!” Bette McDevitt is a member of the My muscles loosened into a smile editorial collective. And we shared our affection for Cagney As we left the store side by side.
AN ODE TO MY GIANT EAGLE
Pittsburgh News The State of Pittsburgh Public Schools by Eric Bergerud There are several significant issues and challenges currently facing the Pittsburgh Public Schools. In addition to the issues facing public education statewide, such as Governor Corbett's cuts in funding, an increased focus on teacher evaluation, and the level of importance placed on standardized testing, there are other issues unique to the Pittsburgh Public Schools. One of the well-known challenges facing the district is the issue of declining enrollment, and several parents and educators interviewed for this article expressed the exact same sentiment: The schools out in the suburbs are considered to be much better than the schools in Pittsburgh. “Parents will live in the city to attend college and start families, but then move out to the suburbs once their kids are ready to start school,� one parent said. A substitute teacher who has spent years working both within the Pittsburgh Public School district as well as the surrounding suburban areas, said that quite often there are unfilled openings for substitute teachers within the district, but that openings in the suburbs are quickly filled. "It's kind of the elephant in the room that no one is talking about. Nobody wants to work in Pittsburgh Public Schools. Some of the kids are so unruly, it's practically impossible to maintain a proper learning environment to teach the kids that really do want to learn. They don't have these same problems in the suburbs," she said. Perhaps one reason for this is the
increased level of community activities found in the suburbs, with greater access to after-school and community programs, adult education classes, community sports, and better recreational facilities. "Twenty years ago, Pittsburgh had a lot more recreation centers. Recreation programs in the city are a fraction of what they used to be," said Mark Rauterkus, a swim coach and parent within the district. "The biggest problem facing the district is lack of access to community programs. In Fox Chapel, the pool is used all the time, people use the running tracks after hours. In Pittsburgh, the pools close when the swim teams are finished. Kids don't have anything to do once the schools close." A 2010 study published in the American Journal of Community Psychology demonstrates a direct correlation between out-of-school environments and engagement in free time activities with enhanced personal confidence and social competencies, including learning to work well with others. The study goes on to say that youth participating in extracurricular and community-based activities have reported learning cooperation and teamwork, have experienced increased empathy, and have exhibited better psychosocial adjustment and social skills than nonparticipants. There may be some hope. We have a newly elected school board, and our new mayor has assembled an Education Task Force which hopes to bring together teachers, parents, school board members,
Interactive map of Pittsburgh Public Schools available at www.discoverpps.org.
community leaders, and students to focus on increasing the quality of public education within the City. Nina Esposito-Visgitis, President of the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers (PFT), said, "We're excited to see that Mayor Peduto has taken such an interest in our schools, and look forward to working with him." PFT also seems to recognize the importance of building community as a means to improve the quality of education within the city and has recently sent staff to attend a "Community Schools" conference in Cincinnati. Tony Woods, a staff representative at PFT, attended the conference and explained that "The community school model is basically developing the school based on the needs of the community. This is not a top-down approach, but is bottom-up and based on actively surveying the community to find out what programs
and services are needed. Everything from tutoring, language and literacy programs, adult education, and mental and other health care services. It's a way for community to empower itself." When asked how things were going with the newly elected school board, Nina Esposito Visgitis said, "They're still getting their feet wet. We admire them and think that they're doing the best they can. They're out in the community and talking to people." When asked what would be the single most important thing community members could do to help the teachers, Nina quickly replied, "Please keep working with your kids over the summer, check out books from the library, and read with them every night." Eric Bergerud is an unemployed banjo picker, a member of the Industrial Workers of the World, and a member of the editorial collective.
Peduto & Law Enforcement: "Complete Overhaul" or "Same as the Old Boss?" (continued from page 1)
One person can make a difference. Significant good was accomplished because of the stand made by Jordan Miles against injustice. It was apparent that Jordan Miles was mistreated not only by the three individual police officers who falsely arrested him, beat him, and then filed specious charges against him, but also by the entire law enforcement structure, from the Chief to the OMI, Mayor, District Attorney, and U.S. Department of Justice, all of whom turned a blind eye. However, public safety reform laws were passed in the wake of that event. One of those laws installed cameras in
police cars. Video of the apparent police pistol blow to Paul Parrish’s head has been in recent news, and there is little question about what happened on camera. This is an improvement over the Jordan Miles case, where an imaginary bottle of Mountain Dew could be conjured up to justify a false arrest, and be cited for years even in its nonexistence to thwart any thoughts of disciplining the police. In general, expectations for police credibility are changing nationally. The Federal Department of Justice has at last directed investigators to videotape interviews of arrestees. The city and county are developing policies to do the
same. But the city does have a history of being behind the times. The 1997 Federal Consent Decree was a necessary imposition from above to move a laggard city toward best practices. The public, through pressure on its elected officials, can ensure that Pittsburgh does not revert to the bad old days. In a recent issue of the New People, I mentioned the appointments of Ms. SanchezRidge and Ms. Walker, both of whom come with Citizen Police Review Board (CPRB) background. I cautioned that the entrenched establishment culture might co-opt them, even if they have good intentions for reform. Doubtless there is much going on that I am not aware of. I hope some of it is good, but there is one justice softball that the Mayor and Ms. Sanchez-Ridge do not seem to have taken a swing at. The city is always listed as a party in the effort to have the civil court reduce the amount awarded to Jordan Miles by the jury that found he was falsely arrested. That is clearly a case of "Meet the new boss --same as the old boss." Ms. Sanchez-Ridge and Mr. Peduto should end the city's part in that effort immediately. The city owes a great deal to Jordan Miles. He could have gone to ground and done no good at all. Instead he has served with grace as a clear example of why serious
changes are needed. It is ironic that the Solicitor, with her childhood experience in Cuba and opposition to the overreach of government, appears to be acquiescing as her government bureaucracy continues to attack an innocent individual. Mr. Mayor and Ms. Solicitor: You've talked the talk, now walk the walk. One step would be to see to it that Jordan Miles gets the money he is due, plus interest and a tip for having to wait so long and put up with so much. Mark Ozark is a member of the Black & White Reunion. Previous articles on CPRB and the Jordan Miles case appeared in the April, May, and June 2014 issues of The New People.
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Economic Justice Book Review
Thomas Piketty’s Capital in the Twenty-First Century
by Michael Drohan It is full speed backwards to the 19th century, says Thomas Piketty, a French economist, in his new book. With practically unprecedented levels of inequality in the capitalism of the 21st century, we are experiencing the formation of a new aristocracy of privilege and wealth that matches the Feudal system. To say that its English translation by Arthur Goldberg has produced a stir in the U.S. news world would be a gross understatement. It is difficult to summarize such a hefty volume of 690 pages in a few words even using his own words. Acknowledging that risk, here is how Piketty himself describes the essence of his book in the introduction: “When the rate of return on capital exceeds the rate of growth of output and income, as it did in the nineteenth century and seems quite likely to do again in the twentyfirst, capitalism automatically generates arbitrary and unsustainable inequalities that radically undermine the meritocratic values on which democratic societies are based. There are nevertheless ways democracy can regain control over capitalism and ensure that the general interest takes precedence over private interests, while preserving economic openness and avoiding protectionist and nationalist reactions.” With these words, buttressed by hundreds of graphs and argumentation, the author asserts that we are experiencing a dramatic increase in inequality in wealth at this time not only in the U.S. but across the globe, a development which he says endangers the future of democratic society. Had anyone been listening to the Occupy Movement and their chant “We are the 99 percent”? Does it take a scholarly tome to convince people that growing inequality is an obscene fact that is tearing the fabric of our societies and environment apart? Being optimistic, one may be permitted to hope that this book will lend scientific credibility to our common intuitions on the direction of wealth and income distribution and thereby stimulate action and reform. Given the reaction of the news pundits and politicians to the scientific data on the environment and global warming, one cannot be overoptimistic. In the economics profession the reaction to Piketty’s book has been by and large positive. In that vein, one liberal economist, Paul Krugman, states: “At a time when the concentration of wealth and income in the hands of a few has resurfaced as a central political issue, Piketty doesn’t just offer invaluable documentation of what is happening, with unmatched historical depth. He also offers what amounts to a unified field theory of inequality, one that integrates economic growth, the distribution of income between capital and labor, and the distribution of wealth and income among individuals into a single frame. ... Capital in the Twenty-First Century is an extremely important book on all fronts. Piketty has transformed our economic discourse; we’ll never talk about wealth and inequality the same way we used to.” With few exceptions, other liberal economists such as Joseph Stiglitz, Branko Milanovic, Robert 6 - NEWPEOPLE
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Solow and James Galbraith express similar sentiments. An exception is Chris Giles of the Financial Times, who pointed out inaccuracies in Piketty’s tables. David Harvey, a Marxist economist, praises the book for debunking the idea that free market capitalism spreads the wealth around and is the bulwark of democratic freedoms. From his historical investigations of the growth and subsidence of wealth inequality over a time period of two hundred or more years, Piketty is optimistic that society can return to a more acceptable level of inequality. He cites in particular the response of the New Deal to the Great Depression, in particular the institution of a progressive income tax. He recommends as an appropriate measure to overcome the present state of inequality the introduction of a global wealth tax of up to 2% and a progressive income tax reaching up to 80% as the solution to the problem. This seems to be his sole remedy but it carries the great merit of challenging the myth that government intervention in the form of higher taxation would hinder growth and economic dynamism of free market reign. If I may be so bold as to enter the fray and give my own evaluation of Piketty’s solution to the depressing level of inequality in the U.S. and many other countries, I would wager that putting one’s hopes solely on progressive legislation from government is a weak remedy. In the past and I believe in the future, it is only mobilization of the dispossessed, the oppressed and the downtrodden which will change the current trend towards unacceptable inequality. Government, at least in its present incarnation in the US, has over the last thirty years yielded little but rollback of progressive legislation that would keep poverty at bay and inequality in tow. It seems to me that Piketty does not give due place to this dimension of the battle
against inequality. But maybe that is not surprising since it seems that Piketty had not studied Marx and his theories. Michael Drohan is a member of the editorial collective and the board of the Thomas Merton Center.
Pumphouse Events You Won’t Want to Miss Saturday, July 12 at 3 p.m. 2014 Bernard Kleiman Lecture: Manufacturing Matters Dan Swinney, Executive Director of Manufacturing Renaissance in Chicago, will deliver the United Steel Workers' annual Bernard Kleiman Lecture. After having confronted waves of plant closings in Chicago, Swinney, a former machinist, decided to work in innovative ways to further technical education, community development, and advanced manufacturing. Chicago has set an example for other cities, and Swinney is a leader in the national Manufacturing Renaissance campaign. Of special interest is the funding of a public high school in Chicago--Austin Polytechnical Academy, where poor and disadvantaged students prepare themselves to take careers in advanced manufacturing and where the school helps its graduates find related jobs. Fred Redmond, Vice President for Civil Rights of the United Steelworkers who worked with Swinney in Chicago, will add his analysis of the challenges facing a rebirth of manufacturing in the U.S. Thursday, July 31 at 7:30 p.m. Film: Inequality for All (2013). 88 mins. Directed by Jacob Kornbluh. In an engaging and entertaining manner, Robert Reich, an economist and a former U.S. Secretary of Labor, under Bill Clinton, presents basic information about inequality in the U.S. in a clear and forthright way that ordinary people can understand. Using interviews, snippets of lectures, and other material, the existence of the 1% and the 99% becomes a reality with 400 of the richest Americans owning as much income as another 150 million combined do. The middle class is increasingly threatened. Is inequality good for a society, or does it have dire consequences for the nation, the U.S.economy, and the future of democracy? Both events are free and open to all.
Every Monday at 9:00 PM
Progressive Pgh Notebook TV Series airs within city limits:
Comcast Channel 21 + Verizon FiOS Channel 47
See more at www.youtube.com/ richfishpgh Rich Fishkin: Camera and Editor C.S. Rhoten: Community Producer for PCTV21
July:
PUBLIC BANKS vs. MEGA INVESTMENT BANKS August:
TMC NEW PERSON AWARD goes to THRIFTY VOLUNTEERS
Legislative Lobbying Bread for the World Celebrates 40 Years of Advocacy by Jennifer Lawer The Bread for the World National Gathering and Lobby Day took place on June 9th and 10th in Washington D.C., where a collection of Christian Voices came to work to end world hunger. This year marked the organization’s 40th anniversary. The Southwestern Pennsylvania Bread team was well represented, with seven members in attendance. Every year, members of Bread for the World gather together in the nation’s capital to voice support for ending hunger. It was a beautiful day of prayer, reflection and discussion. A diverse collection of committed individuals gathered for a day of listening and learning at the Georgetown University Conference Center. Policy experts, business leaders, social workers, academics, activists and people of faith led discussions on what we can do to end hunger. Their uplifting message reflected this year’s theme “Bread Rising: Working Together to End Hunger by 2030.” These individuals illuminated the reality of our current state of hunger, and they exposed the fact that it is possible to put an end to World Hunger at home and abroad by 2030. The path to ending hunger requires action, and Bread for the World clarifies our collective action. Some of the ways Bread gets people involved are through “Offerings of Letters” where members of faith-based organizations send hand-written letters to congress to voice concern for hungry people. Bread actively practices political advocacy by meeting with local and national legislators. The Southwestern Pennsylvania Bread team visited the offices of Senator Bob Casey, Senator Pat Toomey, Representative Mike Doyle, and Representative Bill Shuster. The meetings allowed Bread members to engage in dialogue with congressional representatives. Bread urged congress to reform U.S. food-aid programs and to pass comprehensive immigration reform. Bread asked congress to support legislation to reform food aid, highlighting increased shipping costs at the expense of hungry people. Current cargo restrictions have increased the percent of U.S. Food Aid shipments on vessels from 50% to 75%. However, simple reforms would allow a more cost-effective way to reach more people. The reforms include financing local food markets. Buying local foods allows more flexibility and eliminates expensive shipping costs. It strengthens local economies and allows for local markets to emerge. It also provides a faster and more effective response to recipients. Bread members expressed the need for reduced cargo restrictions to save money, time and lives. Bread also asked legislators to alleviate hunger by reforming immigration laws this year. Bread urged congress to pass immigration reform that helps reduce
hunger by providing undocumented immigrants access to better jobs and fair working conditions as a means of improving economic mobility. The Bread for the World 2014 meetings have already contributed to food-aid reform victory through the passage of the Food Aid Amendment in House Spending Bill. The amendment provides funding for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Local and Regional Purchase (LRP) program, helping more people receive U.S. food aid with no additional cost. Bread advocated the program, which allows the USDA the option to buy foods closer to the source, while avoiding additional shipping costs. Keynote speaker and travel expert Rick Steves comments on his involvement with Bread, stating, "I appreciate Bread for the World because it has taught me the economics of hunger and structural poverty. With all my travel experience, I’ve gained empathy for the struggles of people in developing nations, but my concern used to be confused and directionless. Understanding the basics of structural poverty put my compassion into clear focus.” The 2014 Bread for the World National Gathering illuminated food policy and immigration issues and actively worked with committed individuals to end hunger. As Bread celebrates 40 years of progress, it reflects past achievements and looks forward to future achievements. It was truly a great day for advocacy.
Morris University. She is proud to have represented the Southwestern Pennsylvania Bread for the World team at the 2014 National Gathering and Lobby Day. Her interests include food issues in sociology.
SW PA Bread for the World Team members in front of the White House (top) and visiting Representative Mike Doyle (bottom).
Jennifer Lawer is a Professor of Sociology for Robert
Legal Marriage, Legal Discrimination (continued from page 1)
Additionally, 44 percent of transgender people who are working are underemployed, and about four times as many trans people earn incomes under $10,000, compared to the population as a whole. Many transgender activists have cited that trans people are often enthusiastically sought after before their employers meet them, but struggle to get past the interview stage of the job search. Some individuals fear that religious institutions would lose their autonomy if it were to become illegal to discriminate against LGBT people. Yet just as religious institutions are not required to officiate at the marriage of gay and lesbian couples, no religious institution will be required to defy its mission to hire an LGBT person. A relevant comparison might be that while the Catholic Church teaches against divorce, Catholic hospitals are not allowed to limit their employee health insurance to people who are married in the Church. Thus, a divorced and remarried doctor could qualify for spousal coverage even if she is not re -married in the Church. Likewise, a legally married lesbian nurse in a Catholic hospital should not be denied spousal insurance coverage because of the
gender of her spouse. In fact, the Catholic Church, and the majority of faith communities and denominations, regardless of their teachings on samesex marriage, teach explicitly against discrimination, especially in the workplace. Now that gays and lesbians have the right to marry, another issue arises: many people fear losing employment if they are open about their sexuality in the workplace, which means that some people have to think about whether or not they will lose their jobs if they marry. Ironically, both the marriage and the discrimination against it are currently legal in most parts of Pennsylvania.
Equality PA Pittsburgh Faithful gather to pray and write to state legislators.
R/B Mertz is a Pittsburgh lesbian, poet and teacher.
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War on the Environment The Nuclear Waste Site Across the Street by Andrew Karl The story begins in the mid-1950s, with the opening of the Nuclear Materials and Equipment Corp (NUMEC), a facility for the production of fuel for the Navy’s nuclear submarines as well as commercial nuclear power plants. Beginning in the 1960s, the plant began quietly using the Kiskimere site just outside of town to store nuclear waste. The operation drew little attention until the “Apollo Affair,” when it was discovered that 269 kilograms of highly enriched uranium were unaccounted for between 1957 and 1968. Confirmed by a 1976 report, the CIA believed the missing materials were routed to Israel, where they were used to produce up to 20 nuclear missiles. Other investigations suggest the missing materials were leaked into the air and water of Apollo. Whether fueling the proliferation of nuclear arms or polluting the town with highly dangerous radioactive materials, either explanation is unsettling. Five years later, in 1983, the plant was finally closed. Eventually, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission was assigned to clean up the waste at the storage site in Kiskimere, but still another two
decades would pass without any progress. The Army Corp of Engineers were tasked with the clean up in 2002, 19 years after the plant had closed. By May of 2012, 176 truckloads of radioactive material, roughly 10 percent of the site, had been excavated and shipped to a nuclear waste facility in Utah. However, having found an unexpectedly high frequency of enriched uranium and plutonium, the project was put on hold. With this discovery, Homeland Security agents were stationed to guard over the “strategically significant materials. ” Since then the Army Corp of Engineers has worked to reassess their approach in how best to handle the potentially dangerous materials. For now, residents are waiting for the cleanup to resume, which will involve contracting a remediation company to prepare and excavate the site, a process expected to last ten years at a cost of as much as $500 million. Environmental Protection Agency officials have assured residents that air and water samples have not revealed any
evidence of leakage from the ten unlined burial trenches at the 44-acre cleanup site. However, residents remain wary after additional cleanups were needed at more than 20 similar sites after being declared safe – sometimes more than once. Betty Arner, a resident of Kiskimere for 18 years, lives across the street from the waste site. Like many of her neighbors, she worries about the
potential health risks and is angered by lack of progress. “Of course we are worried [about possible adverse health effects]. Housing values went down because nobody wants to buy around [the cleanup site]. Its terrible.” Many of her neighbors were part of previous and ongoing lawsuits over housing values or the harmful effects of radioactive emissions. (continued on page 9)
Radioactive waste site in residential Kiskimere, PA. Photo by Rachel Karl.
The Damage Done to Palestinian Farmland by Melinda Ward This past November, I spent two weeks in The West Bank, as part of the Interfaith Peace Builders 2013 Olive Harvest Delegation. The theme of the delegation was to learn about and participate in the significance of the olive harvest season, and how it is imperative to Palestinians in both the West Bank and Gaza. I met several farming families who have devoted their lives to preserving their land, harvesting crops, and planting on soil to contribute to economic development in Palestine. Our group visited “Tent of Nations,” an environmental and educational farm which is based at family-owned Daher’s Vineyard, just south of Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank, and lying below Neve Daniel, an Israeli settlement. The Tent of Nations project “seeks to bring people of various cultures together to build bridges of understanding, reconciliation, and peace.” The farm, owned and run by the Nassar family, offered a sense of liveliness; our entire
group was re-energized after an exhausting day of challenging meetings. Volunteers come from all around the world to Daher’s Vineyard to serve in the arenas of fruit harvesting and tree planting. Even as an international visitor, I was able to capture the hope which the Nassar family delivers to Palestinians all throughout the West Bank through their wholesome approaches. Unfortunately, we learned that farmers in Palestine are exposed to crop deterioration, water shortage, and violence during their agricultural development work. They are displaced from land which originally belonged to them. On May 19, Israeli forces abruptly came and destroyed about 1,500 apricot and apple trees, which belonged to The Tent of Nations. The farm was threatened with land confiscation beginning in 1991, but the Nassar family worked hard for decades to actively preserve the land while fighting a legal battle, until recently, when they were tragically forced to stop. Forces showed
farmers face in North America, and the threats that are made on them and their land. In 2011, Young was one of the four composers of a letter to governmental officials, advocating against corporate concentration and antitrust violations, exploiting agricultural workers in America. “This trend has forced hundreds of thousands of independent family farmers off the land, damaging rural economies, public health, and our environment,” (Farm Aid, 2011). The Neil Young, who has devoted a same harsh realities which farmers in America face, that Neil Young has stood music career to advocating for farmers up against many times in the past, are all around the world, is scheduled to happening to Palestinian farmers, yet in perform a show in Tel Aviv on July 17 a much more severe capacity. of this year. In an open letter to Young Neil Young should not perform in from Gaza Farmers and Agricultural Israel because performing there would Workers, as part of an effort through the normalize the ongoing atrocities of the Union of Agricultural Work occupation, including the Tent of Committees, he is urged to cancel this Nations attack. Many artists and show, and resonate with farmers in musicians of the international Palestine. This letter provides Young community have used boycott as a nonwith details of the hardship that violent strategy to bring an end to the Palestinian farmers are forced to deal occupation. We can hope Young will with, and concludes with the following relish the opportunity to stand against statement: “We are tied to our land, but Israel’s oppressive regime which strips we are being forced off it, watching rich farmers of their many rights and land eaten away by erosion that the dignities. Young has the opportunity to Israeli army who at gunpoint does not stand in solidarity with Palestinian allow us to cultivate, and kills us if we farmers, for whom harvesting is more do. We ask that you show solidarity with than an economic opportunity and vital the farmers and their families of Gaza, source of income; it is something that by refusing to perform for the regime allows Palestinians to show their that is doing everything to destroy our resilience against antagonists who try to means, our livelihoods, and our destroy their land endlessly. communities,” (Besieged Gaza, UAWC, 2014). The authors of this letter even Melinda Ward works as a family based included lyrics to Young’s song “Last of mental health clinician with Every His Kind,” which includes words the Child, Inc., as a youth counselor with authors believe resonate with farmers Holy Family Institute, and as an ESL across Palestine. tutor with the Greater Pittsburgh Young, along with co-founders Willie Literacy Council. She is a Pittsburgh Nelson and John Mellencamp, organized native, was born and raised on the Farm Aid – an annual concert to raise Northside, and graduated from Carlow Israeli soldiers visit with Palestinian olive farmers after they spotted two settlers armed awareness of the struggles family University in 2012. with assault rifles. Photo by Michael Loadenthal.
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up two weeks prior, issuing the Nassar family an order to stop cultivating their farm land. The legal process was clearly not even allowed to take place, and soldiers came in and ruined it all. This harsh act of land destruction serves as just one of many examples of how farmers are stripped of their land in the name of unjust Israeli policies of confiscation, leaving farmers displaced in many parts of both the occupied West Bank and Gaza.
Nuclear Insanity The Nuclear Waste Site Across the Street (continued from page 8)
By the Energy Department’s own admission, cleanups of sites like Apollo will still leave behind residual radioactive contamination. While most sites with relatively low radioactivity do not pose any risk to public health, dozens of completed cleanups have required “institutional controls” to regulate future use of the land or facilities for centuries to come. The story of Apollo is not unique, but shockingly all too common. Today, residue from the routine processing of nuclear materials can be found in countless sites in almost three-dozen
states, most of which are concentrated in the northeast and Rust Belt. The contaminated remains are known to exist in public parks, near schools, in residential neighborhoods, throughout commercial buildings, and even in groundwater. The government does not even know the location of at least a dozen of these sites. Poor record keeping has resulted in missing or superficially written files which should document the type of radioactive materials that may require a similar cleanup as Apollo’s. The story of Apollo is playing out once again in the current debate over
natural gas fracking. The parallels are clear. NUMEC brought jobs to a region in need of employment opportunities, and in return little was asked in terms of regulation or public oversight. At the time, the potential public health hazards and environmental risks associated with radioactive materials were not as well understood as they are today. Declassified federal documents indicate that for years the NUMEC plant was emitting radioactive smoke and gases in proximity to residential areas, and all the while conducting studies on the effects of the fallout.
NUMEC was using the citizens of Apollo as guinea pigs in a highly unethical study. While it may be true that these companies lacked understanding of the consequences of the new and growing industry the effects would not be inconsequential. Years later, NUMEC has fallen off the map, leaving behind the cost of the cleanup for taxpayers and hundreds of residents and former workers claiming adverse health effects from exposure to the carcinogenic materials. Andrew Karl is an intern at the Thomas Merton Center.
U.S. Continues a Policy of Nuclear Insanity by Michael Drohan During the Cold War, as the U.S. and the Soviet Union stockpiled more and more nuclear weapons to a frightening level, the doctrine that they purportedly followed was “deterrence.” According to this doctrine, nuclear weapons were never to be used but were to deter use by any possessor. It is important to understand that an essential part of deterrence was the threat to actually use the weapons as part of the deterrent and this meant even the threat to use nuclear weapons first. The doctrine received the acronym of MAD or mutually assured destruction. There is little doubt that it was an insane policy, the craziness of which is not mitigated by the fact that the world escaped somehow the annihilation of humanity and all forms of life. Now that the Cold War nightmare is over and the Soviet Union is no more, one might be tempted to think that the danger of nuclear weapons is passé and that all can breathe easily again. With a voice of reason eventually in the White House in the person of President Obama,
one may also be tempted to conclude that nuclear weapons are on their last gasp before abolition. The reality, however, is that nuclear policy under Obama has moved to an astounding new level of insanity. Under his leadership, the unthinkable has become policy as a new policy of “all options are on the table” has become in effect national policy. Fairly obviously this means that yes the U.S. will use nuclear weapons if circumstances demand. All this is happening under the radar of news and information networks. Just ask anybody you know whether they think that the U.S. has a nuclear weapons use policy. Under President Ronald Reagan and his Star Wars program, we experienced the first articulation of a nuclear use policy. Fortunately, with the skillful diplomacy of President Gorbachev, the nuclear issue was somewhat defused, and détente of a kind was established. Now, three decades on, under Obama, Star Wars has moved to the actualization phase. The first phase of implementation of a first use nuclear policy was the installation of anti-ballistic missiles
(ABMs) in Poland, right on Russia’s border. The rationale given by the U.S. for the construction of ABMs in Poland is to defend Europe against ICBMs from Iran. To most rational people, this makes little sense since Iran does not possess ICBMs and it was doubtful at best whether Iran had any intention of even producing a nuclear weapon. It is patent to most analysts that the ABMs in Poland were built to destroy any nuclear weapon ever launched by Russia or China. The next step in the nuclear thinking of the U.S. under Obama is the building of Aegis Destroyer Ballistic Missile (ADBM) systems and the establishment of naval bases off the shore of South Korea in Jeju Island. This is probably the bigger picture of the geopolitical maneuvering taking place at present in Ukraine with plans for Aegis destroyers in the Black Sea and elsewhere around Russia. The Russians and the Chinese have no illusions as to the strategic move by the U.S. of the installation of ABMs beginning in Poland and then expanding to surround both countries.
The reason the U.S. has given for the change of policy in regard to nuclear weapons to actual first use is the possibility that terrorists might obtain a nuclear weapon with which to destroy an American city. Just like the rationale for building ABMs, however, it seems nonsensical. Terrorists have no control over any state or land mass which could possibly be annihilated by a nuclear weapon. You may think you can swat terrorists with a drone but with a nuclear weapon you destroy a large portion of humanity. Certainly the Russians and the Chinese are not fooled by the rationale provided by Washington, especially when one combines the shift in nuclear policy with the doctrine of “full spectrum dominance.” According to this more or less official doctrine of the U.S., no state may be allowed to accumulate power with which it may contest U.S. hegemony in the land, sea, air or space. The U.S. believes or seems to believe with its new doctrine that it can win a nuclear war with little or no damage to the U.S. Therein is the nub of the insanity that guides the geopolitical thinking of the Pentagon and the Washington establishment. The simple truth that there can be no winners in a nuclear war does not penetrate the consciousness of the nuclear warfare state. To add to the insanity, many experts claim that the ABM and ABDM system is essentially a hoax. The system has shown no evidence of working and apparently its only purpose is to pad the pockets of the military weapons companies such as Lockheed Martin, Raytheon and General Dynamics. Do the Pentagon honchos and the Administration know that it is a hoax? Or do they genuinely believe that a nuclear war is winnable and that it can remain the hegemonic power forever? Michael Drohan is a member of the board of the Thomas Merton Center and of the editorial collective of The New People.
July/August 2014
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Faith-Based Activism Moral Mondays, a New Social Movement that Promises Justice for All by Ashley Gallo and Diane McMahon An exciting new social justice movement is sweeping the South and may eventually come to our state of Pennsylvania. It is known as Moral Mondays and is named for its focus on raising up systemic forms of social injustice so the public can protest and become more involved in the vision of creating a more peaceful and just world. Moral Mondays protests began in North Carolina in 2013 and since then has launched a grassroots movement that has expanded to include protests in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Alabama in response to GOP legislation regarding Medicaid and gun control.
Reverend Dr. William Barber
The first action was led by Rev. Dr. William Barber on the last Monday of April 2013 in North Carolina after the state passed legislation to cut unemployment benefits for thousands of struggling North Carolina workers. Barber (a minister at Greenleaf Christian Church in Goldsboro, NC and also the state chapter president of the North Carolina NAACP) led a small group of clergy and activists into the state legislative building in Raleigh. There they sang "We Shall Overcome" and quoted the Bible, while blocking the doors to the Senate chambers. Barber leaned on his cane as capitol police led Birthed in North Carolina him away in handcuffs. In North Carolina, Moral Mondays have been built Barber and others were convicted of on protests in response to various actions being trespassing and violating building rules. The brought forth by the newly elected Republican failure to disperse charges were eventually dismissed government. Protests involve engaging in civil due to lack of evidence and because there was no threat disobedience and entering the state legislature building of violence associated with the demonstrations. and then getting peacefully arrested. The protesters The following Monday, more than 100 protesters include a wide range of citizens, with many religious showed up at the capitol building. Over the next progressive movements represented in the mix. months crowds gathered weekly to participate in Moral Mondays launched after North Carolina "Moral Mondays." Eventually protests grew to include elected Republican Governor Pat McCrory (in 2012) hundreds, and then thousands, not just in Raleigh but and Republicans became the majority in both state also in other towns around the state. houses, giving them control of the legislative and Over the past year more than 900 protesters have executive branches for the first time since 1870. been arrested for civil disobedience. Governor McCrory has signed into law a number of With Moral Mondays, Rev. Barber has channeled bills promoting conservative governance, and the the pent-up frustration of North Carolinians who have legislature has passed or considered a number of other been shocked by how quickly their state had been laws which have generated much controversy. These transformed into a laboratory for conservative policies bills (specifically related to Voting Rights, Cuts to with Republicans in power. Social Programs, Tax Changes, Repeal of the Racial Rev. Barber's new brand of civil rights activism has Justice Act, Abortion Rights, and Public Education) helped people to see that “politics as usual” have inspired the movement now known as Moral is intolerable; the immoral actions of the Mondays. legislators transcend party or race, and call for long-
Rev. Dr. William Barber speaking at a Moral Monday demonstration in July 2013. Flickr/twbuckner.
term push back against Republican power over the democratic decision-making process. Mother Jones magazine suggests that Barber’s activism is rooted in his family’s history. In the 1960s, Rev. Barber’s parents moved back to eastern North Carolina from Indianapolis to help desegregate local schools. His father, also a preacher, taught science at a formerly all-white high school. His mother became the school’s first black office manager. Students called her [the N-word] before they finally learned to call her "Mother Barber." Most impressively, as NAACP president, Rev. Barber has helped pass legislation establishing sameday voter registration and expanding death penalty appeals—bills that state Republicans repealed in the last legislative session. Ashley Gallo is an intern at the Thomas Merton Center, where Diane McMahon serves as managing director.
Pittsburgh People of Faith Standing with the 99% by Sue Thorn Our region, where unionized manufacturing jobs built a strong middleclass, is now dominated by a nonprofit healthcare giant with a CEO making $6million+/ year and 25 executives making $1 million+/year. Yet thousands of their workers can barely support their families, with no hope of improving their economic condition. In December, clergy and laity of the Pennsylvania Interfaith Impact Network (PIIN) announced their multi-year Love Thy Neighbor initiative. Although we didn’t identify a specific campaign, one corporation quickly appeared on our radar from these questions: •How can a corporation with $4 billion+ in reserves open a food bank for their employees instead of paying them a living wage? •How can a city with a $10 billion integrated health global enterprise have the highest AfricanAmerican infant mortality rate in the country? •How can a county with a corporation with $1.3 billion in profits in the last 3 years have over 40 school districts struggling financially, leading to
cuts in teachers, tutoring, early childhood education, transportation and textbook funds? Why should PIIN get involved in a union campaign to organize service workers at UPMC? PIIN has always maintained a working relationship with unions when our objectives coincide. Rev. Rodney Lyde, Baptist Temple Church, who has five current and former UPMC employees in his congregation, explains: “We have a moral imperative to take action when we see injustice. UPMC, Pennsylvania’s largest employer, has the power to influence whether Pittsburgh’s middle class is rebuilt or whether hardworking members of our region continue to live in poverty. If UPMC paid family-sustaining wages to all of its employees, other employers would be pressured to do the same. As people of faith, we must hear the cries of the least among us and respond as our faith directs us.” On Feb. 20, Lyde, Rev. Ron Wanless and UPMC worker Christoria Hughes went to UPMC’s headquarters at the US Steel building to meet with CEO Jeffrey Romoff. When told they could not meet with him, rather than leaving they began singing. “We shall overcome…” reverberated throughout the steel and glass building, shocking people coming up the escalator. Immediately Pittsburgh police officers arrested the singers and removed them from the building. Five days later PIIN held a Community Hearing where UPMC workers testified about struggling to support their families, being fired after speaking about the benefits of unionization, and being a minimum wage worker owing $1000s to UPMC for medical bills. After hearing the testimony, clergy panelists issued a proclamation: Clergy with the Pennsylvania Interfaith Impact Network celebrating at a “Having heard the testimony of the rally against UPMC’s unfair wages. Photo by Maria Montano. 10 - NEWPEOPLE
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people and being driven by our faith traditions to love thy neighbor, PIIN asserts that UPMC should lead the way in bringing people into the middle class by providing living wages, affordable healthcare and an environment in which people can speak with one another without harassment around the issues of good employment.” Two days later, 100s of PIIN supporters gathered at UPMC’s headquarters while nine clergy attempted to deliver the Community Hearing Proclamation to CEO Romoff. Again they were told to leave, they refused and were arrested. The first group of arrestees was sentenced to 20 hours of community service. At the second hearing nearly 100 people stood in rain outside the courthouse providing worker testimony, singing and praying. We understand the judge looked out the window and was favorably impressed. During the hearing Rabbi Ron Symons, Temple Sinai, asked to speak, saying he and the others have "a moral imperative – an obligation – to act and call on UPMC to do the right thing." He explained he and his fellow protesters were acting in civil disobedience because “We believe the time has come to advocate for people to move into the middle class.” The judge dismissed the charges, but added what no one expected to hear. The clergy would not be sentenced to community service because fighting to lift workers out of poverty IS community service. Is the tide no longer favoring UPMC? Who knows? For more information about a workshop or the campaign, contact PIIN at 412-621-9230 or office@piin.org. Sue Thorn is the Lead Organizer with the Pennsylvania Interfaith Impact Network. Previously she served as the Executive Director of Hopeful City, a congregation-centered organizing project in Wheeling, WV. Sue has had extensive political organizing experience and graduated from Wheeling Jesuit University.
Spirituality
Getting to Know Thomas Merton:
DUKKHA
Childhood—Adolescence
—by Jeremy Tomás Brodie
Searching idly for a simple truth drowning from living in a toxic soup, pesticides and pharmaceuticals we’re committing pharmaceuticide, feeling selfless in a selfish world blues as I google ‘no more fake news.’ As the universe expands, growth accelerates men destroy all they touch while their women manipulate, the Hopi weave pictures with their words but you won’t let yourself see what they’ve heard. I’ll return for my siblings, like Zeus a simple zealot for Zion, incantations and a noose, deranged prophecies and lost gospels zombies under opiate induced spells, ungodly appetites are so awful. The carefree carnage of my artificial life I’ve fallen upon my own sword of strife, but like shadows submitting to light I commit Islam to my indwelling Christ, and as Maya’s spirit goes back from which it came so high up above, her words ring true, like the Buddha’s . . . “the honorary duty of a human is to love.” Jeremy Tomás Brodie is an inmate at SCI Pittsburgh. You can write to him at: Jeremy Tomás Brodie KY8187 P.O. Box 99991 Pittsburgh, PA 15233
Regional Retreat Inspired by the Spirit, Motivated by Justice by Joyce Rothermel The Thomas Merton Center, the Association of Pittsburgh Priests, Pittsburgh Area Pax Christi, and PA Call to Action will be holding a retreat in October at the Kearns Spirituality Center, 9000 Babcock Blvd. in Allison Park. Entitled: “Inspired by the Spirit, Motivated by Justice: Exercising Contemplative Power in This Evolutionary Time,” the retreat will be led by Nancy Sylvester, IHM, and Rev. Art McDonald. The retreat is set to begin on Friday, October 10 at 6 p.m. and conclude Sunday, October 12 at 11:30 a.m. Overnight accommodations (no private bathrooms) and meals are available for the retreat. Nancy Sylvester, IHM, is the founder and president of the Institute for Communal Contemplation and Dialogue, former executive director of NETWORK (a Catholic Social Justice Lobby) and former president of
by Kate Mattes Thomas Merton was born to Ruth Jenkins and Owen Merton in Prades, France; both artists, Owen from New Zealand and Ruth from America. The two moved to New York only two short years after the birth of Thomas and had another son, Jean Paul shortly after. In the beginning of Merton’s autobiography, The Seven Story Mountain, one can recognize Merton’s childhood as rather normal and unfortunately short lived. When Merton was only six, his mother died of stomach cancer. Thomas was oblivious to the coming departure of his mother due to the fact that she would not allow the children to come to the hospital. Even after her death, Merton waited outside the hospital in a car instead of saying his goodbyes. After the death, Merton was overwhelmed with a heavy sadness, but the tragedies were far from over. After the loss of his wife, Owen took Thomas with him and returned to France leaving Jean Paul with their maternal grandparents. Merton was quickly enrolled at the Lycee in Montauban and soon discovered he felt utterly disconnected from his fellow students. Eventually, Owen uprooted again taking his art Thomas Merton as a child. and Thomas to London, England. Merton was then enrolled in Photo credit the Thomas Ripley Court School where he found a much more enjoyable Merton Society of Canada. atmosphere. Merton blossomed as a student and went on to Oakham Public School where, despite unhappiness, he continued to achieve academic excellence so that he could receive a scholarship and go on to Cambridge. Unfortunately, during his years at Oakham, Merton’s father died of a brain tumor leaving him alone. While his brother and grandfather would visit occasionally, Merton could not rekindle intimate relationships and felt disconnected from the world. This is arguably the root of his unhappiness in finishing at Oakham and his quick departure from Cambridge, only a year after enrollment. In his later writings, Merton discusses his desire to find a nice girl at Cambridge. In fact, it is even rumored that Merton, before leaving Cambridge, impregnated a girl.Thomas Merton’s rocky beginnings paved the way for the man he was to become. Experiencing multiple personal losses by the time he entered college and feeling disconnected from those still alive, it is understandable that Merton was unhappy in these years. While he attempted to maintain a sense of happiness in literature and becoming involved in social movements of the time, Merton was unable to find a sense of home. From here Merton continued his education and began longing for a home in religion which will be discussed in the next article in the September New People. Kate Mattes is an intern at the Thomas Merton Center and Senior Undergrad at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where she studies English and Religious Studies.
Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR). Rev. Art McDonald, now a Unitarian Universalist minister, is a former Dominican priest and former TMC staff and board member. He received his PhD in Religious Studies with focus on Latin American liberation theology from the University of Pittsburgh. He was an early participant in Pittsburgh Interfaith Impact Network (PIIN). Art will open the retreat on Friday night with his thoughts on Thomas Merton, Contemplation and the Life of the Activist. He will offer insights into Merton’s relationships with key religious activists of his day, including his support of and challenge to them. Finally, he will invite participants to reflect upon the balance between activism and contemplation in their own lives. One need not be registered for the entire retreat to participate in this Friday evening event.
Over three sessions on Saturday, Nancy will explore why this time on our evolutionary journey has created such polarities in our world and churches and how this moment holds a special invitation. Rooted in her own experience, she will share the call to communal contemplation which she believes is the call to transformed consciousness so necessary to go forward in working for a more peaceful and just world. To see the complete schedule with costs and to register, go to www.thomasmertoncenter.org/retreat. For more information or to request a partial scholarship, call 412-532-8654 or e-mail pghretreat@gmail.com Early registration with a discount ends on July 31. Joyce Rothermel is a member of the board of the Thomas Merton Center.
July/August 2014
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Caribbean America Guantanamo Still Open, Despite Promises and Hunger Strike by Scilla Wahrhaftig June is Torture Awareness Month. On June 26, 1987, the UN Convention Against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT for short) entered into force and the United Nations later declared June 26th the “International Day in Support of Victims of Torture.” It was 2009 that President Obama promised to close Guantanamo – 5 years ago. He again promised at his State of the Union address in January 2014 to close it. For the 149 prisoners and their families back home this long wait is agonizing. None of them have been held for trial and at least 78 have been approved for release. President Obama says he is waiting till he can find countries where they can be released to safely, however countries have offered to take them and they still remain incarcerated. The prisoners themselves are Only six of the remaining 149 detainees being held at the attempting to raise awareness of their dire Guantanamo Naval Base face any formal charges. Federal courts situation with an ongoing hunger strike. have repeatedly found these detentions unlawful, leading to the The strike is now almost 500 days old, up release of dozens of prisoners. to 40 prisoners on hunger strike, and 19 are being force-fed. There is a virtual blackout of the Investigative reporter Andy Worthington writes hunger strike but it is about the only way the about the mis-information being circulated around prisoners have of opposing continued illegal the country over the prisoner swap, pointing out that: incarceration. “One [of the prisoners who was released], The issue has been made more complicated by the Khairullah Khairkhwa, had been the governor prisoner swap of Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, the sole U.S. of the western province of Herat under the Prisoner-of-War in Afghanistan, for five Afghani Taliban. In February 2011 President Karzai prisoners in Guantanamo. Huge criticisms of this specifically requested his release, and in exchange are being expressed by Conservatives in March 2011 Hekmat Karzai, the director of our Government, suggesting we are releasing the Center for Conflict and Peace Studies, a dangerous men who will immediately join the Kabul-based research and advocacy Taliban to fight again. organization, told Al-Jazeera, ‘His release will
be influential to the peace process,’ adding, ‘Mr. Khairkhwa is well respected amongst the Taliban and was considered a moderate by those who knew him.’” While some of the others were military leaders in the Taliban in Northern Afghanistan, none were fighting against the U.S. but more within the country. Worthington goes on: “In addition, two other facts have generally been lost in the criticism of President Obama's actions: firstly, the men were not freed outright in exchange for Bowe Bergdahl, but were transferred to Qatar, where the government has provided assurances that they will not be allowed to travel for a year; and secondly, with President Obama planning a major drawdown of U.S. troops in Afghanistan at the end of the year, it is not unsurprising that moves are being made -- like the prisoner swap -- that may lead to negotiations taking place between the U.S. and the Taliban. It is easy to forget, looking only at the latest storm in the media, but this prisoner swap did not come out of the blue, and has been discussed for the last two years.” This prisoner swap is unfortunately putting the possible release of the other Guantanamo prisoners in jeopardy as Congress calls for no more prisoner releases and keeping Guantanamo open. It is important for all of us to raise our voices and call for the President to stand by his word and for Congress to stop supporting the illegal holding of these men in indefinite detention. The prisoners and their families are counting on us to keep up pressure for the closure of Guantanamo. Scilla Wahrhaftig is the outgoing Program Director of the PA American Friends Service Committee.
Pastors for Peace Send 25th Friendshipment Caravan to Cuba This summer marks the 25th anniversary of the one of the best ways those Pastors for Peace Friendshipment Caravans to of us living in Pittsburgh Cuba. Lisa Valanti, Chair of the Pittsburgh Cuba can work together to Coalition, has been on every one of them! support education and Again this year, the caravan will be traveling assistance to the Cuban from city to city, to have face-to- face exchanges people, so meeting there with grassroots organizers. It will be coming makes perfect sense. If through Pittsburgh on Saturday, July 12. A potluck you have not yet seen dinner is scheduled from 6 – 8 p.m. at Brew On Global Links wonderful Broadway, 1557 Broadway Ave., Beechview warehouse, this will be a 15216. great opportunity to see Pastors for Peace is the ONLY organization to some of the aid stored directly confront U.S. policy on Cuba in solidarity there until it is sent to with the Cuban people. Cuba's president, Raul countries in the Caribbean Castro, has said he will not run for another turn, like Cuba to assist people meaning that Cuba will elect a new president. The in need there. U.S. will most likely use every means at its For more information, contact Lisa Valanti at command to impede that process and try to use this 412-303-1247. opportunity to destabilize Cuba. The U.S. has already ramped up its aggression in many ways: by keeping Cuba on the list of nations that support terrorism, Fito Gourdet (seen behind the stars-andby disallowing any bank to stripes balloon), last of handle Cuba's affairs, and by the Haitian refugees disrupting Consulate Services who came to Pittsburgh (visas, passports, and other in the early 1990s, immigration and services). Recently four Miami became a U.S. citizen terrorists were captured in Cuba this year. He celebrates here with members of with bombing equipment to the Pittsburgh Haiti cause fear and chaos and Solidarity Committee. disrupt international tourism. Congratulations, Fito! Pastors for Peace networks and partners with groups concerned about the Cuban people and their struggle for autonomy. Global Links is
School bus decorated for the 16th Pastors for Peace Friendshipment Caravan.
Congratulations to U.S. Citizen Fito Gourdet!
12 - NEWPEOPLE
July/August 2014
Prison Activism Fight For Lifers West Goes To LEFT Forum
Break the Silence
by Donna Hill I was fortunate enough to attend the recent LEFT Forum in NYC that was held from May 29th - June 1 due to a technical assistance grant given to us by the grantor organization, RESIST. The LEFT Forum is a Conference that discusses economics, politics, international peace and global issues, all from a progressive perspective. This year was the first year that much of the focus was around prison issues. The prison industrial complex was exposed from various aspects and solutions discussed. I was on three different panels. One that I chaired regarding life in Pennsylvania that included the plight Donna Hill protesting the lack of childcare at the LEFT Forum, of juvenile lifers, elderly lifers, the laws that which prevents some caregivers from participating. keep people confined in PA, and how we intend to change laws to offer relief. We addressed A huge highlight for me was when we decided to our flawed legal system and how innocent people are do an impromptu protest regarding the LEFT Forum locked away for the rest of their lives. Attorney Bret not providing childcare and that they haven't done so Grote spoke about my daughter's case and the for the 10 years that they have been holding it. We Women/Trans Prisoner Defense Committee were a group of about 25 people and then others at (WTPDC, www.letsgetfree.info), and Viki Law the display tables joined in. We held hastily made spoke about the plight of females in prison, among signs and marched throughout the literature display other issues. We all addressed PA laws and the floor and then down the stairs to the registration/ Felony Murder Rule. I also sat on another panel that lobby area. We got the attention of the news media addressed solitary confinement issues at Pelican Bay and had some of our dignitaries such as Selma James in California and how the system in Pennsylvania and Viki Law do a press conference with them. differs. And, on another panel, where we spoke about the various advocacy groups in Pennsylvania such as Fight For Lifers in both Pittsburgh and Philly, the Human Rights Coalition in both Pittsburgh and Philly, Decarcerate, PA and ExitUs/Rentry.
by Richard Hammonds I write today as your brother in solidarity to speak upon a tragedy I have witnessed while incarcerated. Here at the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Frackville, many times I have been asked for advice by victims of sexual assault and sexual harassment. It is my sworn duty as a fellow comrade to aid and assist the voiceless. When I say voiceless, I do not mean those with a physical disability; I am speaking of those who lack the courage to stand up and break the silence on all forms of bullying, harassment, and unwanted attention. The eighth amendment of the United States Constitution warrants sexual harassment as cruel and unusual punishment in violation of the Constitution. There is no legitimate purpose for sexual harassment, thus making it wanton, malicious, and sadistic. In the 1997 case of Kansas v. Hendricks, the Supreme Court announced civil commitment laws against sexual offenders: The Sexually Violent Predator Act provides civil (involuntary) commitment of persons who, because of a “mental abnormality” or a personality disorder, engage in “predatory acts of sexual violence.” The term “mental abnormalities” is defined in the statute to mean “congenital or acquired condition affecting the emotional or volitional capacity which predisposes the person to commit sexually violent offenses in a degree constituting such person a menace to the health and safety of others.” This case does not limit itself to physical sexual abuse but also mental sexual harassments. If that annoying sexual predator sends you unwanted sext messages you can seek redress of grievances by petitioning the government. If that sexual predator is acting under the color of state law or federal law, that person can be forced to resign and seek counseling and treatment or face civil commitment. I’ve been told that the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections has waged war on sexual misconduct in the forms of harassment, abuse, and force. So if a DOC employee commits an act of sexual misconduct, what is the corrective course of action? Are prison officials allowed to break the silence, or are they forced to abide by the DOC’s code of ethics (the Code of Silence)? The worst kind of sexual predator is one who has power. Here at SCI Frackville, a superintendent made unwanted sexual advances towards a deputy superintendent. The employee repeatedly turned down the superintendent, who consistently pursued her nonetheless, both on and off the institution’s compound, and in the presence of staff and prisoners. The superintendent would send her subordinate severe, repetitive, and unwanted sext messages and emails, which continued to the point of instilling fear. In turn, the employee filed a sexual harassment complaint against the superintendent. The superintendent received notice of the complaint and took retaliatory action, suspending her employee for 30 consecutive days without pay. I’ve never understood why folks in authority abuse their power. Yahweh placed them in leadership for a reason and placed upon them responsibilities. We have respect for those in authority because they were placed there to restore and maintain discipline. But those who abuse their authority will be condemned by the creator. They should be forced to relinquish their power and authority and sign up for counseling and rehabilitation. We must continue to stand up against this gross injustice.
Donna Hill (right) with Selma James (left), coordinator of the Global Women’s Strike and cofounder of the International Wages for Housework Campaign. Donna Hill speaking on a panel at LEFT Forum.
But my journey didn't end in NYC. Women from the Global Women's Strike in Philly, as well as advocates from the West Coast (L.A. & San Fran) and the U.K. took Shandre Delaney and I down to Philly with them so they could do radio interviews with us the next day. Margaret Prescod, who does a show called Sojourner Truth for Pacifica Radio, did a 2 hour interview with me regarding my daughter (Charmaine Pfender, a lifer in PA), and one with Shandre Delaney about her son and the Dallas 6 (who the PA Dept. of Corrections unjustly charged with prison rioting after they assaulted them). Later that evening, they had a community meeting to honor their out of town guests and we all got to talk about who we were and a little about ourselves. I got to make a lot of new friends, whom I now regard as "sisters" and "brothers" (Men's Payday Network) in the struggle for social justice. They have all pledged to come to Pittsburgh for the 30 year time mark that my daughter has been imprisoned during the weekend of August 8-9-10. I truly recommend that people in and around Pittsburgh make plans for next year's LEFT Forum.
I was invited to the forum with the Global Women's Strike who advocates for a variety of social issues, including the prison industrial complex. I first met them when I spoke in Harrisburg on February 11 about the plight of elderly lifers, solitary confinement and how money is being spent on prisons rather than schools. They invited me and an advocate for HRCFedUp/Dallas 6, Shandre Delaney, to come and speak at their global women's event on March 8th and we have been working/networking with their global group ever since. The morning after we arrived in NYC, we had a "real" grassroots meeting right in our room (which was in a church guest house). We had approximately 20-25 people from around the world crammed into our rather large room, which was located on the ground floor. We had several of these meetings before, during and after the weekend. The panels and workshops were wonderful, but mainly geared for academia. They had over 400 workshops at the forum and approximately 12,000 people in attendance. It was held at John Jay College at the City University of New York. I also had part of Donna Hill is the president of Fight For Lifers a display table and got to hand out literature for Fight West. For Lifers West and WTPDC. I got to discuss my daughter's case, Avis Lee's case and any questions presented about PA and the laws here and the differences with other states.
Prisoner Pen Pals Needed!
Carmelo Gonzalez #JF-2059 Please write to: Box 9999 LaBelle, PA 15450
Jeremy Tomás Brodie #KY-8187 P.O. Box 99991 Pittsburgh, PA 15233
Richard Hammonds is currently incarcerated at the State Correctional Institution at Frackville. You can write to him at: Richard Hammonds JD-8826 SCI Frackville 1111 Altamont Blvd. Frackville, PA 17931 July/August 2014
NEWPEOPLE - 13
Human Rights History Sixty Years Ago Began the End of Capital Punishment in England
The Civil Rights Act of 1965: Fifty Years of Gains and Losses
by Hazel Cope was the chief prosecution witness At last the legislature of Pennsylvania against Evans, even though he was once is carrying out an in-depth study of the convicted of assaulting a woman, and Death Penalty (DP) here – in the state Evans had always accused him of the which maintains (at huge cost to the murder. The case was reopened. It was taxpayers) the third largest death row in found that Evans’ statements accusing the nation (more than 200 men and Christie had been ignored and the police women). This has reminded me of three had carried out only a cursory of the pivotal cases which eventually led examination of the evidence – missing to the repeal of DP in the United even a human thigh bone propping up a Kingdom. fence in Christie’s tiny backyard. It soon In 1953 when 19-year-old Derek became clear that it was probably Bentley, a teenager like me, was Christie who had killed Mrs. Evans and hanged, like many other people I was her daughter, as well as many other outraged. Derek was a child in London women. He was soon captured, tried and during World War II. When his home found guilty. was bombed and collapsed around him Had the Evans case been more Derek suffered serious head injuries and thoroughly investigated, perhaps the concussion. He left school barely able to lives of several other women would read. At post-arrest examination in have been saved. But, as so often Brixton Prison he was found to be happens, the simple quick arrest and epileptic, have an IQ of 77, and be accusation of a stereotyped suspect were “borderline feeble minded.” He was made. Evans was mentally retarded, clearly a not very bright follower. His immature, illiterate. Such accused can leader in a night-time burglary attempt rarely afford the best defenders and was a 16-year-old boy, Chris, who had a often end up found guilty. (A growing revolver. When the two number of convictions boys were discovered have been overturned in by police on the roof of the U.S. after further a factory, Chris investigation; many fatally shot one of the after the accused was officers. Derek was executed or spent already being held by decades on death row.) other policemen when In 1955 Ruth Ellis the shot was fired. The became the last woman case against Derek was hanged in England. She that it was a “joint had suffered a enterprise.” miscarriage a few days Chris was also found before she shot her guilty of murder but, lover after he taunted too young to be her, and had turned sentenced to death, he herself over to police The wrongfully accused Timothy received a jail immediately, never Evans (center), being escorted by sentence. Derek was denying her guilt. Her police from Paddington Station found guilty partly dignity, physical beauty to Notting Hill police station, because it was asserted December 1949. Evans died on and apparent that an officer called to March 9, 1950, at the age of 25. indifference to her fate, Chris, “Give me the as well as her racy gun,” and Derek shouted, “Give it to troubled past, attracted much publicity him Chris.” These words could be and opposition to the DP increased and interpreted in two entirely different continued to grow over the following ways; either “Give him the gun,” or years. “Shoot him.” Both boys denied the For centuries capital punishment and shout. In spite of the jury’s the savagery of sentencing had been recommendation of mercy, Derek was slowly diminishing. For example, in sentenced to death. The judge of the 1808 the execution of pickpockets was three-day trial, Lord Goddard, was ended, and burning to death was notorious as a “hanging judge” who abandoned long before. In 1964 the last seemed to get sadistic pleasure from the two executions in the UK were carried numerous death sentences he imposed. out, and in 1969 capital punishment A national outpouring for another trial there was abolished permanently. In went as far as to Parliament, where 200 1999 it was formally and entirely ended Members signed a petition calling for a throughout the European Union. debate on the subject. But before the If the DP study in Pennsylvania is debate could be held Derek had been carried out extensively and seriously it executed. can surely only conclude that there is no Derek’s parents and sister fought the practical justification for capital conviction for years. Eventually the case punishment. I shall be proud of the was re-examined and evidence (not used Commonwealth when it joins the many during the trial) showed that it was other states and nations which have unlikely that the fatal bullet had come rejected this ultimate cruel and inhuman from Chris’s gun. It was of a caliber practice. used in police guns. In 1998 Derek received a Royal Pardon and a few years Hazel Cope was born in England and later was declared innocent. came to the States over 40 years ago The second case was that of Timothy with her husband. She is a retired Evans, executed in 1950 for the murder nurse, lives in Mt. Lebanon, and has of his wife and child. It came to national been a member of the Thomas Merton attention in 1953, when the bodies of Center for many years. She is the death several women were found in the home penalty coordinator for the PA League of his landlord, John Christie. Christie of Women Voters.
by Andrew Karl In July 1964, Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law the Civil Rights Act, outlawing discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, and national origin. The bill, a milestone in the advancement of civil rights, sought to bring an end to the unequal application of voter registration requirements and racial segregation in schools, workplaces, and public facilities. The struggle to enact the law in the face of unending obstacles is one of our better examples of government responding to citizen demands. After decades of lobbying efforts and litigation campaigns that yielded some lethargic progress, in 1955 the civil rights movement turned to direct action to combat Jim “Stronger than all the armies is an idea whose time Crow and the inequality these has come," Senator Everett Dirksen said in a rousing laws bred. Organizing sit-ins, speech to end the filibuster. "The time has come for marches, and boycotts, civil equality of opportunity in sharing in government, in rights leaders utilized education, and in employment. It will not be stayed nonviolent civil disobedience to or denied. It is here!” shift the climate of public opinion. The Montgomery Bus Boycott, LGBT community has seen a rapid wave the Greensboro sit-in, the Freedom Rides, of success as 19 states and the District of and the violent retribution protesters Columbia now have marriage equality often faced had moved civil rights to the protection. forefront of the national agenda. By Despite gains in these areas, the last 1963, when nearly 1,000 civil rights fifty years have born witness to a demonstrations were held in 209 cities paralysis that has prevented policymakers over a three-month period, the Kennedy to expand on civil rights in addressing administration could no longer ignore the disparities in education, health, income, overwhelming social pressure to act. employment, and incarceration rates. Written by the Justice Department with Worse yet, a trend towards backsliding collaboration from congressional leaders, has led to the reversing or undermining the Civil Rights Act was introduced in of many of these gains. The Supreme May 1963. After months of congressional Court’s 2013 ruling on Shelby v. Holder deadlock, the bill reached the House has effectively gutted the Voting Rights floor, where outspoken segregationist Act of 1965, undermining the federal Rep. Howard Smith (D-WV) proposed government’s ability to prevent an amendment to include sex along with discriminatory voting laws. Additionally, race, religion, and national origin. Many in recent years, 30 states have enacted believe the amendment was introduced as some form of Voter ID laws despite the an attempt to split civil rights supporters remarkably few documented cases of and, ultimately, defeat the bill. Whatever voter impersonation. Adding a financial his intentions may have been, the barrier to the ballot box, these laws will amendment brought about broader public act like a poll tax in effectively support, and both the amendment and the disenfranchise many of the 11% of bill passed in the House. eligible voters without a proper photo IDIn the Senate, a bloc of southern a group that is disproportionately made Democrats emerged in opposition to the up of low income and minority voters. bill. Having already amended the rules These developments speak to a growing for filibustering, these senators were able perception that the civil rights movement to stall debate for 60 days as Senators ushered in a post-racial society ending Hubert Humphrey (D-MN) and Everett institutional discrimination. In a shocking Dirksen (R-IL)worked to revise the bill. release, a recent Public Religion Their efforts eventually garnered enough Research Institute poll found 44% of Republican support to end the filibuster. Americans surveyed identify Like in the House, a bipartisan coalition discrimination against whites as being of Republicans and Democrats affirmed equal to that of blacks and other the passing of this landmark civil rights minorities. bill, signed by Lyndon Johnson. For progress to continue, civil rights In the fifty years since, there have been leaders and proponents of a more equal undeniable gains building off of the society must overcome the incredulity of success of the Civil Rights Act. A year these baseless perceptions. The task may later, President Johnson signed into law seem daunting, unless viewed in the the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and in context of the last fifty years, a period 1968 signed the Fair Housing Act, which saw the civil rights movement expanding protections against break the back of Jim Crow with the discriminatory voting practices. The signing of the Civil Rights Act. passing of the Civil Rights Act led to a second wave of feminism, which saw a Andrew Karl is an Intern at the Thomas number of gains for gender equality, Merton Center. most notably Title IX. More recently, the
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Pacifist History In Memory of Frances Sutter by Mary Sheehan Frances Sutter, founder of the Pittsburgh North People for Peace (PNPP) died on June 1 at the age of 101 ½. In 1982 at the age of 70, she attended a peace and justice study as part of an ecumenical Lenten series in Wexford. At its completion, she stated to others in the class that ‘we can't stop now; there's too much to be done,’ especially about the buildup of nuclear weapons. Thus began PNPP and her active dedication to the work of the group which she dubbed, “small but mighty.” Frances believed in the importance of the Thomas Merton Center to the Pittsburgh area. She was inspired by the life of Thomas Merton and was thrilled to be able to make a pilgrimage to Gethsemane. Frances remained an active force in PNPP for all of the 31 years since its founding until the day she died.
In 1996, Frances along with PNPP members turned their attention to concern about racism in the North Hills. The result was the forming of the North Hills Anti-Racism Coalition (NHARC). Frances' lifelong dedication to making a difference in the lives of people of color was evident in her support of the Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tenn., the first medical school in the South for African Americans. In 2003, she was honored by the NHARC with the Commitment to Diversity Award. Frances was the personification of peace, justice, steadfastness, hospitality and grace. She will be greatly missed by all of us of PNPP, NHARC, her church, and the community.
Above: Frances Sutter (center) and members of Pittsburgh North People for Peace — 1982. Photo by Aleks Dolzenko.
“To me Frances was a light, a beacon that gave joy and hope to peacemaking.” —Anne Kuhn, TMC Board Member
Right: Frances Sutter enjoying her 100th birthday party hosted by PNPP. Photo by Mary Sheehan.
Looking Back on a Link to Peace by Evelyn Murrin normal stages of child development. The "Peace building" has a timeless arc. In China, here in book, STARTING YOUNG: Supporting Pittsburgh, and at the Institute of Peace in Washington, Parents for Peaceful Lifestyles - Activities D.C., we find it in individuals who carry on the will for Parents to Promote Social and and work of Peace Links, a movement started by Emotional Development in Children 0 -3 Congressional wives in 1982 at the height of the Cold is still in use. "Starting a Conversation War. The original founders, Senators' wives, Betty with a Baby" and "Empathy" became Bumpers of Arkansas, Teresa Heinz, and Joan Specter popular sections. of Pennsylvania, organized local women who Peace Links' partnerships are still alive. emphasized education, action, and planting seeds of Mingjie Shim, from Beijing University, peace in three areas: abolition of nuclear weapons, was recently a visiting scholar at Carlow citizen diplomacy, and later, conflict management for University. In October, Dr. Schomburg From left to right: Miki Rakay, Teresa Wilson, Ann Harty, Lois young children and their caregivers. will be an invited speaker at a conference Goldstein, Dorothy Hill, all members of the Peace Links Teresa Wilson recalled the outreach of Peace Links: in Beijing. Programs grow as Peace Link board. Wearing pink scarves, they were marching as part of Code “We reached out locally to women in their member Teresa Wilson, traveled to China Pink, as well as Peace Links, in a 2003 protest against the War in Iraq. homes and churches, to high school students and to enlarge their scope to include to men and women in community groups. Whitehead Kindergartens and the Claremont College's Office Child Development, and Carlow University. Internationally, the Library of Congress invited Preschool Program. In the last month, Peace Links lost three of its Peace Links to initiate a series of exchanges The Institute of Peace, a new building with a dove illustrious women. Margaret Cyert, 89, personally and with women of the then Soviet Union. After five shaped roof across from the Lincoln Memorial, is truly financially supported its China exchanges and years, exchanges with Soviet women opened up a "Peace Building." Established by Congress in 1984, programs. The wife of Richard Cyert, Carnegie Mellon an opportunity to work with the All China it is an independent institution devoted to nonviolent University president, she founded its Child Care Women's Federation in Beijing and other China prevention and mitigation of deadly conflict abroad. Its Center. The University recognized her contributions to cities to establish a dialogue with women who exhibits and Peace Links Classroom for middle and the school and the community by changing its name to had little opportunity to meet English-speaking high-school students teaches the principles of conflict the Margaret Cyert Center for Early Education and women in the West. resolution and is a place for the younger generation to Collaborative Learning. “Following those exchanges and shared work at envision alternatives to war. Friends of Peace Links June Delano and Winifred Feise were early Peace the United Nations' Commission on Women, we sent financial contributions to support the legacy of Links who, in retirement, gave their example and initiated the creation of a cross-cultural peace building. Its new visitor center and its many expertise to the creation of STARTING YOUNG. curriculum in conflict management and joined programs attract diplomats, government officials, and Winnie, 95, was an advocate for civil rights and early with educators at Carlow University and the ordinary citizens working for peace. childhood education. After retiring as Director of St. Chinese Women's University's early childhood Peace Links, in its formal aspects, ended in 2007 Paul Episcopal Nursery School, colleagues sought her education departments. Peace Links engaged when its endeavors and funds became part of groups out for her fierce opinions and consultation. Dr. Delano Roberta Schomburg and Ellen Homitsky, such as the Thomas Merton Center, HeartPrints Center died at 89. She served as Carlow's Director of Graduate Carlow faculty, to design the Early Childhood for Early Education, Family Foundations in Pitt's Education Programs, was a co-founder of the Mt. Institute at the request of preschool Lebanon League of Women Voters and, also, Citizens teachers. Dr.Schomburg's long association for Community Relations to end housing with Fred Rogers of Mr. Rogers' discrimination. In l985 she was the first Democratic Neighborhood (PBS) added a distinctive woman to be elected to the Board of Township Pittsburgh flavor to share with China.” Commissioners. Asked then to address the youngest (preAnne Kuhn, president of Peace Links in 2007, the verbal) children, Peace Links forged a organization’s last year, expressed a thought that is partnership with Pitt's Family Foundations at the timeless: “Let us continue to work for an end to University of Pittsburgh's Office of Child nuclear weapons and an end to war and other human Development. A federal program, Early Head injustices that lead to suffering. Like-minded people, Start, supports parents and children in high-risk working together, make a greater difference. We all neighborhoods have proved this to be true." Alcoa Foundation funded the creation of the book written by ten Peace Links, all professional Evelyn Murrin is a member of the Thomas Merton women then retired, who worked closely with Center, and the former organization, Peace Early Head Start staff and parents. Based on real A delegation from the Chinese People’s Association for Peace Links. Evelyn is still a Peace Link looking to future -life scenarios, it offers parents, working with generations. and Disarmament visits Peace Links in Pittsburgh—1995. home visitors, examples and activities for the Photos provided by Dorothy Hill. July/August 2014 NEWPEOPLE - 15
Peace and Justice USIP and Non-Violent Conflict Management by Nicola Barone The United States Institute of Peace has been a leader in promoting peace and non-violent conflict resolution since its establishment in 1984. Although federally funded, USIP is an independent institution. Its small size allows for a non-bureaucratic approach to conflict management. The vision of the USIP is a world without conflict, achieved through engagement with conflict zones around the world. The USIP mission is to provide analysis, education, and resources to these conflict zones. Currently, programs are being conducted in Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, Sudan, Libya, Burma, and others. The peacebuilders work to mediate conflicts, build conflict management skills, and support the development of rule of law as opposed to violence. The United States Institute of Peace operates on the core principle that conflicts can be resolved without
violence. The methods it advocates can be less costly financially, less destructive of the environment and human wellbeing. The USIP utilizes the Academy for International Conflict Management and Peacebuilding in providing education and training. Courses offered at the Academy teach students about conflict management from the prevention phase to the post-conflict phase. These courses are designed for members of government, international organizations, non-profits, and private sector organizations. The USIP has trained and equipped thousands of individuals with skills including conflict mediation, the drafting of fair laws and ensuring equal access to justice, engagement in interfaith dialogue and constitution drafting. Once individuals are trained, they are able to utilize their skills in various conflict zones. For the education of the general public, the USIP utilizes the Global
Peacebuilding Center. Groups of individuals including students, educators, or members of an organization can schedule an appointment at the Peacebuilding Center. During this appointment the Center will conduct programs, both interactive and educational, to build peacebuilding skills among group members. This year, the USIP released a fiveyear plan, highlighting their goals through 2019. Their three major goals are: (1) reduce frequency and intensity of violence in at least three major conflict zones (2) become the world’s leading resource for governments, organizations, and individuals seeking education regarding conflict resolution and prevention; and (3) actively demonstrate America’s commitment to peace through our own actions as a nation. In addition, the USIP often serves as a meeting point for conflicted leaders to
address important issues. In August, the Institute will be playing a large role in the Africa Leaders Summit in Washington D.C. Events that will take place include a program focusing on civil society, dialogue with President Obama, and discussion of business and trade with over 300 CEOs in hopes of sparking interest in financial investment in Africa. Nicola Barone is a senior at the University of Dayton pursuing a major in Psychology and a minor in Sociology.
U.S. Involvement in Syria Escalates in Wake of ISIS op-ed by Andrew Karl As the world watches the jihadist militant group ISIS violently seize control of northern Iraq, renewed are the criticisms of the Obama administration’s inaction regarding the crisis in Syria. Congressional leaders, pundits, and even the former ambassador to Syria have called on the administration to take on an expanded, more assertive role in Syria’s ongoing civil war. Although having previously pursued a policy of strategic restraint, President Obama appears to be reconsidering this approach as the administration prepares to escalate its support for moderate, U.S. -supported militias. In 2013, the CIA was charged with carrying out clandestine training operations in Jordan and Qatar to assist moderate, U.S.-supported militia groups. Military aid transfers of light arms were scheduled to support the training operations. Any further involvement was eschewed, as the administration feared sliding down the slippery slope towards full military intervention. Now, White House officials report that Obama has agreed to “ramp up” the weapons transfers, despite U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s recent request for an arms embargo on Syria. Further, the president has expressed a willingness to expand training operations with the deployment of U.S. troops to neighboring countries. The administration has not made any plans to conduct air strikes against “terror groups” in Syria, but White House officials have raised concerns, stating that the option now appears to be “legally legitimate.” Arguments for intervention in Syria, whether for regime change, enforcing international norms against the use of chemical weapons, or for humanitarian purposes, have often understated the protracted military commitment and political costs of further U.S. involvement. Historical developments in the region provide a compelling argument against further U.S. involvement. When Western colonial powers carved up the Middle East along ahistorical 16 - NEWPEOPLE
lines, minority regimes were established, often in an effort to foster foreign dependency. This was the case with the Maronite Christian regime in Lebanon, the Sunni regime in Iraq, and the Alawites in Syria. Each of these countries has seen popular uprisings turn against the rule of minority sects. Lebanon was torn apart by a civil war that lasted 15 years before the Christian minority was overthrown. In Iraq, a U.S.-led coalition ousted the Sunni regime, but was unable to contain the outbreak of ethno-sectarian violence that continues more than a decade after the fall of Saddam Hussein. After more than three years of bloody civil war, Syria seems poised to follow a similar trajectory - one that will likely include more than a decade of violence and infighting among the ideologically diverse group of more than 1,000 militias opposing the Assad regime. Although comprising only 12 percent of the population, Alawites control both Syria’s government and military. Estimates suggest that as many as 70 percent of Syria’s commissioned officers are Alawites, leaving little chance of the military defecting from the Ba’athist regime or a foreseeable end to the conflict. The stakes are high and the likelihood of a negotiated settlement slim, as history suggests that ethnic cleansing is a likely outcome after the fall of the Assad regime. Neither the U.S. military nor the militias it trains and arms will be able to prevent these ethno-sectarian reprisals. In Iraq, an American military presence
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of more than 80,000 troops on the ground could not prevent ethnic cleansing. Even if the U.S. were willing to take on a prolonged commitment, studies suggest that direct military intervention would likely elevate the violence and increase the numbers of people killed and displaced. Escalating support for moderate opposition groups only deepens America’s commitment and raises the political costs of a failed foreign policy.
Rather than seeking a military solution, the administration would likely have a greater positive impact by addressing the growing refugee crisis. With more than 2.5 million Syrians having fled to Turkey, Lebanon, and Jordan, economic and social stresses are threatening stability throughout the region. Andrew Karl is an intern at the Thomas Merton Center.
Thomas Merton Center Community B-1 Bomber raid evokes memories by Molly Rush A June 10th New York Times report took me back to the Merton Center’s Stop the B-1 Bomber campaign at Rockwell International Headquarters in the U.S. Steel Building. We held regular vigils on the sidewalk, leafleting passersby. At one point fourteen members were arrested after taking over the reception area and remaining there overnight. The police escorted us down Grant St. to the Public Safety Building, followed by news reporters. Another time, white-faced “victims” managed to crawl from the plaza, making it inside the lobby despite security chief Mr. Angel’s determination to stop us. Our efforts finally led to a meeting with President Willard Rockwell. He showed us a promotional film on the B-1 and commented, “Isn’t that a beautiful plane?” I responded, “If only it didn’t kill people.” If only. Molly Rush is co-founder of the Thomas Merton Center.
Anti-Drone Warfare Coalition Continues Campaign for Transparency The Anti-Drone Warfare Coalition (ADWC) continues in its campaign to bring transparency to the research, design, manufacture, and use of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) following a successful rally held in East Liberty on June 28. In seeking the passage of a City Council Resolution, the ADWC has scheduled additional 1 p.m. rallies for the last Saturdays of July (Forbes and Murray Avenues) and August (21st and Smallman Streets). For anyone wanting to learn more about the ongoing campaign, the Thomas Merton Center is sponsoring a potluck dinner and Screening of Unmanned: America’s Drone Wars, a compelling new documentary that examines the effects of the drone program at home and abroad, at 6 p.m. on July 22. All are welcome to attend these events, as well as the next ADWC meeting, to be held at 1:00 pm on July 20 at the Thomas Merton Center.
“Best of the Burgh” East End Community Thrift Needs Our Help: Mean Weather and Big Road Job Slow Business
by Joyce Rothermel The July issue of Pittsburgh Magazine will feature the “Best of the Burgh 2014,” and right up there with the rest of the best is Thrifty, the East End Community Thrift Shop. All of the Bests will be honored on Wednesday, July 16, from 6 to 9:30 p.m., at Stage AE on the North Shore. In its 21-year history, Thrifty has been a source of wonderful items at low cost to people in Garfield and the area around it and has provided basic essentials to people struggling with homelessness and poverty. Vouchers are supplied to more than 100 non-profits for distribution to the people they serve. Proceeds from Thrifty also supply much needed annual financial support to the Merton Center. Congratulations to those whose volunteer hours and contributed items for sale have ensured Thrifty’s success over these many years! The Best of the Burgh, indeed. And then there is the worst of the roads. Last year, the City of Pittsburgh started work on a major Penn Avenue construction project. It has been very disruptive and will continue to be for the foreseeable future as the project moves to the block of both Thrifty and the Thomas Merton Center. For now, traffic is oneway from East Liberty to Children’s Hospital with limited parking. This has caused a drop in both donations and shoppers to Thrifty, which, along with the bad winter weather that closed the
Thrifty and the Thomas Merton Center are located on Penn Avenue between Evaline and Winebiddle Streets, where Penn Avenue is temporarily one-way. Photo by K. Briar Somerville
shop for several days, has created a shortfall in Thrifty’s revenue support for TMC. So please, come shopping at Thrifty! Located at 5123 Penn Avenue, the store is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 12 to 4 p.m. on Saturday. If you are more of an evening shopper, Thrifty participates in Unblurred, the Garfield gallery crawl, every first Friday of the month from 6 to 9 p.m. In addition to clothes, the store has furniture, household goods, fine art, and even local cage-free chicken eggs. If you have creative ideas to suggest, please call Shawna or Shirley at 412-3616010. Increasing your financial support of the Center this year is another way to help. We look forward to a new and improved Penn Avenue and a resurgence of traffic to Thrifty next year. In the meantime, your ideas and monetary support in particular are greatly needed and will be long appreciated. Joyce Rothermel is vice president of the Board of the Thomas Merton Center.
The Molly Rush Legacy Fund: Contribute to Peace and Justice After Death
Cemetery: wastes steel, concrete, & hardwoods
Cremation: pollutes the air and wastes energy
Woodland Burial: Restores land w/ minimal pollution
by Bonnie DiCarlo The Molly Rush Legacy Fund was established to continue the mission of the Thomas Merton Center for many, many years. If you are reading this article, you are probably contributing to the Merton Center as a Member, Contributor, or Sustainer. The Molly Rush Legacy Fund is asking you to fund the Thomas Merton Center in two ways after death: (1) In your will; (2) Naming the Merton Center as a beneficiary on your deferred annuity, your IRA or your insurance policy. We all want to continue the work of peace and justice while we live. Let’s continue this work after our death. The Molly Rush Legacy Fund will be funded by small or large bequests by all of us: a $5000 annuity . . . 5% of your IRA . . . a $10,000 insurance policy. Or you could add or subtract zeroes to these
numbers. Any gift (bequest) will be used to continue the work of the Thomas Merton Center. The Advantage: You will be contributing, after your death, to the organization that helped you work for peace and justice in your neighborhood, in your city, and throughout the world. (The Thomas Merton Center, a 501c(3) organization, will not pay taxes on these bequests.) For more information, contact the Thomas Merton Center at (412) 3613022. Bonnie DiCarlo is a member of the Cornerstone Sustainer Committee.
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Thomas Merton Center Community Welcome Gabe McMorland, New Economy Community Organizer!
by Mary Jo Guercio It has been a couple months since I last updated you concerning the hiring of a part-time community organizer at TMC. Before I share with you who was selected for the position, please indulge me for a minute while I summarize the process that was followed to bring on our new organizer. In 2013 it became very evident to the board of directors that we were moving towards being a bit more financially stable due to the hard work and generosity of the Thomas Merton Center members, board of directors, staff and volunteers. At the same time the Thomas Merton Center was receiving requests for support from many groups who were doing great work, wishing to become projects of the Center to ensure peace and equality for all. To that end the board of directors, at the January 2014 planning retreat, made a commitment to hiring a parttime community organizer. Also at that retreat, it was decided that the community organizer would devote 100% of his/her time working on the very important and relevant initiative of TMC’s “New Economy Working Group Pittsburgh” project. Shortly after the January retreat, the personnel committee, and a standing committee of the board of directors, developed a hiring plan. With the assistance of TMC’s Managing Director, Dr. Diane McMahon, a job description was developed and the position was
posted in late February. There was a three step interview process involved for the candidates that were selected. A selection committee was formed. The committee selected and interviewed a number of qualified candidates. The selection committee forwarded the top candidates to another selection committee comprised of three members. That committee interviewed and recommended the final candidates to the board of directors. In early June the board of directors had the opportunity to interview the candidates forwarded by the second selection committee. In early June, the board of directors hired Gabe McMorland. Gabe has a great deal of organizing experience and is very anxious to spend 20 hours each week for the next year helping TMC with the New Economy initiative. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Pittsburgh in Urban Studies and is a 2013 Coro Fellow graduate. Gabe planned a series of citywide forums related to micro-grant funding, focused on providing fresh ideas to create positive change in Pittsburgh communities. Gabe has experience as a census co-leader; he was an Accessibility Consultant for Hear Me, a project of the CREATE Lab at Carnegie Mellon University and Allegheny County Department of Human Services. He also was a sustainability intern and created a Student Solidarity Program and Radio Free Pittsburgh. In addition Gabe worked with the Urban
Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh and served as Project Manager for development of a website showcasing citywide resources for entrepreneurs which involved in-depth user research, designing technical requirements, and communicating with many organizations. Finally, he conducted a program evaluation of the Pittsburgh Entrepreneur Fund and delivered recommendations for improvement based on stakeholder interviews. Gabe also works part-time with Jackson-Clark Partners, where he provides administrative support, grant research, and event coordination for the Natrona Community Development Corporation. As you can imagine, Gabe has a great deal of knowledge and experience in community organizing. I had the opportunity to be part of the interview process and was involved in all three interviews with Gabe. I find him to be extremely bright, organized, knowledgeable and passionate about social justice issues. Please join me in welcoming Gabe Morland to the TMC family! Mary Jo Guercio is the president of the Thomas Merton Center Board of Directors.
Welcome TMC Leadership and Advocacy Summer Interns! This summer the Thomas Merton Center is nurturing the peace and justice efforts of a unique set of interns who are committed to transforming the world into a better place! Please stop by to meet them when visiting our Garfield neighborhood peace and justice center.
Yijun Liu is a first year
junior at Duquesne University studying social justice and policy and mathematics. Her focus is in environmental justice Kate Mattes is 21 and from and conflict resolution. Ohio and is studying English Anna won an award last (literature and writing) and year at Duquesne's religious studies. In her senior year Undergraduate Research she intends to write and defend a Symposium for Excellence thesis on the importance of in Sustainability and the meditation on death within Quinn Thomas is a senior at the University of Environment for developing Buddhism. She intends to go to a project on the state of grocery stores in low income Pittsburgh, with an urban studies major and a sociology graduate school for a combination areas and the need for more sustainable agriculture. minor. Born and raised in Aliquippa, he is interested in of journalism and religious studies Anna spent last summer doing research with her all aspects of human rights and currently is in the or specific studies within Buddhism. Kate has plans to mother in East Africa on kids and adults with process of applying for the Peace Corps to enter upon join the Peace Corps either before or after graduate disabilities and traveled to Tanzania, Uganda, and graduation in December. school. Ironically, Kate says she tends to be both very Kenya. David Bigbee is a outspoken and introverted. Rebecca Whalen is undergraduate Ashley Gallo is a young professional recently third-year a student at the University of student at the University of relocated to Pittsburgh from Chicago, and prior to that Pittsburgh Graduate School Hartford in Connecticut she lived in Vermont. Ashley has been involved in of Public and International majoring in International social work in the behavioral health field since 2007 Affairs and has a Studies and Political Science. and has a strong interest and background in restorative background in sociology and During a gap year between justice, alternatives to traditional institutions, and religious studies and nonhigh school and college, he affordable housing. Ashley graduated from Goddard profit management skills worked for Haiti H2O, a College in 2012 with an individualized Master's degree gained as the Coordinator of small, Pittsburgh-based nonthat explored post-traumatic stress and how people Graduate Student Services at governmental organization construct their experiences of embodiment and the University. Rebecca that does missionary and identity. Her personal interests include social justice, wants to use her education development work in rural Haiti. His experiences cooking, sustainable agriculture, endurance sports, and knowledge to organize and coordinate relief aid drove him to study international affairs and politics in continuing to expand her home library, caring for her overseas to conflict areas, particularly for those regions order to better understand the broader systemic dog Muriel, and making art. affected by religious conflict. Her studies have taken reasons for development failures in the third world her to such places as Istanbul, Israel and Russia. Daisy Yang is a graduate and how local and regional groups can operate more student in the Graduate School effectively within that dynamic. David has strong Bios compiled by intern Kate Mattes and managing of Public and International interests in foreign policy, deep politics, the militarydirector Diane McMahon. Affairs, Daisy cares about industrial-media complex, international development, world affairs and wants to help stoic philosophy, and alternative media. build a more harmonious world. Moriah Taylor is a student at Saint Vincent Interested in social media, she College studying anthropology and creative writing. will help maintain the TMC Moriah has seen personal hardships in her own website and do some outreach community and has dedicated her life to finding ways work. Born in China, she wants to stop forms of injustice. She is currently working to get a better understanding of with TMC’s Pittsburghers for Public Transit project American culture and get which is relevant and critical to everyone living in the involved in more volunteer activities with an city of Pittsburgh. Moriah’s personal interests are in international focus. Currently, Daisy is a social justice, culture, communication, painting, communications intern and is responsible for database writing, and learning during her internship with the management and social media updating. Thomas Merton Center. 18 - NEWPEOPLE
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graduate student in the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs. She is interested in project planning as well as coordination of events in the non-profit sector. Yijun has a focus on policy analysis and looks to learn how information serves as the bridge between people.
Anna Hansen is a
July Activist Calendar Regular Meetings
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
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Sundays: Book’Em: Books to Prisoners Project First two Sundays of the month at TMC Contact: bookempgh@gmail.com Anti-War and Anti-Drone Warfare Coalition 3rd Sunday at 1:30 pm at TMC, 5129 Penn Ave., Garfield, PA 15224
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Tuesdays:
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On this day in 2012, the American Episcopal Church became the first to approve a rite for blessing gay marriages.
Finding Grace at the Center 7pm—Sunday 10:30 pm 4836 Ellsworth Ave
Manufacturing Matters 1:302:30 pm 880 East Waterfront
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Race and Racism 6:30-8 709 N Aiken Ave.
Health Committee for People with Disabilities 3-4:30 pm 4638 Centre Ave
“Forgiveness liberates the soul. It removes fear.”
Nelson Mandela was born on this day in 1918.
Humanity Day Interfaith Banquet “Iftar” Islamic Center of Pittsburgh 6:30 pm RSVP required outreach@icppgh.org. 4100 Bigelow Boulevard (Oakland)
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Unmanned: America’s Drone Wars film screening and potluck 6-8 pm at the Thomas Merton Center
UGGC 5:30-8 pm 6435 Frankstown Ave.
16th annual ACLU-PA Pittsburgh Chapter Member Picnic 5:30-8:30 Schenley Park
On this day in 2007, Pratibha Patil was sworn in as India's first woman president.
Anti-Drone Rally 1-2 pm Corner of Murray and Forbes Aves, Squirrel Hill
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“The tighter you squeeze, the less you have.”
Thomas Merton’s Would-Be 99th Birthday
Inequality for All film screening 7:30 pm Pump House, Homestead PA
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Transsexual Lobby Day
Thursdays: International Socialist Organization Every Thursday, 7:30-9:30 p.m. at the Thomas Merton Center GlobalPittsburgh Happy Hour 1st Thursday, 5:30 to 8 pm, Luke Wholey's Grille, 2106 Penn Ave, Strip District Green Party Meeting 1st Thursday, 7 to 9 pm, 2121 Murray, 2nd floor, Squirrel Hill Black Political Empowerment Project 2nd Thursday, 6 pm: Planning Council Meeting, Hill House, Conference Room B TMC Potlucks! Are on occasional Thursday evenings. Interested in having one on an issue that’s important to you? Contact: mcmahond@thomasmertoncenter.org
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5th annual Butler Rainbow Picnic 2-6 pm Alameda Park
Fridays: Unblurred Gallery Crawl 1st Friday after 6 pm, Penn Avenue Arts District, 4800-5500 Penn Ave., Friendship and Garfield 15224 Hill District Consensus Group 2nd Friday, 10 am — 12 pm, Elsie Hillman Auditorium, Kaufmann Center 1825 Centre Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Saturdays: Citizens for Peace Vigil Every Saturday, noon to 1 p.m., Forbes Ave. and Braddock Ave. Project to End Human Trafficking 2nd Saturday, Carlow University, Antonian Rm #502 Fight for Lifers West 3rd Saturday, 10 a.m. to 12:30 pm, Thomas Merton Center
Subscribe to The New People by becoming a member of the Thomas Merton Center today! As a member, The New People newspaper
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28 Last Day of Ramadan
Earth Quaker Team Action 24 Downtown
Larimer Westmoreland Consensus 6-8 County Kingsley Progressive Association Coalition Happy hour 7-9PM 212 Murray Ave.
Wednesdays:
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Saturday
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PFLAG 5-7:30 Covenant Presbyterian Church
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Friday
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PADP meeting 7-8pm First Unitarian Church
Women of Men Incarcerated Network 2nd Tuesday, 7:30-8:30pm, St. Peter’s United Church of Christ, 18 Schubert St., North Side
Human Rights Coalition: Fed-Up! Every Wednesday at 7p, Write letters for prisoner’s rights at the Thomas Merton Center Darfur Coalition Meeting 2nd and 4th Wednesdays, 7-9 pm, 2121 Murray Ave., 2nd Floor, Squirrel Hill. 412-784-0256
Thursday
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In 1874, The first U.S. zoo was opened in Philadelphia on this day.
Mondays: SW Healthcare 4 All PA /PUSH Meeting 1st Monday, 7:30 —9 pm 2101 Murray Avenue, Squirrel Hill Association of Pittsburgh Priests 2nd Monday, 7—9 pm, Epiphany Administration Center, Uptown Amnesty International #39 2nd Monday, 7—9 pm First Unitarian Church, Morewood Ave. 15219
Wednesday
Bernard K. memorial lecture 3-5 pm 803 Waterfront drive
—Nelson Mandela
The Fabulous Forties Gala and Fashion Show 7:30-11:30 600 Commonwealth PI
—Thomas Merton End of Ramadan
Mail this form and membership donation to: Thomas Merton Center, 5129 Penn Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15224
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will be mailed to your home or sent to your Select your membership level: email account. You will also receive weekly e__$15 Low Income Membership blasts focusing on peace and justice events in __$15 Youth / Student Membership Pittsburgh, and special invitations to mem__$50 Individual Membership __$100 Family Membership bership activities. Now is the time to stand for __$500+ Cornerstone Sustainer Membership peace and justice! __Donation $____________________________ Join online at www.thomasmertoncenter.org/join-
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July/August 2014
NEWPEOPLE - 19
August Activist Calendar Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
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National Black Business Month
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PFLAG Butler Monthly meeting 5-7:30pm Covenant Presbyterian Church
Conflict Resolution training 8:30-5pm 5916 Penn Ave
“The biggest human temptation is to settle for too little.”
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6 Westmoreland County Progressive Coalition Happy Hour 4:30-6:30 25 East Pittsburgh St, —Thomas Greensburg, PA
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PFLAG 2-4:30 Third Presbyterian Church
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Larimer Consensus 6-8 6435 Frankstown
CHANGE Youth Board Social Event 7-9 pm Children's Meditation Hospital training 8AM– Rangos Friday Conference 5916 Penn Ave. Center
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Wednesdays:
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On this day on history (79 AD) Mt. Vesuvius erupted, destroying Pompeii.
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This day, in 1601, Galileo demonstrated his 1st telescope to Venetian lawmakers.
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Race and Racism: A Conversation 6:30-8 pm Neighborhood Academy 709 N. Aiken Ave
Health Committee for People with Disabilities 3-4:30 4638 Centre Ave. (Oakland)
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Urban Green Growth Collaborative 5:30-8 pm 6435 Frankstown Ave.
Made in Dagenham film screening 7:309:30 Pump House
Women’s Equality Day
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“We must make the choices that enable us to fulfill the deepest capacities of our real selves.” —Thomas Merton
August is also National Water Quality Month. Clean Water Action says you can reduce water pollution by: not using antibacterial soaps or toxic cleaning products not flushing medications down the toilet or drain not putting anything but water down storm drains fixing leaks from cars and putting liners in driveways avoiding using pesticides or chemical fertilizers picking up after pets not paving properties advocating for anti-pollution legislation
20 - NEWPEOPLE
July/August 2014
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23 Saving the Planet: Moving Away from Fossil Fuels 11:30-2:30 Pump House
National Water Quality Month
Human Rights Coalition: Fed-Up! Every Wednesday at 7p, Write letters for prisoner’s rights at the Thomas Merton Center Darfur Coalition Meeting 2nd and 4th Wednesdays, 7-9 pm, 2121 Murray Ave., 2nd Floor, Squirrel Hill. 412-784-0256
Thursdays:
August 11-15 in Morgantown, West Virginia Register at www.dreamsofhope.org/camp or email qamp@dreamsofhope.org Cost: $500
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SW Healthcare 4 All PA /PUSH Meeting 1st Monday, 7:30 —9 pm 2101 Murray Avenue, Squirrel Hill Association of Pittsburgh Priests 2nd Monday, 7—9 pm, Epiphany Administration Center, Uptown Amnesty International #39 2nd Monday, 7—9 pm First Unitarian Church, Morewood Ave. 15219
Tuesdays:
Friends at the Table 6:30-9:30 530 William Penn PIace
PFLAG 2-4:30 Patches' Place 217 N. Mill St. New Castle, PA
Sundays: Book’Em: Books to Prisoners Project First two Sundays of the month at TMC Contact: bookempgh@gmail.com Anti-War and Anti-Drone Warfare Coalition 3rd Sunday at 1:30 pm at TMC, 5129 Penn Ave., Garfield, PA 15224
Women of Men Incarcerated Network 2nd Tuesday, 7:30-8:30pm, St. Peter’s United Church of Christ, 18 Schubert St., North Side
Dreams of Hope QAMP for LGBTQ and allied youth ages 13-19
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Regular Meetings
Mondays:
Merton
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Saturday
August 1, 1944 Anne Frank’s last diary entry, three days before she is arrested.
August is National Black Business Month. “During this month, consumers and institutions are encouraged to visit and support at least one Black-owned business on each of the 31 days of August. This focus for one month alone will generate increased sales and also create thousands of jobs across the country, says John William Templeton, founder of National Black Business Month.” —izania.com
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Friday
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National Chicano Moratorium drew 30,000 demonstrators in Los Angeles in 1970— rallying for social justice in America.
30 TMC AntiDrone Rally 1-2 pm Corner of 21st and Smallman Streets
International Socialist Organization Every Thursday, 7:30-9:30 p.m. at the Thomas Merton Center GlobalPittsburgh Happy Hour 1st Thursday, 5:30 to 8 pm, Luke Wholey's Grille, 2106 Penn Ave, Strip District Green Party Meeting 1st Thursday, 7 to 9 pm, 2121 Murray, 2nd floor, Squirrel Hill Black Political Empowerment Project 2nd Thursday, 6 pm: Planning Council Meeting, Hill House, Conference Room B TMC Potlucks! Are on occasional Thursday evenings. Interested in having one on an issue that’s important to you? Contact: mcmahond@thomasmertoncenter.org
Fridays: Unblurred Gallery Crawl 1st Friday after 6 pm, Penn Avenue Arts District, 4800-5500 Penn Ave., Friendship and Garfield 15224 Hill District Consensus Group 2nd Friday, 10 am — 12 pm, Elsie Hillman Auditorium, Kaufmann Center 1825 Centre Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Saturdays: Citizens for Peace Vigil Every Saturday, noon to 1 p.m., Forbes Ave. and Braddock Ave. Project to End Human Trafficking 2nd Saturday, Carlow University, Antonian Rm #502 Fight for Lifers West 3rd Saturday, 10 a.m. to 12:30 pm, Thomas Merton Center