Richmond JwJ Members, Friends, and Allies in the Struggle for Justice:

It’s likely that all of you have heard me speaking at some time or another about the plight of the workers at Qimonda, a computer chip manufacturer, that closed earlier this year resulting in the layoff of thousands of workers.  The workers that were layed off in the last round in March found themselves without severances, owed PTO time, as well as missing their last two weeks pay since after working 80 hours during that time span their paychecks bounced.  Qimonda has shirked every responsibility that they have to these workers including failing to ensure that the workers receive unemployment insurance and other provisions that they so greatly need.  Like many workers that go through a bankruptcy of their employer, these workers were unable to receive health insurance under COBRA.  As if all of this isn’t disgusting enough, we watched while some elected officials in our State General Assembly refused funding from the Obama Administration’s stimulus package which would have provided money to our unemployment insurance fund. 

Last week a Judge in Deleware bankruptcy court ruled that millions would be paid out to the remaining 46 employees at the Qimonda site (many of which we are told are upper level management) yet nothing has been allocated to the currently laid off workers.  As a result, the laid off workers have called for a protest this Wednesday July 1, 2009 at 12pm at the Qimonda site.  The address is: 6000 Technology Blvd, Sandston, VA 23150-5000.  We have asked for their permission to stand in solidarity with them and demand what they are owed. 

———————–

The following is a statement from the an organizer of the workers:

Hi All, I am sure you all have seen or heard the latest news regarding bonus’ for the remaining employees(46) at the Qimonda Richmond site. 

In response of this we intend to protest at the site on Wednesday at 12:00 hrs (noon) We need as many people to participate in this, not a just a few, this affects us all and some of our colleagues have had to sell their possessions, sitting on folding chairs waiting for the mortgage lenders to foreclose on them. The monies that are owed to you, either the bounced checks, PTO accrued, bonus’ owed or the wages that didn’t get paid is yours/ ours, YOU worked for this money, they owe it to YOU. 

Make a stand, voice your disgusted at this company that flaunts the law in your face and has no morals or common decency to its once loyal employees, that once said its employees were their most important asset.

Remember, it is up to you, FIGHT FOR WHAT’S RIGHT.

If you intend to protest on Wednesday bring with you protest signs, bottled water, hats, something to sit on and dress appropriately for hot weather.

We look forward to your and / or your families attendance, all are welcome.

GREEN PARTY OF THE UNITED STATEShttp://www.gp.orgFor Immediate Release:Tuesday, June 30, 2009Contacts:Scott McLarty, Media Coordinator, 202-518-5624, cell 202-904-7614, mclarty@greens.orgStarlene Rankin, Media Coordinator, 916-995-3805, starlene@gp.orgThe Free Gaza’s ‘Spirit of Humanity’ was delivering medical and other supplies following Obama’s call for relief to wartorn Gaza; the boat was in international watersWASHINGTON, DC — Green Party leaders are calling on the White House and US State Department to intervene and demand the immediate release of 21 human rights activists, including former US Rep. Cynthia McKinney and Nobel laureate Mairead Maguire, who were taken prisoner by the Israeli navy after gunboats surrounded and seized the Free Gaza Movement relief boat ‘Spirit of Humanity’ on Monday.”This is an outrageous violation of international law against us. Our boat was not in Israeli waters, and we were on a human rights mission to the Gaza Strip,” said Cynthia McKinney, the Green Party’s 2008 candidate for President of the United States. “President Obama just told Israel to let in humanitarian and reconstruction supplies, and that’s exactly what we tried to do. We’re asking the international community to demand our release so we can resume our journey.”Read Cynthia McKinney’s latest statement here: http://www.freegaza.org/en/home/hope-fleet-news/970-call-off-your-attack-dogs-cynthia-mckinneyMs. McKinney had earlier sent appeals to President Obama and the State Department for assurances of protection for the relief mission. The Spirit of Humanity was sailing in international waters when it was seized. Greens stressed that the relief boat represents no threat to Israel and must be allowed to continue its voyage to Gaza.For more information and updates, see the Free Gaza Movement web site (http://www.freegaza.org), including the latest release on the seizure of the relief boat (http://www.freegaza.org/en/home/hope-fleet-news/976-israel-attacks-justice-boat-kidnaps-human-rights-workers-confiscates-medicine-toys-and-olive-trees).For communications and updates from Cynthia McKinney, visit her Green Party page (http://www.gp.org/cynthia/index.php) and blog (http://dignity.ning.com).The Spirit of Humanity was carrying medical supplies, cement, olive trees, and children’s toys to Gaza after the Israeli invasion in December and January damaged or destroyed 50,000 homes, 800 industrial properties and 200 schools damaged or destroyed, 39 mosques, and two churches. The supplies were confiscated by the Israeli navy.The Green Party of the United States condemned the invasion and massacre of Palestinians and has endorsed the call for boycott, divestment, and sanctions against Israel until the Israeli government guarantees full human rights, including political rights and democracy, for all Palestinians and non-Jewish Israelis.MORE INFORMATIONGreen Party of the United States http://www.gp.org202-319-7191, 866-41GREENFax 202-319-7193Green candidate database for 2008 and other campaign information: http://www.gp.org/elections.shtmlGreen Party News Center http://www.gp.org/newscenter.shtmlGreen Party Speakers Bureau http://www.gp.org/speakersGreen Party ballot access page http://www.gp.org/2008-electionsInternational Committee of the Green Party: http://www.gp.org/committees/intlGreen Party releases:“Breaking news: Cynthia McKinney aboard detained Free Gaza Movement relief boat,” June 25, 2009http://www.gp.org/press/pr-national.php?ID=228“Greens join Global Day of Action for Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions on March 30 to end the Israeli occupation,” March 26, 2009 http://www.gp.org/press/pr-national.php?ID=192“Green Party: Israel-Palestine truce must include end of Israeli occupation and observance of international law or violence is likely to resume,” January 19, 2009 http://www.gp.org/press/pr-national.php?ID=1692009 Annual National Meeting of the Green Party, Durham, NC, July 23-26 http://www.gp.org/2009-ANMNorth Carolina page http://ncgreenparty.org/2009-ANM.htmlMedia credentialing page http://www.gp.org/forms/mediaGreen Pages, Vol. 13, No. 1The official publication of record of the Green Party of the United Stateshttp://gp.org/greenpages-blog~ END ~

The Sierra Club and many other Virginia environmental groups are celebrating the vote by the U.S. House of Representatives in favor of the American Clean Energy and Security Act. The Green Party has a dimmer view of it, saying that it does not go nearly far enough. Here is one British columnist’s point of view:Published on Friday, June 26, 2009 by The Guardian/UK

The Failed State of US Climate Change Policy

The Waxman-Markey climate bill is the best we will get from America until the corruption of public life is addressed

by George Monbiot

It would be laughable anywhere else. But, so everyone says, the Waxman-Markey bill which is likely to be passed in Congress today or tomorrow, is the best we can expect - from America.

The cuts it proposes are much lower than those being pursued in the UK or in most other developed nations. Like the UK’s climate change act (pdf) the US bill calls for an 80% cut by 2050, but in this case the baseline is 2005, not 1990. Between 1990 and 2005, US carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels rose from 5.8 to 7bn tonnes .

article continues… 

GREEN PARTY OF THE UNITED STATEShttp://www.gp.orgFor Immediate Release:Friday, June 26, 2009Contacts:Scott McLarty, Media Coordinator, 202-518-5624, cell 202-904-7614, mclarty@greens.orgStarlene Rankin, Media Coordinator, 916-995-3805, starlene@gp.orgCiting Democrats’ votes for war funding and retreats on health care, Greens call Dems “the new wing of the GOP” and invite Americans to “come home to the Green Party”Green Party Annual National meeting: Durham, North Carolina, July 23-26 http://www.gp.org/2009-ANMGreen Party Speakers Bureau: Green leaders available to speak on various issueshttp://www.gp.org/speakersWASHINGTON, DC — Green Party leaders, preparing for the party’s 2009 Annual National Meeting, said that America is in desperate need of a real opposition party, as Democrats maintain Republican positions on foreign policy, health care, the environment, and other big issues.The Green Party’s national meeting will take place in Durham, North Carolina, from July 23 to July 26 (http://www.gp.org/2009-ANM http://ncgreenparty.org/2009-ANM.html). Reporters are invited to cover the meeting (http://www.gp.org/forms/media).”Democratic leaders made their party a wing of the Republican Party in June,” said Wayne Turner, North Carolina Green Party co-chair (http://www.ncgreenparty.org). “Any progressive positions taken by the Obama administration are getting nullified by Blue Dog Democrats and other Republican allies. The Democratic leadership and mainstream have adopted values we associate with the GOP, while Republicans are taking ever more extreme positions and want to see President Obama fail at whatever he sets out to accomplish. That leaves two parties representing corporate lobbies and the Green Party representing the interests and ideals of most Americans. ‘Across the aisle’ used to mean Democrats and Republicans. Now both of them are across the aisle from the rest of America.”"With President Obama expanding the war in Afghanistan and Democrats overwhelmingly voting for war funding, the Democratic Party can no longer pretend to be the antiwar party. We invite voters who want peace to come home to the Green Party,” said Mr. Turner.Greens cited widespread popular opposition to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, support for a national health care plan that covers all Americans (http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE55K00220090621), and resentment over the Wall Street bailout as evidence that the Green Party is closer to the political sentiments of a majority of Americans.Green leaders pointed to several decisions and actions in June that betray the Obama promise of change:256 Democrats in the House voted for the war funding bill, with only 30 Democratic nays. President Obama is also expanding US troops in Afghanistan, with air attacks inside Pakistani borders, and has maintained the Bush-Cheney ‘preemption’ doctrine in threatening Iran. (Democratic leaders endorsed both wars from the beginning and continued voting for President Bush’s war funding requests after they took control of Congress in 2006.)The Democratic leadership’s health care reform plans not only reject Single-Payer, but will also omit the public health care option because it’s “unfair to insurance companies” — as if insurance industry profits were more urgent the health needs of millions of Americans.In capitulation to industry interests, the Waxman-Markey climate bill (”American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009″) would place a weak cap on greenhouse gas emissions (reductions of only 1-4% below 1990 levels by 2020), create a $2 trillion carbon-trading market with dangerously unregulated derivatives and minimal effect on emissions, give away 85% of the carbon permits to corporations over the next decade, offer a $150 billion handout to coal companies, and impose a severely inadequate 15% renewable energy standard by 2020.President Obama approved mountaintop removal for coal, which will wreak further environmental devastation on states like West Virginia and Tennessee. The Obama Administration continues to espouse industry myths about ‘clean coal.’Despite President Obama’s announcement of some limited domestic partnership benefits for gay federal employees, the Obama Justice Department has submitted a brief in support of the antigay Defense of Marriage Act, undercutting the President’s claim to support equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans.To this list, Greens added other Democratic betrayals and retreats: the bailout for Wall Street (the largest transfer of wealth from taxpayers to corporations in history); continued warrantless surveillance of US citizens; refusal to hold Bush officials who approved torture and lied to Congress accountable for their actions (with torture continuing at some sites, according to reports); and uninterrupted military aid for Israel despite massive human rights violations against Palestinians.”Why won’t President Obama and congessional Democrats fight for a cap on credit card interest rates and restoration of Glass-Steagal regulations to prevent financial industry abuses? The election of a few Greens to Congress would change the dynamic of American politics. Democrats and Republicans would have to compete with Green candidates, who accept neither corporate campaign contributions nor the influence of corporate lobbies,” said Jody Grage, treasurer of the Green Party of the United States.MORE INFORMATIONGreen Party of the United States http://www.gp.org202-319-7191, 866-41GREENFax 202-319-7193Tally of Green election victories http://www.gp.org/2008-elections/election-results.htmlGreen candidate news http://www.gp.org/2008-elections/candidate-news.phpGreen candidate database for 2008 and other campaign information: http://www.gp.org/elections.shtmlGreen Party News Center http://www.gp.org/newscenter.shtmlGreen Party Speakers Bureau http://www.gp.org/speakersGreen Party ballot access page http://www.gp.org/2008-elections2009 Annual National Meeting of the Green Party, Durham, NC, July 23-26 http://www.gp.org/2009-ANMNorth Carolina page http://ncgreenparty.org/2009-ANM.htmlMedia credentialing page http://www.gp.org/forms/mediaGreen Pages, Vol. 13, No. 1The official publication of record of the Green Party of the United Stateshttp://gp.org/greenpages-blog

GREEN PARTY OF THE UNITED STATEShttp://www.gp.orgFor Immediate Release:Thursday, June 25, 2009Contacts:Scott McLarty, Media Coordinator, 202-518-5624, cell 202-904-7614, mclarty@greens.orgStarlene Rankin, Media Coordinator, 916-995-3805, starlene@gp.orgBoat with 33 international human rights activists is acting on Obama’s call for medical supplies and cement to be delivered to GazaWASHINGTON, DC — 2008 Green presidential nominee Cynthia McKinney is participating in a second campaign to deliver goods to Gaza in defiance of an Israeli blockade.According to recent news reports, port authority officials in Cyprus have detained a multi-national Free Gaza Movement boat in Lanarca under pressure from Israel. The boat is carrying 33 human rights activists, including Ms. McKinney, and shipments of medical supplies and cement.See Ms. McKinney’s June 25 blog post for an update (http://dignity.ning.com/profiles/blogs/they-denied-us-so-they-wouldnt).Ms. McKinney notes that President Obama himself has called for medical supplies and cement to be sent to Gaza. Despite the Obama statement and a request from Ms. McKinney to the White House for an assurance of safety, the US State Department has warned the boat against sailing to Gaza.Cynthia McKinney, a former six-term Democratic member of the US House from Georgia, was aboard a Free Gaza Movement boat delivering medical supplies to Gaza that was rammed by Israeli naval forces in January, 2009. Ms. McKinney and running mate Rosa Clemente were nominated for President and Vice President at the Green Party’s 2008 national convention in Chicago, Illinois.For news on the unfolding situation, see:Communications and updates from Cynthia McKinney:http://www.gp.org/cynthia/index.phphttp://dignity.ning.comSpecial report on Gaza featuring Ms. McKinney and Greta Berlin of the Free Gaza Movement (audio and text):http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-281664http://www.sendspace.com/file/7veibjFree Gaza Movement: http://www.freegaza.org”Cyprus halts aid boats bound for Gaza Strip: US-based Free Gaza Movement planned to take 33 activists to Gaza with medical supplies and cement; Cypriot shipping officials cited inspection requirements for stopping the two vessels from leaving port”Reuters/Israel News, June 25, 2009http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3737002,00.html“Activists plan to send Gaza cement, in violation of Israel blockade”Reuters and Haaretz Service, June 18, 2009http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1093988.htmlFrom the Green Party:“Greens join Global Day of Action for Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions on March 30 to end the Israeli occupation,” March 26, 2009 http://www.gp.org/press/pr-national.php?ID=192“Green Party: Israel-Palestine truce must include end of Israeli occupation and observance of international law or violence is likely to resume,” January 19, 2009 http://www.gp.org/press/pr-national.php?ID=169International Committee of the Green Party: http://www.gp.org/committees/intlMORE INFORMATIONGreen Party of the United States http://www.gp.org202-319-7191, 866-41GREENFax 202-319-7193Tally of Green election victories http://www.gp.org/2008-elections/election-results.htmlGreen candidate news http://www.gp.org/2008-elections/candidate-news.phpGreen candidate database for 2008 and other campaign information: http://www.gp.org/elections.shtmlGreen Party News Center http://www.gp.org/newscenter.shtmlGreen Party Speakers Bureau http://www.gp.org/speakersGreen Party ballot access page http://www.gp.org/2008-elections2009 Annual National Meeting of the Green Party, Durham, NC, July 23-26 http://www.gp.org/2009-ANMNorth Carolina page http://ncgreenparty.org/2009-ANM.htmlMedia credentialing page http://www.gp.org/forms/mediaGreen Pages, Vol. 13, No. 1The official publication of record of the Green Party of the United Stateshttp://gp.org/greenpages-blog~ END ~

For all you aspiring economists, policy wonks, and politicians…a little game.

Health Care Reform Town HallTuesday, June 30, 2009 7pmVCU, Commonwealth Ballroom907 Floyd AvenueRichmond, VA

Please RSVP; there are 300 seats availableRSVP: http://unitedvirginia.ning.com/events/health-care-reform-town-hall

AGENDA

Movie: PBS Documentary “Sick Around the World”

WELCOME

INTRODUCTIONS and MODERATOR: Andrea Miller

PANELISTS:

• Dr. William Ferguson Reid
• Dr. Lerla Joseph
• Dr. Margaret Flowers
• Ms. Brandyn Keating
• Mr. Charles Robideau

Public questions and commentsIf you will be unable to attend but have a health care reform question, please address your question to richmondhealthcare4all@gmail.com

SPEAKERSDr. William Ferguson Reid, MD, MPH, is a retired surgeon and retired Diplomat from the Dept. of State, U.S. government. Dr. Reid became involved in Virginia politics in 1956 when he and others founded the Richmond Crusade for Voters, an organization dedicated to the registration and education of voters during the era of Jim Crow ‘poll taxes’ and ‘blank paper registration.’ In 1976 he was elected to the House of Delegates, Virginia General Assembly, representing the City of Richmond, and the County of Henrico. He was the first Black elected to the General Assembly since Reconstruction. He is a member of Physicians for a National Health Program, HealthCare_Now, Progressive Democrats of America, and Virginia Coalition for Guaranteed Healthcare. He and his wife Jackie reside in Glen Allen, Va

Mr. Charles Robideau has been a writer and editor for newspapers including the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Hartford Courant and Philadelphia Daily News. He is also a member of the Steelworkers Union, has worked as an editor and Director of the Communications Department at the headquarters in Pittsburgh. He has worked with local unions across the country as an organizer, and contract negotiator. He is also a member of PNHP.

Dr. Lerla Georgette Joseph, MD, practices Internal Medicine in Richmond, Va., with the Charles City Medical Group, Inc. Dr. Joseph received her medical degree from Bowman Gray School of Medicine of Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC. Dr. Joseph has continually worked to increase the availability of comprehensive medical care to underserved populations. Her approach to health care includes not just medical services, but illness prevention, physical fitness, and good nutrition.

Dr. Margaret Flowers is a pediatrician in Baltimore and co-chair of the Maryland chapter of Physicians for a National Health Program (PNHP). On May 5, 2009 Dr. Flowers was one of eight health care advocates who asked Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.) and the Senate Finance Committee during a public roundtable discussion, “Will you allow an advocate for a single-payer national health plan to have a seat at the table?” The answer was a loud, “Get more police!” The group was arrested and hauled off to jail; they are now know as the Baucus 8. On June 11, 2009 Dr. Flowers testified before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

Andrea Miller was the Democratic nominee for the U.S. House of Representatives in 2008. Ms. Miller is a college professor specializing in Information Technology and Emergency Management consultant to the State of Maryland, the Commonwealth of Virginia and Pennsylvania and Washington DC. She is the Outreach Coordinator for Progressive Democrats of America, a member of Virginia Coalition for Guaranteed Healthcare and United Virginia.

Ms. Brandyn Keating is Virginia State Director of Organizing for America, representing President Barack Obama’s three principles on healthcare reform.

SPONSORSRichmond Change in Actionwww.richmondchangeinaction.com

United Virginiahttp://unitedvirginia.ning.com/

Healthcare-Now!www.healthcare-now.org

Progressive Democrats of Americahttp://www.pdavirginia.org

Physicians for a National Health Program (PNHP)http://www.pnhp.org

Students for a National Health Program (SNHP)

http://www.pnhp.org

California Nurses Associationwww.calnurses.org

Please RSVP; there are 300 seats availableRSVP: http://unitedvirginia.ning.com/events/health-care-reform-town-hall

From RPEC board member:There will be a protest  in Richmond on Saturday June 27, 2009 in support of democracy in Iran.It will take place at the Bell Tower,  900 Bank St. from 4:00 p.m. to 5 p.m.Please join us in standing UNITED condemning VIOLENCE and CRIME against the Iranians who are risking their lives for FREEDOM + DEMOCRACY in Iran.Flags are not allowed at this event. Any person carrying flags or any signs on sticks will be asked to leave by Richmond Police. However, we are allowed to have signs which are not on sticks and we can hold them up. Paul Fleisher, assistant to the directorRichmond Peace Education Center400 W.  32nd St.Richmond VA 23225804-232-1002804-795-5326 (h)804-836-3178 (cell)www.rpec.org

Even with the Shockoe Center proposal “dead”, the baseball stadium debate is STILL distracting Richmond citizens from other, more important priorities and issues.

Citizens must demand more from leadership and media than just the continued slugfest.

GREEN PARTY OF THE UNITED STATES
http://www.gp.org

For Immediate Release:
Monday, June 22, 2009

Contacts:
Scott McLarty, Media Coordinator, 202-518-5624, cell 202-904-7614, mclarty@greens.org
Starlene Rankin, Media Coordinator, 916-995-3805, starlene@gp.org

Statement of the Global Green Coordination, forwarded by the Green Party of the United States

WASHINGTON, DC — The following statement was issued by the Global Green Coordination on June 15. The Global Greens (http://www.globalgreens.org) is the international network of Green parties and political movements, founded in 2001 at the First Global Greens Congress, in Canberra, Australia. The Green Party of the United States is a member of the Global Greens.

Global Greens Condemn Violence in Peru
http://www.globalgreens.org/statements/peru

The Global Green Coordination has called for an independent investigation into the actions of police in the Amazonian region of Peru which resulted in at least 50 deaths. After the violence near the town of Bagua Grande, hundreds more people, mainly indigenous people, are missing and it is alleged that police have hidden hundreds of bodies. Indigenous people were protesting against new legislation which will mean their land can be exploited for oil and gas drilling.

We call on the government of President Alan Garcia to immediately stop all police actions against demonstrations by indigenous people. We also urge the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) to launch an independent investigation into the violence, just as it did after similar violence in Bolivia earlier this year. In that instance, UNASUR played a very important role in calming an extremely volatile situation and they could do so again in this case. It is also vital that the Peruvian authorities allow human rights organisations free access to the area where the clashes took place, so that a thorough assessment of what happened can be made.

The Global Greens also call on the international community to put all the pressure it can on the Peruvian Government so that it stops police violence against indigenous protesters and launches a thorough and independent investigation into the causes of the violence.

An important element of the pressure which could be brought to bear on Peru is related to trade agreements: the change in legislation the indigenous protested against is necessary following the stipulations in the recent Free Trade Agreement between Peru and the USA. The Commercial Agreement the EU is currently negotiating with with Peru, Colombia and Ecuador contains very similar provisions, and partly goes beyond US demands. Therefore, a radical change of the EU negotiations is necessary as a first step we call on the European Commission and Council to suspend negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement with Peru (as well as Ecuador and Colombia) until an independent investigation has reached its conclusions and the people responsible for the violence have been tried and, if found guilty, been sentenced to punishment. The suspension should provide the time necessary to reorientate the contents of the negotiations, so that a future agreement protects people and the environment rather then exploit them.

MORE INFORMATION

Green Party of the United States http://www.gp.org
202-319-7191, 866-41GREEN
Fax 202-319-7193
Tally of Green election victories http://www.gp.org/2008-elections/election-results.html
Green candidate news http://www.gp.org/2008-elections/candidate-news.php
Green candidate database for 2008 and other campaign information: http://www.gp.org/elections.shtml
Green Party News Center http://www.gp.org/newscenter.shtml
Green Party Speakers Bureau http://www.gp.org/speakers
Green Party ballot access page http://www.gp.org/2008-elections

Global Greens http://www.globalgreens.org

International Committee of the Green Party of the United States http://www.gp.org/committees/intl

2009 Annual National Meeting of the Green Party, Durham, NC, July 23-26 http://www.gp.org/2009-ANM
Media credentialing page http://www.gp.org/forms/media

Green Pages, Vol. 13, No. 1
The official publication of record of the Green Party of the United States
http://gp.org/greenpages-blog

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