CONTENTS:
PHILLY & PA ACTION:
THE FLORENCE COHEN CAMPAIGN FOR CITY COUNCIL NEEDS YOU!
Act NOW to Protect Our Voting Rights in PA and Stop HB 1318
Music From Palestine and Beyond: The Oriental Music Ensemble at Swarthmore College
PennEnvironment : Volunteer to Help Stop Risky Energy Plan
PennEnvironment : Volunteer to Help Stop Risky Energy Plan
EVENTS HAPPENING EVERY WEEK (see below)
------------------------------------
NATIONAL ACTION:
The Launch of Campaign against Anti-Palestinian Legislation
Call in today to support a Sweatfree Campus!
Senator Barack Obama's Solution to clean up Congress
Send Threemile's Policy To The Compost Heap/ United Farm Workers
Join Us on April 29 in NYC  with Jessee Jackson & UFPJ- March for Peace
STOP U.S. Cat Bulldozers Destroying Palestinian Homes
-----------------
COMMENTARY:
* Cheney Shoots A Texas Liberal by Molly Ivins
* Inky follows party line on Iran; Edward S. Herman
* Daniel Pipes: Is He Still Around?
* Take a Lesson From "Old Europe"
* Fmr. Israeli Foreign Minister Ben Ami Debates Finkelstein on Israel, the Palestinians, and the Peace Process
* Fmr. Israeli Foreign Minister: "If I were a Palestinian, I Would Have Rejected Camp David" *
* Lacey to Village of Voice staff: Drop dead By Tim Redmond (and more)
===================


PHILLY & PA ACTION:

THE FLORENCE COHEN CAMPAIGN FOR CITY COUNCIL NEEDS YOU!
 

Following the death of Councilman David Cohen, the "People's Voice in City Council," Florence Cohen announced she will seek to complete his term if a Special Election is held.  Florence was David's wife, closest advisor, and Chief of Staff for nearly 17 years, a progressive activist throughout her own life, and has the same soul, spirit, and spunk as David.  Florence seeks to continue David's work as the "People's Voice in City Council" and wishes only to complete David's term, which ends on December 31, 2007.  Progressives need to fight for Florence to keep a passionate progressive voice on City Council.
       
A Special Election is the type of election called when there is a vacancy during the term of an elected official.  It is up to Council President Anna Verna whether a Special Election is held.  If she decides to call a Special Election, there is no primary election and the Democratic ward leaders choose the Democratic nominee in the election.  Then, like a general election, the ballot lists only one Democratic candidate, one Republican candidate, and one Green candidate.  We want the Democratic ward leaders to vote for Florence to be the Democratic candidate on the ballot.

This campaign timeline is short.  30 days notice needs to be provided for a Special Election.  By April 16, Council President Verna must announce she will hold a Special Election on May 16, the date of the primary election.  TWO MONTHS remain in this campaign!

THE FLORENCE COHEN CAMPAIGN NEEDS YOU NOW TO:

a)  Call Council President Anna Verna at 215-686-3412.  Tell her you support Florence Cohen and want her to call a Special Election so Florence can be elected.

b)  Call Democratic Party Chairman Bob Brady at 215-241-7804.  Tell him you support Florence Cohen and want him and all the ward leaders to vote for Florence as the Democratic Party nominee.

c)  Call your ward leader and ask for a meeting with you and your neighbors to discuss your support for Florence.  If you don't know your ward, ward leader or how to contact him or her, go to:
http://www.seventy.org/transparency/electedofficials/phillywardleaders.html.

d)  Circulate Florence's petitions on your block, in your neighborhoods, at meetings, on listserves, etc.  The campaign seeks at least 5,000 signatures by March 7.  To get a copy of the petition, call Sherrie Cohen at 215-620-3396 or email sherriecohen@comcast.net. 

e)  Obtain an endorsement for Florence from your union or from other organizations you are involved in.  Florence now has endorsements from the Firefighters Union Local 22, Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, AFSCME District Council 47, Communication Workers of America District 13,
United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1776, Faculty Federation of Community College of Philadelphia, Fraternal Order of Housing Police, Philadelphia National Organization of Women (NOW), and PA NOW PAC.

f)  Host a houseparty for Florence.

g)  Participate in other ways in the Campaign.  Call Sherrie Cohen at 215-620-3396 or email sherriecohen@comcast.net and tell her you'd like to get involved in the Campaign.
___________________________________________________________


Act NOW to Protect Our Voting Rights in PA and Stop HB 1318

Last night the Neighborhood Networks Steering Committee voted to join a large coalition in opposition to HB 1318, which will require that all voters present a government issued ID card before voting. HB1318 is designed to suppress the vote of the poor, the elderly, African Americans, the working class, and those who live in cities.

Send e mails to your Senators and the Governor:
http://pfaw.kintera.org/NoHB1318 
To find and call your Senator or Representative and be connected toll-free, call Commonwealth Info Center at 1-800-932-0784
Call Governor Rendell: Call (717) 787-2500 and tell him to VETO House Bill 1318

Here is a call script you can use:

Hello.  My name is _______________________.  I'm calling from the statewide Protect Our Vote Campaign.  Please tell the Representative/Senator to VOTE NO on House Bill 1318 because it threatens the vote of thousands of Pennsylvania voters who currently have the right to vote.
                                                                                        
I understand that the bill is moving again.  Please tell the Representative/Senator that: Identification should not be a barrier to voting; more restrictive identification requirements for voting discourages seniors, minorities, people with disabilities, low-income residents, and those who are temporarily displaced from their residences. 
__________________________________________________________________________________


Music From Palestine and Beyond: The Oriental Music Ensemble at Swarthmore College

              Sunday February 19th
Admission is free, with donations gratefully accepted. There will also be a gala reception following the performance to benefit the Palestine Youth Orchestra. The reception does have a required donation amount. For more information, call the Orchestra 2001 office at Swarthmore College, 610-690-5714.
More information:  
http://www.anera.org/projects/MUSIC_05_11_ConcertTour.html (East Coast Tour)
                                   
http://ncm.birzeit.edu/ (The Edward Said National Conservatory of Music)
                                    
http://ncm.birzeit.edu/ome.html (Music from the CD Emm el Khilkhal)
___________________________________________________________


PennEnvironment : Volunteer to Help Stop Risky Energy Plan

Help us stop PGW's dangerous liquefied natural gas (LNG) plans. Specifically, we need as many people as possible to help get the word out that PGW's plans are far too serious a public safety threat to Philadelphia.  And we need to create a buzz so loud that City Council--including Councilman Clarke--has no choice but to act. 

We need help distributing "NO LNG" window signs, getting friends and family to call City Council, writing letters to local papers, and turning out people to neighborhood meetings about PGW's risky plan.  Let me know what you are interested in doing, and we'll get you everything you need.

To sign up to volunteer, click on this link or paste it into your web browser:
http://www.pennenvironment.org/PE.asp?id=1128&id4=ES
_________________________________________________________


Area Plans Observing 3 Years of War -

March 19 - 20 -  "From Mourning to Resistance"
Independence Visitors Center, Philadelphia - Lockheed Martin, Valley Forge,PA

Sunday, March 19 (3rd anniversary of war's start), 6:15PM, Area Candlelight Vigil & Sundown Service,
Independence Visitors Center, 5th & Market Sts., Phila., PA;
        - Brandywine Peace Community,  610-544-1818 - brandywine@juno.com    www.brandywinepeace.com
__________________________

EVENTS OCCURING EVERY WEEK:

Free Tutoring for Children in TANF Families
        EPP tutors children at all grade levels on weekdays and weekends and is able to pick-up and drop-off
children at most locations.  One-on-one tutoring and group tutoring in math and reading available.
To register, call 267-253-5444 or<educationphilly@aol.com>. :DHS Prevention Services[
mailto:DHSPrevention@phila.gov]

Thursdays
10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.   Talk Radio Program with Sandra Dungee Glenn (Member, School Reform
Commission)   On WURD 900 AM--call in number is 215-426-1310.

6:00-8:00 p.m.   Workshop: "Build Your Own Computer"
Nonprofit Technology Resources, 1524 Brandywine St., Philadelphia, Pa
$25 per session   To register, call 215-564-6686.

7:00-9:00 p.m.
International Concerned Friends & Family of Mumia Weekly Meeting
4601 Market St., 5th floor, Philadelphia, PA   For info, call 215-476-5416.

Fridays
Noon-1:00 p.m. Vigil- Oppose the Occupation - S. 15th Street above Locust (because of construction we are standing closer to Walnut Street)Our presence is very important at this time.  Support the Israeli peace movement and the Palestinian people in this post election time!<cswatz@pil.net>
 
4:30 p.m.   Anti-war leafleting and picket
Market & 11th Sts., Philadelphia, PA   For info, email pawf@critpath.org

5:00 p.m.   Vigil--Women in Black
Swarthmore Train Station, Park Ave. & Chester Rd., Swarthmore, PA   For info, email wibswarthmore@hotmail.com.

Saturdays
 10:00 a.m. to noon
"Talking Union" weekly call-in radio show, 1340 AM

noon-1:00 p.m.   Peace Vigil   Rte. 38 & Cherry Hill Mall Dr., Cherry Hill, NJ
For info, email greatercamdenunitycoalition@yahoo.com

1:00-2:00 p.m.   Protest at Ferber Furs
1708 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA   For info, email phillyar@yahoogroups.com.

Mondays
5:00-7:00 p.m.   Radio Show: "Labor to Neighbor" with hosts Janet Ryder, Pat Eiding &
Pete Matthews   900 AM WURD--215-634-8065.

6:00-9:00 p.m. Weekly ACT UP Meeting
St. Luke's Church, 330 S. 13th St., Philadelphia, PA For info, email actupphilly@critpath.org

Tuesdays
7:00-9:00 p.m.   Organizing Meeting   Toviah Thrift Shop   Chestnut St. (between 42nd & 43rd)
Call (215) 382-7251 or (215) 474-6459 box 1 for more info  - Sponsored by Neighbors Against McPenntrification

7:30 p.m.   Books Through Bars Packing Cafe   The A Space, 4722 Baltimore Ave., Philadelphia, PA
Help pack books to send to prisoners.   Email info@booksthroughbars.org

Wednesdays
THREE PEACE VIGILS
4:30-5:30 p.m. - Federal Building, 601 Market St., Philadelphia, PA
Sponsored by House of Grace Catholic Worker   For info, email brandywine@juno.com .

5:00 pm - 6:00 pm - Outside Unitarian Society of Germantown
Street: 6511 Lincoln Drive (between Wayne & Horter) in West Mount Airy,  Philadelphia, PA 19119
- Candles and signs welcome. Let's make them "HONK FOR PEACE!"

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm - Outside Borders Book Store, Germantown Avenue at Bethlehem Pike in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, PA 19118    Note: Dress warmly and bring your candle and sign. (Try this in your neighborhood.)
--
7:30 p.m.   International People's Democratic Uhuru Movement Weekly Meeting
Uhuru House, 1021 S. 49th St., Philadelphia, Pa   For info, see www.inpdum.org.

===============

NATIONAL ACTION:

The Launch of Campaign against Anti-Palestinian Legislation


Some Members of Congress have used the result of the Palestinian legislative election as a pretext to advance their extreme anti-Palestinian agenda.  HR4681, the Palestinian Anti-Terrorism Act of 2006, proposes draconian economic and diplomatic measure to punish and isolate the Palestinian people for voting.  Join me in taking action to oppose this dangerous resolution.
        US Campaign Helps Launch National Campaign against Anti-Palestinian Legislation
        Take Action against HR4681, the Palestinian Anti-Terrorism Act of 2006.
The following organizations strongly oppose H.R.4681, the Palestinian Anti-Terrorism Act of 2006, and urge Members of Congress to oppose it as well. 
Signed by,
        1. American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee
        2. American Friends Service Committee
        3. Council for the National Interest
        4. Global Exchange
        5. Jewish Voice for Peace
        6. Middle East Children's Alliance
        7. Partners for Peace
        8. Pax Christi USA: National Catholic Peace Movement
        9. Peace Action Wisconsin
        10. Progressive Democrats of America
        11. Tikkun
        12. US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation
Click here to endorse this campaign to oppose H.R.4681:
http://www.endtheoccupation.org/modinput4.php?modin=92

Individuals and organizations can support this campaign by:
        1) Sending emails to their Members of Congress:        
http://www.democracyinaction.org/dia/organizationsORG/uscampaign/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=2536
2) Meeting with their Members of Congress during the President's Day district work period (Feb. 20-24).
3) Participating in a national call-in day on Tuesday, February 28.
4) Signing a letter addressed to the House Committees on International Relations, the Judiciary, and Financial Services and to each Representative to be delivered on the national call-in day.
________________________________________________________________


Call in today to support a Sweatfree Campus!

Nearly five months ago, students from around the country
presented their adminstrators with a simple demand: take the
steps necessary to ensure that clothes bearing our university
name are produced in factories in which workers are represented
by a democratic union and earn a living wage. Since then six
universities (Duke University, Indiana University, University of
Wisconsin-Madison, Georgetown University, University of
Maine-Farmington, and Santa Clara University) have endorsed the proposed policy.

On Friday, university administrators from around the country
will gather in Washington, DC for the WRC University Caucus
meeting. It is imperative that administrators go into this
meeting knowing that students, faculty, staff, and the entire
university community stand united in their demand that
universities make good on the promises made with the adoption of
codes of conduct and help support the struggles of garment
workers around the world.

In order to make this happen, we need you to call and email your
administrator, as well as the following three administrators to
let them know that we will not stand idly by while our
universities allow brands to profit off of the exploitation of workers.

Please e-mail organize@usasnet.org to let us know you called!

University of California-President Robert Dynes 510-987-9074
University of Colorado- Chancellor Phil DiStefano 303-492-8908
University of Illinois- Chancellor Richard Herman 217-333-6290

Sample Phone Script:
Hello, my name is __________ and I am a (student, faculty
member, worker, etc.) at ____________. I find it appalling that
universities continue to profit from the exploitation of workers
and demand that this university support the struggle of workers
around the world by adopting the designated suppliers policy immediately.

You can take action on this alert either via email (please see directions below) or via the web at:
http://www.unionvoice.org/campaign/callin/g7ugbir27we38w?
Visit the web address below to tell your friends about this.
http://www.unionvoice.org/campaign/callin/forward/g7ugbir27we38w?

We encourage you to take action by February 18, 2006

INSTRUCTIONS TO RESPOND VIA THE WEB:
If you have access to a web browser, you can take action on this alert by going to the following URL:
http://www.unionvoice.org/campaign/callin/g7ugbir27we38w?
_______________________________________________________________________________


Senator Barack Obama's Solution to clean up Congress -- Common Cause [
mailto:CauseNet@commoncause.org]

Washington is awash in proposals to clean up Congress in the ongoing aftermath of the Abramoff guilty plea.  Ban or limit gifts and travel, cut down on trips on corporate jets, improve disclosure, limit earmarks; all are worthy goals, but most of these plans don't go to the heart of the problem - Congress won't police itself.

Senator Barack Obama has introduced legislation, S. 2259, that would set up a system of independent oversight for Congress.  We have endorsed this bill.  We need you to email your senator and ask them to cosponsor this legislation. 
http://www.commoncause.org/IndependentOversight
__________________________________________________________________


Send Threemile's Policy To The Compost Heap/ United Farm Workers [
mailto:ufwofamer@aol.com]

More than 105 hours in one week. 15 hours a day for seven days.
No overtime. That's what the pay stub of Roberto Valencia showed
that he worked out at Threemile Canyon Farms in the compost operation.
        Last week, four workers filed suit against Threemile for failing
to pay overtime. Like many others there, they face threats and
retaliation for daring to demand their rights be respected.
        Join us in demanding that Organix take immediate action. Workers
deserve overtime pay and should not be threatened or intimidated for demanding their rights.

Take Action today! Go to:
http://www.ufwaction.org/campaign/organix/5gggws2v7we6nt?
__________________________________________________________________________


Join Us on April 29 in NYC with Jessee Jackson & UFPJ- March for Peace, Justice and Democracy in New York City:

In 1968, Dr. King delivered his prophetic speech at the Riverside Church in New York, decrying how funding for the war on poverty was being diverted to fund the war in Vietnam. He protested this moral shift from healing at home to killing abroad, a policy that was bankrupting cities and our democratic values. He said,

"I am convinced that if we are to get on the right side of the world revolution, we as a nation must undergo a radical revolution of values. ... The giant triplets of racism, materialism and militarism are incapable of being conquered. We need a true revolution of values to unseat the glaring contrast of poverty and wealth. A nation that continues year after year to pour money into war and ignoring social uplift is approaching spiritual death."

Forty years later we face the same challenge. The poor continue to fight the wars for the rich. Facing the largest budget deficits in history, this administration cuts Medicare, Medicaid, and education, while protecting tax cuts for the wealthy and spending $6 billion a month to fund the immoral, illegal war in Iraq. It has squandered billions to 'rebuild and reconstruct Iraq,' but turns its back on rebuilding and reconstructing the Gulf Coast following Katrina. It's gone from lying about the reasons for going to war, to spying on those who oppose it. This administration has led us down a blind path with no end in sight. We are losing lives, money, and honor.

So we are called to act and call for action. Rainbow/PUSH Coalition joins with United for Peace and Justice and others in the critical April 29th mobilization to protest the war in Iraq. We need to bring the troops home now. We need to march for hope, and hope for change.   ..  Rev. Jesse Jackson, Rainbow/PUSH Coalition

ACTION ALERT * UNITED FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE www.unitedforpeace.org | 212-868-5545
__________________________________________________________________________________


STOP U.S. Cat Bulldozers Destroying Palestinian Homes

      I have just sent a letter to the board of
      directors of Caterpillar Company, calling on
      the company to stop selling bulldozers to the
      Israeli military that are being used to
      destroy Palestinian homes and orchards.

      Please join me by going to the Progressive
      Portal Web site and sending a letter of your
      own -- it takes only a minute:
     
http://www.progressiveportal.org/cat

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