Wednesday, June 08, 2011
Bills to End Teacher Strikes Introduced in Harrisburg, AI Policy Brief
Policy Brief
An electronic publication of
The Allegheny Institute for Public Policy
June 8, 2011 Volume 11, Number 33
“Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more:” A Shakespearian cry from Henry the Fifth urging soldiers to take advantage of an important military opportunity that could soon be lost. And so it is that Representatives Metcalfe and Rock are proposing a package of bills that would outlaw teacher strikes and impose sizable monetary penalties for teachers who violate the no-strike statute.
Such bills have been proposed before and have yet to come close to becoming law. But now the Republicans have a significant majority in the House and Pennsylvanians have grown weary of the spectacle of teacher strikes, the disruption they create and the imbalance of negotiating leverage strikes and threats of strikes give to the unions. This is perhaps the most favorable opportunity to pass such legislation that has been seen in Pennsylvania and it is an opportunity that could slip away in a short period of time.
As we have reported on several occasions, Pennsylvania led the nation in teacher strikes for the decade ending in 2010. Indeed, during much of that period Pennsylvania accounted for half of all teacher strikes in the country. Only 13 states allow strikes and only three—Pennsylvania, Ohio and Illinois—have had substantial numbers of strikes. From 2000 to 2007, Pennsylvania recorded 82 strikes. Ohio was a distant second with 23. There were only 137 strikes across the nation.
Meanwhile, 37 states plus the District of Columbia do not allow strikes although there are rare occasions when illegal strikes have occurred in a handful on no-strike states; Indiana and Massachusetts for instance each had one. Counted among the states with no-strike laws are all but one of Pennsylvania’s closest neighbors; Delaware, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and West Virginia. Ohio alone has permitted strikes, but in legislation signed by the Governor in March the right to strike has been eliminated. Undoubtedly, legal challenges to the legislation will be forthcoming.
In New England only Vermont permits teacher strikes. Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Connecticut prohibit teacher strikes. In short, Pennsylvania’s opponents of no-strike laws cannot appeal to the actions of its neighboring states or the generally liberal northeastern states to make a case that strikes are necessary to protect teachers and their compensation.
In declaring their strong opposition to the strike banning legislation, the PSEA (the state’s largest teachers union) is quoted as arguing the legislation will; single out teachers, tip the balance in favor of school boards, increase the pay gap between educators and other professionals, and be punitive. And then in the piece de resistance, the PSEA spokesperson said, apparently with a straight face, “Teachers don’t like strikes any more than the rest of the community.”
Consider these extraordinarily weak arguments in turn.
1) The law singles out teachers. Correct. That’s because it aims to stop teacher strikes. Schools cannot or have not been able to operate when teachers are on the picket line. A walkout by lunch room staff can be dealt with. But, if the teachers are saying “broaden the bill to include all school employees and we can support it”, then by all means the language should be extended to cover all school employees. That should not take very long.
2) The law would tip the balance in favor of the school board. That raises an important question: Who should the balance of power favor? The school board represents the interests of students, taxpayers and employees. Since the taxpayers are paying for the schools should they not have an equal or greater voice and influence in the financial decisions of the schools? Boards must also consider the welfare and educational progress of students. That means they must have ultimate control of curriculum and significant management authority regarding work rules, etc. How is it possible that so many states seem to get along just fine with no threat of strikes hanging over school boards?
3) The pay gap between teachers and other professionals will increase. That is an assertion and not an established fact. Besides, on an hourly rate basis, Pennsylvania teachers already make more than many white-collar employees. And in any case, professionals who make more than teachers in a market driven economy are the beneficiaries of their own productivity and value as determined by what employers can afford and are willing to pay. Supply and demand in a free competitive market works. On the other hand, in a public school monopoly setting with a union on one side and a school board on the other, compensation is not determined by competitive forces. The union has enormous non-market power because the schools are required by law to provide 180 days of education per school year and school age children are required by statute to attend, with punishments for parents if they do not. With teachers having the legal authority to strike, these statutory education requirements create an intolerable imbalance of negotiating power in favor of the unions.
4) The law is punitive to teachers. Any law that proscribes an activity and carries penalties for violations of that law by definition has a punitive component. But arguing that the law is punitive in the sense that outlawing strikes will impose a punishment on teachers is fatuous. No-striking would be a condition of employment. Only in a world where one believes the right to strike any employer, public or private, is a basic right that supersedes all other economic rights of all other citizens is it possible to argue that taking a way the right to strike is punitive. Sadly, there are many who live in that world. But it is not a sustainable world—at least not for long periods.
5) Teachers don’t like strikes any more than the rest of the community. This is a prima facie case of self-delusion, assuming the spokesperson actually believes the statement. If teachers disliked strikes as much as the taxpayers who must cough up the money for their pay and benefits or the parents and students who are greatly inconvenienced by the strikes, strikes would never happen, period. Teachers don’t dislike strikes. They relish them. It is their way of exercising the power they feel they so richly deserve. Besides, what’s not to like from their viewpoint? There is no loss of pay in a strike as is the case in private sector work stoppages. The 180 days have to be made up somehow through cancelling holidays and days off for students or prolonging the school year—so teachers who strike will get paid in full for the school year’s contract amount. No down side for them. Little wonder the Commonwealth is the perennial national teacher strike leader. Moreover, just the threat of a strike can do marvelous things to get school board members in an obsequious state of mind come bargaining time.
All things considered, the new legislation from Metcalfe and Rock is thoroughly justified and certainly long overdue for adoption into law by the General Assembly. The legislation’s opponents have no credible arguments. They are best described as self-serving and not convincing. To be sure however, the union’s political clout in the past has been the determining factor in Pennsylvania’s failure to join the overwhelming majority of states in banning teacher strikes. Perhaps a new day is dawning.
Jake Haulk, Ph.D., President
For updates and commentary on daily issues please visit our blog at www.alleghenyinstitute.org/blog.html If you have enjoyed reading this Policy Brief and would like to send it to a friend, please feel free to forward it to them. For more information on this and other topics, please visit our web site: www.alleghenyinstitute.org If you wish to support our efforts please consider becoming a donor to the Allegheny Institute. The Allegheny Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and all contributions are tax deductible. Please mail your contribution to:
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Tuesday, June 07, 2011
Crime
Any solution will have to address the illegal gun flow that puts powerful weapons in the hands of dangerous people. Unfortunately, state and federal lawmakers don't have the backbone these days to tighten state or federal laws and curb even illicit firearms. Education programs, job training and the hope of opportunity for black youths also must be part of the mix, but those elements are beyond the power or control of a city police chief.
Nate Harper's biggest contribution toward putting a brake on the tragic monotony of black-on-black homicide could be his willingness to shine a light on the problem and his openness to try things that could work in Pittsburgh.
Fwd: RenewPittsburgh: Deloitte Impact Day in Sheraden and Esplen, Friday June 10th!
http://www.renewpittsburgh.com/
Dear friends:
We are very pleased to announce that RenewPittsburgh is joining
forces with Deloitte in managing their annual IMPACT Day this Friday,
June 10th. We have been working over the past few months with
residents and community leaders in Sheraden and Esplen, and have
organized a dozen
exciting projects for 350 Deloitte volunteers to make a lasting impact
in these great Pittsburgh neighborhoods.
Sheraden Community Coffee Shop (future site), 1009 Adon Street
Sheraden Skate Park, Tuxedo Street
Sheraden Swimming Pool (reopens June 16th), Adon Street
McGonagle Field, end of Allendale St.
Sheraden Senior Center, 720 Sherwood Ave.
Schaeffer Intermediate School, 3128 Allendale Street
Re-Paint Boarded-Up Buildings, Sheraden
Real Estate Appraisal, Sheraden
Esplen Vacant Lot Conversions, Esplen
Goodwill Plaza, 612 Hillsboro Street
West End Library, 47 Wabash Avenue
Sheraden Library, 720 Sherwood Avenue
If you would like to volunteer this Friday, please contact
RenewPittsburgh at 412-404-6630 or email me at
Kevin@RenewPittsburgh.com.
Best regards,
Kevin Acklin
Executive Director
350 Deloitte Volunteers to Converge on Sheraden and Esplen June 10
June 10, 2011 – Big 4 accounting and consulting firm Deloitte LLP
will help give Sheraden and Esplen an extreme makeover on June 10 by
spearheading 12 community service projects for the west-end
neighborhoods in the City of Pittsburgh.
About 350 Deloitte volunteers will help create an upscale
community-based coffee house in the heart of Sheraden, help usher the
re-opening of the Sheraden swimming pool, refurbish a neighborhood
little league park, convert vacant lots and re-paint vacant
properties, and provide consultation and recreational activities to
senior citizens, among many other efforts.
It's all part of IMPACT Day, Deloitte's national day of community
service. Across the country on June 10 about 35,000 Deloitte
employees will support more than 800 non-profit service projects in 70
cities.
"Instead of holding different projects across the entire city, we
chose to focus our efforts into one community, which will have greater
impact," said Bob Denove, managing partner of Deloitte's Pittsburgh
office, who noted that last year the office focused on the South Side.
"We feel our efforts can start the process of creating long-lasting
change to Sheraden and Esplen, communities
that are rich in culture and history to Pittsburgh."
In planning its IMPACT Day approach for Pittsburgh, Deloitte
teamed up with RenewPittsburgh, Inc., a non-profit organization
working to revitalize the city's neighborhoods.
Executive Director Kevin Acklin and his team worked for several
months to engage the community and help Deloitte plan a series of
projects that could produce the most benefit to Sheraden and Esplen.
"We appreciate that Deloitte is being strategic with its
community service efforts, wanting to contribute to projects that can
increase the quality of life for residents in the Sheraden and Esplen
neighborhoods," said Acklin. "At a time when we are focused on
improving volunteerism in our city, it's also revealing that Deloitte
is donating both manual labor and their skills as
business consultants and advisors – it underscores that companies have
a variety of ways to give back to our city."
All projects are being guided by the leadership of City
Councilwoman Theresa Kail-Smith, the Sheraden Community Council and
the Sheraden Kiwanis Community Foundation.
With the Sheraden Community Coffee Shop project, about 40
Deloitte volunteers will refurbish the exterior of a run-down
structure as part of a broader effort to transform the building into a
community-based coffee shop. The effort will be in conjunction with
Project Coffeehouse, a non-profit agency working to enliven
neighborhoods by launching coffee shops as a place to foster
collaboration
and business development.
At Sheraden Swimming Pool, 25 Deloitte employees will repaint and
provide landscaping to the parking lot, in anticipation for a June
16threopening after being closed for several years.
At McGonagle Field, volunteers will paint the dugouts and
bleachers and repair the fencing in getting the facility ready for
Sheraden's little league baseball team.
And in demonstrating the range of Deloitte's approach to
volunteerism (brawn and brains), about 25 Deloitte business advisors
will provide free financial consultation to residents of Sheraden
Senior Center, including advice related to taxes and estate planning.
Another 40 Deloitte professionals will also conduct a detailed
assessment of houses and real estate properties in Sheraden, ranking
each property according to its condition. The information will help
real estate agents in promoting home and business ownership in
Sheraden while giving the City of Pittsburgh a list of unsalvageable
properties to be demolished.
IMPACT Day Fact Sheet
IMPACT Day is an annual celebration of Deloitte's year-round
commitment to volunteerism.
This year marks Deloitte's 12thAnnual IMPACT Day.
On IMPACT Day, all of Deloitte's 50,000+ personnel are
encouraged to participate in about 800community service projects in
more than 70 communities. Each volunteer project is organized by local
Deloitte personnel to meet the needs of the nonprofit it supports.
IMPACT Day is unique among corporate volunteer days in that, in
addition to doing lots of traditional volunteerism, we also offer the
skills and innovative thinking of our people to help nonprofits deal
with their strategic, operational and financial challenges.
Approximately one-third of Deloitte's IMPACT Day volunteer
projects are skills-based and require business knowledge. We also
participate in traditional, hands-on volunteer activities such as
painting and beatification projects.
About Deloitte
As used in this document, "Deloitte" means Deloitte LLP and
Deloitte Services LP. Please see www.deloitte.com/aboutfor a detailed
description of the legal structure of Deloitte LLP.
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Ta.
Mark Rauterkus Mark.Rauterkus@gmail.com
http://Rauterkus.blogspot.com
http://FixPA.wikia.com
http://CLOH.wikia.com
412 298 3432 = cell
2 minute film festival without any entry fee
Filmmakers: submit your finest—and shortest—video to Carnegie Museum
of Art and your work could be featured in "The Labor Party: A
Two-Minute Film Festival," held on July 21, as part of the Pittsburgh
Biennial.
To get started, use "The Labor Party" as a prompt to create a video
short using media of your choice (camera, camcorder, cell phone,
animation program, etc.). Whether live-action or animated,
documentary, mockumentary, fictional, or non-narrative, your video
should be two minutes or less in length.
of Art and your work could be featured in "The Labor Party: A
Two-Minute Film Festival," held on July 21, as part of the Pittsburgh
Biennial.
To get started, use "The Labor Party" as a prompt to create a video
short using media of your choice (camera, camcorder, cell phone,
animation program, etc.). Whether live-action or animated,
documentary, mockumentary, fictional, or non-narrative, your video
should be two minutes or less in length.
There is no fee to enter, and anyone over 18 is welcome to submit. The
deadline for submission is June 20. The Two-Minute Film Festival
audience will be encouraged to vote for their favorite film, and the
Viewer's Choice award winner will be announced at the end of the
evening, with the winner receiving a free one-year individual
membership to Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh. Be sure to attend the
screening event in case your work is the Viewer's Choice!
Promotional support provided by Pop City Media.
How to Submit
Questions?
Email 2minutefilms@carnegiemuseums.org
--
--
Ta.
Mark Rauterkus Mark.Rauterkus@gmail.com
http://Rauterkus.blogspot.com
http://FixPA.wikia.com
http://CLOH.wikia.com
412 298 3432 = cell
[DW] Summer of neighborly online love - Major Neighbors Forums presentation, webinar, links
---------- Forwarded message
From: Steven Clift
From: Steven Clift
We have exciting news to share about our recent neighborhood Issues
Forums momentum:
http://blog.e-democracy.org/posts/1215
Our "Neighbors Forum" model combines civic engagement from our
city-wide "online townhalls" (started in 1998) with very local
neighborhood "community life" online communities. The hybrid is pretty
magic.
We embrace openness, civility and inclusive outreach with our
neighborhood public spaces that cover areas with 5 to 20K in
population. We don't ban local "politics" or virtually close the gate
behind a password. This maximizes engagement with elected officials
and the community institutions we support with our tax dollars or as
customers.
In my own neighborhood - http://e-democracy.org/se , we have just over
~17% of households participating - over 700 members. Take a look and
ask what you can do to build something similar for your own
neighborhood. You may have to believe it to see it.
* Neighbors Forums Presentation
Here is a brand spanking new presentation with slides, extended audio,
flyers, links, etc. to go in-depth:
http://blog.e-democracy.org/posts/1215
* Effective Outreach to Diverse Communities
Crucially we've launched the third generation of our diverse community
outreach positions (as we experiment with methods to build inclusive
participation in lower income, highly diverse/high immigrant areas) as
we seek to find ways to leverage minimal resources for maximum impact:
http://blog.e-democracy.org/posts/1197
This all feeds into our summer campaign for online neighborhood
participation focused on the Minneapolis and St. Paul:
http://tcneighbors.org (Twin Cities)
With support through the end of the year from the Ford Foundation, the
Knight Foundation's donor-advised fund at the St. Paul Foundation, the
Digital Inclusion Fund at the Minneapolis Foundation, and the Blandin
Foundation (for coming second generation outreach with our rural
Native American majority community forum) we've just launched a major
outreach campaign to recruit many more participants (Goal: 1000 total)
as well as launch over 10 new all volunteer-led forums.
(This is on top of our local volunteer-led, unfunded effort in
Christchurch New Zealand to open 25 forums for post-quake community
recovery - http://neighbours.cc .)
* Lesson Sharing
With the Ford support we will be packaging up our lessons and sharing
them later in the year and in 2012 we seek opportunities to take our
Inclusive Social Media - http://e-democracy.org/inclusion - training
and outreach to far more communities. We'd rather not be lonely. The
lack of activity at the intersection of raising diverse community
voices online - particularly those that build bridges among
communities locally - and digital inclusion must be addressed.
To learn about future webinars and other involvement opportunities,
here are some places to tune-in:
1. E-Democracy Blog - http://blog.e-democracy.org - E-mail option on left
2. Projects Volunteer Group - http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/projects
3. Locals Online - A peer to peer online community of practice -
http://e-democracy.org/locals
Steven Clift
E-Democracy.org
P.S. I've left out my this is soooo much more than simply slapping up
a new Facebook Page for a neighborhood commentary. Creating quality
community public space more effort and better design than essentially
opening a virtual strip mall location off in the far corner of the
parking lot and expecting it to attract real community engagement.
Steven Clift - http://stevenclift.com
Executive Director - http://E-Democracy.Org
--
--
Ta.
Mark Rauterkus Mark.Rauterkus@gmail.com
http://Rauterkus.blogspot.com
http://FixPA.wikia.com
http://CLOH.wikia.com
412 298 3432 = cell
Sunday, June 05, 2011
Early debates that exclude are poison to our political process. CNN can fix it's evil ways.
If concerned Americans don’t protest the exclusion of Governor Johnson from the debate, he will surely not be included. However, if we let folks know what our opinion on the matter is, they are more likely to give him consideration.
Please request to hear Governor Gary Johnson in the debate!
• There is now a grassroots petition being signed up online Change.org which will be sent to media and GOP leaders.
• Call WMUR at (603) 669-9999 and fill out their contact form.
• Call the NH Union-Leader newspaper at (603) 668-4321 or fill out their news tip suggestion box. You can also e-mail them.
• Call CNN at (404) 827-1500 or (202) 898-7900 or text CNN (space) and your news tip to 772937. You can also submit your comment online.
• Post your comments at CNN’s article about the debate.
Another option is to contact the Advertising Departments for each of these outlets and inform them that you will not be purchasing anything they sell until Gary Johnson is included in the debate. If the Advertising Department believes they will lose customers, they will pressure other departments to change their strategy.
If prospective GOP voters do not get to hear from Gary Johnson, it’s one less liberty advocate providing the solutions our country needs.
Wave At The Bus: Day 150 - Graduation Season
Wave At The Bus: Day 150 - Graduation Season: "' A graduation ceremony is an event where the commencement speaker tells thousands of students dressed in identical caps ..."
Saturday, June 04, 2011
The noctilucent clouds
ELECTRIC-BLUE CLOUDS: The 2011 noctilucent cloud (NLC) season has begun. For the past few nights, observers in northern parts of Europe have spotted velvety, electric-blue tendrils rippling across the sunset sky. NLCs are a summertime phenomenon first reported by polar observers in the 19th century. In recent decades, for reasons no one fully understands, the clouds have intensified and spread as far south as Utah and Colorado. Visit today's edition of http://spaceweather.com for photos and observing tips.
CHANCE OF MAGNETIC ACTIVITY: NOAA forecasters estimate a 45% chance of geomagnetic activity on June 4th when an incoming solar wind stream and a CME might deliver a double blow to Earth's magnetic field. High-latitude sky watchers in both hemispheres should be alert for auroras. Aurora alerts: http://spaceweatherphone.com (voice) or http://spaceweathertext.com (text).
Thursday, June 02, 2011
Division III Schools Flex Their Sports Muscles - WSJ.com
Division III Schools Flex Their Sports Muscles - WSJ.com: "The NCAA's Division I has seen a net loss of 106 wrestling teams, 72 men's tennis teams and 18 men's swim teams over the past 20 years. On many teams that remain, scholarships are becoming scarce. As schools rush to comply with Title IX, men's D-I tennis teams usually only have about four scholarships per team (or fewer) while women's teams generally have twice as many."
Wednesday, June 01, 2011
House Leaders Kill Libya Withdrawal Resolution - Blogcritics Politics
Look again as to who your peace loving friends are again.
House Leaders Kill Libya Withdrawal Resolution - Blogcritics Politics: "This afternoon as the House was getting ready to vote on a resolution demanding that President Obama pull US troops out of Libya when the Republican House leadership had the bill pulled fromt he docket. The apparent reason for this action was that it looked like the bill was getting too much support and might actually pass, while GOP leaders just wanted it to come close to passing to put pressure on the administration.
The reasoning behind this action seems to be pretty convoluted and perhaps somewhat despicable. They apparently want President Obama to take the blame for the war in Libya while not actually going so far as to actually stand clearly against his actions and perhaps even end the war. They had assumed that the resolution would only be backed by Democrats, but to their surprise many Republicans who don't like the idea of an unconstitutional war, were going to vote for the resolution.
This is a perfect example of the effects of the change in the Republican majority coming out of last election. There is now a core group of Republicans who aren't willing to play games and who are serious about issues like making war without even following the guidelines of the War Powers Act, much less the Constitution."
You go long.
Registration opens for Tomlin's Father and Kids Experience: "'All of us at Family First and All Pro Dad are excited that this event continues to be an annual outing for dads and kids,' said Mark Merrill, founder and president of Family First. 'Just as in years past, again this year we are bringing new themes and insights into the program, so the format remains familiar, but the concepts are fresh for returning dads and kids.'"
Monday, May 30, 2011
Revolution in Spain—15M: from Anger to Action Crossing The Sun Door
Project-Censored-L mailing list
By Concha Mateos, PhD in Social Communication
By Concha Mateos, PhD in Social Communication
Faculty at one public University in Madrid.
Something that looked impossible is happening.
Not a miracle: there is no God acting, no divine intervention. Only human will and the crowd.
Thousands of people were there, with the same ideas, the same objectives, the same desire for
change. They lived in different places and cities and countries, but they were in reality at the same Puerta del Sol, although none of them did know.
One day of May 2011 they happened to gather together driven by the same and only cause.
Have you ever taken a decision together with thousands of people in which each person's opinion is heard and treated equally?
Thousands of people were there, in the same ideas, in the same objectives, in the same need
of changes, in the same Puerta del Sol, but they didn´t know it.
The companions have meet together.
Have you ever taken a decision with thousands of people considering them all the same?
The square, whatever square, has become a school in democracy – pure, radical, real, and effective democracy. (Democracia real ya – real democracy now – is the name of one of the groups making up the movement.) While corporations try everyday to captivate audiences sat in front of the TV, swallowing garbage TV entertainments, the protest is in the form of an acampada (camp) in the squares. There you have people listening to each other sitting on the ground taking and sharing the floor. The sun assembly shines every night at Puerta del Sol.
We build agreement where politicians want rivalry.
We look for solutions where politicians want oppression.
We don't fight: we presist, we protest creatively. Consent, participation, respect (for one another,
for animals, for the environment), dialogue are our methodology. We raise our hands and shout: these are our weapons. And work hard and patiently to reach agreement.
After thousands of years of human civilization, one system of production has appeared in the last period and managed to oppress more people and destroy more resources than ever before.
Beyond its plastic face, capitalism has brought ruin to the way of life of millions of human beings, as
well as those regarded as sub-human, the immigrants trying to survive within the sub-democracy, without rights, a place to live or the entitlement to vote, living on a pittance, a dishonor for them but a cause of shame for the rest of us.
The welfare state is being destroyed, huge areas of the planet are condemned never to become part of it.
Another system is possible. Stop lying with your corporate media.
This Spanish revolution is a revolution because people have been changed in the process. That is the first and the main step forward in any protest, the transformation it brings about within the individual.
We were angry at the beginning. Capitalism has wasted four centuries spreading out reasons for the protest, barriers we have climb over to get a job, to get a house, to get an education, to get healthcare, to win political, social and cultural rights, real rights, to defend our dignity.
Corruption, privilege, politicians paid by corporations to manipulate the economic system, putty in
corporate hands, TV entertainment offered us instead of participation.
Capitalism planted the seeds of the anger of the indignados. But outrage is not our goal. We are not doing this to remain angry.
The indignation we felt was identified a long time ago. But who were "we"? Nobody knew. But we do now. We discovered this "we" in Puerta del Sol on 15th May, 15th, we discovered that our indignation is wide spread, we are thousands of people, a booming process of collective conscience.
A new political subject has emerged. We are the first to be transformed. That is because this
is a revolution.
We have rescued that word from TV and cultural theory. We are giving back its meaning to the people,
ordinary people throughout Madrid's various neighborhoods made their voices heard in meetings held last Saturday (May 28). Hundreds of local assemblies held throughout Spain, with women, men, mothers, grandfathers, students, professors, workers, immigrants, real people living a real democracy taking shape in their local areas for the first time in their lives.
Indignation became joy. And now that joy is seeing us through to organizing.
Anger plus joy produces
strength. Strength plus organization is the start of structural change.
Yes, we camp. We have camped and we will camp into the future.
The Puerta del Sol camp is not going to fade away; it is going to
explode, to set up camp deep in
the thinking of people. No police force or government can remove it
from the mind
of the new political subject that has burst onto the stage shouting Democracia
real ya.
Remove the current electoral system, get rid of the economic
privileges the political class has allowed
itself, make the corporations responsible for the crisis pay for the crisis,
stop the economic reforms dictated by international economic power, and let our
reason govern our world, not the capitalist reason. Claim, support and defend
all this through democratic meetings, horizontally, and peacefully.
It is happening, and it is not a miracle. It is something more
powerful, a lot of people have
experienced the pleasure of recovering the political sense of our lives. Debate
and decide in assembly.
We held two general assemblies yesterday, May 29. The assembly of
local committees in the morning
and the general one at night, lasting more than four hours each. The need and
the plan and the dream of restructuring the camp at Puerta del Sol, a camp that
is a symbol and reference point for so many people. We connected live with
companions in Athens and Paris. We condemned the police actions against them.
Have you ever taken a decision with thousands of people in a public
square? Have you ever experienced
the energy of that collective will and responsibility?
It is hard work. To turn anger into joy, and joy into agreement for
action. Truly hard labor, but
the only one that can give us back our dignity.
Concha Mateos has a PhD in Social Communication and is on the faculty
at a public University
in Madrid. She has been actively involved with Project Censored since 2009.
Use of force by city police declines
A news article from the Post-Gazette reads, in part:
Some folks are just so full of rage that they can't control themselves. They don't care if they get wild and are put back into safe distances or into positions where they can't hurt others. Sure. That's out there. Drugs can do that to a person. So too, especially, can booze. Some are fearless and think that they can leap out of tall buildings too. Some just snap or have already snapped when the police arrive.
But, a report is a report and to say that "a percentage of people" is to say very little at all. What is that percentage. How many zeros come after the decimal point? Is it one percent? Is it two percent? Is it point zero three percent?
I like the report and I like the numbers, but I don't like the quote as it tells next to nothing.
Use of force by city police declines'There is a percentage of people out there who will fight the police at the drop of a hat,' Officer Wright said. 'They don't care.'
Some folks are just so full of rage that they can't control themselves. They don't care if they get wild and are put back into safe distances or into positions where they can't hurt others. Sure. That's out there. Drugs can do that to a person. So too, especially, can booze. Some are fearless and think that they can leap out of tall buildings too. Some just snap or have already snapped when the police arrive.
But, a report is a report and to say that "a percentage of people" is to say very little at all. What is that percentage. How many zeros come after the decimal point? Is it one percent? Is it two percent? Is it point zero three percent?
I like the report and I like the numbers, but I don't like the quote as it tells next to nothing.
Chair Memorial Day Message
MEMORIAL DAY 2011 ![]()
Dear Fellow Libertarian,
Memorial Day, first just a day and now a weekend, is a time to remember those past and present that serve -- and have served -- their country and communities with honor and dignity. These men and women have done this so that others can enjoy the freedom and liberty we call the American dream. There is so much I want to say, but for once it will not be political.
Long before I was a Libertarian, a distinction I grow more proud of every day, I was first American. Long before you were a Republican, Democrat, Conservative, Independent, Liberal, Tea Party, or Green you were, and are, Americans first. Let's remind ourselves of that often.
On this Memorial Day, my prayers go out to all those that are currently serving in the armed forces, especially those serving in combat areas around the world. These prayers extend to POW's and missing in action, asking for a speedy and safe return.
I pray our leaders find the wisdom in the words of our founding fathers and hear their warning to avoid entangling alliances, so that our troops can come home now. There is a better way.
Above all, to those families and friends of fallen soldiers, I say a special prayer today that you find solace and comfort knowing that your loss will not be forgotten, and they are at peace with those few that gave their all for the greater good of mankind.
With this Memorial Day blog, I would also like to acknowledge an individual that has risen above all odds to give hope, encouragement and a voice to those that fight daily with mental health disorders. I know first-hand all the obstacles, self doubt, anxiety, and ups/downs this recently announced Citizen of the Year has gone through over the years because it is one of my sisters, and one that I am most proud of, Christine Jasikoff. (http://www.saratogian.com/articles/2011/05/07/news/doc4dc5e513a653f529109024.txt )
With this Memorial Day blog, I would also like to acknowledge an individual that has risen above all odds to give hope, encouragement and a voice to those that fight daily with mental health disorders. I know first-hand all the obstacles, self doubt, anxiety, and ups/downs this recently announced Citizen of the Year has gone through over the years because it is one of my sisters, and one that I am most proud of, Christine Jasikoff. (http://www.saratogian.com/articles/2011/05/07/news/doc4dc5e513a653f529109024.txt )
We are all here for but a speck of time, so why not make the most of it? In the scheme of things will anyone really remember, or care that you got that report out on time, or made that sales quota? When you have reached your later years is that what you will remember, or be proud of? Of course not!
So make that difference now. Get involved. Trust me on this, we all have something. It could be drinking, drugs, gambling, over-eating, too much shopping, the list goes on and on. None of us is perfect. Except Libertarians , of course LOL! Oh, I forgot I said no politics today, so enjoy the rest of your weekend. Hopefully you take some time to be with yourself, family and loved ones. The craziness begins again tomorrow!
In Liberty,
Lou Jasikoff, Chair – Libertarian Party of PA
REMINDER: The next State meeting is on June 11 in Harrisburg.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Memorial Day Ride, as per the rain date
We are riding on the RAIN DATE - Memorial Day - 6:45 AM (morning)
Who: Cyclists -- road, recreation, commuter, race, triathlon. All who legally share the road.
What: The Pittsburgh arm of the worldwide Ride Of Silence™ bike
rally. See http://rideofsilence.org
Why:
• to honor those cyclists injured or killed on public roadways
• to raise awareness of cyclists on the road
• to demonstrate responsible road sharing
• to show that cyclists are not going away
When: Monday , May 30 , 20 2011 , 6: 45 AM . We roll out at 7:00 AM sharp.
Pittsburgh start location: Southside - 26th & Sidney (behind REI).
Route is 10 miles, roughly http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/34042598/
THE RIDE OF SILENCE WILL NOT BE QUIET
• On the third Wednesday of May around the world, cyclists will take to the roads in a silent protest of the carnage taking place on the streets. (In Pittsburgh, we ride on Memorial Day mornings!)
• Chris Phelan organized the first Ride Of Silence in Dallas in 2003 after endurance cyclist Larry Schwartz was killed by a passing bus mirror on an empty road.
• The Ride Of Silence is a free ride that asks its cyclists to ride at a slow pace and remain silent during the ride.
• The ride hopes to raise cycling awareness during bike safety month to motorists, police, traffic engineers, insurance companies, and city officials. The ride is also a chance to mourn, in funeral procession style, those who have already been killed.
• The ride requests black arm bands be worn, red only if you have had a bike/motor vehicle accident. Helmets are required; bright clothing and lights are highly recommended for the ride home. There are no fees charged anyone to participate.
How we will ride in Pittsburgh:
• Double file, side by side, keeping to a single lane, and to the right of the yellow line where it exists. (Most of the roads we will use do not have lanes wide enough to safely share) Stop and wait at all red lights - we're a big group and will undoubtedly be breaking up and regrouping as we go along. If there is slower traffic in the lane, we'll just wait for it.
• Please bring bikes in good repair, as there will be no official mechanical support or transportation.
• Helmets are required. Ipods and the like are frowned upon.
• Children aged 12 and under should be in trailers, trail-a-bikes, tandems or the like, not riding independently.
• This ride takes place on city streets, with potholes, surface hazards, motor vehicles and other cyclists riding in close proximity.
• Participants must use their own judgement and be responsible for their own safety. If at any time, you feel that you can no longer participate safely, please pull off the route and wait until the rest of the ride has passed.
Pittsburgh Ride of Silence Contact for 2011: Lyle Seaman (lwseaman@hotmail.com)
The Pittsburgh Ride of Silence is endorsed by Western Pennsylvania Wheelmen, Bike Pittsburgh, and the Pittsburgh Major Taylor Cycling Club.
The endorsers and organizer are bearing
Citizens with video camera to receive $75,000 in Blawnox settlement
WOW - I'm in shock...Melina called to ask for help. Weird they settled
like that "at the insistence of their insurance carrier." They must
have been bound to lose big time!
like that "at the insistence of their insurance carrier." They must
have been bound to lose big time!
Forwarded message from {PghAction}
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11147/1149599-100.stm?cmpid=latest.xml
Women to receive $75,000 in Blawnox settlement
Friday, May 27, 2011
By Rich Lord, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
A lawsuit accusing Blawnox of illegally restricting public
participation in, and recording of, meetings has been settled, with the
borough agreeing to change its policies and pay a total of $75,000 to
two women and their attorneys. Blawnox Council approved the settlement
Thursday.
Peggy Albright and Melina Brajovic sued last year over a series of
events beginning in 2008. They said the borough council had barred
comment at some meetings; ordered the arrest of Ms. Albright for
disorderly conduct; made non-specific threats when controversial issues
were raised; and barred Ms. Brajovic from filming meetings without
signing up a day in advance and remaining in a designated area.
When the disorderly conduct charge against Ms. Albright was
dismissed in Common Pleas Court, District Attorney Stephen A. Zappala
Jr. took the unusual step of appealing to the state Supreme Court --
but lost.
The borough will now allow public comment at both its business and
agenda meetings and lift the restrictions on videotaping, according to
Frederick B. Goldsmith, who, along with the American Civil Liberties
Union, represented the plaintiffs in U.S. District Court.
"Although the matter has been settled, the borough officials deny
any liability" for any violations of state open meetings laws or
federal civil rights, according to a press release from Blawnox. The
release quoted Mayor Thomas M. Smith as saying the settlement was made
"at the insistence of the borough's insurance carrier."
Both women, along with their attorneys, will get portions of the
settlement amount, Mr. Goldsmith wrote in a summary of the settlement.
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11147/1149599-100.stm?cmpid=latest.xml#ixzz1NaUeQJH2
--
--
Ta.
Mark Rauterkus Mark.Rauterkus@gmail.com
http://Rauterkus.blogspot.com
http://FixPA.wikia.com
http://CLOH.wikia.com
412 298 3432 = cell
Rant in school newspaper about education funding
Pierotti’s Point..Thanks, Governor Corbett. An education down the drain
One gym, one budget, and one new school. Those are the only three things that pop into my head when I think about Obama Academy. This year has been out of control with school funding, budgets, and cuts. We as students shouldn’t have to worry about where our education is coming from. For example, we are moving to Peabody, and we may get a new gym, new sporting equipment, and new uniforms with our school colors but what about other things? For instance, if you’re in journalism, you know that we started off this year with 26 laptops, and now, on May 24th we have just 12 left. We are willing to spend thousands upon thousands of dollars on a gym but we have no supplies for school?
Full link: http://www.obamaeagle.org/in-depth/2011/05/26/pierottis-point-thanks-governor-corbett-an-education-down-the-drain/
Bad news for K to 12th grade education in PA. Poor get poorer, sadly.
First this news from the Duquesne School District then a school newspaper rant.
Duquesne schools face teacher cuts
Extracurricular activities also may be eliminated
Friday, May 27, 2011
By Mary Niederberger, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Under a preliminary budget approved Thursday, the Duquesne City School District will see its teaching staff cut from 51 to 29.
Also, all extracurricular activities and after-school programs will be eliminated and its administrative staff pared to a principal and an assistant principal.
And that's the good news.
That's because the $14.26 million budget approved by the state board of control overseeing the district is still $2.52 million short.
The board adopted a preliminary budget that is out of balance because it couldn't bear to make any further cuts to the educational program in the K-8 school for 413 students the district still operates.
Also, its members warned they may not vote to adopt a final budget that contains the bare-bones program presented in the preliminary budget.
"This board will not accept this as a reality," said Juan Baughn, a special assistant to the state education secretary and the newly appointed chairman of the board of control. "This is not over, and we are not going to let it be over until our kids are taken care of."
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Fw: Apply Now! EPLC's 2011-12 Education Policy Fellowship Program
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®
From: Ron Cowell <cowell@eplc.org>
Date: Wed, 25 May 2011 15:55:01 -0400
To: Ron Cowell<cowell@eplc.org>
Subject: Apply Now! EPLC's 2011-12 Education Policy Fellowship Program
2011-2012 PENNSYLVANIA EDUCATION POLICY FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
Applications are available now for the 2011-2012 Education Policy Fellowship Program (EPFP). The Education Policy Fellowship Program is sponsored in Pennsylvania by The Education Policy and Leadership Center (EPLC).
With more than 300 graduates in its first twelve years, this Program is a premier professional development opportunity for educators, state and local policymakers, advocates, and community leaders. Act 48 credits are available to individuals holding Pennsylvania teaching or administrative certificates, and State Board of Accountancy (SBA) credits are available to certified public accountants.
Past participants include state policymakers, district superintendents and principals, school business officers, school board members, education deans/chairs, statewide association leaders, parent leaders, education advocates, and other education and community leaders. Fellows are typically sponsored by their employer or another organization.
The Fellowship Program begins with a two-day retreat on September 8-9, 2011 and continues through June 2012.
Applications are being accepted now.
Click on http://www.eplc.org/leadership_fellowship_about.shtml to see:
· 2011-12 Schedule
· 20110-12 Application
· Past Speakers
· Program Alumni
· More Information
Since space is limited to approximately 30 positions, it is advisable to submit an application as soon as possible. The application may be copied from the EPLC Web Site, but must be submitted by mail with the necessary signatures of applicant and sponsor.
If you would like to discuss any aspect of the Fellowship Program and its requirements, please contact Ron Cowell at 717-260-9900 or cowell@eplc.org.
Tuesday Evening Photos at the ACA Cycling Events
From: Fred Jordan
There are several links associated with last night's racing.
The main gallery: http://fredjordan.smugmug.com/Sports/ACA-Races-at-the-Track-Women/17217251_tFT76V#1306421848_r9GWZ9K
A short video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVRkTVCh3nM&feature=channel_video_title
A brief blog entry: http://www.fjordanphoto.com/blog/
It was a beautiful night, and both races had strong turnouts.
Fred
There are several links associated with last night's racing.
The main gallery: http://fredjordan.smugmug.com/Sports/ACA-Races-at-the-Track-Women/17217251_tFT76V#1306421848_r9GWZ9K
A short video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVRkTVCh3nM&feature=channel_video_title
A brief blog entry: http://www.fjordanphoto.com/blog/
It was a beautiful night, and both races had strong turnouts.
Fred
Fwd: Another Chance to Speak Out on the PATRIOT Act
Begin forwarded message:
Dear Liberty Activists:
After the debate and amendments to the PATRIOT Act were shut down by a cloture vote in the Senate late Monday, today Senator Rand Paul (RLC-KY) carried out a heroic seven-hour filibuster on the floor of the Senate to buy time to fight back against the proposed four-year extension of the PATRIOT Act. Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and other leaders in the House and Senate still don't want to hear debate or consider amendments to the bill, but we now have another day to put pressure on the Senate and probably two more days to try to influence House members.
For a report on Senator Paul's filibuster see the coverage in The Hill, which explains the details of the procedural process which the PATRIOT Act will now have to go through before it gets renewed. You should also visit Senator Paul's website for a summary of what is in his proposed amendments to the PATRIOT Act. While it would be ideal to see the PATRIOT Act disposed of once and for all, the proposed amendments offer a compromise which would address some of the worst violations of civil liberties in the PATRIOT Act while not fully repealing it. The protections for gun owners privacy and other fourth amendment rights are particularly important. We wouldn't normally send out another email so quickly on an acti vism issue like this, but events are moving incredibly fast and there's a real opportunity to have an influence. Many Senators and Representatives are on the fence. On Monday our calls and emails convinced several Senators to change their votes and there are reports that many House members are also wavering. In his weekly newsletter Representative Allen West wrote:
"Let me make myself clear, there is no one more focused on the security of the United States, but I also believe in preserving the liberty of our citizens. The record checks and roving wiretap provisions cause me concern, resulting from my research and query of local and federal law enforcement officers. Over the coming days, I will be reviewing documents to make a careful assessment so I can determine my support or opposition to this further extension to the PATRIOT Act."Like others he is aware of the public concern over the PATRIOT Act and he appears ready to be convinced to do the right thing and vote to restore our Fourth Amendment rights. I hope you can take time to call and email your Senators and Representatives on Wednesday morning. Ask them to demand that the leadership allow debate to take place and amendments to be considered in both the Senate and House.
Edmund Burke wrote that "All government – indeed, every human benefit and enjoyment, every virtue and every prudent act – is founded on compromise and barter." The proposed PATRIOT Act amendments are a reasonable compromise to offer to those Congressmen who are not ready to fully oppose renewal. If you have time, please also email Sen. Paul or call his office at 202-224-4343 to express your support for his heroic efforts on this issue.
Make sure your voice is heard! Just click on this link to find contact information for your representatives.
Keep fighting for liberty,Dave NalleNational ChairmanRepublican Liberty CaucusRepublican Liberty Caucus
www.rlc.org • 202-239-6207
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
NCAA Market - Robert Morris needs a head women's ice hockey coach
NCAA Market - Job Search: "Robert Morris University is accepting applications for the position of Head Coach of Women’s Ice Hockey. This is a full-time position with responsibilities to include all aspects of coaching and recruiting in the sport of women’s ice hockey.
Qualified candidates should submit a letter of application, current resume and a list of three references to Human Resources, Robert Morris University, 6001 University Blvd, Moon Township, PA 15108; or e-mail to jobs@rmu.edu.
Visit our website at www.rmu.edu for additional information about Robert Morris University.
Robert Morris University is committed to increasing diversity in its community and actively pursues individuals from all backgrounds. Additionally, RMU complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws and provides equal opportunity in all educational programs and activities, admission of students and conditions of employment for all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation or national origin. EOE"
Qualified candidates should submit a letter of application, current resume and a list of three references to Human Resources, Robert Morris University, 6001 University Blvd, Moon Township, PA 15108; or e-mail to jobs@rmu.edu.
Visit our website at www.rmu.edu for additional information about Robert Morris University.
Robert Morris University is committed to increasing diversity in its community and actively pursues individuals from all backgrounds. Additionally, RMU complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws and provides equal opportunity in all educational programs and activities, admission of students and conditions of employment for all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation or national origin. EOE"
NCAA working with HBCUs to clear APR barriers - NCAA.org
NCAA working with HBCUs to clear APR barriers - NCAA.org: "HBCU advocates say the reasons for the downward movement are complex and extend beyond a lack of resources, though that factor is cited most often as a reason for poor academic performance. Where many institutions with more funding can hire academic advisors, tutors and other people to ensure their student-athletes go to class, many HBCUs just don’t have that kind of cash on hand."
Fw: [DW] Global Transparency Research - FreedomInfo.org -Special Report, May 24, 2011
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®
-----Original Message-----
From: Steven Clift <clift@e-democracy.org>
Sender: newswire@groups.dowire.org
Date: Tue, 24 May 2011 15:51:16
To: <newswire@groups.dowire.org>
Subject: [DW] Global Transparency Research - FreedomInfo.org -Special Report, May 24, 2011
From: "Toby McIntosh" <TMcIntosh@bna.com>
Date: May 24, 2011 3:00 PM
Subject: FreedomInfo.org -Special Report, May 24, 2011
To: <FREEDOMINFO@hermes.gwu.edu>
FreedomInfo.org - Special Report, May 24, 2011
First Global Conference on Transparency Research Held
A FreedomInfo.org special report covers many of the 130 research papers, on
a wide variety of transparency topics, presented during the two-day meeting
at the University of Rutgers-Newark. Highlights include:
Overview: What happened at the conference, including calls for more
attention to womens transparency needs and for more transparency of an
international climate change fund; plus reports on macro-views of the
transparency movement.
http://www.freedominfo.org/wp-admin/post.php?action=edit&post=5730
Future Research: A call for more research from the donor community.
http://www.freedominfo.org/2011/05/donor-community-eager-for-deeper-research-tisne-says/
Plus, recommendations from conference participants.
http://www.freedominfo.org/2011/05/next-steps-on-transparency-research-sketched/
Africa: Explanations for the comparatively few FOI laws in Africa.
http://www.freedominfo.org/2011/05/transparency-researchers-gather-at-rutgers-conference/
Theory: Papers presented on the theory and philosophy of transparency.
http://www.freedominfo.org/2011/05/theory-philosophy-of-transparency-explored/
Influences: What affects passage and implementation of FOI laws?
http://www.freedominfo.org/2011/05/foi-passage-factors-elucidated-in-research/
Mexico: A new study on FOI implementation in Mexico.
http://www.freedominfo.org/2011/05/mexican-rti-case-study-looks-at-facilitating-factors/
Local e-Gov: Evaluating e-government at the municipal level.
http://www.freedominfo.org/2011/05/transparency-researchers-gather-at-rutgers-conference/
Open Data: Evaluating the Open Data movement in Latin America.
http://www.freedominfo.org/2011/05/researchers-examine-future-of-open-data-in-latin-america/
Corruption: Is transparency working?
http://www.freedominfo.org/2011/05/is-transparency-losing-in-fight-with-corruption/
Trust: Does transparency build trust in government?
http://www.freedominfo.org/2011/05/transparency-trust-dynamic-explored-in-new-studies/
China: The development of transparency in China.
http://www.freedominfo.org/2011/05/papers-probe-drivers-of-transparency-in-china/
South Korea: New studies on transparency in South Korea.
http://www.freedominfo.org/2011/05/studies-explore-transparency-performance-in-south-korea/
WikiLeaks: A new chapter for transparency?
http://www.freedominfo.org/2011/05/is-wikileaks-a-new-chapter-in-transparency-history/
Link to all stories from the overview story here:
http://www.freedominfo.org/wp-admin/post.php?action=edit&post=5730
Read more at http://www.FreedomInfo.org
Follow us on twitter! http://twitter.com/freedominfoorg
_______________________________________________________________
FreedomInfo.org is a one-stop portal that describes best practices,
consolidates lessons learned, explains campaign strategies and tactics, and
links the efforts of freedom of information advocates around the world. It
contains crucial information on freedom of information laws and how they
were drafted and implemented, including how various provisions have worked
in practice.
_______________________________________________________________
PRIVACY NOTICE FreedomInfo.org does not and will never share the names or
e-mail addresses of its subscribers with any other organization. We would
welcome your input, and any information you care to share with us about your
special interests. But we do not sell or rent any information about
subscribers to any other party.
_______________________________________________________________
TO UNSUBSCRIBE FROM THE LIST You may leave the list at any time by sending a
"SIGNOFF FREEDOMINFO" command to <LISTSERV@HERMES.CIRC.GWU.EDU>. You can
also unsubscribe from the list anytime by using the following link: <
http://hermes.circ.gwu.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=freedominfo&A=1>
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http://groups.dowire.org/groups/newswire
Replies go to members of Newswire - Steven Clift's Democracies Online Newswire with all posts on this topic here:
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Newswire - Steven Clift's Democracies Online Newswire is hosted by Democracies Online - http://dowire.org.
-----Original Message-----
From: Steven Clift <clift@e-democracy.org>
Sender: newswire@groups.dowire.org
Date: Tue, 24 May 2011 15:51:16
To: <newswire@groups.dowire.org>
Subject: [DW] Global Transparency Research - FreedomInfo.org -Special Report, May 24, 2011
From: "Toby McIntosh" <TMcIntosh@bna.com>
Date: May 24, 2011 3:00 PM
Subject: FreedomInfo.org -Special Report, May 24, 2011
To: <FREEDOMINFO@hermes.gwu.edu>
FreedomInfo.org - Special Report, May 24, 2011
First Global Conference on Transparency Research Held
A FreedomInfo.org special report covers many of the 130 research papers, on
a wide variety of transparency topics, presented during the two-day meeting
at the University of Rutgers-Newark. Highlights include:
Overview: What happened at the conference, including calls for more
attention to womens transparency needs and for more transparency of an
international climate change fund; plus reports on macro-views of the
transparency movement.
http://www.freedominfo.org/wp-admin/post.php?action=edit&post=5730
Future Research: A call for more research from the donor community.
http://www.freedominfo.org/2011/05/donor-community-eager-for-deeper-research-tisne-says/
Plus, recommendations from conference participants.
http://www.freedominfo.org/2011/05/next-steps-on-transparency-research-sketched/
Africa: Explanations for the comparatively few FOI laws in Africa.
http://www.freedominfo.org/2011/05/transparency-researchers-gather-at-rutgers-conference/
Theory: Papers presented on the theory and philosophy of transparency.
http://www.freedominfo.org/2011/05/theory-philosophy-of-transparency-explored/
Influences: What affects passage and implementation of FOI laws?
http://www.freedominfo.org/2011/05/foi-passage-factors-elucidated-in-research/
Mexico: A new study on FOI implementation in Mexico.
http://www.freedominfo.org/2011/05/mexican-rti-case-study-looks-at-facilitating-factors/
Local e-Gov: Evaluating e-government at the municipal level.
http://www.freedominfo.org/2011/05/transparency-researchers-gather-at-rutgers-conference/
Open Data: Evaluating the Open Data movement in Latin America.
http://www.freedominfo.org/2011/05/researchers-examine-future-of-open-data-in-latin-america/
Corruption: Is transparency working?
http://www.freedominfo.org/2011/05/is-transparency-losing-in-fight-with-corruption/
Trust: Does transparency build trust in government?
http://www.freedominfo.org/2011/05/transparency-trust-dynamic-explored-in-new-studies/
China: The development of transparency in China.
http://www.freedominfo.org/2011/05/papers-probe-drivers-of-transparency-in-china/
South Korea: New studies on transparency in South Korea.
http://www.freedominfo.org/2011/05/studies-explore-transparency-performance-in-south-korea/
WikiLeaks: A new chapter for transparency?
http://www.freedominfo.org/2011/05/is-wikileaks-a-new-chapter-in-transparency-history/
Link to all stories from the overview story here:
http://www.freedominfo.org/wp-admin/post.php?action=edit&post=5730
Read more at http://www.FreedomInfo.org
Follow us on twitter! http://twitter.com/freedominfoorg
_______________________________________________________________
FreedomInfo.org is a one-stop portal that describes best practices,
consolidates lessons learned, explains campaign strategies and tactics, and
links the efforts of freedom of information advocates around the world. It
contains crucial information on freedom of information laws and how they
were drafted and implemented, including how various provisions have worked
in practice.
_______________________________________________________________
PRIVACY NOTICE FreedomInfo.org does not and will never share the names or
e-mail addresses of its subscribers with any other organization. We would
welcome your input, and any information you care to share with us about your
special interests. But we do not sell or rent any information about
subscribers to any other party.
_______________________________________________________________
TO UNSUBSCRIBE FROM THE LIST You may leave the list at any time by sending a
"SIGNOFF FREEDOMINFO" command to <LISTSERV@HERMES.CIRC.GWU.EDU>. You can
also unsubscribe from the list anytime by using the following link: <
http://hermes.circ.gwu.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=freedominfo&A=1>
-----------------------------------------
Group home for Newswire - Steven Clift's Democracies Online Newswire:
http://groups.dowire.org/groups/newswire
Replies go to members of Newswire - Steven Clift's Democracies Online Newswire with all posts on this topic here:
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For digest version or to leave Newswire - Steven Clift's Democracies Online Newswire,
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Newswire - Steven Clift's Democracies Online Newswire is hosted by Democracies Online - http://dowire.org.
Pressing onward, or not, with Pittsburgh Public Schools in the wake of the times of the day.
This is a great slide. It comes from Dr. Linda Lane in a presentation about Pittsburgh Public Schools in the wake of the budget crisis.
We know that Dr. Lane stands right in the same place that Mark Roosevelt stood. She wants to plug along and do the work that has begun. She wants to stay the course.
With this in mind, I wonder about sports reform then. Mark Roosevelt put a priority upon those efforts for sports and afterschool in his fifth year. Sports, so I was told, was on the back burner until then. But in 2010, it came to be important. The sports discussion moved off the back burner.
This month a report was sent to the school board of Pittsburgh Public Schools. So now it seems as if sports goes right back into its slumber, or not? Are sports and after school efforts going to get some attention? Is the sports reform element part of the overall district wide reform agenda?
I think that athletics and activities are a huge part of a community and school life and that PPS has had serious problems in this realm. This is an area that calls for reform and is part of the overall package of changes for PPS.
But, now what?
I do not want 'sports reform' to go away just because the times are tough. Perhaps a few administrators need to be given their dismissal slips and seek employment elsewhere. PPS should not try to build a new stadium with capital money as teachers are being released. Perhaps teams can live another season in their existing uniforms and families will need to do what they can to help boost the programs. Fine. But let's not quit. I don't want to 'give up' on the hope of system-wide sports reform for PPS just because some administrators at the Board of Education are elsewhere.
We need to increase sports participation because we need to elevate school spirit because we need to expand community involvement because we want to insure more kids study and stay in school and graduate. We want to push and pull each other to higher levels of fitness, lower our body fat, increase our metabolic rate, strengthen our bodies and sharpen our minds with better transferable skills developed with movement and sports.
We want a longer school day because more should be getting better instruction after the last period by being part of a team with positive peer pressure and demanding challenges that matter greatly to the kids, where they can test themselves.
In the talk that Superintendent Lane gave she said it was 6 pm and she hoped that all the kids were out of school and at home and doing homework. No way! At that time of night, I don't want my kids at home. I want them on the court, in the swim pool, on the bike trails, playing with their friends. I want them to be under the guidance of excellent coaches and instructors in past-times that require lots of energy, stamina, strength development and challenges. And, I'd love for this to occur more so at facilities that we own, such as our schools.
At 6 pm I want our kids hitting the showers after a grueling workout. I want another set of kids prepping for a game that evening. I want more people headed to our gyms and facilities to play in Rec Leagues -- so we can RE-CREATE our city. That recreation allows for better scholarship in the days to come. That recreation allows for better cognitive advancements in the classrooms the next day.
This statement comes in her talk in the video below at 3:44 in the timeline.
We know that Dr. Lane stands right in the same place that Mark Roosevelt stood. She wants to plug along and do the work that has begun. She wants to stay the course.
With this in mind, I wonder about sports reform then. Mark Roosevelt put a priority upon those efforts for sports and afterschool in his fifth year. Sports, so I was told, was on the back burner until then. But in 2010, it came to be important. The sports discussion moved off the back burner.
This month a report was sent to the school board of Pittsburgh Public Schools. So now it seems as if sports goes right back into its slumber, or not? Are sports and after school efforts going to get some attention? Is the sports reform element part of the overall district wide reform agenda?
I think that athletics and activities are a huge part of a community and school life and that PPS has had serious problems in this realm. This is an area that calls for reform and is part of the overall package of changes for PPS.
But, now what?
I do not want 'sports reform' to go away just because the times are tough. Perhaps a few administrators need to be given their dismissal slips and seek employment elsewhere. PPS should not try to build a new stadium with capital money as teachers are being released. Perhaps teams can live another season in their existing uniforms and families will need to do what they can to help boost the programs. Fine. But let's not quit. I don't want to 'give up' on the hope of system-wide sports reform for PPS just because some administrators at the Board of Education are elsewhere.
We need to increase sports participation because we need to elevate school spirit because we need to expand community involvement because we want to insure more kids study and stay in school and graduate. We want to push and pull each other to higher levels of fitness, lower our body fat, increase our metabolic rate, strengthen our bodies and sharpen our minds with better transferable skills developed with movement and sports.
We want a longer school day because more should be getting better instruction after the last period by being part of a team with positive peer pressure and demanding challenges that matter greatly to the kids, where they can test themselves.
In the talk that Superintendent Lane gave she said it was 6 pm and she hoped that all the kids were out of school and at home and doing homework. No way! At that time of night, I don't want my kids at home. I want them on the court, in the swim pool, on the bike trails, playing with their friends. I want them to be under the guidance of excellent coaches and instructors in past-times that require lots of energy, stamina, strength development and challenges. And, I'd love for this to occur more so at facilities that we own, such as our schools.
At 6 pm I want our kids hitting the showers after a grueling workout. I want another set of kids prepping for a game that evening. I want more people headed to our gyms and facilities to play in Rec Leagues -- so we can RE-CREATE our city. That recreation allows for better scholarship in the days to come. That recreation allows for better cognitive advancements in the classrooms the next day.
This statement comes in her talk in the video below at 3:44 in the timeline.
WDUQNews: Civic Arena Hearing
WDUQNews: Civic Arena Hearing Civic Arena Hearing
Pittsburgh City Council held a public hearing in Uptown to hear testimonials from residents about whether the Civic Arena should stay or go.
If city council grants the arena historic status, it could save the building from being knocked down. And a lot of people have a lot to say about that.
On Monday night over 70 people had something to say about it – either in favor of re-purposing the building, or knocking it down and redeveloping the land. A little more than half believed the arena should be saved. They gave testimonial to five council members in a church sandwiched between the old arena and the recently constructed one.
Among the speakers was Sala Udin, former councilman and actor who wants the building to come down.
'The redevelopment can begin the healing process to preserve the people,' he said.
From its inception, the arena and the 28 acres surrounding it has been controversial – displacing 8,000 Lower Hill District residents and destroying a community. Last year, after the arena was shuttered for a new neighboring complex, the Sports and Exhibition Authority voted to knock down the building.
Local groups have filed for historic status. Among them, Preservation Pittsburgh, which helped organize a 50th Anniversary of the arena celebration just before Monday’s meeting. Scott Lieb, president of the group said although the arena is a remnant of urban renewal, it is here now and should be used to benefit the community. He also said the building is unique and is part of the fabric of the city.
"This building was revolutionary when it was built in 1961. It was the first retractable dome building in the US. It really is a part of Pittsburgh’s brand, it uses technology from Westinghouse, from US Steel, from American bridge," he said at the celebration.
The city’s historic and review and planning commissions have already rejected historic status.
Council has until mid-August to take a final vote.
Bakersfield Releases Coaches, Combines Programs & Encourges them to Re-Apply
Bakersfield Releases Coaches, Combines Programs & Encourges them to Re-Apply: "Bakersfield Releases Coaches, Combines Programs & Encourges them to Re-Apply"
CSU Bakersfield Athletic Director Jeff Konya met with members of the CSUB men's and women's swimming and diving programs, informing them of a new coaching model that will be in place starting next season. Unfortunately, much of the details of this were misreported over the weekend in published reports about the coaching futures of men's coach Chris Hansen and women's coach Pat Skehan.
Responding to the misleading reports, Konya says CSUB is not renewing the current contracts of both coaches and will have both the men's and women's swimming and diving teams coached by a single head coach or "coaching director." This new position will then assemble a coaching staff that will assist with the programs' needs. He says both current coaches have been encouraged to apply, something that was never mentioned in previous reports.
According to Konya, this coaching model is common in Division I swimming and includes top-25 programs such as Auburn, Florida, Arizona, USC, and Virginia. All of which have one head coach for both programs.
"This is something we needed to due in order to operate more efficiently while still maintaining a quality product in the pool, Konya said. "If this is something that a top-10 team like Auburn can execute, or USC, than why shouldn't we do the same here?"
Another underreported aspect of this decision is the necessity of the move in order to maintain current funding levels for student-athlete scholarships. According to Konya, during these tough economic times, moving forward with one less head coach was much more attractive than limiting the opportunities for student athletes to pursue their education while swimming at CSUB.
"It's very similar to when corporations restructure and cut management positions in order to maintain a series of other jobs that keep the company running," Konya commented. "Without our student athletes, we are nothing, I wanted to protect that and make sure they had the same opportunities next season."
As far as the coaches are concerned, both Skehan and Hansen were encouraged to apply for the newly-created coaching position and Konya says they will be heavily considered. Responding to earlier reports, he also said that claiming they both "won't be returning," is misleading and at this time, false.
"We haven't decided on the future yet, we know we will have some quality candidates in-house and hopefully some outside interest as well," said Konya. "We are starting the search this week and hope to have the position filled shortly so we can build on the success we had in that sport this past season while we move forward in a more efficient manner."
Separate Men's and Women's Programs that still remain include:
California-Berkeley
Columbia
Harvard
Massachusetts
Miami (Ohio)
Michigan
Northwestern
Notre Dame
Ohio State
Princeton
Purdue
Southern Methodist
Stanford
Tennessee
Texas A&M
Texas
Air Force Academy
Naval Academy
Yale
Division III
Carthage
DePauw
Ithaca College
Kenyon College
TCNJ
New York
Tufts University
Washington & Lee
Address 'protocol' causes stir in city
Address 'protocol' causes stir in city: "'At this juncture, our advice is that council request that the Address Committee begin sending all recommendations to the body in formal bill form,' associate city solicitor Yvonne S. Hilton said."Of course. This is a no-brainer. Pittsburgh City Council always wants others to do the jobs of the council for the councilors. The duties of crafting the legislation are going to be passed down to others, such as an address committee. Have the guys in Public Works who sit on that committee, or a 9-1-1 operator, or a firefighter, write the darn law. City council is there to vote on the written works of others, not come up with the laws too.
The proper thing to do is have the member of council who is also a member of the city address committee do the work and write the legislation. After the legislation is written, it should be presented to the address committee for prior approval. Then it should go to City Council for a full vetting among members and the public.
Upper St. Clair budget slashes middle school sports
Preliminary Upper St. Clair budget slashes middle school sports: "Mr. O'Toole said there is about $25,000 left for middle school sports, meaning that most teams will no longer be able to travel to other schools. He said he will work with booster groups and coaches to determine which programs will be eliminated, scaled back or modified."Wow. Imagine this, a school board and administration working with its boosters. Sad news to need to curb much of the middle school sports program. But, great news in that they are doing so with a cooperative spirit.
Meanwhile, in Pittsburgh Public Schools, our booster organizations are, how do you say, "frail." And even if they are "robust," they are seldom put into a collaborative setting with school and district administration.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Three Cheers for the Westinghouse High School Alumni Association
The Westinghouse Alumni Association has put together a list of points that make a big plan for Pittsburgh Public Schools. The list is a huge addition to the discussions in our community.
Well done.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Fwd: Save Community Broadband
An awful bill in North Carolina could destroy efforts
by towns and communities to build their own high-speed Internet networks.
The bill was rammed through the state legislature, and is
now sitting on the desk of Governor Bev Perdue, who has until tomorrow to
decide whether to veto it.
by towns and communities to build their own high-speed Internet networks.
The bill was rammed through the state legislature, and is
now sitting on the desk of Governor Bev Perdue, who has until tomorrow to
decide whether to veto it.
If signed into law, it would have repercussions far beyond North
Carolina. The phone and cable companies are waiting to see the outcome
of this bill before they introduce
similar measures in statehouses across the country.
We must stop it now, or we could face a national campaign to kill
community broadband:
Call North Carolina Gov. Perdue and urge her to veto the Level
Playing Field/Local Government Competition Bill (H129).
<http://act2.freepress.net/go/4151?akid=2529.8833392.r_xEin&t=1>
The legislation is sponsored by — guess who? — Time Warner
Cable. It wants only two choices for North
Carolina, and the rest of the country: Second-rate
broadband provided by big cable, or none at all. And it is willing to pour cash
into the election coffers of local legislators to move these sorts
of bills swiftly through statehouses.
North Carolina has long been recognized as a
national leader in community broadband. Networks built by towns and cities
across the state are providing fast and cheap Internet access to local
citizens, including
those in rural and poor areas that have been ignored by Time Warner Cable.
Predictably, Time Warner Cable is up in
arms at the thought that local communities would want to create a homegrown
broadband option.
But we can't let Time Warner Cable legislate away our choices. Call
Governor Perdue and tell her to veto.
<http://act2.freepress.net/go/4151?akid=2529.8833392.r_xEin&t=2>
What happens in North Carolina could happen in Pennsylvania. If Time
Warner Cable and its cronies are allowed to stop the movement for
community broadband in North Carolina, they'll be emboldened to squash
similar projects in states across the country.
At its core, this fight is about our right to access information.
Don't let big corporations block it.
Please call Gov. Perdue now and urge her to stand up for all
Americans and veto this bill.
<http://act2.freepress.net/go/4151?akid=2529.8833392.r_xEin&t=3>
Thanks,
Josh Levy
--
--
Ta.
Mark Rauterkus Mark.Rauterkus@gmail.com
http://Rauterkus.blogspot.com
http://FixPA.wikia.com
http://CLOH.wikia.com
412 298 3432 = cell
Economic event at Pitt, May 24th, 7:30-9pm
Here's something of likely interest to all.
Where
William Pitt Union, Dining Room B University of Pittsburgh
Lectures, conferences and public forums
Created by office@thomasmertoncenter.org
Description
Forum: Capitalism Hits the Fan -- Understanding the Global Economic Meltdown
5/24/2011 7:30 to 9:00 PM William Pitt Union, Dining Room B University
of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh, 15260
"CAPITALISM HITS THE FAN -- The Global Economic Meltdown and What to
Do About It" Filmed lecture by noted Economist Richard Wolff followed
by open discussion.
--
--
Ta.
Mark Rauterkus Mark.Rauterkus@gmail.com
http://Rauterkus.blogspot.com
http://FixPA.wikia.com
http://CLOH.wikia.com
412 298 3432 = cell
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Libertarian and Green Parties slam GOP
News Release
For Immediate Release—May 19, 2011
www.lppa.org,
www.gpofpa.org
Contact: Lou Jasikoff at ljasikoff@gmail.com or 570-677-2607
Carl Romanelli at cjromanellii@yahoo.com
For Immediate Release—May 19, 2011
www.lppa.org,
www.gpofpa.org
Contact: Lou Jasikoff at ljasikoff@gmail.com or 570-677-2607
Carl Romanelli at cjromanellii@yahoo.com
Libertarian and Green Parties slam GOP
Judicial Choice
Stabile not deserving for Superior Court Judge
Wilkes-Barre, PA—Pennsylvania Libertarian Party chair Lou Jasikoff
declared the GOP's choice for Superior Court Judge as nothing short of
shameful. Mr. Stabile led the charge to get Libertarians knocked off
the ballot in 2008 and was recently quoted as being pleased by efforts
to keep the Green and Libertarian Parties from appearing on the
statewide 2010 ballot. "Mr. Stabile cloaks himself in the American
flag while trampling on the very cornerstone of our democracy and
should not be rewarded under any circumstance with a judgeship on
Pennsylvania's Superior Court," insisted Jasikoff.
Green Party representative Carl Romanelli stated, "The last defense of
democracy and the Constitution is the judiciary. When it is corrupted
or co-opted, it represents the most significant threat to the
principles that once made America the grand protector of liberty. The
shame and disgrace of Stabile should not only be rejected by victims
of his partisan decisions, but also by his peers. The lack of
meaningful review reflects as poorly on justice in Pennsylvania as
does Stabile's blatant obstruction of our rights. It is sad to think
that the cradle of democracy, Pennsylvania, has now become its
graveyard."
Romanelli, the US Senate candidate in 2006 for the Pennsylvania Green
Party, has long contended that his own removal from the ballot could
not have been accomplished without the aid of partisan judges.
Romanelli, a retired employee of the Luzerne County Courts, added,
"Stabile's comments, and record in ballot access cases, prove that
both old parties are equally corrupted at the judicial level. The
prevailing attitude is that anything goes in keeping other voices out
of political debate and participation. Judges remain in violation of
the Judicial Canons with such partisan behavior."
Ken Krawchuk, the Libertarian candidate for Pennsylvania Governor in
1998 and 2002, was shocked to hear Victor Stabile was running for
Superior Court Judge. "This is the same man who led the failed
challenge to have the 2008 Libertarian presidential candidate removed
from the statewide ballot. When someone is so ignorant of the law as
to mount a frivolous challenge, or so inconsiderate of the voters of
Pennsylvania to attempt to limit their choices on the ballot, it's
clear he lacks the knowledge, character and integrity to serve as a
judge at any level." Krawchuk, who is the Libertarian representative
to the Pennsylvania Ballot Access Coalition (www.PaBallotAccess.org),
added, "If Mr. Stabile had any sense of justice at all, he'd be
working with us to reform Pennsylvania's atrocious ballot access laws,
which are among the worst in the nation, not exploiting them for
political gain."
"Pennsylvania is the only state in the nation where judges elected in
partisan elections determine which candidates may appear on the
ballot," said Oliver Hall of the Washington, D.C.-based Center for
Competitive Democracy. "Now that Pennsylvania courts have begun to
assess costs against candidates just for defending nomination
petitions that they are required by law to submit, it is more
important than ever that judges demonstrate a commitment to protecting
candidate and voter rights to participate in free and equal elections
– rather than the partisan interests of the judges' campaign
contributors."
Wayne Allyn Root Vice-Presidential candidate on the 2008 Libertarian
ticket concluded, "Ballot access is a fundamental right we enjoy as
Americans. We can no longer allow or tolerate political operatives
like Mr. Stabile to subvert that right; simply put it is Un-American.
To purposely disregard laws on the books that allow for candidate
substitution, or applaud efforts that totally ignore voter intent is
unconscionable. Mr. Stabile is the face of everything wrong with
Pennsylvania's ballot access laws and his flawed and biased judgment
should not find its way on Pennsylvania's Superior Court."
The Libertarian Party along with the Green Party and groups like the
Pennsylvania Ballot Access Coalition, Free and Equal Organization and
other liberty groups in Pennsylvania intend to make ballot access a
major focus of conversation this election cycle. Only when all
Americans can freely compete in the arena of ideas will we be able
break the back of corruption that has so permeated our political
system.
--
--
Ta.
Mark Rauterkus Mark.Rauterkus@gmail.com
http://Rauterkus.blogspot.com
http://FixPA.wikia.com
http://CLOH.wikia.com
412 298 3432 = cell
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Two days of water polo come Saturday and Sunday
Day one is at North Allegheny High School pool. Day two uses two pools at Chartiers Valley High School.
Grant will "cap up" for high school games on Saturday, starting at 9 am. Then he has a full day of action on Sunday. He plays 3 games in the morning and then plays as part of the house league in the 2 pm to 4 pm period. There will be two games there, at least.
Shaler's team, with some city kids, is team #4 in the Sunday League, Sunday 2-4 pm. But, Morgan and Erik won't be present.
Grant will "cap up" for high school games on Saturday, starting at 9 am. Then he has a full day of action on Sunday. He plays 3 games in the morning and then plays as part of the house league in the 2 pm to 4 pm period. There will be two games there, at least.
Shaler's team, with some city kids, is team #4 in the Sunday League, Sunday 2-4 pm. But, Morgan and Erik won't be present.
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