The Year of Revolution: The “War on Tyranny” Replaces the “War on Terror”
by Andy Worthington
Ten years ago, in July 2001, 200,000 protestors converged on Genova, Italy, to disrupt the 27th G8 Summit, at which the leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the UK and the US — plus the President of the European Commission — were meeting to discuss issues of global significance, including the debt burden of poor countries, world health issues, the environment and food security.
The 1990s in the West: The rise of the anti-globalization movement
For the protestors, gatherings of the world’s most powerful countries — or other organizations supporting the status quo on a global scale — were symbols of the dark forces of globalization, and meetings had been the focus of huge protests since June 18, 1999, when a Carnival Against Capital (also known as J18) was held in the City of London to coincide with a G8 summit in Köln, Germany. The J18 drew on a long tradition of protest dating back to the 1960s, but with particular reference to the anti-road protests, the Reclaim the Streets movement, and the protests against the Criminal Justice Act, which had galvanized dissenters in large numbers from the early 1990s, and which, in turn, were influenced by the travellers’ movement in the 1970s and the 1980s, and the anti-nuclear protests focused on Greenham Common and Molesworth.
While these movements had dealt with environmental issues, land reform, the seizure of public spaces and freedom from State oppression, they were largely national in focus. The J18, however, building on preliminary events in 1998 (an international meeting of grassroots activists in Geneva in February 1998, a Global Street Party in 20 different countries during the G8 summit in Birmingham in May, and an anti-World Trade Organization protest in Geneva that same month, when, elsewhere, 50,000 Brazilians participated in a “Cry of the Excluded” march, and 200,000 Indian farmers and fishermen took to the streets of Hyderabad demanding India’s withdrawal from the WTO), widened the scope of the protests, with actions taking place simultaneously in 43 countries around the world, and it crystallized into what became known as the anti-globalization movement, fundamentally challenging the unfettered transnational capitalism that underpinned State control and exploitation, and immediately becoming global in scale when protestors from all around the world converged on the World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference in Seattle, in November 1999.
Between November 1999 and July 2001, protestors from around the world took aim at a succession of international meetings, including protests at the World Economic Forum in Davos in January 2000, at an IMF and World Bank summit in Prague in September 2000, at the Summit of the Americas in Quebec City in April 2001, and in London on May Day 2001, when the British police first introduced “kettling.”
At Genova, however, the authorities fought back with lethal force. Three protestors had been shot and injured at protests outside a EU summit in Gothenburg in June 2001, but in Genova an Italian policeman shot and killed a 23-year-old activist, Carlo Giuliani, and the authorities’ determination to clamp down violently on the protests was also revealed through a series of nighttime raids on buildings housing protesters. At the Diaz Pascoli and Diaz Pertini schools, where protestors had established media centres that also provided medical and legal support, police raids left three activists, including British journalist Mark Covell, in comas. In total, over 60 people were severely injured, although a parliamentary inquiry later concluded that there had been no wrongdoing on the part of police.
However, elsewhere in the late 1990s and the start of the 21st century, the focus was not, as in the West, on an emerging youth movement challenging the financial status quo, and the continuing exploitation of the developing world by the world’s most powerful countries.
The 1990s in the Middle East: After the Communist “threat,” the West supports dictators against the Islamist “threat”
Across the Middle East, for example, a different narrative, with its roots in the colonial legacy and the Cold War, was developing. Fearful of socialist movements that would threaten their financial interests, the countries of the West had supported — or had helped install — brutal dictatorships whose continued oppression of their people prompted the rise of new resistance movements in which Communism gave way to militant offshoots of Islam. The West was particularly terrified by the Iranian revolution in 1979, which reinforced its determination to keep hardline Islamists at bay, but was generally less aware of how other factors were playing a major part in reshaping dissent throughout the Middle East.
Central to these new movements was the resistance to the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan in the 1980s (bankrolled, ironically, by the US, as well as by Saudi Arabia and other oil-rich Gulf countries), as battle-hardened mujahideen returned to their home countries and saw the appeal of overthrowing their own dictators. However, they were also reinforced by violent clampdowns — in Egypt, for example, during the same period, and in Algeria in the 1990s, where the West precipitated an almost unbelievably bloody civil war by backing the military when Islamists threatened to win electoral victory in 1991 — and were also fed by the ongoing oppression of the Palestinian people by Israel, and, from 1991 onwards, by the presence on Saudi soil of US forces who refused to leave after helping to liberate Kuwait from Saddam Hussein.
By 1996, Islamist dissent found its own almost unspeakably bloody reworking of the anti-globalization movement when al-Qaeda, a core movement of mujahideen, who, in the wake of the Afghan conflict, had become focused on the overthrow of regimes oppressing Muslims anywhere in the world, shifted its focus to the United States, under the leadershp of Osama bin Laden, and, perhaps most crucially, members of Egyptian Islamic Jihad, who, like Ayman al-Zawahiri, al-Qaeda’s second-in-command, seemed to have become unquenchably vengeful after being tortured in Egypt in the 1980s.
After attacking US interests in 1998 and 2000 (in the US embassy bombings in Nairobi and Dar-es-Salaam, and the attack on the USS Cole), al-Qaeda achieved its aim of drawing the US into a global war through the terrorist attacks on the US mainland on September 11, 2001.
The 2000s: The “War on Terror” and the complete demonization of Islamists — and of Islam
Overnight, the global landscape changed. Terrorism became the obsession of the first decade of the 21st century, an ill-defined war was launched in Afghanistan, another entirely illegal war followed in Iraq, and the US drew on the vilest detention policies of its brutal allies in the Middle East by establishing a global network of secret torture prisons, specifically utilizing the expertise of Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Syria and Uzbekistan, and also establishing its own torture prisons in Thailand, Poland, Romania and Lithuania, and in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Ironically, the US appears only to have fulfilled bin Laden’s aims, establishing a “clash of civilizations” that suited al-Qaeda’s global jihadists, with all their talk of infidel crusaders and Jews, and that also played on the worst instincts of supposedly Christian nations, who found that their old bogeyman — the Soviet Union — could effortlessly be replaced with a new one — fundamenalist Islam, or, more generally, Islam itself, with a timeline stretching back to the Crusades for those inclined to revel in a Manichean struggle between two branches of the Abrahamic religious tradition.
This has been a disaster for relations between Christians and Muslims worldwide, leading to widespread Islamophobia in Western countries and a rewriting of history, in which liberation struggles in Bosnia and Chechnya, for example, have been recast as terrorism, and any opposition to the dictators of the Middle East has also been regarded as terrorism — even when, as with Libya, for example, opponents of Gaddafi’s regime used to be considered as victims of oppression until Gaddafi strategically decided to become an ally in the “War on Terror.”
The impact of the “War on Terror” has been no less ruinous in Muslim countries, where there has been widespread anger and indignation, and untold numbers of Muslims have, correctly, perceived that the hundreds of thousands of civilians killed in Afghanistan and Iraq, and the thousands of people brutalized in Guantánamo, Abu Ghraib and elsewhere are — or were — all Muslims, and that, therefore, something akin to a modern Crusade must indeed be taking place.
2011: The “War Against Tyranny”; People Power banishes the Islamist threat, anti-globalization returns, and the West and the Middle East have a common enemy
Suddenly, however, the landscape has changed again, as popular uprisings across the Middle East fundamentally challenge the assumptions of the “War on Terror” — that dictators are needed more than ever to restrain the fundamentalists who, otherwise, would be establishing their own barbarous regimes and, of course, threatening Western interests.
In Tunisia and Egypt, where the dictators Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali and Hosni Mubarak were deposed, and in other countries where the people are rising up against their long-established dictators — primarily Libya, where Gaddafi has responded with typical brutality, and Algeria and Yemen, plus Iran, where the regime may not technically be a dictatorship, although it exhibits all the brutality associated with unaccountable authoritarian regimes — the movements that were triggered by the single self-immolation of a Tunisian man, Mohamed Bouazizi, on December 19 last year, are driven not by Islamist groups, but by the people, who are demonstrating that dictatorships can be toppled by sheer numbers.
Throughout the region, young people, who have known nothing but dictatorship, are rising up, forming alliances with trade unionists and disgruntled professionals, while the Islamists have either been content to stay in the background (as with the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt) or, like Ennahdha in Tunisia, were largely imprisoned or in exile when the revolution that toppled Ben Ali took place.
If the Islamists had been centre-stage, I have no doubt that the West’s response to the popular revolutionary movements spreading throughout the Middle East would have been very different, as Western leaders would have been able to insert them into their tired “War on Terror” narrative. As it is, however, Western leaders have generally had to mouth platitudes about democracy and the will of the people, while refusing to become too engaged, as they are presumably aware that, for decades, their actions have actually demonstrated that they have no interest whatsoever in the welfare of the people of the Middle East, and that they have, instead, supported the very dictators who have either fallen or are now clinging onto power.
Moreover, the revolutionary zeal in the Middle East, which is inspired by economic desperation and the enduring misery of living in police states run by Western-backed torturers, is also reflected in the stirrings of popular dissent in the West. Just as an economic tipping point may have been reached in the Middle East through the manipulation of global food prices by Western speculators, protestors in the West are also beginning to revolt against the criminals of the unfettered financial markets, who have been allowed to continue their disgraceful global pillaging, despite causing the economic meltdown of 2008, and despite being bailed out by taxpayers. In some ways, the revolt in the West has involved young people picking up the baton of the anti-globalization movement, which has only sporadically made its presence felt in the last ten years.
Leading the way is the UK, prompted in particular by the activities of the Tory-led coalition government, which, despite having no mandate (with the Tories obliged to forge an aliance with the Liberal Democrats) and despite both parties having lied or omitted to mention their policies on the election trail, is now pampering the financial markets to an unprecedented degree, aiming to make the UK into the world’s largest tax haven, while introducing swingeing cuts to government spending, using the financial crisis as an excuse.
In its attacks on welfare, on university funding, on the NHS, and on almost every aspect of the British state that has not been privatized in the last 30 years, the government seems to delight in its plans to make as many people unemployed as possible, while cushioning its friends — and funders — in the City and in big business. However, although the response so far has generally been muted (with the exception of the students and schoolchildren who took to the streets last November and December), a widespread anger is just below the surface, and the rise of new protest groups — in particular UK Uncut, a direct action group that is focused unerringly on corporate tax avoiders and the banking sector, and that has just spawned a rapidly spreading offshoot in the US — indicates that the British government’s vile, ideological assault on the British people (with the exception of the rich and the super-rich) is likely to meet with increasing resistance.
I don’t mean to suggest that there will be revolutions in the West — as I think citizens of Western countries are too self-absorbed or diverted from the truth to notice what is happening until it is too late — but I do believe that, perhaps for the first time in living memory (or at least since 1990’s Poll Tax Riot), a substantial number of people believe that the government should be forced from power rather than be allowed to pursue its destructive agenda until the next election in 2015.
Moreover, with variations on the British story taking place throughout the West — with bankers unpunished, corporations systematically avoiding tax, austerity measures introduced that will only impact on those who had nothing to do with the economic crisis, and the gap between the rich and the poor widening still further from its current historic levels — all the elements are in place for the people of the West and the Middle East — and wherever else popular dissent erupts — to find that they share a common narrative, one which involves resistance to the relentless exploitation by the few, to enrich themselves still further at everyone else’s expense, and, when these forces are challenged, repression, be it through military means, arbitary detention and torture, or supposedly legitimate legislation, in which the magic words “choice” and “fairness” are meant to disguise the last push of a privatization agenda that seeks to destroy the final vestiges of the State’s responsibility for its people.
By now, with its lies and unaccountability exposed time and again, the push to privatize everything by playing on aging scare stories about the dangers of socialism ought to have been thoroughly discredited and replaced with new political movements that focus on the needs of society and of the people — a new socialism, if you like — and not on the further enrichment of Prime Ministers, Presidents, CEOs and dictators.
As the “War on Tyranny” undermines the tired clichés and distortions of the “War on Terror,” I hope for nothing less than a contagion of revolutionary impulses that spreads throughout the world, as without it, I fear, we are rapidly returning to the middle ages.
Andy Worthington is a journalist and historian, based in London. He is the author of The Guantanamo Files: The Stories of the 759 Detainees in America's Illegal Prison, the first book to tell the stories of all the detainees in America's illegal prison. For more information, visit his blog here.
more Andy Worthington ...
Friday, February 25, 2011
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Introducing Dr. Karin Huffer to GODOT
Long Story Short:
"RETALIATION against whistleblowers is rampant and severe; Dr. Karin Huffer's book, Legal Abuse Syndrome, is our blueprint for a glorious revolution. We are calling for PRACTICAL WISDOM, COMPASSIONATE COMMUNITY, AND RESTORATIVE JUSTICE.
My sequentially-designed series of Small Claims Court proceedings are
POTENT; I am creating a "world-stage" to lure the EducRat$ and BureaucRat$
to "Armageddon." (Again, do not miscontrue my meaning; I am not advocating violence,
but rather Gandhi's SATYAGRAHA---non-violent non-cooperation with INJUSTICE.)"
How about a "Meet Ball" at my house in Santa Barbara? There are six available beds and a resident chef and bartender.
Sincerely,
k8longstory 4 God's AIE!
Dear GODOT,
It snowed all day yesterday but now the sun is shining. You are my Deus Ex Machina.
WE NEED a Federal Grand Jury to investigate the School to Prison Pipeline,
which was created by our SB COE Superintendent Bill Cirone and His Cronies (including DA Tom Sneddon, who persecuted Michael Jackson).
>
WE NEED Gerry Spense, Esq. to lead a Small Claims Court "CLASS ACTION" against
the government for their LEGAL ABUSE and RETALIATION against
whistleblowers, activists, advocates, homeless, mentally ill, drug-addicted,
and families of low socio-economic youth.
WE NEED funding for videographers and Osiris Castaneda's YouthCine Media. Could you contact Oprah
Winfrey, ask her to be the executive producer? Oprah Winfrey is devoted to progressive reform
and social change; she needs video material for her television network. She could easily expose LEGAL ABUSE SYNDROME and the SCHOOL TO PRISON PIPELINE and empower We, the People to rise and change our world.
My first REQUEST, GODOT, (in response to your offer of help): visit http://help.ning.com/cgi-bin/ning.cfg/php/enduser/home.php
About Ning
Ning is the leading online platform for the world's organizers, activists
and influencers to create their own social network. Design a custom social
experience in under 30 seconds giving you the power to mobilize, organize
and inspire.
I NEED SUPPORT FOR MY NING WEBSITES---WE CAN SQUEEZE THEM INTO ONE IF WE
CHOOSE THE "NING-PRO PLAN." Current (estimated) total cost is $25. per month.
(I have no credit card, so there's a constant threat that the
websites will be shut down or my internet connection will be temporarily
interuppted due to non-payment.)
Pearson Education pays for www.sbschooltalk.com, (I think!). If you can't
support me, financially, I understand but, yes, I'm THAT destitute, and not
too proud to ask for help or support...maybe Pearson could be persuaded to pay a few dollars more?
MORE IMPORTANTLY, I NEED YOUR COMMUNICATION, COLLABORATION, COORDINATION
AND COOPERATION.
I NEED YOU AND "COMMUNITY ORGANIZER" JOHN JENSEN ("Charlie Brown") TO JOIN
www.godsaie.ning.com, or www.k8longstory4sbschooltalk.ning.com (or we can begin
a new "ning" website) to create an "ONLINE PLATFORM for the world's organizers,
activists and influencers" and use the websites to MOBILIZE, ORGANIZE AND INSPIRE
Santa Barbara to expose deep-seated and wide-spread school and govenment corruption.
Hundreds of citizens and dozens of activists in Santa Barbara are suffering from
Legal Abuse Syndrome while they valiantly fight "fraud on the court" in our
corrupted government and judicial system.
I have chosen March 1st as the day to "THROW THE BRICK" (there's a poignant story
behind that phrase---I am not advocating violence, fercrissakes) and I need your
organization "at my back."
I am mounting a devastating administrative due process against the Santa
Barbara School Districts with Maureen Graves,Esq., the top special education
lawyer in the United States.
RETALIATION is rampant and severe; Dr. Karin
Huffer's book, Legal Abuse Syndrome, is our blueprint for a glorious
revolution.
My sequentially-designed series of Small Claims Court proceedings are
POTENT; I am creating a "world-stage" to lure the EducRat$ and BureaucRat$
to "Armageddon." (Again, do not miscontrue my meaning; I am not advocating violence,
but rather SATYAGRAHA---non-violent non-cooperation with INJUSTICE.)
Because I have Hereditary Angioedema, I may be able to USE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
accommodation to force the court into video-taping the next trial, against SB County Counsel
Dennis Marshall and Steve Underwood for FALSE ARREST. I apprised
BOTH OF THEM (in an audio-taped meeting) of my HAE, a life-threatening
disorder, so they can also be tried for "assault with a deadly weapon." There are
court cases where elderly victims had a heart attack ("frightened to death")
and the burglar is in prison for life for MURDER. (I'm trying very hard not
to die...it's a long story...).
Namaste, GODOT
k8longstory4sbschooltalk.ning.com
---- Original Message -----
>From: "Waite, Duncan"
>To: "kate"
>Sent: Saturday, February 19, 2011 6:36 PM
>Subject: Re: Still Out of the Country?
>
>
>Hey Kate: still in Istanbul. I'm leaving later this morning. I'm sorry
>things have been difficult. Be strong, don't give up, don't give in.
>How can I help?
>Duncan
>------Original Message------
>From: kate
>To: Email
>ReplyTo: kate
>Subject: Still Out of the Country?
>Sent: Feb 20, 2011 4:23 AM
>
>Dear GODOT,
>
>I am leading an uprising in Santa Barbara and am exposing deep-seated and
>wide-spread school and government corruption.
>
>Are you there, GODOT? I need your help.
>
>My main complaint about my estranged husband is that he refuses to
>communicate. He has lost our magical house by the SB Mission, owned for
>twenty years, because he's ferclemphed.
>
>Sincerely,
>
>k8longstory 4 sbschooltalk.com
>
>
>Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
>
>
>--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
>
>No virus found in this incoming message.
>Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
>Version: 9.0.872 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3454 - Release Date: 02/19/11
>11:33:00
>
"RETALIATION against whistleblowers is rampant and severe; Dr. Karin Huffer's book, Legal Abuse Syndrome, is our blueprint for a glorious revolution. We are calling for PRACTICAL WISDOM, COMPASSIONATE COMMUNITY, AND RESTORATIVE JUSTICE.
My sequentially-designed series of Small Claims Court proceedings are
POTENT; I am creating a "world-stage" to lure the EducRat$ and BureaucRat$
to "Armageddon." (Again, do not miscontrue my meaning; I am not advocating violence,
but rather Gandhi's SATYAGRAHA---non-violent non-cooperation with INJUSTICE.)"
How about a "Meet Ball" at my house in Santa Barbara? There are six available beds and a resident chef and bartender.
Sincerely,
k8longstory 4 God's AIE!
Dear GODOT,
It snowed all day yesterday but now the sun is shining. You are my Deus Ex Machina.
WE NEED a Federal Grand Jury to investigate the School to Prison Pipeline,
which was created by our SB COE Superintendent Bill Cirone and His Cronies (including DA Tom Sneddon, who persecuted Michael Jackson).
>
WE NEED Gerry Spense, Esq. to lead a Small Claims Court "CLASS ACTION" against
the government for their LEGAL ABUSE and RETALIATION against
whistleblowers, activists, advocates, homeless, mentally ill, drug-addicted,
and families of low socio-economic youth.
WE NEED funding for videographers and Osiris Castaneda's YouthCine Media. Could you contact Oprah
Winfrey, ask her to be the executive producer? Oprah Winfrey is devoted to progressive reform
and social change; she needs video material for her television network. She could easily expose LEGAL ABUSE SYNDROME and the SCHOOL TO PRISON PIPELINE and empower We, the People to rise and change our world.
My first REQUEST, GODOT, (in response to your offer of help): visit http://help.ning.com/cgi-bin/ning.cfg/php/enduser/home.php
About Ning
Ning is the leading online platform for the world's organizers, activists
and influencers to create their own social network. Design a custom social
experience in under 30 seconds giving you the power to mobilize, organize
and inspire.
I NEED SUPPORT FOR MY NING WEBSITES---WE CAN SQUEEZE THEM INTO ONE IF WE
CHOOSE THE "NING-PRO PLAN." Current (estimated) total cost is $25. per month.
(I have no credit card, so there's a constant threat that the
websites will be shut down or my internet connection will be temporarily
interuppted due to non-payment.)
Pearson Education pays for www.sbschooltalk.com, (I think!). If you can't
support me, financially, I understand but, yes, I'm THAT destitute, and not
too proud to ask for help or support...maybe Pearson could be persuaded to pay a few dollars more?
MORE IMPORTANTLY, I NEED YOUR COMMUNICATION, COLLABORATION, COORDINATION
AND COOPERATION.
I NEED YOU AND "COMMUNITY ORGANIZER" JOHN JENSEN ("Charlie Brown") TO JOIN
www.godsaie.ning.com, or www.k8longstory4sbschooltalk.ning.com (or we can begin
a new "ning" website) to create an "ONLINE PLATFORM for the world's organizers,
activists and influencers" and use the websites to MOBILIZE, ORGANIZE AND INSPIRE
Santa Barbara to expose deep-seated and wide-spread school and govenment corruption.
Hundreds of citizens and dozens of activists in Santa Barbara are suffering from
Legal Abuse Syndrome while they valiantly fight "fraud on the court" in our
corrupted government and judicial system.
I have chosen March 1st as the day to "THROW THE BRICK" (there's a poignant story
behind that phrase---I am not advocating violence, fercrissakes) and I need your
organization "at my back."
I am mounting a devastating administrative due process against the Santa
Barbara School Districts with Maureen Graves,Esq., the top special education
lawyer in the United States.
RETALIATION is rampant and severe; Dr. Karin
Huffer's book, Legal Abuse Syndrome, is our blueprint for a glorious
revolution.
My sequentially-designed series of Small Claims Court proceedings are
POTENT; I am creating a "world-stage" to lure the EducRat$ and BureaucRat$
to "Armageddon." (Again, do not miscontrue my meaning; I am not advocating violence,
but rather SATYAGRAHA---non-violent non-cooperation with INJUSTICE.)
Because I have Hereditary Angioedema, I may be able to USE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
accommodation to force the court into video-taping the next trial, against SB County Counsel
Dennis Marshall and Steve Underwood for FALSE ARREST. I apprised
BOTH OF THEM (in an audio-taped meeting) of my HAE, a life-threatening
disorder, so they can also be tried for "assault with a deadly weapon." There are
court cases where elderly victims had a heart attack ("frightened to death")
and the burglar is in prison for life for MURDER. (I'm trying very hard not
to die...it's a long story...).
Namaste, GODOT
k8longstory4sbschooltalk.ning.com
---- Original Message -----
>From: "Waite, Duncan"
>To: "kate"
>Sent: Saturday, February 19, 2011 6:36 PM
>Subject: Re: Still Out of the Country?
>
>
>Hey Kate: still in Istanbul. I'm leaving later this morning. I'm sorry
>things have been difficult. Be strong, don't give up, don't give in.
>How can I help?
>Duncan
>------Original Message------
>From: kate
>To: Email
>ReplyTo: kate
>Subject: Still Out of the Country?
>Sent: Feb 20, 2011 4:23 AM
>
>Dear GODOT,
>
>I am leading an uprising in Santa Barbara and am exposing deep-seated and
>wide-spread school and government corruption.
>
>Are you there, GODOT? I need your help.
>
>My main complaint about my estranged husband is that he refuses to
>communicate. He has lost our magical house by the SB Mission, owned for
>twenty years, because he's ferclemphed.
>
>Sincerely,
>
>k8longstory 4 sbschooltalk.com
>
>
>Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
>
>
>--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
>
>No virus found in this incoming message.
>Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
>Version: 9.0.872 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3454 - Release Date: 02/19/11
>11:33:00
>
Thursday, February 17, 2011
CIVIL RIGHTS, SMALL CLAIMS, AMERCIANS WITH DISABILITIES
Dear Karin,
KEVIN GOSZTOLA (SEE BIO BELOW) COULD DO THE DOCUMENTARY TO EXPOSE FRAUD ON THE COURT AND LEGAL ABUSE SYNDROME:
My next Small Claims Court case is "False Arrest" and "Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress" for the two FALSE ARRESTS by the County Counsel. It fits PERFECTLY with Civil Code 52.2 and Small Claims Court (for ADA violations under $5,000.):
CIVIL CODE SECTION 52.2 [January 1, 1999]
This law specifies that the jurisdiction of the small claims court includes actions for damages, not to exceed $5,000, for specified acts of discrimination, boycotting, or blacklisting, or the refusal to buy or sell to a person; for violence, threat of violence, or intimidation based on specific characteristics of a person; for denial of interference with the right of access of a disabled person to specific public accommodations; and related civil rights actions as specified.
Section 52.2 added to the Civil Code reads: An action pursuant to Section 52 or 54.3 may be brought in any court of competent jurisdiction. A "court of competent jurisdiction" shall include small claims court if the amount of the damages sought in the action does not exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000).
Let's connect the dots between Obama and Attorney General Holder AND KEVIN GOSZTOLA (SEE BELOW) HE'S A VIDEOGRAPHER AND JOURNALIST!
OBAMA STATES "HE WANTS HIS LEGACY TO BE CIVIL RIGHTS:
http://www.npr.org/2011/02/06/133524465/justice-department-strengthens-focus-on-civil-rights&sc=nl&cc=nh-20110206
Justice Department Focuses On Civil Rights
by Carrie Johnson
February 6, 2011
Listen to the Story
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Enlarge Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder (left) talks with Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Tom Perez during the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Program at the Department of Justice on Jan. 11. The department is putting a focus on civil rights, including developing special units.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder (left) talks with Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Tom Perez during the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Program at the Department of Justice on Jan. 11. The department is putting a focus on civil rights, including developing special units.
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February 6, 2011
The Obama Justice Department wants to make protecting civil rights one of its legacies. So several U.S. attorneys across the country have started special units to devote more attention to building those cases.
For the announcement of one such effort, Justice Department leaders traveled to Pittsburgh late last year. At the August Wilson Center for African American Culture, named after the prominent black playwright, civil rights division chief Tom Perez told a crowd filled with dozens of activists for racial and gender equality that they'd soon have another place to turn with their concerns.
"There are roughly a dozen U.S. attorneys offices now that have established … dedicated civil rights units and we're working to raise that number substantially because this is about sustainability," Perez said.
The Obama civil rights division prosecuted 237 criminal cases over the last two years — what officials call a record. But numbers aren't the only measure that prosecutors are using for success.
'We Are Open For Business'
Steve Dettelbach, the U.S. attorney in Cleveland, is leading a special group of prosecutors around the country who want to modernize civil rights enforcement.
"In the civil rights area, one of the things that you have to make sure is that the people in some of these affected communities who don't always trust law enforcement know that we are open for business," Dettelbach said in an interview.
U.S. attorneys are telling people about a law signed by President Obama in 2009 that expands the definition of hate crimes. The law now covers assaults motivated by a victim's gender or sexual orientation.
The U.S. attorneys aren't getting any extra money because of the tight federal budget, so they are balancing civil rights as a priority with other demands.
One of the busiest areas over the last two years is Arizona. There, U.S. attorney Dennis Burke sued a school system and is seeking documents from a controversial sheriff accused of discriminating against Latinos.
Burke is paying a lot of attention to making sure that police follow the law.
"We are training federal, state and local law enforcement and talking to them about federal civil rights, their responsibilities, what they can and should be doing, and ensuring that when they are out there they're cognizant of the rights of individuals they're interacting with, potentially arresting, potentially interviewing," Burke said.
'You Can Only Hide For So Long'
Denise Coley has lived that lesson. Her son, Carlton Benton, died in the Lucas County, Ohio, jail six years ago after a sergeant beat him and left him in a cell.
At first, officers said Benton, 25, died from natural causes. His mother never believed that.
She says she's grateful to the FBI and the prosecutors who moved ahead with the case.
"I feel like they did a wonderful job as far as presenting my case, my son's case," Coley said. "I knew that the truth would come out eventually. Because, like I said, you can only hide for so long."
Last month, a judge sentenced one of the sheriff's officers to three years in prison for violating Benton's civil rights and writing false reports to cover up the beating.
Does Justice Practice What It Preaches?
But some groups, particularly activists for the Muslim-American community, doubt that the Justice Department is always practicing what it preaches.
One group called Muslim Advocates sued the FBI and the attorney general over surveillance practices that investigators use in places like churches and mosques.
Muslim Advocates worries that the surveillance is itself a civil rights problem. And that it's leaving the wrong impression about Islam.
Nura Maznavi, a lawyer with the group, describes the concern this way: "When you have that blanket of suspicion that's cast over an entire community, it essentially fosters this sort of paranoia and fear against the Muslim communi Department say
s those FBI surveillance practices don't discriminate against Muslims.
Civil rights prosecutors at the department, meanwhile, have opened several investigations of violence against mosques and Muslims.
Attorney General Eric Holder wanted to clear the air, so he went to speak to the Muslim Advocates group late last year.
People who attended said he got a polite, if not warm, reception.
Kevin Gosztola is a multimedia editor for OpEdNews.com and a writer for WLCentral.org. He is currently serving as an intern for The Nation Magazine. And, he follows all things related to WikiLeaks, media, activism, the unfolding revolutions in the Middle East and North Africa and sometimes writes movie reviews for OEN. He is currently serving as an intern for The Nation Magazine.
He is a 2009 Young People For Fellow and a documentary filmmaker who graduated with a Film/Video B.A. degree from Columbia College Chicago in the Spring 2010. In April 2010, he co-organized a major arts & media summit called "Art, Access & Action," which explored the intersection of politics, art and media and was supported by Free Press. Chicago.
His work can be found on Open Salon, The Seminal, Media-ocracy.com, and a personal blog he started on Alternet called Moving Train Media.
OpEdNews Member for 182 week(s) and 0 day(s)
Libyans are mobilizing for a "Day of Rage" today on February 17. Protesters in the early afternoon, according to a member of the Libyan Youth Movement, were reported to be moving to the Security Headquarters in Benghazi. The protests are said to be gaining numbers and are headed for Maydan al Shajara once more, a location that had been the site of gunfire and petrol bombs.
http://www.opednews.com/articles/WikiLeaks-Cables-Repressi-by-Kevin-Gosztola-110217-487.html
The same individual also reports shortages of medical supplies at Al Bayda hospital and urges international health organizations to help out. And the movement member shared reports of people in Benghazi managed to chase away "pro-government Gaddafi thugs" by throwing rocks at them.
Many in Libya believed ahead of the "Day of Rage" that the Gaddafi regime was planning to threaten Libyans with live fire and the targeting of family members if they participated in anti-government protests. Also, it was reported that Gaddafi was having government employees go protest at pro-Gaddafi rallies, and, if they refused, they would be fired.
Cables released on Libya provide context for the protests that are unfolding. 09TRIPOLI192 from February 2009 titled, "For Ordinary Libyans, It's the Economy Stupid," breaks down what might be frustrating Libyans and why Egypt may have been just what they needed to be inspired to take action. The cable suggests Libyans are more interested in economic democracy, not political democracy:
Ordinary Libyans, frustrated by privations during the country's isolation under sanctions and exhausted by decades of largely failed political adventurism under the rubric of Muammar al-Qadhafi's al-Fateh Revolution, appear to care more about economic reform than political change. Historically entrepeneurial, al-Qadhafi's revolution had been a "poor fit" for most Libyans. The lifting of sanctions and nascent economic reforms were a welcome relief; however, the increasing disparity between what Libyans saw and wanted to buy and what they could afford (the majority are still employed by the government) has remained a problem. Static state salaries and inflation, particularly with respect to prices for food and key staples, have hit ordinary Libyans hard in the last two years. The tendency of greedy regime elites to monopolize the most lucrative market sectors has had political consequences, and the pervasive culture of rent-seeking that evolved during the sanctions period, together with conspicuous consumption by regime elites, has not sat well with the silent majority of Libyans, who remain socially conservative. The fact that many young men are forced by lack of means to delay marriage is another pressing economic issue in a conservative society in which marriage is a key social anchor and indicator of status. Embassy contacts in Tripoli, Benghazi and Tobruk were cautiously optimistic about proposals for wealth distribution and continued economic reform, but less sanguine about proposed government re-structuring and political change. Despite talk of a possible constitution and perhaps even elections, Libyans are mostly sober-minded about the prospect and likely pace of political change, at least while Muammar al-Qadhafi remains alive and in control. But they are cautiously optimistic that the limited economic reforms that have been undertaken to date will continue, and that their salaries will somehow increase enough to allow them to enjoy more of the consumer goods that they were largely deprived of for more than 20 years
The sheer level of repression that the Gaddafi regime exacts on the people of Libya is largely what leads the diplomat who wrote this cable to conclude Libyans are largely uninterested in a political revolution. A person, whose name is redacted, is quoted saying, "Do not give us free speech, parties, a constitution or elections - give us the ability to make and freely spend money." Later on in the cable, another whose name is redacted, says, "I don't give a damn about politics," and when asked about "proposed government re-structuring" he suggests that the regime is "a police state" that cannot be expected to willingly concede political authority."
The cable highlights a chief concern as a result of poverty in the largely conservative society is that Libyans are no longer earning enough money to get married. Marriage, an important "social anchor and bellwether of worth," is creating "worrying social consequences."
That same month in 2009, "Basic People's Congresses" (BPCs) were held. Five hundred low level councils deliberated over two key proposals put forward by the Gaddafi regime: the distribution of Libya's oil wealth directly to the people and the dismantling of most government ministries.
A cable on the two measures, 09TRIPOLI186 , illuminates what happened after "the Leader" or Muammar al-Gaddafi appeared before cameras and stated, "Libyans, this is your historic opportunity to take your oil wealth, power and full freedom."
The 468 BPCs then began their deliberations, which were played live on Libyan radio throughout the week. The GOL extended the BPCs one day to February 23 after the wealth distribution question proved so contentious that other agenda items, including the government restructuring initiative, were left no time for debate. Local observers say the Congresses have been largely inconclusive and are "in a muddle". Foreign journalists on a tightly controlled tour of the BPCs were surprised to see what they described as genuine opposition to al-Qadhafi's plan, and noted that many Libyans complained that they were being asked to decide on plans bereft of details and without knowledge of how the plans would impact the Libyan economy. Even basic questions such as how the funds would be dispersed in a country that remains a cash economy with little access to commercial banking have gone unanswered. The most commonly-heard objection was that distributing large payments directly to the entire population would cause serious inflation. Yusuf Sawani, Director of Saif al-Islam al-Qadhafi's Qadhafi Development Foundation, told the DCM his impression was that "the weight of opinion" was against supporting wealth distribution. The 468 BPCs represent the lowest level of a three-tiered direct representation scheme (ref C) and the recommendations of the BPCs will next pass to regional councils -- "Sha'abiyat" -- before being presented to the national-level General People's Congress (expected to meet March 2).
The appeal to populism is characterized by the author of this cable as a move that was "intended to distance himself from the widely-criticized corruption and inefficiency in the government." The strong opposition is said to have come from "prominent technocrats as well as self-interested officials who stand to lose influence if government ministries are abolished."
The cable concludes that most Libyans would "forgo oil money in exchange for a functioning, relatively honest government that provided decent salaries, education and health care."
According to The Economist's "Shoe Thrower's Index," Libya is the second-most unstable country. It has a corruption ranking of 146 out of 178.
Libyan government is known by the term "Jamahiriya," which was coined to describe the direct democracy without political parties that exists in Libya. Basic People's Congresses have representatives that meet in a General People's Congress (GPC). As one might expect, it is easier to have wide-ranging debates and address problems at the lower level than it is at a higher level in the GPC.
As the aforementioned cables indicate, up to this point Libyans' expectations for change have been lowered to the level of only desiring a marginally better day-to-day quality of life. But with the events that have unfolded in Tunisia and Egypt, that mindset is shifting.
Whether the shift will lead Libyans to face down Gaddafi thugs and brutal security forces -- now, that's a key question.
For the latest on what is unfolding in Libya, here is WL Central's live blog. If you have any news tips, send them to admin@wlcentral.org .
KEVIN GOSZTOLA COULD DO THE DOCUMENTARY TO EXPOSE FRAUD ON THE COURT AND LEGAL ABUSE SYNDROME:
Kevin Gosztola is a multimedia editor for OpEdNews.com and a writer for WLCentral.org. He is currently serving as an intern for The Nation Magazine. And, he follows all things related to WikiLeaks, media, activism, the unfolding revolutions in the Middle East and North Africa and sometimes writes movie reviews for OEN. He is currently serving as an intern for The Nation Magazine.
He is a 2009 Young People For Fellow and a documentary filmmaker who graduated with a Film/Video B.A. degree from Columbia College Chicago in the Spring 2010. In April 2010, he co-organized a major arts & media summit called "Art, Access & Action," which explored the intersection of politics, art and media and was supported by Free Press. Chicago.
His work can be found on Open Salon, The Seminal, Media-ocracy.com, and a personal blog he started on Alternet called Moving Train Media.
OpEdNews Member for 182 week(s) and 0 day(s)
KEVIN GOSZTOLA (SEE BIO BELOW) COULD DO THE DOCUMENTARY TO EXPOSE FRAUD ON THE COURT AND LEGAL ABUSE SYNDROME:
My next Small Claims Court case is "False Arrest" and "Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress" for the two FALSE ARRESTS by the County Counsel. It fits PERFECTLY with Civil Code 52.2 and Small Claims Court (for ADA violations under $5,000.):
CIVIL CODE SECTION 52.2 [January 1, 1999]
This law specifies that the jurisdiction of the small claims court includes actions for damages, not to exceed $5,000, for specified acts of discrimination, boycotting, or blacklisting, or the refusal to buy or sell to a person; for violence, threat of violence, or intimidation based on specific characteristics of a person; for denial of interference with the right of access of a disabled person to specific public accommodations; and related civil rights actions as specified.
Section 52.2 added to the Civil Code reads: An action pursuant to Section 52 or 54.3 may be brought in any court of competent jurisdiction. A "court of competent jurisdiction" shall include small claims court if the amount of the damages sought in the action does not exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000).
Let's connect the dots between Obama and Attorney General Holder AND KEVIN GOSZTOLA (SEE BELOW) HE'S A VIDEOGRAPHER AND JOURNALIST!
OBAMA STATES "HE WANTS HIS LEGACY TO BE CIVIL RIGHTS:
http://www.npr.org/2011/02/06/133524465/justice-department-strengthens-focus-on-civil-rights&sc=nl&cc=nh-20110206
Justice Department Focuses On Civil Rights
by Carrie Johnson
February 6, 2011
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U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder (left) talks with Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Tom Perez during the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Program at the Department of Justice on Jan. 11. The department is putting a focus on civil rights, including developing special units.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder (left) talks with Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Tom Perez during the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Program at the Department of Justice on Jan. 11. The department is putting a focus on civil rights, including developing special units.
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February 6, 2011
The Obama Justice Department wants to make protecting civil rights one of its legacies. So several U.S. attorneys across the country have started special units to devote more attention to building those cases.
For the announcement of one such effort, Justice Department leaders traveled to Pittsburgh late last year. At the August Wilson Center for African American Culture, named after the prominent black playwright, civil rights division chief Tom Perez told a crowd filled with dozens of activists for racial and gender equality that they'd soon have another place to turn with their concerns.
"There are roughly a dozen U.S. attorneys offices now that have established … dedicated civil rights units and we're working to raise that number substantially because this is about sustainability," Perez said.
The Obama civil rights division prosecuted 237 criminal cases over the last two years — what officials call a record. But numbers aren't the only measure that prosecutors are using for success.
'We Are Open For Business'
Steve Dettelbach, the U.S. attorney in Cleveland, is leading a special group of prosecutors around the country who want to modernize civil rights enforcement.
"In the civil rights area, one of the things that you have to make sure is that the people in some of these affected communities who don't always trust law enforcement know that we are open for business," Dettelbach said in an interview.
U.S. attorneys are telling people about a law signed by President Obama in 2009 that expands the definition of hate crimes. The law now covers assaults motivated by a victim's gender or sexual orientation.
The U.S. attorneys aren't getting any extra money because of the tight federal budget, so they are balancing civil rights as a priority with other demands.
One of the busiest areas over the last two years is Arizona. There, U.S. attorney Dennis Burke sued a school system and is seeking documents from a controversial sheriff accused of discriminating against Latinos.
Burke is paying a lot of attention to making sure that police follow the law.
"We are training federal, state and local law enforcement and talking to them about federal civil rights, their responsibilities, what they can and should be doing, and ensuring that when they are out there they're cognizant of the rights of individuals they're interacting with, potentially arresting, potentially interviewing," Burke said.
'You Can Only Hide For So Long'
Denise Coley has lived that lesson. Her son, Carlton Benton, died in the Lucas County, Ohio, jail six years ago after a sergeant beat him and left him in a cell.
At first, officers said Benton, 25, died from natural causes. His mother never believed that.
She says she's grateful to the FBI and the prosecutors who moved ahead with the case.
"I feel like they did a wonderful job as far as presenting my case, my son's case," Coley said. "I knew that the truth would come out eventually. Because, like I said, you can only hide for so long."
Last month, a judge sentenced one of the sheriff's officers to three years in prison for violating Benton's civil rights and writing false reports to cover up the beating.
Does Justice Practice What It Preaches?
But some groups, particularly activists for the Muslim-American community, doubt that the Justice Department is always practicing what it preaches.
One group called Muslim Advocates sued the FBI and the attorney general over surveillance practices that investigators use in places like churches and mosques.
Muslim Advocates worries that the surveillance is itself a civil rights problem. And that it's leaving the wrong impression about Islam.
Nura Maznavi, a lawyer with the group, describes the concern this way: "When you have that blanket of suspicion that's cast over an entire community, it essentially fosters this sort of paranoia and fear against the Muslim communi Department say
s those FBI surveillance practices don't discriminate against Muslims.
Civil rights prosecutors at the department, meanwhile, have opened several investigations of violence against mosques and Muslims.
Attorney General Eric Holder wanted to clear the air, so he went to speak to the Muslim Advocates group late last year.
People who attended said he got a polite, if not warm, reception.
Kevin Gosztola is a multimedia editor for OpEdNews.com and a writer for WLCentral.org. He is currently serving as an intern for The Nation Magazine. And, he follows all things related to WikiLeaks, media, activism, the unfolding revolutions in the Middle East and North Africa and sometimes writes movie reviews for OEN. He is currently serving as an intern for The Nation Magazine.
He is a 2009 Young People For Fellow and a documentary filmmaker who graduated with a Film/Video B.A. degree from Columbia College Chicago in the Spring 2010. In April 2010, he co-organized a major arts & media summit called "Art, Access & Action," which explored the intersection of politics, art and media and was supported by Free Press. Chicago.
His work can be found on Open Salon, The Seminal, Media-ocracy.com, and a personal blog he started on Alternet called Moving Train Media.
OpEdNews Member for 182 week(s) and 0 day(s)
Libyans are mobilizing for a "Day of Rage" today on February 17. Protesters in the early afternoon, according to a member of the Libyan Youth Movement, were reported to be moving to the Security Headquarters in Benghazi. The protests are said to be gaining numbers and are headed for Maydan al Shajara once more, a location that had been the site of gunfire and petrol bombs.
http://www.opednews.com/articles/WikiLeaks-Cables-Repressi-by-Kevin-Gosztola-110217-487.html
The same individual also reports shortages of medical supplies at Al Bayda hospital and urges international health organizations to help out. And the movement member shared reports of people in Benghazi managed to chase away "pro-government Gaddafi thugs" by throwing rocks at them.
Many in Libya believed ahead of the "Day of Rage" that the Gaddafi regime was planning to threaten Libyans with live fire and the targeting of family members if they participated in anti-government protests. Also, it was reported that Gaddafi was having government employees go protest at pro-Gaddafi rallies, and, if they refused, they would be fired.
Cables released on Libya provide context for the protests that are unfolding. 09TRIPOLI192 from February 2009 titled, "For Ordinary Libyans, It's the Economy Stupid," breaks down what might be frustrating Libyans and why Egypt may have been just what they needed to be inspired to take action. The cable suggests Libyans are more interested in economic democracy, not political democracy:
Ordinary Libyans, frustrated by privations during the country's isolation under sanctions and exhausted by decades of largely failed political adventurism under the rubric of Muammar al-Qadhafi's al-Fateh Revolution, appear to care more about economic reform than political change. Historically entrepeneurial, al-Qadhafi's revolution had been a "poor fit" for most Libyans. The lifting of sanctions and nascent economic reforms were a welcome relief; however, the increasing disparity between what Libyans saw and wanted to buy and what they could afford (the majority are still employed by the government) has remained a problem. Static state salaries and inflation, particularly with respect to prices for food and key staples, have hit ordinary Libyans hard in the last two years. The tendency of greedy regime elites to monopolize the most lucrative market sectors has had political consequences, and the pervasive culture of rent-seeking that evolved during the sanctions period, together with conspicuous consumption by regime elites, has not sat well with the silent majority of Libyans, who remain socially conservative. The fact that many young men are forced by lack of means to delay marriage is another pressing economic issue in a conservative society in which marriage is a key social anchor and indicator of status. Embassy contacts in Tripoli, Benghazi and Tobruk were cautiously optimistic about proposals for wealth distribution and continued economic reform, but less sanguine about proposed government re-structuring and political change. Despite talk of a possible constitution and perhaps even elections, Libyans are mostly sober-minded about the prospect and likely pace of political change, at least while Muammar al-Qadhafi remains alive and in control. But they are cautiously optimistic that the limited economic reforms that have been undertaken to date will continue, and that their salaries will somehow increase enough to allow them to enjoy more of the consumer goods that they were largely deprived of for more than 20 years
The sheer level of repression that the Gaddafi regime exacts on the people of Libya is largely what leads the diplomat who wrote this cable to conclude Libyans are largely uninterested in a political revolution. A person, whose name is redacted, is quoted saying, "Do not give us free speech, parties, a constitution or elections - give us the ability to make and freely spend money." Later on in the cable, another whose name is redacted, says, "I don't give a damn about politics," and when asked about "proposed government re-structuring" he suggests that the regime is "a police state" that cannot be expected to willingly concede political authority."
The cable highlights a chief concern as a result of poverty in the largely conservative society is that Libyans are no longer earning enough money to get married. Marriage, an important "social anchor and bellwether of worth," is creating "worrying social consequences."
That same month in 2009, "Basic People's Congresses" (BPCs) were held. Five hundred low level councils deliberated over two key proposals put forward by the Gaddafi regime: the distribution of Libya's oil wealth directly to the people and the dismantling of most government ministries.
A cable on the two measures, 09TRIPOLI186 , illuminates what happened after "the Leader" or Muammar al-Gaddafi appeared before cameras and stated, "Libyans, this is your historic opportunity to take your oil wealth, power and full freedom."
The 468 BPCs then began their deliberations, which were played live on Libyan radio throughout the week. The GOL extended the BPCs one day to February 23 after the wealth distribution question proved so contentious that other agenda items, including the government restructuring initiative, were left no time for debate. Local observers say the Congresses have been largely inconclusive and are "in a muddle". Foreign journalists on a tightly controlled tour of the BPCs were surprised to see what they described as genuine opposition to al-Qadhafi's plan, and noted that many Libyans complained that they were being asked to decide on plans bereft of details and without knowledge of how the plans would impact the Libyan economy. Even basic questions such as how the funds would be dispersed in a country that remains a cash economy with little access to commercial banking have gone unanswered. The most commonly-heard objection was that distributing large payments directly to the entire population would cause serious inflation. Yusuf Sawani, Director of Saif al-Islam al-Qadhafi's Qadhafi Development Foundation, told the DCM his impression was that "the weight of opinion" was against supporting wealth distribution. The 468 BPCs represent the lowest level of a three-tiered direct representation scheme (ref C) and the recommendations of the BPCs will next pass to regional councils -- "Sha'abiyat" -- before being presented to the national-level General People's Congress (expected to meet March 2).
The appeal to populism is characterized by the author of this cable as a move that was "intended to distance himself from the widely-criticized corruption and inefficiency in the government." The strong opposition is said to have come from "prominent technocrats as well as self-interested officials who stand to lose influence if government ministries are abolished."
The cable concludes that most Libyans would "forgo oil money in exchange for a functioning, relatively honest government that provided decent salaries, education and health care."
According to The Economist's "Shoe Thrower's Index," Libya is the second-most unstable country. It has a corruption ranking of 146 out of 178.
Libyan government is known by the term "Jamahiriya," which was coined to describe the direct democracy without political parties that exists in Libya. Basic People's Congresses have representatives that meet in a General People's Congress (GPC). As one might expect, it is easier to have wide-ranging debates and address problems at the lower level than it is at a higher level in the GPC.
As the aforementioned cables indicate, up to this point Libyans' expectations for change have been lowered to the level of only desiring a marginally better day-to-day quality of life. But with the events that have unfolded in Tunisia and Egypt, that mindset is shifting.
Whether the shift will lead Libyans to face down Gaddafi thugs and brutal security forces -- now, that's a key question.
For the latest on what is unfolding in Libya, here is WL Central's live blog. If you have any news tips, send them to admin@wlcentral.org .
KEVIN GOSZTOLA COULD DO THE DOCUMENTARY TO EXPOSE FRAUD ON THE COURT AND LEGAL ABUSE SYNDROME:
Kevin Gosztola is a multimedia editor for OpEdNews.com and a writer for WLCentral.org. He is currently serving as an intern for The Nation Magazine. And, he follows all things related to WikiLeaks, media, activism, the unfolding revolutions in the Middle East and North Africa and sometimes writes movie reviews for OEN. He is currently serving as an intern for The Nation Magazine.
He is a 2009 Young People For Fellow and a documentary filmmaker who graduated with a Film/Video B.A. degree from Columbia College Chicago in the Spring 2010. In April 2010, he co-organized a major arts & media summit called "Art, Access & Action," which explored the intersection of politics, art and media and was supported by Free Press. Chicago.
His work can be found on Open Salon, The Seminal, Media-ocracy.com, and a personal blog he started on Alternet called Moving Train Media.
OpEdNews Member for 182 week(s) and 0 day(s)
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
FRAUD ON THE COURT
KATE SMITH vs. MIKE BROWN et al:
February 16, 2011, Department 5, 1:30 pm (It didn't appear on the calendar---what a surprise...)
JUDGE COLLEEN STERNE "FOUND FOR THE DEFENDANTS" RATHER THAN DISMISSING THE CASE...but they didn't say a word; how did she come to her ruling? Was she basing her ruling on their motions (motions are not allowed in Small Claims because lawyers are not allowed).
She refused to allow me to oppose their motions---but kept using their points, which were absurd: "Small Claims Court is not the proper jurisdiction," and "Kate Smith didn't write a brief to explain her cause of action(!)" Gary Blair, the Clerk of the Court, said I should gather evidence through DISCOVERY! (Not! There is no "discovery" in Small Claims...duh!)
The judge said I was "unintelligible" and "incoherent." words everyone throws at me to "dismiss" me---Craig Price used the same words in his
letters to other judges, (quashing six properly served witness subpoenas, saying I wasn't allowed to submit my own subpoenas---yes, Craig, in Small Claims Court, I CAN).
We have ALOT of evidence of collusion and ex partecommunication.
The judge said she granted the motion to quash County Counsel Dennis Marshall's subpoena---no, she hadn't. There was no hearing to quash: FRAUD ON THE COURT!
Judge Sterne refused all of my requests, and the defendants never said a word---was she representing them?
If Judge Sterne couldn't understand what I was saying, DOESN'T SHE HAVE TO ASK ME QUESTIONS TO CLARIFY HER CONFUSION??? FRAUD ON THE COURT!
The fact that Michael Allen didn't show up means the government, once again, denied me due process...
FRAUD ON THE COURT!
----- Original Message -----
From: "kate"
To: FOX
Cc: PAPA BEAR
Sent: Wednesday, February 16, 2011 10:32 AM
Subject: We Should Map Out the Script
To Judge Colleen Sterne and To Whom It May Concern:
I need your help. I have subpoenaed Michael Allen, SB BOS Clerk of the
Board, and County Counsel Dennis Marshall (Duces Tecum). I ask that you
hold them IN CONTEMPT and issue a bench warrant for their appearance if
they fail to appear.
I have offered to MEDIATE this case; that offer is still on the table.
Otherwise, I request time to explain how this court case has become a
MIS-TRIAL. Judge James Brown threw it into your court and should be made accountable for his violations of ADA and my rights to due process.
Please ask ADA Court Coordinator, Stephanie Robbins, to assist you to
assist me today.
By rights, I can request to meet with Your Honor in your chambers to
discuss my disorders CONFIDENTIALLY but because of the bizarre nature of
Hereditary Angioedema, I may choose to discuss my requests for
accomodation publicly.
I requested that this proceeding be video-taped to protect all of us out
that request was denied. Still, there is a need to document what happens in court, so I will speak what I see or feel into the record.
"STRESS is a killer" is more than a "figure of speech" for me; it is an
unfortunate consequence of HAE.
If I speak slowly, that is my right; I suffer from tardive dyskenisia
(permanent neurological brain damage)from the medication Abilify; I
literally BITE MY TONGUE if I speak too rapidly when stressed.
If I become emotional, please allow me a moment to compose
myself---Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is real and disabling.
Public humiliation triggers an attack, which is not only life- threatening, it is UGLIFYING.
I have suffered rampant and severe retaliation for my activism to expose deep-seated and wide-spread school and government corruption, but because HAE is so incredibly rare and bizarre, people LAUGH AT ME when I mention it.
I AM NOT A VEXATIOUS LITIGANT; I AM A WHISTLEBLOWER.
There is nothing small about this "Small Claims Court" proceeding. This is the culmination of a sequentially-designed series of Small Claims Court proceedings to expose FRAUD ON THE COURT.
My case against Michael Brown began on April 21, 2009: 1340164/1371036.
My case against Ray Aromatorio began with the disqualification from the
SBSD School Board Ballot (1306011/1340600) and my ejection from the BOS
chambers on October 28, 2008.
THE RESTRAINING ORDERS OBTAINED BY THE SB COUNTY GOVERNMENT WERE A
Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP) TO PREVENT ME FROM EXPOSING CORRUPTION AND BRINGING THIS LAWSUIT TO THE COURT.
My anxiety level is heightened by my awareness that these defendants will go to ANY LENGTHS to prevail in this proceeding. There is illegal,
unethical, uncivil, and immoral behavior within an "Ole Boy's Network."
I submit to you Dr. Karin Huffer's seminal book: "Legal Abuse Syndrome"
(WARNING: Protracted litigation can be hazardous to your health).
"THERE IS METHOD TO MY MADNESS:" An attempt to declare me a vexatious
litigant or appoint a guardian ad litem is an attempt to make me "look
crazy" and is further legal abuse. Please don't go there.
Please allow me the time to ARTICULATE the effect of the defendant's
motions to Dismiss, Quash, and Declare (me) a Vexatious Litigant before I OPPOSE THEIR MOTIONS AND YOU RULE ON THEM.
Dr. Karin Huffer has agreed to take my case, but she cannot be here today. I have requested the presence of Dr. Karen Davidson.
Sincerely,
Kate Smith
P. S. "Kate Smith is not a threat to anyone's life, unless it is possible to TALK A PERSON TO DEATH, in which case, we're all in trouble."
"I am NOT A THREAT TO THEIR LIVES; I am a very real threat to their
LIVELIHOODS."
February 16, 2011, Department 5, 1:30 pm (It didn't appear on the calendar---what a surprise...)
JUDGE COLLEEN STERNE "FOUND FOR THE DEFENDANTS" RATHER THAN DISMISSING THE CASE...but they didn't say a word; how did she come to her ruling? Was she basing her ruling on their motions (motions are not allowed in Small Claims because lawyers are not allowed).
She refused to allow me to oppose their motions---but kept using their points, which were absurd: "Small Claims Court is not the proper jurisdiction," and "Kate Smith didn't write a brief to explain her cause of action(!)" Gary Blair, the Clerk of the Court, said I should gather evidence through DISCOVERY! (Not! There is no "discovery" in Small Claims...duh!)
The judge said I was "unintelligible" and "incoherent." words everyone throws at me to "dismiss" me---Craig Price used the same words in his
letters to other judges, (quashing six properly served witness subpoenas, saying I wasn't allowed to submit my own subpoenas---yes, Craig, in Small Claims Court, I CAN).
We have ALOT of evidence of collusion and ex partecommunication.
The judge said she granted the motion to quash County Counsel Dennis Marshall's subpoena---no, she hadn't. There was no hearing to quash: FRAUD ON THE COURT!
Judge Sterne refused all of my requests, and the defendants never said a word---was she representing them?
If Judge Sterne couldn't understand what I was saying, DOESN'T SHE HAVE TO ASK ME QUESTIONS TO CLARIFY HER CONFUSION??? FRAUD ON THE COURT!
The fact that Michael Allen didn't show up means the government, once again, denied me due process...
FRAUD ON THE COURT!
----- Original Message -----
From: "kate"
To: FOX
Cc: PAPA BEAR
Sent: Wednesday, February 16, 2011 10:32 AM
Subject: We Should Map Out the Script
To Judge Colleen Sterne and To Whom It May Concern:
I need your help. I have subpoenaed Michael Allen, SB BOS Clerk of the
Board, and County Counsel Dennis Marshall (Duces Tecum). I ask that you
hold them IN CONTEMPT and issue a bench warrant for their appearance if
they fail to appear.
I have offered to MEDIATE this case; that offer is still on the table.
Otherwise, I request time to explain how this court case has become a
MIS-TRIAL. Judge James Brown threw it into your court and should be made accountable for his violations of ADA and my rights to due process.
Please ask ADA Court Coordinator, Stephanie Robbins, to assist you to
assist me today.
By rights, I can request to meet with Your Honor in your chambers to
discuss my disorders CONFIDENTIALLY but because of the bizarre nature of
Hereditary Angioedema, I may choose to discuss my requests for
accomodation publicly.
I requested that this proceeding be video-taped to protect all of us out
that request was denied. Still, there is a need to document what happens in court, so I will speak what I see or feel into the record.
"STRESS is a killer" is more than a "figure of speech" for me; it is an
unfortunate consequence of HAE.
If I speak slowly, that is my right; I suffer from tardive dyskenisia
(permanent neurological brain damage)from the medication Abilify; I
literally BITE MY TONGUE if I speak too rapidly when stressed.
If I become emotional, please allow me a moment to compose
myself---Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is real and disabling.
Public humiliation triggers an attack, which is not only life- threatening, it is UGLIFYING.
I have suffered rampant and severe retaliation for my activism to expose deep-seated and wide-spread school and government corruption, but because HAE is so incredibly rare and bizarre, people LAUGH AT ME when I mention it.
I AM NOT A VEXATIOUS LITIGANT; I AM A WHISTLEBLOWER.
There is nothing small about this "Small Claims Court" proceeding. This is the culmination of a sequentially-designed series of Small Claims Court proceedings to expose FRAUD ON THE COURT.
My case against Michael Brown began on April 21, 2009: 1340164/1371036.
My case against Ray Aromatorio began with the disqualification from the
SBSD School Board Ballot (1306011/1340600) and my ejection from the BOS
chambers on October 28, 2008.
THE RESTRAINING ORDERS OBTAINED BY THE SB COUNTY GOVERNMENT WERE A
Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP) TO PREVENT ME FROM EXPOSING CORRUPTION AND BRINGING THIS LAWSUIT TO THE COURT.
My anxiety level is heightened by my awareness that these defendants will go to ANY LENGTHS to prevail in this proceeding. There is illegal,
unethical, uncivil, and immoral behavior within an "Ole Boy's Network."
I submit to you Dr. Karin Huffer's seminal book: "Legal Abuse Syndrome"
(WARNING: Protracted litigation can be hazardous to your health).
"THERE IS METHOD TO MY MADNESS:" An attempt to declare me a vexatious
litigant or appoint a guardian ad litem is an attempt to make me "look
crazy" and is further legal abuse. Please don't go there.
Please allow me the time to ARTICULATE the effect of the defendant's
motions to Dismiss, Quash, and Declare (me) a Vexatious Litigant before I OPPOSE THEIR MOTIONS AND YOU RULE ON THEM.
Dr. Karin Huffer has agreed to take my case, but she cannot be here today. I have requested the presence of Dr. Karen Davidson.
Sincerely,
Kate Smith
P. S. "Kate Smith is not a threat to anyone's life, unless it is possible to TALK A PERSON TO DEATH, in which case, we're all in trouble."
"I am NOT A THREAT TO THEIR LIVES; I am a very real threat to their
LIVELIHOODS."
February 16, 2011
Dear Friends,
PLEASE ATTEND: "Kate Smith vs. Michael Brown et al," SB Superior Court, Wednesday, February 16, 2011 (today) at 1:30 pm in Judge Colleen Sterne's Department 5 (I think!).
I have made claims of FRAUD UPON THE COURT and "fraudulent representation" against former SB CEO Michael Brown and Risk Manager Ray Aromatorio.
This Small Claims Court proceeding alleges collusion, conspiracy, and cover-up of wrong-doing by tax-payer paid lawyers AND IMPLICATES THE SANTA BARBARA COURT SYSTEM.
There is rampant and severe retaliation against whistleblowers; I am the Poster Child for Legal Abuse Syndrome. The restraining orders against me are a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP) and all of the proceedings against me violate the Americans with Disabilities Act.
I have the DVD of the April 21, 2009 Michael Brown "hitting incident" (thank you, Videographer Michael White of imijwurks!). Michael Brown perjured himself in court on January 25, 2010, denying the charges of assault and battery. County Counsel Dennis Marshall stated he heard me say, "He just hit me!" so I have subpoenaed him back into court, duces tecum.
The onus is on the judge to unravel this tangled web; the defendants have filed motions to DISMISS, QUASH A WITNESS SUBPOENA, and DECLARE ME A VEXTIOUS LITIGANT (and appoint a guardian ad litem).
PLEASE visit "Legal Abuse Syndrome" and read about Dr. Karin Huffer---she can't be here today but I am working with her.
PLEASE visit www.fraudonthecourt.blogspot.com and SUPPORT THEIR CALL FOR A CONGRESSIONAL HEARING to stop Legal Abuse and judicial misconduct. (I am calling for a Federal Grand Jury to investigate SB's School to Prison Pipeline.)
Santa Barbara is The Perfect Storm of Injustice; call me Katrina!
Peace and Blessings!
Kate Smith
aka k8longstory 4 sbschooltalk.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Gwendolyn Hampton
Sent: Feb 16, 2011 7:30 AM
To: Gwendolyn Hampton
Subject: Your Invite to Up From the Bottoms Film
Good day! The "Up From the Bottoms" film is tonight, Wed. Feb.16 at UCSB.
Greetings,
This is a reminder that the African Heritage Film Series is presenting it's final film for Black History Month tomorrow at the UCSB MultiCultural Center.
The reception is at 5pm and film at 6pm with a discussion to follow facilitated by UCSB Professor Otis Madison and Dr. Monique Snowden, Associate Provost for Enrollment Management, Fielding Graduate University.
We look forward to having you join us!
For your convenience, a flyer is attached.
Gwendolyn
PLEASE ATTEND: "Kate Smith vs. Michael Brown et al," SB Superior Court, Wednesday, February 16, 2011 (today) at 1:30 pm in Judge Colleen Sterne's Department 5 (I think!).
I have made claims of FRAUD UPON THE COURT and "fraudulent representation" against former SB CEO Michael Brown and Risk Manager Ray Aromatorio.
This Small Claims Court proceeding alleges collusion, conspiracy, and cover-up of wrong-doing by tax-payer paid lawyers AND IMPLICATES THE SANTA BARBARA COURT SYSTEM.
There is rampant and severe retaliation against whistleblowers; I am the Poster Child for Legal Abuse Syndrome. The restraining orders against me are a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP) and all of the proceedings against me violate the Americans with Disabilities Act.
I have the DVD of the April 21, 2009 Michael Brown "hitting incident" (thank you, Videographer Michael White of imijwurks!). Michael Brown perjured himself in court on January 25, 2010, denying the charges of assault and battery. County Counsel Dennis Marshall stated he heard me say, "He just hit me!" so I have subpoenaed him back into court, duces tecum.
The onus is on the judge to unravel this tangled web; the defendants have filed motions to DISMISS, QUASH A WITNESS SUBPOENA, and DECLARE ME A VEXTIOUS LITIGANT (and appoint a guardian ad litem).
PLEASE visit "Legal Abuse Syndrome" and read about Dr. Karin Huffer---she can't be here today but I am working with her.
PLEASE visit www.fraudonthecourt.blogspot.com and SUPPORT THEIR CALL FOR A CONGRESSIONAL HEARING to stop Legal Abuse and judicial misconduct. (I am calling for a Federal Grand Jury to investigate SB's School to Prison Pipeline.)
Santa Barbara is The Perfect Storm of Injustice; call me Katrina!
Peace and Blessings!
Kate Smith
aka k8longstory 4 sbschooltalk.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Gwendolyn Hampton
Sent: Feb 16, 2011 7:30 AM
To: Gwendolyn Hampton
Subject: Your Invite to Up From the Bottoms Film
Good day! The "Up From the Bottoms" film is tonight, Wed. Feb.16 at UCSB.
Greetings,
This is a reminder that the African Heritage Film Series is presenting it's final film for Black History Month tomorrow at the UCSB MultiCultural Center.
The reception is at 5pm and film at 6pm with a discussion to follow facilitated by UCSB Professor Otis Madison and Dr. Monique Snowden, Associate Provost for Enrollment Management, Fielding Graduate University.
We look forward to having you join us!
For your convenience, a flyer is attached.
Gwendolyn
Monday, February 14, 2011
SB Valentine's Day "MEET BALL"
DEAR Larry MAGIC Mendoza and WHISTLEBLOWERS:
Happy Valentine's Day!
UPRISING ALERT: We need MANY PROTESTERS...MAGIC's blog www.santabarbaracourtcorruption.blogspot.com HAS HIT A NERVE !
PLEASE, TUESDAY, COME TO THE BOS CHAMBERS FOR PUBLIC COMMENTS (REMOTE TESTIMONY) THIS TUESDAY. We need to make our grievances public in order to expose deep-seated and wide-spread school and government corruption and TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC ABOUT LEGAL ABUSE SYNDROME.
PLEASE, ATTEND MY "FRAUD ON THE COURT" TRIAL ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, DEPARTMENT 1 (SECOND FLOOR). I'm not sure of the time!
"The public (EXCLUDING KATE SMITH, of course) can address the board in person or by using the remote audio and video equipment at the hearing room on the fourth floor of the county administration building at 105 E. Anapamu St. in Santa Barbara.
For those who cannot make it to either location, there is a live stream of the meetings and copies of agendas and minutes of the meetings at www.county ofsb.org"
(Kate Smith: "I'll be there with bells on!")
ON EDHAT.COM FROM THE LOMPOC RECORD:
http://www.lompocrecord.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_a235483e-3733-11e0-82b0-001cc4c002e0.html
A report that outlines ways to reduce Santa Barbara County’s annual retirement expense — a ballooning figure that in the coming fiscal year will see a $21 million increase — will get its first public scrutiny Tuesday by the Board of Supervisors.
The report, compiled by a five-member advisory commission appointed by supervisors in March last year and chaired by former County Treasurer-Tax Collector Gary Feramisco, suggests six changes to the existing benefit plan that over the long term would significantly reduce pension costs.
In the 2009-10 fiscal year, the county paid approximately $70.8 million into the retirement system, but the contribution amount jumped to an estimated $90.8 million in the current fiscal year.
The $20 million hike made up about half of the nearly $40 million deficit the county faced in the 2010-11 budget, and according to the report, the county will be on the hook for $105 million in fiscal year 2011-12 — $40 million for 942 safety employees and $65 million for 3,074 general employees.
The county is projecting a $60 million to $90 million budget shortfall for the fiscal year, which starts July 1.
“The hit that we took this year for our employer contributions was devastating,” said Jeri Muth, the county’s interim human resources director. “Unless we negotiate for some significant changes, that is not a sustainable amount for the county of Santa Barbara to pay for pension benefits.”
The recommended changes to the benefit plan outlined in the 36-page report include:
•A reduction in the formulas used to calculate the pension benefit;
•Eliminating the use of one year of final average salary to calculate the pension benefit;
•Eliminating any/all employer contributions to the employee’s contribution toward the pension benefit;
•Eliminating vacation conversions, through which annually employees can request to convert vacation hours to cash, which increases the final average salary on which the pension benefit will be calculated;
•Eliminating all performance-based lump sum payments, which increase final average salary;
•Implementing a 2-percent post-employment cost of living adjustment, instead of the current 3-percent COLA.
Muth noted that the changes fall under “labor relations” and are subject to collective bargaining with the handful of unions that represent the county’s employees.
Any staff recommendations to supervisors about the report “would typically happen in closed session,” she said.
“The board needs to receive this (report) first, and then we’d give our recommendations,” said Muth. “The board may like all of this, but the only way to get it accomplished is through collective bargaining, so we’d go into closed session to set the parameters for those negotiations.”
County Chief Executive Officer Chandra Wallar has said three things are to blame for the growing pension liability: the stock market crash in 2007-08; a longer life expectancy for employees; and the most critical — a reduction in the county’s interest earnings goal, which was enacted by the county’s Board of Retirement.
This year, the interest earnings goal was 7.75 percent, down from 8.16 percent in better years, and in the next two years it will be 7.5 percent.
“That means you have to increase your contribution rates to make up for the fact you won’t be getting as much in true earnings from the stock market,” Wallar said. “It’s certainly an eye opener that we have to address.”
Vince Brown, chief executive officer for the county’s retirement system, which is governed by the Board of Retirement and is responsible for protecting the county’s retirement assets through investment and oversight, said the decision to reduce the county’s interest earning goal came after extensive study.
“The Board of Retirement was very cognizant that this would have an impact on the county’s budget system,” he said. “The valuation for 2010 was taken into consideration before the board set the valuation. At the end of the day, it’s the responsibility of the employer (the county) to make sure those payments are made to the system and we have significant funds to invest.
“Part of our job going forward,” he continued, “is to maximize our investment return because that will reduce the cost to the employers. That’s the role the board plays in trying to mitigate the costs to the county.”
But Brown and others responsible for managing the county pension system agree that even if supervisors act now and can negotiate significant change in county pension contributions, it would likely be years before it will really start to make a difference.
He said the trick is balancing economic predictions, retirement numbers, the long-term rate of return on the county’s investment and other variables such as whether the county cuts its number of employees.
“Most actuaries will tell you that over the next 10 to 20 years the markets aren’t going to return to what they have been over the previous 20 years, so we have to better align what our anticipated returns are with where the market is going to ensure we have adequate funding to pay the benefits,” he said. “That has an impact on the employer, in this case the county.”
Feramisco, the advisory commission chair, said that alternative No. 1 in the report — that recommends new benefit tiers for future general employees — would provide the greatest cost savings. But he noted that with 140 to 150 employees retiring during a year, it could take 10 to 20 years for significant savings to kick in.
“Initially, this alternative probably wouldn’t erase the $21 million, but eventually it would,” he said. “There has to be a transition between existing employees and the future workforce. Realistically, this year the county is going to have to deal with this number.”
In the report, the commission’s findings are more specific.
They show that first-year savings for the county would be about $1.5 million using a tier for new general employees of 1.62 percent at age 65 with a 2-percent cost of living adjustment, and for new safety employees a 2 percent at age 50 with a 2-percent cost of living adjustment.
It isn’t until 2023, in about 13 years, however, before the county’s contribution rates return to approximately the 2010 level.
Whether or not the changes needed to bring retirement costs in line with county’s cash flow affects its ability to attract top-notch employees remains to be seen.
Feramisco noted that Santa Barbara is not the only county examining its salary and benefits costs, but said, “You have to look at the taxpayers. They’re the ones paying the bill.”
“You have a level of services that has to be provided and you have to get quality employees to provide those services,” he said. “That overall expense has to be sustainable. In our judgment (any of the suggested benefit changes) should be reasonably competitive. But you don’t know that.”
The county is seeing more and more jurisdictions creating a new tier for retirement formulas, Muth said, adding that she thinks the commission’s recommendations are “sound.”
“If we offered richer benefits, that would put us at the top of the market,” she said, “and that’s not necessarily where we want to be.”
The Board of Supervisors meets Tuesday at 9 a.m. in the Betteravia Government Center at 511 E. Lakeside Parkway in Santa Maria.
A copy of the advisory commission’s report on Retirement Program Alternatives is available at www.countyofsb.org with Tuesday’s agenda item.
The public can address the board in person or by using the remote audio and video equipment at the hearing room on the fourth floor of the county administration building at 105 E. Anapamu St. in Santa Barbara.
For those who cannot make it to either location, there is a live stream of the meetings and copies of agendas and minutes of the meetings at www.county ofsb.org
Happy Valentine's Day!
UPRISING ALERT: We need MANY PROTESTERS...MAGIC's blog www.santabarbaracourtcorruption.blogspot.com HAS HIT A NERVE !
PLEASE, TUESDAY, COME TO THE BOS CHAMBERS FOR PUBLIC COMMENTS (REMOTE TESTIMONY) THIS TUESDAY. We need to make our grievances public in order to expose deep-seated and wide-spread school and government corruption and TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC ABOUT LEGAL ABUSE SYNDROME.
PLEASE, ATTEND MY "FRAUD ON THE COURT" TRIAL ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, DEPARTMENT 1 (SECOND FLOOR). I'm not sure of the time!
"The public (EXCLUDING KATE SMITH, of course) can address the board in person or by using the remote audio and video equipment at the hearing room on the fourth floor of the county administration building at 105 E. Anapamu St. in Santa Barbara.
For those who cannot make it to either location, there is a live stream of the meetings and copies of agendas and minutes of the meetings at www.county ofsb.org"
(Kate Smith: "I'll be there with bells on!")
ON EDHAT.COM FROM THE LOMPOC RECORD:
http://www.lompocrecord.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_a235483e-3733-11e0-82b0-001cc4c002e0.html
A report that outlines ways to reduce Santa Barbara County’s annual retirement expense — a ballooning figure that in the coming fiscal year will see a $21 million increase — will get its first public scrutiny Tuesday by the Board of Supervisors.
The report, compiled by a five-member advisory commission appointed by supervisors in March last year and chaired by former County Treasurer-Tax Collector Gary Feramisco, suggests six changes to the existing benefit plan that over the long term would significantly reduce pension costs.
In the 2009-10 fiscal year, the county paid approximately $70.8 million into the retirement system, but the contribution amount jumped to an estimated $90.8 million in the current fiscal year.
The $20 million hike made up about half of the nearly $40 million deficit the county faced in the 2010-11 budget, and according to the report, the county will be on the hook for $105 million in fiscal year 2011-12 — $40 million for 942 safety employees and $65 million for 3,074 general employees.
The county is projecting a $60 million to $90 million budget shortfall for the fiscal year, which starts July 1.
“The hit that we took this year for our employer contributions was devastating,” said Jeri Muth, the county’s interim human resources director. “Unless we negotiate for some significant changes, that is not a sustainable amount for the county of Santa Barbara to pay for pension benefits.”
The recommended changes to the benefit plan outlined in the 36-page report include:
•A reduction in the formulas used to calculate the pension benefit;
•Eliminating the use of one year of final average salary to calculate the pension benefit;
•Eliminating any/all employer contributions to the employee’s contribution toward the pension benefit;
•Eliminating vacation conversions, through which annually employees can request to convert vacation hours to cash, which increases the final average salary on which the pension benefit will be calculated;
•Eliminating all performance-based lump sum payments, which increase final average salary;
•Implementing a 2-percent post-employment cost of living adjustment, instead of the current 3-percent COLA.
Muth noted that the changes fall under “labor relations” and are subject to collective bargaining with the handful of unions that represent the county’s employees.
Any staff recommendations to supervisors about the report “would typically happen in closed session,” she said.
“The board needs to receive this (report) first, and then we’d give our recommendations,” said Muth. “The board may like all of this, but the only way to get it accomplished is through collective bargaining, so we’d go into closed session to set the parameters for those negotiations.”
County Chief Executive Officer Chandra Wallar has said three things are to blame for the growing pension liability: the stock market crash in 2007-08; a longer life expectancy for employees; and the most critical — a reduction in the county’s interest earnings goal, which was enacted by the county’s Board of Retirement.
This year, the interest earnings goal was 7.75 percent, down from 8.16 percent in better years, and in the next two years it will be 7.5 percent.
“That means you have to increase your contribution rates to make up for the fact you won’t be getting as much in true earnings from the stock market,” Wallar said. “It’s certainly an eye opener that we have to address.”
Vince Brown, chief executive officer for the county’s retirement system, which is governed by the Board of Retirement and is responsible for protecting the county’s retirement assets through investment and oversight, said the decision to reduce the county’s interest earning goal came after extensive study.
“The Board of Retirement was very cognizant that this would have an impact on the county’s budget system,” he said. “The valuation for 2010 was taken into consideration before the board set the valuation. At the end of the day, it’s the responsibility of the employer (the county) to make sure those payments are made to the system and we have significant funds to invest.
“Part of our job going forward,” he continued, “is to maximize our investment return because that will reduce the cost to the employers. That’s the role the board plays in trying to mitigate the costs to the county.”
But Brown and others responsible for managing the county pension system agree that even if supervisors act now and can negotiate significant change in county pension contributions, it would likely be years before it will really start to make a difference.
He said the trick is balancing economic predictions, retirement numbers, the long-term rate of return on the county’s investment and other variables such as whether the county cuts its number of employees.
“Most actuaries will tell you that over the next 10 to 20 years the markets aren’t going to return to what they have been over the previous 20 years, so we have to better align what our anticipated returns are with where the market is going to ensure we have adequate funding to pay the benefits,” he said. “That has an impact on the employer, in this case the county.”
Feramisco, the advisory commission chair, said that alternative No. 1 in the report — that recommends new benefit tiers for future general employees — would provide the greatest cost savings. But he noted that with 140 to 150 employees retiring during a year, it could take 10 to 20 years for significant savings to kick in.
“Initially, this alternative probably wouldn’t erase the $21 million, but eventually it would,” he said. “There has to be a transition between existing employees and the future workforce. Realistically, this year the county is going to have to deal with this number.”
In the report, the commission’s findings are more specific.
They show that first-year savings for the county would be about $1.5 million using a tier for new general employees of 1.62 percent at age 65 with a 2-percent cost of living adjustment, and for new safety employees a 2 percent at age 50 with a 2-percent cost of living adjustment.
It isn’t until 2023, in about 13 years, however, before the county’s contribution rates return to approximately the 2010 level.
Whether or not the changes needed to bring retirement costs in line with county’s cash flow affects its ability to attract top-notch employees remains to be seen.
Feramisco noted that Santa Barbara is not the only county examining its salary and benefits costs, but said, “You have to look at the taxpayers. They’re the ones paying the bill.”
“You have a level of services that has to be provided and you have to get quality employees to provide those services,” he said. “That overall expense has to be sustainable. In our judgment (any of the suggested benefit changes) should be reasonably competitive. But you don’t know that.”
The county is seeing more and more jurisdictions creating a new tier for retirement formulas, Muth said, adding that she thinks the commission’s recommendations are “sound.”
“If we offered richer benefits, that would put us at the top of the market,” she said, “and that’s not necessarily where we want to be.”
The Board of Supervisors meets Tuesday at 9 a.m. in the Betteravia Government Center at 511 E. Lakeside Parkway in Santa Maria.
A copy of the advisory commission’s report on Retirement Program Alternatives is available at www.countyofsb.org with Tuesday’s agenda item.
The public can address the board in person or by using the remote audio and video equipment at the hearing room on the fourth floor of the county administration building at 105 E. Anapamu St. in Santa Barbara.
For those who cannot make it to either location, there is a live stream of the meetings and copies of agendas and minutes of the meetings at www.county ofsb.org
Sunday, February 13, 2011
It all begins with a story....
Further information on “The Einstein Plan” is available at www.theeinsteinplan.com.”
JOIN THE REVOLUTION
It's a phenomenon, a performance, a way to organize communities, a teach-in
. . . . . .
It's fun, engaging, provocative, different every time
. . . . . .
It's a theatre event starring YOU, the audience
. . . . . .
THE EINSTEIN PLAN
The Einstein Plan is an interactive theatre event by Donald Freed that asks, How can we change America? There's big power in small numbers when the audience answers together. Albert Einstein figured out that if only 2% of our population engages in non-violent protests, change will happen.
Join the 2%... attend a performance, comment on the blog, or produce your own event
KPFK 90.7 Watch us Fan Us Follow us Photo Gallery
Home Do It Yourself Blog and Comments Engage Buzz About Us Nonviolent Resources
Copyright © 2010, 2011 by Donald Freed. All rights reserved.
A SPECIAL PRESIDENTS’ DAY THEATRICAL PRESENTATION OF DONALD FREED’S “THE EINSTEIN PLAN” STARRING JAMES CROMWELL
“On Sunday, February 13th from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. KPFK presents a special President Day theatrical event, the world radio premiere of “THE EINSTEIN PLAN” by renowned political playwright Donald Freed, starring acclaimed actor and activist James Cromwell as “The Exile” and enlisting the participation of you, our listening audience. The American Empire, mad and blind with power, threatens the peace and survival of the earth and its inhabitants. Any attempt by individuals to resist or reverse this apocalyptic situation through even greater violence only hastens the approaching doom. Asking the age-old question, “How shall we be saved?” Albert Einstein posits that, if only 2% of our population engages in non-violent protests, change will happen.
Following the play, James Lafferty moderates a panel comprised of the playwright Donald Freed, James Cromwell, Blasé Bonpane and Kwazi Nkrumah, followed by a call to action to you, the listener, for your comments and questions.
Harold Pinter called Donald Freed “a writer of blazing imagination, courage and insight,” while Studs Terkel deemed him the “most political and pertinent of all American playwrights. James Cromwell, widely known for his film and television work, including “Babe,” “Secretariat,” “W.” “L.A. Confidential,” “Green Mile,” and so many others, lends his talents to this unique creative excursion which leaps through the theatrical “fourth wall” into real life activism.
Further information on “The Einstein Plan” is available at www.theeinsteinplan.com.”
JOIN THE REVOLUTION
It's a phenomenon, a performance, a way to organize communities, a teach-in
. . . . . .
It's fun, engaging, provocative, different every time
. . . . . .
It's a theatre event starring YOU, the audience
. . . . . .
THE EINSTEIN PLAN
The Einstein Plan is an interactive theatre event by Donald Freed that asks, How can we change America? There's big power in small numbers when the audience answers together. Albert Einstein figured out that if only 2% of our population engages in non-violent protests, change will happen.
Join the 2%... attend a performance, comment on the blog, or produce your own event
KPFK 90.7 Watch us Fan Us Follow us Photo Gallery
Home Do It Yourself Blog and Comments Engage Buzz About Us Nonviolent Resources
Copyright © 2010, 2011 by Donald Freed. All rights reserved.
A SPECIAL PRESIDENTS’ DAY THEATRICAL PRESENTATION OF DONALD FREED’S “THE EINSTEIN PLAN” STARRING JAMES CROMWELL
“On Sunday, February 13th from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. KPFK presents a special President Day theatrical event, the world radio premiere of “THE EINSTEIN PLAN” by renowned political playwright Donald Freed, starring acclaimed actor and activist James Cromwell as “The Exile” and enlisting the participation of you, our listening audience. The American Empire, mad and blind with power, threatens the peace and survival of the earth and its inhabitants. Any attempt by individuals to resist or reverse this apocalyptic situation through even greater violence only hastens the approaching doom. Asking the age-old question, “How shall we be saved?” Albert Einstein posits that, if only 2% of our population engages in non-violent protests, change will happen.
Following the play, James Lafferty moderates a panel comprised of the playwright Donald Freed, James Cromwell, Blasé Bonpane and Kwazi Nkrumah, followed by a call to action to you, the listener, for your comments and questions.
Harold Pinter called Donald Freed “a writer of blazing imagination, courage and insight,” while Studs Terkel deemed him the “most political and pertinent of all American playwrights. James Cromwell, widely known for his film and television work, including “Babe,” “Secretariat,” “W.” “L.A. Confidential,” “Green Mile,” and so many others, lends his talents to this unique creative excursion which leaps through the theatrical “fourth wall” into real life activism.
Further information on “The Einstein Plan” is available at www.theeinsteinplan.com.”
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