Before Martin L. King, Jr was Ella Baker (1903-1986) She believed that in order to be effective organizers in a community, activists had to form relationships, build trust, and engage in a democratic process of decision making together with community members. The goal was to politicize the community and empower ordinary people. She condemned elitism … [Read more...] about Before Martin L. King, Jr was Ella Baker
Demands for a People’s Protection Plan
(Binghamton, NY) The People’s Protection Plan Coalition (Citizen Action of the Southern Tier, Justice and Unity for the Southern Tier, Progressive Leaders of Tomorrow, Truth Pharm, and representatives from organizations from Tioga, Cortland, Chenango, Delaware, and Tompkins counties) will respond to the dangerous package of legislation proposed by the New … [Read more...] about Demands for a People’s Protection Plan
What does July 4th mean to Bingham’s town?
by Bill Martin July 4, 2020 On the eve of the declaration of independence in 1776 twenty-four-year-old William Bingham set sail from Delaware Bay. His destination? Martinique, the brightest jewel in the French colonial crown, more valuable to the royal treasury than all of French Canada for which it was exchanged in a settlement with Great Britain. Third … [Read more...] about What does July 4th mean to Bingham’s town?
How To Mark Juneteenth in the Year 2020
This excellent article may change what you learned about the Civil War, Lincoln, Reconstruction, and what really pushed the Emancipation Proclamation. --ed. By Matt Cunningham-Cook & Ryan Grim Target’s Chair and Chief Executive Brian Cornell released a somber statement. “We recognize the racial trauma the country is experiencing now is not new, but … [Read more...] about How To Mark Juneteenth in the Year 2020
Defunding Police Budgets
June 10, 2020 / Bill Martin Caption: Mayor Richard David, State Senator Frederick Akshar and the BPD SWAT team with their new “Bearcat” As continuous rallies show, Broome County residents have joined the national movement to defund bloated police and incarceration budgets. Local commercial media are now rushing to respond, broadcasting on how … [Read more...] about Defunding Police Budgets
Follow the Dots
When Floyd’s family goes to court to hold the officers liable for their actions, a judge in Minnesota may very well dismiss their claims. Not because the officers didn’t do anything wrong, but because there isn’t a case from the 8th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals or the Supreme Court specifically holding that it is unconstitutional for police to kneel on the … [Read more...] about Follow the Dots
Tear Gas
by Judy Arnold FREEDOM TO ASSEMBLE Police forces, outfitted in combat-level riot gear, wielding military-grade weapons and riding around in tanks, waged war against the very people they are sworn to protect. What is tear gas under the Geneva Convention? “Tear gas under the Geneva Convention is characterized as a chemical warfare agent, and … [Read more...] about Tear Gas
Response to Governor Cuomo’s Proposed Budget Cuts
Citizen Action of New York Responds to Governor Cuomo’s Proposed Budget Cuts Albany, NY - In response to Governor Cuomo’s proposed $10 billion in budget cuts, including $8.2 billion in cuts to schools, hospitals and local governments, Stanley Fritz, Political Director of Citizen Action of New York, released the following statement: “Governor Cuomo … [Read more...] about Response to Governor Cuomo’s Proposed Budget Cuts
FINDING AND LISTENING TO GOOD NEW SONGS
By Robert Ruane Jr. I am in my late 50s, and there is no commercial radio format airing new songs designed for my age group and up. Even adult contemporary radio’s upper age limit is 54—and that format has been skewing younger. Country and adult alternative radio also seem aimed at a younger audience these days. However, I have found a vast amount of … [Read more...] about FINDING AND LISTENING TO GOOD NEW SONGS
Governor Cuomo and State Legislators Abandon New Yorkers in Moment of Need
Albany, NY – In response to Governor Cuomo, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie reaching an agreement on a 2020 state budget, Rosemary Rivera, Co-Executive Director of Citizen Action of New York, released the following statement: “This budget is immoral. This budget is devastating. This budget will be remembered … [Read more...] about Governor Cuomo and State Legislators Abandon New Yorkers in Moment of Need