Texas Labor Against the War » 2010

Killeen: Under the Hood Update, January, 2011

Leslie — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 01:21:02 +0000

January, 2011

Staff and volunteers with Under the Hood are starting off the year with renewed energy!

As the wars drag on in Afghanistan and Iraq, the new year reminds us that we must renew our commitment to peace, so we are starting off the year with a busy schedule. In coordination with Iraq Veterans Against the War (IVAW), here are a few things that we have on our calendar for January and February:

IVAW/Veterans for Peace Joint Meeting, January 22nd 1p.m. at Under the Hood Cafe: Bringing together the pro-soldier anti-war veteran community in Central Texas. Opportunities to get to know one another, discuss upcoming events and dates, and to discuss active duty outreach. Consider getting involved at the start to help make history at Fort Hood this year.

GI Rights Training, Saturday, January 29th, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, January 30th, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Under the Hood Cafe. Come learn about your rights as a GI and how you can help other GIs fight for their rights in this two-day training led by Military Law Task Force member and lawyer James Branum. Fee: We are asking $25 per person to help cover the travel costs for the trainer.

Participants will gain a broad beginner’s knowledge about GI rights (rights to which all current service members of the US armed forces are entitled), connect with people who care about these issues and/or are already connected to organizing with people in the military, and be well on your way to becoming a GI rights counselor.

When: January 29th and 30th, Saturday 10-5PM and Sunday 1-5 PM

Where: Under the Hood Cafe, 17 S. College St., Killeen, TX

Fee: We are asking $25 per person to help cover the travel costs for the trainer.

Those interested in this training should RSVP Kyle at kyletheco@gmail.com.

Outreach Action – From the 24th of January through the middle of February IVAW Fort Hood and Under the Hood Cafe are going to be heavily focused on outreach to the 1st Cavalry Division that will be deploying 3,500 soldiers to Afghanistan and Iraq. This mobilization is part of a deployment of 23,000 soldiers from across the country to Afghanistan to replace the 101st Airborne that are set to return in February.

This outreach will conclude with a highly visible action that will include “harass the brass” tactics and messages that include:

We know that the command of the 1st Cav. is deploying wounded soldiers.

We know that this is a violation of these soldiers’ right to heal.

We want you to know that you are not alone.

You have a right to heal and you do not have to deploy with PTSD.

In addition to these upcoming activities, here are a couple of things that have already happened so far this month:

Cindy Thomas, Manager with Under the Hood, talks about the suicide rates at Fort Hood and the lack of support that soldiers receive when suffering with PTSD. Check out her interview with Channel 10 News (KWTX) in Waco here.

Under the Hood recently hosted a slam poetry night. It was a success, and now staff and volunteers are considering some writing workshops!

Your continued support of Under the Hood allows us to continue our important work in Killeen. Whether you are making a one-time donation or want to sign up as a sustainer, it’s easy to contribute through PayPal.

The Fort Hood Support Network (FHSN) operates Under the Hood Café and Outreach Center. FHSN is a Texas non-profit corporation with 501(c)(3) tax exempt status. Donations may be treated as tax-deductible.

Fort Hood Support Network is proud to inform its supporters that Under the Hood recently received a $300 grant from RESIST Inc. In addition, Under the Hood is working with the War Resisters League who recently received funding to provide support to GI coffeehouses across the U.S. If you know of other grant opportunities, please feel free to contact us. We are always looking for opportunities to increase our base of support.

Interested in sharing some of your time and talents with Under the Hood? We are always happy for support in any form. Along with monetary support to keep our doors open, we can always use other forms of assistance. If you believe that you can provide support in some way, please feel free to contact us. We’d be happy to put you to work!

Under the Hood Update is on Facebook. Become a fan! You can find archived issues and connect with other fans of Under the Hood. Visit our Facebook page by clicking here.

Check out the ResiStore! Now you can purchase great items and support Under the Hood at the same time. Check it out here.

Past issues of Under the Hood Update are now on the Under the Hood website! If you’ve missed any of our past issues, or if you just want to re-read past articles, please click here.

P.O. Box 16174 | Austin, TX 78761-6174

Killeen: Under the Hood Update, December, 2010

Leslie — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 16:22:54 +0000

December 2010

Thanks to the generosity of those who attended Hoodstock and those that have donated throughout the year, Fort Hood Support Network has signed a lease for another year so that Under the Hood can continue to be a place for soldiers to meet and receive important support. Jim Turpin is a volunteer on the fundraising committee for Under the Hood. Jim had this to say about Under the Hood and what it means to him:

“UTH is a place that makes a real difference in soldiers lives. It’s important to be on the streets speaking out against war, but I feel that it is also important to do something that counterbalances the negative effects that the government and its wars have created for our youth. The Department of Defense says they are helping active duty soldiers and vets, but in reality, we find that they aren’t helping at all. That’s what makes Under the Hood so necessary. We’re trying to undo some of the damage that’s been inflicted upon these young men and women.”

Jim feels that it’s vital to have a physical space to do this work at one of the largest military bases in the U.S. That’s why he volunteers his time to fundraise for UTH. But Jim isn’t only a volunteer. He’s also a recurring donor for Under the Hood. “I have actually been fortunate enough to see the result of the work Under the Hood has done. I’ve seen young soldiers get out of the military through the support services that UTH has been able to provide and go on to lead productive lives. It’s made a difference for them and for their family members. It feels good to be a part of something that has such tangible results.” Jim expresses what many of the volunteers with Under the Hood feel by saying: “I am so grateful for the support of the community, volunteers, artists, and musicians who are helping to ensure Under the Hood’s continued success.”

Hoodstock Flashback was a success!

A big thanks to all of the musicians who donated their time to this event, to all of the artists who donated their beautiful work for the silent auction, and to all of our supporters who came out to enjoy the music and help us in our fundraising efforts. A special thanks to Rich Bowden who organized the music and for his vision to create a community through music and poetry.

Your continued support of Under the Hood allows us to continue our important work in Killeen. Whether you are making a one-time donation or want to sign up as a sustainer, it’s easy to contribute through PayPal.

Check out the ResiStore! Now you can purchase great items and support Under the Hood at the same time. Check it out here.

Under the Hood Update is on Facebook. Become a fan! You can find archived issues and connect with other fans of Under the Hood. Visit our Facebook page by clicking here.

Past issues of Under the Hood Update are now on the Under the Hood website! If you’ve missed any of our past issues, or if you just want to re-read past articles, please click here.

P.O. Box 16174 | Austin, TX 78761-6174 US

Dallas: Death Marchers Haunt New Bush Library Digs | Medea Benjamin | The Rag Blog

Leslie — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 03:38:39 +0000

http://theragblog.blogspot.com/2010/11/medea-benjamin-death-marchers-haunt-new.html

Demonstrators from March of the Dead protest in front of Dallas SWAT officers during groundbreaking at new George W. Bush Presidential Center at SMU, Nov. 16, 2010. Photo by G.J. McCarthy / AP.
Breaking new ground:
Protests at the future site
of the George W. Bush Library

By Medea Benjamin / November 19, 2010

DALLAS — Several thousand people lined up to see George Bush, Dick Cheney, and Condoleezza Rice shovel dirt into a hole at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, the site slated to become the George Bush Presidential Center housing a museum, library, and archives.

Over 100 peace activists showed up to protest, including New York City artist Laurie Arbiter, who helped organize a March of the Dead and carried a sign asking “Does America Have a Conscience?” “Rather than build a library, we should leave the broken ground and just fill it with a big pile of rubble,” said Arbiter. “That would truly represent the catastrophic results of the Bush Administration.”

As part of the March of the Dead, protesters dressed in black, wore white death masks and had signs around their necks representing dead Iraqis, Afghans, and U.S. soldiers. The dramatic march stopped traffic and provoked strong emotions in passers-by, participants and even the police.

Renee Schultz, who drove from Indianapolis to join the protest, wore the death mask and a sign representing a 23-year-old female U.S. soldier killed in Iraq. “When I first put on the mask, I just stood there and cried. I kept thinking, ‘I am 23 years old and had my whole life ahead of me. Why did I die?’” Schultz looked over at the riot police and noticed that one of them also had tears streaming down his eyes.

When the marchers attempted to reach the public viewing area, the police forced them back to the designated “protest pen” far from the ceremony. One of the protesters, a wheelchair-bound veteran of the Korean War and World War II, angrily told the police that he did not fight in two wars to be told that his freedom of speech would be confined to a “protest zone.”

The gathering was part of a three-day People’s Response, filled with rallies, marches, teach-ins, and exhibits of crosses and soldiers’ boots to represent the war dead. Organized by Texans for Peace, The Dallas Peace Center, CODEPINK, and Veterans for Peace, among others, the speakers included former FBI agent Colleen Rowley, former CIA agent Ray McGovern, retired Colonel Ann Wright, professor Robert Jensen, and Texas State Representative Lon Burnam.

Also among the protesters was Cindy Sheehan, the Gold Star mother who led a prolonged protest outside Bush’s ranch in Crawford, Texas in 2005. “Bush should not be allowed to profit from war crimes, crimes that he has even admitted to,” said Sheehan. “It’s not right that he will make millions from his book and speaking engagements, while millions have been killed, displaced, tortured and had their lives ruined because of him.”

The whole dang crew: Digging in at groundbreaking ceremony for George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, Nov. 16, 2010. Photo by L.M. Otero / AP.
The protesters focused on the lies Bush told the American public to justify invading Iraq, his authorization of torture and the need for accountability. “Accountability is the sign of a true democracy,” said former CIA agent Ray McGovern. “No one should be above the law and the truth must not be buried or rewritten.”

Protesters were also concerned about the policies the new Bush Center will promote. President Bush said the Center would include an “action-oriented institute” to advance the principles his administration stood for, including the “benefits of limiting the role of government in people’s lives.”

According to local organizer Leslie Harris of CodePink, “this really means promoting the same kinds of disastrous policies that brought us preemptive war, economic crisis, environmental disaster, unprecedented presidential power, and diminished civil and human rights. We can’t let one of America’s worst presidents shape our future policies.”

The peace activists who came to protest Bush also discussed their disappointment with the Obama administration and the difficulties they anticipate in pushing the new, more conservative Congress to stop funding the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Among the actions they encouraged were:

supporting the January 15 FBI protest in Washington DC;
promoting local campaigns, including citywide resolutions, to bring our war dollars home;
reaching out to allies, particularly groups victimized by the economic crisis, but also reaching out to members of the Tea Party who want to see cuts in Pentagon spending;
pressuring the State Department to stop using private security contractors;
supporting the December 16 veteran-led civilian disobedience in Washington DC;
organizing a delegation to Iraq to take testimony from Iraqis about George Bush and the legacy of the US invasion;
stopping John Yoo, author of the “torture memos,” from teaching law at the UC Berkeley law school.

For some light entertainment after long days of protest, a group stopped by local Barnes and Noble to reshelve — and photograph — Bush’s Decision Points in a more appropriate place in the store. These included placing the book next to The Murder Business in the True Crimes section, Wing Nuts in the Fantasy Section, When Law Fails: Making Sense of Miscarriages of Justice in the Legal Section, and our favorite in the Children’s Section, Dr. Seuss’ Will You Please Go Now?” With the renewed media attention on George Bush, including his sanctioning of torture, Bush might do well to take Dr. Seuss’ advice.

[Medea Benjamin was a founder of CodePink. Follow her on Twitter: www.twitter.com/medeabenjamin.]

Source / Huffington Post

Where Bush’s book belongs. Images from Waging Nonviolence.

Austin: David Rovics appears at MonkeyWrench Books

Leslie — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 05:58:19 +0000

November 23, 2010
8:30 pm	to	10:00 pm

Fresh off his concert in Houston, David Rovics graces Austin with his moving calls for resistance against the Empire. Texas Labor Against the War calls Rovics “the greatest since Phil Ochs.”

MonkeyWrench is happy to host this evening of music and politics with David Rovics. Described by Amy Goodman as the “musical version of Democracy Now!,” Rovics is an internationally celebrated political folks musician. David has traveled the world as a professional flat-picking rabble-rouser, and regularly tours on four continents, playing for audiences large and small at cafes, pubs, universities, churches, union halls and protest rallies. He has shared the stage with a veritable of who’s who of the left in two dozen countries, and has had his music featured on Democracy Now!, BBC, Al-Jazeera and other networks. His essays are published regularly on CounterPunch elsewhere, and the 200+ songs he makes available for free on the web have been downloaded more than a million times. Most importantly, he’s really good. He will make you laugh, he will make you cry, he will make the revolution irresistible. The show will cost $10 for those with a paying job, and $5 for students and the unemployed. A portion of the proceeds go to MonkeyWrench Books. http://www.monkeywrenchbooks.org/events/monkeywrench-presents-evening-music-david-rovics

On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/?sk=events#!/event.php?eid=165936730093904

http://www.davidrovics.com/

Houston: David Rovics in concert, benefiting KPFT

Leslie — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 05:43:10 +0000

November 22, 2010
8:00 pm	to	10:00 pm

Don’t miss David Rovics, playing and singing against war and imperialism. This is a benefit for KPFT Radio 90.1 FM

Monday, November 22, – 8:00 PM
@ Anderson Fair
2007 Grant Street
(One block east of Montrose at the corner of Welch and Grant, behind Texas Art Supply)

“Musical version of Democracy Now!”–Amy Goodman

“Greatest political musician since Phil Ochs.”–Texas Labor Against the War

http://www.davidrovics.com/

http://www.kpft.org/

Killeen: Under the Hood Update, November, 2010

Leslie — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 05:06:59 +0000

November 2010

Under the Hood couldn’t make a difference for soldiers without people like James M. Branum, Attorney at Law. And who better to tell you how important James’ work has been than the first soldier he ever defended at Under the Hood, Victor Agosto? Victor explains, ”After I decided to refuse deployment, it became clear that I would need professional legal counsel to ensure the lightest punishment possible for myself. But that wasn’t all I needed – it was very important to me to have an attorney who shared my commitment to the cause of peace, someone who truly understood that I wanted my case to be about more than just my personal struggle.” Agosto goes on to say, “James has helped countless other soldiers wade through the murky waters of the military justice system, while asking for very little in return. I have met few people who can match his capacity for self-sacrifice. I am proud to call James M. Branum, attorney at law, my friend.”

The mother of a soldier who was recently helped by James had this to say: “He provided legal counsel and expert advice and was also empathetic to my son’s circumstances. He helped us through a very difficult process. I am so thankful for James; his understanding of military law and his moral integrity made all the difference in the world.”

James provides legal services on a sliding scale. While most lawyers in military law charge high rates, he believes that everyone should have a right to good legal counsel. Although James receives some financial support from Courage to Resist, the Oklahoma Center for Conscience, peace churches, and other fundraising, his philosophy makes James the poorest, most hard-working attorney you are likely to ever meet. He explains that while he was a student, he worked one summer for his father, a small-town attorney in Oklahoma. During that summer, he met people who had been denied justice simply because of poverty. Although seeking a religious degree, he realized that he had a calling to help people in a different way, and began to pursue a legal career.

Because of limited resources available to help soldiers, James explains that there is often more work than he can do. Legal help is usually a last resort for many soldiers, but James points out that the GI rights hotline is also a great resource for soldiers seeking advice and help.

James is often found visiting Under the Hood with his dog and long-time friend, Sandy. The next time you see him, you’ll also get to meet the newest member of his family, his new dog, Gypsy!

Under the Hood appreciates James’ outstanding contributions to help soldiers in need.

Join us for

HOODSTOCK FLASHBACK!

a great evening of music, this Sunday, November 14, 2010 at Jovita’s, 1617 South 1st Street, Austin, Texas.

For a mere $10 admission fee, you will hear from over a dozen local artists, including Barbara K, Karen Abrahams,Sugar Bayou, Will T. Massey, Richard Bowden and many more! Doors open at 6 p.m. and the fun keeps going until 11 p.m. Join us for a great evening of music, food, camaraderie, important information, and a silent auction.

Your continued support of Under the Hood will allow us to continue our important work in Killeen. Whether you are making a one-time donation or want to sign up as a sustainer, it’s easy to contribute through PayPal.

Check out the ResiStore! Now you can purchase great items and support Under the Hood at the same time. Check it out here.

Under the Hood Update is on Facebook. Become a fan! You can find archived issues and connect with other fans of Under the Hood. Visit our Facebook page by clicking here.

Past issues of Under the Hood Update are now on the Under the Hood website! If you’ve missed any of our past issues, or if you just want to re-read past articles, please click here.

P.O. Box 16174 | Austin, TX 78761-6174 US

Austin: Hoodstock Flashback–fundraiser for Under the Hood Cafe

Leslie — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 23:54:49 +0000

November 14, 2010
6:00 pm	to	11:00 pm

Hoodstock Flashback to benefit Under the Hood
6-11 p.m., Sunday, November 14, 2010 at Jovita’s, 1617 South 1st St., Austin, Texas. $10 requested.

Featuring Barbara K., Karen Abrahams, Sugar Bayou, Thom Moon 10, Andrew Crosby, Jim Patton & Sherry Brokus, Sally Allen, Chris Van Loan, Daniel Cioper, Will T. Massey, Beth Galiger, and Richard Bowden!

In the spirit of the Oleo Strut, Under The Hood is a place for soldiers to gather, relax and speak freely about the wars and the military. Support services for soldiers include referrals for counseling, legal advice and information on GI rights.

In Killeen, near Fort Hood, Under The Hood needs your donations and support!

http://www.underthehoodcafe.org/

Denton: 2nd Annual Peace Festival

Leslie — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 23:33:42 +0000

November 11, 2010
5:00 pm	to	10:00 pm

NOVEMBER 11TH (VETERAN’S DAY) 2010 @ 5:00 PM, Denton Square

PEACE MARCH FROM FRY & HICKORY @ 4:00 PM

The second annual Denton Peace Festival brings people together to funk the war and celebrate peaceful resistance to violence and injustice with parade style politics and musical mayhem. On NOVEMBER 11th, Veteran’s Day, peaceful people will party in the streets on the corner of Fry and Hickory.

The people’s peace parade will arrive at the historic Denton Square where the music festival will begin. The Denton Peace Festival features local bands, artists, veterans, and activists who are expanding the culture of non-violent resistance to war and militarism here in our community. Hear veteran’s of war explain why they choose peace and why they want to end all the wars NOW!

Live music, artistic freedom, and participatory political theater will fill the night air, drowning out the politics as usual of otherwise silent citizens.

Come for the party, stay for the music, leave with new ideas.

info from http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=125449934139826

Houston: Protest Midwest FBI raids

Leslie — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 07:15:51 +0000

YOU CAN’T INTIMIDATE US: FBI protest in Houston Monday, Sept. 27

–photo Gloria Rubac from Facebook

Monday, Sept. 27, a rally at the Mickey Leland Federal Building protested recent raids by the Federal Bureau of Investigation which targeted political activists in the Midwest. The FBI raided homes of anti-war activists in Illinois, Minnesota and Michigan, alleging terrorist ties, and subpoenad 11 to testify before a federal grand jury.

The Midwest raids escalate an alarming trend by the U.S. government of arbitrarily labeling all kinds of groups as “terrorist” and then accusing other groups and individuals of giving “material support” to terrorism simply for having contact with groups labeled “terrorist.”

The Houston action was one of many all over the country. It was organized by the FIRE Collective and supported by the International Action Center, Justice for Palestinians, Harris County Green Party and Texas Green Party Candidates, International Socialist Organization, Houston Indy Media, and various Houston activists.

Radio interviews: http://thefirecollective.org/Opinion/two-interviews-on-fbi-raids-and-houston-protests.html and http://ernestoaguilar.org/houston-solidarity-today-against-friday-fbi-raids-activists/

Austin: TSEU rallies in solidarity with One Nation

Leslie — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 03:24:20 +0000

October 1, 2010
4:45 pm	to	6:00 pm

In solidarity with the ONE NATION March for Jobs, Peace, Justice, and Education for All ! to be held in Washington, D.C., Oct. 2, 2010, the Texas State Employees Union will rally at the AFL-CIO (11th & LaVaca) in Austin Friday, Oct. 1, at 4:45 pm.

TSEU calls for:
JOBS
EDUCATION
REBUILD PUBLIC SERVICES
DEFEND PUBLIC EMPLOYEES

In conjunction with our biennial General Assembly, TSEU always has an action the first afternoon of the GA highlighting issues of importance to state/university workers and the provision of state services. This year our GA is Oct. 1 – Oct. 3, and we want to show our solidarity with all our sisters and brothers gathering in Washington, D.C. on Oct. 2.

We expect there will be a couple of hundred TSEU members from all over Texas here in Austin for the event. Join us!

For more information call the TSEU office at 512-448-4225

http://www.cwa-tseu.org/