Contents
- The ticking time bomb of BC's welfare time limits
- Promises, Promises
- LIFE IS SHORT...HAVE FUN...
- In the Heart Of A City
- Shop Window
- GUILT AND FEAR
- Legal hotline
- To Margaret Prevost
- VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
- 15 minutes of fame (and counting...!)
- Impressions: Injection Site
- Brain Cramps
- Captain Abe's Widow / Silent Screams
- Oh Canada, Our Home on Native Land
- DESTRUCTION OF SACRED SITES
- POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY
- USA, MIDDLE EAST & EMPIRE
- Who are the Cuban Five?
- IS ANYBODY WATCHING?
- The Witches Season
The ticking time bomb of BC's welfare time limits
The ticking time bomb
of BC's welfare time limits
Of all the changes the BC government has made to social assistance, the most radical is the introduction of welfare time limits. The rule kicked-in April 1, 2002, and limits "employable" people without children to only two years of social assistance during any five year period. Once they hit the two-year limit, they will be completely cut off assistance.
Employable people with children over three-years-old will not be cut off, but will lose $100 per month from a support payment that is already far below the poverty line, making it virtually impossible to make ends meet.
BC is the first province in Canada to introduce welfare time limits. Time limits are an import from the United States, where a five-year lifetime limit was implemented federally in 1996. BC's move represents a fundamental shift in Canadian social policy--a denial of welfare when in need as a basic human right. As such, the eyes of the country are on us,
and if allowed to take root in BC, this new policy will likely domino through provinces eager to follow BC's lead.
But before we allow this to happen, what are the risks?
The BC government says not to worry. A look south of the border, however, offers cause for concern. Only recently have the first U.S. families hit their lifetime limits. So far, the impact has been muted for two reasons: First, the introduction of U.S. time limits coincided with a period of unprecedented economic growth and job creation (a circumstance that is certainly not true of present-day BC). Second,
built into the U.S. legislation were a host of exceptions, allowing states to exempt up to 20 percent of welfare recipients from the rule. As the first families have hit their time limits, most states have invoked these exceptions in order to avoid the unseemly task of throwing poor families onto the street.
A few U.S. states, however, decided to bring in time limits of less than five years, and they provide early, troubling evidence of what we might expect in BC. Studies from these states found that people who were forced off welfare due to hitting their time limits faced greater hardship than those who left welfare voluntarily. They were more likely to rely on food stamps. They were more likely to be evicted from their homes. And they had lower incomes.
Moreover, the latest statistics from the Urban Institute's National Survey of America's Families indicate that, in 2002, only 42% of former welfare recipients were employed, a drop from 50% in 1999. In other words, as time limits and other welfare reforms combine with a weaker economy, more people are finding themselves with no source of income.
BC's policy of welfare time limits will result in similar hardships. And deeply troubling, a Freedom of Information (FOI) request by CBC radio news revealed in July that the BC Ministry of Human Resources was well aware of the risks, but chose to proceed regardless. Internal briefing papers unearthed by the CBC FOI indicate that the Ministry
understood--but chose to ignore--the following:
* That some people who will likely hit their time limits face "invisible barriers" to employment, even though they may be officially categorized as "employable." For example, they may have social, mental or addiction problems that are unrecognized by the Ministry.
* That in the U.S., those who hit their time limits still had access to non-cash assistance, such as food stamps, while in BC those cut off will lose all benefits.
* That after welfare reforms were implemented, U.S. governments actually increased spending on programs for low-income people. As welfare caseloads decreased (largely due to economic growth), money was redirected into expanded child care services, training and education, and transportation assistance. Of course the BC government is doing nothing of the sort--it is cutting all these other programs.
In the U.S., welfare time limits were also introduced in combination with an expansion of earnings exemptions. These exemptions allow people on social assistance to keep a portion of earnings from paid work in addition to their welfare benefits. Research indicates that these rules (in addition to providing a much-needed income boost) help in the transition to paid work. The BC government, however, has moved in the opposite direction--eliminating earnings exemptions for all but those with disabilities.
The recurring theme is that BC has selectively imported the U.S. policy sticks--like time limits-- but taken a pass on the supports. All told, the CBC FOI exposes the fact that cost-cutting, not support for those in need, is driving the changes to social assistance in BC.
The first BC individuals and families will hit their time limits on April 1, 2004. At first, this will affect few households, since most people do not stay on welfare for two consecutive years. But with each
passing month, more people will hit their limit, and will either be kicked off assistance or lose $100 per month. In the past few months, the BC government has finally started to indicate that some people will
be exempted from the rule (for example, during months in which they participate in training or addiction programs). However, many will still, in time, hit the wall.
So the welfare time limits must go. If not, their combination with other punitive changes and an economic downturn will create a toxic policy mix. In their place, the government should recognize that welfare when a person is in need is a basic right. It should provide individualized support, invest in people's long-term needs and aspirations, and
By Seth Klein
Promises, Promises
Promises, Promises
An article by Charlie Smith in the October 2-9 edition of The Georgia Straight caught my eye. It was titled “Martin Linked to Welfare Cuts,” subtitled, “Researchers rap Paul Martin for role in diminished social assistance.”
This has long been known to be true. It was because of Martin (acting as federal Finance Minister) that the Canada Assistance Plan Act was essentially scrapped in April of 1996, replaced with the Canada Health and Social Transfer (reduced transfer payments to the provinces for health, education, and welfare). Eliminating CAP wiped out the rights of Canadian citizens access to a proper social safety net; this, in spite of Canada being a signatory to the United Nation’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, guaranteeing people the right to an adequate income when in need.
Scrapping CAP started a race to the bottom for welfare regulations in most provinces, most notably, British Columbia, which is the first province to impose time limits on the period when one may receive income assistance. Starting in April 2004, single employable people receiving regular income assistance may be cut off if they have received assistance for two years out of five.
The numbers of people affected aren’t known but some estimates range from 8,000 people and up. There are definitely not enough jobs to sustain that number of people, and for sure just because the Ministry of Human Resources says one is employable doesn’t mean that is the case. Homelessness, panhandling, crime, and human misery are bound to increase as a result of the BC Liberals ill-conceived plan, and at the root of it was former federal Liberal Finance Minister Paul Martin’s scrapping of CAP.
But there was seemingly a ray of hope in Smith’s article: he made reference to an article on Paul Martin’s web site promising to improve the delivery of welfare. After about half an hour of fishing around on Martin’s web site, I came up with not one, but two articles promising to improve the way welfare is administered in Canada.
The first one was dated November 7, 2002, by the Canadian Press, and titled “Martin offers social wish list.” In it, it is said that “Martin’s ‘biggest concern’ is to increase spending on health care, education and welfare.”
The second one, also dated November 7, 2002, is by Mark Kennedy of The Ottawa Citizen daily newspaper, titled “Martin open to changing transfer system: Leadership hopeful would support any method that increased funding.” It says that “Martin said he’s prepared to examine ways, in consultation with the provinces, to improve the system so the money goes to the areas where it is needed in health, post-secondary education and welfare.”
I brought these articles with their rather surprising election promises to the attention of anti-poverty activist Jean Swanson. “He’s a liar!” she exclaimed. “I don’t believe a word he says!” Jean pointed out an article she wrote in the March 1997 edition of The Long Haul monthly newspaper wherein Martin is quoted is his February 18, 1997 budget speech as saying (and remember, this is a year after the ruthless decimation of CAP under his orders), ‘Let us never come to believe that there is such a thing as a tolerable level of child poverty, or that a growing gap between the rich and the poor is ever acceptable. … It is time to say that this will not be a good country for any of us until it is a good country for all of us. … We must be able to speak for those whose voices are drowned out by the winds of change and the forces of privilege.” Then his budget further marginalized the poor, further increased the gap between the rich and the poor, and gave more tax breaks to the rich, while further taxing the middle and lower classes. In other words, Martin has proved himself to be a liar.
Marcia Drake, formerly of End Legislated Poverty, drew my attention to a web site asking: Is Paul Martin fit to be PM? I list the points it made in abbreviated fashion:
· Paul Martin reduced the number of unemployed eligible to receive UI from 74% to 38%, and also reduced the benefits payable. He plundered the resulting UI fund surplus to pay down the deficit.
· Paul Martin boasted about knocking Canada back to the 1950s. By 1997, Canada was spending the same amount on programs as in 1949, even though as a nation we were three times wealthier.
· In 1994, the Business Council on National Issues (the largest, wealthiest corporate lobby group created) recommended ten policy changes to “improve the economy” (read: improve conditions for large corporations to make profits). Martin delivered on every one of the ten points.
· Martin is bought and paid for by Bay Street (Toronto’s large financial district). What do they expect in return when he is PM?
· The Conference Board of Canada has predicted steadily rising surpluses in the federal budget. In 2001, Martin promised to spend 50% of the surplus. He didn’t; he spent just 8%.
· During Martin’s tenure as federal Minister of Finance, Canadians real wages only regained 1989 levels (after depreciating for ten years) in 1999.
· Martin’s campaign team has resorted to dirty tricks in the past.
· Martin’s shipping company is infamous for sailing under foreign flags (to avoid paying taxes and to avoid paying fair wages).
· Martin is already indicating he will again be following the dictates of the BCNI. In other words, we’ve signed ourselves over to corporate governing.
If you wonder if it’s actually possible to be so duplicitous as a politician, let me remind you of an interview in the April 19-26, 2001 edition of The Georgia Straight of soon-to-be Premier Gordon Campbell:
Question: Some provincial governments have reduced welfare rates in recent years. What’s the likelihood that a Liberal government will reduce welfare rates?
Campbell’s answer: “We have no intention of reducing welfare rates.”
By Rolf Auer
LIFE IS SHORT...HAVE FUN...
I went to the store the other day, and I was in there for only about 5 minutes. When I came out there was a damn cop writing out a parking ticket. So I went up to him and said, "Come on, buddy, how about giving a guy a break?"
He ignored me and continued writing the ticket.
So I called him a nazi. He glared at me and started writing another ticket for having worn tires! So I called him a piece of horse shit. He finished the second ticket and put it on the windshield with the first. Then he started writing a third ticket! This went on for about 20 minutes... the more I abused him, the more tickets he wrote.
I didn't give a shit. My car was parked around the corner.
I try to have a little fun each day. It's important at my age.
In the Heart Of A City In the Heart Of A City
The Downtown Eastside Community Play
Lookin' for a place to staay/ Outta the raain, outta the rain." So goes the opening song of "In The Heart Of A City" - the Downtown Eastside Community Play. This play involves one hundred or more residents of the Downtown Eastside, from children to elders, plus a small group of experienced theatre artists. It is sponsored by the Carnegie Community Centre and Vancouver Moving Theatre. It will be presented to the public in late November and early December at the Japanese Hall, 487 Alexander Street. It’s the grand finale to Carnegie's 100th birthday party, and is a celebration of the endurance, courage, compassion and vitality of the people of Vancouver's oldest neighbourhood.
The enduring spirit of First Nations, and of all the other peoples of the Downtown Eastside, is reflected in the Old One who arrives near the beginning, appears throughout , and closes the play at the end. He suffers with the people, and he is wise. "Directions.
They're like time, which don't stand still for no one" the Old One says. "It moves forward an' turns back an' it walks right beside you. You can lean on the past. You can hold onto the present, an' you can talk with the future - 'cause they're all goin' on at the same time right now." This is the way time works in this play.
We meet Nicole who comes to the Downtown Eastside to look for her missing aunt. We meet First Nations people whose relationship to the cedar tree and to the earth is a living relationship of profound respect, and we meet lumbermen who cut down the forests to make a wage for themselves and huge profits for the owners. We are introduced to Gassy Jack Deighton, racist Emma of the Empire, the fire that burned down Vancouver, and the birth of a new city that rose, like a phoenix, from the ashes of the old. We meet Nancy, a young woman of Chinese
background, who discovers her relationship to First Nations people. We glimpse the anti-Asian riot of 1907, and we hear a mother of Japanese background sing "Sakura" to her child.
We learn of drugs in the Downtown Eastside, starting with opium, some legal, some illegal. We meet Ralph, a black father, proud in his independence, who says to his little daughter, Rose, "When you ready, you don't reach for the stars, baby, you climb a mountain and grab one." Also, we meet Carlos and Sheila who are homeless, the militant Mums of Raymur Housing who stopped the trains and got a walkway built over the tracks, and Willis Shaparla who introduces us to "Bloody Sunday" in 1938, when police beat up unemployed men occupying the post office at Granville and Hastings. Willis tells us "Pawns are strongest when they protect each other."
The philosopher, Martin Buber, says that "Life is meeting," and there's lots of meeting in this play. We meet Birdie, a prostitute, who says, "Oh God, all my life I've been going from nowhere to nowhere," Ethel, a woman at the Women's Centre, who is terrified of Ah-Sue, a very old Chinese lady who isn't able to talk, and Leanne who is called a saint, and she replies, "No, I'm not. Saints do good deeds. I just do what has to be done." We meet a character by the name of "Terrible Truth" who suffers from delusions and asks, "Where's dignity?" And when Nicole asks him if he needs help, he replies, "Not today. Thanks for askin'. It's enough to know that someone cares enough to ask."
We see a shadow play of the ongoing fight between good and evil, and we are witness to Nicole's moving and mystical meeting with her missing Aunt Rita. Then we meet a giant puppet of Andrew Carnegie that looks like an octopus. Andrew Carnegie is driven by the conflicting desires of greed and compassion. He can't stop making money, but he gives money away, and he helped to start public libraries in North America. It was his money that built the Carnegie Library in Vancouver. This generosity will outlive greed. The character, Paul, speaks to the ghost of Andrew Carnegie, saying, ".generosity of spirit is a living part of the Carnegie Centre," and Jimmy adds, "You (Andrew Carnegie) can be glad of the liberating and healing work done in the building that's got your name." Then Paul says, "Shake hands, Mr. and Mrs. Carnegie, make yourselves at home."
At this point the actors sing a song about the Carnegie Centre called "The Sandstone Lady," lyrics by Patrick Foley and melody by Earle Peach:
"She (the Carnegie) became a centre for all the folk to come
Oh, her doors are always open and you are welcome in Though your name be Chung, Valdez or Eagle or Mary, Joe or Jim."
The Old One, who has been with us from the beginning of the play, closes it with these words,
"We have served you a poetic feast. the hearts from the past beat in the hearts that are now. till the heart of our community knows that it beats on and on."
Memory is the mother of community, and this play reflects part of the collective memory of the Downtown Eastside. The stories in the play are the stories of residents of the neighbourhood. They reflect the living community that is the heart of Vancouver. The play is a pageant of words, music, dance and song. There are fifteen songs in the play. Hundreds of people, most of them volunteers, are working to produce the play, make the costumes, make the puppets, and do all the organizing that is necessary to put on such a large project. A vibrant Downtown Eastside theatre community has been created. People are getting to know each other. People connected to the play are greeting each other on the street. They know that their play reflects the strength, pain and beauty of our multicultural Downtown Eastside that rises like the phoenix, from one generation to another.
By Sandy Cameron
Shop Window
Like a child before a toy store window
staring in at the coveted prize
I stare in the Chinatown shop window
aching at that GO game, shiny pebbles
a green mat folds away…
if only I had that game I could play
oh we’ll never find someone who knows
how to play the damn game anyway
I miss my friends of long ago
Life has taken us in waves
battered on rocky shores
Friends of mine I don’t see anymore
But I still hold the dreams we shared
the same fire burns inside me
I’ve lost so many friends
on the road to discovery
I still care I’m still here
would be so nice if tomorrow
I turned the corner and saw you standing there
Or maybe driving by you’d see me
all together we’d remember
what great friends we used to be
Al Loewen
Walking After Midnight
Midnight cowboy strolling down Columbia
wearing hemp pants with designer shades
waiting outside the injection site, looking
like an accident just happened, his guilty-
looking brothers shuffle in the doorway
not sure where the shots are coming from.
Wanna be an artist, while there’s still time
Wanna be an artist before it’s a crime
My welfare mother dances kids grow up
on rock, MTV and Cheerios…
I’m not screaming any more
once they took Daddy away
Got bulletholes for eyes
Wrists chaffed from the cuffs
They keep chanting “You’ve had too much.”
I haven’t had enough
Big Joe and Side Show Slim
include me in just for fun
Say Tommy Gee come on in
Be sure to bring your gun
I’m hiding in the projects
You must remember me
Come on over sometime
This gift for you is free
Anna Lee
No Fool like an Old Fool
To the passersby we must look like two old tramps,
A man tramp and his bag lady pal.. poor old folks
out enjoying the sunshine tramping thru Chinatown
dodging and weaving thru traffic two old refugees
from the 60s talkin’ about everythin ‘n nothin’ at all
In the same gush of conversation the dreams we trade, the simple companionship of friends, history in our used up fingers (bony, yes) but sometimes
he leaves her with a gallant kiss
‘Years ago we would have danced all night- these days we take comfort in warm hugs on rainy nights
Old bud like wine, mellow, finer now than before
“Words and only words to take your heart away!”
John Baker
GUILT AND FEAR
God has definitely got a bad name in the Downtown Eastside. And through my volunteer work with some of the churches offering free meals down there, I can certainly understand why. Although I clearly see that the church members themselves have a genuine love and concern for the people, their messages too often speak of -~ “sinners wicked ways the wrath of God Hell damnation” and so forth which are usually accompanied by the desperate plea to “repent and save yourself by accepting Jesus as your Savior.”
Driving home after these dinners, I sometimes cannot stop the tears from streaming down my face. Tears of anguish and regret for the damage these messages cause. Damage to the hearts and souls of people who most probably are already struggling with low self-esteem because of the life journeys they have chosen, and the labels that society has placed on them for it.
Yet I understand, too, that these wonderful church people are simply following the teachings that have been handed down to them for generations. But does it work? Do these messages of guilt and fear really promote positive growth and a love for God? I haven’t noticed that it does...at least not among the street people of the Downtown Eastside. In fact, I have observed that it makes a lot of them resentful and angry, pushing them away from God, and perhaps even fostering in them a stubborn defiance that keeps them stuck in their self-destructive behaviors.
I don’t blame them for their hostility. But it is a high price to pay for the churches’ well-intentioned efforts. For it has caused the people to put up an impenetrable wall of resistance to the “G” word that makes it impossible for anyone to show them a different Diety one who never judges or punishes, and whose only desire is to serve them. And so they remain trapped inside their prison of anger and hate for a God who doesn’t deserve it, unable to open their hearts to a new Truth that could set them free.
Religious beliefs have caused more suffering on our planet than anything else. It doesn’t have to be that way. If we could just admit that some of our old beliefs are no longer working, and that perhaps there is something that we do not understand about God and about Life, it could open the door to the bringing forth of a new understanding that could change everything. (“The New Revelations A Conversation with God” by Neale Donald Walsch)
Positive change is possible. And it can start in the Downtown Eastside. It’s up to YOU.
: “REENIE” KERR
Legal hotlineLegal hotline
The Legal Services Society (LSS) has launched an innovative pilot project for providing brief legal services to people with low incomes in BC. The project is a legal hotline, which will be available through the society’s Law Line until March 2004. Law Line will continue to provide its info and referral services.
Brief legal services include legal advice, written opinions, phone calls or letters on a caller’s behalf to third parties, help with correspondence and documents, and similar services that can be delivered during or shortly after a telephone conversation. These will be available to people with low incomes who cannot access alternative legal services. Financial eligibility is determined by an income test LSS has established for advice services.
The project is modelled on the US experience with legal hotlines. In BC, the service will be provided by a mix of lawyers and paralegals, who will also assist in developing support materials for the program. In addition, Law Line lawyers will provide consultation services to community advocates.
Brief legal services do not replace representation by counsel, nor can they meet the needs of all people with low incomes. However, they can improve the likelihood that the callers without legal representation will take appropriate action and obtain access to justice.
Staff currently receive about 2,000 calls per month. About 35% of callers need family law services, 15% need criminal law information, and the rest need help with problems related to other legal issues such as immigration, welfare and other benefits, housing, and debt.
The Law Line numbers are: (604) 408-2172 (Lower Mainland) and 1-866-577-2525 (toll free, outside the Lower Mainland).
For further information, check the website at
www.lss.bc.ca and/or contact:
Allan Parker, Manager Mark Benton, Executive Director
Law Line ProgramLegal Services Society
Vancouver, BC (604) 601-6004
To Margaret Prevost, President, CCCA
I am pleased to wholeheartedly encourage support for Carnegie Community Centres 100th anniversary program (“A Celebration of the Arts) and specifically for the community play “In the Heart of the City’ with which the year will conclude.
The City has declared an official “Carnegie Day” and we are providing a number of services in-kind as well as financial assistance. I have been pleased to appear at various anniversary events and am looking forward to the opening of the play.
The anniversary program is providing a real opportunity for the Downtown Eastside to celebrate its talents and to showcase its creativity to the city as a whole. It is part of the program of renewal that is underway as a partnership between the community and the three governments.
Yours truly,
Larry W. Campbell, Mayor
VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
1. DJ MIX - MOVE TO THE GROOVE
Friday, November 7th 2003
7pm - 10pm Carnegie Theatre
Come out and have some fun with
Cody and his unique blend of tunes and
to dance away the night.
Refreshments served to the thirsty
2. KARAOKE WITH DARRELL!
Friday, November 14th, 2003
7pm - 10pm Carnegie Theatre
Wanna exercise those pipes?
Have your voice be heard?
Come and join us with Darrell to show us the way....
Refreshments served to brave willing souls.
3. ‘VOLUNTEERS OF THE MONTH’
Diane Wood Cover/Art and Layout for the Carnegie Newsletter
Our lovely Diane has shared her unique creativity and artistic talents with us for the past 4 years, which is twice per month for 48 months. Like her Newsletter cohort (Paul), her loyalty and unfailing dedication is worthy of extraordinary praise and we hold dear her contributions to the community in general. When Diane started with us, her expectation was to “encourage as many people as possible to contribute to the Newsletter” which she succeeds in doing in her non-assuming way.
Bill Mucikowskv: Bill joined us in May 2002 and quickly infiltrated many areas of our Volunteer Program. One minute you will see him as Learning Centre Receptionist (where he often does double shifts) and the next, with an apron and funny hat on in the Kitchen helping out whereever he can. Volunteers are the driving force behind the delivery of every program and service provided by Carnegie, and the diligence of folk like Bill help keep the wheels turning.
Hats off to both of You Niques, Colleen
4. VOLUNTEER EVENTS
ATfENTION VOLUNTEERS and PATRONS
To all the Carnegie volunteers and members that worked as extras on the Vancouver movie made for television “On The Corner”
This movie has been popular at this year’s Vancouver International Film Festival. It is a story of two aboriginal siblings who find themselves suck-ed into the vortex of the more destructive side of life in the DTES. It is being coined as one of the more emotionally demanding movies at this year’s Festival; “It asks the audience to watch two beautiful young people destroy themselves.. .and pushes the audience to care.”
Nathaniel Geary has very graciously agreed to show this movie in the Carnegie Theatre the end of November. The date and time to be confirmed.
Any questions, please ask Colleen in the Volunteer Program office.
CUSTOMER SERVICE SEMINAR Part 2
Improve your performance and skills
Certification Upon Completion
Training Opportunity follow-up from April’s Part 1
For those of you who attended Part 1, this is your long-awaited follow-up. For those of you not lucky enough to attend last time, PLEASE JOiN US! This Seminar is a step beyond the usual Customer Service teaching approach. We will look at how behaviors and manners affect how we think and feel in a very useful, interesting way.
Date: November 11th 2003
Time: l0am- 1pm
Place: Learning Centre 3rd Floor
Get Tickets from Colleen, Volunteer Program
Coffee, Muffins, Lunch provided
HALLOWE’EN
FRIGHT NIGHT
DANCE
I DARE YOU TO JOIN IN
A NIGHT TO REMEMBER
For the brave of heart Don’t Come Alone!!
Come dressed in your favourite disguise
Costume Party prizes, frights, sights and sounds oooooooohhbbhhh!
Children welcome with parents or guardian
Friday, October 31st 7pm- 10pm Carnegie Theatre
Refreshments will be served to ghouls only
15 minutes of fame (and counting...!)
15 minutes of fame (and counting...!)
Four writers, who had also contributed to The Heart of the Community: The Best of the Carnegie Newsletter, read and recalled samples of their work at Vancouver's International Writers & Readers Festival on Granville Island.
Sheila Baxter read from her third book "A Child is Not a Toy", Sandy Cameron read 4 pieces of poetry from his book "Sparks from the Fire", Larry Loyie spoke and his friend Constance read from his book, and Diane Wood read both a piece in "Heart" and an unpublished poem about Santa Claus being a capitalist plot. The event was billed as "Writing / Living in the Downtown Eastside" with Allan Twigg - editor of BC Bookworld - as the moderator.
The reactions and intense interest from the fifty or so people in attendance amazed everyone from Carnegie. There were about fifteen of us who went over, and there were several teachers and high school students as well. The heart of the presentation and soul of the material caught the need for proof of justice and the feeling that no one is alone. Young and elder alike came up to talk with the writers after the 90 minutes were up, some with tears streaming down their faces. The youth were especially moved at the passion and plain talk that let them know it's possible to write what you feel. Instant responses to questions about writer's groups in their schools included "We'll start one!"
It was odd that assurances were made to us (me) that the Festival would get copies of the "Heart of the Community" from the publisher and have them on hand, both at the big display of all writers' books who were featured at the event and of course another 15-20 at each event featuring the same. When we arrived there were no copies at all; and I'd brought just 3 thinking even those would be extra. The interest was so intense that a dozen could have been taken right away.
Anyway, networks were formed and it is spreading. The Heart of the Community is now in and on display at the UBC Bookstore and is being considered as course material in Sociology.
The photos here have the usual suspects in them. The can was a demonstration on how to properly leave collectibles for the career binner.
PRT
Impressions of the New Safe Injection Site
The biggest hurdle Insite has yet to overcome is the paranoia all of us druggies share. Being paranoid about cops and straight people in general has helped addicts stay out of jail for as long as the prohibition on narcotics has been in effect. Simply being very careful is a survival skill - always has been.
One is immediately captured by the almost blinding lights of the shoot-up stall. That, and the complete lack of privacy one endures to shoot up safely. Like a Hollywood dressing room, you catch your reflection in the mirror. Sure, you can see what it is you're doing; it's nice to see if the dope you just scored looks like the real thing. You can see what you're doing but so can about a dozen other 'patrons.' You are supplied with everything you need to fix: rig, spoon, tie-off rubber, filter; all you need is the dope. You can watch yourself in the mirror but can't help wondering who else is. Is there a camera behind it?
Along with the name you give, you get all the equipment and are supervised to the extent that, if you whack yourself too hard, help is immediately available. It all sounds great and it should be. The idea has been a long time coming and ODs are being caught before they turn lethal. That's good.
The only hitch again is Who is watching? Where is Big Brother today? Is it the cops across the street? Are the staff totally cool or not? How safe is the person in the next stall?
Like my dear old mother used to say, "You can take a horse to a bar but you can't get it drunk." You can provide a safe setting but until people trust that it's truly a SAFE site you'll face the age-old dilemma I know a lot of my friends still cling to their old way and prefer the coziness of a doorway to the uncomfortableness of the public using of drugs.
To urge people to forget their paranoia may not be the wisest choice. Ultimately, it's up to you. The site is there and it's safe, clean and free. It all depends on whether you trust the government. Time will tell if you can teach old dogs new tricks.
HUNGRY? - -
"Your food stamps will be stopped effective March 1992 because we received notice that you passed away. May God bless you. You may re-apply if there is a change in your circumstances." Dept. of Social Services, Greenville, South Carolina
DID I SAY THAT?
Police in Los Angeles had good luck with a robbery suspect who just couldn't control himself during a lineup. When detectives asked each man in the lineup to repeat the words: "Give me all your money or I'll shoot" the man shouted "That's not what I said!"
BANG BANG
In Modesto, California, Steven Richard King was arrested for trying to hold up a bank of America branch without a weapon. He used a thumb and a finger to simulate a gun, but unfortunately he failed to keep his hand in his pocket.
THE GETAWAY
An Illinois man, pretending to have a gun, kidnapped a motorist and forced him to drive to 2 different ATM's, wherein the kidnapper proceeded to withdraw money from his own bank account.
PLAN B
A man walked into a Kwik Stop in Topeka, Kansas and asked for all the money in the cash drawer. Apparently the take was too small, so he tied upthe store clerk and worked the counter himself for 3 hours until police showed up and grabbed him.
"I don't feel we did wrong in taking this great country away from them. There were great numbers of people who needed new land, and the Indians were selfishly trying to keep it for themselves."
- John Wayne
WITH A LI1TLE HELP FROM OUR FRIENDS
Police in Oakland, California spent 2 hours attempting to subdue a gunman who had barricaded himself inside his home. After firing 10 tear gas canisters, officers discovered that the man was standing beside them in the police line, shouting "Please come out and give yourself up."
HUNGRY?????
"Whenever I watch TV and see those poor starving kids all over the world, I can't help but cry. I mean I'd love to be skinny like that, but not with all those flies and death and stuff" - Maria Carey
DID I SAY THAT PART II
A man spoke frantically into the phone, "My wife is pregnant and her contractions are only 2 minutes apart!" "Is this her first child?" the doctor asked. "No!" the man shouted, "this is her husband!"
GEE THANKS
"If somebody has a bad heart, they can plug a jack in at night as they go to bed and it will monitor their heart. And the next morning, when they wake up dead, there'll be a record. - Mark Fowler, FCC Chairman
NOT THE SHARPEST TOOL [N THE SHED
"It's no exaggeration to say that the undecideds could go one way or another." - George Bush, US President
DID SHE GET THE JOB?
"Smoking kills. If you're killed, you've lost a very important part of your life."
- Brooke Shields, in an interview to become Spokesperson for federal anti-smoking campaign
"It isn't pollution that's harming the environment. It's the impurities in our air and water that are doing it." - Al Gore, US Vice President
"We've got to pause and ask ourselves: How much
clean air do we need?" - Lee Iacocca
"The word "genius" isn't applicable in football. A genius is a guy like Norman Einstein."
- Joe Theisman, NFL quarterback & sports analyst
Captain Abe's Widow
"Poverty" was a dirty word in my grandmother's mouth
Her insults always contained the word "common"
She who had married a good fisherman spent all her life getting away from the smell
Of the fish, but not the money
That it used to bring
Abundant silver harvests.
Abe in his homespun woolens braved the Grand Banks of Newfoundland
A master of many ships
His true mistress the cruel North Atlantic.
"Aunt" Bess bore his children
Hired "girls" to care for them
And took to her bed with the vapours when her pinched and harsh life on shore became too much.
Later, in Canada, as one of those "dirty newfoundlanders" she presided over fellow immigrants -in silk and rhinestones
Her perfume "Pompeii" discretely smuggled from St. Pierre, along with
The wine and liquor and other French blandishments
Her blue period gave way to burgundy in later life
No European black for this daughter of the Empire
After he died too young, a victim of his mistress' tantrums
She lived on in luxury
And called me long distance two weeks before she died.
Wilhelmina
SILENT SCREAMS IN THE DARKNESS
The darkness. Quiet darkness. Welcoming sleep.
Precious priceless sleep, seems like a new treat, while locked in jail, awaiting trial without bail.
Many nights past there was no sleep, staying awake to protect what you have,
Left, Right, Getting too old and tired to fight,
Others may wonder why you make the sleep sacrifice.
Nothing but junk they perceive,
or a couple of ill-gotten hustled bucks, starving and cold living on the street,
It's when you sleep, you become vulnerable and weak.
Others will then take, before you wake, leaving little left to start again, so you try to stay awake, until you find someplace safe.
There are drugs to keep you awake, but sleep is the bait, that attracts that, what you despise and hate, thieving drugged out pathetic slime.
Time to move on, Got to get out, Stay away, Fly, The time has come,
It's a younger man's worries, that're found on the streets.
Poor, filthy, fucking streets. Street-smart ignorant attitudes, Counterpoint caring naiveté,
still, ignorant attitudes. Alkies, druggies, 'ho' s', Hustle, thieve, lie and cheat. Substance abuse,
keeps ya down, keeps ya poor, can't get or hold a job, and so on and on, around and 'round, staying down in some filthy part of town.
Try new scenery? Still same sad place.
Use and abuse, Used and abused, Jumping to get away,
six floors high, can't fly, 'tis no way to get away or die.
How do ya cope, when high on dope? Can't cope? Must do dope.
Many painful regrets and horror stones hidden deep inside.
Drugs numbing the body and mind.
Destructive delusions, Paranoid schizoid illusions, Drug induced confusion, Masks, or the truth.
Lonely? Looking for love? Running from reality, responsibility, lost and hoping to die?
Drugs, the slow road to death, its claws and fangs run sharp and deep, almost impossible to beat,
Alone.
Must persevere, Keep on trying,
Could use some backup, help and support, to beat the addiction that keeps ya blue,
and may also help to keep ya from dieing'.
Help, a silent cry from deep inside.
The addicts silent scream, can't find it's way out to be heard or seen.
All that most see and hear, are the deceit and lies, as the addict struggles to survive, 'chasing the dragon' and hoping to die.
Little, real kind help, just the odd handout, to prolong the agony this kind of life dishes out.
Hanging by nails, worn fingernails, Hoping they break,
to bring on death quick and sweet.
Can't find a way out,
doomed to the darkness most can't beat. Likely to fail, some go to jail,
held without or can't make bail.
No winners, not a race, game, or contest.
Play me, Slay me, Save me.
How far is too far? Death, awaits all in the end.
Help me, please, be my friend.
Tony Rea.
Oh Canada, Our Home on Native Land
Hello again from a BC Native + XSquatter- lent my tent to a friend . First of all I acknowledge that I am living on the stolen Native land (a.k.a. Mother Earth) of the Coast Salish Peoples, Vancouver, BC. Peace be with you. Peace on Mother Earth + Good will to Man.
Next I will quote Andrew Carnegie (from a 1914 letter written to gentleman of religious bodies all irrevocably opposed to war + devoted advocates of peace )
"Happy in the belief that the civilized world will not, can not long tolerate the killing of man by man as a means of settling its international disputes, and that civilized men will not, can not long enter a profession which binds them to go forth + kill their fellow men as ordered, although they will continue to defend their homes if attacked , as a duty, which also involves the duty of never attacking the homes of Others, I am
Cordially yours, A. C.
The richest man on Earth, Andrew Carnegie was from Scotland, a colony of England. Yet he didn't think of the evil of England stealing his native land - long after all the Western Hemisphere, all Native land, was stolen beginning in 1402.
Did the Christian Church forget the 10 Commandments, forget "Thou shalt not kill."?
The country of Canada has a military, colonial government. The Queen's military representative is called Governor-General; provinces have Lieutenant-Governors; the RCMP control rural areas. Large towns and cities have their own police and Native peoples get the worst of it from the monarchy to the government to their forces and police.
Native people of Vancouver want a public inquiry into the Vancouver Police Dept (VPD) for the murder of Frank Paul, the missing women of the DTES, the constant violence and racism directed at Aboriginal Peoples.
The Aboriginal Justice Inquiry of Manitoba should be extended to all of Canada. It started there after the killing of J.J. Harper, a Native Chief, in Winnipeg. When will there be real justice in BC for aboriginals?
The BC Treaty Process is a corrupt, colonial tool to legitimize the military occupation of Native land begun and continued for the monarchy and its governments. The road to hell is paved with good intentions, as the Christian Churches can easily prove by example.
Decolonization is the solution to the problem of stealing the Aboriginals' home + native land. Abolish the monarchy and let peaceful people rule.
Oh yeah, Victory squats are ongoing at Science World and in Strathcona at Williams & Raymur. A new city by-law was passed to fine + stop people who squat. Most people don't want to live in slum SRO rooms like the squatters at Woodwards got because drugs and violence are the norm in SRO buildings in the DTES.
What is the solution? More homes for Canadians in
our home and Native land. Thanks for listening.
O
YEAH
THE
REVOLUTION
WILL BE
CONTINUED
Theresa Gray
DESTRUCTION OF SACRED SITES
DESTRUCTION OF PLACE OF WORSHIP
Over the last century Europeans have come into our territories and we have welcomed you with openness and generosity that has been handed down to us from our ancestors. Through residential schools the priests and nuns have tried to convert us and were successful with many of our people.
Through laws that were created by the same people we welcomed to our territories, spirituality and culture were nearly wiped out. The creator as we know him put all people on this earth with a faith to believe in and a place to practice that faith. It would be intolerable fro anyone to destroy or desecrate a place of worshiv in the name of economic development. This is exactly what is now happening to Elk Mountain with the logging that is taking place right now.
To the Pilalt people Elk Creek and other mountain ranges within the Pilalt territory are our places to go and practice our spirituality. Now our Sacred Mountains are under attack and, if there is no stop to this destruction, our place (like your church) of spiritual practices will be totally destroyed.
Our connection to the Sacred Mountains goes far deeper than this building you use to express your spiritual beliefs through your religious practices. If we destroyed your church, which would be simple to replace, we would be greatly shamed if we condoned the destruction of a place of worship and we would also be punished for such an intolerable act. All religions of the world must be able to practice their faith as they know it. If the proposed developments continue to be approved on our sacred mountains, we the Pilalt will be unable to practice our beliefs. With your faith being transplanted into our territories, many of our people have claimed your faith, but at the same time many of us have not. We still practice our faith as we know it and do not wish to change.
If the chainsaws and development go ahead we see it as you condoning the destruction of our sacred sites. You would not condone anyone kveling your churches to the ground to build condominiums in the name of economics. In "Towards a common understanding and Vision of The. World Council of Churches" it states " while Christians and churches should be advocates of the rights and dignity of those marginalized and excluded by society, there are shameful examples of complicity of social and economic injustice."
We do not have the resources to fight the juggernaut of economic development and government alone. We ask that you, as people of the Christian faith, support our call in putting a stop to the destruction of our sacred places NOW. If this is not forthcoming we would view this as another shameful example of what is described above.
POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY STARTS AT THE TOP
Edited presentation to VPD Board
I live in the Occupied Zone, under the eyes of your garrison. I answer the question "rock or powder?" with "No, I just live here" a dozen times every time I step out. I carry a camera to ensure that your boys behave, and I will state right here that in all the arrests I have witnessed, they have behaved. But they don't all behave properly all the time, and the problem is institutional. You can't keep bad apples and have respect.
And the bad cops have every reason to believe they will be protected, because that's the way it's been for decades. I'd had reports of a serious "psycho-sadist cop" long before Reg Forester became briefly known for assaulting innocent passers-by at the Guns 'n Roses concert. When your internal process found no fault or liability for what tens of thousands of people clearly saw on the news, everything issued from the department about a new accountability was revealed as a sham. Over the next 3 days, I screamed "WHITEWASH" in the faces of a dozen of your troops who didn't deserve it.
From decades of your front desk clerks telling families "Don't bother us - she's just a whore!" to the Department's successflul withholding of the eight names of your riot squad at the Hyatt from the Complaints Commissioner - itself part of the fraud, to the routine foisting of "Form I" on those already victimized, ensuring no more is ever heard, to the six members of the VPD Baton squad who actually did get caught and who are now probably still getting paid (are they?). right up to last week, when a dangerous sex offender walked away from a half-way house and the VPD's first reflex reaction was to deny that it had been informed, although the truth (that it wa~) came out two days later. It's not the internal mis-communication I'm faulting here; it's your damned dishonest close-the-ranks reflex - and the whole culture it reflects and protects. And THAT has to be changed -genuinely and totally changed, from the top - from within this room.
Sandy MacDonald
USA, MIDDLE EAST & EMPIRE
A Public Forum with Phyllis Bennis MONDAY NOVEMBER 3 at 7 pm ST.ANDREW'S WESLEY CHURCH
1022 Nelson St. at Burrard
Free Admission
Organized by Stopwar.ca
Phyllis Bennis has been a writer, analyst and activist on Middle East issues for 25 years. She says, "We are here at a moment of choice. We have a choice between democracy and empire; we can't have both. We have a choice between internationalism and war; we can't have both. We need disarmament. We can start in Iraq. We need regional disarmament in the Middle East and we need the United Nations.
The murderous attack on UN headquarters in Baghdad, in targeting civilians, was a violation of international law as well as a huge tragedy for the victims, their families and for the global organization as a whole. But such an attack should have not been a surprise. The US-UK war and occupation of Iraq were and remain illegal. However happy lraquis were to see the end of the regime of Saddam Hussein, they remain understandably angry towards military occupation. The UN should never have agreed to participate under the authority of that occupation force; to do so provides a political fig leaf for an illegal occupation. The UN should pull out of Iraq, and refuse to return until the US ends its occupation.
Still committed to its war drive in Iraq, Washington stands more isolated than ever. Its trade aims were defeated at the World Trade Organization in Cancun. It faces international outrage following its veto of the mildly-worded Security Council resolution challenging Israel's threat to expel or assassinate Yasir Arafat."
StopWar.ca is a broad based coalition of over 160 organizations and individuals that have responded to international calls for days of action against the war on Iraq. They are continuing to organize against the occupation of Iraq and for peace and justice in the Middle East. They see this work as including education, mass mobilization and lobbying.
What You Can Do
Postering - people to put up posters and to go around to stores, cafes and restaurants etc. asking them to display StopWar's posters and leave pamphlets where people can see them Speakers and videos - If your group would like speakers on the war in Iraq or the Middle East, you can contact StopWar. Some of their members have recently been in the Middle East and would be willing to speak. They also have videos on those subjects.
Write to our elected representatives - urging them to speak out against the occupation of Iraq, AfgltaniStan and Palestine and to say that Canada should have no role in the occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan.
Minister of Defence, John McCallum
McCallum.Jcã~oarl.gc.ca
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bill Graham
Graham.B(r)parl.gc.ca
For upcoming events see www.sto war.ca
Who are the Cuban Five?
They are five Cuban men who are in U.S. prisons for defending their country from terrorist acts by extremist right-wing groups in the. United States. They were sentenced from 15 years to two life sentences. They never harmed anyone, yet they are in prison while the anti-Cuba terrorists whom they tried to stop are walking freely in Miami. How did the five Cubans try to stop them? By monitoring the terrorists' actions and informing Cuba of impending attacks by those extremist groups.
The five Cubans are (3erardo Hernández, Antonio Guerrero, RamOn Labanino, René Gonzalez, and Fernando Gonzalez. They were convicted in a U.S. federal court on June 8, 2001 In a politically-charged trial: the U.S. government claimed they were engaged in espionage on U.S. military bases and threatened "national security" and that one had conspired to commit murder. Both charges are a complete fabrication. In 14,000 pages of transcript, no espionage evidence was ever introduced and no material witness was able to support the charge of conspiracy to commit murder.
The arrest, detention, trial and conviction were a mockery of the principles ofjustice and the rule of law. Political corruption and judicial bias influenced the process from start to finish.
The five Cubans were strictly involved in monitoring the actions of terrorist right-wing groups in Miami. These groups -such as the Cuban American National Foundation, Omega 7, Alpha 66, Brothers to the Rescue, Brigada 2506, and Comandos F4 -have cnused the deaths and injury of hundreds of people in Cuba and other countries.
For more than 40 years. anti-Cuban right-wing groups in Miami have engaged in countless terrorist activities against Cuba, against Cuban-Americans and anyone who calls for normalization of relations between Cuba and the U.S.. Several of those organizations were established with the financing, training and backing of the C.I.A. in the early 1960s. Their sole aim was to sow terror and violence against the people of Cuba.
For example, notorious anti-Cuba terrorists Orlando Bosch and Luis Posada Carriles conspired in the planting of two bombs on a Cubana Airlines plane on October 6, 1976. In the horrific explosion that occurred mid-flight from Barbados to Cuba, 73 innocent people died. Orlando Bosch and Luis Posada Carriles are longtime CIA agents trained in assassination and sabotage.
After a few years in prison, Bosch was allowed to re-enter the U.S. in the 1980s. Their Justice Dept. moved to deport him in 1989 for a series of violent actions; then-president George Bush pardoned him. Today, Bosch lives in Miami freely, although he is responsible for the deaths of over 80 people. Because of the persistent refusal of the U.S. government to act against these known criminal organizations and individuals whose sole aim is to cause death and destruction on the Cuban people, Cuba found it necessary for its self-defense to send in these five men to prevent future attacks by monitoring the groups' actions.
The Cuban Five are punished not for harming or threatening to harm the United States, but for their capacity to shed light on the intimate complicity between terrorist groups in Miami and powerful people within the U.S. government
IS ANYBODY WATCHING?
A friend asked me on Oct. 15, did I hear what happened in Bolivia? No? Well, he told inc that in the tiny country of 9 million people, at least a million and a half campesinos, students and workers had called a general strike, crowded into the capital of La Paz and closed it down. The reaction of the millionaire president was to call out the army, who fired on the crowd, at least 80 people were dead and 150-200 injured. What horrifies me as mach as the deaths, is that this massacre has passed un-noticed, no ripple of shock or outrage, outside of the Latin American Community. When I told someone at the Carnegie, the woman standing next to him responded "That's what those people do to people in those countries." Another response was "I only read the sports" and another "It didn't say that in the Globe and Mail".
No, it didn't say that the majority of people in Bolivia are calling president Lozada a murderer. That he was air-lifled from the presidential palace, where he was under siege by a monumental crowd of enraged Bolivians who would have torn him to pieces, by a helicopter to Miami. Most of us read "he resigned". Where does it say (except on indymedia.com ) that this is the largest indigenous uprising since the one in Chiapas in 1994? Why aren't we hearing this? Is it too encouraging an example? Are we to basically ignore this successful act of resistance, including the USA-backed army's massacre
of 80-100 people armed only with sticks and stones, as a bunch of coca-growing "un-civilized" Indians playing folkloric flutes in the Andes? "Those people
in those countries..."? Will the events of last week be swept into the dustbin when American forces intervene/invade to prop up the millions invested with the so-called War On Drugs? What I heard is that Mesa's new government has institutedlinvented a Ministry Of Ethics! How Orwellian! We will get to watch, if anyone is paying attention, the truth get so bent out of shape that the international community is able to turn a blind eye to yet another war on indigenous peoples and their genocide. I went to the Parade of Lost Souls on the weekend. One of the displays was the Seven Deadly Sins. When are they going to update those and include some real sins like apathy and passivity?
By Diane Wood
Of all the times of the year, late Autumn has always been my favourite. I like to think of myself as a person who possesses a relatively sharp sensitivity
- "sensitivity" here meaning a kind of conscious awareness and connectedness to the natural forces around me. For me, as for most people in the modern day who consider themselves some sort of "Pagan", the tides of the darkening Autumn have an added dimension of spiritual meaning and power. The full force of these added dimensions add a note of mysticism and a pleasurable longing that cannot adequately be expressed. This is the time of bonfires and festivals, and of the chilling touch of deeper mysteries, those of life and death, and the shaded realms beyond.
To some ancient Pagans in Northern Europe, the time roughly at the beginning of November was the beginning of their Winter - culturally and spiritually speaking. The Old Celtic "Sanihain" had a feel of culmination and dissolution into darkness, before a new year began. This feel was the "final sigh" of the earth as it gave into Winter-sleep, after a long year of pulsing forth life. Yet this "feel" also contained a sense of excitement; the dark and almost erotic feeling of "giving in" to the mysteries beyond. To all of this can be added the more mundane aspects of drawing in animals and food-stores, before the hard spirits of Winter, snow, and the long nights took their own tithe in life. This may serve to explain the festive times that occurred in the late Autumn halls and villages of all our ancestors.
The strange interim time between the descent into Winter's gate and the true formalization of the New Year was a wild and uncanny time, a time where there were no longer hard distinctions between one world and another, or one state of awareness and another. The Dream and the Waking were overlapping. The return to the darkness of Winter was a minor, yearly echo of the return to the primal chaos of formlessness which was the origin of all things. Such an opportunity to place your mindstream in direct communion with the nighted regions beyond is priceless; the concealed pieces of Wisdom beyond and below are precious because they contain the greatest essence of all - the truth of wholeness and the hidden light. They also contain shades of the dead - both ancestral and pre-human; they contain the lost of this world, and the Gods of the Earth; they contain the dim, howling, snapping intelligences that people the nightmares of humans and animals alike; the dark regions within and below are the borderlands of mortal experience. We cross near All Hallows is the in-drawing, the height of the ebb tide, before the flow of life into a new year. It is the Season of the Witch, because the Otherworlds come to the Witch - the unseen forms of those who live beyond this world are swimming about us at all times, anyway; this season is simply the turning down of the garish light of life, so that their subtle forms can be apprehended more easily.
It is the river of the living mindstream that the "others" swim in; the parts that are submerged below the horizon of consciousness are the parts that the dead most easily rest in - and in this season, their motions are made apparent. This season has inspired fear and awe in all generations of humans that have come before.
By Robin Artisson
You can find a longer version of this article at:
www.witchvox.com
Or e-mail the author at: howlet dark(~yahoo.com