Contents

Violence & Violation of Sound

No Diggity Ditty / Angel & Grim Reaper

1000 Jobs

To Join The Crowd / faithful

Letters to the Editor

"the police, the Police, the POLICE"

Disaster @ 401 Main

A Cry of Justice from Jail

In Memoriam

"It Can't Happen Here"

Day of the Dead

THANKSGIVING DAYS: 1492 - 2003

The Witches' New Year

An Invitation / Dear Friends

TIME LIMITS FOR WELFARE

News from the Library

"A day in the Life

"the police, the Police, the POLICE..."

  Most everyone has given members of local constabularies one of the names in the title here. The first seems to be neutral and generic, a normal job and welcomed people who serve and protect, upholding laws that are the result of a public process.

  The "Police" gets into interactions and reactions and runs the gamut between the light and dark.

  The POLICE is the description applied to the dark side - of beatings, grossly over-stepping bounds of the law, brutality, corruption and deceit.

  It was with all of the above that an audience of residents, users, people both working and unemployed, concerned and afraid, greeted the Chief of Police at Dera's General Membership meeting on Friday, October 3, in Carnegie's Theatre.

  There were conflicting reports on the tenor of the meeting - most said that Jaimie Graham was heckled for 2 solid hours; others that they were told outside that they couldn't or shouldn't go in because their concerns weren't going to be dealt with (told by who?); that clique's of people had planned to yell and curse at any and all cops in the room; that a lot of people were too intimidated by those just mentioned to say anything even hinting of support or appreciation for the cops who have made a difference in their lives and the DE.

  And unless you come down solidly as against or for the cops, you want back-up.

  Those at the meeting certainly had a whole rift of stories to back up their heckling. The PIVOT thing with 50 stories or reports about police brutality, illegal searches, "torture" and harassment as the three-month experiment in enhanced enforcement was part of our community. The silent or cowed seniors and vulnerable people have expressed relief and support for the lauded 'crack-down' but many addicts and mental health consumers expressed an equal / justifiable outrage at being targeted.

  Somewhere in here is the saying that "A conservative is a liberal who's been mugged." The breaking up of congeries of dealers & users has moved such to different locations, but the alleys behind hotels and residences are still (or even more) dangerous, with occupants being threatened with robbery and murder by now-roaming groups. Beatings and violations of rights are reamed off in what can be dissed as exaggerated rants, while incidents of criminal behaviour and police reaction get meshed together, depending on what's going on, with fingers pointed at those on both sides as being the instigators or criminals.

  Everyone has an honest story to tell, and the vast majority at this particular meeting seemed hell-bent on painting the Police as the most foul. There was a semi-organised group of squeegee-guys determined to blame the cops for enforcing some law against them, but it came across as similar to dealers who blame cops for stopping their trade. It seems dubious to rant at cops for choosing which laws to uphold, but it's almost like breathing - if something really chokes you up, do what you can. Examples may be similar to having cops issuing jaywalking tickets while 12-14 year-olds are being sold heroin or crack less than 20 feet away.

 One thing remains - the Four Pillars include Treatment, Prevention, Harm Reduction and Enforcement - so the police presence should be balanced with an equal effort in the other 3. This should include an independent service audit on activities, administration and authority in each of the 'other' 3 as well.

  At the end of the meeting little was resolved, and the loud 'plans' of one gang to "get [Graham] when he comes out" seemed to keep the walls between cops and the distressed community high and hard. The most frustrating thing is that those engaged in ongoing criminal activity - robbery, mugging, non-addicted dealers, with violence and rape and murder all part of the 'lifestyle' - use community concerns and police conduct to drag things on while making scratch hand over fist... and those in between get shafted. 

  Advice to the Chief of Police: curb the cowboys...

                  By PAULR  TAYLOR

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Disaster @ 401 Main

  On October 3, residents of the Downtown Eastside were invited to express their opinions about our Vancouver Police. Unfortunately, this did not happen because at the DERA meeting a number of squeegee folk and special interest groups hijacked the meeting and did not allow the real community to voice their concerns.

   Chief Jamie Graham respectfully offered to come to our community to listen to the good and the bad.  Chief Graham and District 2 came to the meeting to hear from residents of the Downtown Eastside, but only heard from the angry folk who squeegee at Main and Terminal and who literally took over the meeting.  Their behaviour sabotaged the meeting and left most that live in the community embarrassed and frustrated. 

   The room at Carnegie Centre was packed with a large number of our residents who did not get up to speak about issues of safety for the Downtown Eastside. Needless to say, many were intimidated by the presence and aggressive behaviour of these young  people, most of whom don't even live in the community, and who showed no respect for our meeting; ie.  Sister Elizabeth, a DTES resident, was rudely told to shut up.

   Police were continually insulted but did not lash back in kind, which was impressively professional of them.

If someone wants to be heard they can forward their concerns to Chief Jamie Graham or page Dave Dickson at 604-686-7523 and they will do their best to deal with it. The police dept wants to meet with people who  want to work together to improve the quality of life for everyone in the Downtown Eastside.

 For many years 401 Main Street was in crisis due to the open drug market.  It was a problem just getting past the hordes of dealers and users in order to get into the building.....only the brave of heart forged ahead regardless.  Many people literally feared coming to Carnegie; or at the very least, others were simply disgusted and weary of the constant harassment.   There was a general feeling of danger and fear for most, but especially for the more vulnerable seniors and people with disabilities and other challenges.   This crisis not only affected Carnegie but the whole community which felt taken over by a sense of lawlessness.  DTES residents wanted their community back.   The corner of Main and Hastings was infamous in its reputation which was far reaching.  This problem had reached International awareness which, besides being a community health hazard, continual to increase in criminal activity and safety issue, was an embarrassment and shame for the City of Vancouver in general.

  Presently we have a few people in the front of Carnegie still selling and buying drugs, though primarily an active pill market.  The immediate open drug problem has been decentralized to other parts of the Downtown Eastside.  Carnegie is once again considered a safe community centre to utilize.

   The community in general is beginning to regain hope that they will slowly but surely see an end to a pervasive sense of being taken over, and maybe even once again, freely walk the streets  The  VPD will continue to do the job they have been asked to do.  Thanks to Constable Susan Parsons, Constable Dave Dickson, Ken Frail and many others who have made, and are continuing to make, a substantial difference in the Downtown Eastside. At Carnegie, we asked for help and we are receiving it. 

   The dealers and users are not left out in the cold; they have VANDU, PIVOT and other outlets to attend to their needs. 

I wish each and every one of you the best for your future; don't give up because we aren't!  Where there is a heartbeat, there is hope!

             Margaret Prevost

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A Cry of Justice from Jail

Four years ago, the Mexican government arbitrarily arrested Jacobo Silva, Gloria Arenas, Fernando Gatica, and Felicitas Padilla. Before putting them in jail, the government tortured and disappeared the four detainees. Then, the government held a secret trial for them inside a maximum-security prison. Later, the four prisoners received sentences that range from 7 to 50 years. When lawyer Digna Ochoa tried to help them, she was murdered. The four prisoners' only crime was to struggle for poor people's rights in Mexico. Jacobo and Gloria are my relatives.

Despite adversity and captivity, Gloria and Jacobo have a strong, positive attitude. Gloria's defiant poems and Jacobo's breathtaking paintings echo their ability to remain hopeful and to resist incarceration.

In April 2002, Jacobo, Gloria, and other 85 Mexican political prisoners went on a hunger strike to demand freedom. Gloria was on hunger strike for 49 days, and Jacobo for 61 days. During that time, Jacobo became very sick and started to lose hair. Now when he remembers what happened he says; "One of these days I will become a one more bold person in this world, but not because of genetic causes nor because of cowardice. I will become bold because of my political resistance". With the hair that he lost during the hunger strike, Jacobo made a painting in which he wrote the word: "freedom".

If you are interested in learning more about this case of flagrant violations to human rights in Mexico, please visit our web page: www.mexprisoners.com

THE JAIL

The jail is a thief,

It steals my freedom,

but freedom is immense,

It can only wreck pieces...

like bites.

The bars hinder,

deny the caress,

the desired presence,

but they cannot stop love.

The bars isolate,

surround in silence, and of absence,

but they cannot silence the voice.

The bars are cold,

freeze the soul,

moisten the eyes,

but they cannot extinguish the fire.

They cannot avoid that I,

continue being I,

and that you continue being you.

Author: Gloria Arenas,

Mexican political prisoner.

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IN MEMORIAM*

To my muertos,

To my people who died,

To those who we love,

To those who we admire,

To those who we will never forget,

To the warriors,

To my brothers,

And to my sisters,

To my aunts and uncles,

To my grandmother,

And to my grandfather,

To my children,

To Miguelito,

To Margarita bonita,

To those who laughed,

And to those who were sad,

To those who gave us their right to live,

Bread, atole, sugar cane, oranges,

Mole, a bottle of alcohol,

Cigarettes, candles, copal,

Pictures, music, their names,

And a yellow-flower path,

So they can find their way back home,

Where we are happily waiting to see them again,

At least that night, at least that day.

*Dedicated to the memory of Mexican human-rights lawyer Digna Ochoa, who was murdered on October 19, 2001.

Author: Emiliano Velasco

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"It Can't Happen Here"

compiled by Diane Wood from the

Amnesty International website

  Over the past 30 years, Amnesty International has reported on the widespread and systemic use of torture in Mexico and has campaigned to put an end to the practice and for those responsible to be brought to justice.  Mexican constitutional reforms have proved insufficient to overcome the flawed criminal justice system which continues to encourage its use.  Amnesty International continues to receive reports of torture every year, making it clear that torture at the state and municipal level is not fully acknowledged, let alone confronted.  Torture is the most flagrant in a chain of abuses committed against individuals caught up in the Mexican criminal justice system, from the moment an individual is arbitrarily detained, to his or her conviction on the basis of a confession obtained under torture.  The fact that the use of torture goes unpunished and suspects are still convicted on the basis of coerced confessions encourages the continued use of torture as a method of investigation and demonstrates that the different elements of the judicial system accept the practice.

  In effect the Public Ministry exerts excessive control over the judicial process, particularly during the preliminary investigation, during which time other secondary evidence can be fabricated or distorted in order to support a confession extracted under torture.  Very few judges are prepared to challenge the evidence or question the methods of investigation.  The evidence put forward in the initial investigation can then serve as the basis for later conviction, without the defendant having to confirm his or her confession in open court.  This system is a reversion of the presumption of innocence, in fact the presumption of innocence is not codified in legislation, seriously weakening due process.  In 1999 the UN Human Rights Committee called on the Mexican authorities to reform legislation which permits the detention of suspects 48 hours after a serious crime has been committed (72 hours in Mexico City) without an arrest warrant.  All branches of Mexico's various police forces regularly use torture, arbitrary detentions, or ill-treatment as a method of policing or crime prevention.  In addition, the increasing role of the armed forces in combating drug trafficking and armed opposition groups has resulted in soldiers using illegal detention and torture, acting on their own or with police. Increasingly, torture is also used as a means of extorting money, to intimidate perceived criminal suspects or to serve the direct criminal interests of corrupt police officials.

  The lack of protection afforded a detainee is made even worse should he or she try to lodge a complaint of torture or ill-treatment; the Public Ministry is solely responsible for the criminal investigation into the claims.  In effect the very same agency that may have been responsible for the torture is the one investigating it.   The result is often that the Public Ministry merely institutes internal disciplinary procedures, those responsible are not prosecuted, and the courts refuse to acknowledge the impact of the offence on the admissibility of the confession as evidence.  In other situations the Public Ministry may deem there is insufficient evidence to bring charges and decides to drop or archive the investigation. 

 Medical evidence is one of the key means of substantiating allegations of torture.  However, medical professionals who are frequently police and Public Ministry employees and colleagues, coupled with police or Public Ministry reluctance to allow prompt and confidential examination of victims, has resulted in the consistent failure to document signs of torture.  In many cases, signs of torture are merely registered as minor injuries which'll heal in less than 15 days. 

  The only means of constructing credible supervision of the Public Ministry and the police and ending impunity is by establishing independent mechanisms for investigating human rights violations such as torture.  International treaties have declared that enforced disappearances constitute a continuing offence.  States have an obligation to legally prosecute and punish the perpetrators of human rights violations.  This obligation is regulated by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the American Convention of Human Rights, the UN Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, the Inter-American Convention for the Prevention and Punishment of Torture and the Inter-American   Convention on Forced Disappearance of Persons.

  When the Mexican Government ratified the Inter-American Convention on Forced Disappearance of Persons in December 2001, their Senate approved a reservation put forward by the government to Article IX; this means that cases of "disappearance" involving military agents will continue to be heard in military tribunals, which have consistently provided impunity for members of the armed forces accused of human rights violations.  The UN recommended that "Cases of serious crimes committed by military personnel against civilians, in particular torture  should, regardless of whether they took place in the course of service, be subject to civilian justice."  In April 2002, at the request of relatives of the "disappeared", the governor of the Federal District presented a constitutional challenge to the Supreme Court calling for the reservation to be annulled for violating the Federal Penal Code, the Constitution, and international human rights standards ratified by the Mexican Government.

  While the well-resourced National and State Human Rights Commissions may have contributed to improving human rights through education programmes, on the crucial issue of human rights violations committed by public officials, these bodies act more as a government mouthpiece than a human rights watchdog.  In some instances, these Commissions, rather than assuming a pro-active defence of human rights in calling state authorities to account, have been passive bureaucratic institutions, effectively another hurdle for victims and their relatives to overcome in the struggle for justice.

  In November 2001, the National Human Rights Commission published its findings into the "disappearance" of hundreds of people during the 1970s and early 1980s.  The commissioning and publication of the report were due in large part to domestic and international pressure.  It was published shortly after the murder of Digna Ochoa, a renowned human rights lawyer in October 2001 and the international outcry that ensued.  This acknowledgement by a state institution of state responsibility for the widespread "disappearances" in the 1970s and 1980s was considered an important step by Mexican human rights organizations.  While this report is an advance on previous initiatives, questions remain about the methods and rigour of its investigations, and serious concerns have been expressed about its failure to provide vital information to fully clarify these crimes or establish chain-of-command responsibility.  It falls short of confirming that the use of "disappearance" was sanctioned at the highest levels of the government as a "dirty war" tactic.

-------------------------------------------------------

"The world needs a new weapon, the estrogen bomb.  Imagine: You drop it on an area of violent conflict, and men throw down their guns, hug each other, apologize, say it was all their fault, and then start to clean up the mess."        The Guerilla Girls

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DAY OF THE DEAD

   We are planning to celebrate another Day of The Dead in the Downtown Eastside on Saturday November 1.  It is a time to remember those that have passed on, and invite them back to enjoy the party, with music and food, laughter and tears.  This tradition can be traced back to the Aztecs, who believed that death was not an ending, but the beginning of a new and eternal existence.  They were not afraid of dying: their god of death Miclantechtli didn't punish the dead for their sins, he released them from their burdens.  In our times, Day of the Dead has evolved to become a mixture of pre-Columbian and Roman Catholic beliefs.  The Catholic All Saints' Day grew out of the Egyptian festival of mourning for the murder of Osiris, the God of Life and Death and Grain, in November.

  This event is different than the parade the weekend before on Commercial Drive, in that it is created by and for our community.  The Grupo d'Amistad from Oppenheimer Park and Watari is already decorating crosses and placards for our procession on Hastings street, from the park to the Carnegie.  As well, they always make a pinata that gets broken that night.  Other years we have smashed festive pinatas of skulls, coffins, rice wine bottles and hearts.  This is an event you can bring children to.   We invite any and all musicians to bring guitars, drums, flutes or noisemakers and join the procession.  Of course you're welcome to wear a costume or a mask! A group of Latin American actors are rehearsing a play which they will present in the Carnegie Theatre on the evening of November 1.  We invite everyone to help decorate the Mexican-style altar with photos of  loved ones we have lost, religious icons, mementos, food, tobacco, candles and flowers.  Latin Americans celebrate our relationship with the dead with generosity, music, love and humour. The laughter is so much more balanced a way to remember the dead than the solemn funerals I usually attend. They visit the graves from sunset 'til midnight to offer the ghosts their favourite food, cigarettes and alcohol.  The candles and incense are to invite the dead home and guide their way, to party with us for a few hours before returning to the "other side".  Strolling musicians and family members sing the ghosts favourite tunes.  It's a time to make fun of the living and how seriously we take ourselves.  We're the ones who are suffering, the dead "rest in peace". I always remember with a smile the parade when intoxicated pallbearers carried papier mache coffins borrowed from Vandu, in a mock funeral procession, swearing as they dropped them. So many refugees fight for their lives in their own countries against overwhelming police/military repression, war and poverty, then struggle to get to Canada to make a fresh start, only to die here from the alcohol and drugs they get involved in, in what was meant to be their "new life".

  Every culture must learn to deal with the loss of life in order to survive.  Feelings of abandonment, anger, guilt and fear must be released before we can go back to the business of living.  Through centuries of poverty, oppression, and violence, death has been ever-present.  The sense of being vulnerable in a life full of danger, chaos and demonic forces has made generations believe that to live is to suffer.  So come suffer, sing and celebrate with us on November 1st.  Posters will be going up soon with the exact time the events start.  You can call Ingrid Cruz at Watari (604) 720-8492 if you have any questions or want to participate.                                    

                    Lady Die

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TIME LIMITS FOR WELFARE

      A two year limitation for welfare comes into force on April 2004. However, there are a great many exemptions to the rule; it is difficult to anticipate the effect of the rule.  In addition, the government may add further exemptions in coming months by

regulations.  They have already done this in the last year or so. It's difficult at this time to say who and who will not be covered by the exemptions. 

Overview

  Generally the rule (24 months out of 60 months) only applies to employable persons.  It does not apply to people who are excused from working.  Also, even if you are caught by the rule, you may not be cut off welfare but instead have your cheque reduced by $100 to $300 per month (depending on the category you are in.)  The group that will probably be hurt the most are older single employables.  They are less likely to be able to roll with the punches

When Time Limits Begin:

. From the period beginning April 1, 2002, each month that a recipient received any amount of income assistance comprised of support or shelter, will count towards the 24 months in 60 months (24-in-60) time limit, unless the month is excluded.

Who is Affected:

. Time limits apply to each individual recipient (not dependent children). However, the consequences do apply to the entire family unit.

. Time limits do not apply to a person who:

1) is a member of a family unit in receipt of hardship assistance;

2) is a member of a family unit where at least one recipient has the Person with Disabilities (PWD) designation;

3) is a member of a family unit in which all recipients have reached 65 years of age;

4) is a member of a family unit in which all recipients are persons who have persistent multiple barriers to employment;

5) is a member of a family unit in which all recipients are receiving accommodation and care in a special care facility, private hospital, or who are admitted to a hospital because they require extended care (does not include alcohol or drug treatment centre); or

6) is a child in receipt of Child in Home of Relative (CIHR) assistance.

Who is Not Affected

. Months and any part of a month in which an individual recipient qualifies under one of the following Time Limits Exclusion Categories

1) Person is 65 years of age or older;

2) Person is a sole recipient with a dependent child, a foster child, or a child in a CIHR file that has not reached three years of age;

3) Person is a sole recipient with a dependent child, a foster child or a child in a CIHR file with a physical or mental condition that, in the minister's opinion, precludes the person from leaving home for the

purposes of employment;

4) Person is receiving accommodation and care in a special care facility, private hospital or has been admitted to hospital because they require extended care;

5) Person is living with and caring for a spouse who has a physical or mental condition that, in the minister's opinion, precludes the recipient from leaving home for the purposes of employment;

6) Person has a drug or alcohol problem, mental health condition or temporary medical condition that, in the minister's opinion, interferes with their ability to search for, accept or continue in employment;

7) Person is participating in a treatment or rehabilitation program approved by the minister, if their participation in that program, in the minister's opinion, interferes with their ability to search for, accept or continue in employment;

8) Person has separated from an abusive spouse or relative within the previous 6 months, if, in the minister's opinion, the abuse or separation interferes with their ability to search for, accept or continue in employment;

9) Person has persistent multiple barriers to employment;

10) Person is participating in:

a) a Training for Jobs (TFJ) Program (the acceptance, training and job placement portions only);

b) direct purchase services in areas not serviced by the ministry TFJ Program (maximum period of up to 9 months);

c) direct purchase of literacy, upgrading, Adult Basic Education (ABE) and English as a Second Language (ESL) programs (for a maximum period of 4 months

 Prior approval must be obtained from the minister and must be included in the Employment Plan (EP) and Voluntary Participation Plan (VPP).

11) Person is pregnant;

12) Person is under 19 years of age; or

13) Family unit is in receipt of reduced income assistance due to recipient reaching the 24-in-60 time limit.

CONSEQUENCES

Singles:

. A single recipient is ineligible for income assistance if the recipient has reached the 24-in-60 time limit for the remainder of the 60-month consecutive time period.

Couples Without Children:

. A couple is ineligible for income assistance if both recipients have reached the 24-in-60 time limit for the remainder of the 60-month consecutive period.

. The income assistance rate is reduced by $300 per month if only one recipient in a couple has reached the 24-in-60 time limit. Once the 60-month consecutive time period has elapsed, the rate reduction ends if both recipients are under the 24-in-60 time limit.

Single Parents:

. The income assistance rate is reduced by $100 per month for single-parent families where the parent has reached the 24-in-60 time limit.

Couples With Children:

. The income assistance rate is reduced by $100 per month for two-parent families where one parent has reached the 24-in-60 time limit.

. The income assistance rate is reduced by $200 per month for families where both parents have reached the 24-in-60 time limit.

. After a recipient has reached the 24-in-60 time limit, entering an exclusion category cannot reverse the consequences. The corresponding consequence of ineligibility or a rate reduction will remain.

Strategies

What strategies can be used to counteract this time limit.

1) First, check the Policy Manual for updates.  The government may pass regulations to add more exemptions.  The government has already passed

some regulations in the past year or so.

2) Try and fit your client into one of the exempt categories described above.  A pro-active approach on your behalf would be useful in this area.  For instance, try and get your client categorized as a person with persistent multiple barriers to employment.

3) Try and fit some of the months that your client was on welfare into months that do not count towards the two year limit. See above for the months that do not count towards the two year limit.

4) Arrange for your client to go to another province, for example, Alberta.  This is not a very pleasant alternative, but it is a practical alternative.

5) There is a possibility of a court challenge of this on these provisions for people that aren't covered by the exemption.  Certainly you can contact [David Mossop] if you have a client who is interested in doing this.

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THANKSGIVING DAYS: 1492 - 2003

   Hello from Squatter X of the Tent City at Science World. I give thanks for living on this awesome Coast Salish land in B.C., Canada. Being indigenous to BC means I belong here, yet I am different from the rest of the people of Canada. Before October 12, 1492, all of the Western Hemisphere was owned and occupied by 100's of unique Indigenous Nations that lived in touch with Mother Nature and the Universe

  Our world & yours was forever changed by the foreigners who invaded and stole/colonized the Aboriginal's home & Native land. This was the deliberate British & French policy of genocide against Aboriginals. They launched a religious war using European Christian trader/capitalists with the help of Roman Catholic & Protestant churches & European monarchies of England, France and Spain.

  It is an ongoing undeclared war for Aboriginal land & I have squatted in Vancouver because of it. The number of Aboriginals without homes in Canada is caused by the occupying foreign government's genocide policy against Natives.

 "Oh Canada, our home and Native land.. ..

     God keep our land glorious and free."

This is the religious propaganda of Canada excusing the squatter-state for stealing Native land in the name of 'God and country.' Goddamn Canada

- No Justice: No Peace.

  The world is in a state of emergency - a hole in the ozone, nuclear & water pollution, poverty, war, corrupt governments, extinction of animal species, AIDS, drugs, etc. Remember what Thanksgiving is all about: it was Aboriginals sharing their food & land with the Pilgrims of America so that they would not die in winter. If you think about it they were good people; too bad the Pilgrims of Amerika forgot whose land they were on .It is not the 'home of the free', it is the home of the Aboriginals who lived free and in common.

  Colonization (stealing land) is a crime against humanity (ex. China (Hong Kong), India (got independence from England in 1948) and now time for Amerika) in International law, yet British Columbia and Canada are exempt from it in the corrupt United Nations, allowed to continue to colonize in the name of the Queen and the Christian Church - their right as given to them by God ( an invisible and never-appearing God  - and we're told to trust the Queen & church on it.)

  OK, from ancient history to modern-day politics, or from There to Here & Now:

  Thus, why I am giving thanks to the Coast Salish Peoples for doing a good job governing this Land for more than 2,000 years. No thanks to the BC & federal Liberals who are causing poor people, non Natives and Natives alike, to live in tent cities at Science World and Strathcona Park instead of building more social housing across the nation.

  The City of Vancouver says they are thinking of setting aside land for a Tent City after they close the ones at Science World & Strathcona. Because more people will die on the streets if nothing is done by the provincial & federal governments of Canada.

  Together we are strong in numbers, even though we are not royalty we are the People.

  Stay tuned and visit us at the camps; tell the City the provincial and the federal governments what you think of poverty and tent cities. What are the solutions?

  Thanks for listening.

           By Theresa D. Gray

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The Witches' New Year

   The Witches' New Year, more popularly known as Hallowe'en, is the night when the veil is thin that divides the worlds.  Many of the elements of our ancient festival have turned into folk customs.  The candles, costumes, ghosts, and spooks are all dim memories of a time when people welcomed their beloved dead back to their homes with offerings.  The gates of life and death are opened, and to the living is revealed the Mystery: that every ending is but a new beginning.  Death and birth are intertwined.  Every good gardener knows that fertility is born out of decay.  Every fallen leaf becomes part of the soil that feeds the roots of growing trees.  Our individuality lives on after death.  We remain part of our communities, alive and present in a different realm.

  The death of someone we love is too hard to face alone.  When someone dies, we need the comfort of community support.  A public ritual to acknowledge the dead is a statement that grief is valued.  Even though we believe the dead are not severed from us, we understand the pain and loss of their going.  Try one or more of these rituals:

* Think of the candy you give to young tick-or-treaters as offerings to the ancestors, who return as the children of a new generation.  Imagine that with each treat, you also give a blessing.

* Gather your friends and family and set out pictures of your beloved dead.  Light a candle (perhaps in a jack-o-lantern), then tell their stories and give thanks for what they've given you.  Envision the renewal you want in your own life, community, and the world.  Set out objects on your altar that represent the rebirth you hope for.

* Share food and leave a bit of each dish on the altar, or outside, as an offering for the ancestors.

May the old ones and the young be loved

And all the forms of love be blessed,

And all the colours of our skin be praised,

And all the cycles of life be saved.

May all who hunger now be fed,

May we heal the earth that grows our bread.

This year may we renew the earth

This year may we renew the earth

Let it begin with each step we take

And let it begin with each change we make

And let it begin with each chain we break

And let it begin every time we awake.

  Hallowe'en is a time when powerful forces converge.  Our most sacred holiday is also, unfortunately, the time when anti-witch propaganda may abound.  I believe the way to respond to fear and misinformation is to tell the truth about what we do.  Hallowe'en gives us a great opportunity to educate the public.  When we counter fear with openness and truth, we can truly bring about the renewal that this season promises.   

            By Starhawk  

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AN INVITATION to attend

   WORKSHOP AND STRATEGY SESSION

   FOR ADDRESSING HOMELESSNESS

                 AND POVERTY

  OCTOBER 17TH, 9:30-4:30, CARNEGIE

  In cooperation with several other groups including DERA, Carnegie Association, the Vancouver and District Labour Council, and TRAC, we will be hosting a Workshop and Strategy Session for addressing Homelessness and Poverty as an action to honour the International Day for the  Eradication of  Poverty.

  We are inviting as many potential allies as possible. We are extremely interested in having groups from around the province represented so we can plan some province-wide actions or at least make sure that our actions are coordinated and supportive of each other. For this reason we encourage your groups to attend and participate in the planning of this campaign.

  We hope you will agree with us and help us plan a campaign against the planned marginalization and further disadvantaging of the poor, and in so doing will join us as we try to find mutually beneficial solutions to the current onslaught of poor-bashing cuts and legislation.

  Beyond immediate solutions, we also intend to come up with a contingency plan in the event that we do not convince the provincial government to curtail its planned April 1st disentitlement campaign. Your input would be indispensable. We are aware that you do not come to the table with decision making powers, but hope you will take the details of the workshops back to your respective bodies.

Dear Friends,

 This is a quick update about the Parliamentary Committee to review the laws relating to solicitation. We are finally up and running!  The membership of the Committee has changed slightly, with Richard Marceau as the Bloc Québécois representative and Inky Mark as the PC member.  Given the

unpredictability of the upcoming months, it is hard to nail down what the Committee will be able to take on.  The Committee has proposed that it will begin to hear testimony in Ottawa from academics and experts.

  We are hoping to get approval for public hearings across Canada in November, to hear from residents, community groups, NGOs, and to do on-site visits.

While rumours are floating around as to whether or not the House will dissolve in November, the consensus amongst Committee members is that we try

and continue to meet and do the research necessary to make recommendations.

  For the interim, the Committee will be hearing testimony from government officials as a way of getting the members familiar with the issue.  We had

our first witnesses - two representatives from the Justice Department - who gave a historical perspective on how solicitation and street prostitution have been regulated in the past.  We are hoping to bring in our first academic witness after the Thanksgiving Break.

  If you have ideas of what the Committee should consider or are interested in being considered as a witness, please let me know.  I will be providing

regular updates as things progress.

Yours Sincerely,

           Libby Davies

           MP Vancouver East

News from the Library

News Flash

... Way the Crow Flies by Ann Marie MacDonald is on order for those of who have been asking. Please put your name on the reserve list at the desk

Some of the new titles received:

Hearts and Hands: Creating Community in Violent Times by Luis Rodriguez Call # 362.74 rod

Rodriguez, a former gang member from low income area in the Latino neighbourhood of Los Angeles, is an award winning poet and prose writer and founder of a press publishing emerging socially conscious poets. He writes from his own experience and warns us that we sacrifice community values by incarcerating the marginalized people. He clearly describes the wounds and eloquently urges us all to go directly to the wound not recoil if we genuinely want healing.

Night Spirits: The Story of the relocation of the Sayisi Dene Call # 970.3 BUS Ovide Mercredi says of this book" It is a story about struggle about vision". Between 1956 and 1973 nearly one third of the Saysi Dene died violently as a result of the terrible living conditions when they were moved from their ancestral homelands to slums on the outskirts of a frontier town. This is their story written by Ita Bussidor born the year before relocation, she is a former chief of the Saysi Dene.

Globalization and its discontent: by Joseph E Stiglitz Call # 382.1 STI Stiglitz is a winner of the Noble Prize in Economics and Village Voice describes this book as "A war story from inside the halls of the White House and the World Bank, the confession of a powerllil economist with a political conscience and a healthy degree of common sense

Upcoming Events at Carnegie

Tuesday October 21st in Gallery at 11 am Sharon Nelson feminist author of books of poems, essays political analysis and plays will be visiting us from Montreal.

On October 24 at Vancouver's International Writers Festival we are happy to have an event Working/Writing in the Downtown Eastside which will highlight some of the writers featured in the Carnegie Newsletter.

                 Mary Ann your librarian

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"A day in the Life

"A day in the Life of the Downtown Eastside"

Dawn has not yet come. It is still chilly out. Bodies wrapped in blankets to keep warm. Talk of the Safe Injection Site goes on with three local users. Someone seeking "shake". Crack addicts looking for "Rock. Maybe some in the sidewalk cracks. Bending over they search; eyes kinda glazed. People go up and down Hastings. Some sleep on the steps of First United. Wrapped up in anything they can find. Seven A.M. People eating soup they got from one of the many outlets on Cordova. Needles are wherever you look. So are people's possessions (and they don't care). Seven thirty: Many of the regulars line up on the steps of the First United to get in. "Got shake?" "What you got to trade?" Usual talk; everyday. Joints are rolled and smoked while waiting. Eight fifteen: the throng of people multiplies. "Don't crowd me man!" "Stop pushin'; it ain't open yet. Fifteen minutes". Everyone wants to get in first. There are clothing tickets being given out (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday). Soup and bread. People throng into the  kitcheb to get two or three cups of soup. Hungry, Hungry. Someone brings donated books and magazines out. Crowding in, they grab and grab. How many of those books get sold to provide the next fix? Nine A.M.: The volunteers for the Clothing Room come down the steps. "Five Ladies, Five Men. They go by the numbers given out. "Ten Minutes" that's all you get to look around. One item from each area. "Only one shirt. You got two. Put one back. Only one coat!" Someone asks, "Got any socks/underwear?" "Time's up! Time's Up. Gotta go!" You go downstairs, hauling whatever you got from upstairs. "Coffee; Need coffee..." Coffee and Sandwiches at Nine-thirty. Everyone Lines up to go in for Coffee. The Disabled use the first door. They get in first. "What kinda sandwiches ya got? Tuna, I'll have Tuna." You sit down and have your coffee and sandwich. Sometimes they give you pastries. That's a treat! People wander around both inside and outside. Waiting, Waiting. Time just melts into itself. Eleven A.M. People Line up for Lunch Tickets (actually it's not a ticket. You sign up on a sheet and get a stamp on your hand. It's part of "Program"). Lunch is over at Two P.M. People leave and go to other places like UGM, the "44", etc. On Monday through Thursday, The Franciscan Sisters give out clothes between Nine and Eleven A.M. Men's clothing only. "Five at a time"

Once you enter you have to check any bags you have before getting any clothes. Once a month is the what the sign says. Some come back more than one a month. It's the system. They know how to work it. Back to Hastings Street. Hang out at the Carnegie Centre. Lunch is cheap there, but it's free at First United. After the First Sixty people, they close the lunchroom door and a sign is placed outside it. "Full House!" In come a few late stragglers. "Any more lunch? All Full? Man! I'm hungry! Didn't eat anything today!" "Sorry Full House" replies one of the kitchen volunteers. They haggle and try to get in, but are told to go out into the waiting area until Twelve-thirty. Then they can get coffee. Sometimes if there are extra plates, they bring them out into the waiting area and give to the few stragglers there. On some days, they have Dinner. Tickets are given out at Nine A.M. for Five-fifteen dinner. Every morning when the place opens up and people get their clothing tickets, they make a bee-line to the office window to get personal care items. Razor, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes (if they have them), deodorant (if it's available. After ten minutes all the razors for the day are gone. The sign says, "Razors not available". "Oh, man! I need a shave!" One of the Senior staff comes around to see if people want "Foot Care". Foot bath and clean socks. People also line up for showers at Nine A.M. Later on, people go back outside. They go through their usual day. Many go to get signed in for a bed at one of the few (but "many", as the Government says there are) shelters for the night. Many sleep outdoors. Tent City moves around from Park to Park, and people sleep that way too. Night falls. Times passes. Next day comes. You do it all over again. It's a never ending cycle of Poverty. "Who's got a rig?".  

                                             - anonymous

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Violence & Violation of Sound

  This information arises from one of the motions passed by ihe Downtown Eastside Residents Association general meeting in July, which states "that DERA is opposed to any new liquor licenses or the extension of hours of any premises in the DTES".

"It should not be surprising, however, that minorities and the poor are most often the noise polluted. [They] have the highest exposure to many environmental pollutants, and this is clearly the case with noise." *"Noise, Sovereignty, and Civility". Pg. 35, by Les Blomberg,

Vancouver has a city wide noise control by-law, #6555. Noise complaints are the number one source of complaints to city hall. To date, and 13 years after this by-law was passed, there have been few prosecutions under this by law. Noise problems are on the increase with this "experiment" by the City Council to let bars and pubs stay open until 5 am. 

   In the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver the infractions of our right to peace and quiet occur frequently and with impunity. This by-law is not that well known; it is ignored, un-enforced, and abused constantly. We in the DTES understand that noise from emergency vehicles, buses and ambulances are a necessary part of city living. We accept this, but noise from bar and cabaret subsonic bass thump thump, boom box noise, motorcycle noise, construction noise outside of the allowable hours, parties or raves in warehouses, are all unnecessary abuses of our soundscape.

  These are some of the unwanted noises that the by law addresses, and residents are supposed to be protected from. Decibel levels are limited internally and externally in commercial premises. Section 11 and 12 of the by-law limits the internal decibel levels to 90db, and the external decibels to 65db. Chances are, if you hear the thump thump for blocks around your living space, the internal decibel levels of the establishment are higher that the allowable level. If subsonic bass is perceived from your living space the concrete in your building is being made to resonate to the bass frequencies. This has to be powerful amplification in order to make you hear it through out your residence. This is an abuse of your right to peace and quiet, especially after 11pm when you need a certain period of tranquility.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PROTECT YOUR SOUNDSCAPE.

  Noise problems often occur when the city Environmental Health offices are closed. City Environmental Health Inspectors will direct you to make complaints to the police at 911, when noise occurs after 11 p.m. Call 911 ask for police, then explain you are calling about a noise complaint. You must have the address of the offending party, cabaret etc.,at hand to give to the 911 operator. During business hours you MUST call ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH at 604-736-2866, as a follow-up complaint to a city inspector by leaving a voice mail message and tell them the problem. You must then continue to complain, to E.H. as my experience of this problem and the establishment's management is that they tend to express surprise "that no one has ever complained in the past" or they claim ignorance of the noise control by law regulations. They are out to sell liquor, by pumping the volume up; they care little about your rights to peace and quiet. Documentation is very important to prove to city inspectors of a constant noise problem. This means you have to write down the address and time of disturbance, i.e.. such and such bar, call the police, and then let the city inspectors know. The more people in your building who lodge a complaint, the stronger is the case for city inspectors to enforce the by-laws. Numerous complaints might have to be made in order to get your soundscape protected and the by laws enforced. Please be civil when making a complaint to city inspectors. The next most important procedure to follow is to contact city council and the mayor and let them know you want the by laws around noise enforced.

Some useful numbers or email addresses:

Environmental health-604 736-2866

911 for noise complaints after 11 p.m.

mayorandcouncil(r)city.vancouver.bc.ca

jim green~city.vancouver.bc.ca

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No Diggity Ditty

In the heart of this city

            Life isn't always pretty

            Sometimes it's downright shitty

      Alleys stink of scorned capacity

            And wounded sensitivity

Now isn't that a pity

In the heart of this city...

      Lies the heights of ecstasy

      Dwells the depths of paucity

      Charged with angry electricity

      And cruel depravity

Now isn't that a pity

In the heart of this city

      Dark humour grim but witty

      Cuts to the nitty gritty

      Laughter of biting hilarity

      in this harsh reality

Now isn't that a pity

In the heart of this city...

      Pulses tense variety

            Shocking authenticity

      Strangely mixed with humble dignity

            And a proud humility

Now isn't that a pity

In the heart of this city...

      Friendly anonymity

      Greets bizarre absurdity

      Demanding respect and honesty

            From the rich and uppity

Now isn't that a pity

In the heart of this city...

      Thrives a strong community

      A true generosity

      Shining in the midst of scarcity

            A bitter/sweet purity

Almost like a family

                          Leith Harris

Angel and Grim Reaper

We party every day or try to

Reaper fears everything; Angel loves everything

Reaper's been knocking heads since time began

But I refuse to sing his swan song .. damn him

I cajole Genes and Angel's seductive wares trying

to locate her parlour where Reaper never treads;

His inbred hordes recoil at her licence.

Bearded bastards like shaved lions

Castrated cultists baying and praying instead of

loving, but Angel loves us all.

Now she guides us, her tender touch

Electrifying our muddy tributaries,

amplifying our mic, applauding our broadcast;

Now she bares, suggestive proposals of abandon

The truggle  "For What?!" bellows the Reaper -

"Disintegration, cynicism, futile faith,...

Wait a minute! You can't love all.

Some hurt you. Some steal. Some rape.

Your faith is fear; its prevention is gospel.

'Clutch the Cross and swerve not from tradition'

                  or Perdition awaits""

in a creaking, limping, breathing corpse...

Blow away old Devil, you're bombed out!

You're timid and fit yyour description aptly..

Yes lover come away with me - we have beauty

to build, hearts that sweeon, joy & share

This blessed life exists for love. Wish and believe!

                                  A. Kostynuik

1000 Jobs

Gordon Campbell told us through the media that there are 1000 jobs available in BC. Does anyone know where these jobs are? If so please let us know so the few people in DTES, who meet the qualifications, can apply.

  Will these job opportunities be available for our people with addictions?  If so, let me tell you something: Most jobs require a minimum of a Grade 12 education and a large majority of our DTES community have not even gone past grade 8.  Most businesses need you to pass a criminal check and/or need you to have a driver's license.

   Before my brother is employable, he first needs to clean up (Alcohol and Drug Treatment) and upgrade his education; Which our band does NOT help pay for if you do not live on the Reserve. On top of all this comes a waiting list, possibly 2 - 3 years long.  He is not an exception.

   Campbell, who has had an education, so I am told, certainly didn't come from the Downtown Eastside. Many people who have money buy their positions and never really have to make the hard decisions.  Like the Education Minister, who is doing a terrible job, but it is not [all] her fault, the decisions come from her peers. Then there is the Finance Minister who doesn't know that 100 pennies equal one dollar.

   So yes there might be 1000 jobs available, but the majority of our people in the DTES community are not qualified.  Many more than 1000 of our people are going to lose their homes, dignity, pride and hope come April 1st, 2004.

   Just like EXPO, many people are going to lose their lives, because the government does not give a damn for the less fortunate.  When the Olympics come to Vancouver, the jobs are not going to go to those who need it. But to those who are already privileged.  Education is a privilege many in this so-called First World province do not have.

 Gordon it is now October 2003 - so in 6 months are you ready for the thousand of homeless mothers, fathers and people with addiction problems?

                Margaret Prevost

                   M.O.D.E.

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To Join The Crowd / faithful

You just have to try

Want to know why

They do it for

You.. have just opened the door.

The first time it doesn't last

Go buy another to get a blast

The second you buy more rock

You're on your way to join the flock.

Deny you are hooked

Not knowing how thin you look

It called you over there

Going.. only as fools dare.

Other bills go unpaid

To give him all money made

Lost your job for lost time

It's okay, must pay, got a dime?

Sell yourself, goods and ware

It's okay, you don't care

Lost your place for lack of a buck

Your job, home and things - no luck.

Can your family, friends or foes

Even believing they still don't know

- Gone is the one you used to be

- "but I'll get clean.. believe me!!"

Got to run - he needs today

"Not hooked anyway."

With Mom or Gran the last ones near

Calling out - but you'll not hear.

Only Its voice  'come and look'

All the things you stole, he took

Ten times Ten

Anything to pay those dealermen.

It smirks with an evil eye

Another has come to pay

It closes the door to earth and sky

"Come on in - need today?!

You had fun in life past

In a universe so vast

Yet another light goes dim

All because of having to pay him

Paid; but lost your mind

Walking still but nothing is behind

Blank stare...  No One there

You neither know nor care.

Nothing left to sell

"Welcome to hell."

It gloats as a door bangs loud

"You've joined my growing crowd."

                     D. Camber

faithful

Time is the colour of my true love's eyes;

her days the arms that gather my longing,

her nights the legs that race me away...

Each moment a year of sin-sweet illusion,

Each year a moment to splurge on regret

I knew her once when I lived too far from the (h)eart(h)

so her warmth seemed only like a faint stirring of air

To those who would claim I waste my life waiting -

is time then the colour of their love's eyes?

            Stephen Belkin

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Letters to the Editor

Paul Taylor

President and CEO

AOL Times Warner

Subsidiary of Carnegie Newsletter

Mr Taylor:

  No joke, dude - Heart of the Community is a gem, a great read.  The memories are flooding the senses as familiar names appear; i.e. Dave McConnell, Tom Lewis, PaulR Taylor, Danny's Tribute, Terry Flamond, etc. etc.  Those were such special years of my life; I think I realized it at the time but I know for certain now I grew up there.  I haven't yet.. but am considering the "y's" in my writing á la Tora... so many 'Carnegieisms'

  Thanks for the copy and all the best to you, Paul.

                Bruce Jackson