2004.05.19: Antiwar Bulletin

From: Michael Letwin
Sent: Wednesday, May 19, 2004 2:04 PM
To: 1199 Members; ALAA MEMBERS
Subject: Antiwar Bulletin

CONTENTS

1.  WAR CRIMES & EMPIRE

2.  ANTIWAR ACTION

3.  MORE LINKS

=================

1.  WAR CRIMES & EMPIRE

Officer Says Army Tried to Curb Red Cross Visits to Prison in Iraq NY Times, May 19, 2004 Army officials in Iraq responded late last year to a Red Cross report of abuses at Abu Ghraib prison by trying to curtail the international agency’s spot inspections of the prison, a senior Army officer who served in Iraq said Tuesday.

Full text:  <http://www.nytimes.com/2004/05/19/politics/19ABUS.html>

Torture Photos: <http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/photo/world/G63388-2004May03.html>

Israeli forces massacre protesters in Rafah Aljazeera, May 19, 2004 Israeli helicopters have fired on Palestinians peacefully protesting against a massive raid in the occupied Gaza Strip, leaving up to 20 dead and dozens injured.  Israeli occupation soldiers in Rafah also fired tank shells and machineguns at demonstrators protesting against Israel’s bloody invasion of the neighbouring refugee camp, said Palestinian security officials on Wednesday.  At least 40 others – mainly civilians – were injured. The majority of those wounded were women and children, medical sources told Aljazeera’s correspondent Samir Abu Shamala. Chaos swept the streets as survivors piled the wounded into vehicles.

Full text, photos: <http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/130B11F6-E96E-4B3B-93CB-55DDC8CE7FCF.htm>

2.  ANTIWAR ACTION

Palestinian Refugees in Rafah

Al-Awda, The Palestine Right to Return Coalition has set up an Emergency Rafah Relief Fund. We call on all people of conscience to help the refugees of Rafah by donating to this fund. Any amount you donate is important, will be directed to UNRWA for distribution to the victims who need all help to get through the coming months, homeless again.

DETAILS: <http://www.al-awda.org/urgentrafahappeal/>

Palestinian Refugees Have Rights – International Day of Action Thursday, May 20, 2004, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.  Canadian Consulate, 1251 Ave of the Americas (6th Ave, between 49th and 50th).  What you can do if you cannot be in NY to attend the protest & more info:  <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LaborAgainstWar/message/2052>

Still We Rise: A People’s Assembly

Saturday, May 22, 4 p.m.  With the first anniversary of the invasion and occupation of Iraq behind us, hundreds of people of color New Yorkers will be taking a firm stand against war and militarism locally and for education, housing, and jobs.  The Church Center for the UN East 44th Street & First Avenue.  Details:  <http://www.racialjustice911.org/regnyc.htm>

Free Sgt. Camilo Mejia

We write to support Sergeant Camilo Mejia’s principled and courageous refusal to return to Iraq with his unit, and demand that the Army drop all criminal charges against him. We demand that he be discharged as a conscientious objector, as is his right. In addition, the illegal gag order preventing Mr. Mejia from conducting live interviews during off-duty hours must be lifted immediately.  To sign:  <http://www.petitiononline.com/mejia/>

3.  MORE LINKS

Democracy Now!

“[N]ational, daily, independent, award-winning news program. . . . hosted by award-winning journalists Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez. . . . [with] an expanded, two-hour War and Peace Report in order to meet a growing demand for trustworthy, independent news and information.”  <http://democracynow.org/>

Building Bridges

“[L]ocal, national and internationally relevent reporting [by Mimi Rosenberg & Ken Nash] on labor and community issues . . . from the studios of WBAI-Pacifica. . . . through the medium of the internet. . . . [and] broadcast here or on WBAI 99.5 FM every Monday from 2 – 3 pm.”
<http://wbai-labor.igc.org/index2.html>

 

2004.05.03: Re: Antiwar Bulletin

From: Michael Letwin
Sent: Monday, May 03, 2004 2:14 PM
To: Susan Morris
Subject: Re: Antiwar Bulletin

Thank you!

>>> Susan  Morris 5/3/2004 2:09:25 PM >>>

Management has attempted to severely limit our use, as individuals and as a union, of the email system. A number of grievances challenging those limitations have been begun and are currently active grievances.

We must not allow management to win this battle. We cannot allow capricious and arbitrary determinations of what is and isn’t work-related by the irresponsible members of management, who have repeatedly shown nothing but indifference to the needs of our clients.

There *is* a way to send emails directly to your trash, according to author, subject matter, etc. Go to the “Tools” option on your uppermost taskbar, then click on “Rules.” Follow the instructions, or ask someone in your office to assist you with the remaining steps. (This is the process used by folks who go on vacations, leave, etc. where they post “automatic reply” emails.)

>>> [T.] 5/3/2004 1:57:36 PM >>>

Weren’t we supposed to cease our use of the Legal Aid email system for personal and/or political agendas unrelated to anything Legal Aid and the work we do here?

Is there a way to have an “ignore” button? or a filter to put these emails in my immediate “junk mail” box?

>>> Michael Letwin 4/29/2004 12:43:09 PM >>>

CONTENTS

1. Urgent Response to U.S. Attacks in Iraq

2. Useful Links

=======================================

<snip>

2004.05.03: In Memorium: Kathryn Wadia

From: Michael Letwin
Sent: Monday, May 03, 2004 10:24 AM
To: 1199 Members; ALAA MEMBERS
Subject: In Memorium: Kathryn Wadia

I am sorry to report the death Friday morning of Kathryn Wadia, who served as a Staff Attorney in both Brooklyn CDD and CAB.

For the past several years, Kathryn courageously battled cancer, with the unwavering love and support of her husband, Darius Wadia (formerly of Brooklyn CDD), her family and friends.  Kathryn was a wonderful attorney, colleague, ALAA member and friend.  She will be sorely missed.

Sympathy cards may be sent to:

Darius Wadia
100 First Place, Apt. 2
Brooklyn, NY 11231

Per Kathryn’s wishes, there will be a memorial service — to celebrate her life, rather than mourn her death — in about a month (details TBA).  Kathryn also asked to be remembered by planting trees, and/or by donations to such public interest organizations as:

American Cancer Society:
https://www.cancer.org/asp/donate/don_multi_donate.asp?navTo Screen=don_1

NAACP Legal Defense Fund:
https://secure.groundspring.org/dn/index.php?id=356&referer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Enaacpldf%2Eorg%2Fhome%2F