Saturday, December 13, 2008
Friday, December 12, 2008
Making Peace
Denise Levertov
A voice from the dark called out,
"The poets must give us
imagination of peace, to oust the intense, familiar
imagination of disaster. Peace, not only
the absence of war."
But peace, like a poem,
is not there ahead of itself,
can't be imagined before it is made,
can't be known except
in the words of its making,
grammar of justice,
syntax of mutual aid.
A feeling towards it,
dimly sensing a rhythm, is all we have
until we begin to utter its metaphors,
learning them as we speak.
A line of peace might appear
if we restructured the sentence our lives are making,
revoked its reaffirmation of profit and power,
questioned our needs, allowed
long pauses. . . .
A cadence of peace might balance its weight
on that different fulcrum; peace, a presence,
an energy field more intense than war,
might pulse then,
stanza by stanza into the world,
each act of living
one of its words, each word
a vibration of light--facets
of the forming crystal.
copyright 1987, from _Breathing the Waters_ and _What Could It Be_, Levertov
copyright 1982 from _Candles in Babylon_, Levertov
NY: New Directions
A voice from the dark called out,
"The poets must give us
imagination of peace, to oust the intense, familiar
imagination of disaster. Peace, not only
the absence of war."
But peace, like a poem,
is not there ahead of itself,
can't be imagined before it is made,
can't be known except
in the words of its making,
grammar of justice,
syntax of mutual aid.
A feeling towards it,
dimly sensing a rhythm, is all we have
until we begin to utter its metaphors,
learning them as we speak.
A line of peace might appear
if we restructured the sentence our lives are making,
revoked its reaffirmation of profit and power,
questioned our needs, allowed
long pauses. . . .
A cadence of peace might balance its weight
on that different fulcrum; peace, a presence,
an energy field more intense than war,
might pulse then,
stanza by stanza into the world,
each act of living
one of its words, each word
a vibration of light--facets
of the forming crystal.
copyright 1987, from _Breathing the Waters_ and _What Could It Be_, Levertov
copyright 1982 from _Candles in Babylon_, Levertov
NY: New Directions
The Rich Man's House
Well I went down to the rich man's house and I took back
what he stole from me
took it back
took back my dignity
took it back
took back my humanity
well I went down to the rich man's house and I took back
what he stole from me
took it back
took back my dignity
took it back
took back my humanity
Now he's under my feet, under my feet, under my feet
Ain't gonna let the system walk all over me!
Well I, went down to the Landlord's house and I took back
what he stole from me
took it back
took back my dignity
took it back
took back my humanity
Well I, went down to the landlord's house and I took back
what he stole from me
took it back
took back my dignity
took it back
took back my humanity
Now he's under my feet, under my feet, under my feet
Ain't gonna let the system walk all over me!
Well I, went down to the Welfare Office I took back
what it stole from me
took it back
took back my dignity
took it back
took back my humanity
well I, went down to the welfare office I took back
what it stole from me
took it back
took back my dignity
took it back
took back my humanity
Now it's under my feet, under my feet, under my feet
Ain't gonna let the system walk all over me!
Well I, went down to the Governor's house and I took back
what he stole from me
took it back
took back my dignity
took it back
took back my humanity
well I, went down to the governor's house and I took back
what he stole from me
took it back
took back my dignity
took it back
took back my humanity
Now he's under my feet, under my feet, under my feet
Ain't gonna let the system walk all over me!
what he stole from me
took it back
took back my dignity
took it back
took back my humanity
well I went down to the rich man's house and I took back
what he stole from me
took it back
took back my dignity
took it back
took back my humanity
Now he's under my feet, under my feet, under my feet
Ain't gonna let the system walk all over me!
Well I, went down to the Landlord's house and I took back
what he stole from me
took it back
took back my dignity
took it back
took back my humanity
Well I, went down to the landlord's house and I took back
what he stole from me
took it back
took back my dignity
took it back
took back my humanity
Now he's under my feet, under my feet, under my feet
Ain't gonna let the system walk all over me!
Well I, went down to the Welfare Office I took back
what it stole from me
took it back
took back my dignity
took it back
took back my humanity
well I, went down to the welfare office I took back
what it stole from me
took it back
took back my dignity
took it back
took back my humanity
Now it's under my feet, under my feet, under my feet
Ain't gonna let the system walk all over me!
Well I, went down to the Governor's house and I took back
what he stole from me
took it back
took back my dignity
took it back
took back my humanity
well I, went down to the governor's house and I took back
what he stole from me
took it back
took back my dignity
took it back
took back my humanity
Now he's under my feet, under my feet, under my feet
Ain't gonna let the system walk all over me!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
I'll Be Loving You For Always
Stevie Wonder
As around the sun the earth knows she's revolving
And the rosebuds know to bloom in early May
Just as hate knows love's the cure
You can rest your mind assure
That I'll be loving you always
As now can't reveal the mystery of tomorrow
But in passing will grow older every day
Just as all is born is new
Do know what I say is true
That I'll be loving you always
Until the rainbow burns the stars out in the sky---ALWAYS
Until the ocean covers every mountain high---ALWAYS
Until the dolphin flies and parrots live at sea---ALWAYS
Until we dream of life and life becomes a dream
Did you know that true love asks for nothing
Her acceptance is the way we pay
Did you know that life has given love a guarantee
To last through forever and another day
Just as time knew to move on since the beginning
And the seasons know exactly when to change
Just as kindness knows no shame
Know through all your joy and pain
That I'll be loving you always
As today I know I'm living but tomorrow
Could make me the past but that I mustn't fear
For I'll know deep in my mind
The love of me I've left behind Cause I'll be loving you always
Until the day is night and night becomes the day---ALWAYS
Until the trees and seas just up and fly away---ALWAYS
Until the day that 8x8x8 is 4---ALWAYS
Until the day that is the day that are no more
Did you know that you're loved by somebody?
Until the day the earth starts turning right to left---ALWAYS
Until the earth just for the sun denies itself
I'll be loving you forever
Until dear Mother Nature says her work is through---ALWAYS
Until the day that you are me and I am you---AL~~~~~~WA~~
~~~~~AA~~~~~~~AA~~~~
Until the rainbow burns the stars out in the sky~~~~~AA~~~~
~~~~AA~~~~~~~AA~~~~~~~~~AA~~~~~~~YS~~ALWAYS
We all know sometimes lifes hates and troubles
Can make you wish you were born in another time and space
But you can bet you life times that and twice its double
That God knew exactly where he wanted you to be placed
so make sure when you say you're in it but not of it
You're not helping to make this earth a place sometimes called Hell
Change your words into truths and then change that truth into love
And maybe our children's grandchildren
And their great-great grandchildren will tell
I'll be loving you
Until the rainbow burns the stars out in the sky--Loving you
Until the ocean covers every mountain high--Loving you
Until the dolphin flies and parrots live at sea--Loving you
Until we dream of life and life becomes a dream--Be loving you
Until the day is night and night becomes the day--Loving you
Until the trees and seas up, up and fly away--Loving you
Until the day that 8x8x8x8 is 4--Loving you
Until the day that is the day that are no more--Loving you
Until the day the earth starts turning right to left--Be loving you
Until the earth just for the sun denies itself--Loving you
Until dear Mother Nature says her work is through--Loving you
Until the day that you are me and I am you--
Now ain't that loving you
Until the rainbow burns the stars out in the sky
Ain't that loving you
Until the ocean covers every mountain high
And I've got to say always
Until the dolphin flies and parrots live at sea~~AL~~~WA~~~AYS
Until we dream of life and life becomes a dream-Um AL~~WA~~AYS
Until the day is night and night becomes the day-AL~~~~WA~~AYS
Until the trees and seas just up and fly away-AL~~WA~~~AA~~~~~
Until the day that 8x8x8 is 4~~~~~AA~~~~~~~AA~~~~~~~AA
Until the day that is the day that are no more-AA~~~~AA~~AA~~~AYS
Until the day the earth starts turning right to left-AL~~~WA~~~A~~~AA
Until the earth just for the sun denies itself-~~AA~~~AA~~~AA~~~AYS
Until dear Mother Nature says her work is through-AL~~~WAYS
Until the day that you are me and I am you
Until the rainbow burns the stars out in the sky
Until the ocean covers every mountain high
Until the dolphin flies and parrots live at sea
Until we dream of life and life becomes a dream
Until the day is night and night becomes the day
Until the trees and seas just up and fly away
Until the day that 8x8x8 is 4
Until the day that is the day that are no more
Until the day the earth starts turning right to left
Until the earth just for the sun denies itself
Until dear Mother Nature says her work is through
Until the day that you are me and I am you
As around the sun the earth knows she's revolving
And the rosebuds know to bloom in early May
Just as hate knows love's the cure
You can rest your mind assure
That I'll be loving you always
As now can't reveal the mystery of tomorrow
But in passing will grow older every day
Just as all is born is new
Do know what I say is true
That I'll be loving you always
Until the rainbow burns the stars out in the sky---ALWAYS
Until the ocean covers every mountain high---ALWAYS
Until the dolphin flies and parrots live at sea---ALWAYS
Until we dream of life and life becomes a dream
Did you know that true love asks for nothing
Her acceptance is the way we pay
Did you know that life has given love a guarantee
To last through forever and another day
Just as time knew to move on since the beginning
And the seasons know exactly when to change
Just as kindness knows no shame
Know through all your joy and pain
That I'll be loving you always
As today I know I'm living but tomorrow
Could make me the past but that I mustn't fear
For I'll know deep in my mind
The love of me I've left behind Cause I'll be loving you always
Until the day is night and night becomes the day---ALWAYS
Until the trees and seas just up and fly away---ALWAYS
Until the day that 8x8x8 is 4---ALWAYS
Until the day that is the day that are no more
Did you know that you're loved by somebody?
Until the day the earth starts turning right to left---ALWAYS
Until the earth just for the sun denies itself
I'll be loving you forever
Until dear Mother Nature says her work is through---ALWAYS
Until the day that you are me and I am you---AL~~~~~~WA~~
~~~~~AA~~~~~~~AA~~~~
Until the rainbow burns the stars out in the sky~~~~~AA~~~~
~~~~AA~~~~~~~AA~~~~~~~~~AA~~~~~~~YS~~ALWAYS
We all know sometimes lifes hates and troubles
Can make you wish you were born in another time and space
But you can bet you life times that and twice its double
That God knew exactly where he wanted you to be placed
so make sure when you say you're in it but not of it
You're not helping to make this earth a place sometimes called Hell
Change your words into truths and then change that truth into love
And maybe our children's grandchildren
And their great-great grandchildren will tell
I'll be loving you
Until the rainbow burns the stars out in the sky--Loving you
Until the ocean covers every mountain high--Loving you
Until the dolphin flies and parrots live at sea--Loving you
Until we dream of life and life becomes a dream--Be loving you
Until the day is night and night becomes the day--Loving you
Until the trees and seas up, up and fly away--Loving you
Until the day that 8x8x8x8 is 4--Loving you
Until the day that is the day that are no more--Loving you
Until the day the earth starts turning right to left--Be loving you
Until the earth just for the sun denies itself--Loving you
Until dear Mother Nature says her work is through--Loving you
Until the day that you are me and I am you--
Now ain't that loving you
Until the rainbow burns the stars out in the sky
Ain't that loving you
Until the ocean covers every mountain high
And I've got to say always
Until the dolphin flies and parrots live at sea~~AL~~~WA~~~AYS
Until we dream of life and life becomes a dream-Um AL~~WA~~AYS
Until the day is night and night becomes the day-AL~~~~WA~~AYS
Until the trees and seas just up and fly away-AL~~WA~~~AA~~~~~
Until the day that 8x8x8 is 4~~~~~AA~~~~~~~AA~~~~~~~AA
Until the day that is the day that are no more-AA~~~~AA~~AA~~~AYS
Until the day the earth starts turning right to left-AL~~~WA~~~A~~~AA
Until the earth just for the sun denies itself-~~AA~~~AA~~~AA~~~AYS
Until dear Mother Nature says her work is through-AL~~~WAYS
Until the day that you are me and I am you
Until the rainbow burns the stars out in the sky
Until the ocean covers every mountain high
Until the dolphin flies and parrots live at sea
Until we dream of life and life becomes a dream
Until the day is night and night becomes the day
Until the trees and seas just up and fly away
Until the day that 8x8x8 is 4
Until the day that is the day that are no more
Until the day the earth starts turning right to left
Until the earth just for the sun denies itself
Until dear Mother Nature says her work is through
Until the day that you are me and I am you
Two Unsung Pioneers of Hollywood
Nina Mae McKinney--I had almost forgotten who she was. I had to reach way back in the recess of my mind to remember who she was.
Fredi Washington-- Another pioneer, she starred in the first Imitation of Life. She quickly became disgusted with Hollywood.
That's All
Dorothy Dandridge
I can only give you love that lasts forever.
And a promise to be near each time you call.
And the only heart I own
For you and you alone
That's all,
That's all...
I can only give you country walks in springtime
And a hand to hold when leaves begin to fall;
And a love whose burning light
Will warm the winter's night
That's all,
That's all.
There are those I am sure who have told you,
They would give you the world for a toy.
All I have are these arms to enfold you,
And a love time can never destroy.
If you're wondering what I'm asking in return, dear,
You'll be glad to know that my demands are small.
Say it's me that you'll adore,
For now and evermore
That's all,
That's all.
If you're wondering what I'm asking in return, dear,
You'll be glad to know that my demands are small.
Say it's me that you'll adore,
For now and evermore.
That's all,
That's all.
I can only give you love that lasts forever.
And a promise to be near each time you call.
And the only heart I own
For you and you alone
That's all,
That's all...
I can only give you country walks in springtime
And a hand to hold when leaves begin to fall;
And a love whose burning light
Will warm the winter's night
That's all,
That's all.
There are those I am sure who have told you,
They would give you the world for a toy.
All I have are these arms to enfold you,
And a love time can never destroy.
If you're wondering what I'm asking in return, dear,
You'll be glad to know that my demands are small.
Say it's me that you'll adore,
For now and evermore
That's all,
That's all.
If you're wondering what I'm asking in return, dear,
You'll be glad to know that my demands are small.
Say it's me that you'll adore,
For now and evermore.
That's all,
That's all.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Recovering From the Election
I still haven't recovered from the election. I have to pinch myself everyday and I seem to be in some sort of euphoria--I barely pay attention to the news...and it all seems to have no relevance.... Protests in Greece? It's ok, Barack is the president now....desperation in Haiti? It's going to be alright, Barack is our president now.... Really? What bliss?!
Could Blagojevich be the Victim of a Vendetta?
Could Governor Blagojevich be the victim of a vendetta? He has long been a supporter of progressive causes. Might this criminal taint be payback for his support of the Chicago workers who have taken over their factory? Corruption runs in both ways....
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Monday, December 08, 2008
Saturday, December 06, 2008
Workers Take Over Factory in Chicago
Workers Occupy Factory! Need Your Immediate Support!
[Photo: http://tinyurl.com/6abbb6]
CHICAGO
Yesterday, Friday December 5th, the workers of Republic
Windows and Doors occupied their factory, which was due
to close at 10:00 AM. The workers are fighting for pay
for their lost vacation days and for the 75 days notice
that they are guaranteed under Illinois law. This is
the first time in many years workers have taken the
bold, militant strategy of occupying their place of
work to demand justice. The plan to occupy the plant
until the hear the results of the next round of
negotiations Monday afternoon. They need to know they
have our support!
A prayer vigil has been planned for 12:00 Noon,
Saturday December 6th. Please attend. But we should
organize a constant presence of community members
picketing outside the factory! Bring food and coffee
for the workers. It is our presence and the press that
is the workers best defense against the police raiding
the factory.
These workers are fighting for all of us!!! As the
economic crisis deepens we need to launch a working
class fight back. These workers are the starting point
and deserve our full support.
Go to:
Republic Windows & Doors 1333 N. Hickory
On Goose Island, near the intersection of Division &
Clybourn
(Message written by Jerry Mead-Lucero,
www.laborexpress.org)
FROM UNITED ELECTRICAL, RADIO AND MACHINE WORKERS OF AMERICA:
UE Members in Chicago Occupy Plant in Struggle for
Justice
December 6, 2008
Chicago, IL
National television news networks CNN News and Fox are
running reports on the following story involving the UE
members in Chicago...
Members of UE Local 1110 who work at Republic Windows
and Doors in Chicago have been forced to resort to
drastic action to try to force their employer to meet
its obligations to the workforce.
Several national news media outlets have covered this
fast-developing story; several links are provided
below. More news to follow as it becomes available...
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-il-workersoccupyfact,0,1928458.story
http://www.france24.com/en/20081206-laid-off-workers-furious-bank-pulls-chicago-plants-credit
http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/republic-windows-doors-120508.html
Several Chicago television stations have covered the
story also, and you will find these stories by visiting
the web pages and local news sections of WGN and CBS2.
BACKGROUND
Idled workers occupy factory in Chicago
By RUPA SHENOY | Associated Press Writer
Chicago Tribune
December 6, 2008
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-il-workersoccupyfact,0,1928458.story
CHICAGO
Workers who got three days' notice their factory was
shutting its doors voted to occupy the building and say
they won't go home without assurances they'll get
severance and vacation pay they say they are owed.
In the second day of a sit-in on the factory floor
Saturday, about 200 union workers occupied the building
in shifts while union leaders outside criticized a Wall
Street bailout they say is leaving laborers behind.
About 50 workers sat on pallets and chairs inside the
Republic Windows and Doors plant. Leah Fried, an
organizer with the United Electrical Workers, said the
Chicago-based vinyl window manufacturer failed to give
60 days' notice required by law before shutting down.
During the takeover, workers have been shoveling snow
and cleaning the building, Fried said.
"We're doing something we haven't since the 1930s, so
we're trying to make it work," Fried said.
Organizers of the action said the company can't pay
employees because its creditor, Charlotte, N.C.-based
Bank of America, won't let them. Crain's Chicago
Business reported that Republic Windows' monthly sales
had fallen to $2.9 million from $4 million during the
past month. In a memo to the union, obtained by the
business journal, Republic CEO Rich Gillman said the
company had "no choice but to shut our doors."
Bank of America received $25 billion from the
government's financial bailout package.
"Across cultures, religions, union and nonunion, we all
say this bailout was a shame," said Richard Berg,
president of Teamsters Local 743. "If this bailout
should go to anything, it should go to the workers of
this country."
Outside the plant, protesters wore stickers and carried
signs that said, "You got bailed out, we got sold out."
Larry Spivack, regional director for American
Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees,
Council 31, said the peaceful action will add to
Chicago's rich history in the labor movement, which
includes the 1886 Haymarket affair, when Chicago
laborers and anarchists gathering in a square on the
city's west side drew national attention when an
unidentified person threw a bomb at police.
"The history of workers is built on issues like this
here today," Spivack said.
Representatives of Republic Windows did not immediately
respond Saturday to calls and e-mails seeking comment.
Police spokeswoman Laura Kubiak said authorities were
aware of the situation and officers were patrolling the
area.
Workers were angered when company officials didn't show
up for a meeting Friday that had been arranged by U.S.
Rep. Luis Gutierrez, a Chicago Democrat, Fried said.
Union officials said another meeting with the company
is scheduled for Monday afternoon.
"We're going to stay here until we win justice," said
Blanca Funes, 55, of Chicago, after occupying the
building for several hours. Speaking in Spanish, Funes
said she fears losing her home without the wages she
feels she's owed. A 13-year employee of Republic, she
estimated her family can make do for three months
without her paycheck. Most of the factory's workers are
Hispanic.
[Photo: http://tinyurl.com/6abbb6]
CHICAGO
Yesterday, Friday December 5th, the workers of Republic
Windows and Doors occupied their factory, which was due
to close at 10:00 AM. The workers are fighting for pay
for their lost vacation days and for the 75 days notice
that they are guaranteed under Illinois law. This is
the first time in many years workers have taken the
bold, militant strategy of occupying their place of
work to demand justice. The plan to occupy the plant
until the hear the results of the next round of
negotiations Monday afternoon. They need to know they
have our support!
A prayer vigil has been planned for 12:00 Noon,
Saturday December 6th. Please attend. But we should
organize a constant presence of community members
picketing outside the factory! Bring food and coffee
for the workers. It is our presence and the press that
is the workers best defense against the police raiding
the factory.
These workers are fighting for all of us!!! As the
economic crisis deepens we need to launch a working
class fight back. These workers are the starting point
and deserve our full support.
Go to:
Republic Windows & Doors 1333 N. Hickory
On Goose Island, near the intersection of Division &
Clybourn
(Message written by Jerry Mead-Lucero,
www.laborexpress.org)
FROM UNITED ELECTRICAL, RADIO AND MACHINE WORKERS OF AMERICA:
UE Members in Chicago Occupy Plant in Struggle for
Justice
December 6, 2008
Chicago, IL
National television news networks CNN News and Fox are
running reports on the following story involving the UE
members in Chicago...
Members of UE Local 1110 who work at Republic Windows
and Doors in Chicago have been forced to resort to
drastic action to try to force their employer to meet
its obligations to the workforce.
Several national news media outlets have covered this
fast-developing story; several links are provided
below. More news to follow as it becomes available...
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-il-workersoccupyfact,0,1928458.story
http://www.france24.com/en/20081206-laid-off-workers-furious-bank-pulls-chicago-plants-credit
http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/republic-windows-doors-120508.html
Several Chicago television stations have covered the
story also, and you will find these stories by visiting
the web pages and local news sections of WGN and CBS2.
BACKGROUND
Idled workers occupy factory in Chicago
By RUPA SHENOY | Associated Press Writer
Chicago Tribune
December 6, 2008
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-il-workersoccupyfact,0,1928458.story
CHICAGO
Workers who got three days' notice their factory was
shutting its doors voted to occupy the building and say
they won't go home without assurances they'll get
severance and vacation pay they say they are owed.
In the second day of a sit-in on the factory floor
Saturday, about 200 union workers occupied the building
in shifts while union leaders outside criticized a Wall
Street bailout they say is leaving laborers behind.
About 50 workers sat on pallets and chairs inside the
Republic Windows and Doors plant. Leah Fried, an
organizer with the United Electrical Workers, said the
Chicago-based vinyl window manufacturer failed to give
60 days' notice required by law before shutting down.
During the takeover, workers have been shoveling snow
and cleaning the building, Fried said.
"We're doing something we haven't since the 1930s, so
we're trying to make it work," Fried said.
Organizers of the action said the company can't pay
employees because its creditor, Charlotte, N.C.-based
Bank of America, won't let them. Crain's Chicago
Business reported that Republic Windows' monthly sales
had fallen to $2.9 million from $4 million during the
past month. In a memo to the union, obtained by the
business journal, Republic CEO Rich Gillman said the
company had "no choice but to shut our doors."
Bank of America received $25 billion from the
government's financial bailout package.
"Across cultures, religions, union and nonunion, we all
say this bailout was a shame," said Richard Berg,
president of Teamsters Local 743. "If this bailout
should go to anything, it should go to the workers of
this country."
Outside the plant, protesters wore stickers and carried
signs that said, "You got bailed out, we got sold out."
Larry Spivack, regional director for American
Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees,
Council 31, said the peaceful action will add to
Chicago's rich history in the labor movement, which
includes the 1886 Haymarket affair, when Chicago
laborers and anarchists gathering in a square on the
city's west side drew national attention when an
unidentified person threw a bomb at police.
"The history of workers is built on issues like this
here today," Spivack said.
Representatives of Republic Windows did not immediately
respond Saturday to calls and e-mails seeking comment.
Police spokeswoman Laura Kubiak said authorities were
aware of the situation and officers were patrolling the
area.
Workers were angered when company officials didn't show
up for a meeting Friday that had been arranged by U.S.
Rep. Luis Gutierrez, a Chicago Democrat, Fried said.
Union officials said another meeting with the company
is scheduled for Monday afternoon.
"We're going to stay here until we win justice," said
Blanca Funes, 55, of Chicago, after occupying the
building for several hours. Speaking in Spanish, Funes
said she fears losing her home without the wages she
feels she's owed. A 13-year employee of Republic, she
estimated her family can make do for three months
without her paycheck. Most of the factory's workers are
Hispanic.
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
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