Upcoming County Commissioner decisions - which interest will they serve?

I thought the Scott Mill rezoning was going to be clarified by the staff to the County Commissioners at the meeting tonight (?), but it is not in the meeting agenda available at www.co.durham.nc.us .  Maybe the staff's explanation was not meant to be for the public.  The actual vote is supposed to be at the November meeting, and we need to have numbers there to prevent inappropriate and unaccountable development, in one of the last undeveloped tracts north of the Creek and west of Grandale Rd.  The tall, dark, second-growth woods over old farm roads west of Parkwood are almost gone, replaced by "Grandale Forest" and other mostly treeless, typical suburban developments, and the woods along Scott King are next (as well as the woods south of the Creek, on Grandale, at the very end of the County, before oncoming Cary). Things have changed a lot in the last decade around Parkwood.  I'm reminded of the article on rural versus urban interests in the feature article in the current issue of the Independent Weekly, but maybe more on that later.       

 

On the other hand, the agenda does include something about giving money to Quintiles for it to build or upgrade a headquarters here.  Will this be another Dell deal, but for the County in this case?  I'm skeptical of this proposal, but that reference in the agenda is the first I've heard of it.     

Discussion of class, government, and the loss of our rights, Nov. 4th

There will be a discussion of class, government, and
Marxism, with a focus on the loss of rights in the USA and the new detainee act,
at 4pm Saturday, November 4th, in the downstairs
conference room of the Chapel Hill Public Library.
There will be a speaker from the Durham branch of the
Bill of Rights Defense Committee, a group working to
safeguard our rights under the Constitution and on
related democratic issues.  Currently it is focused on
the new Military Commission Act, which abolished habeas
corpus and permits torture and military trials, and can be

used against citizens, as well as foreign prisoners.  A

suggested reading is chapter 1 of The State and Revolution,

by Lenin, to discuss how this relates to our current struggles. It is online at
www.marxists.org/archive/lenin/works/1917/staterev/ch01.htm
and www.marx2mao.com.

This is part of the non-partisan Triangle Socialist
Forum, open to anyone interested in discussion.  It
was called the Marxist Forum, but members thought
socialist might be a more accessible name to the
general public.  Any updates will be posted at
durhamspark.blogspot.com.  The next four discussions
will probably be on working class politics, the
national question (focused on whether there is a black
nation, or other nations, within the USA), war and
globalization, and socialism.

Please let other interested groups know about this and let's make it a big meeting!

Short updates

It sounds like there were hundreds of people at October 5th events across North Carolina.  The Durham protest was more modest, with about 12 people, but that might be double the number there for the Impeachment Day protest September 1st.  GRIM's new impeachment banner was displayed at the event SDS organized at UNC and at our event, as well as Chapel Hill's Festifall last Sunday.  I'm told Festifall was smaller than usual, but the GRIM table had good business.  Now we need to maintain the momentum.  Unfortunately GRIM, the Triangle regional group, has been less active lately and the most active groups are the Durham and Raleigh (?) Meetup.com groups.     

 

The Durham impeachment Meetup group will meet at 7pm on the 18th at the Parkwood Branch Library.  That will probably be changed if Bush is in Greensboro that day for a fundraiser.  He is supposed to come between the 16th and 18th. 

DIY impeachment - innundate Congress on the 12th

There seems to be a legal precedent for initiating impeachment through grassroots efforts.  It seems like we've been trying this, but numbers would make it more likely to succeed, and this press release proposes a nationwide effort on October 12th. 

 

For more detailed information on the DIY impeachment go to:
http://Impeachforpeace.org/ImpeachNow.html
------------------------------------------------------------
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, OCTOBER 2, 2006, Minneapolis, MN

12 October, 2006   A flood of "Do-It-Yourself Impeachments" inundate the
houses of Congress.

Next Thursday hundreds of thousands of letters demanding Bush's
impeachment are going to be arriving
in the houses of Congress.

Jodin Morey, an organizer for Impeach for Peace (a Minnesota based
impeachment group), researched a method for impeaching the president using
a little known and rarely used part of the Rules of the House of
Representatives that empowers individual citizens to initiate the
impeachment process.

The "Jefferson's Manual" is an interpretive guide to parliamentary
procedure, and is included (along with the Constitution) in the bound
volumes of the Rules of the House of Representatives. It is ratified by
each Congress – including the current one – and has been updated
continuously through the history of our democracy. The section covering
impeachment lists the acceptable vehicles for bringing impeachment motions
to the floor of the House.

Before the House Judiciary Committee can put together the Articles of
Impeachment, someone must initiate the impeachment procedure. Most often,
this occurs when members of the House pass a resolution. Another method
outlined in the manual, however, is for individual citizens to submit a
memorial for impeachment.

After learning this information, Morey found a precedent in an 1830
memorial by Luke Edward Lawless, which had been successful in initiating
the impeachment of Federal Judge James H. Peck. Morey then used this as a
template for their "Do-It-Yourself Impeachment." Now any citizen can
download the DIY Impeachment Memorial and submit it, making it possible
for Americans to do what our representatives have been unwilling to do.
The idea is for so many people to submit the Memorial that it cannot be
ignored.

Impeach for Peace is now certain that it has a legal document that U.S.
House Speaker Dennis Hastert must recognize. The main organizer for the
group, Mikael Rudolph, explains: "He might still toss them all in the
trash, but with House Minority Leader John Conyers also receiving copies,
Hastert can be held accountable by Conyers. Imagine dozens of extra trucks
are called into service to deliver tons of mail to Speaker Hastert and
Congressman Conyers in mid to late October. The DIY Impeachment has been
downloaded over 175,000 times."

The expected media attention surrounding the delivery of these memorials
is being timed strategically to influence the November elections. Rudolph
reasons, "It's like a legal method for voting outside of the scheduled
polling dates. It is incredibly empowering and awakening for individuals
to learn that they can do this." The constitution provides for both the
electoral process and the impeachment process – the latter being necessary
when the elected officials do not honor their oath of office.

According to Rudolph, "Impeachment would lead to the ouster of Cheney,
Rice, Rumsfeld and many others, as they are all equally guilty of war
crimes. In an open impeachment trial, the evidence would come out. It
isn't the only way we'll succeed in impeaching Bush and restoring
democracy, but it is an important avenue."

Contact:

Jodin Morey
Author, DIY Impeachment
Co-founder, ImpeachForPeace.org
jodinwcw at beingism dot org
 

Details on October 5th events planned throughout the State

October 5th is really taking off in North Carolina.  12 events are planned in the State (see list below) and only California has more planned!  Last week 50 events were planned nationwide, now up to 180.  There will be a protest at noon at UNC-Chapel Hill and it sounds like Orange and Wake County will be represented at the Durham protest. 

 

This is an announcement about the Chapel Hill protest at noon on the 5th:

 

> (Please post this to any and all websites,
> listservs, friends, etc.)
>
> Mass Demonstration - Thursday October 5th, 12 noon
> at the UNC- Chapel Hill
> Pit.
>
> Join UNC Chapel Hill Students for a Democratic
> Society, the Feminist Student
> Union, Student Action with Workers and many others
> for a national day of
> action against war and occupation. Stand up and
> speak out against the war in
> Iraq!
>
> For more information:
>
> Website: http://unc-sds.blogspot.com
> Email: unc.sds at gmail dot com

This is a list of the events planned in North Carolina, other than the ours in Durham, from the NC WCW coordinator:
>
>   Second: People all over the country are responding
> to the call for the Day of Mass Resistance in
> tremendous numbers. Last week there were 50 protests
> planned. After our USA Today ad hit the newstands,
> that number has TRIPLED to over 150. North Carolina
> is #2 in the country in terms of the number of
> protests, with 12 planned statewide, with only
> California having more.
>
>   Last: Here is the list of protests. Be at one. The
> only one that's not listed is Durham, and it should
> be on the website today at www.worldcantwait.org .
>
>   Asheboro, NC  2006-10-05 [edit]
> 4:00 pm until...
> Hwy 64 / Hwy 42 Intersection, BP station corner.
> Rain or Shine!!!
>
> Bring your signs and your outrage!
> Everyone is welcome - we are a diverse group, from
> all walks of life, from 18 to 78! Join us as we
> unite to achieve our common
> goal: DRIVE OUT THE BUSH REGIME!!!
>
> Email us for more information and to share your
> ideas.
>
>
> asheboronc at worldcantwait dot org
>
>   Asheville, NC  2006-10-05 [edit]
> 11:30am
> UNC-Asheville Quad
> The UNCA Socialist Unity League of Students for a
> Democratic Society is holding a Walk-Out of classes,
> a Rally on the Quad, and a March downtown to end the
> war in Iraq.
>
> You can check out our website at
> http://www.digital-10k.com/sul/ for more
> information, and to sign up on our announcements
> list.
> UNCA-SUL at googlegroups dot com
>
>   Chapel Hill, NC  2006-10-05 [edit]
> 12:00 noon
> UNC Chapel Hill in the pit
> unc.sds.gmail.com
>
>   Charlotte, NC  2006-10-05 [edit]
> 6:00 pm until at least 8:00 pm
> The Square, Trade St & Tryon St
> Join us for a rally at The Square in the center of
> uptown Charlotte. Guest speakers and music. See
> http://www.CharlotteAction.org or call (704)
> 492-8527 for updates and more details.
> bringthemonhome at yahoo dot com
>
>   Greensboro, NC  2006-10-05 [edit]
> 6:00 pm
> Corner of Market and Eugene St. downtown
> We will have a permitted march downtown that steps
> off at 6:30pm. Gather at the corner of Market and
> Eugene in the grassy area in front of the
> courthouse. There will be a short rally followed by
> a LOUD but peaceful march through the streets of
> downtown!
>
> We have to show the world that people in Greensboro
> and NC are NOT going along with the Bush regime's
> fascistic program of war, repression, torture,
> spying, bigotry and division! Spread the
> word...unleash the people from "politics as
> usual"...
>
> http://www.geocities.com/nccantwait
> phone: (336) 574-9088
> ncworldcantwait at yahoo dot com
>
>   Greenville, NC  2006-10-05 [edit]
> email for info
> was on greenville blvd
> We didnt get any support so if you want to come with
> us to greesboro then just email me
>
> antiflag33087 at yahoo dot com
>
>   Hickory, Newton, Maiden, Conover, Mountain View,
> Claremont, NC  2006-10-05 [edit]
> 1:00pm-6:30pm
> Barnes and Noble bookstore on Hwy 70 & Startown Rd
> From the "40" exit 126 and head south. On the corner
> of Startown and Hwy 70. If you are unhappy with our
> current situation or would like to see a change
> please come out and show your support. Our goal is
> for 1000 people to show up. If you can't show up at
> 1:00 ... we will be there until 5:00pm. One day of
> work/school will not hurt you... and you will be a
> part of something great!!! If anyone can help us
> organize it would be appreciated.
> nollsgame at gmail dot com
>
>   North Wilkesboro, NC  2006-10-05 [edit]
> 12 o'clock
> Main Street
> We meet on main street, at melodie square and march
> down mainstreet all the way up to Wal-Mart.
> danielhirtler at gmx dot at
>
>   Swananoa, NC  2006-10-05 [edit]
> During the day
> Outside of Gladfelter
> On the sunderland lawn we will be holding time for
> silence, reflection, and a place to be during the
> walkout. Students may walk out at any time during
> the day. The night before we are going to chalk up
> the campus with poems for peace, stories of war, and
> crimes of the Bush Administration.
> socialjustice at warren-wilson dot edu
>
>   UNCG campus, NC  2006-10-05 [edit]
> all day
> all over campus
> 11:05am---Walkout; students that have an 11am class
> are encouraged to go to their class, announce the
> plans for the day, then leave class, inviting
> everyone else (professors included!) to join them.
> We will convene at the Atrium fountain around 11:15
> and begin a day that will hopefully swing this
> apathetic campus back into action!
>
> 11:30am---Staged Bush Crimes, various places around
> campus
>
> 3:30pm---"Happening of Mass Resistance", EUC front
> lawn
>
> 5:00pm---Rush Hour March to Downtown. Assemble at
> Atrium fountain. We'll march from there to downtown
> to join in the Downtown Greensboro march that starts
> at 6.
> lauren_wcw at yahoo dot com
>
>   wilmington, NC  2006-10-05 [edit]
> 12:00 p.m.
> Federal Courthouse Downtown
> We are following our fellow brethren on Oct. 5th to
> end the Bush regime and walk out of school, take off
> of work and meet in downtown Wilmington, NC at the
> Federal Courthouse on Front and Market street at 12
> P.M. to make a statement to our government NO! THIS
> REGIME DOES NOT REPRESENT US! AND WE WILL DRIVE IT
> OUT!
>
> PROTEST THE STREETS OF WILMINGTON IN A PEACEFUL
> DEMONSTRATION
> ocgraysurf at yahoo dot com

>
> NEW LOCAL WEBSITE!
> http://www.geocities.com/nccantwait NC Chapter, The
> World Can't Wait!
> NC events, announcements, and activist
> calendar...check it out today!
>
> http://www.worldcantwait.org  The World Can't
> Wait--Drive Out the Bush Regime!
> National website--check frequently for news,
> updates, downloadable organizing materials and
> more...an invaluable resource!

Anti-Bush Administration protests Thursday

There will be a vigil against the Bush
Administration's illegal and immoral policies and
demanding that Bush and Cheney be impeached, Thursday,
October 5th, 5-6pm at the intersection of Highways 54
and 55 in Durham.  The Durham Impeachment Meetup
(www.meetup.com) and the Grass Roots Impeachment
Movement ( www.impeachbushcheney.net) organized the
protest as part of the World Can't Wait
(www.worldcantwait.org ) national day of action. I think our state

is near the top in having many October 5th actions planned. 
Please bring signs.  For more information email southplumb at gmail dot com and
check for updates at downingstreetactionnc.blogspot.com.

I think the UNC chapter of SDS will have a rally and
march from the Pit on the 5th, but I don't know the
details yet.

There is an impeachment petition to Rep. Price online
at www.petitiononline.com/dsmnc/petition.html (and on
paper at the Durham Food Co-op, The Peoples Channel
office, and Internationalist Books).  A new petition
to the Durham City Council is online at
www.petitiononline.com/durimp.
 

I'm trying to set up another meeting with Rep. Price
or his staff this month to deliver more petitions.