Final March GP newsletter

8/7/2019 Final March GP newsletter

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Were watching and crying as everyday people in North Africa and the Middle East, people muchlike you and me, choose to fight, to die, if need be, for fundamental human rights--to have theirvoices heard and their votes counted. The obscene gluttony and greed of their rulers made usangry, or should have, and the pictures of the hungry men, women and children have made somestop and conclude, This shouldnt be happening in our world. Somehow we want to see thesecrises and revolutions on the other side of the world as unconnected to our own fair and just de-mocracy. But arent we fighting the same fight right here in the USA?

We watched American citizens rush to the Wisconsin capitol building in shock and outrage at thescandalous and deplorable acts of Wisconsins Reactionary Gov. Walker and the unprincipledimmoral Republican Senators and Representatives who followed his lead and ignored the funda-mental values of Democracy to impose a new despotism, usurping Americans hard won rights,to organize, to vote, to basic American fairness. Tax evading Multi-National Corporations, favorseeking special interests and well-placed lobbyists, all the paid servants of our moneyed elite,have corrupted the elected representatives from both parties at all levels of government, federal,state, county and city. Ours is becoming the best government you can buy. Ours is becoming agovernment of, by, and for sale to the highest bidders. They dont even bother to hide it muchanymore. The worst part is that we know it. The baddest part is we do little about it.

Youve seen the news by now. Youve heard the recorded telephone call to Gov. Walker from the

Buffalo Beast pretending to be David Koch (one half of the brother act controlling the largest pri-vate corporation in our country). In a conversation, made all the more terrifying by Walkers ur-gent obsequiousness, their plan of attack was made crystal clearattack the rights of Americanswherever they live. Wisconsin is only the beginning. End workers rights anywhere and every-where. Benito Mussolini and Adolph Hitler would be proud.

Now We Must FightFight Those Who Would Remake Our Country For The Benefit Of TheirCorporate Paymasters!

Unless we want to be corporate fodder, to be used up and thrown away, its time to stand up,recall the bums, vote out the hypocrites, boycott the products of the corporations attempting totake over our democracy. Know the enemies of democracy and stop paying them to destroy ourdemocratic state and despoil our land out of their unbridled greed and power lust. Its time forall GOOD PATRIOTS to TAKE OUR COUNTRY BACK! Stand up and be counted. FightNow!!!! Stand and Fight as if your very life depends on itbecause it does.

Stand before the people youfear and speak your mind-even if your voice shakes.

Maggie Kuhn, Founder

IN MY OPINION A TIME TO BE COUNTED by Sharron Aisenman, Editor

EMERGENCY AUSTIN GRAY PANTHER BOARD ACTION, March 2, 2011

Gray Panthers of Austin, Convener: Gary Dugger 512-225-4789; Ofc: 512-458-3738 www.graypanthersaustin.org3710 Cedar St, Box 15, Austin, TX 78705 National Gray Panthers www.graypanthers.org

So the anti-Kockmovement hasbegun, and its

gathering steam.Labor supportersmay not have themoney the Kochshave, but we havesomething better

a conscience.

Combined withcreativity anddetermination,it could get us

somewhere.

Lauren Kelley,associate editor,AlterNet andfreelance writer.

Be It resolved that the Austin Gray Panthers support and urge anational boycott of Koch Industries products to begin immediately.

List of products on page four.List of products on page four.List of products on page four.List of products on page four.Dream Rally held at Austin Capitol

Photo by David Thomas


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War On The PoorWar On The PoorWar On The PoorWar On The Poor by Clint Smith, National Gray Panthers Executive Board

Its past time we recognize that the ongoing efforts to slash social spending in the name of budget deficit reduction are continuing, and will continue-not only by our Texas' Legislative proponents of 'smaller government,' but in other States, too. While working hardships, especially on the 'workingpoor', it may be that among the unintended consequences will be the development of Coalitions similar to those that were so effective in the past!-

Examples of what appears to be a nationwide 'war on the poor' exist in various localities. In Pennsylvania more than 40,000 people have now beendropped from a state-subsidized insurance program for the working poor. Citing a $4 Billion budget deficit, Tom Corbett, the newly elected Republican governor, cut the Adult Basic program. The New York Times called it 'One of the largest disenrollments in recent memory'. Before it waschopped it had been unable to keep up with demand, leaving more than half-a-million citizens on the waiting list for the program Corbett can-celled. Similarly, Washington State Democrat, Governor Christine Gregoire dropped 17,500 adults from its state-funded program for the workingpoor. Arizona Governor, Republican Jan Brewer proposes eliminating Medicaid coverage all together for some quarter million recipients. It remainsto be seen how deep and wide this devastating trend will be allowed to cut in the months to come.

In Washington D.C. the House GOP boasts that their spending bill funding the U.S .government for the balance of fiscal year 2011 makes the larg-est cuts to annual domestic spending in history. Why dont they boast that their cuts will carve more than 8 million unemployed workers off job training and employment services, force low-income veterans into homelessness, result in millions of college students losing some or all of their educa-tion aid, or cause tens of thousands of vulnerable seniors to lose access to home-delivered food baskets? They are strangely silent. Thats just paof the results of a reactionary program that rewards the wealthy with tax cuts while attacking the poor and the middleclass in the name of budgetdeficits. And at a time when 14 million Americans are out of work, they would eliminate proven, successful jobs programs like, the Green Jobs In-

novation Fund, Youth Build and other national service programs.If anyone is really interested there is an easy way, a simpler way to reduce the deficit, raise taxes. Federal taxes are the lowest they have been in80 years. You heard right. The lowest in 80 years! Gee Whiz!! Do you think that could be at least one reason why our Federal deficit is the highesever? Ever in our history? Surprised? Why? The massive tax cuts pushed through by Reagan, Bush I and the Shrub (Bush II) were never paid foand the economic stimulus produced didnt come close to making up for the loss in revenue. So. here it comes. Colossal, immense, stupendousdeficit we can slice out of those who have the least while we give the wealthy more and more money they can spend off-shore on investments andfactories that employ few if any Americans. We actually pay them to continue to impoverish ourselves. Now thats real horse trading!!! Cuttingspending to cover the deficit is not only impracticable, it is impossible. If we seriously tried we would drive the world economy, not just ourselves,into the most dire and unimaginable depression ever known.

The only choice is to raise taxes. There, Ive said it again. We must raise taxes on the rich. After all they are fat with the money we gave them andthey can afford it. Even some of the Super Rich have followed the lead of Warren Buffet and recognize this. Why wait? We cant afford to waituntil its too late.

Maybe we wont. At last a favorable trend may be developing. Is this the darkness before the DAWN! The standup, stand-strong rebellion of Wis-consin public sector organized Labor have started to take back the initiative from the right-wing nut jobs now in control in too many state capi-tols. This could be a golden grass roots opportunity, based on our long-standing commitment to Economic and Social Justice, for Gray Panthers totake the lead, along with Progressive and Activist allies to move into a new Organizing and Mobilizing Era! Its time to call upon the ghosts of theCivil Rights Struggle, the Unionization Battles, the Progressive Populists, all who truly made this nation the hope of the world, and let these icons of

our fighting past lead us forward into the new century. Gray Panthers are On The Prowl Again!

How You Can Boycott the Kochs by Lauren Kelley, AlterNet

Over the past few weeks, the billionaire Koch brothers and their front groups have steadily increased their involvement in Wisconsin Governor ScotWalkers efforts to strip state workers of their collective bargaining rights, according to Lauren Kelley, AlterNet. As earlier reported, Walker is deein the pocket of the Kochs, having received some $43,00 for Koch Industries while running for governor in 2010. Once Walker was elected, he madsure to take care of his friends/financiers, giving out massive tax breaks to Kock Industries, and more recently, launching the ongoing effort to quas

Wisconsin union workers rights.But why are the brothers Kock so interested in stifling labor rights in Wisconsin? For one thing, they have significant business interest in the regionwith at least 17 facilities and offices in the state and some 4,000 miles of pipeline through Kock Pipeline Company, L.P. Also, the Kochs recognizethat the outcome of the battle in Wisconsin could have national implications: If Walker wins, workers elsewhere might be less inclined to put up afight. And that would be good for the Kochs bottom line, according to Adele Stans Washington bureau chief, AlterNet.

The Koch-funded Astroturf group Americans for Prosperity has launched a pro-Walker campaign, comprised of a propaganda-filled Web site andpetition, at $342,000 worth of ad time on network and cable TV, and anti-union rallies at the Wisconsin state capitol building, for which AFP paid tobut in Tea Partiers.

Did the Kochs think no one would notice or care about the influence of AFP and Koch Industries in Wisconsin: If so, they were wrong. On page foyoull find a list ofconsumerproductsthat you should put to memory to NEVER purchase again!


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By E-mail From Mayor Leffingwell to a City Commission Member: Im not copying all others on this because I think the e-mail, if there are re-sponses among Council Member(s) to a quorum of members, violates the Open Meetings Act. Certainly knew by this time. It doesnt take anattorney or Judge to figure out the meaning of this.

So Leffingwell knew and we can reasonably suppose the Council knew. After all they were supposed to complete a course of instruction on the Ashortly after their elections. Were their intentions to circumvent the letter or the spirit of the Open Meetings Act? What is their problem with con-ducting city business in full view of their constituents? Oh my God, should they be expected to actually listen to the citizens before they make uptheir minds and vote? Oh my God, just think of the amount of Staff time that is tied up, how difficult it is to conduct city business under such onerous conditions! How can we do the Peoples business if we cant meet and talk quietly, in private? Stop acting like a bunch of kindergartners anat least pretend to listen to your real bosses, the citizens and voters of the City of Austin, Texas.

Open Meeting Act Violations by Austin City CouncilOn January 25, County Attorney David Escamilla received a complaint about violations of the Open Meetings Act by Austin City Council and Mayand has launched an inquiry. On January 28, the City Council, in closed-door session approved $159,000 of tax payer dollars to pay three attor-neys to provide legal advise and counsel on the Texas Open Meeting Act issues resulting from the complaint.

The 2010 calendars of four council members published with the January 25 story provide evidence that the city has, in effect, maintained aninstitutionalized conspiracyto conduct a daisy chain of meetings involving the mayor, every council member, and the city manager immediately prece

ing each council meeting for the purpose of circumventing the Texas Open Meetings Act, according toThe Austin Bulldogreport.

Reported by The Austin Bulldog, March 1, In emails fromGlen Coleman, policy aide to Council Member Randi Shade, sent emails to all the othecouncil members executive assistants detailing how to disable the chat systems ability to track the history of communications and sidestep therequirements of the Texas Public Information Act. In the heat of a council meeting, you may wish to communicate sensitive information thatwould not be appropriate for all of us to read in the (Austin American-) Statesman the next day, Coleman stated in an e-mail at 9:22am July 8,2009, addressed to all council executive assistants. It would seem Mr. Coleman does not believe the public has a right to know. To read the law-suit and exhibits go to www.theaustinbulldog.org

Austin American Statesman Finally Takes Notice! Austin NAACP Files Ethics Complaint Against Mayor & Mayor Pro Tem

The head of Austin's NAACP has filed a complaint against Austins mayor and mayorpro tem after controversial emails became public.

- The ethics complaint from Nelson Linder says Lee Leffingwell and Mike Martinez a acted unprofes-sionally.- Regarding Austin Fire Chief Rhoda Mae Kerr, Leffingwell wrote Martinez, Biggest snow job Ive seen ia long time. Kerr is definitely a company man and will not earn the respect of her firefighters, in my opinion. Martinez responded, It was the worst...nothing will change in that department with her in charge.

They played this hard. McDonald put pressure on Bobby [Austin African American Firefighters Association president Bobby Johns] to write thatletter via the black community. Truly sad and Kerrs lowest moment.- Linder told KEYE TV Tuesday the city of Austin has pending lawsuits in regards to the Austin Fire Department and its policies and that Leffing-well and Martinezs comments could undermine those pending cases. He also said making those types of comments against employees isagainst city charter. American Statesman, March 2, 11

Left: Leffingwell Right: Martinez

March 1, 2011, The Austin Bulldogfiled a lawsuit in state district court to sue the mayor and each council member in their individual capacity,

and the City of Austin, for failure to promptly and fully respond to The Austin Bulldogs requests filed under the Texas Public Information Act(TPIA), Chapter 552 of the Government Code.The citys decision to withhold certain government records, including records involving public business that were created or received on themayor and council members cell phones or personal computers, lays bare a major problem preventing citizens from obtaining complete informa-tion about the affairs of government. To withhold records created or received on officeholders personal computers and cell phones is to effectivegut the Texas Public Information Act. To allow this to stand would amount to an open invitation for city officials and employees to conduct businein the shadows.Withholding these public records from disclosure as requested byThe Austin Bulldogon January 19, 2011, and January 27, 2011, and doingso without seeking an Attorney Generals opinion, only adds to the citys previously reported problems in governmental transparency, evidencedby The Austin Bulldogs story which exposed the ongoing violations of the Texas Open Meetings Act.

Gray Panthers of Austin, Convener: Gary Dugger 512-225-4789; Ofc: 512-458-3738 www.graypanthersaustin.org

Austin Bulldog Files Lawsuit to Compel Compliance With Public Information Law

What Did They Know and When Did They Know It?


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Gray Panthers of Austin Board Meeting, February 18, 2011

Minutes of Gray Panthers of Austin Board Meeting, February 18, 2011, Lyons GardensMeeting was called to order at 6:45 p.m. by Convener, Gary DuggerThose in attendance:Gary Dugger Bev Henson Chris Nielsen Leslie Aisenman

Sharron Aisenman Clint Smith (G/Natl GP) Josiah Ingalls (Guest) Linda Del Toro (Guest)Mike Ford (Guest) James Wheeler (Guest) Annette Rierson (Guest) Jennie Son (Guest)Minutes of previous meeting were accepted with two additions:

1. In the future require motion to adjourn Board Meeting.2. It was agreed the Austin Gray Panthers support single member Districts.

Mike Ford Presented Water Fluoridation: an Idea Whose Time Has Passed. It was agreed theGPA would support resolution to call on City of Austin to stop putting hazardous waste, Fluoro-silicic Acid in our drinking water.

Gray Panthers are organizational members of the ACLU. The National ACLU has two positionsthe Gray Panthers would like to challenge and would be discussed more at a future meeting.

1.Right of Corporations to spend unlimited amounts on elections. 2.Corporations are People

Treasurers Report: Convenor Dugger assured alls in order. Outreach is underway: currentTreasurer, still in office but not present, has given notice of resignation.

Mr. James Wallace, Wallace Development LLC gave presentation of Rosewood Oaks Apart-ment Community (an affordable housing development) and gave litany of delays and obstruc-tion from/by City Council for years. Agreed Austin Gray Panthers draft letter of support forJames Wallace.Clint Smith emphasized that National Gray Panthers offices pleased with Austin Networks 40thAnniversary Gray Panthers accomplishments, and a special follow up meeting ASAP will en-able Austin to build on and continue these initiatives. A special meeting was call for Friday,February 18, 2011, 11:00 pm at Lyons Gardens.The next regular Board Meeting will be Tues-day, March 15, 2011, 6:30 pm at Lyons Gardens. Every one is invited.

Meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m. Prepared by Sharron Aisenman, acting Secretary

GRAY PANTHERS OF AUSTIN, SPECIAL BOARD MEETING for February 18, 2011Rescheduled to February 23, 2011, Lyons Gardens. Called to order 11:00 am. By Convener:Gary Dugger Those in Attendance: Members: Gary Dugger, Sharron Aisenman, Leslie Aisen-man Guest: Clint Smith, National Gray Panthers

General discussion of By Laws and Amendments of GPA & possible changes to. Need to fullTreasurers vacancy; possible hire bookkeeper, to be discussed. Membership form needs up-dating. Sharron will revise current membership form.

Lets look at where tax payers money is being wasted, locally as well as nationally. Agreed

Gray Panthers of Austin TO SEND LETTER to ca Escamilla, cc newspapers editors and writes,Why are they not acting/reporting on possible illegal acts/lack of action of city council, ci ty at-torney? They have financial & fiduciary responsibility to citizens to investigate, prosecute. Defi-cit Reduction begins with exposing public corruption.

Discussion of possible change of name of Gray Panthers of Austin to more relevant name ofTexas Gray Panthers. The Austin Gray Panthers support the Wisconsin 14 and labor actiontaking place in Wisconsin. Leslie and Sharron Aisenman will design/print brochure for GPA tohand out at American Dream Rally in Austin on February 26, 2011, and complete AGP News-letter to be ready for distribution by March 1, 2011, or as soon as possible. Meeting adjournedat 12:30 pm. Prepared by Sharron Aisenman, acting Secretary

Gray Panthers of Austin Special Board Meeting, February 23, 2011

Don't buy Koch Industry !!!!Gasoline:

Chevron Union

Union 76 Conoco

Angel Soft toilet paperBrawny paper towelsDixie plates, bowls, napkins andcupsMardi Gras napkins and towelsQuilted Northern toilet paperSoft 'n Gentle toilet paperSparkle napkinsVanity fair napkinsZee napkinsGeorgia-Pacific paper productsand envelopes

All Georgia-Pacific lumber andbuilding products, including:Dense Armor Drywall and DeckingToughArmor Gypsum board

Georgia Pacific Plytanium Plywood

FlexrockDensglass sheathing

G/P Industrial plasters (some prod-ucts used by a lot of crafters)FibreStrong Rim board

G/P Lam boardBlue Ribbon OSB Rated SheathingBlue Ribbon Sub-floor

DryGuard Enhanced OSBNautilus Wall SheathingThermostat OSB Radiant Barrier

SheathingBroadspan Engineered Wood Prod-ucts

XJ 85 I-JoistsFireDefender Banded CoresFireDefender FS

FireDefender Mineral CoreHardboard and Thin MDF includingAuto Hardboard,

Perforated Hardboard and Thin MDFWood FiberboardCommercial Roof Fiberboard

Hushboard Sound Deadening BoardRegular Fiberboard SheathingStructural Fiberboard Sheathing

(INVISTA Products):COMFOREL fiberfill

COOLMAX fabricCORDURA fabricDACRON fiber

POLYSHIELD resinSOLARMAX fabricSOMERELLE bedding products

STAINMASTER carpetSUPPLEX fabricTACTEL fiber

TACTESSE carpet fiberTERATE polyolsTERATHANE polyether glycol

THERMOLITE fabricPHENREZ resinPOLARGUARD fiber and

LYCRA fiber

The Gray Panthers of Austin


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Gray Panthers of Austin Pass Resolution to Stop Use of

Fluoride in Our Drinking Water!

February 15, 2011 the Board of Direc-tors of the Gray Panthers of Austin

met with Mike Ford (pictured left)(www.fluoridefreeaustin.com), dis-cussed fluoride in our drinking water,and unanimously passed a resolutioncalling on the City of Austin to stopputting the hazardous waste, fluoro-silicic acid, in our drinking water.

1. Whereas, Fluorosilicic Acid is a toxic waste product of the fertilizerindustry that, if not sold to cities, must be disposed of in special steelcontainers deep underground in the Rocky Mountains;

2. Whereas, 98% of the population of Europe, 99% of China, and100% of Japan are not medicated with fluoridated water;

3. Whereas, 24 different studies have found REDUCED IQs in childrenassociated with moderate levels of naturally occurring fluoride in thewater;

4. Whereas, The federal Centers for Disease Control (CDC) admitsthat:

a. fluoridated water should not be used in baby formula as itcrosses an infants incompletely formed blood brain barrier, and

b. the decay reduction benefits of fluoride come from toothpasteapplied directly to the teeth, notfrom drinkingwater,

5. Whereas, fluoride interacts with necessary elements like calciumand iodine, disrupting bone, glandular, and even brain function,

6. Whereas, 37 years have passed since Austin began fluoridation,and based on current knowledge, this policy of mass medication needsto be discontinued, be it

RESOLVEDRESOLVEDRESOLVEDRESOLVED, The Gray Panthers of Austin urges the Austin CityCouncil to:

1. Immediately publish a warning on the water urging parents tonot use city water with babyFormula.

2. Immediately identify all infants under 1 year old and all preg-

nant mothers and immediately anddirectly warn these parents of the risks totheir babies.

3. Immediately discontinue medicating our drinking water withfluorosilicic acid.

THE PEOPLE UNITED, WILL NEVER BEDEFEATED...THE PEOPLE UNITED WILLNEVER BE DEFEATED!Was heard in every capitol of every state insupport of Wisconsin workers and the De-mocratic Senators who had left Wisconsinto block the vote that would strip publicworkers of their bargaining rights, just thefirst step in breaking the backs of all unionsand our democracy.PICTURES ARE FROM THE AMERICANDREAM RALLYS IN CHICAGO AND

AUSTIN.


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Gray Panthers of Austin, Convener: Gary Dugger 512-225-4789; Ofc: 512-458-3738 www.graypanthersaustin.org3710 Cedar St, Box 15, Austin, TX 78705 National Gray Panthers www.graypanthers.org

The Gray Panthers is an intergenerational, multi-issue national social action organizationdedicated to three main causes the environment, health care and peace.

Gray Panthers salute

the citizens of Tunisia,

Egypt and Libya for

their courage and com-

mitment to political jus-

tice.

We are inspired by the

boldness of the protest-ers and stand in unity

as Gray Panthers who

are equally committed

to achieving justice and

peace for all people in

the United States and

the World.

Tunisia, Egypt &

Libya:

In Solidarity for

Justice & Peace!

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National Gray Panthers Support Rosewood Oaks Proposal in Austin,

Texas

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

On behalf of the National Gray Panther Organization, we go on record in full supportof and encourage full funding for the Rosewood Oaks Proposal initiated by Mr.James Wallace, President, Wallace Development Corporation, Austin, Texas.

The Rosewood Oaks Proposal is an effective Local Initiative reflecting National Pol-icy, as stated in President Obama's January State of the Union take strong actionstoward deficit-reduction by Investing in what strengthens us, and by cutting whatdoes not! 'Rosewood Oaks' aligns with these criteria!

Finally, Mr. Wallace's Rosewood Oaks Proposal also aligns with the National GrayPanther Organization's Economic and Social Justice Goals and Objectives: and, inparticular - as reflected on www.graypanthers.org website - our 40th Anniversary2010 - 11 Central Texas Actions and Events: www.graypanthersaustin.org.

In Solidarity, Clint Smith, Gray Panthers Board,

Gary Dugger, says,

JOIN THE GRAY PANTHERS!

Name:_______________________________________

Address__________________________________________

State:_______________________ Zip:_________________

Phone:______________________ Age:________________

E-mail:___________________________________________

Amount Enclosed:_______________

My Organization would like to join. Please contact meRegarding sliding scale fee:_________________________

I want to join the Gray Panthers movement for a fairand just society.

Individual membership ($30)

Student membership ($10)

Household membership ($50) Please list Namesand ages.

Other, Contribution __________________________

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Final March GP newsletter