Category: Uncategorized

Like many, many others, I knew Coretta Scott King, and I considered her
a mentor. In her memory, I will carry on best as I know how. My
favorite anecdote: the day she exclaimed to a working group of staff,
"We are not going to behave like any corporation!" And truly, we
never did. Bless your soul, Mrs. King. We’ll be thinking of you often.–gm

After a spate of attention from right-wing readers pushed our income tax poll in the negative direction–against income tax for schools–it appears that more liberal readers have been staggering in lately. The poll is now tied at 65 votes apiece. Maybe it was the influence of old John Stuart Mill, a classic liberal voice that we referenced here a few days ago?

The Center for Public Policy Priorities has posted a resource page for activists who want to help document the failures of public benefits enrollments resulting from privatization. Here’s the skinny:

INFORMATION YOU SHOULD INCLUDE IN YOUR REPORT

√ Date that you are reporting the problem/complaint
√ Name of person or agency/CBO sending the report

√ If agency/CBO, include information about client (if client gives permission to share)

√ Benefits sought by client (if general system or customer service problem, please say so) √ Description of the problem/complaint (be as specific as possible, i.e., client submitted required renewal information on time, but contractor has no record of it)

√ Impact on client or your agency (i.e., client couldn’t fill prescription for child; had to go to food pantry for food, etc.)

√ Date(s) that problem occurred

√ Where did the problem occur? (e.g., local office, 211, call center, Internet – be very specific)

√ Any response from state or its contractor: List name(s) of any person(s) you spoke to and the dates you spoke to them

√ Did client file an appeal? (If so, give date of appeal)

√ Was the problem resolved? If so, how and when?

“For more than twenty years, the Center for Public Policy Priorities (CPPP) has been a nonpartisan, nonprofit research organization committed to improving public policies and private practices to better the economic and social conditions of low- and moderate-income Texans.

“The center pursues this mission through independent research, policy analysis and development, public education, advocacy, and technical assistance.”

Leave it to Free Republic (no link) to find this Dec. 13 gem from Tucson. It begins with a recollection of the 2002 action at the Dow tower:

Weak from the effects of her hunger strike she did not have the strength nor stamina to get down from the tower. She had to get the attention of a security guard in order to request help getting down from tower. If it had not been for that, it is unlikely she would not have been apprended, arrested, or convicted on criminal trespass.

Trespass charges often bring light sentences or are dismissed. After complying with all the court hearing formalities, Diane, a mother of five with one special needs adult child still in her care, decided she could not accept the harsh sentence of 120 days imposed at that time.

It is three years later now, and Katie Heims reports, "While she was planning the Houston action, Diane and I were discussing the possiblity of her going to prison for a long time. She was in some ways, looking forward to it because she was tired of living out of bags these past couple of months. Also, she really missed writing. She was desperate to get back to the second book she’s been working on."

Her currently pending hearing for removing and displaying her wrap that had a message written on the inside of it and shouting "Corporate Greed Kills, and Iraq kills too!"at the Delay fundraiser and to which she had a legitimate invitation/ticket, has been postponed until she’s served her time at Calhoun County.

Katie provided additional information: The $1500 raised and paid as bond money will take 4-7 weeks until the the check is returned and contributors can be repaid. The judge, however, has raised her bond pending settlement/time served in Calhoun County and her return to return to deal with Harris County. Diane’s attorney hopes to be able to have this reduced at a later date. In the event she’s convicted in Harris County, she will get credit toward any punishment she might receive. The attorney would like to have the sentence reduced from 120 days to 90 days.