Pamela Powers Hannley LD16 Republican Candidate Forum? I can see your raised eyebrows. Well, yes, this topic seems a bit far-afield from my usual subjects, but it could be interesting. This primary pits businessman and freshman Representative John Fillmore against State Senator Rich Crandall, who moved to LD16 to avoid running against his "nemesis" (according to Sonoran Alliance) … Read more
by Pamela Powers Hannley
Multiple levels of court cases related to TUSD's Mexican American Studies (MAS) are winding their way through the judicial system.
There's the case of former MAS teacher and whistle-blower John Ward against former MAS chair Sean Arce and teacher Jose Gonzales. (Three versions of this story and links to fundraising appeasl for both sides, here: 1, 2, 3. #1 is Ward's affidavit plus other statements; it gives you an idea why he blew the whistle. #2 is a fundraising appeal for former MAS head Sean Arce. #3 is a fundraising event for Ward. It's interesting to note that Attorney General Tom Horne spoke at the fundraiser for Ward. Is that some sort of conflict of interest for an AG?)
There's the lawsuit against SB2281– the racist Arizona Legislature bill crafted by then Superintendent of Public Instruction Horne and gleefully implemented by AG Horne. (Close as I can tell, #1 above is an excerpt from the supporting documents for this court case.)
And last but certainly not least… the decades-old TUSD desegregation suit. Is TUSD in compliance with the desegregation suit or not? This goes back and forth. (Here's some background.) Horme wants to keep his thumb on the pulse of what's left of MAS and wants to play a role in the creation of the replacement curriculum, which would be protected under the desegregation order. Recently, a federal judge officially told Horne to butt out of the TUSD desegragation case, but Horne is not ready to let go of the MAS bone.
Video after the jump.
by Pamela Powers Hannley
"There is no more heinous crime one human being can commit against another than domination."
—Sara of South Bisbee
"The greatest crimes against humanity are perpetrated by people just doing their jobs."
– Chris Hedges.
International mining company Freeport-McMoRan is shutting down South Bisbee. Here is the story from Bisbee Video Blogger Alison McLeod.
No doubt Richard Ducote, Community Affairs Manager for Freeport-McMoRan, was doing his job when he informed the lifelong residents of South Bisbee, Arizona, that they would be paid $50 a square foot for their homes, and had five months to move out.
Like the Highland Clearances of the 18th and 19th centuries, some homes have already been destroyed before the homeowners had time to remove their belongings.
Although it seems a local issue, the plight of these residents is as global as it is timeless. It is the story of every person robbed of life savings by financial corporations, of every home foreclosed, of every indigenous people exploited and poisoned by the oil corporations.
Here are four stories, including that of 63-year resident Mabel Farley, whose husband worked all his life for "Phillip Dodge," who raised her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in her house in South Bisbee, and who cannot conceive of the multinational Freeport-McMoRan Mining Corporation except as a person, who "must be a very mean man."
Videos after the jump…
by Pamela Powers Hannley Buried in the back of today's Arizona Daily Star was this story about massive electrical blackouts in India. 'Decisions not made' at root of massive India blackouts Who cares? Right? Americans are focused on how many gold medals US Olympians have won yesterday and how many gaffes presidential hopeful Mitt Romney … Read more
by Pamela Powers Hannley Well, if you always wondered what the big deal was with Mexican American Studies (MAS) classes, here is your opportunity to attend a free community class taught by an MAS instructor Curtis Acosta. (I wonder if they allow video cameras?)