Story Archives 2009

by RAM/ PNN Race and Poverty scholar

I have lived with formerly incarcerated people who tried to get clean and their lives on track without the prison industrial complex holding them back. I know from personal experience how it separates families and prevents us from raising our own kids who end up in the clutches of child protective services (CPS)--leading to the revolving door of juvenile hall, county jail and ultimately prison.

I grew up with addicted parents. I was the victim of their addiction and domestic violence. After they separated, police raids and sexual pressures put upon my single mother pressured me to leave the house at age 11. I left to better my condition and be an example to my little sister--who was born a week after my 10th birthday. I wanted to go to school in a better district so that my sister would follow my example and strive for a better education instead of handing out in the hood and doing hood things. I had no summer vacations--I changed diapers, fed her, took her to doctors appointments and cared for her everyday after school.

My father passed when I was 16, leading to my mother's decision to get clean. I decided to venture into heavy drug use and alcoholism. While she was getting clean, I was getting dirty, which lasted 8 years. I had my first daughter at 22. When she was 3 I entered my first program (Walden House) of my own recognizance. I was 25.

Recovery is a lifetime goal that I'm still struggling with. Going to meetings, changing my crowd, living in a residential treatment facility where you can't get drug and making the decision to get clean I changed the people, places and things in my life.

My first time at Walden House was a 2-week stay; the second, 3 months; the third, 10 ½ months. I was housed in the same room as my mom who graduated in 1996. The third stay gave me enough time to let it soak in instead of simply biding time. My kids drove me to get clean, but living with my mother--a drug counselor--is my motivation to stay clean.

I am personally in support of proposition 5 because it takes the government out of raising our kids. Since I made the decision to get counseling, my kids have a better chance of going from preschool to school and then to work instead of the preschool to prison pipeline. I believe we need to get rid of the prison industrial complex--it just doesn't work.

A quick glance at California's prison industrial complex reveals the preferred method of dealing with people struggling with drug addiction: incarceration, incarceration, and incarceration. Prop 5 is on the November ballot. It puts forth a lasting solution to replace mindless incarceration of people who need help with drug addiction.

Prop 5 will reduce criminal consequences of non-violent drug offenses by mandating a three-tiered probation with treatment and will provide for case dismissal and/or the sealing of records probation; it will limit court authority to incarcerate offenders who violate probation or parole, shorten parole for most drug offenses, including sales. It will create numerous divisions, boards, commissions and reporting requirements regarding drug treatment and rehabilitation. Prop 5 emphasizes treatment,not punishment as a solution to drug addiction and seeks to expand and increase funding and oversight for individualized treatment and rehabilitation programs for non-violent drug offenders and parolees.

by Daily Newswire Service

LOS ANGELES -- City officials and residents gathered at a memorial service Saturday for a homeless man doused with gasoline and set on fire.

John Robert McGraham, 55, died October 9 when he was set on fire near Third Street and New Hampshire Avenue.

Los Angeles Councilman Tom LaBonge told the crowd at Immanuel Presbyterian Church that McGraham was mentally ill and living on the streets, but remembered as a simple but peaceful man.

"In the case of John and all of the homeless, we must encourage all of our leaders to work on the issue of mental illness," LaBonge said. "I know that we'll always keep John in our hearts."

During the service, a projector showed pictures of McGraham's family, and shots of him as a baby and young boy. The last photo showed him with his hair uncut, fully bearded, wearing a battered coat, shirt and shoes.

Presiding pastor Rev. Frank M. Alton, officiated the services, which included a translator for a largely Latino crowd on the second floor of the church.

"We thought he was alone," said his sister, Sharon McGraham. "It is so wonderful to be loved. Thank you so much."

The Los Angeles City Council is expected to vote next week to offer a $75,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of whoever is responsible for the crime.

At a news conference Friday, police and McGraham's relatives asked for the public's help in finding two men believed to be responsible for the killing.

LAPD Deputy Chief Charlie Beck called McGraham's death "a crime that should shock every man, woman and child in the city of Los Angeles."

Witnesses say two men, in their mid- to late-20s, jumped out of a late-model tan or gold car, possibly a Honda, and poured gasoline on McGraham before setting him on fire, Beck said.

The men bought a red gas can and filled it at a station in the area, Beck said. Police have yet to find surveillance video that would help identify the killers.

The man, who once worked at the former Ambassador Hotel nearby, lived on the streets for years, where his sisters brought him food and money.

Susanne McGraham-Paisley said her brother was a peaceful person who avoided trouble.

"This is a guy who never hurt anybody," she said.

Sharon McGraham choked back tears as she described her brother as sweet and good-hearted.

"He was just so precious. He was such a sweetheart," Sharon McGraham said.

by Tony Robles/PNN

Live it down

There’s a lot of us been pushed around

Red, yellow, black, white and brown

With a tear of their own

Can’t you see
While you’re pickin’ on society

That the leaves on your family tree

Are calling you to come home

"Keeper of the Castle"--The Four Tops

I remember sitting in my father’s chocolate colored Cutlass in 1972. Dad was a young father—handsome, a sharp dresser and a guy that didn’t take any crap—especially from his son. He owned what seemed to be 10 thousand record albums. We drove to my aunt’s house on 12th Ave when I heard the Four Tops’ “Keeper of the Castle” on the car radio (KDIA, "Lucky 13"). The song was about fatherhood: You’re the keeper of the Castle/So be a father to your children/The provider of all their daily needs/Like a sovereign lord protector/Be their destiny’s director/and they’ll do well to follow where you lead. I can't forget the powerful voice of Levi Stubbs on that record--a voice that told fathers to handle their business. My father had that album. The song meant something to him.

Program Director “JJ” of San Francisco’s KPOO (89.5 fm/www.Kpoo.Com) announced the death of Four Tops lead singer Levi Stubbs at age 72 during his afternoon show on October 17th . I was in my girlfriend’s beat up Volvo station wagon affectionately known as the “Hooptie Volvo” heading down Divisadero Street with a couple of Filipino poets when the news hit me. JJ dedicated his show to the memory of Levi Stubbs by playing “Baby I need your loving”. The poets were silent.

Levi Stubbs possessed one of the greatest voices of all time. When I reflect back on growing up, I always think of the music of the time. The music was truly the soundtrack of the poverty and indigenous scholarship I was blessed to have as a child. I would come home from school and my father would be listening to his record albums. Black music—jazz, rhythm and blues—was what he listened to. Without it I don’t know if my uncles or aunts—Filipinos with black/brown hearts, bellies, minds—would have survived.

Levi Stubbs was born Levi Stubbles in Detroit in 1936—the cousin of legendary R&B singer Jackie Wilson (www.jackiewilson.net). He and a group of friends formed The Four Aims in 1954—changing their name to the Four Tops in 1956. In 1963 the group signed with Motown Records. Levi Stubbs’ rich baritone was the lynchpin in a succession of hits that included, “Baby I need your lovin’”, “I can’t help myself”, “It’s the same old song”, “Reach out I’ll be there”, “Standing in the Shadows of love”, “Bernadette” and “Ain’t no woman like the one I’ve got”. The group’s longevity was amazing--performing 4 decades with all original members. The group was inducted into the Rock n Roll hall of fame in 1990.

Levi Stubbs and his wife Clineice were married in 1960 and stayed married until his death. He was the father of 5 children and grandfather of 11. His unforgettable voice was in demand and in 1986 he was the voice of Audrey II the carnivorous plant in the movie version of “Little Shop of Horrors” and the voice of “Mother Brain” in the animated TV series “Captain N: The Game Master in 1989. In 1995 Levi Stubbs was diagnosed with cancer, followed by a stroke. He stopped touring and performing, making occasional appearances at special events.

As I drove down Divisadero in the Volvo, the voice of Levi Stubbs took me back to another place. I was no longer in a Volvo but in a Chocolate colored Cutlass with my father and, this time, driving him around. I’m asking him to talk story with me about being a Filipino boy in the Fillmore and to sing me his favorite songs. I can hear his voice and the voices of my aunts and uncles and the spirits of my elders as I listen to Levi Stubbs' incredible and beautiful voice. He’s the keeper of the castle.

by Marlon Crump/PNN

"Nancy Pelosi is SO out of touch with the regular American, that it is pathetic. She said that this will be a NEW direction, but instead, they're going in the same!" said anti-war activist /Peace Mom, Cindy Sheehan, during an interview for POOR Magazine/ POOR News Network.

Following the interview, Cindy attended POOR Magazine's Community Newsroom, where she was collectively interviewed by my POOR family, on October 7th, 2008 on what her relation (s) and thoughts to the very issues that deeply impact people in poverty and even privilege, daily. October 7th also marked the three-year anniversary of my near death-experience of racial profiling, at the hands of a dozen members of the San Francisco Police Department.

Last year during an event in the backyard of the headquarters of both ISARC (Idriss Stelley Action Resource Center) and the S.F BayView National Black Newspaper, in San Francisco Bayview Hunter's Point, my comrade and godmother, mesha Monge-Irizarry, founder/director of ISARC introduced me to two women.

One of them was anti-war activist, Cindy Sheehan, Peace Mom, and founder of "Camp Casey" The other was former U.S Representative, and current Green Party candidate for the 2008 U.S Presidential election, Cynthia Mckinney.

I had the pleasure of meeting both of these women. During the festivities, I greeted Cindy Sheehan with a warm hug of solidarity, in the movement for struggle towards change from everything that affected people universally, from poverty, oppression, racism, war, etc, etc.

Sheehan, and many people, nationwide have fought a near-never ending battle to the end of a certain war, since its birth on March 20th, 2003 by the U.S President, George W. Bush:

The End of the Iraq War, and the U.S occupation in Middle Eastern countries!

For those who are unfamiliar with Cindy Sheehan, and her opposition stance against the War in Iraq, she joined the anti-war movement in 2004, following the news that her son, Casey Sheehan had been killed in the war. Casey was a specialist in the First Cavalry Unit, in Sadr City.

Since Casey's death, Cindy unleashed ultra-unrelenting attempts against the entire administration of President George W. Bush, towards ending the Iraq War, and the return of U.S Troops back home to their families.

For centuries, the children of Almighty God were often sent to wars, convinced that their self-sacrifice is to" serve their country" unaware of the frightening reality that they're really serving their country's "interests!" Glory for the greed of governments, guts spilled from children who're unsure if they'll ever return to their families, in one piece to say the least.

"In God We Trust" as it is hypocritically inked on the average U.S 1$ bill.

Despite Cindy Sheehan's efforts, from her appearances to the White House, arrests of civil disobedience, giving untold amounts of speeches, touring countries, and even purchasing property to bring "Camp Casey" near Bush's ranch, in Crawford, Texas; President Bush's heart remained hardened like Pharaoh who was constantly warned by Moses to either free the slaves of Israel from bondage, or feel God's wrath.

Instead of producing twelve plagues, however, Cindy chose different approaches by battling the Bush Administration with her very voice of resistance, struggle, and presence. In that process, she's received nationwide and international attention, with that same voice.

Most of the youth, sons and daughters that has ever served in the U.S Military, were either brought up in poverty, a working class family, or a place of privilege. "When my son was killed in an illegal war, he wanted to have college money. I suffered without health insurance." Cindy would later explain, during the interview.

Cindy Sheehan was born in Inglewood, California in 1957 to working-class parents who came of age during the depression and World II. Cindy's parents, Shirley and Dennis Miller met at the Lockheed Martin Corporation where they both worked during the 1950s. Shirley raised three children-Cindy, her younger sister Dede and her brother Scott-while Dennis worked as an electrician. Cindy attended public school in Bellflower, California.

In 1974, Cindy Miller met Patrick Sheehan. The couple married in 1977 in Norwalk, California. In the subsequent years, Cindy and Pat Sheehan had four children Casey, Carly, Andy and Jane, and settled their family in Vacaville, California.

When her youngest child was two, Cindy decided to go back to college to earn her bachelor's degree. She first attended Cerritos College where graduated with honors. Thereafter, Cindy transferred to University of California Los Angeles where she majored in U.S. history with a concentration in California history.

Following UCLA, Cindy worked as a Youth Minister at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Vacaville, California for eight years and coordinated an after-school program for at-risk middle school children for the City of Vacaville.

Late last year, Sheehan decided to continue increase her efforts, by going into politics. On December 8, 2007 Cindy Sheehan officially opened her campaign headquarters in San Francisco, CA, where she is now running as an Independent candidate for the United States Congressional Seat, for California's 8th Congressional District, against current incumbent, U.S House Majority Speaker, Nancy Pelosi.

Following this opening, the Cindy for Congress campaign acknowledged the poor population's motivation and commitment(s) towards change, after they appeared out of oppression-able isolation (including myself) to vote, volunteer, and spread the word towards helping Cindy Sheehan be placed on the November ballot.

On August 8th, 2008, this goal was accomplished after the required signature amount, were approved by the City and County of San Francisco, Department of Elections.

Many S.F voters share the same passion, with Sheehan for the removal of Pelosi, who failed deliver her "Articles of Impeachment" (among other U.S Government accountabilities) against U.S President, George W. Bush, following her successful win in the November 2006 Election.

I arrived at her campaign office, CINDY FOR CONGRESS, located at 1260 8th/Mission St, at around 1:50 p.m. After a brief welcome from her volunteer staff, and family members, I greeted Cindy Sheehan and began with the interview. "Should you win the election, what would be one of the first things that you would do? "This was my first question.

"Well, I'm running on a very detailed, progressive, populace platform. My major issues are of course the immediate troop with drawls, in Iraq and Afghanistan, and holding George Bush and Dick Cheney accountable." Sheehan replied. "That's why I am running against Nancy Pelosi because she refuses to hold Bush and Cheney accountable, as well as the occupations in Iraq, and Afghanistan."

I then asked, "Miss Sheehan, what was the feeling you got after meeting with President George W. Bush?" (The devil of devils, monsters of monsters, I thought to myself.)

"Two months after Casey was killed on April 4th, 2004 me and my family met with him. (Bush) He met with us, and approximately 17 other families. The feeling that I got from him was that he didn't care about our loss, and he didn't even want to be there."

As I continued the interview, it quickly dawned on me that her son's death was on the same date that the most famous civil rights leaders in history, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was struck down by an assassin's bullet. The news of King's death caused chain reactions of sorrow, anger, and violence to thousands nationwide.

Thirty-six years later, on April 4th, 2004, there was another news explosion that every mother and father dread. When Cindy received word of her son's demise, via Bush lie, Cindy's internal emotions snapped, like the many that felt lost without Dr. King. Angered, and saddened beyond measure, Cindy Sheehan joined the anti-war movement as a Peace Mom.

During her years of anti-war activism(s) in the road to end the Iraq War, outcries could often be heard in the distance:

"Bush lied, thousands died!"

"Bush lied, thousands died!"

"Bush lied, thousands died!"

Though there exists criticism of her alleged use of her son's death to selfishly achieve her own agendas, Cindy countered this criticism with the inner emotion and strength she carries by transforming tragedy into triumph.

Others have also turned tragedy into triumph, before and after Cindy, such as John Walsh, host of the T.V show "America's Most Wanted", Mothers Against Drunk Driving (M.A.D.D) and mesha Monge-Irizarry, founder, director of the Idriss Stelley Action Resource Center, a non-profit grassroots organization that counsels victims of police brutality.

Cindy, herself, started an organization that founded the Gold Star Families for Peace, (an organization of families who've lost loved ones, to the Iraq War)

I paused as she briefly tended to her grandson. After a few minutes, I then continued the interview. "How has your journey been for you against George Bush?" I asked. Cindy's face seemed to answer that question, by giving a slight shift that showed an expression of the weary road that she left behind, and the road that lies ahead of her.

"It was hard to do in mourning my son." she softly replied. "It was physically exhausting, emotionally, and financially draining. It is still very difficult to be so committed to fundamental positive change, when the system is so stacked against it. "I asked her in regards to change, "Do you think that after you're elected that you can accomplish that?"

Cindy replied, "Well first of all, I am running against the Queen (Pelosi) of the system. "When we (Cindy and her supporters) take her down (defeat her at the November ballots) that is really wounding the system."(From a changing perspective.) "We have the people's platform.

"When Pelosi's out, that puts everyone else in Congress on notice that their jobs are in jeopardy. They will have to listen to their constituents............not their lobbyists."

I then asked about her thoughts regarding the gentrification movement(s) that's occurring, locally, and universally. "How do you feel about gentrification, Miss Sheehan?" She replied, "I think that privatization and gentrification harm communities, because they destroy diversity. Not only is it destroying communities, but it is profoundly harmful to poor families."

It has been reported that Nancy Pelosi supports the housing land development company, based out of Miami, Florida called Lennar Corp. Lennar was recruited by S.F Mayor, Gavin Newsom sometime ago to join the city's "redevelopment" (gentrification movement) against the poor of the entire community of S.F Bayview Hunter's Point.

Recently, Pelosi supported George Bush, after he and Treasure Secretary, Henry Paulson proposed to Congress to sign into law a "Bailout Plan " known as The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 to solve the "financial crisis" and "rescue" mortgage companies, banks, and stock markets of the New York Stock Exchange on Wall Street to avoid another "Great Depression."

However, it is yet to be reported of a "Bailout Plan" for those plagued in poverty, and not another Economic Stimulus Plan that would once again fail to boost the economy in crisis.

"This massive bailout is nothing short of a scheme by irresponsible corporate pirates to privatize gains and socialize debt," Sheehan stated recently in an interview on PRNewswire. "Such a move will only further add to the burden of individuals and families, who are already struggling to make ends meet. Not one of our tax dollars should go toward rescuing an industry that is failing because of unregulated lending and trading practices."

"WE ONLY NEED ONE BILLION!" These are the current cries and pleas of seniors, people with disabilities, families, and people living in poverty to gain equity access from U.S Congress towards affordable housing. (This is also in reference to the October 3rd POOR article by "Tiny" Lisa Gray-Garcia, regarding her analysis of the U.S $700 Billion "Bailout Plan" that included the wealthy, but excluded the poor.)

Sheehan pointed out a clear conflict of interest on the part of her opponent, Nancy Pelosi, and other members of the Democratic Party leadership pushing the "corporate bailout" forward. Apparently, Pelosi is one of more than 50 members of Congress, who is said to have investments in the companies involved in the current "financial crisis."

Sheehan also explained how on PRNewswire how Pelosi has half a million dollars in stock invested in AIG (American International Group) alone, which is included in this "bailout" situation. "We need elected officials who will stand up for our interests, not protect their own pockets or the pockets of the very same people who got us into this mess in the first place."

"We are tired of giving golden parachutes to greedy corporate interests. We're standing up and saying, not this time, not with my money and not with my consent!" This "Bailout Plan" is also expected to cost each taxpayer in America $2,300 in the future!

"If you fall on the side that is pro-George and pro-war, you get your ass over to Iraq, and take the place of somebody who wants to come home. And if you fall on the side that is against this war and against George Bush, stand up and speak out.'" -----Cindy Sheehan, BuzzFlash August 20, 2005.

by Catherine Limcaco/POOR Magazine Race, Poverty and Media Justice Intern

Women & revolution are alive & inseparable." In her opening keynote address, celebrated poet and unionist Nellie Wong put it bluntly: "This weekend, we continue the fight for women's liberation because it's as necessary as breathing. The revolution is ours to make. It is our greatest duty. It is our greatest joy." Such sentiments permeated the high-energy event. As one young Chicana noted, "Thunderous applauses, tears of pride and cheers of laughter empowered and emboldened those who came to build the revolutionary feminist movement."

Participants traveled from far and near to attend Radical Women's 41st anniversary conference, The Persistent Power of Socialist Feminism. The landmark Women's Building was a tapestry of ethnicities and colors, feminists born in the United States and many other places, such as Somalia, Iran, Puerto Rico, China, South and Central America, and Spain.Convened in the midst of the imploding U.S. economic crisis, the four-day conference of keynotes and policy resolutions, panels and workshops, sparked intense discussion. The result are concrete action plans to strengthen women's leadership in the social movements, to build united fronts with other committed activists, and to foster solidarity among working people at home and abroad. Merle Woo, one of the volunteers on behalf of Radical Women says , "In these times of economic meltdown, the rise in ranks of economically-distressed workers, the unemployed and homeless, the Radical Women Conference was a true antidote to all these ills, because our goal is to build a grassroots socialist feminist movement that is independent of the Democrats and Republicans and which will truly represent us, the majority, in theory and action."

One pivotal resolution was for a U.S. feminist movement independent of the twin parties of war and reaction. The author, Oregonian mom and bi-lingual teacher Laura Mannen, provided concrete advice on how women can organize independently of the two major parties. "On the job where we are already reviving union power," said Mannen. In coalitions where an army of grassroots women organizes in every community and social movement. In the anti-war movement, pressing it to include youth, women, people of color, queers, socialists, anarchists, pacifists, GIs, veterans and unionists in the crucial war against U.S. militarization. The point, she stressed, is to work together, not separately.

Other movements for immigrants, people of color and queer rights we're spotlighted at this conference. Seattle Radical Women president, Christina López, motivated Estamos en la lucha: Immigrant women light the fires of resistance, the second major policy resolution of the conference. A Chicana-Apache, López exposed the harsh impact of U.S. immigration policies on women and children and heralded the leadership of migrant women fighting for the right to survive around the world. Radical Women members voted unanimously to step up defense of immigrants and to send López on a national speaking tour to address these critical issues.

A panel of Asian American, Black and Chicana/Latina members spoke on "The galvanizing impact of multiracial organizing in a society divided by racism." From its founding in 1967, emphasized Emily Woo Yamasaki, New York City president of Radical Women, the group has fiercely defended its fundamental political position that there can be no revolutionary change without the leadership of women of color. How to teach and practice this made for riveting discussion.

Queer activists at the conference, eager to address issues beyond same-sex marriage, want to combine their issues with the struggle for immigrant rights. The conference pledged to help a guest from Arizona, one who is integrating these struggles in her community. The group also agreed to highlight transgender rights and organize to support the New Jersey Four — Black lesbians being prosecuted for defending themselves.

Moving into action. The conference concluded with National Organizer Anne Slater's report and proposals, Rising to the challenge of socialist feminism in a neoliberal world. Radical Women members affirmed plans outlined by Slater, including the need to maintain a strong national organization and build chapters. The group decided to canvass door-to-door in workingclass neighborhoods to see what issues are of interest to women in local communities, and then organize campaigns around those topics. Furthermore, it was agreed to send resolutions of support and solidarity to political prisoners including the San Francisco 8, Mumia Abu-Jamal, Marilyn Buck, and Leonard Peltier in the United States, Lori Berenson in Peru and Lex Wotton in Australia.

At the end of the four-day conference, it was clear that socialist feminism is alive and thriving. Linking arms across age, race, gender and sexual orientation lines — attendees went forth fortified with the ideas and practical knowledge needed to build a stronger, independent women's movement. Woo believes breaking these racial barriers was one of the highligts. So what's next? Woo says, "A lot needs to be done to implement some power in youth and start crossing generational lines. The youth are the ones who will be left to carry the movement."

by Jesse Muhammad/Final Call

On Saturday, October 4, I received a serious phone call from Krystal
Muhammad of the New Black Panther Party (NBPP) in regards to a possible
dragging death in Paris, Texas which is located about five hours north of
Houston. The first thing that immediately came to my mind was that 2008 is
the tenth anniversary of the lynching of James Byrd, Jr. in Jasper, Texas.
Liken unto that case, the victim in Paris was said to be a 24-year-old
Black man and his killers were two White men.

I immediately Googled the town and saw that there were only a handful of
media outlets that had covered the story which involved Brandon McClelland
and these two White males. One reason possibly that there was hardly any
coverage was that this killing took place on September 16, which was the
tail end of Hurricane Ike hitting landfall so I am sure the town officials
were hoping this would be swept under the rug. Too bad, because the Final
Call is on top of it!

Sister Krystle told me that members of the NBPP Dallas Chapter were on the
grounds already to meet with the family. So myself, Sis Krystle and my
older brother Deric Muhammad hit the road on Sunday, October 5 to do some
on the grounds work to see what really happened.

After a five hour drive, we arrived in the 'hood of Paris. We then
caravaned over to the home of the McClelland family where Brandon's mother
sat on the porch with tears in her eyes. Ms. Jacqueline McClelland and her
family gave recorded statements to me for my Final Call story as well as
the NBPP for an independent investigation. We were also joined by local
activists, a head of the State NAACP chapter and other friends of the
family.

After hearing their accounts, it was verified that her son was dragged on
the back of a pickup truck by these two White males and his body was
dismembered. Jasper all over again. Afterwards we drove over to the grave
site.

We then went to the scene of the crime in Lamar County. You would not
believe that parts of that Brandon McClelland's skull was still out there
on the ground! Shows how much the police cared. It was like an episode of
CSI:NY with blood tracks up and down the road and tire marks chased by the
blood trails. This was one of the most painful stories I have had to cover
in person.

"They tied my son to that truck and dragged him until his body parts were
detached", said his mother Jacqueline McClelland to the Final Call. "His
body was so destroyed that it could not even be embalmed by the funeral
home. This is a hate crime. I don't want the death penalty for these
killers because that would be too quick. I want them to suffer for life in
jail without parole since I will never have my son back".

Read my entire story in next week's edition of the Final Call Newspaper

>

by Tony Robles/PNN

In his autobiographical novel Ham on Rye the poet Charles Bukowski described ROTC:

ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) was for the misfits. Like I said, it was either that or gym. I would have taken gym but I didn't want people to see the boils on my back. There was something wrong with everybody enrolled in R.O.T.C. It almost entirely consisted of guys who didn't like sports or guys whose parents forced them to take R.O.T.C. because they thought it was patriotic. They parents of rich kids tended to be more patriotic because they had more to lose if the country went under.

It was 1981. I was boarding the 18 Sloat bus when the driver said to me, "Rotten old tomato cans?" I looked at the driver. "Huh?" I said. He laughed and said; "R.O.T.C. stands for rotten old tomato cans". I smiled, paid my fare and went to the back of the bus. I looked at my R.O.T.C. uniform, the drab color of it contrasting with the vivid green and yellow leaves on the trees in passing. I ran my fingers over the brass buttons I'd vigorously shined with brasso polish the night before. I remember my father calling it a monkey suit and how I was a fool for wearing it. I remember struggling to tie my tie. I remember the way it hung around my neck like a noose made of a wet noodle. I rode to school.

I wasn't a patriot--I didn't like the idea of the military. To me the military was behind the massacres of native peoples and the stealing of indigenous lands. I had relatives who'd served in the military--an uncle who served in the Philippines in WWII and a cousin who served in Vietnam. They left one way and returned another. My father looked at my J.R.O.T.C. (Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps) uniform and at me in disgust. Dad may have been born in the US, but was Pilipino to the bone. He didn't graduate from high school. He knew more.

To be honest, the reason I got into J.R.O.T.C. was that it was an alternative to PE. I had acquired a fascination with girls and spent many hours on my Afro--dousing my fuzzy head of hair with products such as Afro sheen and Murray's pomade. Going to PE meant getting my hair messed up. Hell if I was going to do that. I had to look good for the girls. The asthetic beauty of my hair could not be compromised--no, never.

The folks I encountered in J.R.O.T.C were, as Bukowski said, misfits. Some were in it for the same reason I was--to keep their hair looking good. But an ironic thing transpired--I was promoted from a buck private cadet to staff sergeant/platoon leader because I was very proficient at marching drills and could get the entire group of misfits to stay in perfect formation. I was even a decent shot on the firing range.

I remember my platoon leader on the day John Wayne died. "He was a great man, a great man", he said. I couldn't think of any great things John Wayne had done--movies included but I stayed quiet. My platoon leader must have known of the great things accomplished by "The Duke".

One day the military recruiters came in. They talked about military service and how we could acquire money for college and marketable skills when we got into the "real" world. They showed us a film that seemed like a travelogue. We saw military men eating and laughing and having fun overseas. When I suggested that the films weren't giving the true story, a recruiter responded by saying there was nothing wrong with having fun after you work--that they were merely showing that side of it. "Don't you have fun after you work?" they asked. I didn't have a job.

All of this brings me to PROP V on the November ballot. San Francisco eliminated JROTC in 2006 after nearly 60% of San Franciscans voted in 2005 to eliminate military recruiters from schools. The proponents of Prop V deny that it is a recruitment program and are injecting big money to ensure its passage. The proponents say that J.R.O.T.C. promotes leadership and responsible behavior. Riva Enteen from the organization "No Military Recruitment in Our Schools" feels that the youth can focus their energy in better ways. "San Francisco needs a safety response plan in case of a major disaster. The youth could be trained as responders". Members of the San Francisco school board have called for such a program--calling it "student emergency response Volunteers". There is already a leadership development course with community service in place to provide a non-military alternative to JROTC".

I recently saw a picture of high school students walking door to door asking the community to support PROP V. I thought of the school arts programs that have been cut and of the displacement and gentrification in our neighborhoods and about elders in rooms. We need those young people's hands to not carry guns but to carry our elders fresh flowers; to guide them down flights of stairs. We need our youth to listen to the stories and songs and poetry of the ancestors and claim what is theirs. They need to hold hands with the elders and walk in the sun without the deafening noise of the blue angels to ruin it all.

Author's note:
To see a poem about my father and the military, go to www.tony-robles.com and click on links. The poem is "Brown boy on the 4th of July"

by Staff Writer

No I’ve Written No Columns.

There are many reasons for the statement above.

I won’t bore my many readers with multiple excuses.

Said simply there were

and are changes in my life going on at the moment.

From physical, psychological stresses to housing situations that have kept me from the POOR MAGAZINE offices and San Francisco Liberation Radio. Net. programs.

Ultimately I’ve been my own worst enemy (no pun intended)of new recent tv show.

For the past few months either hold up in a bed bug infested room doing the “woe is me” stuff forgetting that I’m blessed to be alive, healthy, and relatively sane.

Being A politictal with all the swirling news about the upcoming election has also gotten to me at times.

I will not worry who’s best for job as the next President or Vice President that’s up to every voter on Nov. 4th.

2008 is a momentous sea change, may usher in changes we cannot yet conceive of.

Personally, sometime after this election is over, the economy still limping along I have some decisions already made
involving travel, jobs, and career goals that just a weeks ago I could not imagine as possible.

CHANGE SEEMS TO BE THE WAY OF THE WORLD.

My firm belief is that it is positive and ongoing for everyone involved.
For me it means turning some tapes in CD’s, going places outside the U.S.

All I’ll say is “If you don’t go and vote, don’t bitch and moan afterwards.

All comments please send to

ne.com.

I think?/telljoe@poormagazine.

by Joseph Bolden

His/Her story made by all of us
Well,here it is momentous,undeniable history being made.

Just being alive to choose who’ll be next president of U.S.A. is an awesome choice.

Many literally fear change coming as old standards flounder, flail,new truths revealed.

For me,not being in Washington isn’t as big a deal as voting for the candidate in the White House
and seeing her or him with left hand raised,right hand on the bible sworn in as the highest office in America is occupied by another person other than Bush.

You know what I say. “If you don’t study the issues, vote your choice… Don’t Bitch ‘N’ Moan about the outcome.

Its up to all of us. As for the two A-holes racist Neo-Nazi Skinheads bone head Kill 88 by beheading

According to documents unsealed in U.S. District in Jackson, Tenn. By A.P. writer Laura Jakes Jordan

Also the numbers 88 and 14are symbolic in the White Supremacist community.

The spree, continues targeting [italics mine] unidentified predominantly African-American School, ending with the Two men driving toward Obama, “shooting at him from the window,”

The court documents show.

Again I thank Associate Press reporter Laura Jakes Jordan
For reporting this.

So,Drive By shootings of Black Schools and a Presidential Candidate…
Well, boys, girls, Women, Men, People- Can we smell not spell the word F E A R, true fear of a first ever Black President?

I’m voting then doing my personal run for life Extension.

I don’t care which political party, or socio economic strata you are from, of, have recently entered maybe re-enter.

My deal: get healthier, improve on it, and get down to research on the best Life Extension therapies.

The next Frontier is a personal stake living way longer than any of us ever expected to live!

I’m not the only one thinking this way.

Its no joke, laughing matter or simply nerdy to think it weird. I’ve got hard work cut out for me to live long, make few enemies have more friends, lovers and see this next evolution stage of People-kind Homo Mathuselah and I’m talking odd walk of dwarfs.

Vote and be ready for change and if it don’t happen become your own change.

Got to go folks and bet that between both Goddess/God and global humanity life extension to eventual personal physical immortality is a given.

The only question is: stay the course ‘til death or change for a chance for the hard earned gift of a very healthy prolonged lifespan.

You know me I seek the enlightenment, illumination not the gray bleak foggy darkness we’ve lived through so far.

Send comments to telljoe@poormagazine.org or www.poormagazine.org

by Joseph Bolden

Night And DaY Transformed

Just when I think this world and people cannot get any better something affirms
"Keep Your Head Up,
Hold On,Keep The Faith Baby.

I have not eaten since mid Monday, ignoring radio/tv pundants purposely until the next President is chosen.

Rent paid using my E.B.T. card (always forget what the initials mean, its my food card and not General Assistance check combined).

I don’t like it but you deal with change or change deal with you.

While paying rent, saving what I can, and preparing to see my worker in a day or two this Presidential race drifted in and out of focus until Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2008.

Early up to vote and not hear or see talking heads back to looking for stuff to take to my G.A. worker.

I almost fell asleep before tuning in the radio hearing who is the next President!
“Barack Obama is our 44th President OF The United States.”
WHAT, WHAT, OH MY GOD, THE PEOPLE YOUNG, OLD, RAINBOW HEWED HAD ELECTED NOT SELECTED A NEW PRESIDENT!

I’ve been floating since President Elect Obama’s victory and acceptance speech.

Yes, I didn’t expect to see this in my lifetime but it’s not about me now its young folks and children born and yet to be born who’ll grow up knowing
without a doubt have a Black President hopefully one of many.

Further more it will be not even debated but a given that anyone Fem, Male, whichever religion or sexual orientation will have an equal opportunity to become leader of this land.
There are still hurtles, trials, and problems abound.

It will take all of us as a nation and global humanity to solve them, everyone is
needed to keep striving to find the best in all of us to improve the lives of past, present, and future generations.

If any you listened to my voice on San Francisco Liberation Radio. Net you know there is a lot more I personally want than an election to be won and dreams in to reality flurrish but that’s a quirk uniquely mine and a few other imaginative and brave souls to shad light where ever darkness reins and set ark lights keeping shadow, mist, and dark bleakness forever away.

Now must get back to a pigsty single room occupant apartment and look for important documents needed.

Take care everyone, let us all be...

(I'm borrowing a phrase from an old-young
traveler) some of you may know of his recent return.

Brilliant, open eyes to a new day.

The dawn of many great days to come.

Any comments please send to www.telljoe.com or www.poormagazine.org