Columbia U Loses the Land!

NY court blocks Columbia University expansion
12.03.09

By Joan Gralla

[suggested by Caroline]

NEW YORK (Reuters) - A New York state court ruled on Thursday that the state cannot seize land Columbia University wants for a $6.3 billion expansion of its campus in northern Manhattan.

The Appellate Division rebuked the Ivy League university for partly creating the blight in West Harlem that was then used to justify the state's use of the power of eminent domain to wrest 17 acres, located in one of New York City's poorest neighborhoods, from the property owners.

A copy of the decision by the mid-level appeals court was posted by The New York Times on its website.

The decision contrasts with a ruling by the state's highest court last month that found the state could take land for the $4 billion Atlantic Yards development project in Brooklyn.

"The time has come to categorically reject eminent domain takings solely based on underutilization," the court said. The doctrine of "underutilization" would wrongly subject all properties to "the ultimate commercial development" even if that clashed with a neighborhood's character, it said.

A university spokeswoman was not available to comment.

The appeals court said the state failed to show that Columbia's expansion had a public purpose, a requirement that must be met to seize land. Eminent domain in the past has been used to make room for projects including hospitals and turnpikes.

"Empire State Development Corporation's determination that the project has a public use, benefit or purpose is wholly unsupported by the record and precedent," said the court.

"The blight designation in the instant case is mere sophistry."

From 2002 to 2006, Columbia bought and gained control of most of the land it needed to expand, and forced out at least half of the tenants, the court said.

Columbia failed to fix water leaks in these properties, "even when minor and economically rational repairs could arrest deterioration," the court wrote.

Further, the court said: "Columbia left building code violations open, let tenants use premises in violation of local codes and ordinances by parking cars on sidewalks and obstructing fire exits, and maintaining garbage and debris in certain buildings over a period of years."

The court faulted several blight studies, saying of one: "Even a cursory examination of the study reveals the idiocy of considering things like unpainted block walls or loose awning supports as evidence of a blighted neighborhood." Similar conditions could be found throughout the city, it said.

[re-edited by Forbes]

BS Charges Dropped Against G-20 Twitter Activists

"Twitter" charges dropped; secret affidavit to be made public Nov. 23rd

"You can beat the rap, but not the ride."
- Miami cop discussing preemptive FTAA arrests in 2003

Not surprisingly, the charges against Elliot Madison and Michael Wallschlager have been droppedAllegheny County District Attorney's office. Generally, individuals employed by law enforcement agencies tend to pad the charges of the people they arrest with offenses of a much more serious nature, as a means of accumulating the "arrest points" to raise their efficiency rating, a key factor in career advancement, as well as an effort to get the unfortunate soul who has been arrested to plead guilty to lesser charges.

The arrests and detentions that precede the mass protests which are organized as a response to a gathering of the elites, such as a trade summit, like the recent G-20 in Pittsburgh, or a political convention, usually have no merit according to the laws of the US, but are a deliberate effort to remove select individuals or groups from the field, for the duration of the demonstrations. The strategy behind these kinds of detentions seems to have evolved in the past decade or so. What was once a fishing expedition to ascribe sinister purposes to common household items, such as the raids on the warehouse used to construct puppets before the 2000 Republican National Convention in Philadelphia, had morphed into the provocation and entrapment of the 2008 RNC. A reflection of the increasing militarization of US law enforcement, the preemptive raids against the temporary logistical infrastructure used to resist the G-20 in Pittsburgh seemed to adhere to orthodox military doctrine.

Since Pittsburgh SWAT was nearly disbanded for incompetence, it may be a hard sell to characterize whoever was in charge of "security" (does anyone know?) as some kind of brilliant tactician, especially after their choice to launch their indiscriminate gas and LRAD/megaphone attack from the bottom of a hill, a position that has traditionally spelled defeat. The attacks on mobile kitchens, community farms, independent media, and communications betray a mindset that views any opposition to the status quo as a bona fide insurgency. Aside from the thrill of playing "operator," (to use their unfortunate appropriation of military jargon) with none of the risks associated with attacking armed, fortified positions, why else would dozens of cops armed with automatic weapons launch paramilitary raids on pacifists, widely known to be unarmed, if not to disrupt "supply lines" and "enemy communication?"

Whether these products of the centralized, top-down command structure and culture of bureaucratic agencies, armed or otherwise, simply lack the ability to understand the decentralized and horizontal nature of anarchist organizing, or they and their hand puppets in the media choose to designate certain individuals as "leaders," for their own purposes, namely more compelling storytelling. This also reflects an adherence, as well as an appeal to a basic component of the right-wing worldview, one that has long been taught in schools and forms the basis of most conspiracy theories, namely that the individual is the primary agent of historical change. 'Founding fathers' and '9/11 truth' both spring forth from the same part of the imagination that occasionally gives rise to visions of 'anarchist leaders.' A comment on the website of the NY Daily News, who were the first mainstream media outlet to report on the raid of their home is typical of this kind of "George Soros pays protesters" mindset:

The pimply faced teens can be manipulated by these jerks! Asyou can see, the scumbags are safely in the motel and running the show! They are not out fromt with the idealists who are not old enough or wise enough to realize that they are being manipulated by these despots who want to control them! If your cause is so important to you, why the masks? If you think the government has spyware to look thru the clearisil you are mistaken! Perhaps if your parents were made to pay for your fun, you wouldn't be so destructive! Why do your ilk smash the property of hard working people? Your dogma says that "the man " is bad, The only ones I see are detrimental(read bad) is you! Scumbags!

The Commonwealth formally dropped the fictitious criminal charges which safe money says they never intended to pursue, but were simply a means of preventing two people the State had designated as ringleaders from doing what many people had been doing for days before the summit; listening to an online police scanner and sharing that information via Twitter. Was their possession of physical police scanners somehow more threatening than the virtual ones? Much like their willingness to believe that graduates of Pittsburgh's psychic police program, used their x-ray vision to identify an individual as every one of the masked people (and flying rubber bullets, grenades, and beanbags) that may have damaged private property, one of the local papers, even entitled one of their articles about the charges being dropped against these members of the Tin Can Comms Collective "Case against alleged G-20 protest coordinators dropped," although the article itself lacked any details of how these two people "coordinated" the G-20 protests, which miraculously continued while they were in State custody.

The residents of Tortuga House can use whatever help you can spare. Although like most recent examples of efforts to transmute dissent into "terrorism," it is likely another attempt for the FBI to justify its budget, and therefore its existence, there is a federal investigation pending, which based on the vague warrant and items seized during the 16 hour raid, it is likely another fishing expedition. There is also the matter of the grand jury and the sealed affidavit:

At a hearing today, instead of oral arguments regarding a defense motion to unseal the secret 18-page affidavit authorizing the arrests of Elliott Madison and Michael Wallschlager at a motel just outside of Pittsburgh, the prosecution immediately moved to withdraw all charges against the two before the defense had a chance to argue its case. Although clear from the beginning that these charges were absurd based on the State’s very own laws, our housemates were incarcerated for 36 hours, had their van towed and belongings confiscated, and one house member was given $30,000 in straight bail.

The District Attorney and his spokesperson were at pains to explain why the State would drop all charges against these dangerous twitterists and of course, refused to admit that these charges were unconstitutional and a heavy-handed attempt to scare anarchists and others from protesting in ways unsanctioned by the government. Instead, the prosecution says they decided that pursuing the charges “would be unwise” after consulting other law enforcement agencies and because of other pending investigations. The secret affidavit authorizing the arrests in Pennsylvania is set to become public on Nov. 23rd. We imagine the Pennsylvania State Police will seek an extension to keep this document sealed—perhaps in order to hide the flimsiness of their secret evidence? However, no matter the reason, we will fight to unseal this document and we will not let the State hide behind sealed evidence, obscure innuendo, and other traditional tactics used by secret police.

[NYC] More Glamdalizing: Queers bash back against NYPD

suggestion by Elliott, re-posted from Bash Back News

New York Queers Bash Back Against NYPD

Listen up bitches!

The 77th Precinct is fucked up, and here’s why:

-officers of the 77th are responsible for consistent harassment of transpeople, sex workers and queers

-the assault of two lesbians outside of the Ife Lounge on May 16th

-like all police officers, they colonize poor neighborhoods and threaten the safety of everyone

We act in solidarity with Duanna Johnson, the patrons of Fort Worth’s Rainbow Lounge, Ariel Attack, Bash Back! Lansing, New Jersey 4 and countless other fabulous queers and trannies bound by the prison-industrial complex—with no safe words. We want not just accountability for these specific cops but the complete abolition of police and prisons.

In a fabulous act of resistance and exterior design, we have beautified the squad and personal cars of the 77th Precinct with a simple, yet classy, application of spray paint, stencils and glitter everywhere. (We’re still queefing glitter.) Fine images of cops on fire and such fierce phrases like: “This is what happens to transphobic cops,” “A change I can believe in” and “A very simple solution…” are proudly displayed on the windows and doors of New York’s Finest.

Just as a reminder to them and all of us: these pigs are vulnerable, and they’re only as powerful as we let them be. They can and will be challenged and held accountable.

That’s some real shit.
Yours queerly,

Farosha Shakure

Press Secretary of Homoexplosion, Aries, and licensed switch blade carrier.

Homoexplosion is a radical queer/trans group of fly fatherfuckers. We advocate people fucking in the street and burning shit—especially cops.

[SF] Communique from the Forgotton: HRC Glamdalized By Queers Against Assimilation

The article is at the top, the communique is at the bottom. --Ianna.

suggested by Macio, re-posted from Lez Get Real

HRC BUILDING VANDALIZED

Early this morning the Human Rights Campaign building was vandalized. Early police reports say that around 4am this morning the building was defaced. According to police the vandals used either paintball guns or balloons filled with paint. It appears to have been a drive by and the police have no suspects.

The vandalism occurred after HRC’s Annual National Dinner fundraiser where President Obama spoke. This was the most publicized dinner HRC has held because of the President’s appearance. Obama’s speech was televised live on Cspan and also covered by CNN.

Today is also the National Equality March where thousands of LGBT people will be marching for equal rights.

LGR will be following this story and will provide updates from the police as they come in.

At 4:30om EST today a group claimed responsibility by leaving a comment here on this post. Calling the act “glamdalism” the group states in their message that “a crew of radical queer and allied folks armed with pink and black paint and glitter grenades. Beside the front entrance and the inscribed mission statement (of the HRC building) now reads a tag, "Quit leaving queers behind."

Here is the full message:

Communique from the Forgotton:

Human Rights Campaign HQ Glamdalized By Queers Against Assimilation

HRC headquarters was rocked by an act of glamdalism last night by a crew of radical queer and allied folks armed with pink and black paint and glitter grenades. Beside the front entrance and the inscribed mission statement now reads a tag, "Quit leaving queers behind."

The HRC is not a democratic or inclusive institution, especially for the people who they claim to represent. Just like society today, the HRC is run by a few wealthy elites who are in bed with corporate sponsors who proliferate militarism, heteronormativity, and capitalist exploitation. The sweatshops (Nike), war crimes (Lockheed Martin), assaults on working class people (Bank of America, Deloitte, Chase Bank, Citi Group, Wachovia Bank) and patriarchy (American Apparel) caused by their sponsors is a hypocrisy for an organization with "human rights" in their name.

The queer liberation movement has been misrepresented and co-opted by the HRC. The HRC marginalizes us into a limited struggle for aspiring homosexual elites to regain the privilege that they've lost and climb the social ladder towards becoming bourgeoisie.

Last night, Obama spoke at the HRC fundraising gala and currently the HRC website declares, "President Obama underlines his unwavering support for LGBT Americans." The vast amount of organizing resources the HRC wastes on their false alliance with the Democratic party leaves radical queers on the margins to fend for themselves. Our struggle has always had to resist the repression of conservative tendencies in government and society to gain liberation in our lives.

The gourmet affair was sponsored by 48 corporations including giants Lockheed Martin, Microsoft, and Wachovia Bank. At $250 dollars a plate the HRC served our movement a rich, white, heternormative atmosphere that purposefully excludes working class queer folks.

REMEMBER THE STONEWALL RIOTS! On the 40th anniversary of Stonewall, pigs raided a queer bar in Texas, arrested and beat our friends, and we looked towards politicians and lawyers to protect us. This mentality is what keeps the money flowing to the HRC and their pet Democrats, and keeps our fists in our pockets.

Most of all we disagree that collective liberation will be granted by the state or its institutions like prisons, marriage, and the military. We need to escalate our struggle, or it will collapse.

~~Love and Solidarity~~

[London] 30 pianos scattered across city to encourage impromptu singalongs

suggested by Jeffrey, re-posted from Huffingtonpost

30 Pianos Scattered Across London to Encourage Impromptu Singalongs, 07/12/09

One project aims to make London a more cheery place through the use of song. A group has scattered 30 pianos throughout the city in order to encourage impromptu singalongs. Despite the mountain of paperwork it required to get the project up and running, the group succeeded and more music has begun to fill the air of the city.

See video here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/07/12/30-pianos-scattered-acros_n_230189.html

[Philly] Internet for Everyone[

suggested by Bryan, re-posted from MediaMobilizing.org

The Internet for Everyone: Digital Philadelphia
by Todd Wolfson and Hannah Sassaman, 07/08/09

PHILADELPHIA is lining up for a race with a big prize - tens of millions in stimulus money to expand Internet access. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act has authorized $7.2 billion for broadband programs, with everything from tricking out community centers with high-speed lines to mapping broadband availability already on the table as fundable programs.

The other day in Erie, Vice President Biden announced the guidelines, and set a 45-day window for the first round of applications, closing Aug. 14. That's especially exciting for us, since only about 50 percent of Philadelphians have daily Internet access and even fewer have access at home.

With all the economic problems the city and the country face, why has the administration prioritized the Internet? As Biden said, these grants are "a first step toward realizing President Obama's vision of a nationwide 21st century communications infrastructure - one that encourages economic growth, enhances America's global competitiveness and helps address many of America's most pressing challenges."

With Internet access, low-income families can access jobs, young people can create media about their lives and neighborhoods, small businesses can innovate and develop, and communities can take greater part in government. Access to broadband communication gives poor people power that they need more than ever.

It's great that we have a chance at money to build a communications system that serves everyone. But the feds are being very careful about how that money gets used. "Service" can't just mean that Verizon will come to your home and install a line for a monthly fee many can't afford. It will mean training, hardware and the leadership to get people online in real ways.

That's why the National Telecommunications and Information Administration is looking hard at the applications. It isn't just big corporations or shiny ideas that will walk away with these dollars - the more community engagement the NTIA sees, the better the chances of getting the cash.

But Philly is ready. Our chief information officer, Allan Frank, deserves credit for leading the most open process in the country when it comes to designing the city's application for broadband stimulus. A series of conversations with community groups and institutional leaders, launched with an all-day meeting on June 23, will lead to an application designed by everyone from high school students to shelter managers and community organizers.

The results from that meeting will be used by the city and a partner coalition of digital-inclusion specialists to design a winning bid. The communities who need the broadband connectivity are working with the city to design the plan to get it - this is bold thinking Mayor Nutter should fully support.

Only a few things can trip up the city now. Philly is standing at the starting line with other national competitors for this money: city and county governments, tech companies, community groups. The city will win big if it keeps its plan to solve the problem of the digital divide for low-income and disenfranchised communities.

To do that, the city must keep community groups at the table in a real way and the grantwriting process transparent. Other cities (San Francisco, Seattle, Boston) are building networks to conduct major city services and business, to provide public safety and help poor people get online. Now it's our turn.

We have a chance to build a city where everyone has Internet access. If we keep communities at the table and support our CIO, we can change how Philadelphians communicate, for good.

Todd Wolfson represents the Media Mobilizing Project and Hannah Sassaman the Digital Justice Coalition.

[sweet] Iconic Woodstock lovers, 40 years later

re-posted from NY Daily News

Woodstock concert's undercover lovers, Nick and Bobbi Ercoline, 40 years after summer of love
By Jim Farber, 06/07/09



Of all the images snapped during the original Woodstock weekend, one stands above all: a young couple huddled together in a blanket, standing alone in a sea of people lying on wet ground.

It's an enduring image of love, care and protection that earned iconic status through its placement on the cover of the original "Woodstock" album in 1970, as well as on the movie poster.

Forty years later, the couple in the photo - Nick and Bobbi Ercoline, both 60 - remain together. They married two summers after the fabled weekend, and they still live less than an hour's drive from the original concert site of Bethel, N.Y., and within spitting distance of where they both grew up.

Nick Ercoline works for the Orange County, N.Y., Department of Housing. Bobbi is a resident nurse at the elementary school in their hometown of Pine Bush.

The 40th anniversary of the ultimate hippie be-in, this Aug. 15-17, has thrown the Ercolines into the spotlight again - something they never expected or sought.

They say they remember nothing of the original shot, taken by Burk Uzzle. "We weren't striking a pose," Nick says. "We were as surprised as everybody to see that photo on the album cover."

They discovered it while at a friend's house listening to the album and passing around the gatefold jacket. First, Nick recognized the famous yellow butterfly staff in the left corner. "It belonged to this guy Herbie," Nick says. "We latched on to him that day because he was having a very bad experience. He was tripping pretty heavily and he had lost his friends. After I saw that staff I said, 'Hey that's our blanket.' Then I said, 'Hey, that's us.'"

Bobbi, then 20, wasn't overly impressed. "Woodstock was over and done with at that time," she says. "It didn't seem like a big deal. The only thing was that then I had to tell my mother I had gone. She didn't know. But by then, she didn't mind."

The two had arrived in the middle of the weekend, a rare feat given that all main roads were closed by then. "We were local kids, so we knew the back roads," Nick says. "About 5 miles away we abandoned this big white 1965 Chevrolet Impala station wagon."

The two didn't realize the impact their photo had until Woodstock's 20th anniversary, when the world's media began seeking them out. In fact, their memories of the original event have more to do with the scene than the music, because they were too far away to hear or see much.

"I remember the rain, the lack of toilets and the body odor," Bobbi says.

"I also remember an orange haze from the glowing lights of the stage. It was everywhere, lighting up the sky."

The pair had met only three months earlier, over Memorial Day weekend, at the bar where Nick worked. "This waiter brought this beautiful blond in one day and said, 'This is my girlfriend; keep an eye on her,'" Nick explains. "Every night she stood in front of me and we got friendlier and friendlier. Then one weekend he made the mistake of leaving her home while he went to the shore with the guys and he never told her. That was the end of that. And the beginning of this."

Despite all the time gone by, Nick says they still get recognized. "We were in Germany, and right when we walked into the hotel they knew who we were."

As to why their photo was chosen, Nick has a theory. "It's peaceful, which is what the event was about," he says. "And it's an honest representation of a generation. When we look at that photo I don't see Bobbi and me. I see our generation."