tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16354411987038915552024-02-07T00:20:16.560-08:00US Uncut MinnesotaUSuncutMNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16624364811424888394noreply@blogger.comBlogger1756125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635441198703891555.post-9633285280290716842012-08-04T14:01:00.001-07:002012-08-04T14:01:40.626-07:00Sugarland! Stand up<br />
<br />
<b>"Stand Up"</b><br />
<br />
All the lonely people cryin'<br />
It could change if we just get started<br />
Life the darkness, light a fire<br />
For the silent and the broken hearted<br />
<br />
Won't you stand up<br />
Stand Up<br />
Stand Up <br />
Won't you stand up you girls and boys?<br />
<br />
Won't you stand up<br />
Stand Up<br />
Stand Up<br />
Won't you stand up and use your voice?<br />
<br />
There's a comfort<br />
There's healing<br />
High above the pain and sorrow<br />
Change is coming<br />
Can you feel it?<br />
Calling us into a new tomorrow<br />
<br />
Won't you stand up<br />
Stand Up<br />
Stand Up <br />
Won't you stand up you girls and boys?<br />
<br />
Won't you stand up<br />
Stand Up<br />
Stand Up<br />
Won't you stand up and use your voice?<br />
<br />
When the walls fall all around you<br />
When your hope has turned to dust<br />
Let the sound of love surround you<br />
Beat like a heart in each of us<br />
<br />
Won't you stand up<br />
Stand Up<br />
Stand Up <br />
Won't you stand up you girls and boys?<br />
<br />
Won't you stand up<br />
Stand Up<br />
Stand Up<br />
Won't you stand up and use your voice?<br />
<br />
Won't you stand up<br />
Stand Up<br />
Stand Up <br />
Won't you stand up you girls and boys?<br />
<br />
Won't you stand up<br />
Stand Up<br />
Stand Up<br />
Won't you stand up<br />
<br />
Won't you stand up<br />
Stand Up<br />
Stand Up<br />
Won't you stand up and use your voice?<br />USuncutMNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16624364811424888394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635441198703891555.post-82497399884909800482012-08-04T13:39:00.002-07:002012-08-04T13:39:42.569-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgscBPGjVSLNBivEWaQOcIvly-0BZ7FrA1yy1AUPmIVvxxkRQ2av7sWikKSKOOFHJ7VJark3QmANgixkhJWp0WP2V2LNzGpFikFYN2gxr-MdSnqDoO3AXN09yAKIRAPKIFd6L_7BhrDvNA/s1600/day+of+global+protest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgscBPGjVSLNBivEWaQOcIvly-0BZ7FrA1yy1AUPmIVvxxkRQ2av7sWikKSKOOFHJ7VJark3QmANgixkhJWp0WP2V2LNzGpFikFYN2gxr-MdSnqDoO3AXN09yAKIRAPKIFd6L_7BhrDvNA/s400/day+of+global+protest.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />USuncutMNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16624364811424888394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635441198703891555.post-6495927455373715082012-08-01T10:40:00.001-07:002012-08-01T10:40:34.159-07:00Press conference and rally denouncing trumped up charges against Occupy Homes activist Nick Espinosa<header class="entry-header">
<h1 class="entry-title">
<a href="http://cruzdefenders.wordpress.com/2012/08/01/press-conference-and-rally-denouncing-trumped-up-charges-against-occupy-homes-activist-nick-espinosa-2/" rel="bookmark" title="Permalink to Press conference and rally denouncing trumped up charges against Occupy Homes activist Nick Espinosa">Press conference and rally denouncing trumped up charges against Occupy Homes activist Nick Espinosa</a></h1>
<div class="entry-meta">
<span class="sep">Posted on </span><a href="http://cruzdefenders.wordpress.com/2012/08/01/press-conference-and-rally-denouncing-trumped-up-charges-against-occupy-homes-activist-nick-espinosa-2/" rel="bookmark" title="12:55 am"><time class="entry-date" datetime="2012-08-01T00:55:42+00:00" pubdate="">August 1, 2012</time></a> </div>
<div class="comments-link">
<a href="http://cruzdefenders.wordpress.com/2012/08/01/press-conference-and-rally-denouncing-trumped-up-charges-against-occupy-homes-activist-nick-espinosa-2/#respond" title="Comment on Press conference and rally denouncing trumped up charges against Occupy Homes activist Nick Espinosa"><span class="leave-reply"></span></a> </div>
</header>
<div>
Comrades,</div>
<div>
As defendants from the Cruz house actions move through the
“justice” system, it’s imperative that we keep pressure on the
city. We’re all busy and working ourselves to the bone, but if you can,
take a moment to defend each other and our movements from state
repression. Let’s fight these charges so we can all keep doing the work
that means so much to us. There’s a few things you can do:</div>
<div>
<strong>ATTEND A RALLY TOMORROW:</strong></div>
<div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>When: Wednesday, August 1, 12:30</li>
<li>Where: in front of the Hennepin County Gov’t Center</li>
<li>Who: supporters from the Occupy movement and the community at large</li>
<li>What: Nick Espinosa pretrial hearing on trumped up charges Hennepin County Government Center</li>
</ul>
Nick Espinosa has been charged with third degree riot, along with
several other Occupy Homes activists. The charge is baseless. Espinosa
is only guilty of trying to be his brothers’ keeper by struggling to
keep banks from foreclosing on the homes of fellow human beings – many
who actually have the ability to pay.<br />
However this charge and the others are simply trumped up charges in an
attempt by authorities to stifle and shut down the anti-foreclosure work
of Occupy Homes. In fact, the charges are an attempt to stifle all free
speech and freedom of expression.<br />
The city of Minneapolis, while saying it is sympathetic to the work
of Occupy Homes in its efforts to keep homeowners in their homes, has
nevertheless employed thousands of police man hours to intervene in what
is an essentially a dispute between the homeowner in this case the Cruz
family and Freddie Mac who owns the property.<br />
This young man and others should be commended for doing what the
government refuses to do, which is to stand up to the bullying of the
big banks, which have used all kinds of trickery and chicanery to steal
homes out from under hard working people.<br />
</div>
<div>
<strong>CALL THE MAYOR AND CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE.</strong></div>
<div>
Continue the call in campaign and demand that:</div>
-All charges against community members defending the Cruz family home be dropped.<br />
-All police, including Chief Dolan, who used violence against peaceful protesters be formally disciplined.<br />
-No more public resources be used to help banks evict our neighbors!<br />
Please call the following people with the above demands:<br />
Mayor R.T. Rybak <a href="tel:%28612%29%20673-2100" target="_blank">(612) 673-2100</a><br />
City Attorney Susan L. Segal <a href="tel:%28612%29%20673-3272" target="_blank">(612) 673-3272</a><br />
Deputy City Attorney Mary Ellen Heng <a href="tel:%28612%29%20673-2270" target="_blank">(612) 673-2270</a><br />
Thank you,<br />
The Cruz Defenders Support Committee<br />
</div>USuncutMNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16624364811424888394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635441198703891555.post-74994564325058854202012-08-01T10:00:00.000-07:002012-08-01T10:00:22.093-07:00Rhode Island lawmakers pass 'homeless bill of rights'<span style="color: #a50000; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><b>Thursday, June 14, 2012</b></span><br /><img height="2" src="http://jurist.org/images/s.gif" width="100%" />
<img height="10" src="http://jurist.org/images/s.gif" width="1" /><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><b>Rhode Island lawmakers pass 'homeless bill of rights'</b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rebecca DiLeonardo</span> at 10:09 AM ET</span></span><br />
<img height="10" src="http://jurist.org/images/s.gif" width="1" /><br />
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<tr><td><img align="left" alt="Photo source or description" border="1" hspace="0" src="http://jurist.org/topstoryphoto/frontrhodeisland.jpg" valign="top" vspace="4" /></td><td><img border="0" height="1" src="http://jurist.org/images/s.gif" width="5" /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: xx-small;">[JURIST] The Rhode Island Senate on Wednesday passed a <a href="http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText12/SenateText12/S2052B.pdf" target="_blank">bill</a> [S-2052 text, PDF; <a href="http://status.rilin.state.ri.us/" target="_blank">materials</a>]
that is designed to affirm the rights of homeless individuals and
prevent discrimination. The "Homeless Bill of Rights" was passed to
ensure that "no person should suffer unnecessarily or be subject to
unfair discrimination based on his or her homeless status." Among the
rights ensured by the bill are the right to move freely in public spaces
and on public transportation, the right to obtain identification and
register to vote, and the right to be free from harassment by law
enforcement. It also forbids employment discrimination based on homeless
status and grants a "reasonable expectation of privacy in ...personal
property to the same extent as personal property in a permanent
residence." Supporters of the bill say it is the <a href="http://news.providencejournal.com/breaking-news/2012/06/ri-assembly-app-1.html" target="_blank">first law of its kind</a> [<em>Providence Journal</em> report] in the US. The bill will now pass to <a href="http://www.governor.ri.gov/" target="_blank">Governor Lincoln Chafee</a> [official website] for final approval. </span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 134%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: xx-small;"> </span></div>
<div style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 134%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: xx-small;">States have struggled to define the rights and responsibilities of the homeless. In April the US <a href="http://www.justice.gov/" target="_blank">Department of Justice</a> [official website] found that ordinances criminalizing homelessness <a href="http://jurist.org/paperchase/2012/04/criminalization-of-the-homeless-may-violate-human-rights.php">may violate human rights</a> [JURIST report] as well as the <a href="http://www.law.cornell.edu/anncon/html/amdt4frag5_user.html" target="_blank">Fourth</a> and <a href="http://www.law.cornell.edu/anncon/html/amdt8_user.html" target="_blank">Eighth Amendments</a> [text]. The Supreme Court of Georgia ruled in 2008 that current state laws regarding sex offenders are <a href="http://jurist.org/paperchase/2008/10/georgia-high-court-declares-sex.php">unconstitutional as applied to homeless people</a>
[JURIST report]. The state court determined that the law, which did not
permit listing "homeless" as an acceptable address, "[did] not give
homeless sexual offenders without a residence address fair notice of how
they can comply with the statute's registration requirement." In 2008,
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced that his administration
had <a href="http://www.nyc.gov/portal/site/nycgov/menuitem.c0935b9a57bb4ef3daf2f1c701c789a0/index.jsp?pageID=mayor_press_release&catID=1194&doc_name=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nyc.gov%2Fhtml%2Fom%2Fhtml%2F2008b%2Fpr362-08.html&cc=unused1978&rc=1194&ndi=1" target="_blank">reached a settlement</a> [press release' JURIST <a href="http://jurist.org/paperchase/2008/09/nyc-reaches-settlement-in-homeless.php">report</a>] in a long-standing lawsuit over homeless families' right to use shelters throughout the city. The main lawsuit, <a href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=3375906449026576910&hl=en&as_sdt=2&as_vis=1&oi=scholarr" target="_blank">McCain v. Koch</a> [decision], was initially filed in 1983 by the <a href="http://www.legal-aid.org/en/home.aspx" target="_blank">Legal Aid Society</a>
[official website]. As that lawsuit progressed through the court system
other complaints were filed, prompting the city to declare a <a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&ct=res&cd=13&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.escr-net.org%2Fusr_doc%2Frighttosheltertimeline.pdf&ei=jbnRSLuSE5K2eobQ1JcK&usg=AFQjCNFHjtVX5MrD5FMSLEBW19c8YAv_aA&sig2=1wX91N7z3mCNbGl7OGpEGw" target="_blank">right to shelter</a>
[Coalition for the Homeless report, PDF] which was enforced through the
court system. The new agreement allowed the City to resume complete
control in setting its policy for dealing with its estimated 9,000
homeless families.</span></div>USuncutMNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16624364811424888394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635441198703891555.post-13740425746058897872012-07-24T17:19:00.001-07:002012-07-24T17:19:21.553-07:00American Indian Movement Stands with Foreclosed Anishinabe Homeowner | The UpTake<a href="http://www.theuptake.org/2012/07/23/american-indian-movement-stands-with-foreclosed-anishinabe-homeowner/">American Indian Movement Stands with Foreclosed Anishinabe Homeowner | The UpTake</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="wp-caption alignleft" id="attachment_55785" style="width: 310px;"><a href="http://www.theuptake.org/?p=55780"><img alt="" class="size-medium wp-image-55785" height="212" src="http://www.theuptake.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Troy-300x212.jpg" title="Troy" width="300" /></a><div class="wp-caption-text">Click on this picture to see Troy's story.</div></div><br />
Activist Troy Amlee, a Lakota whose native name is White Horse Warrior, responded to a request from Occupy Homes MN to meet with an Anishinabe woman, <a href="http://www.theuptake.org/?p=55749">Anita Reyes-LeRey, whose south Minneapolis home had been foreclosed upon by Woodlands National Bank,</a> even though she thought she had a deal to rent the home and then acquire a new mortgage two years later. Reyes-LeRey was four minutes late in calling the bank to finalize the agreement, and the deal was cancelled.<br />
<br />
Amlee is a member of the American Indian Movement (AIM). AIM was involved last year with the Occupy movement, but had ceased until he skateboarded to Reyes-LeRey’s home. “So now I’m thinking that this could mend the threads that have been broken so to speak,” he said.USuncutMNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16624364811424888394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635441198703891555.post-2185532199551126052012-07-24T17:16:00.001-07:002012-07-24T17:16:41.836-07:00Four-Minute Late Phone Call to Bank Could Cost Anita Her Home | The UpTake<div class="wp-caption alignleft" id="attachment_55765" style="width: 310px;"><a href="http://www.theuptake.org/?p=55749"><img alt="" class="size-medium wp-image-55765" height="192" src="http://www.theuptake.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Anita-2-300x192.jpg" title="Anita 2" width="300" /></a><div class="wp-caption-text">Click on Anita's Picture to See Video.</div><div class="wp-caption-text"><br />
</div></div><em>Video by Bill Sorem, Text by Jacob Wheeler</em><br />
<br />
Anita Reyes-LeRey’s phone call to the Vice President at Woodlands National Bank, was four minutes late, and as a result, the Native American might lose the south Minneapolis home for which she and the Occupy Homes MN movement have fought.<br />
<br />
Reyes-LeRey has owned her home for 17 years and has $50,000 in equity. She endured a series of financial and health setbacks when her job hours were cut and vertigo prevented her from making the 100 mile, one-way drive to work, prompting her to fall behind on her mortgage payments. Anita tried to negotiate a new mortgage with Woodlands National Bank in Onamia, Minn., which holds the mortgage, but was unable to do so.<br />
<br />
Woodland’s National Bank Vice President Cindy Koonce, told Reyes-LeRey that she would do everything she could to help the homeowner. Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson offered to look over Reyes-LeRey’s loan documents for the bank. She returned to work and earned more than enough to afford her mortgage. But to Reyes-LeRey’s shock, on the end date of her redemption period, Koonce called and told her she needed to leave her home.<br />
<br />
<span id="more-55749"></span><br />
With the help of Occupy Homes MN, Reyes-LeRey began building a public pressure campaign, including call-ins and a petition for Woodlands National Bank to renegotiate her mortgage and keep her in her home. The bank tentatively offered to rent her the home and, after two years, prepare a new mortgage so she could buy it back. The deal required an up-front $2,100 payment — an amount that Reyes-LeRey was uncertain she could raise the money but nevertheless did. But her phone call was four minutes after noon, and Koonce told her the deal was off.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://youtu.be/xza90XMWNsg?t=4m2s">A video from Occupy Homes MN</a> shows a bank official confirming the deal was off because Reyes-LeRey called in “after noon.”<br />
<br />
This discussion begins at 4:02 on the above video:<br />
<blockquote><em>Occupy Homes MN Cameraman Ben Egerman:</em> So can we just note that yesterday we were told by Cindy Koonce, that at 12 (noon) today we would meet with her or talk to her…<br />
<em>Minneapolis Branch Manager Joanne Whiterabbit: </em>What Woodlands bank was negotiating with Anita to do was to allow her to rent her home.<br />
<em>Egerman:</em> Yes and…<br />
<em>Whiterabbit:</em> She needed to let us know by noon today if she had the money that they had discussed for rental purposes…<br />
<em>Egerman: </em>and when did she…<br />
<em>Whiterabbit:</em> the home ownership, the home ownership, that issue is already been done. And that was finalized on April 23rd<br />
<em>Egerman:</em> And when did she call to do that? When did she come to actually do that? It was noon. <br />
<em><em>Supporter: </em>You needed her to respond to say that she had the money for the deal.</em><br />
<em> </em><em>Whiterabbit: </em>Right.<br />
<em>Supporter: </em>And she did.<br />
<em>Egerman: </em>And she did.<br />
<em>Whiterabbit: </em>It was not before noon. <br />
<em>Egerman:</em> When was it? <br />
<em>Whiterabbit: </em>Pardon? <br />
<em>Egerman:</em> When was it?<br />
<em>Whiterabbit:</em> I’m not sure of the exact time. I just heard from Cindy that it was after noon. <br />
<em>Egerman:</em> It was 12:04<br />
<em>Supporter: </em>It was 12:04 when she called.<br />
<em>Whiterabbit:</em> OK<br />
<em>Egerman:</em> So do you think that’s a legitimate thing to say that 12:04 is too far after?<br />
<em>Whiterabbit:</em> It’s not my call to say whether it’s legitimate or not. But the agreement that you had was that it would be done by noon. <br />
<em>Supporter:</em> Why wouldn’t you do a new agreement then?<br />
<em>Whiterabbit: </em>It, it… we’re done. <br />
<em>Egerman: </em>So you’re not going to help?<br />
<em>Supporter:</em> We’re just starting.<br />
<em>Whiterabbit: </em>OK that’s fine. But I just want to acknowledge Anita that I’ve been here for you and worked with you and helped you and I have tried to help you keep your home. And this is not the first time you’ve been in this situation.</blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.theuptake.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/anita-home.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-55762" height="232" src="http://www.theuptake.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/anita-home-300x174.jpg" title="anita home" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">While the eviction notice has been put on hold, it could be enabled at any time by the Woodlands Bank. Instead of relenting, Reyes-LeRey has stopped packing as she waits in hope that a solution can be reached.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Contacted by The UpTake, Koonce at Woodlands National Bank said she she couldn’t comment at this time.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Reyes-LeRey says that if she is able to keep her home, she will offer a free room for at least a year to someone who is willing to help people stay in their homes and fight foreclosure. “I just want them to have that time and that energy to be used towards something that’s meaningful.” </div><br />
Related Links:<br />
<a href="http://www.change.org/petitions/vice-president-cindy-koonce-negotiate-with-anita-reyes-to-stop-her-foreclosure?utm_source=social_media&utm_medium=twitter&utm_content=petition&utm_campaign=en_usa_ej">Change.org petition to Woodlands Vice President Cindy Koonce: Negotiate with Anita Reyes to stop her foreclosure</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.theuptake.org/2012/07/23/american-indian-movement-stands-with-foreclosed-anishinabe-homeowner/">American Indian Movement supports Reyes-LeRey in her foreclosure fight</a>USuncutMNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16624364811424888394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635441198703891555.post-77831043155818351562012-07-24T17:07:00.002-07:002012-07-24T17:11:51.026-07:00Why do the police protect the Bank$ter$?<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}" style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="messageBody">FOR
YOU TO UNDERSTAND THIS MISUSE OF POLICE ON THE BEHALF OF FRAUDULENT
BANKERS YOU WOULD HAVE TO UNDERSTAND THE DESIGN AND IT'S USE AGAINST ALL
UNITED STATES CITIZENS REGARDLESS OF BANK OR LENDER. </span></h6>
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}" style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="messageBody">IT'S A LOAN TO
OWN SCHEME SOLD TO OVER 100 BANKS FOR WHICH YOU ARE MADE POWERLESS IN
FINDING LAWYERS OR DOING PRO SE ACTIONS BECAUSE JUDGES ARE ALSO USED BY
THEM IN THESE SCHEMES. </span></h6>
<div class="mvm uiStreamAttachments fbMainStreamAttachment" data-ft="{"type":10,"tn":"H"}">
<div class="clearfix photoRedesign">
<a class="uiPhotoThumb photoRedesignAspect" data-ft="{"type":41,"tn":"E"}" href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=270860816293082&set=a.254835877895576.59680.100001074970735&type=1&ref=nf" rel="theater"><img alt="" class="img" height="264" src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/s480x480/375289_270860816293082_1380633271_n.jpg" width="398" /></a></div>
<div class="shareSubtext fcg">
For GOD Sakes!.. Make sure that Bank is safe from those Savages!..<br />
<br />
Government and Corporations have united against the people... <span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">WELCOME to the modern day feudal system, the knights are protecting their lord.</span></div>
</div>USuncutMNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16624364811424888394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635441198703891555.post-20442310400485206402012-07-24T17:02:00.001-07:002012-07-24T17:02:17.665-07:00Protest demands drop the charges against anti-foreclosure activists | Fight Back!<a href="http://www.fightbacknews.org/2012/7/24/protest-demands-drop-charges-against-anti-foreclosure-activists">Protest demands drop the charges against anti-foreclosure activists | Fight Back!</a><br />
<br />
<div class="sub-headline"> <span style="font-size: large;">14 face ‘riot’ charges </span></div><div class="sub-headline"> </div><div id="article-info"> <div id="author"> By Staff | </div><div id="date-published"><span class="date-display-single">July 24, 2012</span></div><div id="date-published"><span class="date-display-single"> </span></div><div id="read-more"> Read more articles in <a href="http://www.fightbacknews.org/news/peoples-struggles/poor-peoples-movements/housing-struggles" rel="tag" title="">Housing Struggles</a> </div></div><div class="image"> <a class="thickbox initThickbox-processed" href="http://www.fightbacknews.org/sites/default/files/P1030957%20%282%29.jpg" rel="gallery-3050" title="Rachel Lang of the National Lawyers Guild speaking at City Hall protest"><img alt="Rachel Lang of the National Lawyers Guild speaking at City Hall protest" class="imagecache imagecache-article-lead-photo" height="180" src="http://www.fightbacknews.org/sites/default/files/imagecache/article-lead-photo/P1030957%20%282%29.jpg" title="Rachel Lang of the National Lawyers Guild speaking at City Hall protest" width="240" /></a> <div class="image-caption"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">Rachel Lang of the National Lawyers </span></div><div class="image-caption"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Guild speaking at City Hall protest </span></div><div class="image-caption"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Fight Back! News/Staff) </span></div><div class="image-caption"> </div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Minneapolis, MN</b> – More than 50 people rallied inside City Hall here, July 24 to demand all charges be dropped against members and supporters of Occupy Homes who were arrested defending the Cruz family home. In recent weeks, city prosecutors added the charge of third degree riot - a gross misdemeanor which carries a sentence of up to one year in prison and a $3000 fine - to the original trespassing charge. The 14 were arrested May 30 in a peaceful protest at the Cruz family home.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Speaking in City Hall, Rachel Lang of the National Lawyers Guild announced the start of a campaign to press city officials to drop the charges. Other speakers included hip-hop artist Brother Ali, Michael Friedman of the Legal Rights Center and Dave Bicking, formerly of the Minneapolis Civilian Police Review Authority.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The decision of city officials to escalate the charges against anti-foreclosure protesters is an attempt to attempt to intimidate activists. The protests organized by Occupy Homes have garnered international media coverage and has been successful in saving the homes of those hit by foreclosures.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Other demands put forward at the protest were that, “All police, including Chief Dolan, who used violence against peaceful protesters be formally disciplined,” and that “no more public resources be used to help banks evict our neighbors.”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>USuncutMNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16624364811424888394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635441198703891555.post-74391177251818715392012-07-23T20:22:00.001-07:002012-07-23T20:22:01.171-07:00Say NO to political prosecution of anti-foreclosure protesters! « MN Coalition for a People's Bailout<a href="http://mnbailout.wordpress.com/2012/07/24/say-no-to-political-prosecution-of-anti-foreclosure-protesters/">Say NO to political prosecution of anti-foreclosure protesters! « MN Coalition for a People's Bailout</a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">We need to stand up for the right to protest!</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>CALL…Mayor <strong>R.T. Rybak</strong> at 612-673-2100,<br />
Assistant City Attorney <strong>Mary Ellen Heng</strong> at 612-673-2270<br />
City Attorney <strong>Susan Segal</strong> at 612-673-3272<br />
<ul><li>Ask them why Occupy protesters are facing unusually harsh charges.</li>
<li>Demand that they <span style="text-decoration: underline;">drop ALL CHARGES on anti-foreclosure protesters</span></li>
</ul><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">On October 20, 2011, hundreds of people participated in a demonstration in front of U.S. Bank in downtown Minneapolis to draw attention to the fact that over 25,000 Minnesotans lost their homes to foreclosure in 2010 alone. 7 people were arrested in the intersection in front of the bank and charged with “interfering with pedestrian and vehicular traffic.”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Four of them are scheduled to go to trial on July 30th, but <strong>on July 20th they had 3 more charges added</strong> (unlawful assembly, public nuisance and not complying with a “peace officer”)!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
Nationally, the Occupy movement is facing increasing police brutality, police infiltration, and trumped up charges. Locally the Minneapolis city attorney’s office has decided to try to shut down the growing movement of people standing in solidarity with families struggling to save their homes from foreclosure by giving protesters outrageous charges. <span style="background-color: yellow;">For example, the city prosecutors have escalated charges on the 14 protesters who defended the Cruz family home on May 30th. Prosecutors at the City Attorney’s office originally charged supporters with trespassing, but have </span><strong style="background-color: yellow;">now moved to significantly more serious charges including 3rd degree riot</strong><span style="background-color: yellow;"> – a gross misdemeanor which carries a sentence of up to one year in prison and a $3,000 fine.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The city of Minneapolis is trying to scare people from standing in solidarity with people being thrown out of their own homes. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: blue; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Solidarity is not a crime! </b></span></div><div style="color: blue; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: blue; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Don’t jail the movement, jail the bankers! </b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We, the People’s Bailout Coalition, know from our work defending the homes of Rosemary Williams and Leslie Parks that it is essential to our movement for people to be able to protest home foreclosures. The foreclosure crisis is a central issue in the U.S. economic crisis – we cannot be scared away from this important issue and from the tactic of civil disobedience!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>USuncutMNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16624364811424888394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635441198703891555.post-57627581081722587622012-07-11T13:47:00.001-07:002012-07-11T13:47:58.392-07:00Woman Almost Evicted By Company That Didn’t Own Her Home | The UpTake<a href="http://www.theuptake.org/2012/07/11/woman-almost-evicted-by-company-that-didnt-own-her-home/">Woman Almost Evicted By Company That Didn’t Own Her Home | The UpTake</a><br />
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<div class="wp-caption alignleft" id="attachment_55599" style="width: 310px;"><a href="http://www.theuptake.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Connie.jpg"><img alt="" class="size-medium wp-image-55599" height="225" src="http://www.theuptake.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Connie-300x225.jpg" title="Connie Gretsch" width="300" /></a><div class="wp-caption-text">Connie Gretsch In front of her Minneapolis home-photo courtesy Occupy Homes MN</div></div><strong><em>Video by Bill Sorem, text by Mike McIntee</em></strong><br />
Minneapolis resident Connie Gretsch was bracing to be evicted from her longtime Minneapolis home.<br />
<a href="http://www.theuptake.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/EvictionTimeline.jpg"><img alt="Gretsch Eviction Timeline" class="alignright size-full wp-image-55706" height="300" src="http://www.theuptake.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/EvictionTimeline.jpg" title="Gretsch Eviction Timeline" width="100" /></a><br />
“I had this plan that when they came to take me out of my house that I was going to chain myself to my washer and dryer,” said Gretsch. “And when they would take me away I’d ask them to put the load in the dryer for me.”<br />
Gretsch then laughed at the thought. She could laugh now, because she had discovered the company trying to evict her had no right to do so. Pacifica didn’t own the mortgage on her home.<br />
Hennepin County property tax records show the company hadn’t owned the home since at least May 15 and may have sold the home as early as February (see timeline at right.) Yet lawyers for the company signed documents on June 14, nearly a month after title on the home had changed hands, swearing to the court that the company still owned the home.<br />
The gaffe, once discovered, may have led to the quick dismissal of eviction proceedings against Gretsch. But the case opens a whole host of questions about how foreclosure and eviction cases are handled as well as the incentives some companies have to ignore government rules and foreclose anyhow. <br />
<em><a href="http://www.theuptake.org/?p=55595">Lenders slow to negotiate as homeowner racks up thousands in late fees.</a></em><span id="more-55595"></span><br />
<div class="wp-caption alignright" id="attachment_55659" style="width: 160px;"><a href="http://www.theuptake.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/GretschEvictionSignature.jpg"><img alt="" class="size-thumbnail wp-image-55659" height="150" src="http://www.theuptake.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/GretschEvictionSignature-150x150.jpg" title="GretschEvictionSignature" width="150" /></a><div class="wp-caption-text">A lawyer for Pacifica swear it owns Gretsch's House. Turns out it doesn't.</div></div>Gretsch bought her home about 17 years ago. She refinanced in in 2006 but then lost her job in 2009. At the time, Citimortgage serviced her mortgage.<br />
Court records show Citimortgage granted her a loan extension agreement, which lowered her monthly payments to $615 a month and put the amount she still owed back into the loan.<br />
However, as part of the 2008 bailout of the banks, the federal government requires financial companies to modify qualified unemployed homeowners mortgages to an even lower monthly payment than Gretsch had agreed to. In April 2010, Citimortgage told Gretsch she had been accepted into the program and her monthly payments would now be $300.<br />
Unfortunately, Gretsch said she now owed an additional $30,000 dollars on the mortgage in back payments and late fees.<br />
<strong><em>Mortgage sale to Pacifica complicates matters</em></strong><br />
According to a class action lawsuit, what happened to Connie Gretsch next may have violated multiple provisions of the federal<a href="http://www.dodd-frank-act.us/Dodd_Frank_Act_Text_Section_1463.html"> Frank-Dodd Act </a>that’s designed to protect homeowners… including a provision that prevents mortgage companies from foreclosing on a home while the borrower is being considered for mortgage assistance.<br />
“I paid one month and they sold the loan to another company (Pacifica),” Gretsch said. “(Citimortgage) did not send any of the records and told them (Pacifica) that I had not paid anything for a year.”<br />
Pacifica entered into a contract with Acqura Loan Services to collect the monthly payments and process the paperwork on the mortgage.<br />
<div class="wp-caption alignleft" id="attachment_55682" style="width: 160px;"><a href="http://www.theuptake.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/HennCoTaxRecord-Citibank.jpg"><img alt="Hennepin County Tax Record- Gretsch Home" class="size-thumbnail wp-image-55682" height="150" src="http://www.theuptake.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/HennCoTaxRecord-Citibank-150x150.jpg" title="Hennepin County Tax Record- Gretsch Home" width="150" /></a><div class="wp-caption-text">Property Tax Records Show Citibank, Not Pacifica, Owns the Gretsch Home</div></div>Court records say Acqura notified Gretsch it would no longer accept her payments, which Gretsch’s attorneys say “artificially and illegally caused a purported default” which they say is a violation of federal law.<br />
Gretsch says Aquira moved to foreclose on her home instead of working with her to modify the loan as required by the federal Frank-Dodd Act. She made repeated requests for mortgage assistance to Acqura, but she says all of them were ignored or denied without notice or explanation…which is also a violation of federal law, according to her attorneys. A lawsuit filed by Gretsch says Acqura has offered no written explanation for its conduct.<br />
<strong><em>Foreclosed and ready to quit</em></strong><br />
Her home was sold at Sheriff’s auction in November 2011. She says Pacifica tacked about $100,000 on to the original mortgage of $240,000 and then bought the home from itself.<br />
“I felt that I had lost my fight. And I started looking at other places to live. My credit rating was so terrible, I couldn’t find a place to rent,” said Gretsch.<br />
“One day I was packing and I just decided I wasn’t going to leave. And I went to the Occupy Homes meeting at the Cruz’ house on Cedar.”<br />
It was there she found encouragement to fight back. Other foreclosed homeowners convinced her she shouldn’t be embarrassed by her situation. She used that encouragement to contact the Minnesota Attorney General’s office about Acqura’s actions.<br />
<strong><em>Minnesota Attorney General’s office to the rescue</em></strong><br />
The Attorney General’s office seemed to agree with Gretsch that Acqura had not followed the rules and told mortgage owner Pacifica that in <a href="http://www.theuptake.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/AGLetter.jpg">a letter</a>. “Acqura Loan Servicing failed to respond in a proper manner to Ms. Gretsch’s request,” wrote William Gosinger, who works in the Attorney General’s consumer services division. “Ms. Gretsch now requests Pacifica Mortgage halt all foreclosure action and provide a mutually acceptable option allowing her to remain in her property.”<br />
It was about this time that Gretsch discovered that Pacifica no longer owned the home and could not evict her. Pacifica had sold the mortgage to Citibank at least a month earlier. Two days after the Attorney General’s office sent the letter, <a href="http://www.theuptake.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/GretschVAcquraDissmissal.jpg">Pacifica asked the court to dismiss the eviction proceedings against Gretsch.</a><br />
It’s unclear if Pacifica asked for dismissal because of the letter or because it no longer owned the loan. Pacifica’s lawyers would not answer those questions without speaking to their clients and have yet to call The UpTake back with an explanation.<br />
<div class="wp-caption alignleft" id="attachment_55651" style="width: 310px;"><a href="http://www.theuptake.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Birdhousecopy.jpg"><img alt="Birdhouse" class="size-medium wp-image-55651" height="168" src="http://www.theuptake.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Birdhousecopy-300x168.jpg" title="Birdhouse" width="300" /></a><div class="wp-caption-text">For saving her home, Connie Gretsch is sending a birdhouse to the MN Attorney General's office</div></div><em><strong>A broken system</strong></em> “It just only proves that this is not being dealt with properly. I don’t think anybody’s is being dealt with properly,” says Gretsch.<br />
“It’s ruined people’s lives. And nobody has backed up and said we’re going to do it any differently. Gone are the days where you know your banker and you have to face the people that you do business with.”<br />
The foreclosure business is impersonal. Gretsch recalled talking to the person who served her with an eviction notice. “I asked the server why he even does this and he says, ‘well, I have to make my money and last week I delivered one to my sister.’”<br />
Gretsch is giving the Attorney General’s office credit for keeping her in her home. She has a small birdhouse she plans to give the office as thanks for their help.<br />
But while the immediate threat to evict Gretsch from her home may be gone, she still has to negotiate with Citibank to either modify or give her a new mortgage on her home. Tax records say its market value is $196,000. Pacifica paid $240,000 for it before it sold it to Citibank.<br />
Gretsch is also waiting for a judge to rule on her class action lawsuit that could impact her and as many as 50 to 100 other people who may have been wronged by Acqura, many of them in Hennepin County.<br />
<em><strong>Class action lawsuit alleges loan companies have incentive to game the system</strong></em><br />
That class action lawsuit says the mortgage system makes it more profitable for third party loan servicers such as Acqura to avoid modification, keeping the mortgage in a “state of default or distress” or pushing the loan toward foreclosure. The lawsuit says that profit the loan servers make by delaying loan modification is more than the $1,000 the federal government pays to have the loan modified. Therefore, there is not enough financial incentive to modify the loan.<br />
The lawsuit says Acqura has illegally ignored or denied loan modification requests from Gretsch and other homeowners facing foreclosure. It also says that Acqura violated federal law by not checking to see if homeowners were eligible for federal assistance before starting to foreclose on them.<br />
Acqura is also accused of<a href="https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/?id=58.13"> violating Minnesota laws that regulate the standards of conduct for loan servicers.</a><br />
Acqura disputed Gretsch’s claim and tried to have the case moved to a federal court. That move failed and it was heard before <a href="http://www.mncourts.gov/?page=JudgeBio_v2&ID=30413">Hennepin County Judge Susan Robiner</a> in March. She is expected to rule on Gretsch’s class action suit by July 20.<br />
<em><strong>The human toll</strong></em><br />
Gretsch is a health care worker. She says the toll foreclosures are taking on people is more than just financial.<br />
“One area that hasn’t been really talked about, and I’m a health care provider, is the emotional and physical stress that is put on people and children. And once I get my feet on the ground and get to a point where I think I have this place saved, I want to develop some health care for people that have been totally brutalized by this system.<br />
“People are killing themselves. And it’s not their fault.”<br />
<em><strong>Links to documents and sources used for this story:<br />
</strong></em><br />
<div class="article first_main_article"><br />
<li><a href="http://www.theuptake.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/GretschVAcqura.pdf">Class action lawsuit Gretsch Vs Acqura Filed Jan 2012</a></li><br />
<li><a href="http://www.theuptake.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/AGLetter.jpg">Letter from Minnesota Attorney General’s office to Pacifica asking it to stop eviction.<br />
</a></li><br />
<li><a href="http://www.theuptake.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/GretschVAcquraDissmissal.jpg">Letter from Pacifica attorney asking judge to dismiss eviction proceedings against Connie Gretsch</a></li><br />
</div>USuncutMNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16624364811424888394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635441198703891555.post-24299413244145469702012-07-02T01:57:00.001-07:002012-07-02T01:57:14.469-07:00WikiLeaks Etc.: #Rally4JA Photos - State Library, Melbourne, July 1<a href="http://mmcetera.blogspot.com.au/2012/06/rally4ja-photos-state-library-melbourne.html">WikiLeaks Etc.: #Rally4JA Photos - State Library, Melbourne, July 1</a>USuncutMNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16624364811424888394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635441198703891555.post-67111071469766183482012-07-01T10:39:00.001-07:002012-07-01T10:39:39.275-07:00Anita's Story: Facing Foreclosure<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/lC9blH_5cn4?fs=1" width="459"></iframe>USuncutMNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16624364811424888394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635441198703891555.post-36953322734479953402012-06-30T14:15:00.003-07:002012-06-30T14:15:40.001-07:00Moratorium on Foreclosures NOW!<div class="copy">
<h2 class="post-title">
<a href="http://socialistmn.tumblr.com/post/19578200389/1933-vs-2012-moratorium-on-foreclosures-now" target="_blank">(1933 vs. 2012) MORATORIUM ON FORECLOSURES NOW!</a></h2>
By Nick Shillingford<br /><em>South Minneapolis Homeowner and member of the Canvassing Sub-Committee of Occupy Homes</em><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL4DxcDhhe65WHoA4cV3_sRmk-J6hFpWui4Eay4jbxaFA2ORuiJVr5aeqWYHsP_00yea1xhK_J18wZ_IlzfXtEq-7VeI5ezvwXi-ovWJYgkBiqflifE9FJY7jVmnA2NdvKGylHfzWgY58/s1600/there's+no+place+like+home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL4DxcDhhe65WHoA4cV3_sRmk-J6hFpWui4Eay4jbxaFA2ORuiJVr5aeqWYHsP_00yea1xhK_J18wZ_IlzfXtEq-7VeI5ezvwXi-ovWJYgkBiqflifE9FJY7jVmnA2NdvKGylHfzWgY58/s320/there's+no+place+like+home.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The call for an immediate moratorium (government imposed suspension
of activity) on all foreclosures is not a new idea. In fact a moratorium
was put in place by the Minnesota legislature to halt foreclosure
proceedings in 1933 during the Great Depression. In the mid-west this
movement was lead by radical farmers in the Farmers Holiday Association.
But ultimately a total of 27 states would enact some form of
foreclosure moratorium by the middle of 1934 for both urban and rural
home owners. (Wheelock 2008)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In 1932 it became clear that “sharply falling incomes made it
increasingly difficult for farmers to pay the interest and principal on
their outstanding debts, but falling property values made it less likely
that farmers could sell their properties for more than the outstanding
balance on their mortgages. The result was a sharp increase in
farm mortgage delinquencies and foreclosures.” (Wheelock 2008)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Similar to the 1930’s today many families have seen their incomes
shrink while dropping property values have put their homes actual market
worth well below what they still owe the banks on their mortgage.
Unemployment, wage pressures and market pressures are now squeezing
families across the country.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin the Farmers Holiday Association,
which was made up of farmer radicals played a leading role in activating
the wider community and pressuring the legislature to act. According to
a paper by Kim Neilsen presented to the Minnesota Historical society
“In the fall of 1933, Konrad K. Solberg, Minnesota’s
lieutenant governor, told frustrated Douglas County farmers, ‘If you
haven’t got 50 [cents] for the [Farm Holiday] membership, steal one of
your mortgaged pigs and sell it!’” (Neilsen 1988) In addition to calling
on farmers to join the Farmers Holiday Association he was also telling
them to committee an act of non-violent civil disobedience in stealing
a mortgaged pig back from the bank.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipP7KSC3ri1AbAf1iokKgLu_SGlrLqoOx-nQPeFIdpsm1ZEN1970NaAdv1ahAPRHgTtCQXZDYeUEo36s4IrSB9Qayns7IZUyGvyUI-8AztNclXMn90EoD808J5C0SI77RuaIuKMF7opOs/s1600/33strike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipP7KSC3ri1AbAf1iokKgLu_SGlrLqoOx-nQPeFIdpsm1ZEN1970NaAdv1ahAPRHgTtCQXZDYeUEo36s4IrSB9Qayns7IZUyGvyUI-8AztNclXMn90EoD808J5C0SI77RuaIuKMF7opOs/s400/33strike.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Years of movement building accompanied by other direct action had
been crucial in bringing about the situation in 1933 that ultimately
resulted in the passage of the moratorium bill of that year. One popular
direct-action technique that was widespread was the penny auction. “The
concept was simple. Farm families gathered in large numbers at
a foreclosure sale and quietly but confidently informed any prospective
buyers that they were not to bid…When items came up on the auction
block, only designated bidders were allowed to speak. Cars, tractors,
and livestock were purchased for sums ranging from about 10 cents to 50
cents. At the end of the auction, all the goods were returned to the
original owner.” Just the threat of this tactic in some cases was enough
to convince the banks to renegotiate with the farm families before the
date of the auction came. (Neilsen 1988)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
All the while the Farmers Holiday Association and other farm member
organizations were also drafting and publicly speaking about legislation
to halt foreclosures all together. It was the pressure on the banks
that won gains for individual families but ultimately national public
pressure on the politicians that brought about a moratorium in many
states. Just days before the Minnesota moratorium was passed in November
of 1933 Milo Reno, the original organizer of the Farmers Holiday
Association, said “We have been patient and long suffering. We have been
made a political football for jingo politicians, who are controlled by
the money-lords of Wall Street.” (Neilsen 1988)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Once again many Americans are now becoming aware of the stranglehold
Wall Street and big banks have on our communities. We must seize this
opportunity to call for a moratorium on all foreclosures while also
making it difficult, if not impossible, for banks and the police to
forcefully take us and our neighbors from our homes.</div>
<br />
<b>Homelessness HURTS. Help us prevent homelessness and fight the corrupt banks .. </b><br />
<a href="http://signon.org/sign/41-million-reasons-for?source=c.url&r_by=260770" target="_blank">The link to the 2012 foreclosure petition is on signon.org here</a>. <span style="font-size: large;">Please sign!</span><br />
<br />
An article about how to achieve a foreclosure moratorium in your state is at:<br />
<a href="http://www.opednews.com/articles/State-wide-Foreclosure-Mor-by-Virginia-Simson-120618-544.html" target="_blank"> http://www.opednews.com/articles/State-wide-Foreclosure-Mor-by-Virginia-Simson-120618-544.html</a><br />
<br />
</div>USuncutMNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16624364811424888394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635441198703891555.post-3171218209455874122012-06-29T14:38:00.000-07:002012-06-29T16:37:01.473-07:00Help these Media-Savvy Homeless Occupiers Get to Philly ASAP<div style="color: #351c75; text-align: justify;">
<b>HELP!! TIP CUP PLEA - Our ride to Philly fell through. I am BEGGING
for donations to take a plane there. THERE IS A PAYPAL slot on this <a href="http://www.usuncutmn.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">www.USuncutMN.blogspot.com</a>
site. </b></div>
<div style="color: #351c75; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #351c75; text-align: justify;">
<b> I need $100 by tomorrow. Someone from Occupy Mpls/Mn needs to
BE THERE, collecting info and getting people on The Page about how we
are being "picked off" and criminalized. I have the foreclosure
moratorium/prevent homelessness presentation to do. Please. Nickels
and dimes add up. I need $100 by tomorrow and then I can fly there ... </b></div>
<div style="color: #351c75; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #351c75; text-align: justify;">
<b>I
so wish <a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=100002924923404" href="https://www.facebook.com/ziggy.vouraun">Ziggy Vouraun</a> could come too. So be generous, we would do a GREAT JOB between live streaming, videoing and putting this all in writing ....... </b><br />
<br />
<b>Help me get support to <a href="http://www.opednews.com/articles/State-wide-Foreclosure-Mor-by-Virginia-Simson-120618-544.html" target="_blank">prevent homelessness via the foreclosure moratorium</a>, speak about the need for the Financial Transaction Tax/Robin Hood tax anduse the media to exposure this cynical ploy by RT Rybeck!! Minnesota pioneered the foreclosure moratorium movement back in the Depression; we can so do it again.</b></div>
<div style="color: #351c75; text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="color: #351c75; text-align: justify;">
<b>Here you can help by putting in a few keystrokes! <a href="http://signon.org/sign/41-million-reasons-for?source=c.url&r_by=260770">http://signon.org/sign/41-million-reasons-for?source=c.url&r_by=260770.</a></b></div>
<div style="color: #351c75; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #351c75; text-align: justify;">
<b>Signing the petition will give a kickstart to a national demand, done via each state.</b></div>
<div style="color: #351c75; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.opednews.com/articles/State-wide-Foreclosure-Mor-by-Virginia-Simson-120618-544.html" target="_blank"> http://www.opednews.com/articles/State-wide-Foreclosure-Mor-by-Virginia-Simson-120618-544.html</a></span></b></div>
<div style="color: #351c75; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #351c75; text-align: justify;">
<b>008RNC Redux! <a href="http://www.occupyhomesmn.org/nonviolent-cruz-family-supporters-targeted-with-riot-charges-weeks-after-arrests/" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.occupyhomesmn.org/nonviolent-cruz-family-supporters-targeted-with-riot-charges-weeks-after-arrests/</a> three arrestees at Cruz house charged with third degree Riot gross misdemeanor. 3rd degree riot (gross misdemeanor<span class="text_exposed_show">)
/ Obstructing legal process / Disorderly conduct / Presence At An
Unlawful Assembly / Trespassing. Bankster criminal ops continue
unhindered with state, local & federal protection from bullies
wearing nice clothes ....</span></b></div>
<span class="text_exposed_show"><br /></span><br />
<h1 class="entryHeadline">
<a href="http://blogs.citypages.com/blotter/2012/06/occupy_homes_riot_charges.php" target="_blank">Occupy Homes protesters charged with rioting</a></h1>
<div class="byLine">
<span class="bylineAuthor">By <a href="http://blogs.citypages.com/author.php?author_id=2505">Gregory Pratt</a></span>
<span class="bylineDate">Fri., Jun. 29 2012 at 2:29 PM</span>
</div>
<div class="commentCount">
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<table border="0" class="image right" style="width: 200px;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://blogs.citypages.com/blotter/occupyriot.jpg"><img alt="occupyriot.jpg" height="252" src="http://blogs.citypages.com/blotter/assets_c/2012/06/occupyriot-thumb-200x126.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="credit">Occupy Homes</td></tr>
<tr><td class="caption"></td><td class="caption"></td><td class="caption"></td><td class="caption"></td><td class="caption"></td><td class="caption"></td></tr>
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<br />
Several Occupy protesters have been charged with rioting for their <a href="http://blogs.citypages.com/blotter/2012/05/occupy_homes_successfully_defends_foreclosed_mpls_home_against_4_am_eviction_raid_photos.php">demonstrations at the Cruz family home</a>.
<br />
Local protester Nick Espinosa, who made a name for himself by <a href="http://blogs.citypages.com/blotter/2011/08/tom_emmer_pennies_protester_state_fair.php" target="_blank">dropping pennies on Tom Emmer</a> and <a href="http://blogs.citypages.com/blotter/2011/07/nick_espinosa_marcus_bachmann_glitter_bomb.php" target="_blank">glitter-bombing politicians</a> across the county in addition to <a href="http://blogs.citypages.com/blotter/2012/06/occupy_homes_activist_nick_espinosa_helps_saves_his_moms_mpls_home_from_foreclosure.php">his work with Occupy Minnesota</a>,
was charged yesterday with third-degree riot (a gross misdemeanor),
interfering with a peace officer, trespassing, disorderly conduct, and
presence at unlawful assembly.<br />
<br />
Espinosa did not return phone calls seeking comment but Occupy Homes
released a statement blasting the city attorney for "escalating" charges
against the protesters.<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1635441198703891555" name="more"></a>
Initially, the protesters at the Cruz family home were charged with simple trespassing. <br />
"These charges are a clear and disgraceful attempt to suppress the
Occupy Homes movement and 'make an example' of anti-foreclosure
organizers who were arrested while non-violently protesting an unjust
eviction," Occupy's <a href="http://www.occupyhomesmn.org/nonviolent-cruz-family-supporters-targeted-with-riot-charges-weeks-after-arrests/" target="_blank">statement</a>
read. "City Attorney Susan Segal, appointed by Mayor RT Rybak, has also
made it a point to aggressively prosecute other political defendants,
including a group arrested while protesting US Bank's foreclosure
practices last fall."<br />
Despite the new charges, Occupy says it will continue its protests. <br />
"This attempt to silence and stifle anti-foreclosure organizing will
not deter us from fighting for our homes, our families, our neighbors,
and our futures," Occupy said.<br />
It is unknown at this time how many other protesters were hit with
the new charges. Espinosa is one and the group acknowledges that "at
least three arrestees (though likely more)" have been affected.<br />
<b>Related coverage:</b><br />
-- <a href="http://blogs.citypages.com/blotter/2012/06/gary_schiff_wants_city_of_minneapolis_to_send_cruz_home_police_bill_to_pnc_bank.php" target="_blank">Gary Schiff wants city of Minneapolis to send Cruz home police bill to PNC Bank</a><br />
-- <a href="http://blogs.citypages.com/blotter/2012/06/police_efforts_at_now-foreclosed_cruz_family_home_cost_taxpayers_42429.php">Police efforts at now-foreclosed Cruz family home cost taxpayers $42,429</a><br />
-- <a href="http://blogs.citypages.com/blotter/2012/06/occupy_homes_activist_nick_espinosa_helps_saves_his_moms_mpls_home_from_foreclosure.php">Occupy Homes activist Nick Espinosa helps save his mom's Mpls home from foreclosure</a><br />
-- <a href="http://blogs.citypages.com/blotter/2012/05/occupy_homes_cant_defend_cruz_family_home_from_third_eviction_attempt.php">Occupy Homes can't defend Cruz family home from third eviction attempt</a><br />
-- <a href="http://blogs.citypages.com/blotter/2012/05/occupy_homes_successfully_defends_foreclosed_mpls_home_against_4_am_eviction_raid_photos.php">Occupy Homes successfully defends foreclosed Mpls home against 4 a.m. eviction raid [PHOTOS]</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<header class="entry-header">
<h1 class="entry-title">
Nonviolent Cruz Family Supporters Targeted with Riot Charges Weeks After Arrests</h1>
<div class="entry-meta">
<span class="sep">Posted on </span><a href="http://www.occupyhomesmn.org/nonviolent-cruz-family-supporters-targeted-with-riot-charges-weeks-after-arrests/" rel="bookmark" title="1:04 pm"><time class="entry-date" datetime="2012-06-29T13:04:13+00:00" pubdate="">June 29, 2012</time></a><span class="by-author"> <span class="sep"> by </span> <span class="author vcard"><a class="url fn n" href="http://www.occupyhomesmn.org/author/beckyz803/" rel="author" title="View all posts by beckyz803">beckyz803</a></span></span> </div>
</header>
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<div class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_595" style="width: 527px;">
<a href="http://www.occupyhomesmn.org/nonviolent-cruz-family-supporters-targeted-with-riot-charges-weeks-after-arrests/dolan-5/" rel="attachment wp-att-595"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-595" height="328" src="http://www.occupyhomesmn.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Dolan4.jpg" title="Dolan" width="517" /></a><br />
<div class="wp-caption-text">
Minneapolis
Police Chief Tim Dolan steps on peaceful protesters outside the Cruz
home May 30. Fourteen were arrested that night, and so far at least
three have received riot charges.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="wp-caption-text" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Yesterday, several activists with Occupy Homes MN discovered that the
City Attorney has decided to escalate charges following their <a href="http://www.startribune.com/local/minneapolis/156108395.html">arrests</a> defending the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_6Kz8MIpns">Cruz family</a>
home. Prosecutors at the City Attorney’s office originally charged the
group of Cruz family supporters with trespassing, and have now moved to
significantly more serious charges including 3rd degree riot–a gross
misdemeanor which carries a sentence of up to one year in prison and a
$3,000 fine.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
These charges are a clear and disgraceful attempt to suppress the
Occupy Homes movement and ‘make an example’ of anti-foreclosure
organizers who were <a href="http://www.kare11.com/news/article/977836/391/14-arrested-by-Minneapolis-police-after-foreclosure-protest">arrested while non-violently protesting an unjust eviction</a>.
City Attorney Susan Segal, appointed by Mayor RT Rybak, has also made
it a point to aggressively prosecute other political defendants,
including a group arrested while protesting US Bank’s foreclosure
practices <a href="http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2011/10/20/occupymn-home-foreclosures/">last fall</a>.</div>
<br />
As of now at least three arrestees (though likely more) are charged with the following:<br />
<ul>
<li>3rd degree riot (gross misdemeanor)</li>
<li>Obstructing legal process</li>
<li>Disorderly conduct</li>
<li>Presence At An Unlawful Assembly</li>
<li>Trespassing</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Instead of prosecuting the criminal fraud of the bankers that crashed
our economy, or working to give relief to families devastated by the
foreclosure crisis, <a href="http://blogs.citypages.com/blotter/2012/06/police_efforts_at_now-foreclosed_cruz_family_home_cost_taxpayers_42429.php">our tax dollars</a>
are being spent to evict families at the banks’ behest, and to
intimidate and prosecute neighbors fighting to keep more vacant homes
out of their communities.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/02/occupy-minneapolis-foreclosed-home_n_1559763.html">The fight to defend the Cruz family</a> from a wrongful and unnecessary eviction has garnered support from <a href="http://www.change.org/cruzhome">hundreds of thousands of supporters</a> around the country with <a href="http://clatl.com/freshloaf/archives/2012/06/22/occupy-our-homes-atlanta-protests-at-buckhead-bank">solidarity actions</a> in <a href="http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2012/06/21/minn-family-comes-to-pittsburgh-protests-pnc-bank/">over a dozen cities</a>, and has sent a message to big banks everywhere that we won’t stand by and let them steal our homes.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This attempt to silence and stifle anti-foreclosure organizing will
not deter us from fighting for our homes, our families, our neighbors,
and our futures.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We shall not be moved.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For more updates and ways to support the defendants, follow <a href="about:blank">www.occupyhomesmn.org,</a> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/OccupyHomesMN">http://www.facebook.com/OccupyHomesMN</a> and <a href="http://www.twitter.com/OccupyHomesMN">www.twitter.com/OccupyHomesMN</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Please donate to our legal fund <a href="https://www.wepay.com/OccupyHomesMN">here</a> to help cover the costs of this attack on our movement.</div>
<br />
Thanks for your support,<br />
Occupy Homes MN<b></b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<div style="background-color: #ffd966; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Foreclosure Moratorium Flyer</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Please sign and SHARE </b></span></div>
<div style="background-color: #ffd966; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiErY2PZIszxdtOu1cf6FS0jNh1st0fR3cFZn82h-xmz-mzljkF34jxKRo1s3Kaf6iieWeaPxD39dUkHZ71aiDNwEgR16wv6vgRwKPMS7ErgxwUOBoIfDQUe3IjYYvUDC47JmKltlFt-Fw/s1600/there's+no+place+like+home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiErY2PZIszxdtOu1cf6FS0jNh1st0fR3cFZn82h-xmz-mzljkF34jxKRo1s3Kaf6iieWeaPxD39dUkHZ71aiDNwEgR16wv6vgRwKPMS7ErgxwUOBoIfDQUe3IjYYvUDC47JmKltlFt-Fw/s400/there's+no+place+like+home.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b> </b>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -27.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Sitting on millions of dollars while people are being
evicted is unacceptable. Be transparent with the National Mortgage </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -27.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Settlement and put a moratorium on foreclosures &
evictions until the process is up, running, and proven to be working </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -27.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">for at least one month.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">There has been at
least $280 million available but on hold for over 6 months. This money was obtained to keep people in
their homes and as relief for victims of corrupt banking practices by Bank of
America, JP Morgan Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and GMAC/Ally Financial. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Help us get this
money working and stop foreclosures & evictions until it is. Let’s prevent homelessness For
further information: Please contact <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="mailto:USuncutMN@gmail.com">USuncutMN@gmail.com</a></b>
and/or see Virginia Deoccupy Homelessness Simson’s Facebook page. Petition can be accessed at <a href="http://signon.org/sign/41-million-reasons-for?source=c.url&r_by=260770">http://signon.org/sign/41-million-reasons-for?source=c.url&r_byS=260770</a></span></div>
<div style="margin-left: -.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.ag.state.mn.us/Consumer/PressRelease/120209NatMtgSltmnt.asp">www.ag.state.mn.us/Consumer/PressRelease/120209NatMtgSltmnt.asp</a>
<br />
<a href="http://www.propublica.org/special/where-are-the-foreclosure-deal-millions-going">www.propublica.org/special/where-are-the-foreclosure-deal-millions-going</a></b> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Article on how to obtain a state-wide foreclosure moratorium can be found at
and what YOU can do is on: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.opednews.com/articles/6/State-wide-Foreclosure-Mor-by-Virginia-Simson-120618-544.html"> www.opednews.com/articles/6/State-wide-Foreclosure-Mor-by-Virginia-Simson-120618-544.html</a> </b></span></div>
<div style="margin-left: -.25in; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<b>Name Email Comment(s)<br />
</b></div>USuncutMNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16624364811424888394noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635441198703891555.post-48159733709520038772012-06-17T19:44:00.001-07:002012-06-17T19:44:42.022-07:00Join Vagina is not a Dirty Word FB Group | Speaking of America | Scoop.it<a href="http://www.scoop.it/t/speaking-of-america/p/1977307251/join-vagina-is-not-a-dirty-word-fb-group">Join Vagina is not a Dirty Word FB Group | Speaking of America | Scoop.it</a><br />
<br />
<div class="image"> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/virginia.simson/posts/10151070426556874?notif_t=like&_fb_noscript=1" id="post_title" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> <div class="thisistherealimage"> <img alt="Join Vagina is not a Dirty Word FB Group | Speaking of America | Scoop.it" src="http://img.scoop.it/LqD6BdkpJ_rjomUJVGMiqzl72eJkfbmt4t8yenImKBVaiQDB_Rd1H6kmuBWtceBJ" /> </div></a> </div><div id="post_description"> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/309140842514158/309364849158424/?notif_t=group_comment_reply" target="_blank">DO IT NOW</a> - I've made this so you can EASILY copy it and paste it around on Facebook. Let's show people vigorous vaginas rule!: COPY, Paste, SHARE WIDELY!!<br />
<br />
Check out the amazing action on the "Vagina is not a dirty word" FB group. The Phoenix IS rising. This is not just a group for *pussies* - it's for the bold and imaginative!<br />
<br />
Since the right-wing rePUGlicans BANNED Representatives using the word(s) Vagina and Vasetomy, we are FIGHTING BACK!!<br />
<br />
Remember my old idea of TONS of mail to stop the war - clog up the DC system? Well in that very spirit, our buddy, Jace Bolger, in Michigan is about to find out what its like to get kotex in the mail.<br />
<br />
#vaginagate rocks!! So do #VaginaMovieTitles #VaginaMovieLines #VaginaBookTitles - which often trend No. 1 right now on twitter.<br />
<br />
Jase Bolger has a FB account. I managed to get 10,000 people last night tweeted telling them to apply to be his FB "friend". That should keep him too busy to insult women for awhile.<br />
<br />
The actions release the pent up 14-year olds in all sorts of progressive women - and guyz, too.<br />
After all, the Vagina is Not a Dirty Word FB group is not just for pussies!<br />
<br />
Everyone is invited to send Jace a card w/only the word VAGINA on it - and for the lazy, we also have an email to sign via The Daily Kos: <a href="http://campaigns.dailykos.com/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=161" target="_blank">http://campaigns.dailykos.com/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=161</a><br />
<br />
Jase Bolger<br />
Speaker of the House<br />
PO Box 30014<br />
Lansing, MI 48909-7514<br />
<br />
But becuz the legislature is in session: this provides where to reach him at home:<br />
Jase Bolger<br />
216 W Mansion Street<br />
Marshall, MI. 49068<br />
<br />
Pass it along! Invite your neighbors, your cats, people who won't be offended, people who WILL be offended - give it your best shot!<br />
</div>USuncutMNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16624364811424888394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635441198703891555.post-82145003933457957542012-06-17T13:06:00.000-07:002012-06-18T19:34:40.935-07:00State-wide Foreclosure Moratorium: How to get one!<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Foreclosure Arrestee (USuncutMN)
Asks YOUR help</span></i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMgAiQ0_hPVJPIDIhVB5uCvPx8ZoIlKFRszR8K8UkatSNtOHyGexIWvchwzd9_rN7IYxdOzq30ScQdXJy8GxelzpeeR1g6EU3mJaufUF4_4YCe6fG1Cmvfft2TG57ok8lbbSAFCHzpGso/s1600/there's+no+place+like+home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMgAiQ0_hPVJPIDIhVB5uCvPx8ZoIlKFRszR8K8UkatSNtOHyGexIWvchwzd9_rN7IYxdOzq30ScQdXJy8GxelzpeeR1g6EU3mJaufUF4_4YCe6fG1Cmvfft2TG57ok8lbbSAFCHzpGso/s320/there's+no+place+like+home.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>VIRGINIA DEOCCUPY HOMELESSNESS SIMSON</b>, <i><a href="http://www.usuncutmn.blogspot.com/">www.USuncutMN.blogspot.com</a>, scoop.it/Austerity?NO!!</i></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Saint Paul, Minnesota</b> By now, most are aware that the banks made enormous profits
selling junk mortgages. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inside_Job_%28film%29" target="_blank">Inside Job</a> won
the Best Documentary award for exposing how the citizens were “played” by the
banks and how the executives involved just did not hold themselves
accountable for the consequences of their massive fraud. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Matt Taibbei of Rolling Stone magazine, made <a href="http://www.blogger.com/.%20%20http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17g9v0lPxgs&feature=topics" target="_blank">powerful comment at Occupy Wall Street</a> on February 23rd in a teach-in as to why we in the United States MUST fight back and demand accountability. The crisis is far from over. This chart explains why it will take a full four years for the effects to "settle": It takes time for the entire process to finalize into <i>homelessness</i>! Let's prevent some trauma!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhuRmYrdkYcDSNu5gZrpDqTfRARG5OKXZbw9sFtXAKY_UY_8L1BVnjFlJyAwJRpRf84xLAH2eOw_Vdy2RDY25XK2IEYTyXzI6OlCH6f19hpcaUeT9udGhnFj3HlDicJNxceOW_oIG0TzA/s1600/fun+w+predatory+lending.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhuRmYrdkYcDSNu5gZrpDqTfRARG5OKXZbw9sFtXAKY_UY_8L1BVnjFlJyAwJRpRf84xLAH2eOw_Vdy2RDY25XK2IEYTyXzI6OlCH6f19hpcaUeT9udGhnFj3HlDicJNxceOW_oIG0TzA/s320/fun+w+predatory+lending.jpg" width="317" /></a></div>
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Because of <a href="http://stopforeclosurefraud.com/2012/03/20/lynn-szymoniak-foreclosure-activist-says-18-million-doesnt-make-up-for-homeowners-harms/" target="_blank">activist pressure</a>, a mortgage fraud settlement
was obtained. The Bank$ter$ were convicted in The Court of Public Opinion. Obama was <i>forced</i> to act -- because of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">W</b>e the People. Try to remember that.</div>
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But many people are not aware that a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Foreclosure-and-Loan-Mod-Watchdog-ProPublica/208802462475556?sk=app_214103068610264" target="_blank">minimal payout was made available to homeowners via the States</a> after a lawsuit was brought.<br />
<br />
It was an egregious settlement, but it was better than nothing after
waiting four long years. </div>
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Where is this money?
Sitting in the bankers’ accounts, collecting interest. Is this acceptable? We say NO! In Minnesota,
<a href="http://www.ag.state.mn.us/Consumer/PressRelease/120209NatMtgSltmnt.asp" target="_blank">$280 million dollars has been available for six months</a>, but <a href="http://www.propublica.org/special/where-are-the-foreclosure-deal-millions-going" target="_blank">the program is not working</a>.<br />
<br />
We
want and are petitioning for an immediate foreclosure moratorium. Here's the link. Right up front: I am asking YOU to sign!! <a href="http://signon.org/sign/41-million-reasons-for?source=c.url&r_by=260770">http://signon.org/sign/41-million-reasons-for?source=c.url&r_by=260770</a></div>
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I write this in hopes you can learn from our Minnesota
experience and grow a viable movement in your own communities. Only through activism, through public <i>pressure</i> will we get justice. With just a little work, we can get foreclosure moratoriums in all our states if we work together.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What is, Why is and
Who are Occupy Homes? </b></div>
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Journalist/activist Dan Feidt writes from a "think global,
act local" vantage point: </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What is Occupy Homes? </b></div>
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Firstly, banks use bookkeeping magic
to electronically create money which they lend out to the public &
government at compound interest. They don't actually have all that money - only
a small fraction. This is called fractional res<span class="textexposedshow">erve
banking. It's intrinsically unstable because the economy can never grow
exponentially along with the debt. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="textexposedshow">Over the last 15 years the Federal Reserve under
Greenspan suppressed the prime interest rate, causing an enormous bubble in
home prices. Criminal 'control fraud' organizations such as Freddie Mac committed
various crimes such as fraudulent inducement, securities fraud, fraudulent
conveyance, etc., to bundle mortgages which were likely to collapse as AAA
securities. They got fat bonuses and Freddie Mac used its government backing to
basically create insurance for bondholders in the event of default, then resold
these securities again. In Nov 2011 FreddieMac was forced to pay the federal
govt tens of millions $$ for orchestrating staggering securities fraud at the
executive level (bundling Alt-A mortgages as AAA etc)</span><br />
<br />
<span class="textexposedshow">In order to create these fraudulent securities, the
banks set up a go-between shell organization called MERS, Mortgage Electronic
Registration System, which unlawfully poses as the legal entity with authority
to foreclose on people for basically any reason, though it usually doesn't have
the mortgage note in a valid chain of title. MERS was used to obfuscate any
path to ameliorate housing issues, i.e. you could never even reach the
responsible party on the phone, if you could determine who they even were.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="textexposedshow">Housing prices across the </span><span class="textexposedshow">US</span><span class="textexposedshow"> finally started to crash around 2007-2008. The whole
system had been predicated on rising prices which only occurred because the
money was magically created thru fractional reserve at suppressed interest
rates. As prices fell, thousands of homes had mortgages where the principal
demanded exceeded the value of the home - these went 'underwater' as homeowners
entered negative equity despite making years of payments. If they quit paying
they entered foreclosure, further depressing local prices, a vicious spiral.
Today the banks possess millions of empty homes and keep them off the market in
order to create the illusion that market prices have stabilized, but in fact
price discovery has been halted and 'fake prices' rule the day. </span></div>
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<span class="textexposedshow"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Don’t say the “F” word or else!</b></span><br />
<br />
<span class="textexposedshow">In the political system 'regulatory capture' has
taken over most levels wherein no official with any kind of power, i.e. Sheriff
Stanek, Mayor Rybak, are willing to even say the word 'fraud' and defend the
public welfare from organizations that orchestrate these crimes & no
decisions are taken in favor of the Little People. The housing court in MN does
not offer any redress for fraud or in the case of the Cruz house, bank errors
wherein the bank demands an unachievable amount of money for their own mistake.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="textexposedshow">Therefore a broad network of people have undertaken
a direct action campaign to resist the political functions occurring under the
regulatory capture such as sheriffs sales and evictions. Through demonstrations
and occupying the homes directly, the figures who have the arbitrary power,
such as the bookkeeping-magic powered banking industry & the feckless
politicians who collect political contributions from the compound interest
machine, are forced to let people retain their homes and reduce the principal
due on the underwater mortgages, which was never necessary in any sense and was
only a lever to consolidate wealth into an ever-smaller group of people. </span></div>
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<span class="textexposedshow">That's
the theory anyway -- the authorities are willing to carry out extreme levels of
state violence to maintain momentum in the regulatory capture & control
fraud system which prevails today.</span></div>
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<b>People who care are forced to join Occupy Homes
because: </b><span class="comment-authorvcard"> </span></div>
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The US
federal government sent the Banksters $13T, the entities which created this
mess. </div>
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<br />
What did the Banksters’ do with their welfare? It didn’t direct money to solve title
problems, it gambled the trillions on more toxic debt around the world.</div>
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E<a href="http://dandelionsalad.wordpress.com/2012/02/04/why-the-ags-must-not-settle-robo-signing-is-just-the-tip-of-the-iceberg-by-ellen-brown/" target="_blank">xperts such as Ellen Brown </a>urged full redress. She and others suggested a massive settlement that left the banks feeling the sting -- along with the restructuring of banking itself. Too Big To Fail meant Too Big To Manage. The FRAUD was seen as systemic. Robosigning/liar loans and the scourge of adjustable rate mortgages were to be abolished - whether by regulation or the imposition of State banks.<br />
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Instead, the AGs in the US accepted a bandaid rather than rehab to the heavily-bleeding victims, the taxpayers and shareholders.</div>
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.</div>
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Hopefully - in the name of fairness - local registrar of deeds and local judges will
slap Banksters hard, because elected officials - many owned by Banksters and who
could conceivably slap them - haven’t: and logic dictates, won’t.</div>
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And in the urge for fairness, it would seem that banks that participated in
fraud should not be collecting interest on the monies paid out for VICTIMS. But
they are; that’s how State banking "regulation" is<b> not </b>working these days. Make a fraudulent attack on the public: Get paid for it.</div>
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So we say that each <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">state</i> should
demand a foreclosure moratorium until the allocated money <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">is</i> allocated, and the programs for relief have been <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">proven</i> to work. </div>
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San Francisco
set up a precedent. What We say is that this should go through each state,
where the money is, through the Attorney Generals' offices. So far that has been done only at the local level and to continue that as a strategy would take years.</div>
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To see for yourself who that was done, here is some excellent video on the San
Francisco experience provided by <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%20http://www.baycitizen.org/blogs/citizen/san-francisco-board-land-use-committee/" target="_blank">Carol Harvey</a>. A video is worth 1000 words; share her videos with people that care. </div>
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Learn and then maybe we can get mortgage foreclosure moratoriums in each <b>state</b>, and as we suggest, working through our Attorney Generals.</div>
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Some of us get arrested occupying foreclosured homes, because we think the actions over the last four years are just plain shameful. I am one of those cases - and I wanted to stand in solidarity with other occupiers. So I am "guilty" of trespass - with an explanation! Below is an "explanation" of what I am doing while I await a hearing.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Here are action steps
ACTivists can take</b>. </span></div>
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<b>Take this idea and this article</b> to your next Coffee Party
gathering. (We have another one here in Saint
Paul on July 7<sup>th</sup>.) Take this to moveon.org and your #ows General Assemblies. Take it to your church. Take it to your union local. Take it wherever people w/social justice
concerns gather. Some won't hear you, but keep <i>working it</i>. No one said life doesn't have its struggles. You may need to remind yourself of that often, but the good responses on a daily basis will keep you buoyed. We are rocking boats, talking, trusting and building a truly caring movement.</div>
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It is important to remember, that at each step, you need to
reach out to more and more people to gather enough people to get a foreclosure
moratorium. If people around you don’t
understand what you are doing, just keep doing each step. Trust me; we're after a winnable action.
More people <i>will</i> begin to support this idea as you go along. Precedent has been set already! ; )</div>
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And then devise an action plan that includes the following:</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Plan</b> a screening
of the following two – <u>Inside Job</u> is available on Dvd, and the Matt Taibbei video is easily accessible
on youtube . (See links above.) Even a couple of people
watching this together can began to have a massive effect on how things go in
your state after solidifying their commitment. There are good homelessness videos coming out now, too. <b>Tip:</b> Start a video/youtube collection right away - in early days. Get some good photos of homeless persons together too. You may need them later. Or be bold - go and make a video of your local foreclosure victims and homeless people and then post it on facebook. Suggest this as a "group activity" for your initial contacts .. Look for and build a community spirit. Sometimes media committees get a bit ruthless. Cooperation is key to success and this is the time to aim for that. Include everyone who wants to be included in media efforts.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Go to</b> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1362063942">www.propublica</a><a href="http://.com/">.com</a> and find out how much
money your state has been allocated for foreclosure relief.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Get an appointment</b>
with your <a href="http://www.consumerfraudreporting.org/stateattorneygenerallist.php" target="_blank">Attorney General</a> – and find out the amount the office says is on their books
and has not been distributed. Be prompt and
cheerful and loaded with facts and an attitude of compassion for foreclosure
victims and homeless people when you go in. Know that
public policy can be changed by YOU – you can make a difference, a very big
difference. It's not a tea party nor an action. It is an information session at which YOU make a sensible request that will save time, money, social havoc and heartache.</div>
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<a href="http://signon.org/sign/41-million-reasons-for?source=c.url&r_by=260770" target="_blank"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ask for them for a foreclosure moratorium!</b></a> until the money IS released and the program has
been <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">proven</i> to work. Offer to petition citizens showing that the
population is on their side if they do that.
Going city to city would take a very long time. </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Write a petition.</b> You can use <a href="http://www.signon.org/" target="_blank">moveon’s </a>site, <a href="http://www.change.org/" target="_blank">change.org,</a> <a href="http://www.thepetitionsite.com/browse-petitions/all/" target="_blank">care2</a>.org's petition site
-- or any other that you’ve already linked up.
You can even post on <i>all</i> available lists. Be sure to mention the amount and give references to it as well as the
propublica site. Include a person’s
email to return the names of signatories.
You don’t need addresses, or phone numbers from signatories on many of
these, which will expand the base of those who will sign. But be sure to get email addresses. <b>Tip</b>: About out-of-state signatories. Go for it! This is grassroots organizing at its finest and friends who will back you and your group up, get them on board! Show that this is truly an international issue. Just aim for a higher number of signatures than you think you will need so that if their names are "disqualified" you have plenty. Let this snowball by spreading it around. I am so chuffed by my readers who have signed, that it makes my eyes tear over. They <i>do</i> care ... </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Create a FB “cause”</b>
– click it around a bit to your friends and good Occupy sites on the web. Go to Occupy Homes and other sites and post it around. We call that clicktavism.<br />
<br />
<b>Write an action alert</b>, a 3-paragraph inspirational piece to send out to your occupy websites. Just be sure to include the petition link, a place to contact and perhaps a reference or two to show you do kinow what you are "speaking" about.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Make hard copies</b>
and </div>
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<b>Start asking for signatures</b> at food coops, your social justice actions, in
ordinary conversation. Forward your link
to all your FB and twitter friends. Ask
them to get involved and figure out ways you can work together. I’ll be outside our homelessness show here in
Saint Paul this Tuesday, clipboard
in hand with plenty of pens and maybe a small sign saying “You can help end
homelessness. Please sign my petition.” You can put flyers up on coffeehouse and coop bulletin boards - just be sure to pick them up or give a place to forward them to - maybe the Attorney General's office directly.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Think up talking
points <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">in advance</i></b>: Writing a blurb for your petition to hand out
to those that sign will help you focus your thoughts. Points such as this are
incredibly helpful: </div>
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1. Foreclosure causes <a href="http://www.blogger.com/Abandoned%20Homes%20Plague%20Cash-Strapped%20Cities%20http://www.governing.com/news/local/Abandoned-Homes-Plague-Cash-Strapped-Cities.html" target="_blank">BLIGHT</a> – it brings in <a href="http://www.nw.org/network/neighborworksprogs/foreclosuresolutions/reports/documents/7ForeclosureImpacts.pdf" target="_blank">crackhouses, whore houses, boarded up windows, rodents</a> – and</div>
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2. <a href="http://www.bos.frb.org/commdev/necd/2008/issue2/researchreview.pdf" target="_blank">decreases the tax base</a>.
</div>
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3. <a href="http://www.familyhomelessness.org/media/90.pdf" target="_blank">Homelessness hurts</a>.
You might mention that for every homeless person, there are 24 empty
houses now (Yikes!) One in seven people is homeless. Here in MN, the average of a homeless person is .. wait for it! .. six years old! One in four homeless persons is a veteran. BREAK those stereotypes! Most of the homeless are <i>children.</i> People who are
homeless are not easy to “deal with”. They are wounded and hurt - and often desperately poor. Sometimes, things get so bad, you really cannot predict what an ill homeless person will do and they become scary. That doesn’t
mean that we, as humane persons don’t do everything we can possibly do to help
them. Remember we are asking for monies and programs for people who were victims of FRAUD. The kids didn't sign .. The best way to stop homelessness is to prevent it. That is what we are doing w/this foreclosure moratorium campaign; trying to prevent it. </div>
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4. You might also mention that those of us who fight back
and try to get the media to write about the outrage get arrested, but the
fraudulent bank$ter$ do not. In fact,
the media and policos lionize bank$ter$ – turning them into rock star status. <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2160340/JPMorgan-Chase-CEO-Jamie-Dimon-wear-presidential-cufflinks-prompting-speculation-gift-Obama.html" target="_blank">Here we see Jamie Dimon of JPMorgan Chase wearing Presidential cufflinks</a>. After four long years, we are seeing precious
little accountability for banksters' FRAUD. Here is the article about the <a href="http://www.mediaite.com/online/protestors-shout-down-jpmorgan-ceo-jamie-dimon-during-capitol-hearing/" target="_blank">foreclosure victims</a> arrests. </div>
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5. Our media and
CONgress are not acting in the public’s interest, but this is a preliminary
step in gaining <a href="http://dandelionsalad.wordpress.com/2012/02/04/why-the-ags-must-not-settle-robo-signing-is-just-the-tip-of-the-iceberg-by-ellen-brown/" target="_blank">accountability and helping victims for now</a> .. you get the idea. Only our pressure can change public policy.
This is why the settlement was achieved. Public pressure.</div>
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6. Have people go to <a href="http://www.propublica.com/">www.propublica.com</a>
for information if you are asked for verification. That’s so easy!</div>
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7. Stay current on issues so you have plenty to talk about. Obviously, the foreclosure moratorium is just
a bit of the solution to our corrupt and highly unregulated banking
system. The articles abound and it can
be very difficult to know which to read, which to omit – but struggle on
nevertheless. Find a good author in “the
know” and subscribe! You can run a
google alert and get regular, fresh information by the buckets. Just put in “foreclosure”, “activism” or
whatever strikes your fancy, and it will lead you to good, fresh and in-depth
articles. <a href="http://www.webofdebt.com/">www.webofdebt.com</a> and <a href="http://www.dandelionsalad.wordpress.com/">www.dandelionsalad.wordpress.com</a>
are two of my very favorite websites with economics about foreclosure. So is <a href="http://www.nakedcapitalism.com/">www.nakedcapitalism.com</a>. There is also
econtv.com for those who want punchy videos.
</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Give a donation</b> –
food, money, office help, your bodily presence – to a foreclosure occupation. Talk to the people,
attend the barbeques, speak to your minister about hosting a teach-in on
homelessness, the foreclosure crisis, about ACTivism. Go visit a homeless shelter; see first hand
how demoralizing the environments are that your tax dollars are paying
for. Get angry that homeless children
are fed bad food, denied educational opportunities most take for granted and
wonder where they will sleep that night. Thank those who volunteer their time
in the most needed activity: helping the homeless. The best "gift" you ever give anyone is your <i>time</i> as you can never get it back.</div>
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Understand me – I am on the side of COMPASSION. No one should be made homeless. Housing <i>IS</i> a human right; so is our personal property. So is the right to expect our governments to take our concerns seriously. <a href="http://www.scoop.it/t/the-bottom-line/p/1971322051/rhode-island-lawmakers-pass-homeless-bill-of-rights" target="_blank">Rhode Island has a Homeless Bill of Rights now</a>.. An era of <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rj-eskow/december-surprise-from-rubin-to-pelosi_b_1557616.html" target="_blank">#austerity</a> is being proposed. We need to work to ensure we don't have <i>more</i> unhoused, demoralized people.</div>
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</div>
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</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Remember: this is a
political <i>struggle.</i></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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Over the months I have been fighting foreclosure, I have
seen a <a href="http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/the_occupy_movement_and_the_politics_of_educated_hope_20120522//" target="_blank">most disturbing criminalization of dissent</a>. <br />
– an overmilitarization of police
and private security forces Say FRAUD loud and clearly.
This is not a handout. This was a
decision made to quell opposition that was getting loud as President Obama and the other politicos tried to sweep our legitimate anger under the rug. Banks got bailed out; we got sold out - to the tune of $17 trillion dollars. We are not criminals; we are people striving for justice.</div>
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Our foreclosure fighters at occupations are beaten and sexually abused, denied medications, fed
drugs by police (the DRE program), their belongings
tossed into dumpsters (illegal!) - and the bail amounts continue to
escalate. </div>
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<br /></div>
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It is easy to stay wound up and lose focus. This is not an effort to “get arrested” nor
rant about “state power” the entire time. We need a
good, firm CENTER, a mass of support to win even basic justice. Civil disobedience is a personal choice. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
But a petition drive – backed up by phone calls, oped
letters, national actions - can help us drive up the necessary numbers to build
a movement to stop foreclosure once and for all.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Write opeds, post
comments</b> – even to the teensiest of local papers. Educate, agitate,
ORGANIZE. Offer your email address as a
contact point. People will show interest, but they need direction. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
We are getting precious little Good Press. Try to find a media outlet that will explain
WHY Occupy Homes exists. Therefore: When a paper posts articles, post comments. Say clearly - "This has all been about fraud and we must not <a href="http://www.blogger.com/We%20are%20getting%20precious%20little%20Good%20Press.%20%20Try%20to%20find%20a%20media%20outlet%20that%20will%20explain%20WHY%20Occupy%20Homes%20exists.%20%20Therefore:" target="_blank">blame the victims</a> nor their
supporters."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Continue to educate
yourself.</b> Example: <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-06-13/private-equity-has-too-much-money-to-spend-on-homes-mortgages.html" target="_blank">look at how companies are enriching themselves buying up HUGE lots of foreclosed properties, getting city permissions</a>. Know that without our ACTION, nothing is
going to change and more misery is the inevitable result.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Notes about the
foreclosures and homelessness – TRAUMA and our priorities</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.nationalhomeless.org/.../ForeclosuretoHomelessness0609.pdf" target="_blank">Many of us foreclosure activists are homeless</a>. For me, this time, it was huge overdraft charges on an
account for which I had never signed for an overdraft. I’ve been homeless nine
months. But <a href="http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/business/133856748.html" target="_blank">TCF Bank got $100’s in overdraft charges</a> on a $1.88 overdraft because I had direct deposit on my
disability check. They ruined my credit
–and after nine months, have never even sent me a bank statement saying
how much they CLAIM I still owe. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I was a holder of a
mortgage in Ontario and lost my
house way back in 2006, They wouldn’t pay up when my husband got ill, even
though I had insurance. I had paid
$46,000+ in CASH, and didn’t even get eight
months of residency. I lost $25,000 on
the sale of the house besides. I was <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">framed</i>.
Now I have moved more times than I care to remember. It just never seems to stop.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I am 63, disabled, widowed and orphaned. This homelessness hurts! In these nine months, not one of three
counties have helped me. The indignities
I suffer would make for an entire book. Too
many places to stay has made me even more traumatized; the doctor(s) say so. I stay sane by … you guessed it! … fighting back. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.nctsnet.org/nctsn_assets/pdfs/promising_practices/Facts_on_Trauma_and_Homeless_Children.pdf" target="_blank">Articulation of our pain should be taken seriously</a> - particularly the pain of homeless children. We must speak up for those who are inarticulate, invisible, disabled, too young to speak for themselves. Advocacy is a talent and a gift when it comes to these issues, particularly right now as right-wingers point fingers at victims. One more time: the bulk of the homeless are <i>children</i>. We are speaking for them.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.nctsnet.org/nctsn_assets/pdfs/promising_practices/Facts_on_Trauma_and_Homeless_Children.pdf" target="_blank">Many frontline poverty workers are not helping out in ways that work</a>, although they see the consequences of destroyed urban areas – and increasingly
the devastation growing in the suburbs. Make sure you see that
empowerment of ourselves is paramount.
Suffering needs to be listened to and then acted upon. Don’t further victimize the homeless. Listen with three ears open. And _just _stay _active _yourself.</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Don’t join the chorus
that’s been set in motion: Victims are
NOT to blame</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Homeless people are <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">deeply</i>
traumatized. And foreclosure victims’
wounds are close to the surface. They are grieving people. Each day is a trial. Try to help them; not judge. You wouldn’t want to be walking in their
shoes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Yet they are more traumatized as their efforts to empower
themselves are met with scorn, derision, brutality, and harassment on the part of <a href="http://www.citizen-times.com/article/20120607/NEWS/306070023/Advocates-say-police-criminalize-homeless?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFrontpage" target="_blank">City Councils, cops and media</a>. I could give a hundred more links of this part of the "story.". Cops are not
living in foreclosed communities in the cities. City Council members are taking
money from banks and corporations to win elections; many are not standing with the tax-paying
citizens who are fed up. Don't allow the coverup!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Meanwhile, the foreclosure relief money continues to sit in accounts, not being used, unless <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">W</b>e make something about public policy
<i>change</i>. Public policy should not be made
in backrooms, bars and restaurants by bank$ter$ and politicians sharing drinks
and lobster. Our mayor actually locked
his door, but continues to meet with those who want to subsidize a nearly $1
billion stadium! But, doubtless our din gets on his nerves and we continue to say: We will be back!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We can win this! We can
“like” it. We can “tweet” it. We can “share” it. We will win with <i>your</i>
own particular, special help involved. You cannot stop the power of a
Great Idea.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I can be reached at <a href="mailto:USuncutMN@gmail.com">USuncutMN@gmail.com</a>. Tell me how your Action Plan proceeds. <br />
<br />
This is permanently archived at: <a href="http://bit.ly/MXjPP1">http://bit.ly/MXjPP1</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Our Minnesota
petition can be found <a href="http://signon.org/sign/41-million-reasons-for?source=c.url&r_by=260770" target="_blank">here</a>: Please! Sign
it! Use it as a template for your State. Many blessings as you help prevent more homelessness - and stand w/the afflicted.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>USuncutMNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16624364811424888394noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635441198703891555.post-82034651825440756712012-06-15T16:14:00.001-07:002012-06-15T16:14:04.159-07:00Save the Troy Library "Adventures In Reverse Psychology"<span class="watch-video-date" id="eow-date"></span> <br />
<div id="watch-description-text"> <div id="eow-description">The city of Troy, Michigan was facing a budget shortfall, and was considering closing the Troy Public Library for lack of funds. Even though the necessary revenues could be raised through a miniscule tax increase, powerful anti-tax groups in the area were organized against it. A vote was scheduled amongst the city's residents, to shut the library or accept the tax increase, and Leo Burnett Detroit decided to support the library by creating a reverse psychology campaign. Yard signs began appearing that read: "Vote to Close Troy Library on August 2nd - Book Burning Party on August 5th." No one wants to be a part of a town that burns books, and the outraged citizens of Troy pushed back against the "idiotic book burners" and ultimately supported the tax increase, thus ensuring the library's survival.</div><div id="eow-description"><br />
</div></div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/nw3zNNO5gX0?fs=1" width="459"></iframe>USuncutMNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16624364811424888394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635441198703891555.post-19265002443740445532012-06-11T09:24:00.001-07:002012-06-17T18:47:17.625-07:00Citizens United and "the Montana model"<h3>
<b>A considered response to the Supreme Court decision</b></h3>
<br />
June, 2012 <br />
<br />
<br />
_________________________________________________________________ <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Super PACs have arrived this election season and whatever your political point of view <br />
<br />
you will be targeted. Hundreds of millions of dollars, mostly to be spent via negative <br />
<br />
advertising, will be parlayed by Super PACs. These new entities, as a result of the <br />
<br />
Supreme Court’s Citizen United decision, legally raise and spend unlimited sums of <br />
<br />
money to advocate for or against candidates. The 2010 Citizens United ruling gave <br />
<br />
corporations and unions the right, under the doctrine that money is speech protected <br />
<br />
by the First Amendment, to make unlimited independent expenditures in campaigns for <br />
<br />
elected office. Super PACS are pushing expenditures into the unaccountable mega- <br />
<br />
millions. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The consequences have begun to roll out in 2012. The US Supreme Court's <br />
<br />
historic decision not only struck down a federal statute, 2 U.S.C. § 441b, and decades <br />
<br />
of ‘settled’ campaign finance law – overturning two of its own key campaign-finance <br />
<br />
decisions -- it has also jeopardized 26 states' laws prohibiting or limiting independent <br />
<br />
corporate expenditures. This decision establishes protection for a debilitating <br />
<br />
entrenchment of corruption at all levels of politics. Citizens United prevents effective <br />
<br />
campaign finance reform and hence fair and open elections. It ensures the influence of <br />
<br />
money-in-politics, the escalating power of lobbyists, and and a profound shift in <br />
<br />
governance against the public's interests. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
According to many observers, whether conservative, liberal or independent, the <br />
<br />
consequences of this Supreme Court decision and other similar decisions, <br />
<br />
undermines the First Amendment and our system of constitutional protections. Instead <br />
<br />
of “more free speech”, the ruling gives corporations/corporate entities and moneyed <br />
<br />
interests unprecedented power over political speech. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
One has only to look at the 2012 primary season within the Republican Party to <br />
<br />
witness the power of money to influence votes, mount negative attack ad campaigns, <br />
<br />
buy media time and resultant “eyeballs” and “mind share” (in advertising-speak) and <br />
<br />
generally monopolize election outcomes. In the upcoming 2012 general elections <br />
<br />
Democrats and Republicans alike will display an unprecedented level of negative <br />
<br />
electioneering, hundreds of millions of dollars spent on orchestrated assaults by a <br />
<br />
handful of individuals, taking attack ads to a new unprecedented high and public trust <br />
<br />
in politics to a new low. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
As the Citizens United ruling opens a floodgate of money, the public's approval <br />
<br />
of government as expressed in polls diminishes to historic levels of mistrust, giving rise <br />
<br />
to anger and “take back your country” movements, left and right. While the Supreme <br />
<br />
Court argues among itself, issuing 5 to 4 decisions, public belief in government “of, by <br />
<br />
and for the people” wavers. An out-of-balance system grows significantly more quid <br />
<br />
pro quo and less democratic as a result of Citizens United. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
What are the possible remedies, solutions, legal approaches to turn the Court <br />
<br />
away from the untoward direction it has unfortunately chosen to go with Citizens <br />
<br />
United? The future under the sway of Citizens United is not credibility for the Court’s <br />
<br />
authority but a predictable result – deep citizen discontent after vast, unaccounted-for <br />
<br />
election spending, a campaign that will rival the worst in American political history. This <br />
<br />
is inevitable, unless we can turn the Court toward a ruling that would strike a balance <br />
<br />
for the greater good. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Some activists justify their campaigns against money in politics as useful for <br />
<br />
“public education” although it is difficult to see how their strategies could lead to <br />
<br />
success. These campaigns exemplify Stanford Professor Richard Thompson Ford's <br />
<br />
observation that many of today's political activists don't really expect to get what they're demanding <br />
<br />
anyway: increasingly, they define their objectives in terms of "community building" and <br />
<br />
“consciousness raising" -- a sad admission of the futility of their demands. Rights <br />
<br />
Gone Wrong: How Law Corrupts the Struggle for Equality (2011) p. 240. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Polls show the public already understands money’s corruption of US politics. Only <br />
<br />
17% of voters now think government has the consent of the governed while 95% <br />
<br />
already know what money in politics buys. What is lacking is not public understanding <br />
<br />
of the problem but an effective strategy to deal with it. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
To directly address the Citizens United ruling, there are three reform options <br />
<br />
supported by the Constitution. Of these, the legal strategy labeled here the “Montana <br />
<br />
Model”, presented as Option Three, is the most effective near-term approach to <br />
<br />
reversing Citizens United’s damaging effect on democratic elections. <br />
<br />
<br />
Ω <br />
<br />
<b><br /><br />Option One:</b> The Constitution, Article III, Sec 2, (“the Exceptions Clause”) grants <br />
<br />
Congress the authority to pass a law stripping the Supreme Court of jurisdiction over <br />
<br />
cases like Citizens United by ordinary majority vote. By stripping the Court's jurisdiction <br />
<br />
Congress could restore its own powers to regulate campaign finance. Yet it stretches <br />
<br />
credulity to envisage Congress employing its Exceptions Clause power, for this <br />
<br />
purpose, as this would require a robust congressional strategy in response to the <br />
<br />
Citizens United decision at the same time those interests unleashed by the decision <br />
<br />
are injecting unprecedented, unlimited amounts of money into elections. Given <br />
<br />
business-as-usual, what members of Congress can be expected to put their re-election <br />
<br />
fund-raising at risk by effectively legislating for electoral integrity? Even those <br />
<br />
politicians who raise money and votes by supporting reforms are careful to support <br />
<br />
reforms that are either ineffectual or impossible., or both. The recent Senate vote on a <br />
<br />
DISCLOSE bill to force disclosure of secret money in politics showed that this is a <br />
<br />
strictly partisan issue with Republicans voting in lockstep against any reform, however <br />
<br />
ineffective the Democrats' proposal may be to actually solve the problem. This <br />
<br />
symbolizes the role of the two parties in serving the fraction of 1% who control most of <br />
<br />
the money in politics. One party clearly serves their interests, and so does the other <br />
<br />
while pretending not to <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
First, within the prevailing pay-to-play reality, an unpopular Congress has neither <br />
<br />
motivation nor bi-partisan votes to engage a more popular Supreme Court in a contest <br />
<br />
over separation of powers by stripping the Court via Article III, Sec. 2 of jurisdiction to <br />
<br />
hold Congress' campaign finance laws unconstitutional Second, Congress, with the <br />
<br />
enabling support of many professional activists, has a history of offering the public <br />
<br />
piecemeal reforms that do not even attempt to comprehensively address the problem <br />
<br />
of money in politics. DISCLOSE is just one example. But experience shows that in a <br />
<br />
systematically corrupt political system piecemeal reforms actually do more harm than <br />
<br />
good. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b><br />Option Two: </b>A Constitutional amendment is another proposed approach. An <br />
<br />
amendment enacting new constitutional text concerning campaign finance, unlike the <br />
<br />
simple majority vote required for Option One, would first require approval by a ⅔ <br />
<br />
supermajority vote of each house of Congress. One asks again, “who believes <br />
<br />
Congress, as it currently stands, will step up with a ⅔ majority to effectively turn down <br />
<br />
unlimited campaign money as allowed by Citizens United?” Many of the proposed <br />
<br />
amendment texts on offer could actually cause more harm than good due to <br />
<br />
unintended consequences from unpredictable Supreme Court interpretation. As <br />
<br />
Steven Colbert's lawyer has said there are serious flaws in <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
talk of a constitutional amendment. Not only would such an amendment be <br />
<br />
hard to draft, putting the interpretation right back into the hands of the <br />
<br />
Courts, but I think talk of an amendment encourages avoidance of the <br />
<br />
hard work that should be done to solve these problems. For there are <br />
<br />
legislative solutions … <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And if a more effective text were to somehow pass Congress, notwithstanding the <br />
<br />
considerations that make Option One implausible, how many more years will it <br />
<br />
reasonably take for the required 38 states to ratify the text proposed by Congress? <br />
<br />
Given the political realities and facts on the ground, the amendment approach is an <br />
<br />
even more problematic strategy than Option One. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Look to the Equal Rights Amendment as a salient example of the path a <br />
<br />
congressional amendment proposal and state ratification campaign would have to <br />
<br />
take. First introduced in Congress in 1923, four years after the 19th amendment, the <br />
<br />
ERA was an uncomplicated text that clearly expressed the principle of equality <br />
<br />
between the sexes. It nevertheless had a convoluted fifty year history until its approval <br />
<br />
by Congress in the early '70's, and ultimate failure of ratification in the early 80's. In the <br />
<br />
midst of the ratification campaign, a Supreme Court decision, Buckley v. Valeo (1976) <br />
<br />
unleashed a wave of money that fueled opposition to the ERA, blocking three out of <br />
<br />
the four remaining state ratifications required to reach the requisite thirty eight states <br />
<br />
Yet, twenty one states adopted versions of the ERA in their state constitutions, which <br />
<br />
leads us to consider what may be the most effective strategy for dealing with Citizen’s <br />
<br />
United. In recognition of the forward-looking citizens and Supreme Court of Montana, <br />
<br />
this is labeled the “Montana Model.” <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Ω <br />
<br />
<br />
<b><br />Option Three: </b>The Montana Model, a state-based response to Citizens United. <br />
<br />
States on their own without requiring consent from Congress possess constitutional <br />
<br />
authority to regulate both their state and federal elections. The Tenth Amendment of <br />
<br />
the Constitution secures the states' exclusive power over state elections. Article I, Sec <br />
<br />
4 provides states the primary responsibility for federal elections (including regulation of <br />
<br />
campaign contributions, reporting, disclosure, and so on) subject to the oversight of <br />
<br />
Congress. Congress may choose to exercise that power, for example, via the Federal <br />
<br />
Election Commission. A state’s right to regulate or entirely outlaw private interest <br />
<br />
money in politics is subject only to Congress' objection. It is politically unlikely that <br />
<br />
Congress would overtly oppose state law designed to control money in elections, <br />
<br />
where Congress itself provides none, because voters are unlikely to tolerate a <br />
<br />
congressional effort to undermine election integrity. The Supreme Court is the more <br />
<br />
likely source of interference in the states’ right to oversee election campaigns. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The “Montana Model” advantages from this legal framework and Montana's <br />
<br />
defense of its laws against corporate expenditures in elections. Stepping away from <br />
<br />
the Citizens United decision, the Montana Supreme Court rejected the one-size-fits-all <br />
<br />
approach of the US Supreme Court that every state must fall within its Court- <br />
<br />
mandated, unlimited corporate spending regime. In their appeal of the Montana <br />
<br />
decision upholding Montana's law, two Montana corporations have asked the US <br />
<br />
Supreme Court to apply Citizens United to overturn Montana's election finance anti- <br />
<br />
corruption law, dating back to the era of “Copper Kings”, which outlaws independent <br />
<br />
corporate electioneering expenditures. The rejection or dismissal of the corporate- <br />
<br />
initiated suit against Montana will have far-reaching consequences <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
It is possible that the deciding vote in the Montana case could be cast to refuse <br />
<br />
to invalidate state election laws in violation of the 11th Amendment of the Constitution <br />
<br />
If the strategy proposed were taken up by enough concerned citizens, w the upcoming <br />
<br />
decision on the Montana case could convert a predictable 5 to 4 vote for Citizens <br />
<br />
United to a 4 to 5 vote for Montana. Montana can win if just one justice in the Citizens <br />
<br />
United majority adheres to previously expressed views on 11th Amendment rights <br />
<br />
Without public attention on this case and the justice's hypocrisy if they fail to apply the <br />
<br />
11th Amendment, Montana will not likely win.<br />
<br />
<br />
The 11th Amendment bar to the Supreme Court hearing a suit against a state, or <br />
<br />
officials who act for the state, without its consent should apply in this case, where the <br />
<br />
plaintiff is neither “sovereign” nor authorized by Congress. Congress may specifically <br />
<br />
authorize lifting the 11th Amendment bar to private suits against a state in order to <br />
<br />
enforce the Civil War amendments' prohibition of racial and other discrimination. The <br />
<br />
executive branch can sue a state on behalf of the sovereign United States in order to <br />
<br />
enforce any provision of the Constitution or federal law. But Supreme Court precedent <br />
<br />
holds that private parties cannot sue a state on matters that implicate core aspects of <br />
<br />
state sovereignty or that could result in a burden on the state treasury. (E.g. Idaho v <br />
<br />
Coeur d'Alene Tribe of Idaho.) <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The Supreme Court has developed convoluted and constitutionally unsupported <br />
<br />
exceptions to 11th Amendment immunity that it may or may not decide to apply in this <br />
<br />
case to grant itself the power – which the Constitution withheld -- to hear this case <br />
<br />
against Montana. If it does so, the Supreme Court will be changing the constitutional <br />
<br />
text as it did when it read its preferred unrestrained election finance law into the First <br />
<br />
Amendment. The only express constitutional basis for interfering with state elections <br />
<br />
are the amendments prohibiting discrimination against any adult citizen on the basis of <br />
<br />
race (15 ), gender (19 ), payment of a tax (24 ), or age (26 ). <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The lawsuit appealing the decision of Montana's Supreme Court could, if <br />
<br />
politically supported with ‘friendly briefs’ from other states, succeed in defending the <br />
<br />
rights of states to enforce their election, campaign finance and anti-corruption laws <br />
<br />
going forward. Twenty-two sates did join an amicus brief. But that brief attempted <br />
<br />
solely to re-argue Citizens United and did not defend the sates' immunity from private <br />
<br />
suit over their election integrity laws. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Two public interest organization, The Eleventh Amendment Movement and <br />
<br />
Essential Information did file 11th Amendment briefs. This Montana appeal would be <br />
<br />
the opening initiative in a strategy that could work to preserve the rights of all states in <br />
<br />
the election campaign and lobbying arena. Montana still has an opportunity to adopt <br />
<br />
the arguments in these briefs prior to the expected June 14 Supreme Court conference <br />
<br />
where the case will be decided. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This states' rights approach is the best model – the “Montana Model” – to <br />
<br />
address the flight away from fair elections, campaign integrity and governance that is <br />
<br />
widely perceived as not “of, by and for the people.” Victory of the Montana Model is <br />
<br />
only likely if the two factions on the Court agree to allow state-based approaches to <br />
<br />
election finance. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The Montana law currently before the Supreme Court can be employed as a <br />
<br />
‘template’, a ‘best practices’ model to be considered alongside other states' similar <br />
<br />
election laws and regulations that prevent unlimited political spending. Together the <br />
<br />
extensive body of state election laws establishes a model legal framework for <br />
<br />
acceptable campaign finance limits. The effort to defend the Montana Model would <br />
<br />
attract support from across the political spectrum, joining together disparate advocates <br />
<br />
This effort could mobilize widespread support from those usually more conservative <br />
<br />
voters who support states rights, joined up with those often more liberal voters more <br />
<br />
concerned about reducing the influence of money-in-politics. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This potential political alliance operates from the level of the Supreme Court, <br />
<br />
where there are two distinct camps on the separate issues of states' rights and money- <br />
<br />
in-politics, and extends all the way to state legislative bodies and voters. Together the <br />
<br />
two camps, led by Attorneys General from both camps, could step up to support the <br />
<br />
rights of states to oversee elections free of a federal judicial mandate, such as the <br />
<br />
Citizens United decision, ordering one-size-fits-all elections for everyone. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Montana presents a challenge to other states to similarly stand up to the Supreme <br />
<br />
Court. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Most all states, given the opportunity, will defend the language, and intent, of the <br />
<br />
original Constitution to leave most election matters closest to the people, where <br />
<br />
citizens vote, in their communities, towns, counties, and states without interference <br />
<br />
from a Supreme Court unsupported by either of the elected branches of the federal <br />
<br />
government. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The viability of this strategy will be initially decided by the Supreme Court in <br />
<br />
Western Tradition Partnership v. Attorney General, 363 MT 220 (2011), stayed pending <br />
<br />
writ of certification sub mom. American Tradition Partnership, Inc. v. Bullock , 565 U.S <br />
<br />
__ (February 17, 2012 ). Whether the Supreme Court takes on the appeal (i.e., “grants <br />
<br />
writ of certiorari”), will be determined sometime after June 14th , when the Court's <br />
<br />
conference is scheduled on the case . There is potential for an intense spotlight to be <br />
<br />
thrown on the Supreme Court and its decision. The Court takes a summer vacation just <br />
<br />
after the case is scheduled to be submitted to it so Its decision whether to hear the <br />
<br />
case may not come until late June or even as late as the highpoint of the presidential <br />
<br />
election campaign in October. While the case remains under review, the Court’s <br />
<br />
Citizens United decision prevents enforcement of Montana's and implicitly other states' <br />
<br />
similar laws. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
If the Court declines to take jurisdiction of the case, then Montana's law and <br />
<br />
similar laws of other states may be enforced. This would be an initial victory in the <br />
<br />
battle to establish the states' independence from Supreme Court-mandates that have <br />
<br />
stripped away both the states' authority and any meaningful Federal Election <br />
<br />
Commission oversight of elections. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
If the US Supreme Court grants the corporations' request to take the Montana <br />
<br />
case on appeal, and then reverses the Montana Supreme Court's decision, the Court <br />
<br />
will be enforcing Citizens United in Montana and imposing its dictate so as to invalidate <br />
<br />
all similar state election laws. The states' ability to protect the integrity of their <br />
<br />
elections from unlimited corporate spending would cease. Reversal of the Montana <br />
<br />
Supreme Court’s decision would shut down what may be the most politically promising <br />
<br />
approach available in the near future to provide for fair, more open and democratic <br />
<br />
elections. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Yet, one Supreme Court judge who voted with the majority in Citizens United <br />
<br />
could choose to recognize the value of a balance between federal and state power in <br />
<br />
the conduct of elections. One justice's support for applying conservative states' rights <br />
<br />
principles contained in the 11th Amendment to reject jurisdiction of the Montana case <br />
<br />
would open up a strategy that is the best, most practical way to render Citizens United <br />
<br />
ineffective and strike a balance between state and federal power. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
A balance can be struck that is eminently constitutional by focus on the Court's <br />
<br />
potential one, swing vote and making a coordinated effort in friendly briefs, particularly <br />
<br />
by AG’s concerned about the protection of their state's legal powers, accompanied by <br />
<br />
wide-ranging citizen support of fair and democratic elections. Since all elections are <br />
<br />
conducted at the state level, this “election powers in balance ruling” would serve as a <br />
<br />
framework for foreclosing the Supreme Court from ‘trumping’ long recognized states’ <br />
<br />
rights. The Supreme Court can rise to a new level of citizen respect as it moves to <br />
<br />
balance a tendentious decision in Citizens United with public support from multiple <br />
<br />
points on the political spectrum. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Montana’s defense of its election laws before the Supreme Court should be <br />
<br />
looked at carefully by all parties – by citizens, elected officials, good government <br />
<br />
activists, scholars and the news media, by conservatives who believe in state rights <br />
<br />
and the import of the founder’s intent, and by liberals who hope for a more responsive <br />
<br />
government.<br />
<br />
<br />
The effect of even one judge applying the 11th Amendment could be more than <br />
<br />
salutary; it could be profoundly reassuring, reminding all of what is possible in avoiding <br />
<br />
the deep, negative consequences of drawing hard lines where elections, campaigns <br />
<br />
and policy decisions are waged with increasingly negative consequences. Open and <br />
<br />
fair elections are the foundation of a working democracy. Election laws enabling <br />
<br />
participation by all in debate is vital to a healthy democracy. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
If the State of Montana’s attempts to provide a regulatory framework for fair, <br />
<br />
open elections is to stand, and become one state’s model of what is possible state-by- <br />
<br />
state, Montana must assert is sovereign immunity from this suit under the 11th <br />
<br />
Amendment and adopt the arguments made in the 11th Amendment briefs at this <br />
<br />
website expenditure ban -- Mont. Code Ann. 13-35-227, laws that the Citizens United decision <br />
<br />
will prevent from being enforced, need to similarly stand on their 10th and 11th<br />
<br />
Amendment rights to enforce their own laws; states that do not have such laws should <br />
<br />
follow Montana's example and enact such laws. The success of efforts to help <br />
<br />
Montana obtain a favorable Supreme Court decision allowing the law of Montana to <br />
<br />
stand would have an immediate impact at all levels of politics. In as many as half of the <br />
<br />
states existing election laws similar to Montana's will be preserved. With such <br />
<br />
success, additional states could be encouraged to follow Montana's example and <br />
<br />
adopt or improve their own election and campaign finance laws. With the federal <br />
<br />
government – but not the states - remaining hobbled by Citizens United, it would be <br />
<br />
clearly up to the states to fight political corruption. Much is possible if the Montana <br />
<br />
model goes forward. One state at a time, it would be possible to reach the point where <br />
<br />
a majority in Congress is elected from clean election states. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>Plan B, “What if?” </b> </h3>
<br />
<br />
If the Supreme Court fails to observe the 11th Amendment limits on its power in dealing <br />
<br />
with the Montana appeal, and subsequently rules against the state of Montana, the <br />
<br />
battle for defending states rights’ to prevent corruption and enforce spending limits in <br />
<br />
their elections does not end. Congress can be asked to enact legislation under both <br />
<br />
11th Amendment and its Article III, Sec 2, “Exceptions Clause” power, such as the <br />
<br />
following: <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Eleventh Amendment Enforcement Act -- <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
a) Except as expressly provided by Act of Congress and the Eleventh Amendment <br />
<br />
of the United States Constitution, no judge of the Supreme Court or other court of <br />
<br />
the United States shall, without a state's consent, adjudicate any suit in law or <br />
<br />
equity, nor rely on any prior judicial decision, involving invalidation or other review <br />
<br />
of any State or local election finance law, regulation, policy or decision prohibiting <br />
<br />
or otherwise regulating either a financial contribution to a candidate for, or an <br />
<br />
expenditure affecting, any election conducted within its state or locality." <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
b) 2 U.S.C. §453(a) is amended by adding to the first sentence "insofar as state <br />
<br />
regulations are less restrictive than those provided in this Act." <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
With such legislation, Congress would be in the position of resolving a conflict <br />
<br />
between the rights of states and the Supreme Court rather than initiating a conflict <br />
<br />
between itself and the Court, as in Option One above. Because Congress would act in <br />
<br />
defense of states’ rights, it should be able attract some bipartisan conservative support <br />
<br />
along with the overwhelming support of the majority of voters who want cleaner <br />
<br />
elections. If this provision were enacted, a phased state-by-state campaign can <br />
<br />
proceed. There is no need to delay lobbying for this provision because it would likely <br />
<br />
also influence the Court toward recognizing states' rights as preferable to being <br />
<br />
chastised by Congress for failing to do so.<br />
<br />
<br />
An appropriate precedent for success of such a phased strategy can be found in <br />
<br />
the similar phases of the women’s right-to-vote movement in the US <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The Supreme Court had denied women's right to vote under the Constitution . Yet <br />
<br />
women won the right to vote at the state level starting with Wyoming in the 19th <br />
<br />
century. By the end of the century women were winning the vote in one state at a time <br />
<br />
until they achieved voting equally with men in a number of states that represented a <br />
<br />
clear majority of the electoral vote for President. Women could then “speak truth to <br />
<br />
power,” by their influence on federal officials on the question of their voting rights. The <br />
<br />
women's right-to-vote movement employed a strategy of single-issue voting and state- <br />
<br />
by-state enfranchisement to force the President (Wilson) and Congress after a series <br />
<br />
of close votes to approve and propose to the states the 19th amendment. Women <br />
<br />
voters and their allies then caused ¾ of the states to ratify. The amendment imposed <br />
<br />
the enfranchisement of women on the remaining recalcitrant states. Today's <br />
<br />
enfranchisement struggle to get money out of politics does not require a constitutional <br />
<br />
amendment because the problem is not recalcitrant states, but rather a recalcitrant <br />
<br />
Supreme Court. Only legislation is required to strip the Court of its powers over either <br />
<br />
federal or state law. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Yesterday’s Wyoming can be today’s Montana. The success of the women’s <br />
<br />
organizing model was the largest enfranchisement campaign in American history. The <br />
<br />
women’s right-to-vote movement serves as a model for re-enfranchising citizens today <br />
<br />
Citizens who have been increasingly disenfranchised by Supreme Court decisions <br />
<br />
establishing the power and undemocratic impact of money in politics can apply the <br />
<br />
women’s right-to-vote model of state-by-state reform. In achieving full citizenship, the <br />
<br />
women’s right to vote began with the state of Wyoming. To get money out of politics it <br />
<br />
can be the “Montana Model” that leads the way toward more inclusive, fairer elections. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Ω Ω Ω <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Citizens United and the 'Montana Model' <br />
<br />
<b>References - </b><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/%20http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citizens_United_v._Federal_Election_Commission%20">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citizens_United_v._Federal_Election_Commission </a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
In December 2011, the Montana Supreme Court in Western Tradition Partnership, Inc <br />
<br />
v. Attorney General of Montana upheld that state's law limiting corporate contributions <br />
<br />
Examining the history of corporate interference in Montana government that led to the <br />
<br />
Corrupt Practices Law, the majority decided that the state still had a compelling reason <br />
<br />
to maintain the restrictions. It ruled that these restrictions on speech were narrowly <br />
<br />
tailored and withstood strict scrutiny and thus did not contradict Citizens United. Judge <br />
<br />
James C. Nelson, dissenting, agreed with the majority that Citizens United was <br />
<br />
incorrectly decided but argued that Citizens United nonetheless precluded the Court's <br />
<br />
decision <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
In February 2012, the Supreme Court blocked the Montana Supreme Court's decision <br />
<br />
pending submission of cert petitions. Justices Ginsburg and Breyer released a short <br />
<br />
statement, urging the Court to revisit Citizens United and "to consider whether, in light <br />
<br />
of the huge sums of money currently deployed to buy candidate's allegiance, Citizens <br />
<br />
United should continue to hold sway". <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
On May 18, 2012, Montana and its amicus supporters submitted briefs to the Supreme <br />
<br />
Court, including two 11th Amendment briefs . On May 28th the corporate petitioners <br />
<br />
filed a Reply Brief. The case was then ready for submission to the conference, which <br />
<br />
could be held as early as June 14, when the Court will deliberate whether to grant the <br />
<br />
writ of certiorari (agreement to consider the case) and also take up the petitioners' <br />
<br />
request to summarily dismiss the case without any further briefing or argument as <br />
<br />
would normally occur <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Unless it denies cert as Montana requests, the Court would either schedule plenary <br />
<br />
argument of the appeal in the October 2012 term, or summarily reverses as the <br />
<br />
corporations request and most commentators expect. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Reversing Citizens United / OEN <br />
<br />
Stare Decisis after Citizens United : When Should Courts Overturn Precedent / Cato <br />
<br />
Institute <br />
<br />
The Hard Truth of Citizens United / Salon <br />
<br />
The Post Citizens United Fantasy-land (Problems of disclosure laws) Georgetown Law <br />
<br />
- <br />
<br />
Cornell Journal of Law & Public Policy <br />
<br />
<h3>
Citizen Involvement: </h3>
<br />
<br />
√ Contact your members of Congress to support Montana’s election laws by <br />
<br />
requesting they <br />
<br />
√ Support the “Eleventh Amendment Enforcement Act” <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. <br />
<br />
Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. ~ Margaret Mead </blockquote>
<br />USuncutMNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16624364811424888394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635441198703891555.post-45097251940460389622012-06-01T22:12:00.001-07:002012-06-01T22:12:46.220-07:00Thousands rally in Toronto as solidarity for Quebec spreads like wildfire | rabble.ca<a href="http://rabble.ca/news/2012/05/thousands-rally-toronto-solidarity-quebec-spreads-wildfire">Thousands rally in Toronto as solidarity for Quebec spreads like wildfire | rabble.ca</a>USuncutMNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16624364811424888394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635441198703891555.post-19986930344485914882012-05-31T21:33:00.001-07:002012-06-17T23:14:07.966-07:00ACTION PAGE!! - 280+ Million Reasons for a Foreclosure Moratorium<a href="http://signon.org/sign/41-million-reasons-for?source=c.url&r_by=260770">SignOn.org - 280+ Million Reasons for a Foreclosure Moratorium - go to link</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div id="by">
By Henry Corp (<a href="http://signon.org/contact_creator.html?petition_id=18600">Contact</a>)</div>
<div id="to-target">
To be delivered to: <span id="all-targets"> Lori Swanson, Minnesota Attorney General</span><br />
<span id="all-targets"> </span> </div>
<div id="pet-statement">
Sitting on millions of dollars while people are being evicted is unacceptable. Be transparent with the National Mortgage Settlement and put a moratorium on foreclosures & evictions until the process is up, running, and proven to be working for a month.<br />
</div>
There has been at least $41.5 milion available but on hold for over 3 months (update: $280 million on hold for 6 months). It's supposed to be getting used to keep people in their homes and as relief for victims of corrupt banking practices by Bank of America, JP Morgan Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and GMAC/Ally Financial.<br />
<br />
Pleasse, help us get this money working and stop foreclosures & evictions until it is. <br />
<br />
Sources: <br />
<a href="http://www.ag.state.mn.us/Consumer/PressRelease/120209NatMtgSlt">http://www.ag.state.mn.us/Consumer/PressRelease/120209NatMtgSlt</a>USuncutMNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16624364811424888394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635441198703891555.post-18483404161458973542012-05-29T02:43:00.001-07:002012-05-29T02:43:08.927-07:00The Engineered Euro Crash - William Engdahl on GRTVThe leaders of the EU prepare for a summit this week as the Eurozone continues to spin out of control. But how did the collapse begin, and who will profit from it? Find out more in this week's GRTV Feature Interview with F.<br />
<br />
William Engdahl.<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/OLLkS-Gukdo?fs=1" width="480"></iframe>USuncutMNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16624364811424888394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635441198703891555.post-55960401011987097042012-05-26T23:22:00.001-07:002012-05-26T23:22:18.629-07:00Intro to Participatory Economics<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Pd60nYW577U?fs=1" width="459"></iframe>USuncutMNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16624364811424888394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635441198703891555.post-72379553296741841762012-05-26T22:03:00.001-07:002012-05-26T22:03:28.544-07:00Maple Spring: 'Canada vs totalitarian govt crackdown'Published on <span class="watch-video-date" id="eow-date">May 25, 2012</span> by <a class="yt-user-name author" dir="ltr" href="http://www.youtube.com/user/RussiaToday" rel="author">RussiaToday</a> <br />
<div id="watch-description-text"> <div id="eow-description">Nearly 700 arrests have been made overnight in Canada, during the latest protest in Quebec against a huge planned rise in student tuition fees. The rallies have been on-going for more than 100 days. Police in Montreal dispersed unsanctioned protests and arrested 518 demonstrators on Wednesday night. The arrests were also made in Quebec City, where some 170 were detained, and in Sherbrooke. There were no reports of injuries or casualties.<br />
<br />
READ MORE: <a class="yt-uix-redirect-link" dir="ltr" href="http://on.rt.com/iw1clt" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="http://on.rt.com/iw1clt">http://on.rt.com/iw1clt</a><br />
<br />
Andrew Gavin Marshall talks to RT. He explains that the situation in Quebec is only part of a huge social protest.<br />
<br />
Subscribe to RT! <a class="yt-uix-redirect-link" dir="ltr" href="http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=RussiaToday" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=RussiaToday">http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=RussiaToday</a><br />
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RT (Russia Today) is a global news network broadcasting from Moscow and Washington studios. RT is the first news channel to break the 500 million YouTube views benchmark.</div></div><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/kQwUc79VGmM?fs=1" width="459"></iframe>USuncutMNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16624364811424888394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635441198703891555.post-15827081942825271272012-05-26T05:01:00.001-07:002012-05-26T05:01:29.599-07:00Bill Black: JPM’s “Wild, Crazy Insane Gamble” Puts Economy at Risk | The Big Picture<a href="http://www.ritholtz.com/blog/2012/05/bill-black-jpms-wild-crazy-insane-gamble-puts-economy-at-risk/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheBigPicture+%28The+Big+Picture%29">Bill Black: JPM’s “Wild, Crazy Insane Gamble” Puts Economy at Risk | The Big Picture</a>USuncutMNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16624364811424888394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635441198703891555.post-29234286832389530242012-05-25T21:02:00.001-07:002012-05-25T21:02:34.804-07:00CRASH ALERT: The Stock Market is Falling like a Stone<a href="http://globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=31027#.T8BVky69WbE.blogger">CRASH ALERT: The Stock Market is Falling like a Stone</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" id="ViewArticleTable" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" colspan="2" valign="top"><div class="articleAuthorName" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; padding: 0px;">by Mike Whitney</div></td></tr>
<tr><td align="left" rowspan="1" width="1"><img border="0" src="http://globalresearch.ca/coverStoryPictures2/31027.jpg" /></td><td align="right"><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td align="left" colspan="2"><div class="bigArticleText" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-right: 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit;"><br />
<div align="justify"><em>As you might have noticed, the stock market is falling like a stone. As of 9 AM PST, the Dow Jones has dropped 172 points while all the other indices are down sharply. German 2-year debt (bund) has dipped below 0% this morning at auction, signalling an acceleration in the bank run taking place in southern Europe. Depositors in Spain, Greece, Italy, Portugal, etc would rather take a loss on their <a href="http://globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=31027#" id="_GPLITA_2" in_rurl="http://www.textsrv.com/click?v=VVM6MTI0MzA6ODM4OmludmVzdG1lbnQ6MWM1ZmViZTZiZjhjY2IzYzZiM2M3NWYyZDFiOTdmNTk6ei0xMDYzLTE1MjI2Omdsb2JhbHJlc2VhcmNoLmNh" style="color: navy; font-style: normal;" title="Powered by Text-Enhance">investment</a>, then risk not their money back at all. The European Central Bank (ECB) does not guarantee deposits, so people are withdrawing their money en masse and getting out of Dodge pronto. What we're seeing is a real-time panic.</em></div><div align="justify">The ostensible trigger for the panic is known, but you won't read about it in the financial media where the news is dumbed down to the point of incoherence. What's really going on is that the German central bank (The Bundesbank) has indicated that it's ready to pull the plug on Greece which means that future bailouts will probably not be forthcoming. That's bad. It means that Greece will run out of <a href="http://globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=31027#" id="_GPLITA_3" in_rurl="http://www.textsrv.com/click?v=VVM6MTI0MzA6ODM4Om1vbmV5OmZkZjM3MWYyMTNhNDYzODk0OTc3Y2QwZjg0MDJjYThjOnotMTA2My0xNTIyNjpnbG9iYWxyZXNlYXJjaC5jYQ%3D%3D" style="color: navy;" title="Powered by Text-Enhance">money</a> some time in June; their banking system will implode, and the "birthplace of democracy" will be reduced to 3rd world status overnight. Here's a blurb from the Bundesbank's communique:</div><div align="justify">"Current developments in Greece are extremely worrying. Greece is threatening not to implement the reform and consolidation measures that were agreed in return for the large-scale aid programmes.</div><div align="justify">This jeopardises the continued provision of assistance. Greece would have to bear the consequences of such a scenario. The challenges this would create for the euro area and Germany would be considerable, but manageable given prudent crisis management. By contrast, a significant dilution of existing agreements would damage confidence in all euro-area agreements and treaties and strongly weaken incentives for national reform and consolidation measures. In such circumstances the institutional status quo comprising liability, control and individual responsibility of member states would be fundamentally called into question.</div><div align="justify">When the Eurosystem provided Greece with large amounts of liquidity, it trusted that the programs would be implemented and thereby ultimately assumed considerable risks. In the light of the current situation, it should not significantly increase these risks. Instead, the parliaments and governments of the member states should decide on the manner in which any further <a href="http://globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=31027#" id="_GPLITA_0" in_rurl="http://www.textsrv.com/click?v=VVM6MTk3MzA6MTQ3OTpmaW5hbmNpYWwgYXNzaXN0YW5jZTpiYmMzNGMyNDNmMzA1MzYyMjMyZGI3MmEzNThkZjkxMTp6LTEwNjMtMTUyMjY6Z2xvYmFscmVzZWFyY2guY2E%3D" style="color: navy;" title="Powered by Text-Enhance">financial assistance</a> is provided and therefore whether the associated risks should be assumed."</div><div align="justify">Okay. So German central bankers don't want to wait until the June elections in Greece to decide whether to provide more money or not. They're throwing in the towel now. No more money. No more bailouts. No more Mr. Niceguy. End of story. But what does that mean? Does it mean that the whole global financial system is headed back into the shitter again like after Lehman Brothers?</div><div align="justify">No one knows for sure, but there's bound to be a few bumps in the road, don't you think? Take a look at this from Bloomberg today (Wed):</div><div align="justify">“Europe’s banks, are sitting on $1.19 trillion of debt to Spain, Portugal, Italy and Ireland, are facing a wave of losses if Greece abandons the euro. While lenders have increased capital buffers, written down Greek bonds and used central-bank loans to help <a href="http://globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=31027#" id="_GPLITA_1" in_rurl="http://www.textsrv.com/click?v=VVM6MTAzNzQ6MjM5OnJlZmluYW5jZTowOTZjMDkyZTlmZWFkNDhlNGNmNzUxNjNiNjkwYmJjZDp6LTEwNjMtMTUyMjY6Z2xvYmFscmVzZWFyY2guY2E%3D" style="color: navy;" title="Powered by Text-Enhance">refinance</a> units in southern Europe, they remain vulnerable to the contagion that might follow a withdrawal, investors say. Even with more than two years of preparation, banks still are at risk of deposit flight and rising defaults in other indebted euro nations.” (Bloomberg)</div><div align="justify">Can you really slash a trillion bucks out of the rotting corpse of the EU banking system and still keep things running smoothly?</div><div align="justify">Don't bet on it. Here's more from Bloomberg:</div><blockquote dir="ltr" style="margin-right: 0px;"><div align="justify">"The ECB’s unprecedented provision of 1.02 trillion euros in three-year cash in December and February helped calm financial markets in the first quarter by removing concern that banks unwilling to lend to one another would run out of cash. Lenders in Spain and Italy also used the funds to buy sovereign debt, reducing government borrowing costs....</div><div align="justify">Lenders probably would need another 800 billion-euro liquidity lifeline from the ECB to help stem contagion from a Greek exit, Citigroup analysts estimated in a May 17 note...." (Bloomberg)</div></blockquote><div align="justify">That's right, the EU banks were gifted over 1 trillion euros 3 months ago, and they're still too undercapitalized to weather the storm of a Greek default. Nice, eh? So, the whole system is just an empty gourd, right? They're broke, so the ECB will have to print up another 800 bil just to keep the house of cards from collapsing in a heap.</div><div align="justify">Getting worried yet?</div><div align="justify">US Treasuries are also rallying big today. In fact, the yield on the 10-year --which hit a record low last week--is on its way back down indicating that investors are freaking scared-out-of-their-minds. In real terms, investors are now socking money into 10-year Treasuries knowing that (inflation adjusted) they'll get LESS money back then they put in.</div><div align="justify">How do you like them apples? That's what I call a full-blown panic! And yet, you ain't hearing a blasted thing about it on the news, right? Why would that be?</div><div align="justify">Here's a little icing on the cake from Bloomberg:</div><div align="justify">"Greece may have only a 46-hour window of opportunity should it need to plot a route out of the euro.</div><div align="justify">That’s how much time the country’s leaders would probably have to enact any departure from the single currency while global markets are largely closed, from the end of trading in New York on a Friday to Monday’s market opening ....</div><blockquote dir="ltr" style="margin-right: 0px;"><div align="justify">“I am completely convinced they could not orchestrate an orderly exit,” said Erik Nielsen, chief economist at UniCredit SpA in London. “This is a country that can’t implement laws, so how in the world are they going to secretly agree to print money, control the banks, control capital flows and think this is going to be orderly? It’s completely impossible.” ...</div><div align="justify">“There is no reason to think there won’t be riots and violence,” said Lefteris Farmakis, a strategist at Nomura International Plc in London. “It would be a pretty disastrous situation. People have no understanding of the consequences of a euro exit.” ("War-Gaming Greek Euro Exit Shows Hazards in 46-Hour Weekend", Bloomberg)</div></blockquote><div align="justify">Riots, street violence, skyrocketing unemployment, grinding poverty...the whole schmeer. And what's the most likely scenario for Greece after all that?</div><div align="justify">Well, probably another military coup backed by President Hopium and his band of CIA merry pranksters, right?</div><div align="justify">Okay, my bad. I don't want to polarize all the Obama fans, but, Geez Louise, things are looking mighty grim for the poor Greeks, don't you think?</div><div align="justify">Of course, it all could go smoothly "without a hitch"; no credit crunch, no bank runs, no flight to safety, no crashing stock markets, no decades of struggle and social unrest, no splitting up of the eurozone, no ethnic animosities, no uber-nationalism, no right wing fanaticism, no border skirmishes or armed hostilities, no revolutions, no depression, no rise of fascism...just a smooth transition to a new, slimmed-down version of the EZ. After all, that's what Germany is expecting. And they could be right.</div><div align="justify">But, probably not.</div></div></td></tr>
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<i>Mike Whitney is a frequent contributor to Global Research.</i> <a href="http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=listByAuthor&authorFirst=Mike&authorName=Whitney" style="color: navy; text-decoration: none;"><i>Global Research Articles by Mike Whitney</i></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>USuncutMNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16624364811424888394noreply@blogger.com0