We're still not getting these out that timely, but such is the pace of summer in Michigan--especially during an election year when so many people are focused on the election. That said, here's some stuff going on pertaining to either Mediamouse.org or social change efforts in West Michigan more generally.
Election Watch 2008
Mediamouse.org and the Grand Rapids Institute for Information Democracy's (GRIID) "Election Watch" project is in full swing with new articles about the presidential campaign. While the corporate media focuses on who's ahead in what poll and ignores real issues, we've been focusing on the major and third party candidates' positions on a variety of important issues as well as providing analysis of the systemic problems with the election system. So, if you want to find out about who pet owners prefer for president, read The Grand Rapids Press. If you want to find out more about what the candidates actually will beyond their rhetoric check Mediamouse.org
http://www.mediamouse.org/griid/electionwatch/
Film: The Day the Country Died: A History of Anarcho-Punk - July 28
With Crass and Poison Girls opening the floodgates, the arrival of bands such as Flux of Pink Indians, Conflict, Dirt, Subhumans, and Icons of Filth heralded a brand new age of honesty and integrity in underground music. It was a time when punk stopped being merely a radical fashion statement, and became a force for real social change; a genuine revolutionary movement, driven by some of the most challenging noises ever committed to tape. Anarchy, as regards to punk rock, no longer meant "cash for chaos," it meant "freedom, peace, and unity." Anarcho-punk took the rebellion inherent in punk from Day One to a whole new level of personal awareness.
Following the film, there will be a punk show featuring the contemporary anarcho-punk band From The Depths.
July 28 / 6:30pm / $5
The Division Avenue Arts Cooperative (The DAAC)
115 S Division SE
Really, Really Free Market - July 27
The Bloom Collective is sponsoring an interesting event:
Let's share what we've got and ask for what we need, because there is enough for everyone. Let's respond to the corporations that would rather the landfills overflow than anyone get something without paying. Let's meet this month to show that we mean what we've been saying--we want an alternative, and we're going to invent it for ourselves.
Come to the first ever REALLY, REALLY FREE MARKET in Grand Rapids! Bring usable stuff that you don't need and/or aren't using to share with others. You might consider bringing clothes, furniture, records, toys, or even food.
July 27 - 2:00pm
Corner of Wealthy and Fuller
Statewide RNC Protest Planning Meeting - August 2
Unconventional Michigan, a group organizing against the upcoming Republican National Convention (RNC), is hosting a statewide meeting in Grand Rapids early next month:
August 2
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Planning to attend the upcoming protests against the Republican National Convention (RNC) in the Twin Cities? Wondering how you will fit into the plans for shutting down the convention? Wondering about logistics?
Unconventional Michigan is hosting a planning meeting for folks who are going to be attending the protests. It will be an opportunity to meet radicals across Michigan to discuss how we can work together to shut down the RNC and articulate a radical vision for the future.
TO ATTEND, RSVP TO UAMICHIGAN@RISEUP.NET
MORE ON THE PROTESTS: HTTP://UAMICHIGAN.WORDPRESS.COM
Check Out The Bloom Collective
In addition to the above events, we urge you all to go to The Bloom Collective, an infoshop and lending library here in Grand Rapids. Located at 1134 Wealthy St SE, The Bloom Collective offers a large selection of books and films to borrow and membership is only $5-$25 per year. It's a perfect place to find a good book to read outside--perhaps even at the beach.
Support Independent Media by Donating
Finally, Mediamouse.org relies on contributions from our readers to stay afloat. We don't receive foundation money, we don't receive money from political parties, and we don't receive ads. In addition to our regular work, we'll be posting live from the upcoming protests against the Republican National Convention (RNC). All of this requires--unfortunately--some money, so please consider making a donation or purchasing a DVD from our online store:
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