Category Archives: News

Is Grand Rapids becoming Green?

Posted on March 31, 2008 by | Comments Off

Writers like Michael Eric Dyson and bell hooks have noted that as a response to the gains of the Civil Rights and Black Power movements, the entrenched white power structures made adjustments to hide institutional racism more effectively. Corporate boardrooms began including minorities in a token status and CEOs and their staff began attending multi-cultural sensitivity trainings. These tactics not only give the appearance of diversity, but it also benefits white power structures by limiting the public discussion about the very nature of what these structures do.

The current fad and strategy of power structures is to give the appearance that they care about the environment. Red flags should go up anytime we see of companies or other power structures saying that they have gone “green.” This trend towards labeling corporate or government practices as “green” can certainly be seen in Grand Rapids.

In recent years, the City of Grand Rapids has made some policy decisions that promote what are labeled as “green,” such as purchasing policies and construction of new buildings. The City’s website highlights the following: “Grand Rapids has more LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified buildings than any city in the United States other than Seattle and the State’s Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has designated 8 Grand Rapids companies as Clean Corporate Citizens.” The City of Grand Rapids is also planning to produce 20% of its own energy with renewable resources by 2010.

So what’s the problem you ask? Well, there are several problems with the assumption that if something is labeled green that it should be uncritically embraced. First, we need to critically examine what is meant by “green.” On February 26, the Grand Rapids Press ran a story on the front page of the business section entitled “Lumber outlet becomes eco-connection for builders.” The story focuses on local builders and lumber companies that are committed to “green building.” There is that label again. The article says that the wood sold by the area lumber company, called eco-connection products, have been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Unfortunately, nowhere in the story does the reporter provide any information on who the FSC is.

According to the World Rainforest Movement, FSC has a history of certifying companies that either take land from indigenous/local communities or grow trees on plantations of mono-crop species. Tree plantations are designed to raise fast growing trees in the same way that agribusiness might grow corn. Mono-crop tree farms are not forests, since a forest by definition is biologically diverse with multiple species of trees, plant and animal life. Just because a company designates their product as “green” doesn’t mean that it is environmentally sustainable…

A second problem with embracing anything that is labeled as a “green” product or policy is that it creates a narrow filter for which to view these products. Let’s imagine that a nuclear weapons manufacturer built a new building that was LEED certified and used 40% less energy to run the factory than its old one. Next, the company decides that it will only use recycled paper for its office use, will not allow Styrofoam cups in the break-room, and even purchases Fair Trade coffee for staff consumption. Sounds pretty wonderful and sustainable. Oh yeah, they make NUCLEAR BOMBS! If one follows this uncritical labeling of things “green” one could technically have “green” concentration camps. Now, I know this is an exaggeration, but I use it to get us to not simply accept the idea that if something is labeled “green” that it is good. This is the point that I was making at the beginning of the article about institutional racism. You can dress it up all you want, but institutional racism is still racism.

Several years ago, I remember a news story where a Texaco executive was reprimanded for calling an African American, who was a fellow executive, a “black jelly bean.” There was a tremendous media uproar about this comment, but no reporter stopped to think that Texaco’s oil extraction practices were not only bad for poor people of color around the globe, it was bad for the environment. The lesson of this story is, your company can engage in racist and environmentally destructive practices around the world all it wants, just don’t use derogatory words.

The problem of labeling practices “green” becomes even more complicated when environmental organizations get behind it. There is a coalition of business and environmental groups in the area known as the West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum. The forum states, “Our goal is to encourage the adoption and implementation of sustainable development business practices aimed at improving corporate profitability while simultaneously enhancing the long-term health of the environment.” Now, I don’t know about you, but it seems to me that that the interest of corporate profitability comes before the idea of environmental health. This is a debate that hasn’t received enough attention…can for-profit driven entities co-exist with a vibrant, health ecology?

The West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum is a program of the West Michigan Environmental Action Council. One of the resources online is a “Concise Self-Assessment Guide to Environmentally Sustainable Commerce.” Some of the participating companies in this document are Amway, Crystal Flash, General Motors of Grand Rapids, Louis Padnos Iron and Metal Company, and Wolverine Worldwide just to name a few. I don’t think I need to point out what is problematic about Amway, so I won’t. Crystal Flash traffics in petroleum and that is just not environmentally friendly. GM in a sense does the same as Crystal Flash, not to mention that the methods used in mining the resources necessary to make cars has a tendency to mess with the planet. Louis Padnos Iron and Metal Company? Visit one of their scrap metal yards off Wealthy Street just west of the Grand River and tell me if what you see seems like sustainable commerce. Lastly, Wolverine Worldwide has huge contracts to make footwear for the US military. Does that mean that since the US military uses “green” products we should designate them an eco-friendly entity?

For the most part, I am just trying to get us all to think critically about this “green” phenomenon. In addition, I think we need to question these practices when we encounter them. We cannot assume that governments, corporations, and even non-profit organizations are acting in the best interests of the people or the planet. Every April 22nd we celebrate what is designated as Earth Day. Let’s use this year’s celebration as an opportunity to be eco-warriors and eco-activists. We have all have an opportunity to not only challenge so-called “green” practices, but an obligation to do so if we want to resist the current ecological destruction that is happening right now, right in front of us…even if that destruction has a “green” label on it.

Jeff Smith is with the Grand Rapids Institute for Information Democracy. He can be reached at jsmith AT mediamouse.org.

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Grand Rapids Press Continues to Reflect Government’s Position on US Occupation of Iraq

Posted on March 31, 2008 by | Comments Off

In the past few days, there have been several articles in the Grand Rapids Press that reflect a certain level of bias in reporting on the United States’ occupation of Iraq. On Friday, March 28 there was a front page story headlined, “The fight is still under way: Despite latest Flare-up in Baghdad, Kent City Soldier Sees Signs of Hope.”

In this story, Army Captain Dennis Louck, speaking from Baghdad, claims that things in Iraq are improving and that the Iraqis are now willing to fight for their freedom. The story concludes with the Army Captain as saying, “We all want to feel we are part of something better in dreaming of something better for the Iraqi people.” The story is full of claims made by this military spokesperson, yet there are no other voices that might provide a different point of view and the Grand Rapids Press‘ reporter makes no attempt at verifying the claims made by the military. In addition, the Press doesn’t question a military spokesperson, even though there is declassified evidence of a clear Pentagon media strategy to disseminate false information about the war in Iraq, as well as the use of the Lincoln Group, a Washington-based group that won a Pentagon contract to promote “positive stories about US military operation in Iraq.”

By comparison, last month a US Iraq War veteran and an Iraqi spoke in Grand Rapids with a much different perspective. Raed Jarrar said that with regard to training Iraqis, most Iraqis wish the United States would stop as they are most often training sectarian militias that fuel the violence. He also said that US policy has promoted tensions between Sunnis and Shiites as it has given power to minority parties that have little support in Iraq. Instead of creating a government dedicated towards achieving “national reconciliation,” the United States has instead sought to have “native validators” that act in the interest of the United States. Unfortunately, most of those who live in West Michigan and have easy access would have heard this perspective, since the Grand Rapids Press did not cover this.

On Saturday, March 29 the Press ran a story based upon an interview with Michigan Senator Carl Levin on US policy in Iraq. In the story, the Press reporter claims, “Levin has been a persistent critic of the war since it began in March 2003. He was one of 22 senators to vote against the 2002 resolution that authorized President Bush to use force in Iraq.” While it is true that Levin voted against the resolution in 2002 he has voted for every piece of legislation to fund the US occupation of Iraq since 2003. Levin’s comments in the Press story were consistent with previous statements in that he blamed the Iraqis for the current problems in their country. The article states, “Levin cited evidence he believes underscores the failure of the Iraqi government to stand up for its own security, from the inaction of its troops to an estimated $30 billion in surplus oil sales it has failed to invest in its own people.” Again, there is no source that is cited to support this “evidence” and there are no other perspectives other than Senator Levin’s.

On Sunday, March 30 the Press editorial continued this line of thinking, stating, “President Bush and the U.S. government must force Iraq Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and his parliament to view factional cooperation, oil revenue sharing, the delivery of basic services and the establishment of civil order as urgent necessities — not conditions that can be attained in due time as U.S. soldiers continue to police the nation’s unruly streets.” the Press editorial does not assign any responsibility to the US occupation for causing the current problems in Iraq and only recognizes the US losses over the past 5 years. In the opening statement the editorial says, “The United States has now marked two milestones in the Iraq war: five years of fighting, 4,000 lives lost. Add other daunting statistics — nearly 30,000 wounded and $600 billion spent — and the war’s toll on the American people gains sobering perspective.” Again, Iraqi voices or perspectives are not reflected, nor is the enormous loss of Iraqi lives. A 2006 study by Johns Hopkins University estimated that 655,000 Iraqi civilians have died since the beginning of the US occupation in 2003.

This kind of reporting and editorializing is in stark contrast to how the Press has reported on local anti-war activities. In the most recent demonstration that took place in Grand Rapids on March 15 to mark the fifth anniversary of the US occupation of Iraq, the Press‘ coverage provided little print space to those who organized the march and gave an equal amount of print space to a man who was part of a group of 5 that harassed the antiwar marchers. Imagine if the Press gave anti-war groups an opportunity to respond to the claims made by politicians like Senator Levin or US Army spokesperson like Captain Louck? By not providing these perspectives when those who favor the US occupation of Iraq are featured in Grand Rapids Press stories, it demonstrates a clear bias in reporting.

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GVSU Hosts Speaker for Cesar Chavez Day

Posted on March 31, 2008 by | Comments Off

On Monday, Grand Valley State University’s (GVSU) Latino Student Union hosted Ricardo Meza of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) as part of its annual commemoration of Cesar Chavez’s birth. Meza spoke about his work with MALDEF and the current status of Latinos in the United States, as well as Chavez’s legacy.

Meza began by quoting a statement that Cesar Chavez–an organizer with the United Farm Workers who worked tirelessly to improve the lives of migrant farm workers–made on March 10, 1968 after ending one of his many hunger strikes:

“I am convinced that the truest act of courage, the strongest act of manliness, is to sacrifice ourselves for others in a totally nonviolent struggle for justice. To be a man is to suffer for others. God help us to be men!”

Meza said that Chavez’s words are still relevant and that 40 years later and that Latinos need to continue to organize. As a member of an organization fighting to improve the status of Latinos in the United States, Meza said that he values the contributions of Chavez and the United Farm Workers and looks to their work as a source of inspiration.

MALDEF–which was founded in 1968–is a nonprofit Latino litigation, advocacy, and educational outreach institution. Meza said that the organization is modeled off the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and that it functions in a similar manner to aid the Latino community. He said that even in 2008 with Latinos in an improved position from the 1960s–citing participation in electoral politics, in schools, and in the judiciary–much work remains to be done.

He told the audience a bit Chavez’s biography, telling the audience that in 1962 Chavez was approached by Fred Ross to organize migrant workers. Chavez became a union organizer and came to emphasize three key values in his work: personal responsibility, nonviolence, and personal sacrifice. Meza argued that all of these values continue to play an important role in improving the status of Latinos in the United States.

According to Meza, Chavez was successful in organizing migrants in part because he was able to relate to them and saw it as his personal responsibility to help them. Chavez worked as a migrant and as such understood the difficulties they faced. Meza argued that it is important to understand the struggles that Latinos continue to face, especially recent immigrants to the United States. He cited the anti-immigrant backlash in this country and mentioned that hate crimes against Latinos have increased and that local, state, and federal governments continue to pass legislation that seeks to criminalize immigrants. Meza said that in addition to challenging some of these laws, his organization has launched a website, Truthinimmigration.org to challenge the common stereotypes used by the anti-immigrant movement.

During his life and in his organizing work, Chavez was also committed to nonviolence. Meza told the audience that Chavez took this commitment very seriously and he used union organizing, walkouts, boycotts, and fasts to win victories for migrant workers. Meza said that nonviolence remains important to the Latino movement and cited the peaceful demonstrations in support of immigrant rights in 2006 as an example. Meza also argued that nonviolence is expressed by participation in the political process via registering people to vote, voting, and doing litigation work aimed at redistricting in order to have more and fairer representation in state and federal legislatures. Meza asserted that organizing to improve Latinos’ access to educational institutions–such as colleges–is also an example of carrying on Chavez’s commitment to nonviolence.

Finally, Chavez emphasized personal sacrifice as a value in his organizing. He cited how Chavez sacrificed his own health in hunger strikes and sacrificed his wealth by refusing higher paying jobs in order to continue to work alongside migrant workers. Meza said that this value of personal sacrifice continues in the struggle to improve Latinos’ status. He cited the great sacrifices that many Latino parents make to allow their children to go to school as an example.

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National and International Headlines for March 31

Posted on March 31, 2008 by | Comments Off
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Headlines from Democracynow.org, a daily TV/radio news program, hosted by Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez, airing on over 650 stations, pioneering the largest community media collaboration in the US.

Sadr Orders Mahdi Army to Stop Fighting

In Iraq, Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr has ordered his Mahdi Army to stop fighting, six days after Iraqi forces attacked Sadr strongholds in Basra and Baghdad. In exchange, Sadr demanded the Iraqi government free imprisoned members of the Mahdi Army, end house raids and help bring back Shiites displaced from the recent fighting. Despite Sadr’s call, mortar attacks continued in Baghdad and Basra. As many as 350 Iraqis died in the past week of Shiite-on-Shiite fighting. Prior to Sadr’s surprise announcement, members of the Mahdi Army had threatened to keep fighting until the United States left Iraq.

Mahdi Army Member: “We will not put down our weapons until the occupiers leave Iraq and we receive orders from the honorable Muqtada al-Sadr that the occupiers have left Iraq completely. Then we will be ready to lay down our weapons. Until then, nothing happens. We receive orders from our commanders, and God willing, we will bring an end to the occupation. We are willing to sacrifice our lives and our families, everything. We will not back down until the last drop and the last moment. We will keep the city of Basra safe and secure.”

Iraq Gov’t Controls Only 1/4th of Basra

The Iraqi military’s attempt to push the Mahdi Army out of Basra appears to have largely failed. According to CNN, Iraqi security forces control less than a quarter of the city. On Sunday, members of the Mahdi Army stormed the state television station in Basra. Images of Iraqi soldiers handing over their weapons were then broadcast.

Report: US Air Strike Kills Eight Civilians in Basra

As the Iraqi military struggled in Basra, the US military stepped up its direct involvement by carrying out multiple air raids. Iraqi police reported eight civilians were killed. Saturday when a US warplane strafed a home in the southern part of Basra.

Turkey Warplanes Attack Northern Iraq

Meanwhile, Turkish warplanes and artillery attacked northern Iraq. Turkish officials said fifteen Kurdish rebels died in the strikes on Thursday and Friday. Turkey has carried out several attacks in northern Iraq since mid-December with the direct support of the United States, which has been providing Turkey with real-time intelligence.

Arab Leaders Re-Endorse 2002 Israeli Peace Initiative

Arab leaders meeting in Damascus re-endorsed the 2002 Arab initiative for peace with Israel. The plan offers Israel peace and normal relations with all Arab countries in return for withdrawal from all territory captured in the 1967 war.

Arab League chief Amr Moussa: “We reiterate that the continuation by the Arab side to present the Arab peace initiative is tied to Israel executing its commitments in the framework of international resolutions to achieve peace in the region.”

Successive Israeli governments have either ignored or rejected the offer, which would require Israel to dismantle settlements in the occupied West Bank. Meanwhile, Israel has agreed to remove about nine percent of its roadblocks in the West Bank. The announcement came during a visit by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. Israel currently maintains more than 580 checkpoints and roadblocks in the West Bank, including thirty that have gone up since the Annapolis peace talks.

Sen. Clinton Pledges to Continue Campaign Until Convention

In campaign news, Senator Hillary Clinton has pledged to continue campaigning until the Democratic convention, unless there is a resolution to the Florida and Michigan primaries. In an interview with the Washington Post, Clinton said, “I have no intention of stopping until we finish what we started and until we see what happens in the next ten contests and until we resolve Florida and Michigan.” Clinton went on to say, “And if we don’t resolve it, we’ll resolve it at the convention–that’s what credentials committees are for.” When she was asked if there was a scenario in which she would drop out before the last primaries on June 3, Clinton said no. Senator Barack Obama responded by saying, “My attitude is that Senator Clinton can run as long as she wants.” Meanwhile, Obama has picked up the endorsement of two more Democratic Senators: Bob Casey of Pennsylvania and Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota. Pennsylvania holds its primary on April 22, Minnesota on May 6.

Treasury Sec. Paulson to Unveil New Plan to Regulate Markets

In economic news, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson plans to release a sweeping new plan to regulate the financial markets. The McClatchy Newspapers reports it’s the broadest reform of oversight of the markets since the aftermath of the Great Depression. According to press reports, Paulson’s plan will merge some federal bank regulators, weaken the agency that regulates the stock market and put hedge funds under some regulations. Paulson would also set up a new federal Mortgage Origination Commission to oversee mortgage finance. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve has announced it will make available another $100 billion in short-term loans to banks. The Fed has already provided $260 billion in loans to help keep the banks from going under.

Record Number of Food Stamp Recipients Projected

Government officials are projecting the number of Americans receiving food stamps will reach a record 28 million later this year. Over the past year, more than forty states saw the number of food stamp recipients rise. A ten percent jump in food stamp recipients was recorded in six states: Arizona, Florida, Maryland, Nevada, North Dakota and Rhode Island. In West Virginia, one in six residents now receive food stamps.

Military Drops Another Haditha Prosecution

Military prosecutors have dropped all charges against a Marine accused of killing twenty-four unarmed Iraqis, including women and children in Haditha in 2005. Lance Cpl Stephen Tatum became the fifth Haditha defendant out of eight to see charges dropped in a case that brought international condemnation on US troops in Iraq. Tatum initially faced charges of unpremeditated murder and negligent homicide. One Marine testified that Tatum told him to shoot a group of Iraqi women and children he found on a bed in a closed room. That Marine said he walked away but saw Tatum return and heard a loud noise, possibly gunfire or a grenade.

Siegelman Links Karl Rove to His Prosecution

The former Democratic governor of Alabama Don Siegelman says politics played a leading role in his prosecution. In his first interview since being released from jail, Siegelman said there had been abuse of power in his case and repeatedly cited the influence of Karl Rove, the former White House political director. Siegelman told the New York Times, “His fingerprints are smeared all over the case.” On Friday Siegelman was released on bond while he appeals a conviction on corruption charges. Critics say he is the target of a political witch hunt. More than fifty former state attorney generals have called for a congressional investigation into Siegelman’s case.

Zimbabwe Opposition Claims Victory Against Mugabe

Zimbabwe’s main opposition leaders have claimed victory in an election that could unseat President Robert Mugabe who has ruled Zimbabwe for twenty-eight years. Full official elections results have not yet been released. Provisional findings, leaked to The Independent of London last night indicated that the main opposition party, the Movement for Democratic Change, had taken 191 of 210 parliamentary seats.

Pro-Tibet Protesters Attempt to Disrupt Olympics Ceremony

In Greece, pro-Tibet protesters attempted to disrupt a ceremony Saturday where Greece handed the Olympic flame to China. A group of activists tried to stop the flame from reaching the Athens stadium, where Beijing officials were waiting, but they were quickly removed by Greek police.

Dalai Lama Accuses China of Threatening Tibetan Culture

Meanwhile, the Dalai Lama has accused China of threatening Tibetan culture by allowing an increasing number of Chinese people to move into Tibet.

Dalai Lama: “These monastic institutions are very, very important for the preservation of the Tibetan culture. Now, a lot of restrictions on this… It’s actually some form of cultural genocide. These are intentionally. And monks and nuns–you see, now political sort of education, and also now, in recent years, they intensified.”

On Friday, Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd called on China to hold talks with the Dalai Lama. Rudd made his comments during a meeting with President Bush in Washington.

Kevin Rudd: “I think it would be appropriate for the Chinese government to engage the Dalai Lama or his representatives in a formal set of discussions about future possibilities when it comes to internal arrangements within Tibet. We recognize China’s sovereignty over Tibet, but it is difficult, it’s complex, and it will certainly be matters which I will be raising when I visit China, myself, at the end of this visit abroad.”

President Bush spoke after the Australian Prime Minister.

President Bush: “My views on Tibet? I couldn’t have said it better. And that’s exactly what I told Hu Jintao a couple of days ago, that it’s in his country’s interest that he sit down again with representatives of the Dalai Lama–he, not personally, but have representatives do so–and that we urge restraint. And I appreciate the Prime Minister’s view and advice on dealing with this issue.”

HUD Secretary Jackson to Resign

In news from Washington, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Alphonso Jackson is expected to announce his resignation today. Jackson’s resignation comes as the country faces its worst housing crisis in years. Jackson has been under investigation by the Justice Department and the Housing Department’s inspector general in inquiries focusing on whether he gave lucrative housing contracts to friends.

Bush Jeered at Baseball Game

Meanwhile, President Bush was met by jeers and cheers last night as he threw out the first pitch of the Washington Nationals baseball season. The Washington Nationals opened their season in a new $600 million stadium that was financed almost entirely by government subsidies.

80-Year-Old Deacon Arrested at Mall for Antiwar T-Shirt

In Long Island, New York, an eighty-year-old church deacon was removed from a shopping mall Saturday and arrested after he refused to remove a t-shirt protesting the Iraq war. Deacon Don Zirkel was handing out antiwar pamphlets when he was approached by security guards at the Smith Haven Mall. The guards placed him under citizen’s arrest after he refused orders to turn his t-shirt inside out. When the local police arrived they charged him with criminal trespassing and resisting arrest.

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Candidates Discuss Issues Facing GRPS at Board of Education Forum

Posted on March 28, 2008 by | Comments Off

On Thursday evening, the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority held a forum at Grand Valley State University (GVSU) for candidates in the May 6 elections for the Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS) Board of Education. On May 6, voters will chose two candidates to fill two four-year terms and one candidate to fill a one-year term. Candidates Jane Gietzen, Gordon Griffin, Kenneth Hoskins (current board member), Derrick Martin, and Luis Pena (a current board member who was not present at the forum) will compete for four-year terms, while Tony Baker and Senita Lenear (a current member) will compete for the one-year partial term.

As part of Mediamouse.org’s commitment to cover local elections and specifically candidate forums, what follows are summaries of the questions asked of the candidates and their responses. Unfortunately, we were unable to stay for audience questions.

Opening Statements – Why Running:

Lenear: She is a 13-year employee of Blue Cross Blue Shield with experience in labor relations, human resources, and community affairs. She has a daughter at the Montessori high school and she believes that awareness of the postive things happening in the district could bring people back.

Gietzen: She is the mother of children in the district’s Montessori program. She has three main emphases: passion–she is driven by her children to improve GRPS, commitment–she is involved in the classroom and in district committees, and skills–she has worked for Spectrum Health and has relevant experience.

Griffin: He has twenty-eight years of experience in the GRPS as both a teacher and a principal. He has nothing but respect for the GRPS but believes that the district can do better. He believes in the schools and wants to make them better and he is capable of working with others to make these improvements.

Hoskins: He has been the board president for the last two years and has served for vice president for a year. He wants to realize the potential of all children and he believes that while advocating in Lansing is important, we must do all that we can to help children receive a quality education. He wants to enhance community and parental involvement.

Martin: He was a student at GVSU and Central High School. He has been active in GRPS for many years, including a run for the board in 2000. He wants to help provide a productive and safe environment for employees and students. He says that the current board has become stagnate and that it is time for a change.

Baker: His campaign theme is “We are GRPS.” He said that the Grand Rapids public needs to take ownerships of the schools. Everyone needs to get involved because the problems at and in the schools are community problems. He currently has two kids in Montessori and is a sociology professor.

Many are concerned about youth violence in the community, what can the schools do about gangs?

Baker: As a parent, if his children came home and said that there was a problem with gangs he would go talk with the principal. As a board member and sociologist, he would be careful when using the term “gang” because of the stigma that it attaches to children. He said that using the term can often turn children into something that we fear. He believes that we must engage students in school to combat gangs. He said that one way of doing this is having strong leadership and principals.

Lenear: Gangs give children a sense of acceptance and approval. The GRPS needs to provide more positive activities for children to engage in. She said that while Grand Rapids is a “program rich” community, many people are unaware of the existing programs and that the GRPS could help build awareness of the programs. She cited the LOOP Program as an example of keeping kids out of trouble. She also said that it would be beneficial to partner with the Grand Rapids Police Department to learn about gangs. Finally, parents need to be educated about the problem.

Gietzen: Gangs provide children with a support system; GRPS needs to find a better way to fill those needs. She suggested improving relationships with neighborhood associations. Also, because it is a multi-faceted problem, she mentioned her experience in bringing different stakeholders together.

Griffin: There is nothing GRPS can do to solve this alone–it is a societal issue. There needs to be law enforcement, community, and parental involvement. Kids are disenfranchised and have real needs but often join gangs because they do not know what to do. It is a means of reaching out and GRPS may be able to intervene.

Hoskins: The gang problem has to be taken seriously. He is on a Grand Rapids-GRPS liaison committee to talk about issues such as this. GRPS needs to teach students to avoid peer pressure. He cited the LOOP Program and sports as alternatives, but said that the schools can do much more.

Martin: Agreed with much of what the other candidates said, but the GRPS needs to acknowledge that the problem exists. The board is treating it as a PR issue rather than a safety issue.

A recent study referred to GRPS high schools as “dropout factories,” how can the number of drop-outs be reduced? How can students be given the skills for the 21st century?

Lenear: She refutes the study and said that it erroneously counted results by ignoring differences in local, state, and federal criteria for determining who is a dropout. She said that there are dropout recovery and alternative high school programs in the district and that those help many students. She said that new buildings and learning environments will help students take ownership. A switch to a trimester system for classes will also help.

Gietzen: She said that the GRPS needs to agree on a measurement and use it. Dropouts are more likely to fall into poverty. She said that raising the dropout age to 18 and the plan for “Centers for Innovation” and small schools will also help keep kids engaged. She said that the trimester change will also help, as will counseling.

Griffin: He agrees with the others that it was a poor report. He said that 90% of students are not dropping out and that the GRPS needs to recognize its accomplishments more. He said it is similar to the gang problem; there is a lack of affirmation for students. Unfortunately, he said there is a lot of pressure on middle and high school teachers to teach to a curriculum that makes it hard for them to have alternative ways of evaluating students.

Hoskins: The report didn’t take into account those who may have moved out of the district. However, there is still a lot to be done in the high schools. The “Phase 2″ building plan for the high schools will help as will improving the curriculum as part of the “Phase 2″ changes.

Martin: He said that there were 405 students in his class when he entered Central High School in 1996 and only 105 when he graduated. He said that there needs to be truancy officers and stronger truancy ordinances.

Baker: The data was flawed and the headlines were erroneous. He said that the current board recognizes the challenges but the resources at many schools are not what they should be. He said that he will ask the community for the best resources and that a new physical infrastructure is needed.

Poverty is a reality for many GRPS students, how can the schools better serve those in poverty?

Gietzen: 81% of students in the district qualify for free and reduced lunch. The departure of the middle class is hurting everyone and there needs to be quality programs and choices to bring them back into the district. She also said that those with privilege make a lot of assumptions and that staff needs to understand what it is like to live in poverty.

Griffin: Poverty is not just about money, but also power and transportation. He said that there needs to be an environment that is welcoming and affirming for children. Community partnerships are necessary. It will help children if the schools promote the view that there is something that students can do to improve their position aside from just their parents’ wealth.

Hoskins: A better educational system is key to combating poverty. In Grand Rapids, there is a 23% child poverty rate. Students who receive quality educations will ultimately bring resources back into community. It is essential to be innovative in academics and also to develop more philanthropic partnerships.

Martin: He said that the district needs to bring together community resources to address the problem. He also argued that GRPS contributed to poverty in the district when it voted to privatize bus drivers. The district is still pushing for privatization.

Baker: The middle class is choosing other options. However, GRPS needs to produce a quality education product for those still in the district. He said it is essential that we believe and expect that kids can learn. He said that early child education programs such as Pre-K are essential.

Lenear: Poverty is diverse and needs to be understood. That said, she said that there are a number of programs–transportation passes, homeless programs, free lunch programs, dental and health programs, and summer food programs–that are addressing this issue. They haven’t eradicated poverty but they are helping.

English as a second language is important in the district, how can the schools help reduce the language barrier?

Griffin: Many kids in GRPS now speak three or four languages. There are children at the sixth and seventh grade levels trying to learn English and it is difficult to catch them up. It is essential that GRPS remain sensitive to not only language differences but also cultural differences and how those play out in the classroom and on standardized tests.

Hoskins: The problem is difficult as students represent 70 countries with 49 different languages. There must be adequately trained teachers–and existing can be trained. He reiterated his call for innovative academic programs. A challenge cited by Hoskins was that the district only has a year to get students speaking English before they have to take the MEAP test.

Martin: He echoed what the others said and said that he things it is important to expose English speakers to different languages earlier.

Baker: He said that it is important that GRPS does not debate immigration or immigration status and that the district teach all of its students and work hard to do it. He said that it is critical that the staff understand diversity and cultural differences.

Lenear: She said that she is on the board’s legislative committee and is trying to get federal support for ESL programs. She said that it is an incredible barrier for students and parents when they have difficulties communicating. She said that the district has sacrificed money from its operations budget to pay for ESL programs.

Gietzen: She said that this is a community issue and that it is an opportunity for creative partnerships. She also said that it is essential to learn about different cultures.

What are your thoughts on the GRPS’s proposed plan to eliminate comprehensive high schools to replace them with theme schools?

Hoskins: He said that whether the bond passes or not, there must be an improvement made to the high schools. He said that the question needs to be asked, “are our children worth it?” He said the answer was “yes.”

Martin: He is not totally against the plan, but he has some concerns–particularly with regard to the fact that the board paid thousands to a consulting firm to find out that a bond was needed. He said that this shows the board is out of touch with the community. He would like to see new schools.

Baker: Based on research, he thinks small schools will work as they provide a better learning environment. He said that there needs to be a lot of community input and work on the plan. He said that two potential cons are possible “brain drain” with most ambitious students going to the theme schools and that there is a possible problem with requiring students to cross gang lines.

Lenear: The district must do things differently and this plan will improve the status quo. He said that it will increase engagement in the schools, attract new students, and increase achievement. She said it will also help students have a more clear career path.

Gietzen: Four high schools haven’t met standards for years and they need to change. The small schools offer more variety and better programs. She said that there may be negatives with transportation, but that she would rather have GRPS do it than have it pushed onto the district.

Griffin: This is an idea that is long in coming and it could help attract students to the district. However, he is frustrated that teachers have not been very involved. He said that GRPS needs to take its time with this and he is currently unsure that the community is involved. It is essential that there is wide involvement to avoid revisiting it in five years.

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Scrutinizing Michigan’s Water Assessment Tool

Posted on March 28, 2008 by | Comments Off

Withdrawing large amounts of Great Lakes water could be as easy as paying your bills online. With a few clicks and the right numbers you could tap into the Great Lakes.

Michigan legislators are currently discussing a proposal by Sen. Patty Birkholz, R-Saugatuck Township, on whether to amend the Senate version (SB 212) of the Great Lakes compact by adding an Assessment Tool that would create a model based approach towards withdrawing Great Lakes water. The model is intended for large withdrawals exceeding 100,000 gallons per day.

The Great Lakes Compact is an agreement between the eight Great Lakes States to limit water diversions. For the compact to be valid it must go through both houses of Congress in each state and then be signed into law by the state’s governor. The compact must then be passed by both Houses of Congress at the national level and be signed into law by the president.

So far Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, and New York have enacted the compact into law.

In a recent slideshow, Jon Bartholic, director of Michigan State University’s Institute of Water Research had mock versions of an easy to use water withdrawal website that would provide instant approval or rejection.

The entire concept of an “Assessment Tool” and “Screening Tool” (the website), is from the government appointed Groundwater Conservation Advisory Council.

Public Act 34 was passed in Michigan in February 2006 mandating that the Council come up with “criteria and indicators to evaluate the sustainability of the state’s groundwater use.”

The model that the Council developed works by determining how much water is in Michigan streams and then to determine how much water can be withdrawn before there is an adverse effect on indicator species such as trout.

An indicator species is a species that is sensitive to environmental changes. Trout is the most likely candidate to be the indicator species for the Assessment Tool. Trout are sensitive to temperature changes and are seen as good indicators of stream health by ecologists.

The council has worked out four A-D Zones that water withdrawals will fall under, with A having the least amount of impact on the indicator species and D having the greatest impact on the population.

Zone B is where there is the beginning of a negative impact on the indicator species. What is unclear in the Council’s final report is whether it will be ok to fall into the Zone B range.

The report says: “In Zone B the proposed water use will likely begin to impact ‘thriving’ fish populations and, at a minimum, steps need to be taken to better understand water uses in the area and concerns regarding specific aquatic resources and to educate users.”

The council left the Zone B issue unresolved, the report stated: “The Council did not reach final consensus on whether or not a withdrawal in Zone B also should be considered as ‘not likely to cause an Adverse Resource Impact,’ either by the Screening Tool or following a site-specific determination. We recognize that this area required discussion beyond the time afforded the Council for deliberations.”

The unresolved Zone B is significant since the Council recommended that this model should become the legal standard for water withdrawals in Michigan.

Other legal aspects for the final decision are that the decision is based on the best available data and then the decision can be challenged legally by either a third party or by the applicant.

The Council did not set up any guidelines for anybody that over time ends up falling in the Zone C or D range. There also has not been consensus over whether these permits should be permanent or renewable.

James Clift, who was a member of the Council and is part of the Michigan Environmental Council disagreed with the report’s acknowledgment that some streams could be reduced by as much as 40-50 percent and still fall into Zone A and could still “support good populations of trout.”

In a press release Clift explains: “The numbers prove that the assessment tool should be used exactly for what it was intended – as a tool, not the sole means of determining whether water users can responsibly pump huge quantities of water from the ground.”

The Council did not come to a consensus over whether each stream should be valued equally or on a stream by stream basis since some streams are valued differently for their ecological or recreational importance.

Groundwater Conservation Advisory Council: Final Report

Groundwater Conservation Advisory Council MDEQ website

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Ehlers Speaks at Event Promoting Colombia Free Trade Agreement

Posted on March 28, 2008 by | Comments Off

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Earlier this week, Grand Rapids area congressional Representative Vern Ehlers spoke at event sponsored by the Grand Rapids and US Chamber of Commerce. The event–part of the national Chamber’s “TradeRoots” series–promoted trade agreements as a means of helping Michigan businesses succeed. Additionally, according to a media report, the event promoted the passage of the US-Colombia Free Trade Agreement (Colombia FTA), which the Chamber’s representative said would help businesses in the United States. The same article said, “Government and business representatives also discussed how the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement will remove barriers to U.S. service providers doing business in the country; provide a secure, predictable legal framework for U.S. investors; and effectively enforce labor and environmental laws.” Unfortunately, there is nothing available online about what Ehlers said specifically at the event. In the past, Ehlers has supported many similar trade agreements.

The Colombia Free Trade Agreement has been criticized by Public Citizen for being based on the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and thereby replicating its flaws. Moreover, the Colombia FTA has been criticized for ignoring anti-union violence in Colombia. The AFL-CIO, one of the largest unions in the country, is opposed to the Colombia FTA and has committed to mobilizing its members against it.

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Noteworthy Articles

Posted on March 28, 2008 by | Comments Off

The following articles of interest were published elsewhere on the web today:

Previously archived links are available on the news links page or on Media Mouse’s del.icio.us page. To recommend links, tag them with “mediamouserecommended” on del.icio.us or contact us via email.

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National and International Headlines for March 28

Posted on March 28, 2008 by | Comments Off
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Headlines from Democracynow.org, a daily TV/radio news program, hosted by Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez, airing on over 650 stations, pioneering the largest community media collaboration in the US.

Despite Bush Claims, US Forces Leading Attacks on Mahdi Army

Tens of thousands of Iraqis took to the streets of Baghdad Thursday to protest the ongoing government crackdown on Shia fighters loyal to Muqtada al-Sadr. More than 130 people have been killed since Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki launched the crackdown on Sadr’s Mahdi Army on Tuesday. Earlier today, Maliki said he would extend a deadline for Mahdi fighters to lay down their arms until April 8th. As the fighting escalated, President Bush continued to sound off on the White House theme that the violence in Iraq marks a sign of US success.

President Bush: “This offensive builds on the security gains of the surge and demonstrates to the Iraqi people that their government is committed to protecting them. There is a strong commitment by the central government of Iraq to say that no one is above the law. This operation is going to take some time to complete. And the enemy, you know, will try to fill the TV screens with violence. But the ultimate result will be this: terrorists and extremists in Iraq will know they have no place in a free and democratic society.”

Despite President Bush’s claims, reports on the ground say the US military is still waging much of the fighting. According to the Washington Post, an Iraqi battalion mostly stayed on the outskirts of Sadr City as US troops led the attacks. US armored vehicles supported by helicopters and drones were seen battling Mahdi forces. US gunfire was heard throughout Thursday’s clashes. Mahdi Army commanders corroborated the account, saying they have been mostly fighting US forces in Sadr City. One senior Mahdi Army member said, “If there were no Americans, there would be no fighting.” Meanwhile, in Basra, a Mahdi Army member said several Iraqi troops had laid down their arms rather than fight.

Mahdi Army member: “We are members of Mahdi Army. We thanked the soldiers who handed out their weapons and equipment. We thanked them, as they did not fight their brothers in the Mahdi Army. We want to tell Maliki that Basra is safe, so we ask him not to ignite the situation and the mounting number of casualties.”

Anonymous US officials say Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki decided to launch the anti-Sadr offensive without even consulting Washington. Administration officials are said to be struggling to understand the situation on the ground. The violence also continued to hit the US-controlled Green Zone. On Thursday, an American contractor was killed by one of twelve mortar rounds fired inside the zone’s heavily fortified walls.

Toll from US Strike on Hilla Unknown

Meanwhile, the death toll from Wednesday’s US bombing in the town of Hilla remains unknown. Witnesses have reported anywhere between ten and eighty casualties. A local resident said Hilla had not been used for insurgent activity.

Hilla resident: “What is the reason behind attacking us? We did not fight them or attack a police center or military base. We did not threaten anyone or participate in demonstrations. No military actions in our area.”

US Memo Warns of Poor Conditions at Fallujah Prison

In other Iraq news, a newly disclosed memo is warning of deplorable conditions at a prison in Fallujah. According to Consortium News, western Iraq US commander, Major General John Kelly, writes that the jail is so overcrowded and dirty that it does not meet “minimal levels of hygiene for human beings.” US Marines oversee operation of the prison. More than 900 prisoners are said to be housed at the jail, even though it’s supposed to hold just 100.

UK Admits to Torturing Iraqi Prisoners

Meanwhile, the British government has admitted its forces tortured nine Iraqi prisoners in 2003. The admission could lead to compensation payments to the eight surviving prisoners and the family of the ninth, who died from beatings by British jailers. The slain victim, Iraqi hotel worker Baha Musa, suffered ninety-three injuries to his body. Musa was twenty-six years old and the father of two children. His wife had died just two months earlier of a brain tumor.

Democratic Congressional Candidates Call for Immediate Iraq Withdrawal

Meanwhile, back in the United States, more than three dozen Democratic congressional candidates have pledged to make an immediate Iraq withdrawal a centerpiece of their upcoming campaigns. The proposal, dubbed a “Responsible Plan to End the War in Iraq,” would still keep troops in Iraq to guard the US embassy. But it differs from Democratic leaders and both presidential candidates in refusing to keep tens of thousands of troops in Iraq to train Iraqis or engage in so-called anti-terrorism operations.

Court Orders New Sentencing for Mumia Abu-Jamal

A federal appeals court Thursday refused to overturn the conviction of imprisoned journalist and former Black Panther Mumia Abu-Jamal and rejected his call for a new trial. However, the long-awaited ruling said Abu-Jamal, who has been on death row for twenty-six years, deserves a new sentencing hearing because of flawed jury instructions. If he is re-sentenced, he will face either death or life in prison without parole. Abu-Jamal was convicted for killing a white police officer in 1982 following a controversial trial before a predominantly white jury.

Ex-Alabama Gov. to be Freed on Bond

In Alabama, former Governor Don Siegelman has been ordered released from jail while he appeals a conviction on corruption charges. Siegelman is currently serving a seven-year, four-month prison sentence on charges of bribery, conspiracy and mail fraud. Critics say he is the target of a political witch hunt. More than fifty former state attorney generals have called for a congressional investigation into Siegelman’s case. The release was ordered just hours after the House Judiciary Committee said it would call Siegelman to testify over whether his prosecution was politically motivated.

Puerto Rico Gov. Charged in Corruption Case

Meanwhile, in Puerto Rico, Governor Anibal Acevedo Vila has been charged with nineteen counts in a campaign finance probe, charges Acevedo says could be politically motivated. The indictment also names twelve others in Acevedo’s Popular Democratic Party. Acevedo has previously accused prosecutors of targeting him for his criticism of the 2005 FBI killing of Puerto Rican militant independence leader Filiberto Ojeda Rios.

Israel Accused of New Extrajudicial Killings

Israel is being accused of carrying out new extrajudicial killings of Palestinians in the Occupied Territories. On Thursday, the Israeli human rights group B’Tselem said Israeli troops deliberately murdered four Palestinian militants in Bethlehem earlier this month. Sarit Michaeli of B’Tselem says Israeli troops made no effort to arrest the victims.

Sarit Michaeli: “According to the Israeli high court, it is not permissible to intentionally kill a Palestinian suspect if there is a possibility of using less extreme measures, such as arresting and trying him. Based on our research, it appears that the forces on this operation acted as if it was an assassination operation: they did not make any attempt to arrest the four suspects but immediately opened fire at them and, following that, confirmed the kill by firing at them again after the operation was over.”

The March 12th attack broke a temporary five-day tacit truce between Israel and Palestinian militants.

Negroponte Denies Pressuring Pakistani Leaders

In Pakistan, a visiting US delegation faced allegations Thursday of trying to pressure the new Pakistani government into supporting the so-called war on terror. Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte and Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher arrived in Pakistan this week just before the swearing in of new Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani. The trip has been seen as a sign of US meddling, coming before Pakistan’s new cabinet has been named. Speaking in Karachi, Negroponte tried to dismiss the speculation.

Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte: “This suggestion that somehow Pakistan–that we expect Pakistan to carry out activities on our behalf and at our behest that are not in Pakistan’s interest is simply wrong. So, I think that anything that is done in this area has got to be in our mutual interest and judged to be of mutual benefit. And, of course, we will respect whatever decision is taken by the Pakistani authorities in that regard.”

Negroponte spoke hours after the Washington Post revealed the US has increased military attacks against what it calls al-Qaeda targets in Pakistan amidst concerns Pakistan’s new government will try to limit future US operations. US military aircraft have struck three targets over the past two months, killing around forty-five foreign fighters near the Afghan border. Civilian casualties are unknown.

Tibetan Monks Storm Chinese Press Briefing

In Tibet, the Chinese government allowed in a group of foreign journalists Thursday, the first since unrest broke out earlier this month. In Lhasa, a group of monks stormed a Chinese government news briefing and accused China of lying about the situation on the ground.

Monk: “They just don’t believe us. They think we will come out and cause havoc–smash, destroy, rob, burn. We didn’t do anything like that; they’re falsely accusing us.”

All monasteries in Lhasa remain closed amidst a large deployment of Chinese forces.

Pentagon Orders Nuclear Inventory

Back in the United States, the Pentagon has ordered a complete inventory of the nation’s nuclear arsenal in the wake of the recent admission four nuclear parts were mistakenly sent to Taiwan in 2006. It was the second major nuclear blunder for the military in the last six months. Last year, the Air Force unknowingly flew nuclear warheads between North Dakota and Louisiana.

Clinton, Obama Tout Economic Proposals

And on the campaign trail, both Democratic candidates gave major addresses Thursday to tout their economic policies. In North Carolina, Senator Hillary Clinton called for a new federal program to retrain laid-off workers. Clinton said she would stand up to corporate interests.

Sen. Hillary Clinton: “The oil companies, the predatory student loan companies, the insurance companies and the drug companies have had seven years of a president who stands up for them. I will be a president who stands up for all of you. And it is past time that we set our priorities straight and level the playing field for the middle class and against the corporate special interests. It’s time for a president who is ready on day one to be the commander-in-chief of our economy.”

Meanwhile, here in New York, Senator Barack Obama called for an additional $30 billion in federal economic aid and said he would increase regulation of financial markets. Obama also criticized Republican candidate John McCain for advocating a limited federal role in the economy.

Sen. Barack Obama: “John McCain recently announced his own plan, and unfortunately it amounts to little more than watching this crisis unfold. While this is consistent with Senator McCain’s determination to run for George Bush’s third term, it won’t help families that are suffering, and it won’t help lift our economy out of recession.”

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Work Continues on Mediamouse.org Redesign

Posted on March 27, 2008 by | Comments Off

For people visiting the website this week, you have no doubt noticed that we are in the process of redesigning the site. For the most part, the changes have been quite smooth and there has been minimal disruption to the functioning of the site. However, there are still several things that we are working on fixing and or upgrading before we officially “launch” the new site in the next week. As we continue to work on those details, things will be a little slower than normal around here.

In the meantime, we would like to encourage people to sign-up for our email newsletter. We’re going to start sending it out twice a month and it will include news about what is going on at Mediamouse.org and how folks can get involved. Additionally, we would like to everyone to sign-up for our email news alerts. Subscribing will get you a once per day round-up of what has been posted at Mediamouse.org sent to your inbox.

Also, please let us know via email or in the comments if you see anything that isn’t working.

Finally, it would help out a lot with advertising if you added us as a friend on MySpace or became our “fan” on Facebook.

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