Week of August 10, 2006

For an updated East End Report click here

In this week's report: [ click on any of the bold headers below ]

Kathy Engel: Letter to Star

Torn Apart: CEASEFIRE

Who is Steve Levy

Letter to Tim Bishop

Peace & Justice Calendar

Suffolk Peace Vigils (East End Women in Black Vigil Every Sunday in August)

Counter Recruiting Schedule

Alternative Media for Eastern LI

Support Independent Media: WUSB and WPKN/WPKM need your support.
Go to wpkn(dot)org and wusb(dot)fm and contribute on line.

See wpkn.org/today for program details on WPKM heard at 88.7 Montauk to Water Mill and WPKN 89.5 Bridgeport to Southampton and Southold.

Democracy Now! with Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez: Monday- Saturday on Riverhead/Southampton/Southold Channel 20.

Monday 10pm
Tuesday 9 pm
Wednesday 6am
Thursday 5pm
Friday 7pm
Saturday 8pm

See the North Fork People of Conscience web site

Also see the Suffolk Progressive Vision web site for links to more local events.

The East End Report is compiled by Tony Ernst.

Send comments, corrections and event listings to eastendreport@yahoo.com

Kathy Engel: Letter to East Hampton Star

28 July 2006

Dear David:

In 1982, 24 years ago, as Israel dropped U.S.-made bombs, devastating Lebanon, I was a writing fellow at the Blue Mountain Center in the Adirondacks. Every day my new friend, the Palestinian artist Kamal Boullata, returned from the small phone booth speechless, or in tears, having spoken to relatives in Beirut. Not knowing what to do, I wrote a short letter to this paper, to Helen, saying that I thought it was important for American Jews to protest the invasion. I quoted the late Jewish pacifist poet Muriel Rukeyser who said "Disowning is the only treason." All summer letters flared in the paper in response.

Today, 24 years later, the situation is worse. It is complex, it is historic, and it is and has always been polarizing. I believe that, to some extent, Americans' unwillingness to distinguish between anti Semitism, a clear, ever present danger as are all forms of racism and bigotry; from criticism of Israeli policies; has contributed to one of the most dangerous situations in world history. Just as we must be able to criticize our country's policies as part of an open and healthy democracy, showing that the people are often distinct from the government; so must we be able to criticize the policies of Israel. Our government, with our tax money, pays Israel more than $3 billion a year in economic and military aid, and has rushed “emergency” shipments of bomber jet fuel and “precision-guided” bombs to Israel at the height of this crisis.

The ongoing Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands and the brutality towards the Palestinian and Lebanese people cannot be justified. There is no balance. All casualties are devastating but Israel is armed and supported by the greatest super power in the world and is targeting civilian populations. There is no possible equivalent in Palestinian or Lebanese ability to fight and we all know it.

The United States has the opportunity, and the mandate, to join the world in calling for an immediate ceasefire, to begin negotiations. The refusal to do so at the Rome meeting this past week can only be read as a signal to Israel to continue in this horrific bloodbath. This must stop. It is up to us, taxpayers, voters, and the people of the United States, to insist that our government stop Israel from a destruction beyond repair. Further, the more Israel, with U.S. support, engages in unlawful, all-out war against the citizens of Gaza and Lebanon, the more rage is stoked against Israel and the U.S.; and the more isolated both countries are, standing alone with weapons of mass destruction and a world looking on in horror.

We must call for immediate ceasefire and negotiations. We must call for an end to all fighting in the Middle East, as we call for our troops to be brought home from Iraq. Enough.

East End Women in Black, responding to a call issued by the founding Women in Black in Israel/Palestine, in concert with concerned people around the world, and along with other local peace communities, is holding weekly emergency vigils. The August 6th Vigil will be 5 p.m., Bridgehampton Monument.

Sincerely,

Kathy Engel

Sagaponack

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This letter was published by the East Hampton Star Thursday August 3, 2006.

East End Women in Black vigils continue on Sundays at 5pm; on August 13 and August 27 at the Bridgehampton Monument and August 20 at the Sag Harbor Wharf.

Torn Apart: CEASEFIRE

readings ...words, sounds, for peace in the Middle East

JOIN US



from Naomi Lazard and Kathy Engel:


Dear Friends, We are gathering on Thursday, August 10th at Gibson Beach, Sagaponack.

Bring poems, prose, letters, instruments..anything you like. Bring children(Blankets and Quilts)

This is an anti-war town meeting with input from everybody.

Directions: Go south on Sagg Main, at the cemetery go left to Gibson Beach.

Please tell everyone you know. This may be the beginning of many such speakout gatherings. We're all in this together, torn apart by the news from the middle east, from the images, horrified and miserable. Let's get together and share our thoughts and feelings.

Let's try to break the self-fulfilling prophecy as expressed so poignantly by WH Auden in his great poem "September 1939" (the year and the month Nazis invaded Poland)

Mad Diaghelev knew what all school children learn:
Those to whom evil is done do evil in return."


For justice and peace,
Naomi

Letter to Newsday: Who is Steve Levy?

Aug 9, ‘06

Steve Levy seems to enjoy insulting anyone who dares speak up against his proposals, a rhetorical McCarthyism of smear. Certainly, he never passes up an opportunity to goad and gleefully mock his critics. He called people from unions, religious and civil rights organizations "extremists" for pointing out failures, contradictions and probable consequences of his proposals to punish contractors if verification of employees is found faulty. Are these "extremists" the same men and women who helped elect him? Then who is Steve Levy?

I myself gathered signatures, worked phone banks and knocked on doors. I’m sorry many, like the good people who sincerely testified about his bill yesterday, worked for his election too. We believed Levy, a Democrat, would champion the legacy of our party. The Democratic Party has always been the defender of immigrants. In face of a recalcitrant mean streak of Know Nothingism that flares up throughout our history in times of stress, it has been defeated because Americans understood immigrants want only what they want: a better life for their families.

Legal/illegal is but a scapegoat wedge. Is Levy going to stop traffic on the LIE because drivers going over 55 mph are illegal? He should get off his pious posing as if he were a TV sheriff strutting through town on a white horse inciting a lynch mob.. What makes Levy want to make life harsher for these immigrants who most likely will never know any easy life of privilege of one suburban politician greedy to exploit the worst tendencies for the cheapest approval ratings serving his ambitions?

Michael O’Neill

Sag Harbor, NY

Peace & Justice Calendar - Starting August 10

For details on the following events scroll down:

* August 10 (Thursday): Torn Apart - CEASEFIRE: readings ...words, sounds, for peace in the Middle East in Sagaponack starting 6:30pm

* August 13, 20, 27 (Sundays): Vigil for Cease Fire in Lebanon, Gaza, End to Occupations of Iraq, Palestine

* August 17 (Thursday): Film - "Crash" and Discussion in Southampton at 7 pm

* August 19 (Saturday): A Day of Youth Celebration of Diversity in East Hampton 3 to 7 pm

* August 22 (Tuesday): Southampton Town Board Hearing on Development on Shinnecock Bay Property at 1pm

* August 23(Wednesday) Homeowner's Tax Reform Commission Holds Public Hearing 12:30pm in Riverhead

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Repeating Events:

( see Counter-Recruiting for listing of weekly and monthly demonstrations)

* Sunday Nights: "Bush is a Liar Choir" rehearses in Lindenhurst from 7 to 9pm

* Every Thursday evening - Book Study Group in Water Mill at 6:30

* "Herstory" Writing Workshops on Wednesdays in Farmingville (Spanish and English) 3 to 5 pm and Thursdays in Spanish only in East Hampton at 7 pm

* Second Tuesday of Month: South Fork Chapter of LI Progressive Coalition Meets in Water Mill at 6:30 pm

Details Follow:

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August 10 (Thursday): Torn Apart - CEASEFIRE: readings ...words, sounds for peace in the Middle East in Sagaponack starting 6:30pm

see "Torn Apart- Ceasefire" in the East End Report above
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August 13, 20, 27 (Sundays): Vigil for End of Occupations of Palestine and Iraq and a Cease Fire in Lebanon - in Bridgehampton or Sag Harbor at 5pm

East End Women in Black continue their long running vigil this Sunday August 13 at 5pm at the Bridgehampton monument, Route 27 and Ocean Road.

There will be a weekly vigil each Sunday at 5pm in Bridgehampton (Aug 13, 27) and in Sag Harbor (August 20). August is the 4th anniversary of East End Women in Black.

More Info: www.eewib.blogspot.com or 631-831-4966

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August 17 (Thursday): Film - "Crash" and Discussion in Southampton at 7 pm

How do we (mis)understand, (mis)judge, & (mis)treat each other?

The Southampton Anti-Bias Task Force presents an evening screening and community discussion of the film “CRASH”.

The film is a fast-paced urban drama, portrays the emotional collisions of a group of diverse Los Angeles residents - whites, blacks, Latinos, Koreans, Iranians, cops, criminals, the rich, the poor, the powerful, powerless. All are defined in one way or another by racism.

The film’s director and screenwriter is Paul Haggis, and the cast includes Sandra Bullock,
Matt Dillon, Don Cheadle, Jennifer Esposito, and Brendan Fraser.

The film will be followed by a facilitated discussion.

It will be shown at the Southampton High School Auditorium at 7pm on August 17.

For More information, contact

Mark Seidler at 631.513.2619; markuso@verizon.net
or Bob Schepps: bialyguy@aol.com

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August 19 (Saturday): A Day of Youth Celebration of Diversity in Bridgehampton from 3 to 7 pm


Of the Youth, by the Youth, for the Youth / De La Juventud, Por La Juventud, Para La Juventud:

We are planning a day of vibrant celebration! Through music, poetry, photography, painting, etc. this youth-led event will showcase the powerful capabilities of the youth community on the east end of Long Island.

It is our hope that by bringing together the lively expression of various ages, ethnicities and social groups within the community, we will demonstrate the realities of youth today.

Diversity is the key to success for all species.

Join us Saturday August 19 from 3 to 7 pm at the field next to Carvel and across Route 27 from the Bridgehampton Commons.

Contact: youthsoul06@yahoo.com or 631-512-2808 or 917-881-3355.
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August 22 (Tuesday): Southampton Town Board Hearing on Development of Shinnecock Bay Property at 1pm

On the agenda of the Town Board is a hearing on the application of Robert Romeo for variances in connection with the development of a hillside site overlooking Shinnecock Bay and bordered by Montauk Highway and Peconic Road. The site is believed to be a native burial ground and is ecologically sensitive. Efforts are underway to buy the property from the developer should the Town not approve the development. Funds from the Southampton Community Preservation Fund and other sources would be used.

for more information contact: Lisa Votino-Tarrant at lmvotino@opotonline.net

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August 23(Wednesday) Homeowner's Tax Reform Commission Holds Public Hearing 12:30pm in Riverhead


The Homeowner's Tax Reform Commission was formed to examine alternatives to the real estate tax for funding public shools. The Commission will meet in Riverhead County Center at 10am and will hold a public hearing at 12:30 pm in the Maxine Postal Auditorium at the Suffolk Legislature building.

More information: Lisa Tyson at the Long Island Progressive Coalition
lisa@lipc.org or 516-541-1006
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Repeating Events:

See Suffolk Peace Vigils for a complete list of weekly and monthly vigils.
See Counter Recruiting Schedule for a listing of weekly and monthly demonstrations.
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Sunday nights from 7:00 to 9:00 in Lindenhurst: wants you to join their political action singing group.

Participate in songs regarding environment, anti-war, labor, multiculturalism, civil rights, and other issues. Sing historic songs of struggle and social change. Explore the role of music in political movements. Experience singing musical arrangements, in four part harmony.

Perform these songs for others. Contribute to the progressive movement while becoming culturally enriched. If you've ever wanted to be in a singing group, now is your chance! Experienced and non-experienced singers are welcome. All we ask is that you are able to sing on pitch.

Rehearsals take place, Sunday nights from 7:00 to 9:00 in Lindenhurst.

Anyone interested, please call Lisa Fishbein at: (631) 957-4954
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Thursday evening Book Study Group in Water Mill at 6:30 pm

The group meets at the Lutheran Church at Hayground Road and Montauk Highway on Thursdays at 6:30pmContact Pastor Vita at 631-537-1187 or pastorvita(at)verizon(dot)net
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"Herstory" Writing Workshops in Spanish and English

Mondays in Farmingville:

Herstory Writers Workshop meets every Monday afternoon at the Farmingville branch of the Workplace Project from 3 to 5. Both English-speaking and Spanish-speaking women come together to share and shape their life experiences through memoir writing. The workshop is conducted in both English and Spanish.

Call 631-723-0150 for more information and directions to the center.

Thursdays in East Hampton:

Every Thursday Spanish-speaking women come together to share their writing with one another and receive feedback on how to structure and shape their lifewriting.

The East Hampton workshop is open to East Hampton Town residents and is conducted entirely in SpanishIt meets every Thursday, 7-9 p.m., at the Senior Citizens Center, 128 Springs-Fireplace Road.Call 631-723-0150 for more information.
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Second Tuesday each month:

South Fork Chapter - LI Progressive Coalition Meets in Water Mill at 6:30pm The regular monthly meeting of the South Fork chapter of the Progressive Coalition is at 6:30pm on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at the Lutheran Church on Montauk Highway & Hayground Rd. between Water Mill and Bridgehampton.

Info: 516-541-1006, ext.55 or www dot lipc dot org
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Send event listings for next week's report by 5pm Tuesday to eastendreport@yahoo.com

Plain old text would be appreciated!