He who uses the office he owes to the voters wrongfully and against them is a thief.

-- José Martí

Activist San Diego contacts: Martin (619-226-1116), Tanja (858-459-4650), Activist Update: ASDUpdate@activistsandiego.org

WANT TO ADD TO THE ACTIVIST UPDATE? Email ASDUpdate@activistsandiego.org
Please submit your event listings at least 1 week prior to the event.

Activist San Diego Monthly Meeting Second Monday of the month, 7pm At the Activist House 4246 Wightman St. City Heights 619-528-8383. Everyone welcome Please join us

• ASD News and Views
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Primary Issues for Democracy

For democracy to work the will of the people has to be heard loader than any other, louder than political ads, louder than the party bosses, louder than the media sensationalists and louder than money.

Political ads distort reality and meddle in the public psyche. Party bosses decide the rules, which determine the bounds of the debate and debaters. The media spins the candidates based on the superficial and tells us which candidates are viable and which are irrelevant. And money decides who can run, who is ahead, who can buy time to air their views our on "public" airwaves. Does this sound like a democracy or a social illness?

The cure for social illness is public involvement and progressive activists need to lead the way. While elections are only a small portion of a vibrant democracy, they are a vital part. So much is riding on the upcoming elections, including the future of a democratic society, peace in the world, and environmental survivability. Join us, join with others. Democracy is not a spectator sport. Its main ingredient is you as part of the body politic and the social fabric.

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DONATED CARS HELP MOVE ACTIVISM FORWARD! Please donate your car and other items. As a bonus you get progressive satisfaction and a healthy tax deduction! Call us at 619-528-8383

For all of the above we will need your help and financial support. If you would like to make a donation, please click on the button to the right.

Or, we can also accept donations mailed to: Activist San Diego 4246 Wightman St San Diego, CA 92105-2618

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There's the poor, 32-year-old mother of seven who says it would cost her at least $50 to vote in person. There's also the 92-year-old woman who's voted for decades in the same polling place, but now can't vote there because she let her driver's license expire when her eyesight began to fail.

-- Carded at polls: No photo ID, no vote

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Cell phone numbers can be registered on the National DO NOT CALL list. It blocks your number for five (5) years. You must call from the cell phone number you want to have blocked. You cannot call from a different phone number.

-- www.donotcall.gov or 888-382-1222

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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11@ 7PM: Activist San Diego Monthly Open General Meeting. Where: 4265 Fairmount Ave., SD. (This is the former office of the SD Labor Council. Easy Parking) 1/2 block south of El Cajon Blvd on Fairmont. Who: Everyone Welcome, bring a friend. More Info

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MONDAY, JANUARY 28, 7PM: Combatants for Peace, a panel presentation. Peace & Justice Theatre. Panelists Bassam Aramin and Elik Elhanan are Palestinian and Israeli representatives of Combatants for Peace which was begun jointly by Palestinian and Israeli former soldiers and fighters who decided to work nonviolently for a just solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This event is free and open to the public. Students are encouraged to attend. Reception to follow. The Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice (IPJ) 5998 Alcalá Park, San Diego. More Info

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 6PM: Hate Crimes; Dinner and Discussion on Community Safety at GLBT Center. The Public Policy Department of The San Diego LGBT Community Center (The Center) will host a special dinner and discussion on hate incidents and hate crimes. This free event, which includes dinner, will take place at The Center, 3909 Centre St. Lt. Carolyn Kendrick, the San Diego Police Department’s LGBT community liaison, will also speak. RSVPs are encouraged, but not required. More Info

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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 7PM: Palabras de Poder: Rebel Writers from the New Latin@ America presented by The Red CalacArts Collective, UCSD CLAH, UCSD Center for the Humanities and the San Diego Central Library. Come hear, see and feel the power, beauty and pain of those whose cultural identity and existence is under attack. San Diego Central Library Auditorium 820 E St. Downtown San Diego between 8th and 9th. FREE! More Info

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ONGOING EVENTS
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“ENOUGH” PEACE AND IMPEACHMENT VIGILS ~ EVERY WEEK UNTIL THE IRAQ WAR ENDS. More Info

EVERY SUNDAY 3PM: Free Vegan Food at the North Park Community Park with San Diego Food Not Bombs. The North Park Community Park is located at the intersection of Oregon and Polk in North Park. More Info

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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 4PM: Debunking 9/11 Debunking: An Answer to Popular Mechanics, special guest speaker Dr. David Ray Griffin. First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Diego 4190 Front St., San Diego. Professor David Ray Griffin is considered by many the most respected leader of the national movement that is calling for a new investigation into the events of 9/11. Dr. Griffin’s talk will focus on the Popular Mechanics book and its failure to rationally, scientifically, and honestly refute the evidence cited by the 9/11 truth movement. More Info

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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2PM: Celebration of Hope and Healing 2008. Survivors of Torture, International (SURVIVORS) hosts a special event, titled Celebration of Hope and Healing, in support of torture survivors in San Diego County at Joan B. Kroc Institute of Peace and Justice located on the University of San Diego Campus. More Info

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MARCH 7-9, 2008: “Peace-ing Communities Together”, a peace building conference for young adults. On March 7-9, 2008, the San Diego Council of Hostelling International USA will host “Peace-ing Communities Together”, a peace building conference for young adults (ages 18-29). Workshop topics include leadership, cross-cultural communication, and mediation, with a keynote address by Dr. Joyce Neu, Executive Director of the Joan Kroc Institute of Peace and Justice at the University of San Diego. Participants will also create a “Community Wall” mural in conjunction with the UN Association Art Miles project, and learn about opportunities to become involved with local peace building efforts. Where: House of Pacific Relations and International Cottages in Balboa Park. More Info

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MARCH 19, 2008: 5 YEARS TOO MANY. March 19, 2008: the 5th anniversary of the U. S. invasion of Iraq, the beginning of the 6th year of war and occupation, the 6th year of senseless death and massive destruction. United for Peace and Justice is calling for and supporting a set of activities on and around the 5th anniversary that will manifest the intensifying opposition to the war and help strengthen our movement. We invite you to work with us to ensure the success of these actions. March 13-16, Winter Soldier. March 19, Mass Nonviolent Civil Disobedience in Washington, DC. March 19, Local Actions Throughout the Country. More Info

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SATURDAY, APRIL 12, 2008: Association of Raza Educators (ARE) 2008 Conference held at Lincoln High School, San Diego. A. R. E. San Diego seeks to outreach at least 500 members of the educational community, including, teachers, counselors, parents, students, and so forth. The conference theme is “The Struggle for Social Justice In Education.” More Info

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 5:30PM: Free Documentary: The Real Dirt on Farmer John. Location: Serra Mesa-Kearny Mesa Branch Library, 9005 Aero Drive San Diego. The Real Dirt on Farmer John will turn every idea you ever had about what it means to be an American farmer, or an American dreamer, on its head. Meet Farmer John, the incredible human being whose inspirational story of revolutionizing his family farm and redeeming his own life has won accolades and awards at film festivals around the world. More Info

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 31, 7PM: MOVIE: K N O W L E D G E is the B E G I N N I N G. ADC (American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee) and Alternate Focus invite you to attend a film by Daniel Barenboim and the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra. Four Points Sheraton 8110 Aero Dr., San Diego. Knowledge is the Beginning is the story of the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, whose idea was conceived in 1999 in the minds of Israeli musician Daniel Barenboim and Palestinian intellectual Edward Said. It is a film about the way music can transcend cultural barriers, bring people together, defeat prejudice and overcome religious and political differences. Free Parking available. This is a free event! More Info

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 7PM: FILM: Letters from the Other Side (UCSD's Multi-Purpose Room). Heather Courtney's film interweaves video letters carried across the U. S.-Mexico border by the film's director with the personal stories of women left behind in post-NAFTA Mexico. Always Free! Fridays @ 7:00pm. More Info

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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 8PM: "A Night of Comedy w/Lowell Sanders." More Info

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 7PM: FILM: Sicko (UCSD's Multi-Purpose Room). Michael Moore interviews Americans who have been denied treatment by our health care insurance that sacrifice essential health services in order to maximize profits. Always Free! Fridays @ 7:00pm. More Info

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 8PM: John and Alice Coltrane Tribute Concert Featuring Jazz Legend Azar Lawrence and Jazz Harpist Tony Hackley. Azar Lawrence - Saxophone Nate Morgan -Piano Trevor Ware - Bass Fritz Wise – Drums. Where: WorldBeat Cultural Center,. 2100 Park Blvd. San Diego. Tickets: $15. More Info

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 8PM: Roots Reggae Legend Luciano. CD Release Party and Live Performance at The WorldBeat Cultural Center 2100 Park Blvd., San Diego. All Ages. Plus Mikey General. More Info

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1PM: 91X Reggae Makossa Presents 5th Annual Bob Marley Day Celebration in Tijuana. Tribute to the Reggae Legends Alpha Blondy , Cultura Profetica Don Carlos ,Midnite Natural, Somos Unos, Astro Rumberos , DJ Carlos Culture Sene Africa, WorldBeat African Dancers and Drummers and more!! Venue: El Foro, Tijuana. AV. Revolucion #1500 Zona Centro, Tijuana, B. C. Mexico. More Info

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 7PM: Film: The Way Home (UCSD Location TBA). The Way Home is the story of Sang-woo, a seven-year-old boy from the city and his deaf-mute, elderly grandmother who has spent all her life in a small rural village. This is a dramatic illustration of cultural clash between two generations. Always Free! Fridays @ 7:00pm. More Info

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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1PM: WorldBeat Cultural Center Presents Tribute to the Legends 2008. Alpha Blondy, Sly & Robbie, Capleton, Queen Ifrica, Barrington Levy, Gregory Isaacs, Midnite, Gentleman, Martin Campbell, Don Carlos, Cultura Profetica & Tribal Seeds. Venue: San Diego Sports Arena 3500 Sports Arena Blvd San Diego. More Info

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FEBRUARY 21 – MARCH 16, 2008: Permanent Collection: A play by Thomas Gibbons. Where: Mo`olelo at 10th Avenue Theatre 930 10th Avenue, San Diego (Downtown). Permanent Collection is the story of Sterling North - the African American Director of the Morris Foundation & Museum, and Paul Barrow - the Museum’s Caucasian Education Director. When their conflict over eight important pieces of African art is uncovered by a curious journalist, a complex and bitter clash erupts over race, representation, art and the role of the media. More Info

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 7PM: FILM: Unprecedented: The 2000 Presidential Elections (UCSD’s Multi-Purpose Room). This is a riveting story about the battle for the Presidency in Florida and the undermining of democracy in America. Filmmakers Richard Ray Pérez and Joan Sekler examine modern America's most controversial political contest: the election of George W. Bush. 2005. Always Free! Fridays @ 7:00pm. More Info

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 7PM: FILM; All That Remains (UCSD's Multi-Purpose Room). This documentary explores the struggle and the peaceful resistance of the Bedouins of the Negev against policies that intend to strip them of their land and their way of life. Always Free! Fridays @ 7:00pm. More Info

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FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 7PM: FILM: “Burn” with Marlon Brando (UCSD location TBA). This film offers a striking look at colonization, slavery, and revolt in the Caribbean area, and the manipulation exercised by the economic powers upon each other. Always Free! Fridays @ 7:00pm. More Info

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FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 7PM: FILM; Chicano! (Episode One) in UCSD's Multi-Purpose Room. This film examines the events at Tierra Amarilla, NM, that sparked a national movement for social justice. It focuses on the 1967 struggle by Mexican Americans to regain ownership of New Mexico lands guaranteed them by the 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, and concludes with the Chicano Moratorium March against the Vietnam War held in East Los Angeles in 1970. More Info

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ONGOING EVENTS
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Announcements / Workshops

MARCH 13-16, 2008: Please join us for the 33rd Annual Association for Women in Psychology Conference. Hilton San Diego - Mission Valley. Expanding the Boundaries of Feminist Psychology: More Info

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ALTERNATE FOCUS BLACKWATER IN POTRERO DOCUMENTARY: In late 2006, Blackwater USA, now known as Blackwater Worldwide, submitted a proposal to build a training facility called Blackwater West in the rural San Diego County town of Potrero. This documentary tells the story of what followed. Features interviews with Jeremy Scahill, the author of Blackwater: the Rise of the World's Most Powerful Mercenary Army as well as Brian Bonfiglio, the vice president of Blackwater West; Gordon Hammers, Jan Hedlun, Mary Johnson, Jerry Johnson, and Thell Fowler of the Potrero Planning Board; Raymond Lutz of Citizens Oversight Committee; Rep. Bob Filner, and many others. Producer: Andy Trimlett; Associate Producers: John Odam and Aaron Seeley. Watch Online on Blip.tv or YouTube

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SDCPJ HIGH SCHOOL LEAFLETING PROJECT. The SD Coalition for peace and justice high school leafleting project is still looking for volunteers. Please reply to this e-mailsjagitator@ucsd.edu if you can join us with this special outreach to Latino students as they are heavily targeted by military recruiters. Help deny the military what they need most - young men and women to send to war or call me at 619-237-8870. More Info

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MISCELLANEOUS
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Peace Flags. Excellent for display or for Peace Rallies. Call 858.459.4650 or email TanjaWinter@ActivistSanDiego.org

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The Guerrero Azteca Project ~ www.guerreroazteca.org

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The GI Rights Hotline ~ girights.objector.org

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Jesus...Soldier Without A Country ~ youtube video

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www.songofpeace.org ~ we are seeking to mobilize thousands of musicians to raise their voices for peace this coming March, which marks the fifth anniversary of the US invading Iraq

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Cost of the War in Iraq, 2-Minute Video ~ One Day = $720 Million

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Iraq War Crimes ~ Depleted Uranium 1 of 4

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