I believe in everything until it's disproved. So I believe in fairies, the myths, dragons. It all exists, even if it's in your mind. Who's to say that dreams and nightmares aren't as real as the here and now?

-- John Lennon

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 NEW LOCATION - Joyce Beers Community Center, 1090 Vermont, one block north of University, next to Trader Joe's Hillcrest Shopping Center 619-528-8383. Everyone welcome Please join us

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What happened to Justice?

The Sean Bell verdict (shot at his bachelor party in New York City), like the Amadou Diallo case before, highlights the social fact that justice is not blind. Police, unprovoked, struck 50 times with deadly force, yet were found innocent. The credibility of the system's security forces must never be questioned lest their usefulness as a tool of social control be diminished. The role of these forces of oppression is to keep the school of small fries in line. Is it not the time to exercise the power of the many over the terror of the few?

In the dark waters of militarism and profiteerism, lurked another danger. Blackwater looked for weaker prey in San Ysidro than it found in feisty Potrero. This time the the lifeguards on the left sounded the warning sirens and woke the sleepy. Suddenly the Blackwater sharks find themselves on the defensive. See the news story at SD's Fox TV news, including pointed statements by ASD's Tanja Winter. (where is this info?)

The lessons from these deadly forces are worth our attention. If we sound the warning with education and follow it up with public expose and public mobilization, we can bring them to justice.

On May 1st we have an opportunity to react to those reactionary forces who have churned the waters with the blood of intolerance. Please join the pro-immigrant forces in a display of solidarity at one of both of the actions. More Info

After a day of marching we will need some soul food. On May 2nd come out to ASD's Activist Film series featuring "The End of Suburbia" or the righteous, satirical music of the Prince Myskins with legendary Charlie King.

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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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May we never again, in the political class of Paraguay, never again base our politics on clientism and enticements, because it has done so much to damage our national politics.

-- President-Elect Fernando Lugo: [translated] pledged to crack down on corruption and channel Paraguay’s wealth into social programs.

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How Many Earth Days Do We Have Left?
Terrence McNally, AlterNet, says: "Of all the resources needed to build an economy that will sustain economic progress, none is more scarce than time. That is one of the key messages of 'Plan B 3.0: Mobilizing to Save Civilization,' the newest book by Lester Brown."

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MAY DAY, Thursday MAY 1st; Rally for Immigrant Rights! Everyone out in solidarity. Meeting in front of City College on Park Blvd at 2:30 pm for rally Marching down Broadway to Pantoja Park, State St. and G Street Demonstration at Pantoja Park, 4:00pm. Continuing march from Pantoja Park to Chicano Park for People's Assembly, 5:30pm. Why we march: Stop the raids and deportations Legalization for all Right to migrate Right to dignified work for ALL people Right to live in peace Right to a just and equitable education. More Info

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FRIDAY MAY 2, 7:30PM: The Prince Myshkins are back? With a bag of songs that will wake up America! An evening of hilarious and thought-provoking songs of social justice with CHARLIE KING and THE PRINCE MYSHKINS. Location: First Unitarian Universalist Church - 4190 Front Street, Hillcrest, San Diego. $10-$20 - Donation requested / no one will be turned away. For over a decade, the Prince Myshkins’ meticulous lyrics, rapid-fire vocal delivery and intricate accordion and guitar playing have won them the acclaim of audiences and fellow songwriters all over the U. S. Charlie King has been at the heart of American folk music for over 40 years. His work is wry and beautiful, funny and deeply moving, sung with warm compassion and a biting wit. More Info

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FRIDAY, MAY 2, 7:30PM: Activist San Diego’s Monthly Film Series. Come for the film, stay for the stimulating discussions. The End of Suburbia. The End of Suburbia: Oil Depletion and the Collapse of The American Dream is a documentary film concerning peak oil and its implications on the suburban lifestyle. Rational & Entertaining! Joyce Beers Community Center 1090 Vermont, one block north of University, next to Trader Joe's Hillcrest Shopping Center. * please park in Ralph’s underground parking. Wheelchair Accessible. Free/ Donations accepted. More Info

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FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 7:30PM: The War on Democracy. John Pilger's first major film for the cinema - in a career that has produced more than 55 television documentaries. Set in Latin America and the US, it explores the historic and current relationship of Washington with countries such as Venezuela, Bolivia and Chile. Archival footage demonstrates how democracy has been wiped out in country after country in Latin America since the 1950's. Joyce Beers Community Center 1090 Vermont, one block north of University, next to Trader Joe's Hillcrest Shopping Center. * please park in Ralph’s underground parking. Wheelchair Accessible. Free/ Donations accepted. More Info

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MONDAY, APRIL 28, 7PM: Ann Wright at Price Center Ballroom. The UCSD Women’s Center California Cultures in Comparative Perspective and the Cross-Cultural Center present: Ann Wright: Peace Activist and retired U. S. State Department Official. “Dissent: Voices of Conscience” Price Center Ballroom. With Guest Panelists: Marjorie Cohn, president of the National Lawyers Guild and professor at Thomas Jefferson School of Law and Timothy Kahlor, spokesperson for Military Families Speak Out (MFSO). More Info

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TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 7:30AM: BIOJUSTICE Movie Nights! Strange Culture @ Groundwork Books 0323, UCSD New Student Center. The conflict between policies that support national security and those that protect civil liberties are embodied in the bizarre, terrifying story of Steve Kurtz, an artist, activist and State University of New York at Buffalo professor for whom a personal tragedy led to a Kafkaesque nightmare courtesy of the War on Terror. The Biotech Industry Organization is meeting in San Diego, June 17-20, 2008 for their annual convention. Biotech brings up so many issues in our community: health care, sustainability, food, war, gentrification, global inequity. What can we do in response that is creative, tactical and inclusive? Upcoming planning meetings: Thurs, April 17th, 7:30pm, Sat May 3rd , 3pm @ City Heights Free Skool. More Info

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MAY DAY, Thursday MAY 1st; Rally for Immigrant Rights! Everyone out in solidarity. Meeting in front of City College on Park Blvd at 2:30 pm for rally Marching down Broadway to Pantoja Park, State St. and G Street Demonstration at Pantoja Park, 4:00pm. Continuing march from Pantoja Park to Chicano Park for People's Assembly, 5:30pm. Why we march: Stop the raids and deportations Legalization for all Right to migrate Right to dignified work for ALL people Right to live in peace Right to a just and equitable education. More Info

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FRIDAY MAY 2, 7:30PM: The Prince Myshkins are back? With a bag of songs that will wake up America! An evening of hilarious and thought-provoking songs of social justice with CHARLIE KING and THE PRINCE MYSHKINS. Location: First Unitarian Universalist Church - 4190 Front Street, Hillcrest, San Diego. $10-$20 - Donation requested / no one will be turned away. For over a decade, the Prince Myshkins’ meticulous lyrics, rapid-fire vocal delivery and intricate accordion and guitar playing have won them the acclaim of audiences and fellow songwriters all over the U. S. Charlie King has been at the heart of American folk music for over 40 years. His work is wry and beautiful, funny and deeply moving, sung with warm compassion and a biting wit. More Info

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FRIDAY, MAY 2, 7:30PM: Activist San Diego’s Monthly Film Series. Come for the film, stay for the stimulating discussions. The End of Suburbia. The End of Suburbia: Oil Depletion and the Collapse of The American Dream is a documentary film concerning peak oil and its implications on the suburban lifestyle. Rational & Entertaining! Joyce Beers Community Center 1090 Vermont, one block north of University, next to Trader Joe's Hillcrest Shopping Center. * please park in Ralph’s underground parking. Wheelchair Accessible. Free/ Donations accepted. More Info

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SUNDAY, MAY 4TH: Cinco de Mayo Celebration with San Diego’s top Chicano bands. The Centro Cultural de la Raza will host a Celebration with the premiere of the Chingazo Revue… a collaborative effort of three legendary Chicano bands. Directed by renowned latin jazz musician Bill Caballero, the Chingazo Revue features the talents of Chicano icon Chunky Sanchez and Los Alacranes, political messenger Quino and a little sabor and baile with Agua Dulce. Also, performances by the Ballet Folkorico en Aztlan performance group and children’s academy. Performing dances from the region of Puebla. 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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TUESDAY, MAY 6, 7PM: Dr. David Ray Griffin. 9/11 Contradictions An Open Message to Congress and the Press. San Diego State University room ENS 280. More Info

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SATURDAY, MAY 10, 9AM: Free Seminar On Fair Trade (World Fair Trade Day). Event Title: Reach Across The World, Transforming Lives Through Fair Trade. Location: Cafe Moto in San Diego. Cost: Free. Registration Required. More Info

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SATURDAY, MAY 31, 2PM: The new award-winning play, Heartland, by La Jolla playwrights Anita Simons and Lauren Simon, will have a staged reading at Long Beach Playhouse. This is a major triumph because the audience reaction and review by attending critics will determine if they will produce a full production in their next season. More Info

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 7PM: The Middle East Cultural and Information Center invites you to a teach in - 60 years of Al Nakba, The destruction of Palestine. What happened, How this relates to the region today, & Why you should care! Featuring: Dr. Ahlam Muhtaseb, Communication Studies Department California State University, San Bernardino. The Balboa Park Club - Santa Fe Room in Balboa Park. More Info

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FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 7:30PM: The War on Democracy. John Pilger's first major film for the cinema - in a career that has produced more than 55 television documentaries. Set in Latin America and the US, it explores the historic and current relationship of Washington with countries such as Venezuela, Bolivia and Chile. Archival footage demonstrates how democracy has been wiped out in country after country in Latin America since the 1950's. Joyce Beers Community Center 1090 Vermont, one block north of University, next to Trader Joe's Hillcrest Shopping Center. * please park in Ralph’s underground parking. Wheelchair Accessible. Free/ Donations accepted. More Info

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FRIDAY MAY 2, 7:30PM: The Prince Myshkins are back? With a bag of songs that will wake up America! An evening of hilarious and thought-provoking songs of social justice with CHARLIE KING and THE PRINCE MYSHKINS. Location: First Unitarian Universalist Church - 4190 Front Street, Hillcrest, San Diego. $10-$20 - Donation requested / no one will be turned away. For over a decade, the Prince Myshkins’ meticulous lyrics, rapid-fire vocal delivery and intricate accordion and guitar playing have won them the acclaim of audiences and fellow songwriters all over the U. S. Charlie King has been at the heart of American folk music for over 40 years. His work is wry and beautiful, funny and deeply moving, sung with warm compassion and a biting wit. More Info

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MONDAY, MAY 5, 9:30AM: BARRIO BAROQUE @ SD Mesa College. BARRIO BAROQUE Rats, Rants, & Other Turf Wars of the Naked Tongue. A book discussion and spoken word performance featuring the literary talents of SDSU Professor William “Memo” Nericcio Tex{t}-Mex: Seductive Hallucinations of the “Mexican” in America and Former Taco Shop Poet Tomás Riley mahcic: selected poems. Room H-117/118, Mesa College 7250 Mesa College Drive San Diego. FREE and open to the public! More Info

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MONDAY, MAY 5, 7PM: fronteraVERSE: poetsCONFRONTINGborders. FREE! @ Casa Familar’s THE FRONT 147 W. San Ysidro Blvd San Ysidro, Califas. With deaths at the border continuing, stepped up raids on workplaces and homes, and harassment by vigilante groups like the Minutemen, now more than ever people need to speak up. Come to The Front on Cinco de Mayo to hear what the poets have to say. More Info

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ONGOING EVENTS
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Announcements / Workshops

THURSDAY, MAY 1st: International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) has announced that it will shut down West Coast ports to demand an immediate end to the war and occupation in Iraq and Afghanistan and the withdrawal of U. S. troops from the Middle East. This is the first time in decades that an American union has decided to undertake industrial action against a U. S. war. It is doubly important that this mobilization of labor's power is to take place on May Day, the international workers day, which is not honored in the U. S. More Info

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IFCO/Pastors for Peace Caravan to Cuba. In June/July 2008 14 different routes of the Pastors for Peace Caravan to Cuba will be on the road visiting more than 120 US and Canadian cities, (including San Diego). We will travel in school buses, trucks, and cars to Cuba via Mexico with medical and educational supplies collected from groups across the US and Canada as a collective challenge to the inhuman and immoral US blockade and travel ban. This year’s caravan will also host our second Hiphop Without Borders Exchange We will take many hiphop artists to participate in an international hiphop festival, as well as carrying turntables, keyboards and other musical equipment to support Cuban hiphop. More Info

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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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Bill Moyers Journal Interview With Rev. Jeremiah Wright ~ www.pbs.org/moyers/journal

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Video - Expose' on the Minutemen: NBC 7/39 ~ nbcsandiego.com/news

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The Better World Campaign advocates strengthening U.S. support and increased public awareness of the United Nations ~ www.betterworldcampaign.org

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