indynewswire 10.17.08: Confronting Racism in Santa Cruz County

The indynewswire airs on Freak Radio Santa Cruz every Friday from 10 AM - 12 Noon. 1 hr. 23 min. mono MP3 format.

INW 10.17.08

Headlines; indynewssummary:

http://weeklynewsupdate.blogspot.com/
Teachers Union Vote in Puerto Rico; phony election excludes FMPR from ballot. SEIU and gov't backed SPM attempts take-over through plebicite. FMPR disqualified for refusal to ban teacher right to strike.

http://angrywhitekid.blogs.com/weblog/2008/10/photos-of-repression-in-morelos.html
http://weeklynewsupdate.blogspot.com/
http://teachingrebellion.wordpress.com/
Fotos and info from Morelos teachers strike; last night at the Teaching Rebellion book talk and discussion (bike church & UCSC), parallels were drawn
between the teachers struggle in Oaxaca and the recent repression in Morelos, two states North. The Maestros de Morelos have been fighting a privitization attempt and were brutally repressed by the PFP on October 7 8 9.

http://angrywhitekid.blogs.com/weblog/2008/10/five-arrested-in-oaxaca-at-least-one-for-brad-wills-murder.html
And la lucha sigue--5 arrrested in Oaxaca for the murder of brad will--but they're movement supporters, not the cops and politicians brad himself photographed shooting.

finally, from El Enemigo Comun:
the Xanica Denunciation: Political prisoners continue to speak out:
http://elenemigocomun.net/1636

Some local news:
WSQT's take on the Columbus Day attack on the military recruitment center in Capitola:
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2008/10/15/18544715.php?show_comments=1#18544963

***
Feature Interview:
Joe Barndt is the author of Understanding and Dismantling Racism, the 21st Century Challenge to White America, updated and republished last november.
Simba Kenyatta is a community organizer and candidate for Santa Cruz City Council

*Listeners to this show have heard a little bit about the Coalition putting on these listening sessions and tomorrow's community conference on Racism. But
if you could recap or restate the idea of building momentum for this conference tomorrow--what's been going on to prepare for tomorrow's event, and what's the goal tomorrow?

*The focus areas are police, immigration, education, employment, housing, and health care. I'd like to ask each of you for a quick summary of issues in each of these areas.

*So I want as many listeners as possible to turn out tomorrow for the event, of course. What's it going to look like, what's the agenda, what can people
expect? you mentioned michael watkins who'll give the keynote address...

*I've heard people say, well, as a white person what would I do at this conference? Basically, Joe, you're the author of a book subtitled the 21st c. challenge to white america. One of the simplest concepts that seems difficult for some to accept is the responsibility of white people ourselves to dismantle racism. It makes perfect obvious sense! but some still seem unable to see what white people can and should do to contribute to the fight to dismantle racism. Both locally with this conference, and in a larger systemic nationwide or societal view, what should white people understand about what you all are trying to do with this coalition?

*Simba, knowing about some of your years of experience and leadership and work in the city of santa cruz; what can you say about the times we're in with regards to race and racism. What I mean to say, is I hope that we are building momentum. Every day I'm reminded of just how BAD it is, how far we *haven't* come, but I'm wondering if you see something building with the listening sessions building to the conference tomorrow and the momentum that will continue as people discuss concrete steps forward towards solutions; making a plan to confront racism systemically.

*I have more questions of course (2 and a half days, after all), but I know you're both busy today and I appreciate you speaking on the indynewswire today: thank you both for your time

*How can people get in touch, stay involved, hear more from the coalition. How can listeners who can't make it tomorrow contribute to the work, and follow through on the planning to be done at Cabrillo?