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"SaveKPFA" again puts its members jobs before the survival of KPFA/Pacifica
At yesterday's Pacifica National Board meeting in Berkeley "SaveKPFA" leaders spoke of the importance of not having layoffs at KPFA, ignoring the financial crisis as they did in the past when they put their low seniority members jobs over the survival of KPFA/Pacifica. If it were Dennis Bernstein or Miguel Molina that was likely to get laid off "SaveKPFA" wouldn't be there arguing against layoffs. These were the same folks that didn't say one word when their favorite GM refused to recognize the Unpaid Staff Organization. The history below raises the question: is "SaveKPFA" trying to do what's best for KPFA/Pacifica or are they just power hungry opportunists?
Brian Edwards-Tiekert “SaveKPFA” Staff leader writes:
“how do we make our enemies own the problems that are to come?"
Brian Edwards-Tiekert is the Karl Rove of the psuedo-progressive "Save KPFA" sectarian group that wants to control KPFA and separate it from Pacifica, if necessary, to have complete control and if they destroy Pacifica in the process that is just an unfortunate collateral damage given their “entitlement” to control KPFA since they have the only correct line to focus the stations programming around: “working within the Democratic Party.”
As you can see from the e-mail below, layoffs were needed as early as 2005 and Tiekert's faction was running the station and putting their group members’ jobs before the financial stability of KPFA/Pacifica. When they used up all the surplus and layoffs were necessary they reverted back to Brian's favorite tactic:
"how do we make our enemies own the problems that are to come?"
Out of Brian’s philosophy came “SaveKPFA’s” manufactured union busting charges and all their nasty rhetoric trying to blame the problems on their "enemies", problems that came from their selfish using up of the KPFA surplus. When the necessary layoffs came “SaveKPFA” allies filed multiple frivolous complaints with the NLRB and all were denied; most on a first review. The cost to KPFA/Pacifica to defend against these false charges was $80,000.00+. How does this "Save KPFA"?
Evidence to support “Save KPFA” not being true union supporters.
In the Fall of 2010, on an LSB Motion to require the budget be implemented in line with the UNION CONTRACT since layoffs were likely, each and every “SaveKPFA” LSB member voted NO!! Why would “SaveKPFA” vote against the union contract?
They had been use to controlling the hiring and firing at the station and knew that if layoffs were going to be governed by the UNION CONTRACT they would not be able to manipulate the process and protect their loyal followers with low seniority, Brian Edward-Tiekert being one of the lowest.
In his infamous e-mail Brian Edwards-Tiekert also suggests RECALLING LSB members, another offensive move to shift the focus from his group’s "me first" politics and financial irresponsibility that caused the problems. What's next? Dismantling the LSB if they lose their slim majority. Karl Rove would be so proud.
___________________________________________
The e-mail below was found at the station in September 2005. It has been acknowledged as real by the author. I have contacted in person or by e-mail everyone but one on that strategy group to ask them if they were just recipients of an e-mail that discussed “dismantling the LSB” and other interesting topics or were they active participants and none of them have denied active involvement.
This e-mail was sent shortly after the LSB voted down a staff motion to fire the GM for sexual harassment. It was voted down 15-5. Four of the five votes for it were in this e-mail group. There was NO evidence of sexual harassment found after two separate investigations. It was an attempt to fire an African-American GM who wouldn’t toe their line and had stated that he was going to move Democracy Now! to prime time at 7 a.m. Their pushing for this unjust firing caused them to lose the majority on the LSB, thus their need for a strategic retreat. This e-mail gives one a view of what these folks really believe in! Sort of like a Pentagon Paper. Richard Phelps, former Chair KPFA LSB.
______________________________________________
“SaveKPFA” is in “ ” since they stole that name from a group that was true to the name.
______________________________________________
From:"Brian Edwards-Tiekert"
Yahoo! DomainKeys has confirmed that this message was sent by gmail.com. Learn more
To:"Lemlem Tekle" , "Bonnie Simmons" ,
LisaRothman [at] kpfa.org
CC:"Sasha Lilley" , "Lemlem Tekle" ,
mawu_mama37 [at] yahoo.com, "Amelia Gonzalez-Garcia" , Rain
Geesler" , "Sherry Gendelman" , "Gary
Niederhoff"
Subject:Re: budget
Date:Thu, 1 Sep 2005 20:58:28 -0700
I'm up for coffee Saturday—Lisa and I can still meet Tuesday afternoon. Also, we need a general strategy session. How about Tuesday night?
Issues include:
How should we be handling the expiration of the union contract—is a strike in order, or is it a really terrible idea?
What's the best way to deal with these layoffs?
Coming up with, and presenting, an alternative budget.
Getting the Roy issue to the national board.
Propping up staff morale.
Strategic retreat on the LSB—how do we make our enemies own the problems that are to come? Alternatively, should we be recalling LSB members/dismantling the LSB?
Dealing with the grievances underway.
Building community support—formation of a labor-community coalition.
Brian Edwards-Tiekert
Staff Representative, Local Station Board
KPFA 94.1FM
1929 Martin Luther King Jr. Way
Berkeley CA 94704
______________________________________________
Notice Brian's great concern for the staff: "Propping up staff morale."
What people say when they think the people they are trying to fool aren't listening shows you the true politics and moral character or lack thereof of the author and his/her allies.
Richard Phelps, Former Chair, KPFA LSB, 38 years listener/subscriber and former AM and FM Radio Announcer.
“how do we make our enemies own the problems that are to come?"
Brian Edwards-Tiekert is the Karl Rove of the psuedo-progressive "Save KPFA" sectarian group that wants to control KPFA and separate it from Pacifica, if necessary, to have complete control and if they destroy Pacifica in the process that is just an unfortunate collateral damage given their “entitlement” to control KPFA since they have the only correct line to focus the stations programming around: “working within the Democratic Party.”
As you can see from the e-mail below, layoffs were needed as early as 2005 and Tiekert's faction was running the station and putting their group members’ jobs before the financial stability of KPFA/Pacifica. When they used up all the surplus and layoffs were necessary they reverted back to Brian's favorite tactic:
"how do we make our enemies own the problems that are to come?"
Out of Brian’s philosophy came “SaveKPFA’s” manufactured union busting charges and all their nasty rhetoric trying to blame the problems on their "enemies", problems that came from their selfish using up of the KPFA surplus. When the necessary layoffs came “SaveKPFA” allies filed multiple frivolous complaints with the NLRB and all were denied; most on a first review. The cost to KPFA/Pacifica to defend against these false charges was $80,000.00+. How does this "Save KPFA"?
Evidence to support “Save KPFA” not being true union supporters.
In the Fall of 2010, on an LSB Motion to require the budget be implemented in line with the UNION CONTRACT since layoffs were likely, each and every “SaveKPFA” LSB member voted NO!! Why would “SaveKPFA” vote against the union contract?
They had been use to controlling the hiring and firing at the station and knew that if layoffs were going to be governed by the UNION CONTRACT they would not be able to manipulate the process and protect their loyal followers with low seniority, Brian Edward-Tiekert being one of the lowest.
In his infamous e-mail Brian Edwards-Tiekert also suggests RECALLING LSB members, another offensive move to shift the focus from his group’s "me first" politics and financial irresponsibility that caused the problems. What's next? Dismantling the LSB if they lose their slim majority. Karl Rove would be so proud.
___________________________________________
The e-mail below was found at the station in September 2005. It has been acknowledged as real by the author. I have contacted in person or by e-mail everyone but one on that strategy group to ask them if they were just recipients of an e-mail that discussed “dismantling the LSB” and other interesting topics or were they active participants and none of them have denied active involvement.
This e-mail was sent shortly after the LSB voted down a staff motion to fire the GM for sexual harassment. It was voted down 15-5. Four of the five votes for it were in this e-mail group. There was NO evidence of sexual harassment found after two separate investigations. It was an attempt to fire an African-American GM who wouldn’t toe their line and had stated that he was going to move Democracy Now! to prime time at 7 a.m. Their pushing for this unjust firing caused them to lose the majority on the LSB, thus their need for a strategic retreat. This e-mail gives one a view of what these folks really believe in! Sort of like a Pentagon Paper. Richard Phelps, former Chair KPFA LSB.
______________________________________________
“SaveKPFA” is in “ ” since they stole that name from a group that was true to the name.
______________________________________________
From:"Brian Edwards-Tiekert"
Yahoo! DomainKeys has confirmed that this message was sent by gmail.com. Learn more
To:"Lemlem Tekle" , "Bonnie Simmons" ,
LisaRothman [at] kpfa.org
CC:"Sasha Lilley" , "Lemlem Tekle" ,
mawu_mama37 [at] yahoo.com, "Amelia Gonzalez-Garcia" , Rain
Geesler" , "Sherry Gendelman" , "Gary
Niederhoff"
Subject:Re: budget
Date:Thu, 1 Sep 2005 20:58:28 -0700
I'm up for coffee Saturday—Lisa and I can still meet Tuesday afternoon. Also, we need a general strategy session. How about Tuesday night?
Issues include:
How should we be handling the expiration of the union contract—is a strike in order, or is it a really terrible idea?
What's the best way to deal with these layoffs?
Coming up with, and presenting, an alternative budget.
Getting the Roy issue to the national board.
Propping up staff morale.
Strategic retreat on the LSB—how do we make our enemies own the problems that are to come? Alternatively, should we be recalling LSB members/dismantling the LSB?
Dealing with the grievances underway.
Building community support—formation of a labor-community coalition.
Brian Edwards-Tiekert
Staff Representative, Local Station Board
KPFA 94.1FM
1929 Martin Luther King Jr. Way
Berkeley CA 94704
______________________________________________
Notice Brian's great concern for the staff: "Propping up staff morale."
What people say when they think the people they are trying to fool aren't listening shows you the true politics and moral character or lack thereof of the author and his/her allies.
Richard Phelps, Former Chair, KPFA LSB, 38 years listener/subscriber and former AM and FM Radio Announcer.
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BET has potential. Instead, unfortunately, greed, selfish ambition, easy access to power, a sense of entitlement fed by news editors, Aileen Alfandary and Mark Mericle, Lemlem, a push over GM, spoiled him with too much power too soon, now inexperienced and insecure he fights to maintain the management group that affords him unmerited career advancement.
Brian seeks not to support KPFA and its mission statement but to maintain an adoring status quo. This is a common, cautionary tale of fools who nevertheless have power, and their spoiled protegee.
Brian's modus operandi is to manipulate others to do his bidding, when problems arise as a result, he sets them up to take the fall, hence, "How to make others responsible for the troubles to come..." , and Brian knew troubles were coming, overbudget, over hiring their friends, overpaying their friends and themselves, attending conferences they could not afford, and did not need to attend in groups of three and four, ordering technology (mini fax machines for him to sport at the DNC) gadgets to support his ego, so now he spins a web of deciet to make others shoulder the blame for a downward spiral that went unchecked during his tenure as staff representative and KPFA Treasure. To have acted to stem it might have alienated his constituency and blown his chances for career advancement.
So far, so good.
Failure for him, is a neccesary learning experience that integrity counts, truth has more power than the lies of the shrewdest lawyers, and will perisist despite the full throated support of evil but nevertheless entrenched news co-editors and their many minions.
He is still involved with the station and network as the lawyer on a number of cases in which he generally sues KPFA board members or sues to refuse to have effective seated. Most of these cases he has already lost but is appealing. thus continuing the legal issues needlessly. One of the things bringing down the station and network are legal fees.
____________________________________
RP: An important issue is the manipulative attempt by "SaveKPFA" to gain control of KPFA by lies and dirty tricks as accurately displayed in the main article.
__________________________________________________________________
ANON: Issues this unimaginably vain man is simple trying to distract attention from as the faction he was active in year's ago puts in place financial massacre against KPFA and Pacifica.
______________________________________________________________________
RP: This is the big lie mixed with a personal attack and not even a credible lie. It was their folks that used up the surplus, keeping all their allies on the payroll. Which is why they voted against the union contract for administering the budget in 2010, to keep their low seniority allies employed even if it hurt KPFA/Pacifica.
___________________________________________________________
ANON: He is still involved with the station and network as the lawyer on a number of cases in which he generally sues KPFA board members or sues to refuse to have effective seated.
____________________________________________________________________
RP: I have never sued as stated above. I have represented people suing. I was retained by the PNB for one suit.
________________________________________________________________
ANON: Most of these cases he has already lost but is appealing. thus continuing the legal issues needlessly. One of the things bringing down the station and network are legal fees.
_________________________________________________________________________
RP: The PNB asked me to file the appeal and the only other pending case is a shareholder's suit against four elected representatives of KPFA/Pacifica governance for breach of loyalty, they did a competing fund drive in 2011. They lost their motion to dismiss in the trial court and they have appealed. Money damages from this case will go to Pacifica.
Not even a very good attempt at character assassination. Just another example of why these folks should not run any progressive institution. Where is the Pacifica/Progressive morality? "SaveKPFA" will do anything to increase its sectarian power and they do damage in our attempt to develop a more principled culture.