http://www.nov30.org One Portlander Writing about Peace and Social Justice Tue, 04 Aug 2009 08:04:39 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en I was pleased to see Larry Kleinman's Op-Ed in the Statesman Journal this weekend, about how Oregon's minimum wage is higher than the federal minimum wage, and he explains the role of Oregon's unions in keeping us ahead of the feds. But, as Larry explains, the point here is that ... http://www.nov30.org/2009/08/03/folks-who-brought-you-40-hour-workweek/ Got this from Gabi's blog: Local folks are calling for another vigil in solidarity with the people of Iran. This vigil will be Tuesday, June 23 at 7 PM in Pioneer Courthouse Square. Thanks also, Gabi, for posting this LA Times article about the death of Neda Agha-Soltan, who was killed ... http://www.nov30.org/2009/06/22/another-portland-iran-solidarity-rally-tuesday/ I made it to the candlelight vigil in solidarity with the people of  Iran at PSU last night.  There were over 300 people there to show their support, and people observed a moment of silence for those who had been killed by "security forces" in Tehran. I got my "We ... http://www.nov30.org/2009/06/20/portland-in-solidarity-with-people-of-iran/ At times I can barely believe my eyes -- is this really our President? I think it is! Here are a few select quotes, but I highly recommend reading the full transcript of President Obama's address to a historic crowd at Cairo University. First, some context for the relationship between the ... http://www.nov30.org/2009/06/04/wow-obamas-address-to-the-muslim-world/ I finally went and saw the new Star Trek movie, and enjoyed it...  and that's the problem. Great visuals, cool gadgets, beautiful faces, a driving plot that kept my eyes riveted to the screen... but Gene Roddenberry's gift for holding out a hopeful vision of the future? Gone, baby. And ... http://www.nov30.org/2009/05/17/a-sad-day-for-this-trekkie/ I just learned from the American-Iranian Friendship Council that the  Oregon Senate passed a resolution calling for the state to divest from businesses with ties to Iran. This is a poorly-conceived bill,  based on "enemy-of-the-month" thinking that has placed Iran in the crosshairs for the last couple years (again). The resolution ... http://www.nov30.org/2009/05/13/oregon-divesting-from-iran-bad-idea/ I managed to make it to May Day Immigration events in both Salem and Portland yesterday! With 3,000 in Salem and a couple thousand in Portland, both were great events. KATU had a great story on the Salem march. Here's my photos from each that I posted on Flickr: May Day ... http://www.nov30.org/2009/05/02/may-day-2009-marching-for-immigrant-rights/ The G-20 Summit, which is happening in London next week, will bring together decision-makers from the world's largest (non-corporate) economies to talk about global fiscal policies.  Sounds dry, I know, but it has a lot to do with the boat we're all in: a global climate crisis and the many ... http://www.nov30.org/2009/03/28/avaaz-takes-action-on-the-london-g20-summit/ [caption id="" align="alignright" width="376" caption="PDX Peace marching against the war"][/caption] This weekend Oregon is marking the sixth anniversary of the invasion on Iraq with activities for the whole family. Take your pick: Big peace march in Salem, Sunday, March 15,  1 PM learn more at PDX Peace website Democracy Bailout! A lobby ... http://www.nov30.org/2009/03/14/peace-events-mark-anniversary-war/ I have not been posting lately, but I've been staying up late to watch Colbert. My two most recent favorites: Colbert Does Wyoming (Colbert taunts the U.S. Representative from Wyoming) http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/221062/march-09-2009/better-know-a-district---wyoming-s-at-large---cynthia-lummis Colbert Takes on the "Rand Illusion" A brilliant segment on the right-wing call to look out for yourself in these difficult times http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/221330/march-11-2009/intro---03-11-09 http://www.nov30.org/2009/03/12/im-staying-up-too-late-watching-colbert/