On various campuses, Hillel is launching campaigns to pull funding from PIRGs (Public Interest Research Groups) because of the strong stand taken by some PIRGs around the issue of Israeli Apartheid...Hillel at the University of Ottawa approached OPIRG Ottawa to endorse one of their events. OPIRG refused on the grounds that as a social justice organization, they cannot work with Hillel because of their support for Israel. In response, Hillel contacted the local media, who have joined in a smear campaign against OPIRG Ottawa...Now, the President of Ottawa University is threatening to pull funding from OPIRG Ottawa.

On Friday, Dec. 19, 2008, death-row journalist Mumia Abu-Jamal filed his appeal to the US Supreme Court, asking it to consider his case for a new guilt-phase trial. One month before, the Philadelphia DA filed its separate appeal to the court asking to have Abu-Jamal executed without a new sentencing-phase trial. Both are appealing the March 27, 2008 rulings by the US Third Circuit Court.

At this critical stage in Abu-Jamal’s case, supporters organized a week of global solidarity actions that began on December 6, the day of the main protest in Philadelphia.

Since 2007, police & intelligence agencies have targetted anti-2010 Olympics opposition as a 'security threat' to the Games. This has included media articles based on reports from CSIS and police specifically mentioning Indigenous and other social movements in Vancouver. Police have publicly stated their need to increase surveillance of anti-2010 resistance.

According to a detailed report released this past May by the International Lesbian and Gay Association, which represents [Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered] groups in more than 100 countries, "In 2008, no less than 86 member states of the United Nations still criminalize consensual same-sex acts among adults, thus institutionally promoting a culture of hatred. Among those, seven have legal provisions with the death penalty as punishment"...Opposition to universal decriminalization is strong, and led by an alliance of the Vatican and Islamic governments.

The NDP now supports the US Terror War in Afghanistan. The party has dropped it's purely nominal opposition to Canadian participation since joining the pro-war Liberals in an anti-Harper coalition.

Reposted from www.friendsofgrassynarrows.com

On Monday, November 10, an action was carried out in Guelph, in solidarity with the members of the Mohawk Warrior Society of Tyendinaga. The intersection of Gordon Street and Clair Road was blocked with debris and loose nails. An attempt was made to light the debris on fire. Protestors held signs and passed out flyers to the waiting motorists. Selections of statements from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, and statements from the Tyendinaga Support Committee serve to explain the situation facing the people of Tyendinaga:

I got this email today from the support group for The Cuban Five. This case is very important, so I urge you to please send Obama a message, and please spread this around everywhere you can!

Tuesday, November 18, 2008 - Gaza City

Fifteen Palestinian fishermen and 3 international Human Rights Observers (HRO's) were surrounded by the Israeli Navy and taken from their boats 7 miles off the coast of Deir al Balah, Gaza Strip...Fellow activists have been unable to establish contact with the HRO's or with the fishermen since they were abducted.

Robert “Seth” Hayes is a U.S. political prisoner and former member of the Black Panther Party who has been imprisoned in New York state for more than three decades. When Seth was convicted in 1974, his sentence was 25 years to life. The implicit understanding at the time of his sentencing was that Seth would serve 25 years as a minimum, after which time he would be eligible for release based on his record and conduct in prison.

In December of 2008, Seth will be going before the parole board for the sixth time.

"As economies crumble around the globe, states are becoming increasingly repressive, especially against those who are its political opponents and resisters. This isn't a regional observation, but a global one. That tendency is seen in the prosecution and unjust sentencing of men and women from Atenco, Mexico."

Troy Davis' Execution Date Has Been Set For Oct. 27!

Troy Davis is scheduled to be executed during the week of October 27 for the murder of Police Officer Mark MacPhail in Georgia. The Supreme Court declined to hear his appeal, despite a credible claim of innocence. 7 out of 9 witnesses have recanted, no murder weapon was found and no physical evidence linked Davis to the crime. The Georgia Board of Pardon and Paroles denied clemency to Davis -- we must urge them to reconsider their decision.

Rail Blockade Disrupts CP Rail’s Olympic Spirit Train

“Six Nations and solidarity activists resist Olympic theft of Indigenous land, ecological destruction, and attacks on the poor”.

Tillie Black Bear addresses the Northern Michigan University 2008 UNITED Conference

Links to stories and video by Argus Leader in Sioux Falls, SD on the tragic suicide epidemic involving Lakota youth and young adults

...[D]ozens of riot cops over-ran the families who were peacefully demonstrating. Riot cops surrounded the area, and launched tear gas canisters, one of which hit a child in the chest. Nine people, including an elder, a pregnant woman, and two minors, were arrested. Eight demonstrators remained locked down to concrete-filled barrels, but police used "pain compliance"...to force them to let go, and be arrested...The blockade has been violently dismantled, but the need to apply pressure to the government has become more urgent. Please take a few minutes to show your support.