Monthly Archives: April 2002

A Review of Civil Liberties One Year After 9/11

As the failed hunt for Osama Bin Laden gives way to preparations for the invasion of Iraq, and as the passing of a year of mourning gives way to commercial exploitation and political opportunism, many Americans are beginning to realize … Continue reading

Posted in Human Rights | Leave a comment

April Brings Shower of Local Arts

April is a busy time for artists and art enthusiasts in Champaign and Urbana. The Octopus-sponsored Art Walk will take place the weekend of April 19 and 20. This is an opportunity for local artists, galleries, and businesses to be … Continue reading

Posted in UC-IMC | Leave a comment

The Ogoni Struggle in Nigeria

Nigeria was a colony of Great Britain from the turn of the twentieth century until 1960. It is about 1/3 larger than the state of Texas, but is by far the most populous country in Africa with over 120 million … Continue reading

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Earth Day These Days

“[O]n April 22, 1970, Earth Day was held, one of the most remarkable happenings in the history of democracy…” American Heritage Magazine, October 1993 Earth Day, April 22, 1970. A beautiful spring day. Twenty million Americans converge on a Wednesday, … Continue reading

Posted in Environment | Leave a comment

Good to the Last Drop? Crisis for Coffee Growers Mandates Consumer Response

Since returning from Nicaragua I have closely followed the news from that region. The news has not been good. During the summer of 2000, I stayed with a family in Matagalpa who lived in a small wooden shack set in … Continue reading

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My Brief Foray into Capitalism

It was February 20, 2002, my first time in the state Capitol building. I was accompanying the 85% Coalition members, who were planning to sit in the gallery during Governor George Ryan’s State of the Budget address. Since recent legislation … Continue reading

Posted in Labor/Economics | Leave a comment

85% Coalition Fights for 100% Equality Under Law

“You’re fired because you’re gay.” This was the message Red Lobster sent Dale Hall, an associate manager at the Lincolnwood restaurant, in 1996. In Illinois, there is currently no state law prohibiting an employer from handing a worker a pink … Continue reading

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Public Interest Angels Descend Upon the FCC

“The night after I was sworn in, I waited for a visit from the angel of public interest. I waited all night, but she did not come. I still have had no divine awakening and no one has issued me … Continue reading

Posted in IMC, National | Leave a comment

From a Recent GEO Bulletine

3-DAY WALKOUT — NEXT WEEK April 17, 18, 19 BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE: Since 1996, the administration has fought the Graduate Employees’ Organization (GEO) in the courts by arguing that graduate employees should not have the legal right to form a … Continue reading

Posted in Education, Labor/Economics | Leave a comment

We Are Smokin’ Now!

According to a past issue of Adbusters Magazine (July/August 2001), “in order to be a fully informed citizen we need to know the entire story.” Looking below the surface is not often easy, but with the existence of independent media … Continue reading

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