Seven arrested at demonstration at US Bank in downtown Columbus, Ohio
Columbus Police arrested 7 activists as they read aloud a long list of complaints against US Bank. They face fourth degree misdemeanor trespassing charges, according to attorneys with Occupy Columbus.
Activists had planned to do a “parade tour” of several banks in downtown Columbus, but only got to two of them when police made the arrests, said Justin Poulin.
“We went inside Fifth Third Bank. We protested for about 5 minutes, talked about the bank. Then we were followed from Fifth Third Bank by police to US Bank. We were followed into the lobby. We did exactly the same thing we did in Fifth Third. We were just talking about the bank. Then the police surrounded us and started putting people in hand cuffs,” said Poulin.
Using the ‘people’s mic.’ demonstrators were addressing anyone in the bank who would listen, said Poulin.
“We went inside Fifth Third Bank. We protested for about 5 minutes, talked about the bank. Then we were followed from Fifth Third Bank by police to US Bank. We were followed into the lobby. We did exactly the same thing we did in Fifth Third. We were just talking about the bank. Then the police surrounded us and started putting people in hand cuffs,” said Poulin.
Using the ‘people’s mic.’ demonstrators were addressing anyone in the bank who would listen, said Poulin.
RE: Fitrakis & Wasserman: Can we transform labor's Buckeye victory into a new era of election protection?
A truly very good (I get tired of "great") article. I read it and I believe Fitrakis and Wasserman are saving us all. (I have a special file on my computer for their work.
Can we transform labor's Buckeye victory into a new era of election protection?
The crushing defeat Ohio's working people dealt 1% politicians this week has critical implications for a whole other issue---election protection.
In a voting process that might otherwise have been stolen, a concerted effort by citizens committed to democracy---NOT the Democratic Party---guaranteed an official Ohio tally that finally squares with reality. The defeat of millionaire Republican Governor John Kasich's union-busting Issue 2 by more than 20% actually squared with exit polling and other reliable political indicators.
In the 2008 election, Richard Charnin has demonstrated how there was a more than 5% shift towards the Republican presidential candidates John McCain than predicted by the highly accurate exit polls, the gold standard for detecting election fraud. In Ohio’s 2010 election, exit polls revealed a 5.4% unexplained “red shift” towards the Republican Party. The shift led to the defeat of Democratic Governor Ted Strickland as well as Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray.
In a voting process that might otherwise have been stolen, a concerted effort by citizens committed to democracy---NOT the Democratic Party---guaranteed an official Ohio tally that finally squares with reality. The defeat of millionaire Republican Governor John Kasich's union-busting Issue 2 by more than 20% actually squared with exit polling and other reliable political indicators.
In the 2008 election, Richard Charnin has demonstrated how there was a more than 5% shift towards the Republican presidential candidates John McCain than predicted by the highly accurate exit polls, the gold standard for detecting election fraud. In Ohio’s 2010 election, exit polls revealed a 5.4% unexplained “red shift” towards the Republican Party. The shift led to the defeat of Democratic Governor Ted Strickland as well as Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray.
Building on Defeating Issue 2
Chalk one up for everyday people. By defeating Issue 2, we beat back Governor Kasich’s Koch-funded massive attack on social and labor relations. It’s a major win, worthy of celebrating, but only for a couple days. Then, we MUST go back to organizing.
That’s because of three facts of political life. One is, power can not be bottled for later use: Use it, or lose it. Another is, Koch’s inherited billions can be saved for later use: That’s what banks and accountants are for. Finally, as the late US Senator, Everett Dirkson memorably observed: “A billion here and a billion there, and pretty soon you’ve got BIG MONEY.”
When people say, as Governor Kasich did when I asked him a question at a press conference last Spring, “corporations and unions… and unions”, they are listing very different entities. Unions don’t have billions to buy banks, accountants and elections with, but corporations do. So, it’s our shoe leather, tenacity and enthusiasm against their billions.
That’s because of three facts of political life. One is, power can not be bottled for later use: Use it, or lose it. Another is, Koch’s inherited billions can be saved for later use: That’s what banks and accountants are for. Finally, as the late US Senator, Everett Dirkson memorably observed: “A billion here and a billion there, and pretty soon you’ve got BIG MONEY.”
When people say, as Governor Kasich did when I asked him a question at a press conference last Spring, “corporations and unions… and unions”, they are listing very different entities. Unions don’t have billions to buy banks, accountants and elections with, but corporations do. So, it’s our shoe leather, tenacity and enthusiasm against their billions.
Columbus Coalition for Responsive Government to file initiative petition to revise Columbus City Charter
PRESS RELEASE: COLUMBUS COALITION FOR RESPONSIVE GOVERNMENT TO FILE INITIATIVE PETITION TO REVISE CITY CHARTER AND REFORM COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL, SETS NOVEMBER 16TH DATE FOR PUBLIC MEETING AT OHIO HISTORICAL CENTER
November 7, 2011
A newly-formed organization named “Columbus Coalition for Responsive Government” announces it will be filing an initiative petition on November 8th, to revise the Columbus City Charter tomorrow, and in so doing, reform Columbus City Council.
November 7, 2011
A newly-formed organization named “Columbus Coalition for Responsive Government” announces it will be filing an initiative petition on November 8th, to revise the Columbus City Charter tomorrow, and in so doing, reform Columbus City Council.
Minor parties to storm Ohio’s 2012 ballot
The Green, Libertarian, Socialist, Constitution and American Elect Parties are all designated as official parties on the ballot for the 2012 presidential election in Ohio. On October 18, 2011 the Federal District Court in Columbus ordered Secretary of State John Husted to recognize the Libertarian Party, As a result of that order, Husted issued Directive 2011-38 on November 1, 2011 which placed the four other minor parties on the Ohio ballot.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit found Ohio’s minor party election laws unconstitutional in September 2006. In the case Libertarian Party of Ohio v. Blackwell, the court held that both Ohio’s laws involving minor party formation as well as ballot access were unconstitutionally restrictive.
In 2008, in the Green Party of Ohio v. Brunner, then Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner entered into a consent decree with the Green Party that allowed both the Green and the Constitution Party on the ballot. The federal judge set as a standard that the minor parties had to show a “modicum” of support in Ohio to stay on the ballot. The judge set the standard at 1% of the statewide vote.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit found Ohio’s minor party election laws unconstitutional in September 2006. In the case Libertarian Party of Ohio v. Blackwell, the court held that both Ohio’s laws involving minor party formation as well as ballot access were unconstitutionally restrictive.
In 2008, in the Green Party of Ohio v. Brunner, then Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner entered into a consent decree with the Green Party that allowed both the Green and the Constitution Party on the ballot. The federal judge set as a standard that the minor parties had to show a “modicum” of support in Ohio to stay on the ballot. The judge set the standard at 1% of the statewide vote.
Election Protection for November 8, 2011 Election Day
When you VOTE on Election Day, November 8, 2011 -- let us know if you have any problems at the polling site! We have attorneys and video the vote volunteers standing by. Let us know if you were made to vote provisionally or prevented from voting. Did anything go wrong with the voting machines?
Call 614-253-2571.
Call 614-253-2571.
Will the 1% steal Ohio's labor rights referendum?
Tuesday's most important vote is the repeal of Ohio's vicious anti-labor Issue 2.
Polls show the repeal winning by 25% or more. But will it---like the 2004 presidential election---be stolen by the 1% intent on crushing working people and stealing huge sums of money?
Like Wisconsin's millionaire assault on the bargaining rights of public unions, the thoroughly bought Ohio legislature has passed a draconian law aimed at crippling the organizing ability of working people.
The attack has the loud, persistent support of Wall Street's hand-picked Governor John Kasich, who made millions as a Foxist commentator and Lehman bond dealer. Among other things, Kasich helped pawn $400 million in Lehman's junk bonds onto the Ohio teacher's pension fund, making him a multi-millionaire. Control of that money would be directly affected by the outcome of this referendum.
The legislature's original passage of the anti-labor bill drew thousands of demonstrators to the statehouse lawn and key locations throughout the Buckeye State. The pre-occupy rallies got ardent support from progressive, union and working people across Ohio's political spectrum.
Polls show the repeal winning by 25% or more. But will it---like the 2004 presidential election---be stolen by the 1% intent on crushing working people and stealing huge sums of money?
Like Wisconsin's millionaire assault on the bargaining rights of public unions, the thoroughly bought Ohio legislature has passed a draconian law aimed at crippling the organizing ability of working people.
The attack has the loud, persistent support of Wall Street's hand-picked Governor John Kasich, who made millions as a Foxist commentator and Lehman bond dealer. Among other things, Kasich helped pawn $400 million in Lehman's junk bonds onto the Ohio teacher's pension fund, making him a multi-millionaire. Control of that money would be directly affected by the outcome of this referendum.
The legislature's original passage of the anti-labor bill drew thousands of demonstrators to the statehouse lawn and key locations throughout the Buckeye State. The pre-occupy rallies got ardent support from progressive, union and working people across Ohio's political spectrum.
Ohio Election issues
To Whom It May Concern:
Repealing bad laws and preventing bad Constitutional Amendments:
Thank goodness that Ohioans have the right to vote down harmful proposed amendments to the Ohio Constitution, currently Issue 3. The U. S. Supreme will trump Issue 3, but it would immediately invalidate necessary Federal and Ohio laws and regulations passed since March 19, 2010 and prevent future ones.
Equally important are referenda which repeal harmful laws. Issue 2 would allow SB 5 to remain law. It unfairly harms public employees. All Ohioans would suffer because the economy would be damaged by loss of jobs. The shift of $ 4 billion in State taxes to schools and municipalities etc. would also increase the local tax burden.
The Issue to repeal HB 194, the voter suppression law, will be on the 2012 Ballot, so that law will not be in effect for the important 2012 election. Secretary of State Jon Husted has not certified that referendum. It would have some effect on the current election.
Repealing bad laws and preventing bad Constitutional Amendments:
Thank goodness that Ohioans have the right to vote down harmful proposed amendments to the Ohio Constitution, currently Issue 3. The U. S. Supreme will trump Issue 3, but it would immediately invalidate necessary Federal and Ohio laws and regulations passed since March 19, 2010 and prevent future ones.
Equally important are referenda which repeal harmful laws. Issue 2 would allow SB 5 to remain law. It unfairly harms public employees. All Ohioans would suffer because the economy would be damaged by loss of jobs. The shift of $ 4 billion in State taxes to schools and municipalities etc. would also increase the local tax burden.
The Issue to repeal HB 194, the voter suppression law, will be on the 2012 Ballot, so that law will not be in effect for the important 2012 election. Secretary of State Jon Husted has not certified that referendum. It would have some effect on the current election.
Hangin' with Glenn Beck so you don't have to: More Ohio Right to Life escapades
Glenn Beck is more dreadful than you think.
Thursday night (October 27) I attended Glenn Beck's performance piece at Vets Memorial. His appearance was sponsored by Ohio Right to Life to kick off its annual state conference and fill its operating budget (according to Beck) for next fiscal year. Just buying a ticket wasn't good enough. In a word of faith moment, Beck ordered us to pull out the donation envelopes from our programs and hold them tight for the next couple hours as he inspired us to stuff them with cash, check or credit card number. From the looks of the beg buckets held by ORTL volunteers standing beneath the exit signs when it was all over, Beck had indeed miraculously turned envelopes into cash.
Lying in bed the next morning I wondered just what I could write about Beck. There must have been something in his 90 minute one man show that was revealing or quotable or enlightening, or entertaining. Alas! There is none. For 90 minutes Beck paced the stage, implored, and wept over....well... something, but it's unclear what.
Thursday night (October 27) I attended Glenn Beck's performance piece at Vets Memorial. His appearance was sponsored by Ohio Right to Life to kick off its annual state conference and fill its operating budget (according to Beck) for next fiscal year. Just buying a ticket wasn't good enough. In a word of faith moment, Beck ordered us to pull out the donation envelopes from our programs and hold them tight for the next couple hours as he inspired us to stuff them with cash, check or credit card number. From the looks of the beg buckets held by ORTL volunteers standing beneath the exit signs when it was all over, Beck had indeed miraculously turned envelopes into cash.
Lying in bed the next morning I wondered just what I could write about Beck. There must have been something in his 90 minute one man show that was revealing or quotable or enlightening, or entertaining. Alas! There is none. For 90 minutes Beck paced the stage, implored, and wept over....well... something, but it's unclear what.