The resurrection of Antioch College: A small victory for humanity
The struggle and victory to re-open Antioch College as an independent institution separate from Antioch University is a major victory for peace and progressive forces in the United States. On Friday, September 4, Antioch University officials signed a 750-page closing document after 14 months of negotiations to turn Antioch College assets over to the Antioch College Continuation Corp. (read: the alumni).
A group of Greene County citizens recently dropped a complaint filed with the Ohio Attorney General’s office to strip the University of its tax exempt status. The complaint alleged that the University had neglected and wasted the assets of the former College, including severe damage to the historical main building at the Yellow Springs campus.
The Attorney General’s office acknowledged that the withdrawal of the complaint helped pave the way for the final settlement.
A group of Greene County citizens recently dropped a complaint filed with the Ohio Attorney General’s office to strip the University of its tax exempt status. The complaint alleged that the University had neglected and wasted the assets of the former College, including severe damage to the historical main building at the Yellow Springs campus.
The Attorney General’s office acknowledged that the withdrawal of the complaint helped pave the way for the final settlement.
The Columbus Free Press talks with David Swanson, author of <i>Daybreak: Undoing the Imperial Presidency and Forming a More Perfect Union</i>
SPECIAL EVENT: David Swanson will be in Columbus at 7pm on Sept. 9 for a book signing and meet-and-greet at Areopagitica, a bookstore at 3510 N. High St. near Oakland Park in Clintonville. For more information, contact Connie Hammond at chammon@columbus.rr.com
F.P.: Tell us about the book.
David Swanson: The book is called Daybreak: Undoing the Imperial Presidency and forming a more perfect union, and as that title might suggest, it’s somewhat divided into a couple of parts. One part – what’s wrong, and one part, what do we do about it.
The part about what’s wrong deals largely with the real acceleration during the past eight years of the transfer of power -- from the Congress, and the courts and the people to the White House, and the crimes and abuses but also the systemic changes that need to be undone and reversed
F.P.: Tell us about the book.
David Swanson: The book is called Daybreak: Undoing the Imperial Presidency and forming a more perfect union, and as that title might suggest, it’s somewhat divided into a couple of parts. One part – what’s wrong, and one part, what do we do about it.
The part about what’s wrong deals largely with the real acceleration during the past eight years of the transfer of power -- from the Congress, and the courts and the people to the White House, and the crimes and abuses but also the systemic changes that need to be undone and reversed
Columbus Free Press Q & A with Slow Food USA president Josh Viertel : Growing a mass movement by promoting alliances
I am in the process of inquiring into what a wide array of environmental organizations are doing to find common ground with one another and, in addition to that, with groups working on issues that are outside the scope of environmentalism, per se.
Such alliances may lead sooner or later to a mass movement for environmental and social sustainability. It may be strong enough to counteract politically powerful players that are entrenched in the status quo, such as the centralized, capital-intensive coal, oil, nuclear, natural gas, and agriculture industries.
A mass movement for environmental and social sustainability may take its place in history alongside other movements. All of us can play at least some part in making that happen.***********
Such alliances may lead sooner or later to a mass movement for environmental and social sustainability. It may be strong enough to counteract politically powerful players that are entrenched in the status quo, such as the centralized, capital-intensive coal, oil, nuclear, natural gas, and agriculture industries.
A mass movement for environmental and social sustainability may take its place in history alongside other movements. All of us can play at least some part in making that happen.***********
Environmental groups bring 'Repower America' campaign to Columbus as climate bill faces motley opposition
The Alliance for Climate Protection, which was founded in 2006 by Al Gore, and the Climate Protection Action Fund have brought the Repower America campaign to Columbus, seeking to generate support in Central Ohio and beyond for the American Clean Energy and Security Act, also known as ACES or the Waxman-Markey Bill, or as a “pile of s---t ” to quote House Minority Leader John Boehner, (R-OH). The measure passed in the House, 219-212 on June 26. Time will tell what becomes of the bill in the Senate.
Proponents say ACES will create jobs, help address climate change, and promote US national security. To some environmental groups, the bill is a flawed step in the right direction that is better than nothing. To other environmental groups, the bill is a handout to big industries and has little chance of addressing climate change. Moreover, many Republicans oppose the bill on economic grounds, saying it will hurt an already damaged economy.
Proponents say ACES will create jobs, help address climate change, and promote US national security. To some environmental groups, the bill is a flawed step in the right direction that is better than nothing. To other environmental groups, the bill is a handout to big industries and has little chance of addressing climate change. Moreover, many Republicans oppose the bill on economic grounds, saying it will hurt an already damaged economy.
T. Boone Pickens may draw new supporters of renewable energy, though they may be reluctant to call themselves environmentalists.
As I left the Greater Columbus Convention Center after attending the T. Boone Pickens town-hall event, I caught part of a conversation of two people outside the building, talking as they smoked. One of them was speaking rapidly and with agitation. I listened as I stopped to tie one of my shoes.
“Be green! Kill yourself and lay dead in the street. That’s being green. Be dead, then you’re green…”
I didn’t ask him what he meant by that. But as I walked away, I associated his remark with people thinking that environmentalists are so rigid and extreme in our positions that, if we had the chance, we would make it impossible for anyone, including ourselves, to enjoy life.
If we had the chance, we environmentalists would destroy individual liberties! We’d destroy the economy, national security, and sovereignty of the United States, along with Western Civilization ! And with our big, totalitarian, green world government we’d have a green-clad and jack-booted guard at every light switch in every home!
“Be green! Kill yourself and lay dead in the street. That’s being green. Be dead, then you’re green…”
I didn’t ask him what he meant by that. But as I walked away, I associated his remark with people thinking that environmentalists are so rigid and extreme in our positions that, if we had the chance, we would make it impossible for anyone, including ourselves, to enjoy life.
If we had the chance, we environmentalists would destroy individual liberties! We’d destroy the economy, national security, and sovereignty of the United States, along with Western Civilization ! And with our big, totalitarian, green world government we’d have a green-clad and jack-booted guard at every light switch in every home!
Latest news of Antioch College
Bob talks about the latest developments concerning the fate of the now closed Antioch College. There may yet be some light at the end of this tunnel, for the school.
Guardianship of Norman Baker Ends
Norman Baker, who was featured in a previous Free Press article, is no longer under a court appointed guardianship. The case has been settled amicably and Mr. Baker is now living on his own in Ohio.
A retired firefighter, Baker now 82, found himself under guardianship in 2005. The Free Press article "How An Unwanted Guardianship Cost a Firefighter his Freedom & His Fortune" circulated previously on the internet.
The Fairfield County Probate Court has now terminated the guardianship, restoring Mr. Baker to competency and allowing him to regain his freedom and independence after nearly four years. Mr Baker had unsuccessfully challenged the validity of the guardianship in both the Fairfield County Probate Court and then in the Ohio Fifth District Court of Appeals. He had also filed with the Ohio Supreme Court an accusation that the Probate Judge assigned to his case was biased against him. That challenge was summarily dismissed by Chief Justice Thomas Moyer.
A retired firefighter, Baker now 82, found himself under guardianship in 2005. The Free Press article "How An Unwanted Guardianship Cost a Firefighter his Freedom & His Fortune" circulated previously on the internet.
The Fairfield County Probate Court has now terminated the guardianship, restoring Mr. Baker to competency and allowing him to regain his freedom and independence after nearly four years. Mr Baker had unsuccessfully challenged the validity of the guardianship in both the Fairfield County Probate Court and then in the Ohio Fifth District Court of Appeals. He had also filed with the Ohio Supreme Court an accusation that the Probate Judge assigned to his case was biased against him. That challenge was summarily dismissed by Chief Justice Thomas Moyer.
In Memoriam: Art Strauss
The Free Press community mourns the recent loss of our good friend, Art Strauss.
Art Strauss was a magnificent human being who made this community--- and the world---a better place.
He was warm, funny, smart, effective and completely dedicated to the causes of social justice, environmental preservation and much more.
Art, with his equally dedicated wife, Cindy – were recipients of the Free Press “Libby” Award for Community Activism several years ago.
It was always a joy to work with Art, who knew how to get things done in a graceful, enjoyable way.
He will always be with us, helping to make the world a better place.
With Love & Appreciation....Harvey Wasserman and Bob Fitrakis
Art Strauss was a magnificent human being who made this community--- and the world---a better place.
He was warm, funny, smart, effective and completely dedicated to the causes of social justice, environmental preservation and much more.
Art, with his equally dedicated wife, Cindy – were recipients of the Free Press “Libby” Award for Community Activism several years ago.
It was always a joy to work with Art, who knew how to get things done in a graceful, enjoyable way.
He will always be with us, helping to make the world a better place.
With Love & Appreciation....Harvey Wasserman and Bob Fitrakis
Anti-Voter Legislation in the Works, Again!
Another look at Ohio Statehouse Republicans' further attempts at legislation which seeks to disenfranchise poor and minority voters from statewide elections.
My experience in the 2008 Ohio election: exit polling
I worked as an “exit poller” at Jones Middle School in Upper Arlington. This is an old middle school in the heart of the Columbus suburb. The “hall of fame” in the School’s entrance includes alumni such as Jack Nicklaus (the golfing great) and Sam Devine, a conservative Central Ohio Republican congressman who held the seat for most of his adult life.