Sat - February 17, 2007

White Privilege and the Complications of Class


Recently I attended a workshop on race put on by the Rochester chapter of the National Coalition Building Institute. A wonderful conversation resulted, and those in attendance expressed the desire to meet again, as we felt the two hours we spent together was just an "appetizer," leaving us wanting more. Our discussions prompted me to go back through old writing of mine, much of which is on the web in various locations. Today I am calling attention to a WMST-L listserv discussion, (September 2001) and one of my posts, in response to an article by Peggy McIntosh, called "White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack." I am posting a slightly revised version of that here.

Posted at 01:40 PM     Read More  

Thu - November 16, 2006

New Direction in Activism


I am deeply concerned about the recent spate of violence in Rochester, particularly last week's "war on the streets" ...

Posted at 12:59 PM     Read More  

Tue - January 17, 2006

Celebrating Martin Luther King with Myrlie Evers-Williams



Posted at 05:07 PM     Read More  

Sat - September 10, 2005

Yes, Gramma Bush really did say that!


Ahh, the privilege of class...When you've had it so easy all your life, poor thing, of course you can't understand what it's like to be poor and powerless. What Barbara Bush said during a visit to the Hurricane Katrina refugees sheltered in the Houston Astrodome.

Posted at 11:15 AM     Read More  

Thu - March 17, 2005

How your Medicaid tax dollars saved a life...mine!


There's a lot of talk these days about cutting Medicaid costs because they have "spiraled out of control." Most of the cuts being proposed would be disastrous for people on Medicaid. For many, including me, it would make life miserable. And potentially unbearable. I thought people might like to know how their Medicaid tax dollars saved a life...mine! And how that had a profound rippling effect on other people's lives. So I made a movie about it!

Posted at 08:58 AM     Read More  

Tue - March 15, 2005

Thank you, Sen. Hillary Clinton!


Received this response from Sen. Hillary Clinton, New York's illustrious junior senator, regarding my e-mail about supporting the Smith-Bingaman Amendment to stop the Republicans' proposed $15 billion cut in Medicaid funds. Ahh, Hilary...if only you were president! Of course this is only a form letter, but at least it's on the right side!

Posted at 07:23 PM     Read More  

Mon - March 14, 2005

Stop disastrous Medicaid cuts! Contact your Senators and tell them to support the Smith-Bingaman amendment


I am writing today to ask you to please contact your state's U.S. senators and tell them to support the Smith-Bingaman amendment to strike the $15 billion in Medicaid cuts from the budget resolution and create a bi-partisan Medicaid Commission. I do this today because I am Medicaid beneficiary — a beneficiary of the sort that most people don’t think of when they think of Medicaid recipients. These nationwide cuts — along with the cuts proposed by New York’s Governor Pataki (eliminating, among other things, all mental health coverage, all dental coverage, all vision coverage, all podiatry) — would make my life unbearable. I write today in excruciating pain, but at least I am able to sit at my computer. Were it not for the health care and other services I receive under Medicaid, I would be bedridden and would need to be cared for either by a home health aide or in a nursing home. That would cost Medicaid a hell of a lot more!

Posted at 02:18 PM     Read More  

Tue - May 18, 2004

More Deadly LIes from the Bush Administration


The Bush Administration lied about "weapons of mass destruction," and those lies ultimately lead to thousands of deaths. Now it is engaging in another lie, also deadly (and one among many others). It is claiming -- against scientific evidence to the contrary -- that condoms do not prevent HIV/AIDS. And it is using that lie as justification for supporting "abstinence only" programs as AIDS prevention. It is a recipe for disaster. (Note: if you have problems accessing the "read more" link, go here.

Posted at 06:24 AM     Read More  

Sat - May 1, 2004

In Solidarity: Happy May Day!


Do you work an eight-hour day? Do you get paid for overtime? Are you protected by minimum wage, child labor and workplace safety laws? Do you receive benefits from your job such as health insurance, vacation, a pension or other retirement benefits? Thank the socialist labor movement and celebrate May Day!

Posted at 04:06 PM     Read More  

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