AMERICAN LEFT HISTORY

This space is dedicated to the proposition that we need to know the history of the struggles on the left and of earlier progressive movements here and world-wide. If we can learn from the mistakes made in the past (as well as what went right) we can move forward in the future to create a more just and equitable society. We will be reviewing books, CDs, and movies we believe everyone needs to read, hear and look at as well as making commentary from time to time. Greg Green, site manager

Monday, February 16, 2015

REFUSING TO KILL CAMPAIGNING WITH MILITARY REFUSERS, WHISTLEBLOWERS & PRISONERS JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015
	Follow the links and visit our website refusingtokill.net for more information. Do write to refusers, whistleblowers and prisoners - your letters will help keep them going! Send us your news and circulate this newsletter to help build a stronger international network of refusal.
	EVENTS
		US, 9-15 February Rasmea Odeh, 67, Palestinian American community leader, tortured by the Israeli government in 1969, is facing sentencing for a trumped-up immigration charge on 12 March. Write to the Judge and join the National Week of Action 9-15 Feb.
	Shandre Delaney, mother of one of the six, is leading the campaign.	PITTSBURGH 13 February PHILADELPHIA 14 February – Benefits for the Dallas 6, six African-American prisoners in solitary confinement in a Pennsylvania prison who blew the whistle on and peacefully protested against torture and violence by prison guards. Four of them face trial on 17 Feb.

		UK, 16 February, Protest for Kevan Thakrar who was convicted of murders and other offences under the “Joint Enterprise” law despite not being present when the murders took place. A petition will soon be issued to demand his release from solitary confinement and for a fair trial.
		US, Benton Harbor, 24 February - New hearing for Reverend Edward Pinkney, convicted and sentenced to 30 months for "election law violation" . Judge Schrock admitted there was no evidence against him and he wanted to set an example. Attend the hearing and write to him.
		LONDON ongoing - Support Julian Assange, the Wikileaks founder. Join the vigil at the Ecuadorean embassy in London: Tue, Wed, Thu 4 -6pm and Sat 5.30 – 6.30pm.
	CAMPAIGNING NEWS
		US, Philadelphia – Celebration of the life of Phil Africa who died in prison on 12 January. He was one of the Move 9, falsely convicted in 1978 for murder and still protesting their conviction. Support the Move 9 who have been denied parole since 2008.
		US – International whistleblower Chelsea Manning, jailed for 35 years, is now preparing her appeal. Supporters are also demanding clemency from President Obama. Write to Dept of Defense officials and to Chelsea to help keep her morale up!
		US, Texas – People rightly complain about journalists arrested by the Egyptian government. Is Texas an example for Egypt? Activist-journalist Barrett Brown has been sentenced to 5 years in jail and ordered to pay $890,250 in restitution to companies he investigated, including defence contractor Stratfor. Write to him and donate to his defense fund.
		UK – Sign the petition in favour of "Edna's law" making it a criminal offence to fail to act on whistleblowers' evidence and concerns. Edna was an elderly woman who died after abuse and neglect in a BUPA care home despite management having been informed.
		NIGERIA, Lagos – 54 soldiers were sentenced to the death penalty for embarrassing Nigeria's military by demanding weapons to confront Boko Haram, thus refusing what would have been a suicidal mission. Check for updates on our website.
		US – There is only one US government employee who has gone to jail in connection with the widespread CIA torture program: the man who exposed it seven years ago. Support ex-CIA employee John Kiriakou, still serving 30 months for "espionage".
*Payday* men's network payday@paydaynet.org www.refusingtokill.net