Week of February 1, 2006

UPDATED Feb 1

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In this week's report: [ click on any of the bold headers below ]

Trial Set in Tax Day Protest Case

Sacred Places

January 27 in DC: Youth Speak Out and More

Peace & Justice Calendar UPDATED Jan 31

Suffolk Peace Vigils UPDATED Jan 31

Counter Recruiting Schedule UPDATED 1-31-07

Alternative Media for Eastern LI

Democracy Now!
Non-corporate news hour with Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez:

on Riverhead/Southampton/Southold Channel 20:
Monday 10 pm - Tuesday 9 pm - Wednesday 9 pm - Thursday 9 pm - Friday - 6:30 am- Saturday - 6:30 am

Also on WUSB 90.1 FM 5pm Mon-Friday and East Hampton LTV Ch 20

See WPKN Today for program details on WPKM heard at 88.7 Montauk to Water Mill and WPKN 89.5 Bridgeport to Southampton and Southold.
WPKN/M Local News at 6:30 pm (Mon-Fri) has occasional reports from the East End.

For more Information on Peace Activism on LI

see North Fork People of Conscience at www(.)nfpofc(.)blogspot(.)com

see Suffolk Progressive Vision at www(.)spv(.)active(.)ws

Socially Corrosive?

Southampton Press, Feb. 1, 2007

Letters:


See "A Matter of Justice: Rev. Holly Haile Davis, DD"

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To the editor, Southampton Press:

Reynolds Dodson is "troubled by those whose feelings toward the dead place an undo burden on the living." (The View East , SH Press Jan 25, 2007)

He refers to the human remains unearthed recently in Water Mill and questions whether they must belong to ancestors of the Shinnecocks.

He trivializes the reverence of people for their ancestors by referring to 'unhappy spirits'.

He links the attempt to preserve land and grave sites with the Shinnecock's plans for a gaming casino and writes about gambling as "socially corrosive".

It is their poverty that is socially corrosive.

He says "If the Shinnecocks would have us honor their values at the St. James Hotel, shouldn't they honor ours in Hampton Bays? "

What are our values?

Do they include preserving our environment?

Do they include justice for those whose land and living were taken for the profit of the few and justice for those whose very identity is under attack now in Federal Court by our own Southampton Town?

And what are the values of our native neighbors?

Isn't the attempt by the indigenous people of Long Island to preserve burial sites in Water Mill and in the Shinnecock Hills as much about saving the land and the environment as it is about saving the remains of their ancestors?

What would have happened to Westwoods had it not been under Native stewardship since 1640? Would it be another suburban sub-division or
'Parrish Pond' of ugly McMansions?

Think about it.

Anthony Ernst
Southampton

Trial Set in Tax Day Protest Case

Last April 15, five people were arrested as a result of walking on the sidewalks of East Hampton Village carrying signs in opposition to the war in Iraq.

One of these, Dan Steiger of Sag Harbor was held and charged with resisiting arrest and interfering with official government business.

A date for a jury trial in Mr. Steiger's case has been set for Tuesday, February 27 at 9am in East Hampton Justice Court on Pantigo Road in East Hampton.

A Matter of Justice: Rev. Holly Haile Davis, DD

From the Southampton Press, February 1, 2007

A Matter of Justice

I missed last Thursday’s Press and didn’t much notice—sorry. But when a neighbor sent me a copy of Reynolds Dodson’s latest literary work [“Honoring the Dead—And the Living,” The View East, January 25], many of the reasons I might not notice were reconfirmed.

Oh, yes, unlike the commander in chief, I do read—and I read newspapers—but I find value within their pages rare and often honest attempts at journalism are accidental rather than the norm. I am thankful that there were Southampton neighbors who were offended at what seemed entirely uninformed statements, which led him to an unacceptable conclusion, but I observe that this has been a pattern—Mr. Dodson has published his presumptuous musings before, and I believe that he is even paid for them ... go figure.

It seems to be a popular defense mechanism to belittle that which we don’t understand, and dismissing the concerns of another is easy when no basic respect exists for others who dare hold an alternative perspective on so-called “commonly accepted” standards.

I have never heard a Shinnecock person talk about the spirits of the dead having unhappy moments because of continued desecration—actually, in all of the public hearings and proposed legislation, not once, has the heading of “Unhappy Spirits” been cited as the basis for the claims of the Shinnecock people, living or dead. Shinnecock people are not cartoon characters whose concerns are frivolous nonsense that can be mocked in the local news.

What is verifiable, and the documentation has been provided to the councils of our five East End townships, is that the remains of both colonial and ancient Native graves are not protected under New York State Law as they are in 46 other states. In addition, it is evident that other graves remain undisturbed even to this day, despite their sometimes unlikely locations all around the Hamptons on its “oh so valuable real estate.”

Justice is the issue, Mr. Dodson. “Justice for all” is denied when one group’s human remains enjoy protection under the law, while the human remains of another group of people are not protected under the same type of law.

I do not believe Mr. Dodson dare criticize the consecrated ground of our Catholic sisters and brothers—our local Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Cemetery is cared for daily, and it is a beautifully kept place where the ground that holds the relatives of our neighbors is protected, regarded as sacred—and rightly so. Further, I do not believe that Mr. Dodson would put in writing that when Jewish cemeteries are vandalized and disrespected—as they too often are—the site is anything except a desecrated sacred site.

Why have we made an agreement across the lines of race, faith and language to protect by law these holy places? In civilized societies, thinking people understand that it serves everyone to recognize that both nurturing the living and protecting the resting places of the dead is a good thing for all people.

What Shinnecock people have said is that all cemeteries, all burying grounds, deserve to be protected; that the human remains of our people are entrusted to we who are living.

I would like to invite Mr. Dodson to join me for a cup of coffee, so that he might be able to ask a willing and reasonably intelligent Shinnecock tribal member questions about a culture and community that, judging by his article, he knows little about. And whether I meet you or not, I wish you peace and safety while you live, and respect and dignity for your bodily remains when you die.A-Hau.

REV. HOLLY HAILE DAVIS, DD,

Founding Pastor

Padoquohan Medicine Lodge Inc.

Shinnecock Indian Reservation

January 27 in DC: Youth Speak Out and more

Young people from Eastern Long Island traveled to the United for Peace and Justice rally in Washington, DC on Saturday along with a crowd variously estimated at from 'tens of thousands (A.P.) to 150,000 (Bob Herbert in the NY Times) to 500,000 (Leslie Cagan of UPJ).

Most of the youth were high school students.

On the trip home we talked to them about why they were there and what impressed them about the rally.

High school student Alana Perino from Cutchogue said she was amazed.

" I didn't think there would be this many people. This was beyond what I thought .... the energy that everyone had"

Amanda Schall a senior at Pierson High School in Sag Harbor was impressed with the unity at the rally.

"In this march we were really united. everyone had pretty much the same, exact purpose for being here .... Bring Our troops Home Alive.. and that's the message we need to promote"

Kari Williams, a high school senior from Sag Harbor can't vote yet. She said

"None of us are able to vote so we have to figure out a way to be heard and this is a perfect way to do it"

Dan Costanzo from Sound Beach, a student at Suffolk Community College in Selden said

"This is a cause that needs to be heard and needs to be voiced."

Costanzo talked about what is wrong in high places:

"It used to be that the message was love.. now it's been overun by money and power and greed."

We asked what the students will do when they return to school. Amanda from Sag Harbor wants to educate her classmates:

"Our youth doesn't think ... they just accept what is put in front of them. Giving them another opinion, showing them what they could do might just help"

Amanda says her government teacher "said 'Write letters to your Congressman.' Maybe it's time that we actually do."

The students travelled along with 100 people from the east end of Long Island. Three buses (*) with over 150 people from Suffolk county were at the rally in DC.

__________________________________________________________

Adapted from a report broadcast on the 6:30pm Local News on WPKN 89.5 Bridgeport and WPKM 88.7 Montauk.

For more on the trip to DC including photos see North Fork People of Conscience.
For the impressions of a parent and journalist, including how to count a crowd see Suffolk Times publisher Denise Civiletti's blog.

* The buses were organized by North Fork People of Conscience, the Suffolk Peace Network and East End for Peace - East Hampton.

Peace & Justice Calendar - Starting Feb 1, 2007

For details on these events scroll down:

UPDATED Jan 31

* January 31 (Wednesday): New Peace vigil starting Wednesdays at Mastic-Shirley at 4:30 - 5:30 pm

* February 2 (Friday): PeaceSmiths Coffee House in Amityville at 8:30 pm

* February 3,4 (Saturday, Sunday): "Vagina Monologues" - performance in Bridgehampton 8pm Sat, 2pm Sun.

* February 5 (Monday): Suffolk Peace Network Meeting in Bellport at 7:15pm

* February 10 (Saturday): NAACP Luncheon in Huntington

Repeating Events:


* Second Friday of Month: US Dept. of Labor Rep at OLA's Water Mill Office

* Demonstration at Patchogue Recruiting Station 12-1:30 pm

* Every Thursday evening - Book Study Group in Water Mill at 6:30

* "Herstory" Writing Workshops on Wednesdays in Farmingville (Spanish and English) 3 to 5 pm and Thursdays in Spanish only in East Hampton at 7 pm

* Second Tuesday of Month: South Fork Chapter of LI Progressive Coalition Meets in Water Mill at 6:30 pm


Details Follow:

January 31 (Wednesday): New Peace Vigil continues at Mastic-Shirley at 4:30 - 5:30 pm

Because of the terrific response to the peace vigil held on the corner of Montauk Highway and WilliamFloyd Parkway, we got enough local contacts to start a vigil there.

It will be a weekly vigil from 4:30 to 5:30 pm.

If you would like to join us you are welcome. Our signs are emphasizing the cost of war in money and human lives.

contact: Susan at SMc1270236@msn.com

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February 2 (Friday): PeaceSmiths Coffee House in Amityville at 8:30 pm

This Friday, February 2, 8:30 p.m. - PeaceSmiths Coffeehouse presents the Long Island Pride Chorus directed by Cindy Quart; and poet Julie Rainey McCabe; and OPEN TIME - maybe you?!

Suggested donation: $7.00 more if possible/less if necessary/half for kids

PeaceSmiths monthly Topical A-Typical folk music, poetry and whatever coffeehouses are held the 1st Friday of each month at the First United Methodist Church, 25 Broadway/Route 110 (southmost end of street/ Montauk Hwy, Merrick Rd.), Amityville "The last church on the left."

Information call (631) 798-0778

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February 3,4 (Saturday, Sunday): "Vagina Monologues" - performance in Bridgehampton 8pm Sat, 2pm Sunday

The play by Eve Ensler will be performed by local women at the Unitarian-Universalist Meeting House at 977 Brigdgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike on Saturday and Sunday.

Tickets are available at Canio's Books on Main St. Sag Harbor.

_____________________________________________

February 5 (Monday): Suffolk Peace Network Meeting in Bellport at 7:15pm

The next Suffolk Peace Network meeting is scheduled for Monday February 5 at the Bellport UU on Browns Road at 7:15 PM.

Please send agenda items by Saturday 2-2, particularly regarding any future events/actions your group is planning.

Contact: rksrc@optonline.net

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February 10 (Saturday): NAACP Luncheon in Huntington at 12 Noon


The NAACP Long Island Coalition of Branches Luncheon is February 10, 2007 at the Huntington Town House, 124 East Jericho Turnpike, Huntington.

Each of the eleven branches on Long Island has an honoree. The Eastern Long Island Branch honoree is Det. Sgt. Herman Lamison, Jr. of Southampton. This is the major fundraiser for our branch. If you cannot attend, donations will be appreciated.

Tickets will be sold until Sunday, February 4th. All tickets ($50.00 each) are to be sold in advance.

Tickets are available at the branch office (631/287-7346) or from Dan Steiger at 631-831-4966 or contact elibnaacp@aol.com

___________________________________________________________
Repeating Events:

See
Suffolk Peace Vigils for a complete list of weekly and monthly vigils.
See
Counter Recruiting Schedule for a listing of weekly and monthly demonstrations
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Second Friday of Month

Bilingual Latino representatives from the US Dept of Labor's Wage and Hour Division are available the second Friday of every month in the OLA office, from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., to answer questions concerning workers' rights and to help workers--whether documented or undocumented--recover pay owed them.

If your employer has not paid you for time you've worked or if you know someone in this situation, visit the OLA office at 1152 Montauk Hwy in Water Mill to find out what you can do.

Call 631-726-6526 (OLA6).
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Demonstration at Patchogue Recruiting Station 12-1:30 pm

We will continue our regular protest in Patchogue on Saturday with informational leafletting against recruiters in our public schools and deceiptful recruiting practices. Signs, flyers, petitions will be provided.

Where: 116 Main St., Patchogue, west of Route 112, east of N. Ocean Ave.

When: 12:00 noon - 1:30 p.m. Come for 1/2 hour or the whole time.

Why: To make the public aware of military recruiting practices in our public schools. We want equal access into our schools alongside military recruiters with information regarding the realities of the military. We want an adult present when a student speaks with a recruiter.

Contact: 631-875-8647 / rksrc@optonline. net

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Thursday evening Book Study Group in Water Mill at 6:30 pm

The group meets at the Lutheran Church at Hayground Road and Montauk Highway on Thursdays at 6:30pm.Contact Pastor Vita at 631-537-1187 or pastorvita(at)verizon(dot)net

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"Herstory" Writing Workshops in Spanish and English

Wednesdays in Farmingville:Herstory Writers Workshop meets every Monday afternoon at the Farmingville branch of the Workplace Project from 3 to 5. Both English-speaking and Spanish-speaking women come together to share and shape their life experiences through memoir writing. The workshop is conducted in both English and Spanish. Call 631-723-0150 for more information and directions to the center.

Thursdays in East Hampton: Every Thursday Spanish-speaking women come together to share their writing with one another and receive feedback on how to structure and shape their lifewriting. The East Hampton workshop is open to East Hampton Town residents and is conducted entirely in Spanish. It meets every Thursday, 7-9 p.m., at the Senior Citizens Center, 128 Springs-Fireplace Road.

Call 631-723-0150 for more information.

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Second Tuesday each month: South Fork Chapter - LI Progressive Coalition Meets in Water Mill at 6:30pm

The regular monthly meeting of the South Fork chapter of the Progressive Coalition is at 6:30pm on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at the Lutheran Church on Montauk Highway & Hayground Rd. between Water Mill and Bridgehampton. Info: 516-541-1006, ext.55 or
www (.)lipc(.)org
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Send event listings for next week's report by 5pm Tuesday to

eastendreport@yahoo.com

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