One of Occupy Wall Street's biggest achievements has been proving how brutal and tyrannical the government of the United States has turned against its own people. Local governments like New York City's rule by the tyranny of ordinances and permits; effectively turning every potential exercise of the First Amendment into a nuisance that deserves immediate suppression. In fact, the tearing down of "occupies" all across the nation proves vividly that as individuals we've lost our freedom to assembly and freedom speech while the 1%ers have amassed, through Citizen's United, an unprecedented amount of power without accountability thanks to the "money as free speech" and "corporate personhood" rulings.

Thus this permit.  read more »

From Norm Siegel's website:

NORMAN TO HOST ANNUAL JULY 4th CELEBRATION IN CENTRAL PARK

NYS Senators Bill Perkins and Eric Adams, Reverend Billy, the Granny Peace Brigade and Grandmothers Against the War to join in public reading of the Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights at 12 Noon, Strawberry Fields, Central Park.

Come join Norman and friends for this annual July 4th celebration of the anniversary of US Independence and the birth of our civil rights and civil liberties. In addition to the actual text of these historic documents, Norman invites everyone to add their comments and observations to the mix. In years past, this has provided a spirited and memorable way to kick-off the July 4th festivities. Come join us and start your Fourth of July with Norman, Eric Adams, Bill Perkins, the incomparable Reverend Billy, New York’s famous peace-loving grannies and your New York neighbors.  read more »

The Eagle has landed Do you love tall sailing ships? The US Coast Guard training ship The Eagle has docked at the foot of pier 17, at the South Street Seaport. The ship is great (no signs of its Nazi origin), the coast guardsmen and women charming; tours from 9:00-6:30 Sat & Sun. If you go Sat. morning, check out the asbestos decontamination exercise run by Fire at the Sanitation garage at the foot of Montgomery Street.

After years of torture and harsh confinement, US officials have decided to allow some "high value" Guantanamo detainees to lawyer-up . (Although at least one of them, already represented by counsel, has not been allowed to get letters from her).

The poor get sicker than the rich. Great and serious congratulations are due to Comptroller William Thompson who (I guess with staff support) has produced a really smart interesting and important analysis of the NYC health impacts of class and cash. Surpise!  read more »