Rescheduled to Saturday, December 19 at 4pm: ROTRON IN WOODSTOCK: THEN & NOW

Due to inclement weather, our showing of Rotron’s promotional film from about 1960, "Rotron In Woodstock" has been rescheduled to Saturday, Dec. 19th.
This short movie, made by James Trainor, is newly rediscovered and restored after being unseen for many years. It provides an intriguing period look at the Woodstock of half a century ago, and perhaps a glimpse of some familiar faces. It will be followed by a slideshow presenting some of Rotron’s products at work, and a discussion of the issues raised by the prominent presence in the Woodstock community of this military contractor.
Did you have family members or friends who worked at Rotron in the 1960s? Come and spot them!
Do you have opinions about Rotron’s place in the community? Come and share them!
Would you like to see Woodstock join the movement to create an economy that would provide more jobs by contributing to peace, not war? Come and help find a way!
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2009
4pm at the COLONY CAFÉ, Rock City Road, Woodstock
Admission free ... Refreshments
Sponsored by Woodstock Peace Economy

The Pentagon budget: two important articles

The Pentagon budget: largest ever and growing by Sara Flounders:
"... in the midst of this life-and-death debate on medical care for millions of working and poor people who have no health coverage, a gargantuan subsidy to the largest U.S. corporations for military contracts and weapons systems—a real deficit-breaker—is passed with barely any discussion and hardly a news article. ..."

Democrats Propose Surtax to Cover War Costs by CQPolitics:
"Senior House Democrats have introduced legislation that would impose a surtax beginning in 2011 to cover the costs of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. ..."

Stop the Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq

Video: SUNY New Paltz student, Claire Papell, speaks at a rally in Kingston, NY on October 17, 2009. Also Rebecca Baker is interviewed about her time in the military in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Cashing in the War Dividend

Interesting interview with Jo Comerford of National Priorities Project on Democracy Now!

Hinchey boosts Predator Drones

This isn't new but we hadn't noticed it before. A year ago, a press release from Congressman Maurice Hinchey boasted :
"Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) today visited L-3 Communications in Binghamton, New York for a live demonstration of the company's unique Air Force Predator simulator and to announce $2.4 million in new federal funding he's secured for the company to dramatically improve the simulator to better prepare U.S. Air Force service members for operating unmanned reconnaissance missions. Hinchey used his position on the House Appropriations Committee to secure the funds, which he had included as part of the recently approved Fiscal Year 2009 appropriations bill for the U.S. Department of Defense."
L-3 Communications is one of Hinchey's biggest campaign contributors.

"The Secret About Jobs Military Contractors Don't Want You to Know"

From Jennifer Doak, Foreign Policy In Focus:
A new report "shows that the federal government could generate thousands more jobs, both directly and indirectly, by focusing spending on health care, education, or clean energy rather than on defense."
According to the updated UMass report: "Channeling funds into clean energy, health care, and education in an effective way will therefore create significantly greater opportunities for decent employment throughout the U.S. economy than spending the same amount of funds with the military."
http://www.fpif.org/fpiftxt/6493

Anti-War Rally in Kingston Saturday, October 17

Join us in Kingston on Saturday, Oct. 17 at a region-wide anti-war protest at Academy Green Park, 1-3:30 p.m.

The demonstration is primarily focused on ending the unpopular Afghanistan War.

The rally — which is part of a day of peace actions in a number of U.S. cities — is being organized by the New Paltz-based Peace & Social Progress Now! (PSPN), and has been endorsed so far by 20 organizations from several counties (including Woodstock Peace Economy), with more expected.

Among the speakers at Academy Green Park are Hudson Valley Activist Newsletter editor Jack A. Smith discussing the Afghan War and today’s antiwar movement; activist union delegate Donna Goodman on the labor movement and the wars; attorney Michael Sussman on the erosion of civil liberties since 9/11; author, long time Bard professor and activist Joel Kovel on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the Gaza war; SUNY New Paltz student Claire Papell on youth and the wars; Dutchess County legislator Joel Tyner on the tasks confronting a progressive politician; filmmaker Dee Dee Halleck on the war industry and peace economy; Dutchess activist and organizer Fred Nagel on the GI and vets’ antiwar movements; activist Phyllis Rosner on the healthcare issue; and others as they are selected.

Topical singer Bob Lusk will perform, as will peace singers Julie Parisi Kirby and T. G. Vanini.

More details: http://activistnewsletter.blogspot.com/