Aid & Abet

If you read independent magazines, you've probably heard some rumors about a big shake-up happening in the distribution world. Well, it's been quite a roller coaster, due in no small part to the actions of the Independent Press Association and its distribution arm, Indypress Newsstand Services (formerly called BigTop). This is Clamor's distributor also, and let me tell you it's been a crazy ride.

Anyway, Ryan Blitstein just wrote an investigative piece in the SF Weekly, and that might help you non-publishers out there understand the gravity of the situation.

-jen

June 27- National Day of Action to Support Ehren Watada

National Day of Action to Support Ehren Watada

For the first time in the Iraq war, an officer in the U.S. military will
be refusing orders and brought to court-martial this summer. On Wednesday, June 7th, Ehren came out publicly against the war. The military has declined his resignation based on his conscience and principles preventing him from continuing to participate in the war on Iraq.

We expect his deployment orders in late June and encourage you to organize solidarity actions in your area for a National Day of Action on June 27th demanding an honorable discharge and no court martial. Because our support for Ehren must be active and visible, we are calling for two National Days of Action.

People across the country will take action on June 27th, when Ehren refuses deployment; and again in August (date to be announced) if he does he face the court martial, weâll mobilize nationally, putting the war on trial! This is a tremendous opportunity to invigorate the antiwar movement in the U.S., following the leadership of Ehren and GI resisters. To demonstrate our solidarity, we call for a National Day of Action on June 27th to support Ehren as he officially resists deployment.

These actions will include marches, vigils, protests, nonviolent direct action or civil disobedience in support of his legal and moral refusal, and against the war and occupation of Iraq. This is only the first step to building for mass national actions around the Court Martial days, which will likely be in August (although June 27th we'll demand No Court Martial!

This campaign holds the potential to renew and re-energize our struggle from within the U.S. to end the occupation of Iraq, and strengthen grassroots movements for justice and peace. Additionally, a vigorous support movement is Ehren's best defense against violations of his civil rights by the military, including the possibility of forced deployment.

We must support soldiers whose resistance upholds principles and democracy, and who can by challenging the military from the inside literally end the occupation of Iraq. Ehren joins a growing number of resisters in this war, building off the legacy of GI resistance that has historically played a vital role in ending wars. As the antiwar movement builds its support for these brave people and their important actions, we hope to encourage more to take their stands knowing they wonât be alone. Those of us outside the military must match his bravery by escalating our support for all GI resisters. They've got to know we're out here for them!

We ask you to begin mobilizing your group, community and networks now. Whatever solidarity action you can organize for June 27th will help build the national momentum towards mass actions in response to the court martial. Also, we encourage people who are able to please join the mobilization to the Court Martial location (probably Fort Lewis, near Olympia, WA). As well as educating your organizationâs members, please consider hosting one or more public events to help raise awareness and funds.

Visit ThankyouLT.org for more information, to sign a support petition, and/or contribute funds and resources to build his campaign!

Here's a chance to celebrate something wonderful happening in Toledo:
We're celebrating the anniversary of the very first sister city
relationship, The Association of Two Toledos, and the creation of a
documentary film by Jacob David and Joel Washing, two local filmmakers.

Please honor them by attending a reception on Thursday June 22 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Parkwood Gallery, 1838 Parkwood, Toledo, OH. Suggested contribution levels: $100 sponsor, $25 supporter.

This fundraiser will help them finish their documentary and prepare for the September premiere.

If you can't come, please consider sending a check, made out to The
Association of Two Toledos, to

The Association of Two Toledos
Christiane Heyman-Murray, Treasurer
3814 Driftwood Road
Toledo, Ohio 43614

Find out more here.

Wow – Kenyon Farrow just posted his amazing article, Not Showing Up, on the Clamor blog – check it here.

xo

jen

The 2006 Allied Media Conference is going to be awesome… but only if you're there! Here's the description:

The Allied Media Conference 2006 will bring together some of the most innovative and visionary culture producers, media workers, artists and activists to probe these and other critical questions. Together, we will share skills and ideas and build new networks for action and support. With our tremendous collective skill, ingenuity, and vision, we can use media to build new forms of popular power for the 21st century.

Find out more and register at www.amc2006.org, and tell all your friends!

Hey All – Tomorrow, US Army First Lieutenant Ehren Watada will become the first US Military officer to openly resist the war in Iraq, and he needs your help and support. Military resistance is essential to stopping this war, so visit ThankyouLT.org now to find out how you can support this courageous individual.

I urge you to do everything you can to support military resisters and spread the word!
-j