It matters where you spend...

I recently started a new gig working with a great start-up, shustir.com. As someone who has always had issues with large corporations, chain stores, and the like, I feel aligned morally with the mission of the site. The main focus and goal is to build, create and support an online small business community, like-minded consumers included, as well as offer virtual storefronts for the businesses that become members. Shustir wisely defines small business not only as companies but also entrepreneurs, self-employed people, freelancers, creative types, etc. Basically, for the type of person I, and many others of my generations and the next, have been our entire adult lifes.

It's a great idea which couldn't have come at a better time. Given the direct effect corporate America and big business have had recently on the economy worldwide, as well as on the general quality of life of the average American and world citizen (not to mention animal), it's pretty clear that there needs to be a major change. While my personal political views might call for more extreme and immediate measures, Shustir is a key part of a larger movement which can positively change the direction of things from within. By helping shift the national, and worldwide, consciousness towards supporting local businesses, choosing small business over large and seeking to work for oneself instead of for a corporation or big company, there is much that an entity like Shustir can accomplish.

One Step Forward, Two Steps Backwards..

Yes, a Whites only kid's pool in the Philly area, 2009.

Despicable but not surprising unfortunately. Many in the mainstream media, particularly on Cable News, have feigned shock in this case. Reporting this incident as something that doesn't fit into the current racial climate, even in the "liberal" Northeast, is to ignore the realities of racism, particularly towards Blacks, in Modern America. In my opinion, only when situations like this, and the causes of them, are openly and honestly discussed and dealt with can things really move forward in this country. That may sound like a cliched statement, but it's also a true one.

If you'd like to be involved in bringing justice to this case, here is a good place to start: http://www.colorofchange.org/swim/email/?id=2082-70047

Raphie boy...

A portrait of Ralph Nader by the Lorimer stop of the L train, Brooklyn, NYC. This is sadly somewhat fitting...

I'm not a member...

Here is a link to an excellent short piece from the LA Progressive. The article deals with the sad fact that the Obama Administration is getting constant passes from progressives, and the "liberal" media, for many of the really bad decisions it's made since taking power. Calling them out on the decision to not release the Iraqi torture photos after promising to do so is not enough. Other issues need to be fully addressed. Obama's recent decisions on policy include many broken promises and reversed stances. Particularly in regard to issues which the Obama campaign used to rally support among a very disparate group made up of Democrats, liberals, progressives, and sadly, members of the left who should have known better.

I've never been a member of Obama's apologist fan club, or his cult of personality for that matter. I didn't even vote for the guy (the horror!!) and I'm happier about that choice with every backtrack, every continuation of Bush's policies, and every act which disregards the people who really mobilized to get him elected. Dude is a mainstream American politician, plain and simple. A charismatic, likable politician who has advanced some good causes. But still, at best, a centrist Democrat hiding in liberal clothing. The fact that the far right keeps attacking him doesn't make him a "socialist," a member of the left, a progressive, or even a liberal for that matter. Actions speak louder than words.

As more progressive and left wing groups take issue with his, and his cabinet members', decisions every day, it will only be a matter of time before the average liberal realizes they've been taken advantage of. Hopefully, at that point we will see greater scrutiny and criticism of the Obama administration's actions from the left of center.

Global Warming as "hype" and "misinformation"

Do you see anything wrong with this picture? I sure hope so. Even if you don't care about animals like I do, you probably care about your family and friends. The Polar Bear is in deep trouble now, we're a couple steps behind.

Right-wing ideologues have joined forces with some oil, coal and gas interests to unleash a torrent of fake science, scare-mongering statistics and propaganda designed to stop climate progress in Washington. They are willing to destroy the planet's future to make profits now.

Consider:

• A $500 million war chest to run scare ads and pressure lawmakers.
  
• Thousands of D.C. lobbyists with one goal to stop climate progress.
  
• A reckless disregard for truth or for the planet's future.

The opposition is in full fury. Time to step up if you give a shit about anything of value. I won't even put into print what I think should happen to these people. Hey, if they're gone, there will be more resources for the decent people of the world. 'Nuff said.

Please consider supporting non-profit environmental groups who are desperately trying to fight the lies, deception and trickery of these snakes in suits and ties. The Environmental Defense Fund is a good place to start.

Respect to LA rapper, and Strong Arm Steady member, Phil The Agony for releasing what I believe is the first environmentally friendly Hip Hop album. The CD was produced using green methods, a tree is planted for every CD sold, and crucial issues about the environment are rhymed about by Phil, Talib Kweli, Planet Asia, Jean Grae and others.

CHECK IT OUT HERE

The man...

I went to the 90th birthday celebration of Pete Seeger last night at Madison Square garden with my parents, who have been fans since their early days as radicals in the 60's. If you don't know who he is, you at least know some of his songs. Since childhood, I pretty much guarantee it. Unless you grew up under a rock that is. For over seven decades he has fought for civil rights, peace, the environment, etc. He still is, plus he's influenced so many generations of musicians that last night looked like a who's who of the last 50 years in rock and Folk.

True music and film legends, African-American icons, Native American groups, even Obama, who sent a personal letter, all praised him. I have to say, the shit was touching, and more importantly, inspiring. My question is, who is going to replace people like Pete Seeger when they're gone?

A Fresh Start.....

We've been a round for a minute, just not on blogspot. Check us out...

www.forwardalways.tumblr.com