by Lenny Flank Of all the leading figures of the American Revolution, there was no one quite like Thomas Paine. Born in England in 1737, Thomas Paine first became involved in political matters as a young man in a minor government office. In his first published work, a pamphlet entitled The Case of the Officers of Excise, he argued for better pay and working conditions for … [Read more...] about Thomas Paine: America’s Most Radical Founding Father
Activism & Advocacy
Thanks again, Greta
Once again, Greta Thunberg speaks out to government 'leaders' who are guilty of failing to act on global warming and climate change. Read her April 23 address to Parliament. Their failure to act parallels the failure of politicians in most 'developed' countries. (Just look at the idiotic responses to the 'Green New Deal' proposal in the US!) I am impressed by the … [Read more...] about Thanks again, Greta
Thank you, Greta!
I think we all owe a debt of thanks to Greta Thunberg, a 15-year-old from Sweden, for her speech calling out 'leaders' for their failure to lead! Some excerpts from her remarks (at COP-24 in Katowice, Poland): We can no longer save the world by playing by the rules, because the rules have to be changed.So we have not come here to beg the world leaders to care for … [Read more...] about Thank you, Greta!
Strategies for Change
Three recent newsletters discuss their organization's perspectives on how to bring about change. One talks about nonviolent direct action, another about securing rights via home rule charters and constitutions, and the third about achieving change goals via the development of organizational strength and resilience. But you don't have to worry about which strategy is right -- … [Read more...] about Strategies for Change
Noël Jones: ‘The Importance of Being Radical’
I attended the memorial service of a dear friend recently, a friend who had been very active during the Civil Rights Movement in the 60s. A college friend of his spoke at the service about attending protests and marches together, and about how one day his friend had looked at him and asked, “Do you consider yourself to be a radical?” They decided to look up the root of … [Read more...] about Noël Jones: ‘The Importance of Being Radical’
Martin’s blog: “Allentown’s Waste-To-Energy Menace Stopped”
For the moment, the Allentown Waste-To-Energy menace has been stopped. Please thank the three no voters on City Council for doing the right thing for the people of Allentown: Jeanette Eichenwald - 610.349.6470; Ray O’Connell - 484.866.0988; and Cynthia Mota - 484.225.9969 Al Wurth sent out this email about the City Council vote that stopped the proposed waste combustion … [Read more...] about Martin’s blog: “Allentown’s Waste-To-Energy Menace Stopped”