PULLING STRINGS

from Vicki Racine

THOUGHTS

from Richard Silvestri

(The following was submitted December 9, 2013 to TCPalm for publication on the Opinion Section as a Guest Column as done in the past. I was advised by Opinion Editor, L. Reisman to cut it to two 300-word max. letters. Doing so destroys the whole piece. Meanwhile the Right keeps getting letter after letter as well as guest columns for their viewpoint. I think it is because the main office of TCPalm is in Stuart, in Republican-heavy Martin County.) It is very disappointing for me to see daily in this paper so many opinion letters from the extreme Right and few sensible ones appearing. Further study reveals the truth, and it has nothing to do with the political slant, left or right, of TCPalm. It is because the so-called ?Libs?; Democrats; some Independents and even Republicans usually cannot lower themselves to write base and absurd commentary. The most recent attacks regard the ACA or ?Obamacare? as the Right calls it and which is close to the truth because Obama does care. Barack Obama kept his campaign promise. Does anyone recall The Space Program-that infamous ?Space Race? against the Russians-in the late 1950s when NASA could get a rocket to go anywhere but up? They went sideway, they went in circles. Some even turned upside-down. Some were blown up, others blew up on the launch pad; others were duds. No one asked for President Eisenhower?s impeachment or suggested that he was incompetent. In fact I don?t recall anyone asking for the resignation of NASA heads or from its predecessor, NACA. Today the USA is the foremost leader in space, having placed men on the moon, a robot wandering around Mars and a satellite transmitting signals from beyond Pluto. The Atlas has evolved into such a success even a space novice, private entrepreneur, Elon Musk, uses it to deliver payloads for profit. I trust it will be similar for The ACA, 50-plus years hence. The economy is back and healthy with the DJIA having broken new records and rising and in today?s December 10, 2013 St. Lucie News-Tribune is an article about Americans being wealthier than ever in history. What does the right say? Nada. Obama gets blamed for Benghazi and I have no idea why since our embassies in foreign nations should be protected by their security. Can anyone imagine the terror if Libyan military and security took over command and control of any attack on the Libyan Embassy in the USA? Recently CBS News reported that someone was in Benghazi who could have saved the day, only to find he was lying to 60 Minutes reporter, Laura Logan. That gross error has not convinced me to watch FCN, however. When the President sent fighter aircraft to Libya, a Tea Party hog-tied Congress cried foul, but when Americans died at that embassy, ?Where was our President?? they cried in feigned anguish. It?s always his fault when things are wrong, but if you ask them who got Bin Laden, they reply with nary a blink, ?The Seals.? They omit that he is Commander-In-Chief in success, also. Now the President is accused of all sorts of offenses. None of these has been serious enough to enable the Tea-Party fanatics to impeach him, despite their hold on the House. They know better and don?t try since they can foresee the ?Kangaroo Court? that would ensue. Beginning in 2010 I witnessed first-hand the machinations of fanaticism via certain avowed members of the Tea Party or certainly those who, if not members, are missing their calling. It took little time to realize that being an Independent equates to political sterility. In no way could I become a Republican, given the Tea Party takeover. I became a Democrat. It was either do that or start my own Party. When I talked then and talk now to other Democrats our thinking and saying the same things is astounding. No brain-washing; no single-source news; no ?Kool-Aid?. Said people are not perpetrators of hogwash and therefore find little to write about. Richard Silvestri, TCPA St. Lucie County DEC; Treasurer, Democratic Club SLC;

THE ANTI-SUSTAINABILITY MOVEMENT

from Greg Wilson

    An anti-sustainability movement resulted in the St. Lucie County Commissioners' decision to withdraw from the Seven/50 plan for South Florida, based on fear of the UN Agenda 21. Their fears are expressed by, “they will take away our freedoms and property rights.” There are similar movements against “sustainability” in localities and states across the country.

     I reviewed the actual documents of the Seven/50 plan and Agenda 21. What I discovered is that Agenda 21 and the Seven/50 plans are structured around a policy of decentralization of power and empowering the local community. From local communities managing their own resources (for example, stopping Nestles from draining aquifers for bottled water), to open communications about all business and public intent for a local area. Here are some quotes dealing with local empowerment, a central pillar of Agenda 21 and the Seven/50 plan: “decentralization of decision-making... a decentralized approach to land-resource management... delegating responsibility to rural organizations; decentralize decision-making to the lowest community level... encourage a decentralized decision-making process that would delegate power and responsibility to primary users of natural resources.” Decision-making and funding should happen at the lowest effective level. Local government decision-making and law remains a powerful force in shaping the man-made and natural environments and quality of life.

     The anti-sustainability movement actually fosters outsiders' control by diminishing local control and local efforts to shape the communities in which they live. The outcome of their efforts is the very opposite of what they desire.

Rev. Dr. Gregory Wilson

EARTH RECOVERY MOVEMENT

from Gregory Wilson 

The context in which we live, a brief summary:  Transnational corporations have Bill of rights protections from our Congressional legislative and regulatory processes. In other words the people are subjected to the will of corporations. Environmental degradation is intensifying and the people have little legal power to stop the offenders.  (Corporations have rights to destroy the environment and rights to poison your water, really they do!) Local communities are disempowered by state and federal government agencies which bend to the will of corporations. Many people in local communities believe working to limit the environmental destruction is an attack on their personal freedoms and property rights.   Failing to see poisoning water, air, land, sea, Lagoons, emptying aquifers, flushing toxins from industries into the public domain is the real violation of personal and property rights.

        Much of the opposition to sustainable planning has come to connect anything with these words or ideas, Sustainable existence, smart growth, wild-lands project, resilient cities, regional visioning projects, social justice, community rights, public/private partnerships, sustainable development, earth rights, mitigating climate disruption as an expression of the United Nations Agenda 21, which they fear is a takeover of the world and will take away their freedoms. This group recently defeated and caused the Port Saint Lucie County Commissioners to withdraw from a perfectly reasonable joint effort of seven counties working together to develop a long term plan, 50 years for the future of the area.   From Donald Brown, “the anti-Agenda 21 campaign has been remarkably successful in the last two years in preventing local communities from implementing plans necessary to achieve their democratically derived community aspirations to implement local sustainability programs.”  And further more, “The anti-Agenda 21 campaign has accomplished this by making preposterous claims including that local land-use planning is part of a plot to put the United Nations in control of local and regional planning decisions, rob individuals of their freedoms, and undermine property rights. As we shall see in a future entry in this series, the anti-Agenda 21 campaign that is making these claims has been funded, at least in part, by economic interests that profit from the absence of responsible land use planning and environmental regulation.”  Could it be that local citizens have been tricked by false prophets and are unwittingly supporting the Trans-Nation Corporate structure taking over our nations governing processes?  The very thing they fear they bring upon themselves, tyranny by a one world governing power, only it is an economic power. I suggest they read, Business As A System Of Power, by Robert A. Brady.  

     As a result of the foundational element of this anti sustainability movement is centered around the UN Agenda 21, represented as an effort to take over our government and take away our freedoms  and property rights I reviewed the actual document. What I discovered is that the UN Agenda 21 is structured around a policy of decentralization of power and empowering the local community. From local communities managing its own resources, (Nestles could not come in and legally take water and drain aquifers for bottling purposes, for example ), to open communications about all business and public intent of a local area. ( in other words no selective news provided by the media controlled by corporations). Below I have gleaned some of the more direct sections dealing with the local empowerment center pillar of the UN Agenda 21. 

Ideas on local community empowerment directly from the document UN Agenda 21:

·         Development patterns; participation of the general public, especially women and indigenous people;

·         involvement of youth; roles of the private sector, local organizations, non-governmental organizations and cooperatives;

·         decentralization responsibility and incentive systems; and dissemination of information and public relations

·         decentralization of decision-making, provision of infrastructural facilities and equipment, intersectoral coordination and an effective system of communication;

·         Adopt policies at the national level regarding a decentralized approach to land-resource management, delegating responsibility to rural organizations;

Management-related activities 12.57. Governments at the appropriate level, with the support of the relevant international and regional organizations, should: a. Adopt policies and establish administrative structures for more decentralized decisionmaking and implementation; b. Establish and utilize mechanisms for the consultation and involvement of land users and for enhancing capability at the grass-roots level to identify and/or contribute to the identification and planning of action; c. Define specific program/project objectives in cooperation with local communities; design local management plans to include such measures of progress, thereby providing a means of altering project design or changing management practices, as appropriate.

To strengthen and develop the management and the internal capacities of rural people's organizations and extension services and to decentralize decision-making to the lowest community level. Develop guidelines for decentralization policies for rural development through reorganization and strengthening of rural institutions.

Efforts will be needed to ensure that the necessary infrastructure facilities for research, extension and technology activities are available on a decentralized basis. Development and strengthening, as appropriate, of cooperation, including mechanisms where appropriate, at all levels concerned, namely:

At the lowest appropriate level, delegation of water resources management, generally, to such a level, in accordance with national legislation, including decentralization of government services to local authorities, private enterprises and communities.

32.4. The sustainable development of people in marginal and fragile ecosystems is also addressed in Agenda 21. The key to the successful implementation of these programs lies in the motivation and attitudes of individual farmers and government policies that would provide incentives to farmers to manage their natural resources efficiently and in a sustainable way. Farmers, particularly women, face a high degree of economic, legal and institutional uncertainties when investing in their land and other resources. The decentralization of decision-making towards local and community organizations is the key in changing people's behavior and implementing sustainable farming strategies. This program area deals with activities which can contribute to this end.

32.5. The following objectives are proposed:

 To encourage a decentralized decision-making process through the creation and strengthening of local and village organizations that would delegate power and responsibility to primary users of natural resources.

 It seems that UN Agenda 21 is a process that would protect local communities from Federal government influenced by multinational corporations from structuring and ruling over local communities. In this effort it is reminiscent of Jeffersonian Democracy. “The Jeffersonians believed in a republic, as form of government, and equality of political opportunity, with a priority for the "yeoman farmer", "planters" and the "plain folk."

To learn more,  come on out to the Treasure Coast Unitarian Universalist Church at 7.00 pm on December 16th 2014; 21 Central Parkway, Stuart.

Presenter Rev. Dr. Gregory Wilson

NOVEMBER MEETING RECAP

from John Debus

Hi Everyone,

It was another good Event with a very lively discussion. A small turnout, but with a couple of new people and new members that we welcome to our group/family. We decided to cancel our December Event and just go with the picnic. The picnic will be on the 29 December between 11:00am and 2:00pm at Museum Pointe Park on the South causeway of Fort Pierce. It is located on the Inlet just as you go over the South bridge at the causeway. There is a playground for the kids, the museum & aquarium to tour, a boat launch and beach close by, and of course, the inlet and river to view. So, come early and/or stay late, and make a day of it, and enjoy the park and our picnic with good people and conversation.  I'm hoping to work on our (future) brochures there, and will have some suggestions, and am looking for feedback from any interested attendees. In the brochure we need to highlight our top issues and priorities. So bring a dish to share, something to drink, join us, make new friends, and enjoy a day with like-minded people. We should have plenty to drink if you just want to stop and say hello. ALL ARE WELCOME.

Our next Event will be on Tuesday 28 January 2014. It will be our Election so we need our members to come out vote and support TCPA program. The Event will also be open to the public, however only members can vote. Our program has yet to be set, so that information will come later. We will also have a board meeting in January; date, time and place will be announced at a later date.

Thanks to all, who have given their feedback on issues, I greatly appreciate the information, as it helps with the decisions we make. As always, if you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to contact me anytime.

Thanks for your support,

Take care,

John

DAY OF ACTION

from Ted Parsons

PLEASE JOIN US!

- NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION –

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5TH AT 2:00PM

Senator Bill Nelson is a member of the Senate Budget Committee which is meeting NOW and may consider:

- Cuts to Social Security

- Raising Medicare beneficiary costs

- Reducing Medicaid funding

Join us on December 5 to SAVE THESE PROGRAMS FROM HARMFUL CUTS!

Who: Advocates for Social Security

What: Rally and message delivery

Where: West Palm Beach office of Senator Bill Nelson

413 Clematis Street, Ste 210

West Palm Beach, FL 33401

When: December 5, 2013 at 2:00pm

Please RSVP to Midge Dosch (561-301-4676) or Laura Feldman (202-216-8349).

NOVEMBER 2013 MEETING REMINDER

from John Debus

Hi Everyone,

A reminder of our event this Tuesday evening, 6:30pm to 8:30pm, November 26, 2013 at the American Legion Post #40, 810 S. US 1, Fort Pierce, Fl. 34950. Please use the front entrance (on US1) and it is the large room on the right side as you come in the front door. Plenty of parking is on the side of the building. We have water and Green Tea (free) available or you can purchase drinks from the bar in the next room.

This month we will be showing a video conference on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). Supposed up-coming Trade Agreement, which many are calling a Corporate Fascist Coup. Is this Corporate/Government back-room deals that will threaten the integrity and security of the Inter-net? Will this over-rule Sovereign nation own policies and laws covering Environmental,

Labor, Safety, and Financial regulations? Come watch, listen, add your opinion and help plan an action to help stop the TPP.

The Clean Water Summit took place in Orlando last weekend. About 250 people from many organizations throughout Florida met and agreed to work together for the many water issues in Florida. We all agreed on a Floridians’ Clean Water Declaration, I will have copies at the Event. We also agreed to have Rallies/Protests on the same date in January throughout the state at

many different locations and agreed to one large one in February in Tallahassee. More  information will be coming on this.

The Tea Party group won a (so called) Victory by having the St. Lucie County commissioners agree to pull out of the Seven50 plan. They are VERY well organized and well financed with a lot of backers. The commissioners however did agree to accept the plan information and data. So did they really win? I like to thank those who did come out and help us fight for the plan. We

may have lost a battle, but the war will continue with everyone’s help.

The city of Vero Beach did also pass the strong Fertilizer Ordinance, which we all were fighting for. The next battle on this will be St. Lucie County, so please come out and help us Save our River.

The action table at our event is set up for group's information, sign-up sheets, upcoming events, and petitions. All groups will also have 1-3 minutes at the beginning to tell us about themselves. You can also contact Kathy or myself to have your events

posted on our web-site happenings page.

Please come out, we need your support to make a difference, be part of the experience. We also would like your feed-back on our Events and Organization. So feel free to respond to this e-mail. CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE: www.tcprogressivealliance.com  Check often as many events are posted late with little notice. We post as soon as we get them. Also check out our blog with

many interesting articles and information posted there.

Thanks for your support,

Take care,

See you Tuesday,

John

VERO HEARING ON FERTILIZER ORDINANCE

from John Debus

On Tuesday, November 19th at 6pm, the City of Vero Beach will hold a public hearing regarding modifications to the existing Fertilizer Ordinance.  The Council's stated intent is to have an ordinance consistent with the County's for ease of education and enforcement.  The important modifications include:

• the restriction of fertilizer application during the summer rainy season from June 1 - Sept 30
• the requirement for at least 50% slow release nitrogen
• the requirement for 0% phosphorus without a soil test
• a required minimum fertilizer free zone of 10 feet around all water bodies

Please support your elected officials in this important decision by attending the meeting, making phone calls of support or sending emails.

CFletcher@covb.org

DWinger@covb.org

PTurner@covb.org

JKramer@covb.org

AGraves@covb.org

WHERE WAS INFORMED DISCUSSION ON PLAN SEVEN50?

from Felicia Bruce

Letter to the Editor

St. Lucie News Tribune

Sunday, November 17, 2013

SHOOTING DOWN SEVEN50? Can reason, research be dismissed so easily?

Sharing the common goal of making the world better for our children is at the heart of progress. Yet at a St. Lucie County Commission special session one would have thought that it was only “us” vs. “them.”

The few who called for sharing a vision of a better county, for a collective approach to problem-solving, were ridiculed, mocked, interrupted and rudely received. Civil discourse was not the mood of the evening. And it was the 80th hour of such public commentary.

The controversy sparking this: a research document that required no vote.

The group standing up to be counted against compromise is a property rights association calling itself AC4PR.

Using buzz words to inspire fear, dozens of speakers claimed a global conspiracy inspired by socialists, communists and the United Nations. They offered conclusions derived from pseudo science and expressed their collective fear of a changing region.

Change may be inevitable, but it can be difficult, and cooperation can be a challenge for anyone but that makes partnering more compelling.

Expressing views in negative, judgmental terms, giving inaccurate evidence and making arguments emotionally makes for a suspect debate.

Add outrageous claims of global conspiracies; disparage all dissent, and it is only more difficult to find the common ground, do what is right for all who live here.

As presented, the Seven50 Plan was a stark contrast. It was competent, professional, statistical and all-inconclusive. Every constituency was represented. Every priority included: education, business, agriculture, recreation and leisure.

It would mean a regional perspective for protections for the quality of our air and water. It would be a comprehensive vision reflecting the uniqueness and preserving our quality of life.

If reason and research could prevail, the commissioners would have used this research document wisely. Instead, they voted to defeat reason and research.

HAS SOMEONE LOST INTEGRITY?

from Richard Silvestri

Much to my alarm the BOCC voted tonight.  Much to my extreme disappointment AC4PR won.  The Seven50 Plan was rejected.  The vote was 4/1 with Paula Lewis the only vote to keep it.  The question of having a vote was raised by Todd Mowery with Frannie Hutchinson making the motion seconded by Kim Johnson.  This action denied any chance to have REAL input.  All they ever saw and heard were from scores of AC4PR people talking their Koch Bros and Glenn Beck phantasms.   

Those with a more sane opinion were limited to past performance and tonight of about 25-30 minutes from me and 10 or 15 minutes since August from John Debus and tonight from  Evelyn WARFIELD who spoke once before, Jerry BUECHLER, Steve Melecki speaking a second time, Art Appisomian, Teresa Toulon.  Thanks to these people for coming again tonight and to Erika Alvarez, Felicia Bruce and friends Teresa brought tonight.  Erika has also been present several times.  If my stats are off or left anyone out, I apologize. 

What concerns me now very much is AC4PR will use this vote and the denial in IR CO to sway other counties to opt out.  Also they can now say four of five SLC Commissioners have voted that Global Warming is not real.  It also fuels Big Carbon's movement to squash Global Warming Theory (which is not a theory) advocacy.  There is no doubt AC4PR has counterparts throughout the country doing this same thing for Big Carbon.  Tonight's victory will give them all (Koch Bros, Tea Party, Heartland Inst., Cato Inst. but you get the point.) great strength.

Why should any of us mentioned here care?  Good question because it appears no one else does.

For the two Democrats on the Commission:  "Inconsistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adorned my philosophers, statesmen and divines." And this:  Christ said, "Tell a man 'Yes.' when you mean 'Yes.'; and tell a man 'No.' when you mean 'No.'"

Bob Crowder has more to say about integrity in his opinion letter in Today's Tribune.  AND HE IS A REPUBLICAN!

INFORMATION ON SEVEN50 PLAN

from Rev. Dr. Gregory Wilson

photo credit: starwars.wikia.com 

As a citizen living in Port Saint Lucie, I am trying to understand the benefits of future planning for the local community (the Seven50 plan) and I am also trying to understand the resistance and the intensity of the resistance by the ac4pr groups. I am alarmed by several experiences that I have had. One was that I was in a meeting in Stuart where people were deliberately mislead about the Seven50 plan and becoming negatively emotionally intense about issues not related to the Seven50 Plan, but that were attributed to the Seven50 Plan. And two, that our elected officials are becoming influenced by the emotional tone of this group and not by the factual attentiveness of the Seven50 Plan to the future needs of our communities. I hope the Letter to the Editor and the Article below, which I wrote, will help bring some light to the process of intimidation in our local communities.

My Letter to the Editor :

Reading the Seven50 Plan from the website, it seemed to be a reasonable response to the inevitable future approaching the Southeast Florida region -- a mature adult response. In reading the ac4pr web page I saw a larger picture, Seven50, Common Core, Agenda 21, Smart meters, Obama care, all part of an authoritarian effort robbing us of our freedoms and rights. I needed some education and clarification.

I went to two meetings concerning the Seven50 plan -- one educational and one against but billed as educational, and afterward, I am somewhat stunned.

In his book Being a Character, psychoanalytic author and professor Christopher Bollas describes the creation of a fascist state of mind. These stages form the process of moving from a parliamentary mindset to a rigid imaginative process. There are eight stages: Distortion, Decontextualization, Denigration, Caricature, Character Assassination, Change of Name, Categorization as Aggregation, and Absence of Reference.

In the meeting against the Seven50 Plan, I saw each of these traits in action. Words such as "insidious, communists, socialist, I'm scare to death of this plan," and other inflammatory comments were common, but there were few comments on the actual presentation.

An example of De-contextualization and Categorization as Aggregation:

The meeting began with the collapsing of the Seven50 plan with the UN Agenda 21. Andres Duany's presentation was introduced as if it was the heart of the Seven50 plan, when it was only one perspective (economic), by a consultant, not even one of the planners. This misled and upset people who expected and were looking for details about the heart of the plan.

The Seven50 Plan is a sound plan and can be implemented or not, in whole or in part, by the local community. It is in our benefit to support its development.

Rev. Dr. Gregory Wilson

OCTOBER 2013 MEETING RECAP

from John Debus

Hi Everyone,

Yes, we had another great "cool" Event. Spence Guerin, first President of the Space Coast

Progressive Alliance, was our guest speaker. He gave us a lot of good information on the

experiences they went through, things we need to improve upon, and ideas for our

future. It was very encouraging for our organization, considering all we have accomplished

in our first year. All our members/supporters have made TCPA a reality and I really

appreciate your time, energy, and enthusiasm in support of our programs. We nominated our candidates to run TCPA this next coming year, and I hope you all can come out in December to vote.

Our short surprise movie was the Public Citizen's "The Story of Citizens United vs. FEC".

A lot of good conversation was had among our Progressive friends & family, and a good time was had by all.

We are looking to have another get together picnic, with a date of 12-29-13 in mind. Maybe

on the South Hutchinson Island this time. No bar-b-q grill unless you want to bring your own.

Maybe just sandwiches, cold food and drinks, making it more of a social get together.

Good conversation and get to know more of one another. Appreciate any and all feed-back.

Interested people to work with Move To Amend will be getting together this Saturday 11-9-13

at the Farmers market in Fort Pierce at 10:00am. Call me for more details.

Hope to see some of you at our cities and counties commissioners meetings, check your

local city and county web-sites. A big one will be SLC BOCC on 11-7-13. This is the Seven50 Presentation for our area. Also check our web-site and blogs for up coming events. Some are posted with little notice so check often.

Also hope to see some of you at the Clean Water Summit in Orlando on 11-16-13.

Contact me at 772-349-5328 if you have any questions.

Thank you and take care,

John

SAY YES TO SEVEN50

from Richard Silverstri

Phyllis Frey, self-proclaimed founder of AC4PR has an opinion letter in today's Tribune:  Get Commission to boot Plan.  Read it and weep!  This Thursday evening at 6pm the BOCC of SLC gets the official presentation from Seven50 regarding their 50-year plan for the SE counties from Key West to Sebastian.  Frey has mustered her team and they have the ball.  THIS IS THIRD DOWN, WITH GOAL POST IN RANGE!  They probably already have two votes on the Commission.  We need to show in force the voters in SLC want a plan for the future.  Had there been a plan for the seven counties begun 50 years ago we would not have the problems we face today!  AC4PR has no plan.  They have lots of criticism and it is similar to how the Tea Party shut down Washington last month.  It is a smaller part of the Big Picture of the Billionaires who have tried to control the country-AND ARE!  If they win this one, it is game over for SE Florida; welcome pollution, rising seas and I will take off for the Far West in my kayak, never to organize anyone again.  Come out and be heard.  SAY YES TO SEVEN50!

References:  AC4PR.org  and Seven50.com

LOCATION:  2300 VIRGINIA AV, 3RD FLOOR, COMMISSION CHAMBERS
6 PM: THURSDAY NOVEMBER 7, 2013

MOVIE: TAPPED--SHOWING IN VERO

from Nancy Stiefel

What:  Tapped, a 2009 documentary about the big business of bottled water

When:  Sunday, Nov. 10, 7:00 PM

Where:  Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, corner of 27th Avenue and 16th Street

The documentary Tapped is an unflinching examination of the big business of bottled water.  From the producers of Who Killed the Electric Car and I.O.U.S.A., this timely documentary is a behind-the-scenes look into the unregulated and unseen world of an industry that aims to privatize and sell back the one resource that ought never to become a commodity: our water.

Soechtig's cautionary tale is well supported by interviews with a variety of activists, environmentalists, community leaders, and several small-town residents whose health and welfare have been compromised by the encroachment of the bottled water industry.

Discussion following the film will be led by Lynna Kauchek of the organization Food & Water Watch, Ft. Lauderdale office.  The Fellowship's Fair Trade Corner will be open for 1/2 hour prior to the film.

The public is invited, and there is no charge.  However, donations to offset the cost of the screening rights fees are always welcomed.

OCTOBER 2013 MEETING REMINDER

from John Debus

Hi Everyone,

A reminder of our event this Tuesday evening, 6:30pm to 8:30pm, October 29, 2013

at the American Legion Post #40, 810 S. US 1, Fort Pierce, Fl. 34950. Please use

the front entrance (on US1) and it is the large room on the right side as you come in

the front door. Plenty of parking is on the side of the building. We have water and

Green Tea (free) available or you can purchase drinks from the bar in the next room.

This month we have our Annual Organization Meeting and expecting a surprise

guess speaker from the Space Coast Progressive Alliance. We are also hoping to

have enough time for a short documentary movie. Come listen and add your opinion

on our priorities, direction and plans for our coming year. Volunteer to serve or

nominate others for positions. Meet and get to know our members/family and make

new friends.

The action table at our event is set up for group's information, sign-up sheets, upcoming

events, and petitions. All groups will also have 1-3 minutes at the beginning to tell us

about themselves. You can also contact Kathy or myself to have your events posted

on our web-site happenings page.

Please come out, we need your support to make a difference, be part of the experience.

We also would like your feed-back on our Events and Organization. So feel free to

respond to this e-mail. CHECK OUT OUR WEB-SITE;  tcprogressivealliance.com

Check often as many events are posted late with little notice. We post as soon as we

get them. Also check out our blog with many interesting articles and information posted

there.

Thanks for your support,

Take care,

See you Tuesday,

John

UPDATE ON UU's SEVEN50 PRESENTATION

from Richard Silvestri

John Debus, Erika Alvarez and I attended Jan Booher's presentation at the UU Church in Stuart on the 21st.  I cannot speak for the other two, but I was very happy listening to Jan Booher and I can envision calling upon her in the future.  Her "call to action" beginning with "EGAD" and includes the paragraph following mirrors what I have been saying all along.  (Read her forwarded comment herein.) 

As she went through her presentation of the highlights, background, reasons for Seven50 it just makes more and more sense to me.  Jan originally got into this through an action group regarding Climate Change in Boca Raton.  The opposition to this plan I feel is based on the Koch Bros need to thwart local movements that result in lower oil consumption.  Sustainability does just that and the rationale is based on Global Warming Justice started by Al Gore and which banner has been picked up by 350.org and numerous other groups like Bold Nebraska, Credo, the former Pope, The National Council of Churches and not least some of our own folks right here in SLC.  If the Koch Bros. can get sustainability denounced in enough local areas, the cumulative effect is felt at the Federal level and results in a victory for them nationwide.  It results in a defeat for future generations in this county, SE Florida, and the Earth.  Forgive me if this seems obvious, but I want to put it on the examining table so we all a clear view in the light of day.

I have gone to Seven50.org and read the home page and most of the drop-down windows there.  I have listened to Jan explain it.  All the information dove-tails nicely and simply makes sense.  I have visited the AC4PR website which has been changed.  Since Seven50 clearly had $3Million in Federal funds we can understand why the website is so professional-considerable money was put into it!  Likewise AC4PR's website is professional because someone put money into it!  We know where the money came from for the former.  Need I ask where the money comes from for the latter?  Originally AC4PR listed some of the things they were against and some other items.  They are against "Common Core" and Smart Meters, for instance.  They also referenced Glenn Beck, even stating "Glenn said...." at one point.  I use the past tense here because the website was changed and now is devoted entirely to Seven50 bashing.  And it is still an expensive, professionally done website-and the change was rather sudden, too.  So there is big money involved here.

The AC4PR presentation to the SLC BOCC October 15th meeting was not the same as the "introductory" presentation at the Palm City library on Sept 28th.  Why?  The latter was a pep-rally and frankly was an insult to my intelligence.  I am sure it would have insulted the Commissioners.  They knew better than to make the same presentation on the 15th.  That presentation-while slanted-was professional and relatively tame.

The reason I wanted to attend the Common Core Debate last night was because of AC4PR's objections to it.  There were a lot of faces there from AC4PR and a few "Seven50 buster" buttons were worn.  It is very interesting that the Republican Party of MC, IRC and SLC played a very prominent and active role at the AC4PR on Sept 28th yet AC4PR continually states their "coalition" is non-partisan.  I tried to be objective last night and even Rep. Lee, John Debus and I discussed it, it was the Repbulican Parties of MC and SLC that sponsored the debate.  John and I don't think it fair that two of the three panelists are obviously opposed-and formerly stated so-to Common Core while only one was for it in a room of mostly Republicans and many of those far-right Republicans.  However, I must credit the Republicans for holding the debate and it was open to anyone.  It behooves our own Democratic Parties to hold forums like this on issues especially those that are being pulled left or right as with Seven50 and Common Core.  John is considering having a forum on Common Core open to anyone.  The Progressive Alliance does not align with any party or candidate.  Nonetheless I think Democrats need to pay more attention to issues that divide-and all issues, regardless-and become proactive as the Republicans are-at least locally.

Regarding Seven50:  That should-be-neutral issue has been vilified by the right-wing fringers.  As Jan Booher states, quoting Greg Wilson regarding "going to the source", years ago at Miami Fire-Rescue we had the Anti-Defamation League present to us regarding rumors.  We were advised something we should all do when told something that seems a bit skewed.  And that is to ask the sender where he/she got the information and to ask that source to do likewise right on back to the prime source.  If that were done all the time, rumors would die.  Most of the negatives about Seven50 are rumors and misconceptions that well-meaning people spread.  It is just human nature but when we are talking about a future for our kids that doesn't look too good if we continue "business as usual", it can be devastating.  Seven50 will make its formal presentation to the SLC BOCC on November 7th.  Mark your calendar.  We need to stand up for TRUTH!

Richard C. Silvestri

KICK START PROJECT

from Sue Chandler

I'd very much appreciate some attention to one of my recent Wobbly Warrior blog posts about William "Tommy" Zeigler, an innocent who has been on Florida's death row for over 37 years. Please use the buttons available on the page to share the post on Facebook and Twitter, and donate to the production of the documentary if you can ($1 minimum). Unraveling the conviction corruption in Tommy's case will free many incarcerated innocents. Many thanks!

http://wobblywarrior.wordpress.com/2013/10/19/197-reasons-to-help-fund-the-production-of-dead-man-waiting/

SEPTEMBER 2013 UPDATE

from John Debus

Hi Everyone,

Our first annual picnic was a great success. It was a nice turnout with plenty of food

and a lot of good conversation with like-minded friends. There were some suggestions

to get together more often, so we are thinking of having another one between Christmas

and New Years. We ended it with a new kayaking experience with Joy, one of our new

members. All had a good time.

Hands across the Lagoon was a huge success at ALL bridges and causeways.

Our Call to Action at the St. Lucie County Commissioners meeting did not produce

much of a turn out. However, we like to thank those who did come out in support.

Our fight is not over. The Tea Party group, ac4pr, is well organized and have

been turning many people out with their talking points propaganda. They got the

BOCC to give them a 1 hour presentation, which I believe some commissioners

are tired of hearing. However, there is a lot of pressure on the BOCC, which is why we

need more people to start showing up and give some of the commissioners (at least

3) the support to tell them no. We do not need to pull out of the plan. We need to

wait until all the information is available for the people and allow the people to make

their decision. If you need more information on this issue, please come and join us

Monday night 21 October  from 7:00pm to 8:30pm at the Treasure Coast

Unitarian Universalist Church, 21 SE Central PKwy, Stuart, Fl. 34994 where

Jan Booher will be speaking on the Seven50 Plan and SE Florida  Regional Climate

Change Action Plan. SUSTAINABILITY PLANNING.

The city of Vero Beach had there first reading of their strong fertilizer ordinance.

It went fairly well, so we will be going to a second reading and expecting a

stronger opposition there. Those of us that want to save our river need to come

out and support the commissioners who are leaning toward approval. Check the

City of Vero Beach website for date, time and place.

St. Lucie County will be presenting their final draft of their fertilizer ordinance

at their meeting on November 5 at 6:00 pm at the county building on the

3rd floor on Virginia Ave in Fort Pierce. We need to show up and make

sure they understand we will only accept a strong ordinance.

There is a lot of things happening on our Treasure Coast Area and Florida.

So check our website Happenings' page and Blog often, because some

events are on short notice. Come on out, get involved, and show your support.

Thanks to all,

Take care,

John

Earth Rights and Recovery Talk

from Greg Wilson

The Seven50 Plan and the SE FL Regional Climate Change Action Plan (RCAP) are serving as national models of how to address climate change impacts through sustainability planning on a regional scale.

 Jan Booher will be speaking at the Treasure Coast Unitarian Universalist Church, 21 SE Central Pkwy, Stuart, FL 34994,Monday night October 21st, 7:00 to 8:30.  Jan is knowledgeable about this plan and has been working with this group for over 2 years. There will also be music and a new song about the Indian River Lagoon by DockStreet Band.

Please come and hear the facts. It is time our leaders took a long term view in leading this region rather than the short term.

HEALING OUR WORLD: SAVE THE LAGOON

from Gregory Wilson

AC4PR EXPLAINED

from Richard Silvestri

The BOCC has allocated an hour of the Tues, October 15th meeting at 9 a.m. for AC4PR to explain what their organization is all about.  First, this group has had hours and hours making statements to the BOCC at public meetings.  The rest of us on the 15th will be given five (5) minutes each for a comment.  It would be very desirable if as many of us as possible showed up, listened and then commented even if for a few seconds each. 

Before doing that we all should be informed.  That means going to the American Coalition For Property Rights (AC4PR) website and reading the info posted there.  It also means going to Seven50.org and reading the information there.  In that way each of us will be prepared to speak intelligently and factually regarding what AC4PR and Seven50 are and are not.

John Debus, Jerry Buechler and I on Sept 28th attended an "Informational" meeting of AC4PR in Palm City.  It will be very interesting to see if their presentation to the BOCC is the same one (or even parts of it) we saw and heard in Palm City.  If it is no,t it should be asked by us:  Why not?  If it is-they will be laughed out of the chambers.  I am betting on the former. 

Art Appisomian has researched AC4PR  and finds it could be a creation of Karl Rove.  I felt it was a creation of the Koch Bros.  Regardless, we all know Koch Bros, Rove, FCN, Murdoch, Tea Party, AFP, The HF, The HI, The Cato Inst., et. al. live in an Echo Chamber and repeat the same things.  

That said, there is a need to stop the local efforts of those doing the bidding of billionaires who have a right-wing extremist doctrine.  It is this same doctrine that has shut down our central government in DC and now threatens to dismantle local governing.

It is my understanding the presentation will be at the end of the meeting, so there is no rush to get there at 9 am.  However, no guarantees and who knows what else is on the agenda and how long these will take.

Regardless.  We need to stop this; then get a national referendum on the ballot that says corporations are not protected by the 1st Amendment thereby reducing the vulgar amounts spent on election campaigns.  Please pray, sprinkle holy water, bake matzos, eat pitas, strangle chickens, meditate-whatever your spiritual rites are-that the Court does not eliminate individual political contribution caps, an issue currently before the Supreme Court.

THE BOCC MEETS ON TUES, OCT 15 AT 9 A.M. AT 2300 VIRGINIA AV, FTP, 3RD FL IN COMMISSION  CHAMBERS ROOM

Hope to see many familiar faces there. 

INEQUALITY FOR ALL SHOWTIMES

from Ted Parsons

The movie "Inequality for All" is showing in south PB county this Friday..

In his Wealth and Poverty class at U.C.- Berkeley, former Labor Secretary Robert Reich discusses the grave economic and social consequences that may result if the gulf between rich and poor continues to widen.

Theaters & Showtimes for Friday, October 11

Regal Delray Beach 18; 1660 S. Federal Hwy.

Delray Beach, FL 33483

1:55p; 4.30 pm; 7 pm; 9.25 pm

Living Room Theaters FAU; 777 Glades Road

Boca Raton, FL 33431

3:00p; 5.30 pm; 7.30 pm/ 9.20 pm

Regal Shadowood 16; 9889 W. Glades Rd.

Boca Raton, FL 33434

 2:10p; 4.25 pm; 6.55 pm; 9.50 pm 

AFFORDABLE CARE ACT EVENT

from Ted Parsons

Volunteers Needed: Affordable Care Act Press Conference and Action Event

Obamacare is working and millions of Americans have access to better coverage at a lower cost. Join local supporters and Healthcare coalition partners at "Clematis By Night" to get the word out to members of our community and the press about the benefits of Obamacare, and how people without insurance can get enrolled.

 5 pm  Thursday October 10th, at  The Fountains on Clematis, West Palm Beach

We will have a Press Conference then Flyer the area and answer questions about enrollment. If you have a special story about how Obamacare is working for you or a family member we would love to hear it at the press conference.

RSVP: https://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/obamacareactionevent/gsftg9

INDIAN RIVER RALLY: NETTLES ISLAND COMMUNITY

from John Debus

INDIAN RIVER RALLY

PRESENTED BY NETTLES ISLAND COMMUNITY ACTION ASSOCIATION

6:30pm Social Hour,  7:00pm Meeting on Tuesday, October, 8, 2013, at the

Rec. Hall Café

Guest Speakers:

Our own Sheriff’s Deputy on patrol may stop in with updates on activities in

our area; also in St. Lucie County, Commissioner, Chris Dzadovsky;

Indian River Keeper, Marty Baum; St. Lucie County Mosquito Control Director, James David, with a short-term solution for our River. Also, we have invited a representative from Dept. of Environmental Protection. We need to push for the House Bill 3080 (Water Resource and Development Act) to be voted on. 

A Congressional Briefing meeting was held in Washington, DC, co-chaired by Congressmen Murphy from our district and Radel from Ft. Myers with 22 other members of Congress from both parties in attendance. Also, Senator Nelson was there and suggested to keep House Members feet to the fire to pass this important Bill.  The Senate has already passed the

Bill with 83-14 votes.

Wednesday is “Call in Day”.

Residents, family members and friends need to call their Representatives from their districts where they reside anywhere in the USA.  The list below are elected officials that need to be called to get Bill 3080 passed in the House.

Governor Scott  -  850-488-2272

State Sen. Negron – 772-219-1665

St. Lucie County Commissioner Chair, Todd Mowery – 772-462-1412

 All Florida Residents from other Districts call your own County Commissioners and U.S. Representatives.

Rep. Shuster, PA – 202-225-2431

Rep. Young, AK -    202-225-5765

Rep. Petri, WI    -    202-225-2476

Rep. Coble, NC  -    202-225-3065

Rep. LoBiondo, NJ-202-225-6572

Rep. Rahall, WV  - 202-225-3452

Rep. Nadler, NY  - 202-225-6535

Rep. Cummings,MD-202-225-5635

Rep. Hanea, NY  -  202-225-3665

Rep. Bishop, NY -  202-225-3825

Rep. Edwards,MD-202-225-8699

Rep. Johnson, TX- 202-225-7944

A special thank you to all who have participated in this very urgent issue

 regarding our River and to all residents who went the “extra mile”.

 NICAA

PARK AVENUE: MONEY, POWER AND THE AMERICAN DREAM

from Nancy Stiefel

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (corner of 16th Street and 27th Avenue) is showing a Social Justice Film:  Park Avenue: Money, Power and the American Dream at 7:00 PM, Sunday, October 13, 2013.

In the 2012 documentary Park Avenue: Money, Power and the American Dream, Academy Award-winning filmmaker Alex Gibney (Taxi to the Dark Side, Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room) presents his examination of how the gap between rich and poor Americans has become extremely stark.  He illustrates his point by looking at the famous Park Avenue in New York City. 

Gibney contends that America’s richest citizens have “rigged the game in their favor” and created unprecedented inequality in the United States, and he explains why he believes upward mobility is increasingly out of reach for the poor.  Film interviews include Jack Abramoff, Michele Bachmann, John Boehner, Carol Browner, Eric Cantor, and David H. Koch among others.

Discussion will follow this 70 minute film that aired on Independent Lens, a PBS program, in November 2012.  Independent Lens champions high-quality journalism along with point of view documentaries. Its goal is to help viewers better understand today’s complex world.  The Fair Trade Corner will be open one-half hour prior to the film. 

Nancy Stiefel

Talk at The Gathering: Our Children, Climate, Faith Symposium

 By Gregory Wilson

The future and our youth.

Chris Jordan asks, creator of the film Midway, both Elegy and Warning asks, “Do we have the courage to face the realities of our time and allow ourselves to feel deeply enough that it transforms us and our future?” [Here is our decision point.] Come with me on a journey through the eyes of beauty across an ocean of grief and beyond.

My words are to us in relation to how we live our lives, realizing the youth—children are watching and the how we might awaken those still sleeping.

First let share the theological understanding that shapes the expression of my faith.

 Theology

I call it a healthy theology. Theology celebrates life and listens for the cries of the suffering, upon locating those who are suffering seeks to comfort the suffering, works to heal those who are suffering, discover the origin of the suffering and then develops a plan to alter the causes of the suffering and then takes action to change the societal patterns that cause the suffering and then works toward transformation of society so that society moves toward life and the fulfillment of the life for all humans and all the participants on earth and indeed the earth her self.

Listening for the cries of those suffering

Cormac Cullinan author of Wild Law, teaches the the economic and militarily dominant cultures are moving to all parts of the world imposing a model of the world in which exploitation and extraction of resources and the culture that develops to support this exploitation has primacy over all life. Local communities are pressured to abandon their way of life, their traditions, languages, values and become consumers and producers in the exploitation culture.

Bruce Alexander the author of The Globalization of Addiction, observes that the imposing of this same system: the exploitation of the planet for power and profit called the free market system has torn people away from “ the close ties to family, culture, and traditional spirituality that constituted the normal fabric of life” which results in dislocating them psychologically and spiritually from the earth, normal social life, one another and themselves. This dislocation results in the normal human coping response of this type of pressure and objectification; addiction of some sort.

Signs of Addiction as a way of life

Why in 1999 In the United states alone places the annual cost of substance abuse to the Nation to be $510.8 billion. This is a thread in the tapestry of our culture.

We can see the outcome of global agriculture on the small farmer in India- 200,000 farmers in India committing suicide in the last decade, in the increasing of poverty in this country, the denial of and absence of any real attention to over population, and more directly related to this conference the injustice caused by the dominate exploitation/extraction culture continuing and intensifying the same economic, energy development patterns and now the resulting climate disruption.

Climate Disruption and Culture

Climate disruption is an outcome of the intertwining of our economic, political, theological, religious, and social institutions over the last 400 years. It is an expression of these power structures joining forces. Climate disruption is an inevitable character in this story. We can not simply stop the patterns that produced climate disruption. We must change the entire story and value structure.

Globalization of Addiction and Recovery

Who would have written the story in which we now live? nobody. Yet here we are, Dead Zones are normalized -- over 400 and increasing, climate disruption, floods, droughts, oil catastrophes/spills normalized, wars normalized, poverty normalized, pollution normalized, anxiety and depression has been normalized and the practices that produced these patterns which govern our lives are also normalized.

We face the greatest challenge to human survival, climate disruption and our children are watching, excuse me for my candor, a bunch of intoxicated men blowing up mountain tops, poisoning pristine Canadian forest, killing the gulf of Mexico, blowing good water and toxins in the earth which shift the ground enough to cause earthquakes and poison the aquifers, all to get more of the stuff that is heating up the planet. And no group with enough power to call an intervention. As Thomas Berry said “we are blinded by the dream of manifest destiny.” We live a dream while cutting off the branch we are standing on.

  

From Theology to Recovery Spirituality

And the cries of the earth increase and we are calling upon the faith communities to act and enact a healthy theology. A theology that moves us to confront the evil of our day, the movement of life toward death.

The core and central space of spirituality can be seen not in the actions of people, of Jesus in Jerusalem, of Siddhartha in the forest after leaving his future kingdom, of Eve Ensler in the Congo, of Will Allen protesting Vietnam and spending a year in jail, of Amelia Himes Walker, Alice Paul and 14 other women, standing in front of the White House demanding the right to vote and ended up tortured.

The heart of spirituality is in the decision making process of Jesus standing on the edge of Jerusalem and deciding to cross the line to enter Jerusalem, of the living room conversation in which that group of women finally said let's go to the White house, when Siddhartha saw the poverty and suffering and realized even as King because of the power structures he would not be able to end suffering and poverty, he had to leave his power and wealth to find another way, create another story. It is the inner workings of making a decision to do what is right, moved by compassion and integrity for the other that is the heart of the mature spiritual life. Which moves us to feel the connection to all living beings including the earth.

Revelation

What Jesus showed us by his decision to enter into Jerusalem is that empires and religious structures designed for power join together to: murder innocence. Is this not what Thomas Berry points to when he describes the worldview of the Europeans 400 years ago landing on the North American continent. For them it was not a land to be loved and held in sacred trust. But a land of abundance waiting for exploitation by the sacred chosen people. To quote: "We saw a continent awaiting exploitation by the chosen people of the world... In reality, we were a predator people on an innocent continent." It is clear that the power structures will murder innocence in order to continue this extractive culture. They will move us toward death squeeze life from every tar sand, every oil and gas hidden deep within, and then discard the remaining poisons into the air, nicely labeled as externalities. The addiction is driven by a blinded commitment to the myth of manifest destiny, A dream became the real and the real a shadow.

Waking Up

Too many of us humans as Jean Houston would say have been mesmerized by the hypnotic trances forced into the air waves and in our imaginations, and many of our heroes are in a slumber living in the shadow land of the dream of manifest destiny, the dream of progress.

We need places and spaces to help others awaken. Yes we are called to protest, gathering in events like this to learn and gather strength and encouragement, to run for office, stand in front of the machine, abandon our lives of quit desperation, we are also called to move toward those who are asleep and to wake them. To stimulate their inner curiosity that has been numbed.

Good People

They are good people. They are not paying attention to where their food comes from, where their water flows from, to the meaning of the storms and droughts. They hear the scientist and believe the charlatans. In their dreamlike state they are not able to see the incongruity between political speak and the tangible world in which they live. They are good people who have eaten the poisoned apple of sleep.

An aspect of our calling is to call attention to climate disruption, its causes and possible alternative ways of being in this world, in such a way that their minds become stimulated and they begin to listen.

We need some form of recovery groups to break us out of this addictive cycle to reinvigorate the human spirit so that we can sense that we are part of the spirituality of this planet. And feeling our connection to being a participant of this great and wonderful living being we call Earth, we will garner the strength to intervene in this march toward death.

In these spaces we must speak gently but the truth, and provide comfort for the despair that will come when people wake up and face for the first time the realization that the planet is moving toward lifelessness. And help them move through that stage of grief and awakening. We offer support and then we offer relationship to heal and to act against those oppressive forces and participate in a way of life that moves us toward life. To join the vision many of us have of loving this Earth and loving life and doing what it takes to ensure that we continue into the future. When we do this young people would hear the new voices of the adult world and they will see a different way of being.

Groups

In these recovery groups, "we must recover our vision" our ability to move out of the dream of being the chosen people to be in the reality of being participants in and on this wonderful planet. We need to begin to see the whole of this land, of this Earth and that we are part of the whole. Our health as humans is directly related to the health of this planet.

We need to come to the realization that “the planet Earth is a one-time project – there is no real second chance. We need to understand that the land's primordial powers have been debilitated and we must be involved in the future of bringing health to this planet in some comprehensive manner.”

In this recovery process we need to change deep within our souls so that we once again develop the capacity to have communion with this living being Earth. When we take this action youth will see us and they will know there is an alternative. They will see that there is a choice not to be in the dream that moves toward death but to be with a community that recognizes its place as an expression of this marvelous planet. And that community will work to transform this culture into a culture of life. When they see that they will know that they are cared for and that their future is cared for and we will be bringing up fine mature adults for the next generation.

SEPTEMBER MEETING RECAP

from John Debus

Hi Everyone,

Another great event, and "YES" WE HAD AIR CONDITIONING. The American Legion

has fixed the problem and it was very comfortable all evening. So we will not have

those problems again, and we thanked them for responding to our concerns.

It was a small turn out, fear of no A/C, the rain, lack of interest, or what ever, it was a

great event, with a lot of good information and participation with the group. We thanked

the River Coalition for their presentation and all the work they are doing in trying to fix

the problems with our river and lagoon. We ALL need to get involved by actively

supporting these groups and by calling / e-mailing local, state, and federal representatives

in support for our river and lagoon.

Come out in support of Hands Across The Lagoon on Saturday at one of the eight bridges

or causeways starting at 9:00am until 10:00am. All information is on our web-site Happening

page.

Hope to see you all at our 1st Annual Picnic this Sunday at Pepper Park on the North

Island of Fort Pierce from 11:00am until 2:00pm. Come join like-minded people for a

relaxing, informal day at the river. Also tour the UDT/SEAL Museum across

the street.

A CALL TO ACTION; Please come out to St. Lucie County Commissioner's meeting

on Tuesday 1 October 2013 at 6:00pm at the County building on Virginia Ave in Fort Pierce.

There is a group of Tea Party type people called ac4pr.org that is taking over the meeting

and pushing against Global warming and Sustainability issues being address by Seven50.org.

They have been successful in Indian River County, we need to stop them here. Come and listen

and find out what is going on right here in your backyard, WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT.

Next month Event will be our Annual Organization Meeting with a short movie. Come join us,

become a member and add your opinion on our priorities, direction and plans for our coming

year. Volunteer to serve or nominate others for board positions. Meet and get to know our

members. A short "surprise" documentary movies will also be part of the Event.

Please continue to check our web-site Happening page for all the latest updates on what is

going on. Feel free to contact me at anytime if you have any questions or concerns. My contact

information is on the web-site.

Thanks you for your support,

Take care,

John

SEPTEMBER 2013 MEETING REMINDER

from John Debus

Hi Everyone,

A reminder of our event this Tuesday evening, 6:30pm to 8:30pm, September  24, 2013 at the

American Legion Post #40, 801 S. US1, Fort Pierce, FL. 34950. Please use the front

entrance (on US1) and it is the large room on the right side as you come in the front door.

Plenty of parking is on the side of the building.

This month we have The Rivers Coalition coming to give us a presentation on the state of our river

and lagoon. They are probably the oldest and largest group advocating for our water ways here

along the treasure coast. Come, listen and find out what you can do to help save our lagoon. We

will have plenty of time for questions, answers, and discussion. "CAN WE SAVE OUR RIVERS &

LAGOON?"

Hands Across The Lagoon on September 28, 2013, 9:00am to 10:00am is occurring in all five

lagoon counties to call attention to the declining condition of our Indian River Lagoon and to ask

our leaders to make the health of the lagoon a top priority. Come out and join your friends and

neighbors at one of the eight locations over the River, Barber Bridge (Vero Beach), South Bridge /

Seaway Dr. (Ft. Pierce), Stuart Causeway A1A (Stuart), other areas North of us are post on our

web-site happenings page.

TCPA annual Picnic will be September 29, 2013 from 11:00am to 2:00pm, at Pepper Park on

North Hutchinson Island in Fort pierce. It is across the street from the UDT/SEAL museum. It

will be an informal get together, bring a dish to share, something for you to barbecue, and drink,

some drinks will be available. We will have a couple kayaks available, or bring your own and any

games you would like to play.

Some people have planed another March Against Monsanto on 12 October, 2013 from

10:00am to 12:00pm at the Library across from the Farmers market in downtown Fort

Pierce in support of the National call. Come out and support this great organization to fight

for our FOOD.

The action table at our event is set up for groups information, sign-up sheets,

up coming events, and petitions. All groups will also have 1-3 minutes at the

beginning to tell us about themselves. You can also contact Kathy or myself to

have your events posted on our web-site.

 

Please come out, we need your support to make a difference. We also would

like your feed-back on our Events and Organization. So feel free to respond

to this e-mail.

CHECK OUT OUR WEB-SITE; tcprogressivealliance.com

Check often as many events are posted late with little notice. We post as soon

as we get them.

Take Care,

Thanks for your support,

See you Tuesday,

John

TD BANK PROTEST

from Richard Silvestri

350.ORG has called for hundreds of protests at the same time nationwide Saturday.  Let us stand in solidarity with 350.ORG and the other protesters against KXL

 WHEN:    Sat., Sept. 21 @ 2:30 pm

WHERE:  TD Bank, S. US 1, Ft.Pierce.

WHAT:      Protest picket 'cause Toronto Dominion Bank is investing Billion$ in the KXL Pipeline project.

WHO:        You and me

BRING:      SIGNS; MOCK-UP PIPES AND/OR LEAKING OIL; WORDING "NO KXL"              '"TD BANK UNFAIR TO HUMANS" OR SUCH WORDING AS SUITS; USE YOUR IMAGINATION!    

BACKGROUND:  The Tar Sands crude KXL pipeline is extra carbon laden crude, energy inefficient to extract; uses aromatic HCs to slip it through the 3-foot diameter KXL;  Eminent Domain based on the KXL being in the "national interest" is being threatened upon Heartland farmers and ranchers and the Native Americans who have had their treaties broken numerous times already have not given their reservation land to Trans Canada-not willingly yet.  I can go on but don't want to bore you with the facts. 

SPREAD THE WORD:  I am sending this to those whom I think CARE & will SHOW UP.  Spread it to others I don't have access to.

Richard C. Silvestri

WWW.RCSILVESTRI.COM